Coping With Stress- 3 Simple Steps

by: Cecil McIntosh

Coping With Stress - 3 Simple Steps

Attack and conquer deadly killer stress.

In the 14 years of teaching relaxation/meditation most people have admitted that stress is an issue they have ignored.

You ignore stress because it does not attack you like a big bang. Stress gradually creeps up on you like a can of worms and only becomes evident when the "worms" of aches and pains in your body become unbearable or exposed.

You can attack killer stress using 3 basic steps.

Step #1 You need to start your day in a stress free natural state. A stress free natural state means that your cells have
recharge and you are experiencing a wonderful flow of energy.

A stress free state does not include coffee, alcohol, smoking or pain killers in order to experience relaxation.

A natural stress free state is having the awesome feeling of relaxation by habitually practicing to relax. This practice also
helps you conquer killer stress.

You can use mantras, guided meditation,affirmations, soothing music or anchoring. The purpose of the natural stress free state is to prepare the mind and body for the onslaught of stress
attacks that you will be faced with during the day.

Relaxation soothes the soul (especially in these busy times) and it helps you brace the fall of nerve-shattering killer stress.

Step #2 Just imagine you wrote a 500 word sentence with one period. The sentence would make no sense at all. Therefore you
need to let go of your stress by punctuating the sentence.

Your life needs to be regularly punctuated in order to attack killer stress. This means that you need to take a quiet break at
lunch time and do another relaxation exercise.
Yes I have heard all kinds of excuse over the years, but when you take the time (to do a relaxation exercise at lunch time) you
will be amazed at the profound results. Killer stress will be neutralized.

Step #3 Let's assume you have difficulty with Step #2, then Step #3 can become your powerful rescuer.

Again at the end of the day you need to quietly punctuate the sentence of your life. Going nonstop all day without punctuation creates all kind of stress. It also exposes your vulneralility to killer stress.

Step #3 simply states that you separate work from home by doing a relaxation exercise before going home.

The purpose of this exercise is to help you knock out killer stress. This allows you to recharge your energies so that you can
spend time with your friends, family and or love ones.

One simple relaxation exercise is listening to whatever music you consider soothing. This has to be done either before you enter
the house or the first thing you do after entering the house.

If you are self employed or work from home then you need to make the necessary adjustments as when to do the relaxation exercises.

In summary you need to relax three time a day in order to knock out deadly killer stress.
Step #1 reminds you do a relaxation exercise in the morning to recharge your energies and prepare for the attacks of deadly killer stress.

Step #2 reminds you that you need to punctuate your life with relaxation exercise at lunch time in order to attack deadly killer stress.

Step #3 helps you separate work from home so that you can attack and conquer deadly killer stress and enjoy a life other than
work.This means that you can stop and smell the roses.

About the author:
Cecil McIntosh provides Relaxation Resources, that will turbo
charge your health, business and wealth. To receive your free 7 day Relaxation course. visit this site now:
http://www.emptyyourcup.com

Share

Beat stress and be healthy!

by: Peter Sachford

Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can get on top of us and effect our wellbeing. What most people don't realise is that stress can effect much more than just our mood or mental state. Stress has been shown to have a detrimental effect on many parts of our body and indeed peoples health in general.

Stress is one of the most widespread afflictions in modern life - everyone suffers from it in their day to day lives.
Its because of this that most people don't recognise stress for what it is until it is effecting their mental and physical health in a negative way. Most people don't realise they are stressed until it becomes a major issue for them.

Of course some of the effects that stress has effect us on a mental level but it can have an effect all over the body.
High blood pressure and heart rate have both been linked to stress so if you find your blood pressure is too high a lot of the time then you should act to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life. This can reduce your health problems and leave you happier and more content.

There is no such thing as a safe level of stress, obviously we will all have stress in our lives but decreasing the stress you experience every day will always have positive effects in your life. Considering the health implications of prolonged stress it is better to actively act to cut down the stress that you experience in your life.

Reducing your stress is not difficult, a little time spent planning how to change your life can make a huge difference.
A small effort will go a long way to making you feel better about yourself and others.

The first thing that you should do is to sit down and make a list of all the things that are causing you to be stressed out. It doesn't matter whether or not you think something should be stressful - write down anything that genuinely is stressful to you. Then, go through the list again and see which things you can eliminate from your life.

Of course you won't be able to eliminate everything that causes you stress - you will probably still have to go work, and deal with people you find difficult. The important thing is that there will be several items on your list that you can take steps to avoid and eventually eliminate from your life or at least cope better with.

One of the key ways to reduce stress is also one of the simplest - relax! Relaxation time is extremely important in your day - a time to unwind and forget all the stress of your day. You should schedule your relaxation time and let nothing interrupt it, it is as important to your health as exercise in avoiding the negative effects of stress.

Exercise is another excellent way to defeat stress. Exercise will clear your head, make you feel better, and more confident. It is also excellent for your general health so make exercise a part of your day also.

If you start working on stress reduction, you should start seeing improvements in your health right away. Also, even if you are not noticing that your health is improving right away, you should still feel confident that it is - the more relaxed you are, the better you should feel. Start working on stress reduction today, and have a healthier life tomorrow!

About the author:
Peter Sachford is the owner and operator of FP Health which is a popular and extensive resource for health information.
For more information, go to:
http://www.fphealth.com

Share

How to Cope With Stress and Anxiety

by: Trevor Dumbleton

Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world is stress and anxiety. With worries about work, the environment, the economy, natural disasters, terrorism, and the general state of the world, it seems that there is no end to the number of things to worry about. Though we cannot control many of these things, they still weigh on our minds and cause us stress and anxiety. However, despite these concerns, we should try to avoid stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are, at their hearts, mental problems. They are conditions in which the mind is racing and constantly circling around certain concerns. The concerns may be seemingly mundane, but the concerns keep recurring until they push out all the other thoughts in the brain and create their own towering mass of worry. And this tower is, in itself self-propagating simply because stress and anxiety tend to create themselves because stress and anxiety cause the mind to condition itself to stress and anxiety.

There is research to suggest that the mind gets used to stress and anxiety and, once it is conditioned, it will quickly return to stress and anxiety. In fact, there is some evidence that shows that stress conditioning may actually begin when we are too young to do anything about it. Children who face a great deal of stress will find their minds altered such that they will quickly return to a state of stress at the slightest provocation. It is almost as though the mind misses the state of stress and anxiety and wants to return to it once it has found the state.

Unfortunately, this creates serious problems not only for the mind, but also the body. Stress and anxiety put a great many demands on the human body. It causes headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers, sleep problems, immune system deficiencies and can even swell the joints, which can cause severe problems with conditions such as arthritis. As well, stress and anxiety can result in depression, memory problems, and even alcohol and drug abuse for those who suffer from stress and anxiety regularly. Thus, stress and anxiety are not merely problems of the mind, but they are problems of the mind that can cause problems in the body. The mind does, in surprising ways, control the body. And a mind that is overly taxed can lead to a body that is overly taxed.

Thus, you must understand that you can also control your mind. Stress and anxiety do not need to take over your mind. In fact, you can control how your mind responds to the problems that arise in life.

Remember that you can decide not to be stressed. You do not have to be anxious. You can change your mind and let things slide away. Yes, there are many things in this world to worry about. However, worrying about them will not change many aspects of the modern world. Constantly thinking about work, the environment, the economy, or politics will not change them. Instead, resolve to change things that you can change and do not worry about what you cannot control.

The thing to keep in mind is a sense of perspective. Yes, work is stressful, but do you need to worry about being attacked by a lion when you leave the office? When you go shopping for groceries, do you need to think about whether there will be a pack of marauding barbarians in the produce section? Hopefully, the answer is, "No." Thus, you do not have the same concerns as our forebears and you should keep that in mind. Life is pretty safe these days and the so-called "Age of Stress" is entirely of our own creation. We are stressed about things that we decide to be stressed about. And the things that we are stressed about really aren't that important in the long-run scheme of things.

Stress and anxiety are, seemingly, enough to worry about on their own. So don't fall into the trap of keeping them going. Keep life in perspective, keep yourself on an even keel and remember that you can control your own mind. If you can manage to do that, stress and anxiety to not need to take over your life.

About the author:
LowerYourStress.com is a categorized resource directory for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: http://www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html

Share

Coping With Stress- 3 Simple Steps

by: Cecil McIntosh

Coping With Stress - 3 Simple Steps

Attack and conquer deadly killer stress.

In the 14 years of teaching relaxation/meditation most people have admitted that stress is an issue they have ignored.

You ignore stress because it does not attack you like a big bang. Stress gradually creeps up on you like a can of worms and only becomes evident when the "worms" of aches and pains in your body become unbearable or exposed.

You can attack killer stress using 3 basic steps.

Step #1 You need to start your day in a stress free natural state. A stress free natural state means that your cells have
recharge and you are experiencing a wonderful flow of energy.

A stress free state does not include coffee, alcohol, smoking or pain killers in order to experience relaxation.

A natural stress free state is having the awesome feeling of relaxation by habitually practicing to relax. This practice also
helps you conquer killer stress.

You can use mantras, guided meditation,affirmations, soothing music or anchoring. The purpose of the natural stress free state is to prepare the mind and body for the onslaught of stress
attacks that you will be faced with during the day.

Relaxation soothes the soul (especially in these busy times) and it helps you brace the fall of nerve-shattering killer stress.

Step #2 Just imagine you wrote a 500 word sentence with one period. The sentence would make no sense at all. Therefore you
need to let go of your stress by punctuating the sentence.

Your life needs to be regularly punctuated in order to attack killer stress. This means that you need to take a quiet break at
lunch time and do another relaxation exercise.

Yes I have heard all kinds of excuse over the years, but when you take the time (to do a relaxation exercise at lunch time) you
will be amazed at the profound results. Killer stress will be neutralized.

Step #3 Let's assume you have difficulty with Step #2, then Step #3 can become your powerful rescuer.

Again at the end of the day you need to quietly punctuate the sentence of your life. Going nonstop all day without punctuation creates all kind of stress. It also exposes your vulneralility to killer stress.

Step #3 simply states that you separate work from home by doing a relaxation exercise before going home.

The purpose of this exercise is to help you knock out killer stress. This allows you to recharge your energies so that you can
spend time with your friends, family and or love ones.

One simple relaxation exercise is listening to whatever music you consider soothing. This has to be done either before you enter
the house or the first thing you do after entering the house.

If you are self employed or work from home then you need to make the necessary adjustments as when to do the relaxation exercises.

In summary you need to relax three time a day in order to knock out deadly killer stress.

Step #1 reminds you do a relaxation exercise in the morning to recharge your energies and prepare for the attacks of deadly killer stress.

Step #2 reminds you that you need to punctuate your life with relaxation exercise at lunch time in order to attack deadly killer stress.

Step #3 helps you separate work from home so that you can attack and conquer deadly killer stress and enjoy a life other than
work.This means that you can stop and smell the roses.

About the author:
Cecil McIntosh provides Relaxation Resources, that will turbo
charge your health, business and wealth. To receive your free 7 day Relaxation course. visit this site now:
http://www.emptyyourcup.com

Share

Beat stress and be healthy!

by: Peter Sachford

Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can get on top of us and effect our wellbeing. What most people don't realise is that stress can effect much more than just our mood or mental state. Stress has been shown to have a detrimental effect on many parts of our body and indeed peoples health in general.

Stress is one of the most widespread afflictions in modern life - everyone suffers from it in their day to day lives.
Its because of this that most people don't recognise stress for what it is until it is effecting their mental and physical health in a negative way. Most people don't realise they are stressed until it becomes a major issue for them.

Of course some of the effects that stress has effect us on a mental level but it can have an effect all over the body.
High blood pressure and heart rate have both been linked to stress so if you find your blood pressure is too high a lot of the time then you should act to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life. This can reduce your health problems and leave you happier and more content.

There is no such thing as a safe level of stress, obviously we will all have stress in our lives but decreasing the stress you experience every day will always have positive effects in your life. Considering the health implications of prolonged stress it is better to actively act to cut down the stress that you experience in your life.

Reducing your stress is not difficult, a little time spent planning how to change your life can make a huge difference.
A small effort will go a long way to making you feel better about yourself and others.

The first thing that you should do is to sit down and make a list of all the things that are causing you to be stressed out. It doesn't matter whether or not you think something should be stressful - write down anything that genuinely is stressful to you. Then, go through the list again and see which things you can eliminate from your life.

Of course you won't be able to eliminate everything that causes you stress - you will probably still have to go work, and deal with people you find difficult. The important thing is that there will be several items on your list that you can take steps to avoid and eventually eliminate from your life or at least cope better with.

One of the key ways to reduce stress is also one of the simplest - relax! Relaxation time is extremely important in your day - a time to unwind and forget all the stress of your day. You should schedule your relaxation time and let nothing interrupt it, it is as important to your health as exercise in avoiding the negative effects of stress.

Exercise is another excellent way to defeat stress. Exercise will clear your head, make you feel better, and more confident. It is also excellent for your general health so make exercise a part of your day also.

If you start working on stress reduction, you should start seeing improvements in your health right away. Also, even if you are not noticing that your health is improving right away, you should still feel confident that it is - the more relaxed you are, the better you should feel. Start working on stress reduction today, and have a healthier life tomorrow!

About the author:
Peter Sachford is the owner and operator of FP Health which is a popular and extensive resource for health information.
For more information, go to:
http://www.fphealth.com

Share

How to Cope With Stress and Anxiety

by: Trevor Dumbleton

Copyright 2005 Trevor Dumbleton

Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world is stress and anxiety. With worries about work, the environment, the economy, natural disasters, terrorism, and the general state of the world, it seems that there is no end to the number of things to worry about. Though we cannot control many of these things, they still weigh on our minds and cause us stress and anxiety. However, despite these concerns, we should try to avoid stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are, at their hearts, mental problems. They are conditions in which the mind is racing and constantly circling around certain concerns. The concerns may be seemingly mundane, but the concerns keep recurring until they push out all the other thoughts in the brain and create their own towering mass of worry. And this tower is, in itself self-propagating simply because stress and anxiety tend to create themselves because stress and anxiety cause the mind to condition itself to stress and anxiety.

There is research to suggest that the mind gets used to stress and anxiety and, once it is conditioned, it will quickly return to stress and anxiety. In fact, there is some evidence that shows that stress conditioning may actually begin when we are too young to do anything about it. Children who face a great deal of stress will find their minds altered such that they will quickly return to a state of stress at the slightest provocation. It is almost as though the mind misses the state of stress and anxiety and wants to return to it once it has found the state.

Unfortunately, this creates serious problems not only for the mind, but also the body. Stress and anxiety put a great many demands on the human body. It causes headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers, sleep problems, immune system deficiencies and can even swell the joints, which can cause severe problems with conditions such as arthritis. As well, stress and anxiety can result in depression, memory problems, and even alcohol and drug abuse for those who suffer from stress and anxiety regularly. Thus, stress and anxiety are not merely problems of the mind, but they are problems of the mind that can cause problems in the body. The mind does, in surprising ways, control the body. And a mind that is overly taxed can lead to a body that is overly taxed.

Thus, you must understand that you can also control your mind. Stress and anxiety do not need to take over your mind. In fact, you can control how your mind responds to the problems that arise in life.

Remember that you can decide not to be stressed. You do not have to be anxious. You can change your mind and let things slide away. Yes, there are many things in this world to worry about. However, worrying about them will not change many aspects of the modern world. Constantly thinking about work, the environment, the economy, or politics will not change them. Instead, resolve to change things that you can change and do not worry about what you cannot control.

The thing to keep in mind is a sense of perspective. Yes, work is stressful, but do you need to worry about being attacked by a lion when you leave the office? When you go shopping for groceries, do you need to think about whether there will be a pack of marauding barbarians in the produce section? Hopefully, the answer is, "No." Thus, you do not have the same concerns as our forebears and you should keep that in mind. Life is pretty safe these days and the so-called "Age of Stress" is entirely of our own creation. We are stressed about things that we decide to be stressed about. And the things that we are stressed about really aren't that important in the long-run scheme of things.

Stress and anxiety are, seemingly, enough to worry about on their own. So don't fall into the trap of keeping them going. Keep life in perspective, keep yourself on an even keel and remember that you can control your own mind. If you can manage to do that, stress and anxiety to not need to take over your life.

About the author:
LowerYourStress.com is a categorized resource directory for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: http://www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html

Share

Coping with Chronic Stress

by: Trevor Dumbleton

Copyright 2005 Trevor Dumbleton

There are some people who only get stress from time to time and there are others who suffer from chronic stress. Obviously, it is easier to deal with stress that only arises occasionally, while it is almost impossible to get away from chronic stress.

Chronic stress is a condition in which stress arrives routinely and can often stay for days, weeks, and even months at a time, leaving people almost unable to think about anything other than everything that there is to worry about . Unfortunately, the mere sense of worry is not the worst the worst of it. It also leaves people fatigued and unable to concentrate and it can lead to problems with memory and even leave people unable to sleep right. Then, in its worst forms, it can even lead to a complete nervous breakdown, leaving the sufferer incapable of doing anything.

On top of the mental symptoms, chronic stress also leads to a weakened immune system, leaving a person vulnerable to disease. Then, if left unchecked, chronic stress will cause high blood pressure, coronary disease and even strokes. This is because stress tends to elevate the blood pressure, which is very dangerous if it continues too long. And as the heart continues to pump too quickly, it will swell up and eventually break down. Also, stress tells the body to create more platelets, which are designed to stop bleeding in cuts. Unfortunately, these can also lead to blood clots, such as those that cause hearts attacks and strokes. Thus, chronic stress can have serious repercussions on a person's physical health.

One source of chronic stress can actually be post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a syndrome in which the person has had some sort of sudden, severe stress that has shocked the mind so fiercely that it is incapable of moving beyond that moment. In fact, there is research showing that a severe shock to the system can actually change the chemistry of the brain so that it is becomes suddenly accustomed to stress and it actually desires to stay in a state of stress. Thus, instead of moving beyond a severe shock, the brain is stuck in it and it is almost addicted to the sense of stress. Thus, rather than finding a way to come to grips with the problem, the brain is actually trying to return to it so that it can feel that shock again. This may seem to be counterintuitive, since the stress is usually a very unpleasant one, but the sudden rush of chemicals to the brain is not unlike using a drug. And, after that experience, the brain wants more of those chemicals in order to get its "fix".

However, a sudden shock is not the only source of chronic stress. In fact, chronic stress can also result from a long period of stress. This may come from an intense period of work, or a rough period of time with the family, or even a project that was both enjoyable and a high priority. Just like post-traumatic stress disorder, the brain has become accustomed to having all those exciting chemicals flowing through it, so wants to return to the days when it was working at such an intense rate. Thus, once the brain is tuned for stress, it immediately goes back to it like a junkie returning to a dealer.

The problem, of course, is how to get the brain to get less accustomed to stress. Unfortunately, this is not easy, since the brain's chemistry is now attuned to the feeling and its receptors now have a heightened sensitivity to stress. This is not easy, but it can be done.

People with chronic stress should seek relief through exercise, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep every night. All of these activities will help balance the mind and allow it to work more clearly while easing fatigue and the inability to concentrate. As well, a long vacation can provide some relief, as the simple act of getting away from it all will give the mind a chance to relax. Or, for the most severe cases, a person suffering from chronic stress may want to see a counselor or therapist who can help them through their memories and find some solutions. However, there is a certain stigma attached to this form of therapy, so people often shy away from seeking it. But people suffering from chronic stress should be afraid to ask for help and these people are more than happy to provide it.

Though chronic stress is difficult to deal with, it is not an impossible syndrome. Sufferers simply need to come to grips with their stress and find solutions that will work for them. Though it is a tough road to travel down, the rewards are immense for both mental and physical health. Thus, once chronic stress has been found, it should be dealt with immediately.


About the author:
LowerYourStress.com: for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: http://www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html

Share

Don’t Worry Be Happy!

by: Lisa Branigan

Being stressed is not part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only is stress damaging to us physically, it can also cause us to eat more and exercise less. Stress can be a huge obstacle that gets in the way of our healthy lifestyle goals. What can you do to effectively manage your stress? The following six steps will help you to make changes to have less stress and more happiness in your life.

1. Be aware of what stresses you and how you react to stress.
Learn to understand what situations; events, circumstances and people cause you to feel negative stress. Think about what message your brain is telling you about why you feel stressed. Notice the physical reactions you have, a racing heart, and shortness of breath, tight muscles or feeling angry and upset.


2. Think about the changes you can make.
Is there a way you can set up a structure to reduce or eliminate the stress by being more organised or managing you time better. Can you avoid or eliminate any of the things that cause you negative stress? Can you reduce your exposure to stress by taking a break away from the situation?


3. Better manage your emotional reaction to stress.
Different things cause different people stress. You may find public speaking extremely stressful but others thrive on this type of challenge. Having too many deadlines may leave you tearing your hair out but may make someone else feel completely organised and less stressed. We feel stressed because of how we personally perceive the situation. Are you stressed because you view things are critical or urgent when that may not be the case? Are you feeling pressure because you are a perfectionist? Try and be more moderate in your view and put the situation into perspective. Get someone else’s perspective on the situation and compare with your own. Are you being over dramatic?

4. Better manage your physical reaction to stress.
Learn relaxation and deep breathing techniques that will slow down your racing heart, improve your breathing and relax those tense muscles. Learn to smile and laugh more. It’s hard to be angry and stressed while you’re laughing.


5. Look after your emotional needs.
Don’t live up to other expectations, as these will not be in alignment with your own needs and values. Hang around upbuilding and supportive friends or co-workers. Find someone to share your concerns with. Also learn to ask for and accept help.


6. Look after your physical health.
Being in good physical shape in itself reduces stress. Be physically active everyday. Eat well, don’t smoke or drink excessively. Get enough sleep and regularly take time out to do things you enjoy.

This week look at what is causing you stress and then work at applying the appropriate steps in this article. Be realistic and make changes slowly. Above all, don’t worry be happy!

About the author:
"Lisa Branigan is a certified Life Coach helping successful women create a less pressured, more enjoyable lifestyle" She is a speaker, writer, regular radio guest and contributor to magazines and newspapers.
Email: lisa@quantumcoaching.comau
Website: http://www.quantumcoaching.comau

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Here is the best sourced advice concerning stress management.

by: Tom Brown

Here is the best sourced advice concerning stress management. When you're after superior information relating to stress management, it will be tricky separating superior advice from amateurish stress management submissions and support so it's astute to know how to qualify the information you are often given.

Here's a few guidelines that we believe you should consider using when you're searching for information about stress management. Understand that the advice we give is only pertinent to web based information about stress management. We don't offer any advice or guidance if you are receiving information offline.

An excellent piece of advice to follow when you're presented with help or advice concerning a stress management website is to verify the ownership of the website. Doing this could reveal the owners stress management identifications The quickest way to work out who owns the stress management website is to look on the 'about' page or 'contact' page.

Any reputable website providing information regarding stress management, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page which will list the people behind the site. The details should tell you a number of key indications about the owner's skill and understanding. You can then decide for yourself about the webmaster's familiarity and qualifications, to offer advice about stress management.

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Planning Stress Management

by: Jeff Dedrick

Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at home, kids demanding for time and attention, changes in the environment, etc. AAARRRRGH. These are the realities of everyday living that people in an industrialized world have to constantly contend with, if these factors are not handled properly this will lead to stress.

Stress is the wear and tear the body experiences as people adjust to the ever-changing environment. It is relative to every individual. What may be considered as stressful to one person may not be true to another. Since stress factors are part of daily life, the goal is not to eliminate stress but to find the optimal level where the stress factors motivate the individual in continuing his/her life and not be overwhelmed. This is called stress management.

Life without these stress factors may lead to boredom, dejection and depression. On the other hand, excess of which may make one feel tied up in knots. So, how do we know that we are attaining the optimal stress level?

A clear indication that stress management has not been practiced or the optimal stress level has not been attained is the presence of related illness. Most sickness is due to unrelieved stress such as hypertension, dizziness, hyperacidity, etc. This indicates that stress must be reduced in daily living.

So, how does one really manage stress? Two things may be done. It may be done by either changing the source of stress or changing one’s reactions to it. As the cliché goes, it’s either we shape out or we shape up. In doing the former, it’s like totally quitting the status quo. It’s like giving up totally so that the stress factor that is present in life is totally eliminated. Some see this as chickening out or being yellow. However, this is also relative for the individual because if the stress factor already affects every aspect of the life of the individual, getting out of the situation completely may be the best option. This may also be considered a brave move. The second option takes a lot of courage and maturity. Being able to identify and practice appropriate reactions to stressful situations takes a lot of courage and wisdom. However, with determination and persistence, this can be achieved.

The best way to manage stress is to first become aware of the stressors and to observe individual’s emotion and physical reactions to them. Most often, people ignore the stress factors and just wish that they would go away. The stressor may be a person, a situation or an event. The individual must recognize that a stress factor is affecting his/her life and emotionally and physically he/she is reacting to it.

After which the next thing to do is to recognize what can be changed. The change may occur by avoiding or eliminating the stress factor completely as stated earlier or by reducing its intensity. This is done by managing the stress over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis. If possible, it is best to try also to shorten exposure to stress. This may be done by taking a break, a sabbatical or a leave whatever possible so long as the individual avoids the physical premise where the stress is present. Another way is to devote time and energy to effect change by practicing goal setting and time management techniques.


The next stress management technique is by reducing the intensity of emotional reaction to stress. Simply said, to avoid worrying too much. The worriers most likely chicken out. Sometimes perception of the stress factor is exaggerated. It’s like making a mountain out of a mole. It is best to work at adopting moderate views. Positive thinkers achieve more than the negative thinkers.

By not worrying too much, the individual saves his body from possible physical illnesses. He is protecting his health to deteriorate due to lack of sleep and inappropriate food intake.

It is best to build physical reserves to be able to manage stress. The usual exercise is needed for cardiovascular fitness at least done three to four times a week. Live a healthy lifestyle because this will be the best armor in fighting the daily struggle of life.

Lastly, maintain your emotional reserves. The support from family and friends are still basic necessities in life.

Do not work out for a stress free life, work out to achieve and live a well stress managed life.

About the author:
Are you a Mom who want's to lose weight, have less stress, and look and feel better than you have in years? Go to http://www.EMomsFitness.comfor free tips and bonuses.

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Mom's Job Stress May Spread to Kids

by: Rita Jenkins

Low job satisfaction in working mothers increases the stress levels of their children, but allowing them to spend more time in childcare can help overcome these effects, according to new research published in Developmental Psychobiology.

Children whose mothers found their jobs emotionally exhausting or otherwise less rewarding had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than children whose mothers reported more enjoyment from their jobs, researchers found in a study involving more than 50 nursery school children.

Levels of cortisol in the evening were more than double in the children whose mothers experienced less job satisfaction. Placing those children in childcare would help to significantly reduce their stress, the research suggests.

The researchers also found that children from families that were either highly expressive or very reserved exhibited higher than average cortisol levels.

Greater support is needed for working mothers to help improve their job satisfaction and increase the availability of affordable childcare options, says the report.

More Time in Childcare

Dr. Julie Turner-Cobb, a health psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Bath, Dr. Christina Chryssanthopoulou from the University of Kent and Dr. David Jessop, a neuroimmunologist at the University of Bristol collaborated on the study.

To measure cortisol levels, they took saliva samples in the morning and evening from 56 children aged three to four years old. They also surveyed mothers about their workplace conditions and home life over a six month period.

"Spending more time in childcare makes a big difference to the stress levels in children whose mothers have low job satisfaction," says Dr. Turner-Cobb.

"It can help protect children from the effects of their mother's low job quality and emotional exhaustion. Ensuring that mothers of young children have good support in the workplace is essential for supporting both mothers and their children," she adds.

"Improving the job satisfaction of working mothers means that they are less stressed themselves," says Dr. Jessop, "and extending the availability of affordable and adequate childcare may not only improve the quality of life for the mothers but, in doing so, may improve the long term health of their children."

Healthy Adaptation to Stress

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates blood pressure and cardiovascular function and immune function. It also controls the body's use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Cortisol secretion increases in response to stress, whether physical -- such as illness, trauma, surgery or temperature extremes -- or psychological. It is a normal and essential response without which we would not be able to function in everyday life.

When these levels remain high or become disrupted in some way over a prolonged period of time, however, they may have consequences for health. It is important to promote healthy adaptation to stress in children, and good quality childcare is one way of doing this, say the authors.

Copyright 2005 Daily News Central

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Treadmill stress test - stimulating the heart to search for heart problems and severity of complications

by: Atanu Ghosh

Treadmill stress test is performed to search for abnormal heart beat, decrease supply of oxygen/blood to heart, indicate coronary artery disease, detect irregular heart rhythms and overall cardiovascular conditioning of the person undergoing a treadmill stress test.

Treadmill stress test is useful to screen people who desire to start an exercise program and help to make plans accordingly.

During a treadmill stress test, electrical activity during exercise or during physical exertion on a treadmill is recorded. Treadmill stress test mainly monitors the heart rate and heart rhythm while the patient is walking on a treadmill. A treadmill stress test also is known as an exercise electrocardiogram. Treadmill stress test is performed on doctor request/prescription. A treadmill stress test is very safe, reliable, non-invasive and not too expensive to do.

In a treadmill stress test the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) machine and a blood pressure cuff is placed on the arm. Electrodes will be placed on the patient during the treadmill stress test at different locations on the arms and chest. A sensor may be attached to the finger of the patient to measure the level of oxygen in the blood during the treadmill stress test. EKG and blood pressure records will be taken before and during the treadmill stress test. Initially during the treadmill stress test the patient is made to walk on the treadmill at a slow speed. The pace of the treadmill increases and the incline is raised during the course of the treadmill stress test. The test lasts about 10-15 or sometimes 60 minutes depending upon the level of recovery and cardiovascular conditioning of the person during the treadmill stress test.

The speed and incline of the treadmill during the treadmill stress test is increased gradually or in intervals .A Cardiologist and a technician are present during the treadmill stress test. Blood pressure rates and breathing rates are recorded and measured during the test.

During the treadmill stress test the electrodes detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart, and transmit them to the ECG/EKG machine. The ECG/EKG machine produces a graph (ECG tracing) of those cardiac electrical impulses. The doctor monitors changes in ECG/EKG patterns during the treadmill stress test. Symptoms experienced by the patient during the treadmill stress test will be looked at and recorded by the doctor. If the patient feels tired, has chest pains or is exhausted then the treadmill stress test is stopped.

Treadmill stress tests help to determine if the blood and oxygen flow to the heart is sufficient when it is under an increased workload. Treadmill stress test also indicates coronary artery disease or abnormal heart rhythms during workload or exertion. Cardiac condition relating to irregular heart rhythms can be evaluated during treadmill stress test. Treadmill stress test helps doctor to detect how hard the heart can work before symptoms develop, the recovery pace of the heart after exertion, and the overall level of cardiovascular conditioning. Doctors can detect the severity of coronary artery disease during the treadmill stress test. Whether or not drugs which are prescribed to treat patients are working can be also detected during the treadmill stress test.

During the treadmill stress test the purpose of increasing to higher levels of exertion in stages is because problems occur as the person performs certain activities. During the treadmill stress test as the person starts increasing the level of exertion, the heart requires more blood and energy and if the heart doesn’t get it then there is chest pain, breathing problems or dizziness. If these symptoms appear during the treadmill stress test, then the problem is recognized and treatment is started.

Risk involved in the treadmill stress test is very small. Treadmill stress test is similar to jogging, running a flight of stairs, etc. However, treadmill stress test is required to be performed in attendance of technician and medical staff to manage complications like sustained irregular heart beats, unrelieved chest pain, heart attack, etc.
Treadmill stress test is an effective way to detect and evaluate problems relating to the heart and to follow and plan treatment depending upon the severity of symptoms detected during the treadmill stress test.

About the author:
The author of the article is Atanu. He has well known authority and can visit at

http://www.treadmill-walking.com/treadmill-stress-test.html

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Mom's Job Stress May Spread to Kids

by: Rita Jenkins

Low job satisfaction in working mothers increases the stress levels of their children, but allowing them to spend more time in childcare can help overcome these effects, according to new research published in Developmental Psychobiology.

Children whose mothers found their jobs emotionally exhausting or otherwise less rewarding had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than children whose mothers reported more enjoyment from their jobs, researchers found in a study involving more than 50 nursery school children.

Levels of cortisol in the evening were more than double in the children whose mothers experienced less job satisfaction. Placing those children in childcare would help to significantly reduce their stress, the research suggests.

The researchers also found that children from families that were either highly expressive or very reserved exhibited higher than average cortisol levels.

Greater support is needed for working mothers to help improve their job satisfaction and increase the availability of affordable childcare options, says the report.

More Time in Childcare

Dr. Julie Turner-Cobb, a health psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Bath, Dr. Christina Chryssanthopoulou from the University of Kent and Dr. David Jessop, a neuroimmunologist at the University of Bristol collaborated on the study.

To measure cortisol levels, they took saliva samples in the morning and evening from 56 children aged three to four years old. They also surveyed mothers about their workplace conditions and home life over a six month period.

"Spending more time in childcare makes a big difference to the stress levels in children whose mothers have low job satisfaction," says Dr. Turner-Cobb.

"It can help protect children from the effects of their mother's low job quality and emotional exhaustion. Ensuring that mothers of young children have good support in the workplace is essential for supporting both mothers and their children," she adds.

"Improving the job satisfaction of working mothers means that they are less stressed themselves," says Dr. Jessop, "and extending the availability of affordable and adequate childcare may not only improve the quality of life for the mothers but, in doing so, may improve the long term health of their children."

Healthy Adaptation to Stress

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that regulates blood pressure and cardiovascular function and immune function. It also controls the body's use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Cortisol secretion increases in response to stress, whether physical -- such as illness, trauma, surgery or temperature extremes -- or psychological. It is a normal and essential response without which we would not be able to function in everyday life.

When these levels remain high or become disrupted in some way over a prolonged period of time, however, they may have consequences for health. It is important to promote healthy adaptation to stress in children, and good quality childcare is one way of doing this, say the authors.

Copyright 2005 Daily News Central

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