Managing Stress in Everyday Life

December 29th, 2010
Kiya Sama asked:




Try as hard as we might, we cannot avoid the stresses of modern life. We can only learn to manage our responses to stress. The first step is to identify what triggers your reactions – what makes you feel angry, hostile or frustrated. Learn what your body’s stress signals are so that you can then step back from the situation and apply different techniques for managing your response. It is important to take some action, such as calmly expressing your feelings or doing a breathing exercise, so that you reverse or slow down the body’s emergency response mechanism.

Good basic health practices are also important in managing stress. We are much more likely to respond to a tense situation in a volatile fashion when we haven’t had enough sleep or have skipped breakfast and lunched on doughnuts. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep are good anti-stress prescriptions, as in watching your intake of caffeine, alcohol, or any self-prescribed drugs or medications. Some people find smoking “relaxing,” but that perception comes from the fact that they are probably shallow breathers and only breathe deeply when inhaling the smoke. It is the breathing, not the cigarette, that brings relaxation.

Talking with a friend, laughing, and physical touching are everyday stress relievers that we sometimes overlook. Studies have shown that petting a dog or cat reduces the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. A joke eases tension during a heated discussion, and laughter as a healing agent for cancer patients has been the subject of many books. Discussing your problems and concerns with a friend or counselor can provide relief, support, and new perspectives on how to deal with the stresses in your life.

It is important to find a personal source of relaxation – whether it’s physical exercise, a hobby or mediation – and devote at least a half-hour a day to it. Short vacations, such as a day or weekend in the country, also help to lighten the load of daily routines.

stress

Stress Management & Fat Loss

December 23rd, 2010
Weston Lyon asked:




Losing fat isn’t rocket science. It comes down to your eating habits, your exercise habits, and your ability to handle stress.

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the first two ways to lose weight (i.e. nutrition and exercise). However, do you know your ability to handle stress also plays a major role in your ability to burn fat?

The more stress in your life, the more fat your body hordes.

You see, your body fights stress by releasing “stress hormones” into your system. These stress hormones allow your body to function while stress is wearing you out.

These stress hormones also lock up your fat cells, so they cannot burn any fat. I’m sure you’ve experienced this before…

You are losing weight and all of a sudden you hit a plateau. You stop losing the fat and you get frustrated. After all, you didn’t change your eating habits and God knows you haven’t changed your exercise routine. So what gives?

Stress!

Our bodies are not meant to deal with the level of stress in today’s world. This just might be why we’re seeing an increase in obesity at epidemic proportions. It may also be why we’re seeing an upswing in dis-eases like Heart Disease, Cancer, and Diabetes.

Again, when you’re experiencing stress your body protects itself by releasing those pesky stress hormones. Good for your body, but bad for your weight loss efforts.

To help you relax (and lose that unwanted fat) here’s a mind de-stressing exercise that only takes 3-5 minutes:

1. Sit in a quiet place (i.e. ‘ your room, the basement, your car, or even your bathroom if you must)

2. Close your eyes and take a deep breathe from your diaphragm

3. Now, imagine you’re on the beach (or another place you enjoy) and having fun

4. Picture in your mind what you’re doing to have fun. Are you swimming in the ocean with your kids? Are you catching some rays, while listening to your favorite music on your iPod? Are you fishing off the pier kicking back a cold one (ignore the fat loss goal if you’re doing this)?

5. Breathe in that fun and SMILE, while you continue to breathe deeply

6. Open your eyes and become aware of how you feel

So, take it easy today and let the stress in your life slide off you like water off a duck’s back. Trust me…you’ll enjoy the day more, get a lot more accomplished, and even burn more fat.

Create a video blog

Stress – Types, Causes and Treatment

December 23rd, 2010
Michael Russell asked:




Stress is an unavoidable aspect of everyday life. Every person suffers from one form of stress or another at some point in their lives. The word “stress” is often associated with bad feelings, depression and fatigue. What many are not aware of is that there are good forms of stress, as well as bad. Stress can make one more productive, or it can cause sleeplessness, irritability and anxiety.

Eustress is the kind of stress felt before a big event, after winning a trophy, or in anticipation of a big promotion. This type of stress never lasts long, but the effects of this type of stress are positive rather than negative. Eustress gives us strength when we need it most. Most people do not regard that anxious anticipation as a form of “stress”, but that is exactly what it is. Eustress is a positive stress. It gives us strength, motivation and inspiration.

The most common form of stress is called acute stress. In moderation, this form of stress can be exciting. Many people feel this type of stress before an important event. However, too much of this stress can be exhausting. This stress is brought on by the pressure of everyday life, be it a report to do in a short time, or an exciting event just past. Too much of this type of stress can cause very discomforting symptoms, such as tension headaches, nausea, anxiety, irritability and depression. Most people can recognize these symptoms of stress by just taking the time to look at how hectic their life has been lately. This type of stress is easily manageable and usually results in no serious long-term affects.

Chronic stress is possibly the most dangerous type of stress, along with post-traumatic stress disorder. Chronic stress is also a common illness and is often crippling to the mind and body. Unlike acute stress, chronic stress is long lasting. This type of stress can continue affecting lives for weeks, months, even years. People suffering from chronic stress think negatively about almost everything. They often believe that disaster waits around every corner. Nothing good ever lasts very long and there seems to be no end in sight for the bad. Individuals suffering from chronic stress often lose hope and stop trying to find a solution for their problem.

Individuals suffering from chronic stress often learn to live with it. They get used to feeling horrible all the time. Chronic stress becomes almost comfortable and sometimes unnoticeable. Chronic stress, if not properly treated, can become fatal. Health risks caused from chronic stress include heart attack, stroke and maybe even cancer. Some people suffering from chronic stress resort to taking their own lives. Often, in order for the symptoms of chronic stress to be controlled, medical treatment is needed, as well as psychiatric treatment.

Sometimes stress can be decreased by making simple changes in our everyday lives. Other times, extensive psychotherapy is necessary to treat the symptoms. Set back some “alone time” to unwind. Read a book, listen to music, or just take some deep, soothing breaths every day. Many people have found that setting aside time for themselves has increased the overall quality of life. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to allow your body to recuperate after a busy day. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and be sure to get enough exercise. This will give you more energy and help heighten your mood. If you feel that changing your lifestyle will not suffice and that you need more help, talk to a health professional.

Kansieo.com

Coping With Stress – Biofeedback: Self-Mastery Beyond Pills

December 9th, 2010
UCtelevision asked:


Stress is ubiquitous and on the rise. How we learn to manage it can have profound effects on our health and well being. This series explains how our bodies experience stress and demonstrates effective strategies to help you thrive in a fast-paced world. On this edition, Richard Harvey discusses strategies to reduce stress beyond medication. Series: “UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public” [3/2008] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 13720]

Caffeinated Content

Stress Relief in the Workplace

December 1st, 2010
Dr Jeff Bailey asked:




There is little doubt that workplace stress is a major source of illness for many employees and team leaders. Consider if you have had a stressful meeting. There are complaints, criticism, snide attacks, gossip, and unfounded complaints and so on. You feel you are the constant target for everyone you work with. You rush to defend yourself and this only adds to the tension as people believe their concerns and complaints are not being addressed receptively.

You find it hard to believe that what they are saying is fair, reasonable, or even truthful. But the reality is that they are not happy with your work performance, your behavior in the workplace, or, if you are an executive, your leadership skills. The challenge for you is to quietly process this material to determine whether there are reasonable grounds for the complaints. So, you listen to what is being said; you work hard to understand their point of view; you examine your past practices to see if there is evidence that you have failed to provide the leadership or the services. In short, you do a very careful analysis of the situation. This is one very good way to get at the ‘truth’ and to reduce your tension.

You might still feel anxious, upset, angry, frustrated, put upon and downright disgusted but you have made the first steps in trying to appraise the situation rationally and logically. But wait – what about your emotions? Must you try to do everything calmly and rationally and unemotionally? No. You own your emotions; confront them. Be relaxed about feeling upset. Validate your feelings but also validate the feelings of others. This is the first step to unraveling the reality of the stressor.

From a psychological point of view, you examine and reframe the issues, you don’t suppress your feelings but you add a touch of informed neutrality, you confront the issue and you try to enter the ‘phenomenal’ space of the other person. All of these strategies provide a sound framework to begin to deal positively and proactively with the issue as well as the stress and tension that has been created. Now you are ready to engage in the action part of the situation.

Engage in a positive conflict resolution moment. Try to understand the concerns of others. Be prepared to paraphrase what others say so that you understand exactly what they mean. Don’t be afraid to engage in ‘perceptual’ or emotional checks to see how people are feeling. Ask open ended questions. Listen for action. Plan to forgive. Develop an action plan and implement the new accord.

All of this sounds so easy doesn’t it – but it isn’t. It can be a stressful and frustrating process. You will vacillate between feeling positive and negative. You will be angry and hurt but you have to overcome the negative feelings and move towards a reasonable agreement. These strategies do a great deal to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress relief by careful management of the situation can prove to be a winner in the short term and the long term. Deal with and manage your stress effectively and as calmly as possible. After all, who needs high blood pressure and an unhealthy cardiac response! Is the stress issue really worth that much?

Create a video blog…instantly.

“no stress” – Laurent Wolf

November 30th, 2010
alextouf asked:


vla un gro cou de coeur!!

Caffeinated Content

Laurent Wolf – No Stress (Official Music Video)

November 27th, 2010
armadamusic asked:


Download: clk.tradedoubler.com French top producer Laurent Wolf brought in the ultimate track to spin the sunny days! No Stress has hit the Dutch airwaves, and was declared the official Dance Smash anthem for a week on national number 1 station Radio 538. After being the best selling and most played song in France for weeks and entering the top 10 charts in Belgium and Switzerland, Holland was taken over by Laurents massive summer song.

Caffeinated Content

Stress Management Consultants

November 17th, 2010
Elizabeth Morgan asked:




Medical centers and clinics provide quality service by experienced stress management consultants. Stress management consultants serve individuals, organizations, public agencies, small businesses and insurance companies. The aim of the consultants is to give advice, support and guidance on stress management. Stress management consultants conduct individual programs and organizational stress management programs and executive stress programs. These programs include stress prevention, stress management, managing performance and risk assessment.

Various corporate offices conduct stress management programs for their employees. Consultants act as mediators between the management and employees. In this program, consultants collect referrals of employees from personnel departments. This data is also used in the treatment of stress related symptoms and problems. Consultants develop an on-going stress management program for employees. They also conduct training programs in stress management for organizations and implement effective stress management strategies.

Stress management consultants organize stress management lectures and conferences for individuals and groups. They assess the individuals or groups and determine the need for stress management services. They discuss with individuals to determine stress related problems. The consultants treat stress related conditions like migraine, headaches, hypertension, alcohol or drug abuse and muscle problems. The aim of individual consultation is to improve memory, performance, concentration and immunity.

Executive programs offered by consultants include presentations, seminars and stress management workshops. They conduct training seminars from one week to six weeks. The seminar program includes introduction of stress, strategies, awareness and a personal stress management program. Objectives of the seminar include better performance, increased efficiency, improved morale and greater productivity.

Stress management consultants also conduct structured professional development programs for health care professionals. They conduct employee assistance programs which consist of professional counseling and consultation services. Some consultants organize specialized seminars that include nutrition programs, exercise programs and sleep programs. Some stress management consultants also provide advice on workers’ compensation claims.

Create a video blog…instantly.

Stress

November 10th, 2010
chazreinhold asked:


Office Stress

Caffeinated Content

Stress Management – The Secret to Avoiding Stress and Preventing Anxiety

October 31st, 2010
Rachel Ford asked:




We spend loads of money on stress management books and conferences. We learn how to reduce our anxiety with yoga, meditation, soothing music and medication. But, we don’t often learn how to prevent it.

When was the last time that you intentionally bought a house that was $100,000 under the amount that you were approved? Or didn’t fill up your entire plate with food? Or drove 5 miles under the speed limit — on purpose? We don’t do “margins” well. We usually go right to the edge, take up all the space available, schedule every minute, and allocate every dollar.

Margins are a key component to stress prevention.

The definition of “margin” is space. White space. Something that is left un-filled. Webster’s Dictionary partially defines it as “an amount allowed or available beyond what is actually necessary: to allow a margin for error.”

Here are four great ways for you to start to add margin into your life, and in doing so prevent tension and anxiety from accumulating in your life:

Be content. It is a choice. Really. Contrary to popular belief, you can simply choose to be satisfied with what you have. The less you spend on things, the more you can spend getting rid of current financial obligations (yes….breathe a sigh of relief). It is not a requirement to use up all the available credit on the Visa. And in case no one ever mentioned it, you are allowed to leave some money just sitting there in your account. Not doing a thing. Not even “working for you” (and adding the constant worry of watching the stock market ticker on CNN like a cat about to pounce). Having more money does not always prevent tension, but having more financial margin almost always does.

Let work help you live your life. Does it really pay to work the extra 10 hours this week? Does work consume your life or help you live your life? Having you life in balance is essential in preventing anxiety and creating peace of mind.

Remain true to your own values. If you want to fill your life with anxiety, concerns and responsibilities that really don’t belong to you, just say yes to everyone and every request that comes your way. Don’t protect yourself, your time, or your values. Care more about pleasing people than about loving people (sometimes to truly love, you need to say “no”). Do this, and you will have plenty of stress to manage. Learning to say “no” will change your life.

Take things one at a time. We all go through times when everything seems to pile up all at once. The car breaks down, your kid breaks his arm, the basement floods, and then to top it all off, you lose your job. When this happens, you can choose to be overwhelmed, or you can choose (there’s that word again) to take everything in chunks. Deal with just one thing for now. Dealing with things this way will definitely make your life easier and prevent stress.

stress