Meditation or Medication Thriving on STRESS

Meditation (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You can avoid taking medications to manage stress by learning to meditate on a daily schedule.

How can meditation help me develop new skills to thrive on stress successfully?

Meditation can help you develop new skills to thriving on stress as a guide for relaxation. Everyone has stress in their lives and there is no way to get around it. The world is turning very fast piling things on our shoulders all the time. We deal with stress at the workplace, health issues, and daily living in the home. Learn to meditate daily to reduce your risks of taking medications to manage your health.

Learning new skills in meditation will require you to make a few changes in how you live your life in general. Before you can learn to thrive with stress in making life easier, you need to do some digging.

With meditation, you need to think positive and decide what is causing you so much stress and what can you do about them. Is your stress caused by things that you can eliminate or is it life in general?  

Write down what is bothering you and how you’re going to make changes to overcome them. When writing your stressor on paper and what you’re going to do will get them out in the open to seem more alive.

With learn meditation skills and practice it will help you make better decisions. Meditation will help you to relax and focus on thriving on stress. Repeating you list and decisions will program your brain to think positive by keeping the negative thoughts from jumping in. 

If you’re worried about trying to meet a deadline focusing on what needs to be done to make things go more smoothly. Meeting deadlines are sometimes scary when things are not going right. Learn to focus and try forgetting about other things that need to be done tomorrow or the next day. When you are focusing on one certain task, you will be using meditation skills. You can meditate anywhere or anywhere by focusing.

Meditation will help you make better decisions by helping you relax for a better night of sleep. We need relaxation to have the energy in making good decisions. Without energy, it makes success almost impossible. Meditating in the bathtub is a good way to relax after a long stressful day.

Get yourself some candles and set them around the area where your tub is located. Turn on the boom box with low soft relaxing music. Light the candle and turn off the lights before climbing in for relaxation. While you’re in the tub, use your imagination and think about somewhere, off in never land. Let yourself feel the breeze and hear the birds to relieve stress with your meditation skills and imagination. 

When you get out of the tub, do some pampering to yourself like putting on lotion and doing a manicure on your nails.  Taking time out to meditate and for some pampering, you’ll sleep like a baby. Waking up the next morning will be easy because you had a good restful night of sleep. You will be eager to face a fresh new day and make better decisions for thriving on stress.

Learn to thrive on stress and be successful before it takes over your life.  Letting stress be in control will drain you of energy and bring poor health. Stress is the most common reason for many illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and depression. Become happy and healthier by learning meditation skills to thrive on stress and be successful. Cogitation in a guide to thriving on stress will help you manage your life.

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Avoid the Avoiding Habit and Find More Time and Less STRESS

Procrastination can creep in and easily become a habit. Once it does, it erodes your capacity to function effectively. But it can be a hard habit to break. However, with some honest self-assessment and an organized and attainable plan of attack, it can be overcome successfully.

Be gentle with yourself when you decide to try and kick the procrastination habit. It may be so ingrained that you don't fully recognize all the ways you actually procrastinate. Start out by taking a large or complicated task and breaking it down into smaller parts that you can accomplish easier. It's important to bear in mind that the most difficult or complex tasks are simply just a series of smaller jobs.

Make a verbal commitment to someone else about improving your time management skills and your desire to avoid procrastinating. Allow others to become involved in your efforts by reviewing your progress, helping you set deadlines or evaluating your results can be very helpful. This will most likely create a commitment on your part to fulfill the expectations they've set for you.

Sit down and map out a plan to manage your time more effectively. When a deadline is looming, make sure you allow time each day to work on the project so it doesn't sneak up on you in the final hours or days. Learn to ask for help when you're feeling overwhelmed or overworked.

Reward yourself for good behavior and accomplished goals. Don't wait until you've accomplished the ultimate goal, but reward yourself for your successes along the way. Make sure the reward is something you like to do. Treat yourself to the newest book by your favorite author and take the time to read it. Indulge in bubble baths or relaxing music. If you've gotten into the habit of working late, make sure you develop a new habit of going home on time each night.

By making a commitment to avoid the avoiding habit, you'll soon be well on your way to finding more time and find yourself more relaxed and productive and less stressed in the process.

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Dementia, Colloidal Gold The Memory Loss Tonic & Stress Relief Too

Dementia - Photo: Pixabay

Dementia is spreading like a disease. If you find yourself laughing about your memory loss and excusing it with your age…maybe the solution is truly golden…

Colloidal = a solid (in this case gold) of minute particles, that remain in suspension in a surrounding liquid (in this case de-ionized water).

Gold has always been the prize of desire, but now the elixir of choice? We know that this precious metal has been a primary building block of the body. Very little research is underway to find how such a crucial metal in our body is being lost and not constantly replenished.

Europeans have long used colloidal gold as a supplement in their diet to replenish this key element of the body. In using colloidal gold as a supplement, arthritis sufferers noticed reduced swelling and pain. In some cases, the pain was eliminated entirely. Extensive European studies and use showed that stress levels were controlled and that depression and anxiety faded away while patients diets were supplemented with colloidal gold.

The overseas reports conclude that colloidal gold has a most positive effect on the nerve structure and brain. Gold is one of the best conductors of electricity, it isn’t at all surprising that the supplementing of gold to a body that is gold depleted, would improve the overall function of the nervous system including an improved memory and quicker thought processes.

Memory loss comes with age and is joked about by the “50 and over” crowd. However, memory loss is temporary and can be improved. Mental exercises, diet, and supplements have shown that memory loss can be avoided or reversed and in most cases improved.

Dementia can be caused by several factors such as stroke, circulation, Alzheimer’s and more but the common thread is poor conductivity in the brain. Dementia and memory loss are treatable. Most sufferers don’t or cannot help themselves. If dementia is left untreated, memory loss worsens. As dementia escalates in an individual, their plight becomes the families’ everyday responsibility to care for an adult as if they were a very small child. Dementia affects the caretaker in ways greater than the patient.

Gold has long been known to promote healthier skin, reduce the healing time of burns and clear up skin ulcers. For many years the Europeans have used colloidal gold to combat alcohol addiction. Again memory loss due to alcohol abuse affects the brain and a gold supplement would be the obvious choice.

Colloidal trace minerals derived from plant material are the easiest absorbed of all minerals. Single colloidal minerals such as silver, gold, and platinum can be electrically reduced to a size that is readily assimilated into the bloodstream.

This all-natural ingredient of our body is not replenished by the foods we eat. Our alternative is to seek out colloidal gold and other trace minerals to keep the required levels for a healthy body.

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Your Brain's Response To Acute STRESS!

A gel-filled stress ball. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

The events that provoke stress are called stressors, and they cover a whole range of situations - everything from outright physical danger to making a class presentation or taking a semester's worth of your toughest subject.

Stress and the way we think

Particularly in normal working life, much of our stress is subtle and occurs without obvious threat to survival. Most come from things like work overload, conflicting priorities, inconsistent values, over-challenging deadlines, conflict with co-workers, unpleasant environments and so on. Not only do these reduce our performance as we divert mental effort into handling them, they can also cause a great deal of unhappiness.

What is the effect of acute stress?

The best way to envision the effect of acute stress is to imagine oneself in a primitive situation, such as being chased by a bear.

The Brain's Response to Acute Stress

In response to seeing the bear, a part of the brain called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system is activated.

The release of Steroid Hormones. The HPA systems trigger the production and release of steroid hormones ( glucocorticoids), including the primary stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is very important in marshaling systems throughout the body (including the heart, lungs, circulation, metabolism, immune systems, and skin) to deal quickly with the bear.

The release of Catecholamines. The HPA system also releases certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) called catecholamines, particularly those known as known as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (also called adrenaline).

What is a Stress Ball?

What if we told you that it’s possible to work out and relieve stress at the same time? And that it’s easy, requires little concentration and won’t cause you to break a sweat? Or that by consistently using this hand-held object, you will notice an increase in strength?

Well, it is a stress ball! So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a stress ball today!

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How do STRESS BALLS work?

A gel-filled stress ball
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Stress is an inescapable fact our lives and can manifest itself regardless of one’s age, gender, or lifestyle. It affects our rational thinking capabilities and prevents us from enjoying our natural disposition, which is to be happy.

There are many stress relieving techniques that have evolved over time; these include yoga, aerobics, and even comedy clubs. These techniques, although effective, have the drawback in that they are all time-consuming, require a schedule, and can be carried out only in certain places.

An excellent alternative to these stress relieving techniques is the stress ball (or stress relief ball). These palm-sized balls come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are recommended as stress busters by various health organizations and fitness centers. They are made from high-density foam, soft rubber, or squeezable polyurethane and squeezing these balls has many therapeutic benefits. Stress balls can be filled with gel and can be given different cheerful shapes such as colorful beans and animals. Their textures can be spiny, smooth, fuzzy, or rough.

Since all materials used in the manufacture of stress balls are non-toxic, the stress balls are safe for use. Patients suffering from arthritis and nerve disorders can also benefit from stress balls. A few quick squeezes of a stress ball helps in improving blood circulation to the hands and are a great way of rejuvenating tired hands.

Stress balls, if used at the end of a hard day’s work, have a calming effect, foster relaxation, and help in regaining energy lost during the course of a hectic day. A great plus with stress balls is that they have absolutely no side effects and can be used by individuals in any age group. Consistent use of this simple therapy can prevent stress-related ailments from getting aggravated. Keeping this fact in mind, several health centers are incorporating stress balls in their stress treatment routines. It is not uncommon for stress balls to be distributed during meetings and seminars. Corporates are recognizing the value stress balls as effective stress-management tools.

Stress balls are easily customizable; they can be manufactured according to different size specifications and can be imprinted with the user’s name. These attributes have contributed to the popularity of stress balls. Stress balls are also ideal gifts to be given during corporate seminars.

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ANGER -- Lose Your Cool and Look Like a Fool

I recently witnessed a scene in a mall parking lot that has had a lasting effect on me - it was two middle-aged women arguing over a parking spot. They were both standing beside their cars and screaming at each other while waving their arms in a threatening manner. The argument eventually became a name-calling competition, with each trying to outdo the other. The sad thing was that the store wasn’t busy and there were plenty of empty spaces available. Their arguing became so heated that other shoppers began stopping to watch the spectacle. Meanwhile, the women’s children sat in their cars and witnessed the whole scene. How proud those kids must be!

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fact is that everybody gets angry. Whether it is at a family member, a co-worker or the stranger who took our parking spot, we all get angry. The problem with getting angry is that there is only a slim chance that it might solve the problem, but a much greater chance it’ll create new ones.

Anger is really us losing control and when we lose control bad things usually happen. At home it can mean a damaged relationship, in public it can mean a confrontation with a stranger, and at work it can mean getting fired or skipped over for promotion. Samaria Maxamus said, “Anger itself does more harm than the condition that caused it.” If you can’t remember that, try: Anger is only 1 letter away from danger!

Let’s be honest here, just like the two women in the parking lot, most of us can look and act pretty foolishly when we’re angry - usually saying and doing things we’ll later regret. Getting angry is a lot like being drunk, the intoxicated person is the only one who doesn’t realize he has a problem.

What makes anger so dangerous is that it can occur so quickly we’ve lost control before we even realize it. The only way to minimize the damage is to gain back control.

Before we can begin to diminish our anger we first have to understand what causes anger. There is really only one reason why we get angry and that is because someone didn’t act the way we wanted them to. Interesting, isn’t it? Anger is not an action, but how we respond to another’s action. Getting angry is letting someone else control you.

When was the last time something good came out of you getting angry? Benjamin Franklin said, “Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.” The next time you find yourself getting angry, try and take a moment to ask yourself these questions: Is winning this argument really worth ruining the relationship? How important will this be a year from now? A month from now? A day or even an hour from now?

The moment you take back control you’ll lose the anger. Don’t let someone else control how you feel.

Who really suffers when you get anger? The Buddha said, “Holding on to anger is like holding on to a red-hot coal, you’re the only one who’s going to get burned.”

Why is it that when we hurt ourselves physically we learn not to do it again, but when we hurt ourselves emotionally we repeat the same action over and over? No one benefits from anger.

The best way to end an argument is to bite your tongue. That’s not admitting fault, it’s controlling the anger. Take back control. Besides, even if you win the argument, you still can’t enjoy the present if you’re angry about the past.

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A Stress-free Guide to Managing ANXIETY

Anxiety is a condition that is neither welcome nor enjoyable. This condition can effectively reduce a person’s productivity and ability to cope with various situations. Add to that the fact that periods of anxiety are uncomfortable and bring with it a host of nervous illnesses – palpitations, cold flushes, clammy hands, and a boiling sense of dread in the pit of the stomach among others.

While it has been the subject of many studies and researches, scientists are agreed that anxiety is still not fully understood even today. However, as a result of their researches, they have been able to help people effectively manage and avoid anxiety.

1. Avoid Stress – Stress is the greatest predisposing factor to anxiety attacks. If one is to avoid any anxiety-related illness, that person should reduce the amount of stressors experienced per day. 

While not completely avoidable, one can at least create an environment where stress plays a lesser role on they body. Make sure you put the stressors that can be avoided away from your immediate vicinity. You could try lounging in an area that is peaceful and quiet. 

You will be surprised at what a good five minutes of relaxation can do for a stressed-out body. You could also come up with good coping mechanisms for stress related issues. You could listen to soothing music, meditate, and do other relaxing activities.

2. Avoid Drinking and Other Substances – Studies have shown that various substances can predispose one to bouts of anxiety. These substances play around with the normal balance of chemicals in the brain, effectively increasing the chance one acquires anxiety illness.

While some people drink or take drugs to soothe their nerves it actually has a counter-effect that will discourage those that do so. Drugs for example can increase the release of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. 

Dopamine is a chemical that is associated with pleasure in the body. While activities such as sex and eating good food increase dopamine release anywhere from two to three times, drugs haywire the brain and cause an increase in dopamine anywhere from four to ten times. 

While this may seem like a good thing for some people, this sudden and unwarranted increase in dopamine can actually cause havoc to the chemical balance of the brain. And while it makes those that take them giddy for some time, when a person’s high wears off, the sudden loss of dopamine will induce a great amount of depression, stress, and anxiety.

3. Sleep Right – People need the right amount of sleep to retain a calm, restive demeanor. If you have noticed, you are usually a lot crankier and anxious the day after you pull an all-nighter. This is because sleep is a necessity for good health – physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Not only is the amount of sleep important, but the regular schedule for it as well. If possible keep your sleep patterns regular, as an irregular pattern can cause an undue amount of stress and anxiety.

4. Eat Right – The body needs certain nutrients to keep itself healthy. Not only does it need these nutrients for energy and building processes, it also needs certain nutrients to keep the chemical balance in the body at normal rates. 

This makes the intake of healthy food important. The intake of the right kind of food is integral to the health and well-being of any person. Anxiety is, as studies have shown, directly related to diet.

Avoid taking food substances that can alter your body chemistry in the wrong way. Coffee and alcohol are some of the food stuffs that can play with one’s chemical balance and cause anxiety as well.

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STRESS MANAGEMENT Therapy: Key To Better Life

Effects of stress on the body. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When a person is a little stressed, his body reacts and responds in situations instinctively and efficiently. But this can only be true to small dose of stress. When the dose arises, stress becomes unhealthy. It inhibits the person to perform well. With little stress, the body is pushed to work hard. This is in a positive way. While when the body is over stressed, the response is negative.

A person who is stressed out can’t perform normally. His body reacts differently in situations. Stress can even lead to body disorders and illnesses. Because the normal functioning of the body is affected, the person isn’t able to use his natural instincts when facing a situation. He becomes less creative and less efficient.

Battling Stress

Stress can make your life miserable so before it gets worse, you must battle it. The best way to combat stress is the use of stress management therapy. What is a Stress Management Therapy? This refers to the various strategies used by stress specialists and doctors to help people who are stressed out. The goal of stress management therapy is to help a person live life healthfully and stress free.

Why do you need to combat stress? Stress affects the whole personality of a person. It affects a person’s mental ability and sound judgement. It puts his social, emotional, spiritual and physical life in jeopardy. Worst, it can lead to serious health problems like phobias, heart problems and high blood pressure.

Stress management therapy makes sure that you don’t get these negative effects of stress. Generally, stress management therapy involves relaxation, counselling, exercises, yoga, meditation, and time management therapies. The key to combat stress is to manage it. If you can balance your needs and your abilities, there will be less room for stress.

Identification Of Stress

Before you can even start managing stress, you should first identify the factors that trigger stress. The stress management therapy will be based on your stress factor. The therapy will be designed according to your own needs.

Once the stress triggering factors are identified, measures will be taken to help the individual in facing the same circumstances. The stress management therapy may totally eliminate the factor that causes stress or if not, reduce it to a more tolerable level.

Stress management therapy is vital especially today where everywhere there seems to be a tough competition. This makes us want to get the best and thus, we become stressed. Through a stress management therapy, you will be able to enjoy life the stress free way!

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