"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."" Erma Bombeck (1927-1996) US humorist

What is a Self Help tool?

For me, a self help tool is a skill or technique one can draw on whenever needed, or to maintain mind, body and spirit in a more balanced way.

Maybe confidence needs boosting, or self esteem could be raised a notch or two. There are many self help tools and techniques available which can help release tension, clear the mind, increase awareness, improve personal strategies and pave the way for a brighter and more purposeful future.

Most days will find me use a little self help to enable me to cope better with daily challenges. Maybe I'll use an aromatherapy recipe to help me focus on my writing, have a meditation session to clear my mind, or I might do a little self coaching and self-appraisal if I'm stuck on something. These are but a few of the self help tools I use.

Self help for maintaining mind, body and spirit is similar to practising motivation daily. By utilising self help tools and knowledge on a daily basis, it can provide individuals with improved coping skills during 'the down times'.

There are many self help tools to choose from and you can find them in self help books (paperback and electronic), personal or spiritual development courses, CDs, magazines, self help and self improvement websites, and through coaching programs.

With any self help tool or technique, your rate of return will always equal your rate of effort.

10 simple self help tips you can apply easily:

** Where will you be in 10, 20, or 30 years from now? Spend some time writing down your life goals.

** A high expectation can also bring with it a high level of disappointment. By lowering your expectations of other people, you'll be less disappointed.

** Live in the present moment. The present moment is when you're in the zone.

** Trying to change others to how we want them to be is pointless - the only thing you can successfully change is you.

** Listen for and eliminate negative self talk. Counter the negative talk with a positive response, each and every time.

** Connect with others. You could become a volunteer, join a community, sporting or personal interest group, and learn to meditate. By connecting with others it's possible to establish valuable life long friendships.

** Expand your knowledge base, read magazines and books you normally wouldn't, or watch documentaries. Enrol in further studies and adopt the attitude learning is easy, learning is fun.

** If you have self help books - read them again, if the books contain exercises for you to complete - spend some time working through them. It's all about taking action and changing the I shoulds to I will.

** With the help of a personal trainer, work out (pardon the pun) a suitable exercise program, better still, make it a new lifestyle program.

** Connect with your spiritual self and get to know yourself.

Whilst these are only a few of the self help options available, the possibilities are endless, including both mainstream and alternative. Whichever you choose they are all self help tools which help you maintain mind, body and spirit in a more balanced way.