Are you ever tired, overwhelmed, or just plain exhaused? Try these 11 steps which I guarantee will de-stress your life and help you find more joy in living.

1. Give yourself a bed time so that you get plenty of rest. If you know you operate better with 8 hours of sleep, parent yourself to ensure you get 8 hours of sleep

2. Start your day ahead of schedule. I don't use an alarm clock; I simply tell my body this is when I want to wake up. Give yourself plenty of time to get up. Remember, if you snooze, you lose. Do not hit the snooze button!

3. Just say "No". While this started off as a campaign for fighting drugs, we should use it to fight off everything in our lives that is stealing from our quality time....keeping us from spending time doing what we truly love.

4. Eat right. Our bodies are energy fields that need proper nutrition. I love to eat junk food -- hot dogs, pizza, chicken wings -- and I eat them when I want to reward myself for good behavior. Feed your body well!

5. Simplify your life. Purchase everything you need, not everything you want and organize your life. When you're organized, you think clearly. You've heard the saying, "Less is More". Less stress = More happiness!

6. Find the joy in the little things. Pay attention to the world around you. Look more. Listen more. Laugh more. Love more. When you find the joy and take life one moment at a time, everything falls into place.

7. Be a friend to have a friend. When we give of ourselves, we make it possible toevelop long-lasting friendships with good people. Seek out people who see your value and love you for who you are.

8. Schedule quality time with yourself. Get to know you. It is the best gift you can give your loved ones. I plan alone time with me every day. Sometimes I take time out for a massage or just to read but I schedule time for me!

9. Live with an attitude of gratitude. Every night before I go to bed, I review the events that took place throughout the day and write down three things for which I'm grateful. This excercise helps me to find the best in others.

10. Forgive. Most people are doing the best they can with what they have in life. Trust that the universe is unfolding just as it should and you are not its manager. Things will not always work out exactly as you imagined.

11. Pray. Ask whatever higher power you believe in for strength throughout the day. For me, it is God. I can do anything through Him. Remember, we can't make it through this journey alone.

Remember, upside thinking is about more happiness, success, and meaning not more happiness, stress, and meaning! Practice de-stressing one day at a time. It will turn into a habit that will bless you throughout your life.