Tired?

Fatigue provides the fires for many an emotional explosion. Serious mistakes are often made when men and women grow tired, both physically and emotionally.

Misunderstandings, broken homes, lost jobs and a host of other adverse circumstances thrive in the hotbed of taut muscles, frayed nerves and spent strength.

Here are some suggestions that may be helpful when you reach that "I've had it" feeling as you approach the close of another long day too full of too many challenges.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY WHEN YOU ARE TIRED.

There is less "take" and more "give" when you are worn out, and it seems easier to give vent to the spirit of retaliation if you are stressed out. So, hold your tongue when you know you are tired. Sarcasm is never helpful, but at the end of a long hard day, it is sure to do more damage than good. Your feathers ruffle easier; the chip on your shoulder loses its balance quicker, and you "lose it" easier and with more venom and volume. So bite your tongue when you are tired and wait for the thermometer of your inner self to cool down before there is a melt down. The things you find hard to take now will be a lot easier when you are refreshed and rested. Don't argue with an idiot. People sometimes can't tell the difference.

SAVE YOUR BIG DECISIONS FOR A BRAND NEW DAY.

You have just barely made it through this day, don't take on tomorrow's troubles too. Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. The hurts of the past come back with a vengeance when you are tired; only then, they come back magnified and multiplied. After a good nights rest, they shrink and slink back to the lower level where they belong.

DO THE LITTLE CLEAN UP JOBS NEAR THE END OF THE DAY.

Don't begin some new big and difficult task an hour before it is time to quit for the day. The obstacles always loom larger. The threats toward success seem even more ominous at the end of the day. Everything gets out of focus and grows out of proportion when your nerves are on edge from the stress of a long day. Wait for a brand new day to start the "Big Job" You will be glad you did and so will everyone who works for you or with you. Someone has said that stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize that you haven't been asleep.

HELP SOMEONE ELSE WHEN YOU ARE TIRED.

Few things in life perk up everyone as much as a cheery smile, a helping hand, a gentle voice, a soft touch, a kind deed, or a friendly voice over the telephone. Drop in at the hospital to see a sick friend. Do something special to someone. Even being kind and or helpful to a total stranger makes you feel good and the stranger may think about it for hours. You may even have "made their day." A real friend is one who walks in when everyone else walks out.

TAKE A BREAK, GO FOR A WALK, ENJOY A SHORT NAP.

A little snooze at midday can put spring back in to your step. It can give you a lift to that downward curve in your lips. You feel fresher, newer, and you will be a nicer person to be around if you can do it. Furthermore, studies show that a little nap around midday helps your heart and the rest of your day is more productive. No one admires an overworked, stressed out colleague. Ten years from now, it won't have mattered that much that you took the nap, so do it. Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord.

CALL ON HIM WHO "FAINTETH NOT NOR GROWS WEARY." Isaiah 40:28

Here is a chance for you to practice your religion. Put it to the test. Go to Him in prayer. He has no tired hours. His hand is always strong. His ear is always sympathetic. Use His big shoulders for your heavy burdens. He handles more problems in a moment than you experience in a life time. He is waiting to help you. Just dial a prayer, He doesn't have an answering machine.