Problem: Article: The inability to lighten up can sometimes begin with expectations of yourself or others. Letting go of the "wants," "needs," "musts," and "have to's," can not only help you begin to lighten up, but may also limit the negativity around you that your seriousness. Learn to let go of the concept of perfection. Nothing is perfect. Imperfection adds character and letting go of any expectations of perfection will help you to relax and focus on the positive in any person or situation. Stress can be one of the most significant factors in the inability to lighten up. Avoiding stressful situations may minimize tension, cultivate positivity, and help you lighten up more generally. Step back from any stressful situation if you can. If you cannot, try taking a deep breath and not reacting immediately to avoid having your feelings and tension rise unnecessarily. Allow time during your day to relax and decompress. For example, a 10-minute walk may help you relieve and avoid unnecessary stress. Tension can contribute to feelings of seriousness and rigidity. Releasing tension through activities such as exercise or massage can help you to relax and lighten up. Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy and it can also help relieve tension-causing stress. Exercise produces endorphins that will improve your mood and help you sleep, both of which can contribute to feelings of tension. A massage can help relax you and remove the physical symptoms of tension that your seriousness may cause. Even something as simple as taking a warm bath can help release your tension, especially after a stressful day or when you're feeling negative. Negative thoughts turn into negative actions and attitudes. Limiting the negativity in your life can help you to lighten up and create more positivity in your environment. Ask yourself questions like "What's the worst that could happen?" and "If it does happen, can I live with it?" Whenever something bad happens, forget it as much as possible and then actively imagine things you want to happen. If a person has negative commentary, consider it briefly and then let it go. Dwelling on negativity will only reinforce tension and seriousness. Holding grudges and dwelling on your imperfections will only emphasize a negative attitude and seriousness. Forgiving yourself and others can minimize tension, allow you to focus on the positive in yourself and others, and teach you to lighten up. The act of forgiveness can remove negativity and create positivity attitudes. But it will also decrease stress and increase peace and calm in your life. The people with whom we surround ourselves have a significant impact on us. Limiting or removing the negative and serious people in your life and replacing them with positive and amusing people will start helping you to lighten up. If you can't remove a person from your life entirely, or you don't want to hurt him, you can limit your exposure to him. You can also counteract his negative attitudes and viewpoints by pointing out the positive in what he says or does. This way, you don't get drawn down his negative path. Rules exist to help direct and guide us as well as provide sensible parameters. But when the rules become the means by which you relate to yourself or others, it makes you rigid and stubborn. Learn to be flexible on where you can bend the rules to help you lighten up and help improve your relationships with others. You want to make sure you're bending and not breaking the rules. For example, you might consider driving the wrong way down a parking lot instead of parking in a handicapped space when you are not disabled. At work, you could take a slightly longer lunch break one day and stay later or take a shorter lunch another day. You'll occasionally have setbacks and may fall back into patterns of rigid behavior, which is normal and acceptable. Learn not to dwell on this and move forward. By refocusing on yourself and the positive, you can set yourself back on the path of lightening up.
Summary: Get rid of expectations of yourself and others. Avoid stressful situations. Release your tension. Limit negativity. Forgive yourself and others. Limit or remove negative people from your life. Be willing to bend the rules. Keep working on yourself.

Problem: Article: If you have seen a doctor, always follow his or her instructions regarding the care of your baby. Having seen your infant, he or she will know the best course of treatment. This article is meant for general guidance, not as a substitute for medical care. If you've determined that your baby's fever is not high enough to warrant immediately medical treatment, or if your baby's pediatrician has decided that your baby's condition is not serious, you can focus on keeping your baby as safe and comfortable as possible. Making sure he or she stays hydrated should be a priority. If your baby is young and still eating only breast milk or formula, continue feeding at the usual intervals. If your baby is at least six months old and has started eating solid foods, supplement with water. If he or she has been introduced to juices, offer diluted fruit juice as well. For toddlers and older children, you can freeze juice into popsicles as well. If your baby has begun eating solid foods, continue to offer them, but don't force the issue fevers sometimes decrease the appetite. As long as your baby gets enough fluids, you don't need to worry about solid food. If you dress your baby in heavy clothing, his or her fever may rise. Let body heat escape by dressing your infant in light, airy clothing and covering him or her, if necessary, in a light blanket. Babies often sweat when they have fevers. Change your baby's clothing if it becomes damp. This will minimize discomfort and prevent chills from developing. Don't try to bring down a temperature by bathing your child in cold water (unless you are advised to do so by a doctor), and don't try to ease your baby's chills by using very warm or hot water, either. Stick to lukewarm water. In addition to regular baths, sponge baths may help your baby feel more comfortable. Lay a dry towel on a surface that can get wet (like your bathtub or the floor). Place you baby on the towel. Using a bucket or bowel of lukewarm water, get a sponge or washcloth damp (not soaking wet), and gently wipe your baby's head, eats, face, and neck. Then move on to the rest of your baby's body. Dry your baby well, and dress in clean, light layers. Help your baby get as much rest as possible, both through daytime napping and nighttime sleep. Hold, rock, or sing to your baby if it helps, and keep your baby's room a comfortable temperature.
Summary: Follow your doctor's instructions. Keep your baby hydrated. Follow your baby's cues regarding food. Dress your baby in light clothing. Bathe your baby in lukewarm water. Try periodic sponge baths. Encourage rest.

Problem: Article: Your owner's manual might have specific tips or advice about how to best remove stains from stainless steel. With these directions in hand, you'll be able to remove stains in the best possible way. To identify the direction of the grain in your stainless steel object or appliance, look closely at it. You'll notice the metal is actually organized into thin strips that all point in one direction. Unless otherwise noted, clean along the grain of the stainless steel. Use a damp, soapy washcloth to wipe the surface along the grain. Rinse the washcloth with clean water, then wipe the stainless steel appliance again. Wipe it with a dry cloth to prevent water spots. Cleaners containing chlorides (including iodine, bromine, chlorine, and fluorine) can cause pitting and damage your stainless steel. Alcohol, ammonia, or mineral spirits can also hurt the protective layer over the steel surface. Finally, abrasive steel wool or steel brushes can scratch the stainless steel surface and encourage rust.
Summary:
Check your owner's manual for care tips. Wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain. Wipe down stainless steel appliances every time you do the dishes. Avoid using cleaning products that might damage your stainless steel.