The Stress Prone Personality

We all live in the same high-paced world, so why do some people suffer more of the effects of stress--irritability, over-eating, over-drinking, accidents, poor relationships, poor health, low energy, and depression--than other people? Stress isn't caused by long hours, a crowded schedule, demanding technology, or other specific situations we identify as responsible for "stress." Stress is the body's response to a real or imagined threat.

Very rarely do any of us face a true danger to our physical safety, but our thinking reactions determine the how much of the time we "feel" threats to self-esteem and how often we upset ourselves about "as if" potential disasters. Our glands send out the same emergency signals--skyrocketing blood pressure and shutting down the capacity to think--whether we are accosted by actual gun wielding thugs or we look out the window at the traffic and "feel" accosted by the strangers holding up progress on the freeway. How many and how often we confront these "threats" depends on our habitual way of responding to ourselves, other people, and the world.

The good news is, since chronic stress is a personal habitual response, we can do something about it. We've all heard about the Type A and the Type B characteristics, but the clearest way to explain how stress works is to describe the Stress Prone Personality. Before describing the characteristics of the Stress Prone Personality, and recognizing ourselves, note that we Stress Prone types have learned our approach out of a desire to do a good job and to be helpful to other people. We don't continue our stress response driven lives because we want to, but because our ways of thinking and responding have become habitual.

The Stress Prone Personality maintains four core beliefs:
1. Work, family, travel, and other life events are a struggle.
2. There is not enough time to get what needs to be done, done.
3. Whatever success I have achieved has been because I am willing to work harder and faster than other people.
4. Other people cannot be depended upon.

These core beliefs determine whether we respond to life's situations as threats, as interruptions, or as simply more life. Struggling, hurrying, and lacking confidence in others actually supports continuing stress since other people learn to distrust our ability to relax, be kind, and to judge situations without exaggerating consequences. Stressed people, over time, are not pleasant people. We tell ourselves, and anyone who will listen, that we are stressed because we are trying so hard to work, drive, cook, take care of children, or catch a plane and not getting cooperation from other people and the environment.

But, the truth is, we are stressed because of the way we think. Our brain is in charge of our responses and our automatic thinking patterns determine our physical quality of life. How can a person change? You can find lists of tips and advice, all of which have some value. But, most important is your willingness to slow down, examine your thinking, and be willing to consider another way. Be willing to meet Stress Prone thinking with its opposite.
1. Work, family, travel, and other life events are part of a wonderful game.
2. There is enough time, and the rest will work out.
3. I can be successful without being miserable.
4. Other people are capable and have a great deal to offer.
5. Breathe.

Autor: Barbara DeShong, Ph.D. Barbara DeShong, Ph.D.
Level: Basic
I am a psychologist and a mystery writer. TOO RICH and TOO THIN, Not an autobiography, a humorous mystery will come out this summer from ... ...

Barbara Rice DeShong, Ph.D.
A Psychologist on the Loose
http://www.mysteryshrink.com

Added: February 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How to Stay Calm Under Pressure - Five More Stress Tips For Surviving Tough Times

How do you stay calm under pressure so intense it makes you want to scream? Especially if you want to stay away from Valium? Especially if you need to get some things done that require focus. Read on for five more things you can do that will help you calm yourself down.

First, you might want to review the five basic strategies from the first article of this series: be prepared, breathe, take time out when you need it, focus on the positive, and do what you can, one thing at a time. But sometimes, you need more help. Your body may be flooded with stress hormones, and they need to go somewhere. Some serious intervention may be in order. Physical intervention.

1. Get a hug

If there is someone nearby whom you have a hugging relationship with, by all means, get a hug. Make it a nice and long one, if appropriate. If there's no one around, maybe cuddle a pet. Hugging or cuddling a pet releases oxytocin, which will counteract your stress hormones. And it also calms your stress response overall.

2. Take a hot bath

Immersing yourself in hot water, maybe laced with Epsom salt and some soothing aromatherapy essential oils, can be a powerful stress reliever. If you prefer bubble baths -- they'll work too. If you think you're going to explode, run yourself a hot bath. Once you let yourself sink into the tub, you'll notice almost instantly how the stress just melts away. A cup of tea made with soothing herbs is optional.

3. Vigorous exercise

Go to the gym. A fairly intense workout gets rid of the stress hormones and you will feel a whole lot better afterwards. In fact, that stressed-out feeling may well have evaporated altogether. If you're stuck at work, you could also walk or run up and down the stairs a few times. No stairs? Walk around the block.

4. Valerian & Co

There are a number of natural supplements that help with calming yourself down. I have found valerian especially effective, alone or in combination with a variety of other herbs, including passion flower, scullcap, St. John's wort, kava, and more. Other supplements, including GABA are also highly effective and can be used alone or in combination with the former. Careful though, if you're taking anti-depressants. If you do, be sure to check with your doctor before self-medicating. Also be careful with those herbs if you have to drive or use heavy machinery. Make sure you know how they affect you before deciding whether you're still safe to drive. Of course, intense stress too affects your ability to drive, so watch out in any event.

5. Pray

If you believe in a higher power, you will find prayer very helpful as well. Just turn your problem or situation over to God, the Universe, the higher power, and pray for guidance and right outcome. Then give a prayer of thanks for getting that guidance, maybe even add, Gee, I wonder how you'll get me out of this one, and then take a deep breath and proceed to step five from the previous article: Do what you can -- one thing at a time. One of my favorite resources is the Unity Prayer Line, which you can reach 24/7 at 1800-NOW-PRAY. it's free and incredibly helpful.

Autor: Elisabeth Kuhn Elisabeth Kuhn
Level: Platinum
Elisabeth grew up in Germany, came to the U.S. as a graduate student, and stayed. A college professor teaching linguistics for 19 years, she is ... ...

Want more stress tips? Get Elisabeth Kuhn's FREE stress-busting strategies report and reclaim your inner calm.

And please visit Elisabeth's self-help blog for more resources for Body, Health, Spirit, and Prosperity.

Added: February 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

A Simple Way to Be Stress Free

Did you know that a stress reaction is an "internally generated" problem? Did you know that your stress reaction is generated by unconsciously held beliefs that are unique to you? Did you know that most approaches to reducing stress may not address the unique factors that are causing your stress? Do you want to learn more about what is causing your particular stress reaction and what to do about it?

As you already know different individuals react to the same stressful event with different degrees of stress. Why is this? Although some will suggest that there is a genetic variation to one's ability to be more or less resilient to stress in my view there is much more to it than that.

It has been my experience that one's perceptions, beliefs and feelings about an event are largely responsible for how they will react to it mentally, emotionally and physiologically. For instance if an event is perceived as threatening by an individual they are more likely to generate the typical fight or flight reaction than someone who sees it simply as "part of life".

Beliefs about one's self and one's ability to handle various scenarios presented to them will also feed into their overall stress reaction to such events. One who "believes" they are resource-less or compromised in some way will likely experience a greater stress reaction. This is true even when their perceptions of their resources does not match up with their actual resources.

The key concept here is "we are programmed by unconsciously held beliefs". So why is it that we are "programmed" with such beliefs that seemingly over-ride any of our conscious attempts to be fully in control of our mental, emotional and physiological reactions to external events? That is a very interesting question that few ever attempt to answer. Instead everyone is simply too busy trying to find techniques to over-ride these beliefs or install new ones.

I asked myself this question many years ago. What I discovered was that unconsciously held stress related beliefs are constantly generated by negative memories of early life experiences that held inside of us. It is because the memories are there that the beliefs associated with them are there as well. In other words it is our early life experiences that shape how we see ourselves, others and the world around us. Effectively we get "programmed" into a certain "mindset" that we have no control or say over!

Wouldn't it be nice if one could change this programming once and for all? Well I'm sure many of you would relish the thought. The way to do this is to literally erase it by erasing the memories that generate and sustain it. This is possible with a new process the name of which is shown in my bio below. To learn more about a simple way to be stress free through erasing your programmed memory past kindly visit the web site below where you can also request a free introductory telephone consultation.

Autor: Nick Arrizza, M.D. Nick Arrizza, M.D.
Level: Platinum
Nick Arrizza MD, a former Psychiatrist and Medical Doctor is an International Life, Executive, Organizational Tele-Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator who lives in ... ...

Nick Arrizza MD is the developer of the Mind Resonance Process (MRP) that powerfully and permanently erases negative memories.

To learn more about MRP, experience a free 1 hour telephone consultation or to listen to a pre-recorded internet radio program on it visit the web links below.

He is a former Psychiatrist and Medical Doctor is an International Life, Executive, Organizational Tele-Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator who lives in Toronto, Canada. He is also on Faculty at Akamai University in Hawaii. He is the CEO and Founder of Arrizza Performance Coaching Inc.

Web Site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com or contact me at: drnick@telecoaching4u.com

Added: February 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

What is Stress?

Stress is any kind of pressure that it is physical, mental or emotional in nature. Stress comes in many forms and causes all sorts of harm if left unchecked. Physically it can damage the bodily functioning causing illness, mentally it can confuse and frustrate, and emotionally it can be draining. Did you know that 70% of health-care costs stem from preventable diseases according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention? Well, according to Cooper Wellness Program, stress contributes to 85% of all medical problems!

Nutritionally speaking, stress management is extremely important for reducing free radical formation which can ward off illness. Mentally, stress management helps one to have clearer, sharper focus. Emotionally, managing stress balances the ups and the downs and puts life and its roller coasters into better perspective, helping one go with the flow rather than pinch off life force. And were you aware that 75% of the general population experience at least "some stress" every two weeks, according to a National Health Interview Survey? Common stressors include balancing a hectic schedule, racing from one place to another due to time crunches, or a change in one's home or work environment.

Unfortunately, prolonged stress can also lead to development of alcohol abuse, suicide, drug addiction, cigarette addiction and other harmful activities and as I've mentioned, illness. The best approach to stress is to understand it and utilize better management skills. If you are the type of person who becomes overly apologetic, nervous, frantic, pleasing, take stock; calm down and ask yourself, why?

Oftentimes food allergies can contribute to your stress condition, so you want to make sure you truly want that extra cup of coffee and donuts. You don't need it, it is not truly a source of energy. Perhaps switching to green tea, yogurt and carrot sticks would be just the ticket to give you the calm feeling and energy needed to spring throughout your day and stay on top of things without the stressed out jitters.

Overreacting, getting upset or behaving frantically promote nothing but free radicals, frustration and more upset, and the cycle begins again. Learn to break out of these habits, this vicious cycle, and stop to think for a moment. "What am I doing and why am I doing it?"

Write down what it is that you feel stresses you out. Come to terms with why this bothers you. Understand that all stress is temporary, all worries and concerns are temporary. Act as if your stressor trigger problem has already been solved, and then approach with your action plan. This way you are coming from a more centered place and ready to act with a clearer, more focused mind.

Learn about what you like and what you don't like; what you avoid in life and why. Discover why you fear the way you do and how to solve these dilemmas and reduce stress, by looking within for the answers. Spend time with self, getting to know self. It is in this way that you become calm and ready to reach for your goals with a confident, peaceful presence.

Autor: Kristen Lauter Kristen Lauter
Level: Basic PLUS
Kristen is a Professional Certified Life Coach (Coach Training Alliance), a Certified Nutritonal Consultant (CNC), a Certified Holstic Health Practitioner (CHHP), Reiki Master Teacher, Teacher ... ...

If you would like to explore further, come learn about yourself either through life coaching with me (I'll offer you a free email session to start; or come join my school of holistic health practitioners and make this world a better place. Learn in comfort of home and become board-certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

2009 Kristen Lauter

Kristen Lauter is a Certified Life Coach through Coach Training Alliance Inc, and a Certified Nutritional Consultant through American Association for Drugless Practitioners, as well as Certified Holistic Health Practitioner through American Association for Drugless Practitioners. Kristen is founder of Holistic Healers Academy which offers Holistic Health Practitioner programs in comfort of home. Over 40 courses to choose from. Holistic Healers Academy is accredited by the American Association for Drugless Practitioners. Students usually finish five courses within three - six months. Website: http://www.holistichealersacademy.com *Kristen is also a teacher of Awaken the Healer Within

Added: February 23, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Relieving Stress in Modern Times

In today's hectic, business oriented world, many people are finding it difficult to relax. Especially in America, people are encouraged to work themselves to death. It has gotten to the point where we are actually made to feel guilty if we are not doing something productive at any given time.

We are not robots. Human beings require some amount of down time every so often, in order to recuperate and refresh ourselves. If you don't feel like taking cat naps, there are other ways to relax your aching muscles. For a lot of people a luxury steam shower, or even just a regular steam shower or sauna will do the trick. When you come out of the steam and feel the fresh air, the experience is just indescribably wonderful.

People of all ages are experiencing the effects of sleep deprivation. Students must wake up early to get to school, spend all day there, and spend all night doing homework. In our society it is becoming more and more common for students to have part time jobs as well. Conversely, those with full time jobs can also be part time students.

Our bodies have become used to this lack of sleep in such a way that many have begun to develop mild to more extreme forms of insomnia. Many people have found substantial relief in occasionally visiting a swim spa, or taking a soak in a hot tub before bed. If you're worried about hot tub chemicals, there are now saline additives you can use instead of the traditional chlorine.

If you don't think a Jacuzzi is quite right for you, or if your budget simply won't allow for it, there are other things you can try. For example, if you often find yourself doing school work or just work in general in your room, your brain may have subconsciously associated your room with a place of work, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

This is actually a very common problem, especially for people who lay on their beds while doing such work. Some people find significant relief by simply sleeping in a different room, or re-associating their rooms with relaxation by meditating and moving their work elsewhere. Meditation on its own is a very effective way to relieve stress.

If you have a bedroom vanity or go to a place with a bathroom vanity, you might try using bathroom vanity mirrors as devices to help you relax.

Many people find it very helpful to use a mirror to relieve tension. To do this, you simply search for signs of tension in your face or in your body, and you make yourself relax. You may find that your shoulders are hunched, or that your brow is creased, and you didn't even notice.

You might also try cleaning house. Clutter makes many people feel stressed and claustrophobic, although they may not realize it. Also, housework can be quite therapeutic for some people, just as cooking, painting, and sculpting can be for others. Anything that gets your mind off of the work that is oppressing you will be a tremendous help.

Autor: Allison Ryan

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, interior design, and relaxation techniques to help in relieving stress and anxiety. For the ideal steam shower or hot tub for your home, visit http://www.mybath.biz/

Added: February 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How to Use Stress Relief Techniques to Effectively Combat Stress in Your Daily Life

The cause of stress can be more than one. It can stem from one's professional sphere, from friends and family and even from one's own self. It is important to identify the root of stress in order to be able to treat it accurately. Stress relief techniques are simple once you understand them.

It is good to have a focus to work towards. But sometimes this focus is set so far away that to reach out to it might be impossible. Also the motto "nothing is impossible" sounds good when someone else philosophizes on it, it is not always productive to one's own self. It causes unnecessary stress in one's life. Hence, dream real in order to achieve it.

Every time we are faced with a stressful situation stress relief techniques tell us to either fly or fight. This means, our instinct is either to escape the situation or to remain and fight it.

Being physically active automatically distracts one from the stressful issue at hand. Therefore, this is a good way to relieve stress. If you do not indulge in any exercise yet, join a gym or squash club where you can regularly beat the stress.

Among other stress relief techniques one of the most useful way to bust stress is to be prepared to deal with a situation that might cause stress. If you have trouble addressing a live audience it is useful to prepare a speech before hand so that you don't collapse of a nervous breakdown.

Autor: Karl Sewon Karl Sewon
Level: Platinum
My interests includes hypnosis, mind control, astral projection...

If you want to find the most powerful stress relief techniques that will reduce your stress levels automatically, check out my review of some of the most effective Stress Relief Products available.

Read my Quantum Mind Power Review To Find out More about this amazing program. You don t want to miss out on this amazing secret.

Added: February 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Stock Market Collapse - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The stock market melt down certainly has taken a financial toll on many individuals but are you aware that the emotional repercussions are even more significant? When an individual experiences such a trauma, especially when large sums of money are lost at key times in one's life they can develop what has been referred to as a post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

The PTSD is the real culprit and can become a chronic mental, emotional and functional problem for individuals whose Resiliency Quotient (RQ) is low (Please see my article : What is Your Resiliency Quotient or "RQ", in this ezine).

It can manifest as depression, low self confidence, feelings of dread, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic feelings, tiredness, poor concentration, impulsive decision making, pessimism about the future and guilt to name a few.

All of these are the result of having stored within the subconscious mind the memory of the loss(es) and while there it constantly generates the above negative experiences.

It is believed that such memories are there to "teach us something" but in my experience they only serve to undermine one's ability to function and to live a contented and fulfilling life. In truth, if you ever focus on your particular loss you will likely feel like your life energy is being sucked right out of your body. In other words the memory of the loss is actually killing you, is it not?

So do you want that toxic memory living inside of you?

If not try the following, if you wish. Place one hand over your Heart and as if you are speaking from there affirm to yourself that:

1. You recognize that this memory is toxic to you, and,

2. Affirm to yourself that you would like it purged from your mind/body.

Then notice how you feel.

Now this, in and of itself will not do the entire trick but I know it will usher in some positive empowering feelings perhaps along with a dawning awareness that it is indeed possible to have it completely purged from your life once and for all.

If you sense any of this simply affirm this to yourself as well and then notice how you feel.

If you'd like to learn more about erasing negative memories and reclaim your life visit the web link below where you can also request a free consultation.

Autor: Nick Arrizza, M.D. Nick Arrizza, M.D.
Level: Platinum
Nick Arrizza MD, a former Psychiatrist and Medical Doctor is an International Life, Executive, Organizational Tele-Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator who lives in ... ...

Nick Arrizza MD is the developer of the Mind Resonance Process (MRP) that powerfully and permanently erases negative memories.

To learn more about MRP, experience a free 1 hour telephone consultation or to listen to a pre-recorded internet radio program on it visit the web links below.

He is a former Psychiatrist and Medical Doctor is an International Life, Executive, Organizational Tele-Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator who lives in Toronto, Canada. He is also on Faculty at Akamai University in Hawaii. He is the CEO and Founder of Arrizza Performance Coaching Inc.

Web Site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com or contact me at: drnick@telecoaching4u.com

Added: February 20, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Are You Listening to Your Body?

A business colleague recently shared with me the tremendous stress she was under. She was on disability from her job after having surgery, had broken up with her love interest of many years, going to school part-time, raising a teenage child and running a business. In her early forties she had never had acne in her entire life - until now.

The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life and can be positive when it alerts us to impending dangers. However, negative stress can lead to physical symptoms including acne, fatigue, upset stomach, sleep deficiency, headaches, elevated blood pressure, and chest pains. Research reveals that stress can worsen many symptoms or diseases.

Our bodies were not designed to continuously overwork and take on challenges without relief or relaxation. It would be unrealistic for you not to expect to experience stress this year. But you can control stress rather than allowing it to control you. Manage stress by giving your body what it needs. There are many tips that will help to ease your stress levels, but here are just three:

1. Just Say, "No." Don't take on too much at one time. You might have to say "no" to some worthy causes, but stretching yourself too thin will ultimately affect you physically and psychologically. Trying to be a crowd pleaser is a waste of time and energy. Be selective in the tasks you choose to take on. Should you find yourself in a situation where intuitively you know that it doesn't serve your best interest, it's important that you listen to your mind, body, soul and spirit-then act accordingly. You will begin to feel in control and your stress will ease.

2. Give Your Body What it Needs. I know you hear it all the time; the body needs rest, relaxation, nutrition and exercise. But hearing it and doing it are two different things entirely. These daily regimens help to optimize your body performance and reduce stress in the progress.

Eat in moderation and reduce your consumption of fatty foods. Instead, try to eat low-carb, low fat meals. Also, fight the urge to snack when you're going through stressful periods. Applying discipline in your diet helps to maintain healthy levels of hormones and boost your energy.

Incorporate some form of workout in your daily routine to help discourage a buildup of body fat and dispel nervous energy. Your workouts need not be strenuous. Walking thirty minutes a day is soothing to the mind and eases insomnia, caused by stress.

Take intervals of "me" time to rejuvenate. Schedule frequent massages, luxuriant baths and weekend getaways to help ease tension and relieve stress. Your body needs periods of down time to reinvigorate itself.

3. Prioritize Your Life. Make a daily list of projects you need to get done. Start with the ones you can accomplish the quickest. Your stress will begin to ease as you check off your accomplishments. Tackle your most difficult chores at a time when you energy level is at its highest. Delegate certain duties to your co-workers, friends and family to help shoulder some of the load. Having a strategy or system in place will dramatically ease your stress levels.

Stress may be unavoidable, but you can take charge of it. Whether you're in a high-pressure occupation or constantly juggling family and work, they key to maintaining a healthy balance is to listen to your body, control your stress and make it work for you.

Take Charge Challenge: When are you most stressful? Decide what measures you need to take in order to control of your stress; then start incorporating them into your life.

Autor: Rebecca McClain Rebecca McClain
Level: Platinum
Rebecca McClain is a life and career coaching expert. She is the founding executive of Life Treasures LLC, a personal and professional development company. As ... ...

Rebecca McClain is a life and career enrichment coach. She is the founder and CEO of Life Treasures, LLC. As an entrepreneur, author, speaker and coach she is recognized as an expert in personal and professional success and fulfillment. Visit her website to receive a free audio CD http://www.rebeccamcclain.com

Added: February 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Stress Management - 5 Steps to Successfully Manage Stress

Stress is a common problem that many people face in hectic, fast paced lives. It can affect productivity and feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction. In extreme cases, it can become overwhelming or begin to manifest in physical illnesses or depression. It is important to reduce the effects of stress whenever possible. Here are 5 steps to successfully manage stress in your life:

1. Check your diet. Make sure you are eating healthy foods such a fresh produce, lean protein sources, and whole grains. Sometimes stress impacts appetite, either causing a decrease or an increase in appetite. If your appetite is suffering, try carrying around healthy snacks and eating them in small portions throughout the day. If you tend to eat too much as a reaction to stress, try setting a time at the end of the day when you will stop eating. Also, be sure you are not eating when you are distracted, like when watching television.

2. Try supplementation to support your physical health. Like your diet, supplements can help increase your physical health, which helps support your emotional health. A food based multivitamin is a good start - these are generally utilized better by the body than non food based brands. If you don't eat much food that is calcium rich, add this as well. Fish oil is excellent for a variety of physical benefits, including better brain health and cardiovascular benefit. L-Theanine can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, and 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan) can help regulate mood. It is advisable to check with your health care provider when trying a new supplement.

3. Make sure to start exercising. Check with your doctor to determine the most appropriate level of activity. Cardiovascular exercise is excellent, as it encourages the release of endorphins which help elevate mood and release physical stress. Try to have a regular schedule, ideally 45 minutes about 5 times a week. Any exercise is beneficial, however.

4. Coaching or counseling. Depending upon the severity of your stress and whether there are other accompanying issues, you may benefit from getting some therapy or coaching to help you learn how to prioritize, delegate, manage, and reduce stress.

5. Take some time out each day just for you. Make a list of several things you really enjoy doing. Every day, pick one thing off the list and do it for yourself. Once you finish the list, create a new one and keep on going. It is a wonderful habit to establish.

Autor: Shannon E Cook Shannon E Cook
Level: Platinum
Shannon Cook became inspired to coach and mentor women in relationships, particularly psychologically abusive relationships, after her own personal journey through the process. Using her ... ...

Are you interested in addressing your life challenges from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html

Shannon Cook is a personal coach and resource guide who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.

Added: February 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How to Solve Stress by Learning How to Feel

It is very strange that we have to solve our stress. Stress means that we ignored signs of our body that something went wrong for a long time. Or even worse: we did not even notice those signs. In fact when the stress becomes too high it can be compared to the wounds of a boxer who is injured, bleeding and full of blue marks, but doesn't feel pain until he is knocked out.

When stress has knocked you out, you should give yourself time to learn how to feel again. If you don't, maybe you will take a holiday or just a day of. You take some sleeping pills, or you read some articles or books about how to solve stress and you practice it. Then you can go on working too hard. I know that is not your intention. But sometimes it happens that way.

Most articles about how to solve stress forget one thing. People should learn to be aware when the stress starts so they don't have to solve it. They will just need a bit of adjustment to their habits.

To be aware of stress building up, you should learn to feel your body. It is really learning to feel, because you did not really pay attention to your body, except maybe in cases where you became ill. Because then suddenly you are will ask yourself: what kind of pain is this, where exactly is this pain etcetera.

You can feel your body also when you have no pain. It is nice to feel both sides of your body together. Start with the palms of your hands. Feel your hands from inside. And feel your arms, your shoulders. You can continue and feel your whole body. Just make sure that you don't stop with your head. That brings too much energy to your head, where there is already a lot of energy because of thinking so much.

My advice is to sit in a chair for about 15 minute every morning. Put your head down a little and you just feel you body. Do this every morning and you will learn how your body feels. You will learn to feel differences in your body. And you will feel it when stress is building up. Do this exercise every day so you will never have the need to solve your stress.

Autor: Annelies Hilgers Annelies Hilgers
Level: Platinum
Annelies Hilgers is from The Netherlands. She is a mother of seven. Online coach with much experience in Emotional Health. She helped hundreds in dealing ... ...

Annelies Hilgers is an online coach. She advised hundreds of people. through the internet. She takes you by the hand with her step to step advice in Dealing with Frustration Want some help with your problem? Ask Annelies for free about: Frustration and get your Free E-Book about Frustration

Added: February 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Is the Stress Causing Your Anxiety Panic Attack Symptoms? Part One

Often I hear that stress is just a normal biological response that we have to protect us from danger. There are some good stuff to say about stress and of course, some bad things to say too. If you think about it for a minute, stress keeps us focused and mentally alert to whatever "danger" that is facing us. And unfortunately, that danger can be real or imagine. But mostly imagined! Don't get me wrong here, even imagined stress is REAL stress.

So what happens is that because of all the stress we absorb each day, if we don't adopt some sort of stress relief, the cumulative stress can cause anxiety panic attacks symptoms that we experience.

And these anxiety and panic attacks can appear out of the blue and after a while, just seem like the everyday stress related problems that all of us face now and then. But the danger of undiagnosed anxiety panic attacks symptoms can really get out of control into a full blown panic attacks.

And that would be very bad and very upsetting!

So to start with, to recognize the indicators for an anxiety attack, you should understand a little more about the symptoms of the underlying stress at first. And yes, many folks experience stress differently. But the general symptoms of stress is usually problems with memory, difficulties in concentrating, confusion and racing thoughts.

For example, if you are socially shy, you may find yourself blanking out while speaking with an attractive member of the opposite sex. That would be a good example of stress.

And for some of you, you will also notice some symptoms of anxiety attacks too. And some of those symptoms will manifest as physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, trembling, stomachaches, pounding heart rhythm and hot or cold flashes.

Also, when your anxiety attacks reaches it's zenith, you will start to experience being out of control and losing control of yourself. You may believe that you are going to die. Surprisingly, some folks don't even recognize their anxiety or panic attack symptoms for what they are.

And this is why it is critically important to see your medical doctor to get the correct diagnosis and put a name to your condition. When you think about it, it is absolutely NOT normal to experience anxiety or panic attack symptoms. Not at all!

Another good reason to see your doctor is to be sure that your symtoms are not a more serious medical illness. So play it safe and see your doctor to get proper diagnosis and treatment.

If your doctor rules out anything medical and arrives at a decision that your symptoms are anxiety related, he may want to start you on some anti-anxiety medication. This medication will help relieve some of the symptoms that bothers you. Your physician may also urge you to see a counselor that specializes in stress, anxiety and panic disorders.

And this is what usually happens when you do see the counselor. This person will ask you some questions and read your medical history to determine what underlying stresses is causing your symptoms to manifest themselves. And once you both figure out what those contributing factors are, a plan of action (or a treatment plan) will be set up. And your counselor can help guide you through the stressors and help you find ways to alleviate or eliminate the source of stresses in your daily life.

I would suggest that you look on the Internet to find some relaxation techniques that specifically target the stress removal from your mind and body. Find some ways to manage your stress level so they don't become unmanageable. There are breathing exercises that you can do to improve your body's oxygen level so that it will slow down your racing heart.

Just some pointers that you may want to look into to reduce your stress to prevent your anxiety panic attacks symptoms from reoccurring.

Autor: Kate McSwain

So if you want to cure your anxiety panic attacks symptoms without medication or expensive therapy, you can find out how to stop panic attacks permanently at my website.

And I will reveal to you how you too can live your normal life again... Click here to get started => http://www.Cure-Anxiety-Attacks.com

And while you are visiting my website, don't forget to grab your free report how to reduce your stress when you sign up for the free panic attacks newsletter.

You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (HTML clickable) and references and copyright info.

Added: February 14, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

The Morning Rush With Kids - 9 Tips to Reduce the Stress

How does your family start their day off? How would you describe your mornings? Do they tend to be calm and peaceful or rushed and stressful? If you said the latter, here are some tips that might help make the mornings less of a stressful production for you and your family.

1. Have your children layout their clothes the night before.
2. Make sure the backpacks and school supplies are ready to go near the door.
3. Determine the breakfast menu and set the bowls and cereal out after dinner.
4. Give yourself time to get up and ready before the children need to be up.
5. Make sure the kids have adequate time to get ready for school without being rushed.
6. Develop a bedtime routine that works for your family and stick to it.
7. Empty the backpacks after school, not in the morning, to avoid any last minute surprises.
8. Double check your calendar, including the car pool schedule, the night before.
9. Help your children to learn how to manage their own schedule. An important goal for me as a parent is to help my children become independent and responsible. I believe consistent routines help with this.

Once you feel your child is able, generally around the ages 5-7, create a kid-friendly check-list of tasks they need complete in the morning in order to walk out the door and be off to school on time. As a parent, be there to help, teach, and support. Remember, perfectionism is NOT the goal, rather independence and responsibility.

Autor: Paula Constable Paula Constable
Level: Platinum
About the author: Paula Constable, professional organizer and speaker, works with families who want to make their daily lives easier through organization. She is the ... ...

About the author: Paula Constable, professional organizer and speaker, works with families who want to make their daily lives easier through organization. She is the owner of Stuff 2b Organized, LLC and she brings understanding, support and solutions to help calm the busy lives of the families she works with.

As The Organizing Expert for Moms, Paula provides her organizing services both in-home and virtually. She holds her teleclasses and Virtual Workshop, Paper Organization for Busy Moms, on a regular basis.

To receive her free reports, 5 Must-Know Organizing Tips for Busy Moms and The Clutter-Free Gift Giving Guide, sign up for her free newsletter at http://stuff2borganized.com/ or visit her blog, Organizing Tips and Thoughts for Moms.

Copyright 2000-2009 Paula Constable and Stuff 2b Organized, LLC. All rights reserved.

Added: February 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How Can You Experience More Inner Peace?

As I sit writing, I notice that my neighbor is hammering something into the wall. I'm somewhat amused at the synchronicity as I'm writing about peace. And then I remember that the peace has nothing to do with the hammering. It's about my choice of whether or not to be annoyed by the noisy interlude or to go deeper within myself to the source of peace itself. Choosing the latter, I get down to the subject of experiencing deep peace and how it profoundly affects the process of healing.

Inner peace goes right to the core of the self, the still point of the inner world, the place that is the beginning and end of all healing and transformation. It's about more than the landscape I saw last week, high up on a cliff looking out at the Pacific Ocean, as I watched the orange sun dissolve into the horizon. It's beyond even that.

A Quality of Your Essence

Inner peace is a quality of your essence, the core of the Self. A woman named Sandra was dealing with a very difficult relationship. She felt strain going through her entire body and released some tears that she'd been holding in. She described herself as deeply sad, like thick, gray, and dismal storm clouds. She breathed into her experience and exhaled, and then her Wise Mind began to speak to her:

"Underneath your sadness is a landscape of you, a blanket of peace. There are rolling hills, carpets of green grass, breathtaking flowers, and you can come here to rest your soul anytime you like. Underneath your sadness, it's airy, light, and sunny. Come here at any time, and you'll transform all the troubles in your life."

I Can See Peace Instead of This

She said the words, "Deep Peace" to herself. Sandra said that this was the most positive experience she'd ever had. By going to the central core of peace within, she found that her difficulties were no longer real. Here in this core, you can listen or feel or watch, and healing comes through. You're given the opportunity to be more peaceful about any of your issues, your finances, your health, your relationships, even the state of the world. The book A Course in Miracles says, "Peace is my most important priority." It also says, "I can see peace instead of this."

And as one Zen monk wrote, "Over a cup of tea, I stopped the war."

Autor: Marilyn B. Gordon Marilyn B. Gordon
Level: Platinum
Marilyn Gordon assists people to create extraordinary transformation in their lives. She is a board certified hypnotherapist, teacher, healer, school director, author, and internet messenger ... ...

Want to learn more about life transformation, spiritual growth, and healing? You can download our 100 page free ebook, Extraordinary Healing at http://www.thewisemind.com

You can also subscribe to our wonderful free monthly newsletter, "The Transformation News." Marilyn Gordon is a board certified hypnotherapist, teacher, speaker, healer, school director, and author with over thirty years of experience. Her latest book is The Wise Mind: The Brilliant Key to Life Transformation and Healing.

Added: February 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Stress and the Law of Attraction - How to Make All Your Fears Come True - And How to Turn it Around

Are you worried about something? Are you conjuring up worst-case scenarios? And are you really stressed about it? Stop it right now. If you keep going in that direction, you'll have the perfect ingredients for manifesting exactly what you fear most. Read on to find out why that is so and what to do to turn it around.

Have you ever noticed that the more you worry about something, the more likely it is to happen? Yet when you anticipate a positive outcome, that's what you get too?

But not always, you say. That's true. There's more to it than that. But the system really does work amazingly well.

Here's the basic formula of the law of attraction:

Thought/visualization plus emotional energy draws whatever it is that you think about or visualize. Like draws like, and the more energy it gets, the more effective its drawing power.

And guess what!

Stress is the perfect set-up for drawing what you do NOT want.

Think about it. Why would you be stressed? You're stressed because you think something bad might happen. Maybe you worry that you won't do well on the test. Or that people might laugh at you when you forget what you wanted to say in a presentation. Or, in fact, that you might forget what you wanted to say.

Or you worry about your significant other finding another person. Or about losing your job. Or about not being able to do the job well.

Those are all bad outcomes. You think about them and visualize them in vivid detail. With that, you give them tremendous emotional energy by infusing them with fear and panic - or even "just" worry or anxiety.

And have you noticed that when you do that, you start sabotaging yourself. You make mistakes on the job, you do indeed forget your lines, you treat your significant other with hostility in anticipation of the relationship's demise, which, of course, is now much more likely to happen. And so on. And so, if you keep this up, your worst fears will indeed come true.

What to do instead

Recognize the dynamics of that process. And cut it short. Think, just for a moment, what it is that you're actually manifesting here and recognize that you definitely don't want that outcome.

Then, ask yourself, what you want instead. You want to do a great presentation. You want to do a good job. You want a loving relationship with your partner. So start focusing on that. Embellish it with detail. And give it some positive energy. Smile in anticipation of how good you'll feel when your wishes come true. And before you know it, the stress will have melted away as well, and you'll have opened the pathways to drawing what you do want.

Autor: Elisabeth Kuhn Elisabeth Kuhn
Level: Platinum
Elisabeth grew up in Germany, came to the U.S. as a graduate student, and stayed. A college professor teaching linguistics for 19 years, she is ... ...

Sometimes, though, your body is so well entrenched in its stress response that you might have to take additional action. For more information on how to reduce your stress levels, get Elisabeth Kuhn's FREE stress-busting strategies report and discover how to reclaim your inner calm: http://www.FreeStressTipsReport.com

Added: February 8, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Some Good Tips to Dealing With Stress in Marriage

I can tell you that it is really common for marriages to end up in a divorce proceeding because of the stress build up that leads to a point of no return. Not only a good marriage takes hard work, our modern world is simply overwhelming for many couples that it seems life is uncontrollable.

So all the stress in marriage leads to tremendous outbursts and anger. And this keeps up until the couple can no longer live with each other. So they file for a divorce to seek relief from the stress.

I also can tell you that many times, it is far worst, financially and emotionally to get a divorce. All the statistics I read proves me out. You actually get poorer. A year or two later, you actually wished that you didn't get divorced in the first place.

But yes, at this moment in time, divorce seems like the best solution to the building up of stress between the two of you. My suggestion is to explore the alternatives before going down that path.

In short, the key to keeping a marriage going out of control is to learn how to cope with the stresses that life throws at us each day. And learn how to alleviate those stresses so that we can keep our sanity and enjoy life the way it is supposed to be.

So let me make a short list of the most common stressors in a marriage and how you can handle them:

Are you worried about Finances? Then you are not alone. This is one of the MOST common reasons that many marriage end up in a divorce. Especially in this current economic climate of job losses and credit crunches! That's for sure!

So if you are constantly worrying about how to pay your bills every single moment of your day. Know this, it is normal to be worried about something that you are unsure about. But don't let this worrying ruin your marriage.

Now if you think about this for a minute, can you find some ways that you can live within your means? You may have to let that new car go for instance. Or a new flat screen TV. So what? Isn't the knowledge that you are making positive efforts to rein in your spending worth the piece of mind? So write up a monthly budget and STICK WITH IT. It requires discipline but according to the book "The Millionaire Next Door," the authors concluded that most of the first generation millionaires adopted frugal habits.

So make sure your bills get paid each month and use whatever you have left to put into a rainy day savings account.

And I don't have to tell you about letting your credit card spending spiral out of control. Easy credit makes money easy to spend. But at some point, you will have to pay the piper. Along with high interest rates. And some of you are already at this point. Well, it is time to use some discipline and stop adding to your credit card account and start paying it down, little by little.

And imagine your relief when you finally pay it all off. And this is only due to your spending discipline.

How about how to raise the children? Many couples have arguements how to do discipline the children when they have done something wrong. Or how to raise the children in this world. And the reason for most of this they each came into a marriage with 2 different family values.

So these differences can cause clashes that results in strong arguments. So instead of waiting for the disagreement to happen, why don't you "talk" with your partner and come up with a compromise to mix the two family values together and making it work for the family unity?

In short, what may have worked for mom and dad may not work for you. My grandfather grew up in the great depression, and I remember stories about when he was a kid, he was perfectly happy with a pair of clothespins for toys. That can't happen today, because there are so many educational toys for kids. So learn how to compromise and work together as a team to raise your children the best way you can.

Are you keeping all your emotions and feelings inside? This isn't healthy. So if you are feeling upset or don't feel that you can get your feelings out in the open, you need to talk about that. Let your partner know about your fears and hopes. Don't bottle everything up and when you can't do it any longer, they bubble up to the surface and explode.

Communication is key.

So there you are, some of the most common stresses that can destroy or ruin a great marriage. Don't be afraid to seek out professional help from a marriage counselor. That is why they are there. To help you both sort out your differences and give you the tools to handle stress in marriage. And know this, the better equipped you are to handle the stresses, the stronger your marriage will become.

Autor: Kate McSwain

If you want to cure your anxiety attacks or panic attacks without medication or expensive therapy, you can find out how to stop panic attacks at my website.

And I will reveal to you how you too can live your normal life again... Click here to get started => http://www.Cure-Anxiety-Attacks.com

And while you are visiting my site, don't forget to grab your free report how to reduce your stress when you sign up for the free panic attacks newsletter.

You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (HTML clickable) and references and copyright info.

Added: February 7, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Ways to Reduce Stress

We all experience stress. The businesswoman in Pasadena, California experiences just as much as the housewife living on the same street. Everybody knows that a little bit of stress can be good for a person. It forces us to push ourselves and use our minds in ways we otherwise wouldn't. However, in today's busy world many of us experience chronic stress which can be detrimental to our health and happiness. Before stress begins to overload you try one of these suggestions to reduce your stress load.

Sometimes all it takes to reduce stress is ten minutes of quiet time. It's not always feasible to run away from a problem, but giving yourself ten minutes can clear your mind, slow your heartbeat, and give you the ability to solve said problem. What you need to do is go to a quiet place where you can be alone. Sit or lie down somewhere and let your body relax. Breathe gently in and out and visualize yourself in a calm environment, on vacation, or anywhere that makes you happy. You may also want to visualize the problem solving itself. Usually after taking a short break, the problem seems more manageable.

If you need more than ten minutes try going off by yourself to a quiet garden or even shopping at the mall. Read a book, scrapbook, or do a different hobby. Some people even go to the salon as a stress-relieving outing. The busy mom and the businesswoman in California can both head to a Pasadena salon to relieve their stress. You might want to consider the same thing. Sometimes just giving yourself a couple of hours to do something you love, no matter what it is, will be rejuvenating enough that you will be able to face whatever is causing the stress.

People today lead busy lives. So busy, in fact, that many of them seem like a recipe for stress, but you don't have to let it be a problem in your life. Give yourself the time necessary. You will feel better and life will be easier to handle when it throws a curve ball your way.

Autor: Billings Farnsworth

Ravissant Salon (http://ravissantsalon.com) is a Pasadena salon. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Added: February 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Snap the Stress - Change Your Mind, Not the World

The impatient boss. The snarl of traffic. The pressure to have a big bulge in both your pants and wallet. These are just a few of the stresses you face every day.

You wish they'd go away. You figure that a better job will get you a better boss. Or that moving to the burbs will make life more peaceful. Or maybe you'll earn some extra money and can have that penis-lengthening surgery. While you worry about it, you down beers, fried food and wash it down with a few cigarettes. And that makes you feel better.

For now.

The ironic thing about stress, experts say, is that we want to change the things in our world that cause the stress. Sometimes we can do that, but often we cannot. And very seldom can we do it successfully.

"There are conditions in our lives that are chronic. They're not going to go away, they just can't be fixed," says Dr. Jeffrey Brantley, program director of the Stress Reduction Program at Duke University. "The real way of managing that is to come to terms on the inside with ourselves, with our own reactions to what the world is giving us."

There's the easy part of the answer: change your mind, not the world.

ACT LIKE A WOMAN

Despite the fact you might have known--or even dated--a scrotum-extracting raving bitch at some point, in general women actually handle stress better than men.

A recent study at UCLA showed that a biological pattern is influential in how men and women deal with stress. The research revealed that when women are highly stressed, they turn to friends or focus on their children, called a "tend or befriend" response.

Men, on the other hand, have the opposite reaction. They tend to withdraw or create conflict. After a day of intense conflict, a woman will tend to seek out support from other people--and men will simply be alone to simmer and sulk.

We can move beyond our biological response, however, and learn from the ladies. The next time you have a difficult day and want to brood in silence, seek out your spouse or friend and share the issues with them. You might not want to at first, but give it a try and see if you feel different.

If you have young kids, a great stress-reliever is to simply play what they're playing. Whether it's swinging on the swings, building with Legos, or playing with action figures, you escape the adult world for awhile and give your body and mind a great rest.

EAT TO BEAT IT

One specialist says we have it backwards when it comes to dealing with stress. While we're looking for solutions like deep breathing, yoga, and massage, the first step is giving yourself a foundation to reduce the onslaught of stress in the first place.

"The three most important stress management basics are tied back to the fact that we are 'biochemical machines' and that our ability to cope and function in this world is first rooted in the stability of our fundamental physiology," says Michael Dunphy, Ph.D., former professor of biochemistry and now an author and professional speaker on the topic.

The three fundamental stress management tactics, according to Dunphy, are:

1. Get adequate sleep.
2. Get adequate hydration.
3. Get proper nutrition.

If you're dehydrated, exhausted and nutritionally-challenged, he says, you "will be stressed out regardless of whatever clever tactics you want to use to manage your stress."

These steps are simple, but oh-so-hard to implement in this world of push-ahead mentality. Get enough sleep, preferably eight hours a night, even if you think you can "get" less and function. You might not realize how different you will feel during the workday with more sleep. You know that nice day called "Saturday"? It might not be great just because you're off of work--it might be great because the night before you let yourself sleep enough!

Being hydrated can have an effect on handling stress too, Dunphy says. If you don't get enough sleep, you tend to drink coffee during the day, which dehydrates you. "Drinking six to eight normal glasses of water a day is reasonable," says Dunphy. "When we dehydrate, our basic biochemical systems start to struggle for efficiency."

While food intake might seem a no-brainer, just reducing the amount of fat and sugar you eat is not the answer. "Food intake involves four basic elements," says Dunphy. "Quantity, quality, timing and composition."

Think about what you eat and when. If your down times tend to be in the morning, maybe you're not eating enough breakfast. If you fade in the late afternoon, perhaps you're not getting enough protein and carbohydrate in your lunch.

And don't forget, experts say, that exercise will help you deal with stress. When your body is in good physical shape, it gives you more stamina to deal with the physical aftereffects of a tough day. That doesn't mean you must have a six-pack of abs and monster shoulders. It simply means that regular cardio work will keep your body better, and strength training helps, too.

WHACK WORK WOES

Even when you've built the proper foundation to deal with stress, you might still need some quick techniques to get you through an especially bad day. Try these, from the experts.

Take an inner vacation. After a stressful meeting or a blowout at work, close your eyes at your desk (even if it's a cubicle, which is probably is) and transport yourself somewhere else. Though some stress management experts say to remember a happy time in your life, some men find that stressful. Thinking about childhood or that over-sexed honeymoon can bring up other issues. Instead, take yourself mentally to somewhere you enjoy going or would like to go. Envision yourself sitting on a mountaintop, or gently skiing down a powdery slope. The powerful mental vision will help reduce your heart rate and respiratory distress. It gives your mind and body a breather.

Organize your work. That's right, when your tasks have built to an insurmountable pile, categorize them in the best way possible. Plan how you're going to accomplish each of them. Often we fear what's ahead, but by knowing exactly what we're facing, it can reduce some of the stress. And here's the trick: de-emotionalize your feelings about the particular projects. You might have one that you feel is an unnecessary and boring weekly drag, or another that ought to be done by someone else. But set those feelings aside and merely categorize the work.

The other advantage to this is when you're presented with more work to do, you can explain what you've got cooking and ask your boss to prioritize the new work. This will show in a methodical way that you've got too much without your whining or complaining.

All these ideas can help you weather the storm, no matter how the winds of stress toss you around. Like any other skills, the know-how to handle stress can make your every day better. Wouldn't it be nice to get to the point where you say, "Yeah, I have stress, but I get over it"?

Autor: Chuck Mallory

Chuck Mallory has written for several magazines, including Men's Workout, Exercise & Health, inflight magazines, and many others.

Added: February 4, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/