Depression and the Mother and Child Relationship

By Keith Merrill
Recent studies indicate that, every year, approximately 15 million Americans suffer extended periods of clinical depression. Of that number, there is a subset for whom clinical depression is a lifelong struggle. It has also been documented that women are twice as likely to suffer from this debilitating disease as men. A significant number of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. The vast majority of those recover after a brief period of time. However, some women are life-long sufferers for whom a "cure" has been elusive. What are the effects on the children who grow up with mothers who suffer from prolonged periods of depression? How well known are those effects? I can only speak from my own personal experience as a son of a severely depressed mother, combined with casual observations of other cases.
The importance of a strong mother/child bond is well documented and virtually indisputable. The first few years of that relationship are extremely critical in laying the emotional and psychological foundations from which the child will develop. Many studies have indicated that the first two years of life is the critical stage that largely dictates who and what we will become in later life. A mother who suffers from clinical depression may be unable to provide the child with the intimacy that is necessary to facilitate a healthy mother/child bond. In many cases, the mother understands what is required of her but is incapable of responding due to one, or a combination of, the following:
• Lack of desire
• Lack of energy
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Inability to give anything beyond the superficial
The sense of detachment that results from a poor mother/child bond can last a lifetime. Trying to enhance a bond that was never fully developed is extremely difficult. Given the fact that extreme depression can often be accompanied by other personality disorders (e.g., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder,) the parent/child roles can become reversed, with the child being forced to assume the emotional role of the parent. This role-reversal can deprive the child of many of the elements of a normal childhood and can create a festering resentment towards the mother. This can gradually devolve into a love/hate relationship that neither mother nor child are able to extricate themselves from.
During early adolescence these children find that their activities are, almost without exception, centered around the homes and families of others. Their home is seldom the gathering place for friends and family. Their ability to form friendships may not be impaired, but in many cases those friendships may lack significant depth or trust. Many of these children also exhibit a heightened need for control. They strive for control and structure in their relationships and environment. If unchecked, these issues can impair their ability to function effectively in those circumstances and environments that lack the level of structure and control that they need.
Perhaps the most tragic consequence of this particular mother/child dynamic is that, over time, the child loses the ability to see his or her mother as a real person who, despite all her problems, shares most of the common traits with all of us frail humans. After years of living inside the combustible relationship, we lose sight of the fact that at one time she had her own set of dreams. We forget that in spite of all the drama and manipulation that much of her pain was/is real.
We forget that she is our Mother...
Keith Merrill

Keith Merrill is a Freelance Writer offering a wide variety of professional, high-quality, freelance writing services. Please visit his website at http://keithedwardmerrill.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Merrill

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Female Depression, Dress Stress and Male Suicide

By Mike Bond

Although women contract major, or clinical, depression at about the ratio of 2:1 compared to men, there are a considerable number of signs and symptoms of the illness that are the same for both sexes.
The most prevalent of these, certainly to start with, is difficulty concentrating, leading to an unnatural tiredness and fatigue, which in turn develops into a complete loss of interest in all hobbies and pastimes and other things you used to enjoy doing.
Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and pessimism go hand in hand with these other symptoms. I always think that the main indicator, the real flashing red light, is when you lose interest in hobbies. Once this happens, if you haven't already seen a doctor, now you must.
If this is your first bout with depression, then obviously go to your own doctor, tell him your symptoms and that you really feel you should see a psychiatrist.
These days, thank goodness, doctors are considerably more sympathetic to mental conditions than they were fifty years ago. In those old days, you were thrown a few pills, told you just had 'nerves,' and that was it.
If it's clinical, or major, depression, you may well be confined to hospital in a psychiatric ward. After two weeks, if you still find you have physical pain, be very sure you let the psychiatrist know. There may be something else wrong with you, especially if you're still having pains in the chest.
If left untreated, depression can worsen and may conceivably lead to thoughts of suicide.
Men are far more at risk in this respect than women, despite the fact, as we've noted, that women contract this illness far more than men.
The highest suicide rates are in men over 75 years of age. They die from suicide at a ratio of 4.5:1 over women.
However, the really troubling statistic is that suicide claims the lives of both male and female in the 15-24 year age range and is the third leading killer in this group.
Men and women suffer different forms of stress which can lead to depression. Men become concerned with their jobs and their finances more than women, but again a woman who's a single parent especially, can become very stressed over her financial situation.
Another factor that I think men find difficult to understand, is the tremendous strain beneath which women labour, always to look their best.
It's a never-ending source of wonder to me how a young woman makes every effort to dress in nice clothes, (we may object to the fashions, but as far as they're concerned, fashion is everything!). They take endless care over their make-up and proudly introduce their boy friend to their parents.
Does the boy wear a suit? No, not usually. He's far more likely to appear as if he's just been dragged from a pond. His jeans might have cost him, (or his parents) $100, but for some quite unaccountable reason, they have rips and holes all over them.
The girl later tells her parents that this is absolutely 'de rigueur.' He's the very epitome of male fashion.
When the girl grows into adulthood, the pressures are even greater. Her appearance at the office must be flawless, especially as she climbs the corporate ladder, and if she's married, then her husband expects her to be his own, personal vamp. Men don't have this pressure.
After all, their wives look after their clothes, too!

Carolyn Vale, who assures us she's past the stage of fashion! Read a lot more about depression and other mental conditions on her Website at Panattack. You'll find a lot of audio and video to click onto as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Bond

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How to conquer stress--with a hobby

Everyone knows that stress can take a heavy toll on your mind and body, but one simple activity can not only prevent the harmful effects of stress but also make your life richer and more rewarding. Hobbies have been around since ancient times, yet few people use them as an effective tool to beat stress. The secret is in choosing a hobby that not only picques your interest, but that you find mentally engaging as well. A major component of stress is worry. A fascinating hobby crowds out worry thoughts by replacing them with positive ideas and study.
Watching television or listening to music might be classified as hobbies; however, they rarely provide the mental stimulation needed to leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied afterward. A worthwhile hobby will make you a more rounded, interesting person. It will give you an outlet to explore your creativity. It will also bring you in contact with fascinating people, which can relieve loneliness.
If you have a hobby that you've lost interest in, or you're looking for a new hobby, check out these tips for exploring the endless possibilities before you.
1. Your hobby should interest you.
Don't get into a hobby just because a friend or relative enjoys it. You'll soon tire of it if that's your only motivation. No, your hobby should be an activity that you enjoy. And unless you're truly interested in it, don't take over someone else's collection and add to it. Pick something you like. Be original!
2. Explore what the world has to offer.
If you get an idea for a hobby, the Internet is the best place to research it. Whether it's collecting, art, crafts, or reading about a specific topic, you can find thousands of web sites, clubs, and user groups to give you more information. If your public library doesn't have books on the hobby you're researching, ask a librarian to order them for you through interlibrary loan. This is a free but often underused service of public libraries. A knowledgeable librarian can also help you find magazines and newsletters about your area of interest.
3. Pick something you're passionate about.

What one person finds captivating, another may think is silly or boring. Remember that you don't have to satisfy or impress anyone else with your hobby. This is for you. Pursue something that gets you excited. Don't be discouraged if you try several different pastimes before you succeed. You'll know you've found the right hobby when you look forward to doing it, when you're happy during your hobby time, and when it leaves you feeling relaxed and positive.
4. Pick a hobby that's affordable.
Many people don't consider this aspect, but it's better to do something that doesn't run up debt, tie up a lot of your money, or make you frustrated because you later find it's out of your reach financially. A hobby doesn't have to be expensive to be fulfilling. Again, remember that the object of a hobby is not to impress people, but to do something that's fun and appealing to you.
5. Pick a hobby that is challenging.
Some collectible items are rare or hard to find. The pursuit of them is part of the excitement. Some hobbies, like painting, playing a musical instrument, or baking, have no limits. Today, instructional videos or DVDs are available that can teach you almost anything. Be realistic and don't expect to master your new interest right away. You have the rest of your life to develop your skills. Soon you'll experience a great sense of personal satisfaction as you become more and more accomplished.
A captivating hobby is a positive, healthy way to escape, if only for an hour at a time. As you grow in your hobby, you'll feel more contented as a person and less vulnerable to the stress of your job and everyday life.
Jack Zavada is an avid wood carver, toy soldier collector, and fisherman, who lives in Streator, Illinois. He is the author of four novels and over 5,000 newspaper and magazine articles. His web site is http://www.inspiration-for-singles.com.
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Public Speaking,Self Improvement,Health

Stress is something we all face. Whether it is the time for finals or the final hours of married life, we all face times that give new meaning to the term stress test. There are numerous ways to deal with stress. Some can be dealt with mentally and others with diet and exercise. I started researching the subject as a result of a study I read in the New Scientist. It reported that sex "cuts public speaking stress." The study by Stuart Brody, a University of Pailsey psychologist, actually has implications for many stressors we face.
The real world application poses a major problem. As far as finals go, more and more young people are maintaining their celibacy until marriage. If you are monogamous or facing the stress of a divorce, there are obvious reasons that alternatives are necessary.
As a Nurse I have witnessed the side effects associated with sex outside of marriage. The results are both life threatening and life complicating.
So what else can you do?
A better way to deal with anxiety associated with public speaking or any life challenge is through mental, physical, and dietary preparation.
Consider two examples.
Take a look at EMI.
Eye Movement Integration (EMI) is perhaps one of the most effective methods of stress reduction and performance improvement available to our minds.
Simply face your head straight in front of you and don't move. Now look at and track your eyes as though they were following the lines of an imaginary Z that extends to all four quadrants of your visual field. Then trace a box around the Z.
Repeat this eight times slowly and consistently.
Many will comment they notice a sensation upon doing it the first time.
That sensation was, in simplest terms, the left and right brain connecting with each other. It does not hurt. It just feels like a sensation.
Stress causes a loop of thoughts that re-play over and over like a broken record or a CD with a scratch that prevents the mind to do what it needs to do.
EMI stops the skip allowing the brain to progress into problem solving mode automatically.
Negative Emotions vs. Positive Emotions
This one fact needs to be remembered. If applied in your life, it can change the way you feel about things. It is the most important aspect of practicing safe stress.
Negative emotions are preceded by negative thoughts.
This is important to know because negative emotions like anger, fear, and anxiety can decrease your ability to solve problems, make decisions, and reason on things.
The first step, eliminate or replace the negative thoughts.
You can help your roommate and friends do likewise.
If you find yourself or someone near you using emotion draining words around you, stop them and say, "It's not like you to..." then identify the action or attitude. It may take some creative thinking to be able to frame it as a truthful statement.
Do the same with your own mind. Frame everything you face as a positive experience and reap the positive emotions.
One person's failure is another's learning experience.
One person's loss is another's training.
It is up to you. How you choose to frame anything that happens to you, even if out of your control, can determine how you will feel. How you feel will determine how you deal with stress.
These exercises are better than sex in that you can do them any time of day or night by your self. They produce something within us that helps us to grow. Where ever we are and with what ever stress we face they are readily available.
May all your stress be good stress. If you're taking a final or speaking in front of a crowd, how ever you fare, may you fare well.
Whether it is the time for finals or the final hours of married life, we all face times that give new meaning to the term stress test. There are numerous ways to deal with stress. Some can be dealt with mentally and others with diet and exercise.

I started researching the subject as a result of a study I read in the New Scientist. It reported that sex "cuts public speaking stress." The study by Stuart Brody, a University of Pailsey psychologist, actually has implications for many stressors we face.
The real world application poses a major problem. As far as finals go, more and more young people are maintaining their celibacy until marriage. If you are monogamous or facing the stress of a divorce, there are obvious reasons that alternatives are necessary.
As a Nurse I have witnessed the side effects associated with sex outside of marriage. The results are both life threatening and life complicating.
So what else can you do?
A better way to deal with anxiety associated with public speaking or any life challenge is through mental, physical, and dietary preparation.
Consider two examples.
Take a look at EMI.
Eye Movement Integration (EMI) is perhaps one of the most effective methods of stress reduction and performance improvement available to our minds.
Simply face your head straight in front of you and don't move. Now look at and track your eyes as though they were following the lines of an imaginary Z that extends to all four quadrants of your visual field. Then trace a box around the Z.
Repeat this eight times slowly and consistently.
Many will comment they notice a sensation upon doing it the first time.
That sensation was, in simplest terms, the left and right brain connecting with each other. It does not hurt. It just feels like a sensation.
Stress causes a loop of thoughts that re-play over and over like a broken record or a CD with a scratch that prevents the mind to do what it needs to do.
EMI stops the skip allowing the brain to progress into problem solving mode automatically.
Negative Emotions vs. Positive Emotions
This one fact needs to be remembered. If applied in your life, it can change the way you feel about things. It is the most important aspect of practicing safe stress.
Negative emotions are preceded by negative thoughts.
This is important to know because negative emotions like anger, fear, and anxiety can decrease your ability to solve problems, make decisions, and reason on things.
The first step, eliminate or replace the negative thoughts.
You can help your roommate and friends do likewise.
If you find yourself or someone near you using emotion draining words around you, stop them and say, "It's not like you to..." then identify the action or attitude. It may take some creative thinking to be able to frame it as a truthful statement.
Do the same with your own mind. Frame everything you face as a positive experience and reap the positive emotions.
One person's failure is another's learning experience.
One person's loss is another's training.
It is up to you. How you choose to frame anything that happens to you, even if out of your control, can determine how you will feel. How you feel will determine how you deal with stress.
These exercises are better than sex in that you can do them any time of day or night by your self. They produce something within us that helps us to grow. Where ever we are and with what ever stress we face they are readily available.
May all your stress be good stress. If you're taking a final or speaking in front of a crowd, how ever you fare, may you fare well.
Jonathan Steele, RN is a nursing consultant and free lance speaker and host of a site to help speakers master their speaking skills. You can contact him through his Persuasive Public Speaking web site where you can also find more free information about speaking.
Related Articles - stress, negative thoughts, stress management, positive emotions,

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How Life Can Still Be Calm In Tough Times

Have you recently felt overwhelmed or stressed? Does it seem like we are living in tough times? If you answered "Yes" to either or both, you are not alone. According to a new survey released by the American Psychological Association, 75% of adults have experienced moderate to high levels of stress in the past month, and almost half reported increased stress over the past year.Often when we are stressed and overwhelmed, we are feeling out of control. Usually this is because we believe something or someone outside of us is in control or making us feel this way. In believing this we give away our personal power. Every time we say things like "I can't ___ because of ___" or "It's not fair." Or "Why is this happening to me? or Why is he/she doing this to me?" We are giving away our power and creating our own 'tough times'.This brings to mind one of my favorite quotes: "It is not things themselves that trouble us, but our thoughts about those things" by an 1st century Greek philosopher (Epictetus). It is really our thoughts about things, people, situations outside of us (such as "I can't believe he's acting this way", or "I can't believe this is happening to me") that are troubling us. It is our thoughts that are creating the feeling of stress and overwhelm.The good news is .. we can chose differently! We each are capable of changing how we react to someone or something outside of us. Our personal power lies in our ability to choose our thoughts and our reactions. This is where our control is. Then we can be calm even in tough times. When we become aware of our thoughts and reactions, we take back our power and no longer feel out of control.The key is to create a new way of handling stress. That is how life can be calm in tough times ... with a new way of behaving and thinking when you are under stress. This can take time, practice and a support system. Often the support of a personal life coach is needed.These 3 steps will support you to stand in your power. The more you practice these techniques on a regular basis the easier it will be to access them when you are stressed.- 1. Breathe - Your breath is the best tool to help you relax. Count each inhale and exhale for a count of five. Take five inhales and five exhales. Simply placing your awareness on your breath will slow you down, relax the central nervous system and slow down your thoughts. This is the 1st step to choosing to think and react differently to stressful situations. Use your breath as a tool of support.- 2. Slow down and check-in - Take a time out from being so busy and rushing around. If you notice you are flustered, take three minutes to slow down and check on yourself. Stop what you are doing. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, "How am I feeling right now?" "What might I do to feel more calm?" Be honest with yourself. Even if you don't feel stressed, you can practice taking a few minutes each day to purposely slow down and check in with yourself.- 3. Choose calming thoughts - When times feel tough and we feel overwhelmed, we are focusing on what we don't like. We are spending precious time and energy on what we DON'T want. Remember it is our thoughts that cause us to feel stressed. For example, even if our boss, child or spouse says or does something we don't like, we can choose not to react. Then we can empower ourselves by asking "Okay, what do I have control over at this moment?" Often the answer might be: "My feelings, my thoughts, my reaction, my body, etc." If you were feeling calm, what might you be thinking? What is a calming thought for you? It could be something like "It is all okay'" Or "I have everything I need within myself" "I am capable". "Everything is unfolding as it is meant to." "I chose to act from love" "There is sunshine after the storm." Choose a thought that works for you. Practice!By using the above steps you will be on your way to calm even in tough, challenging times. You will be choosing to think and react differently than before. And in doing so you will be learning about yourself and taking your power back. As Eckhart Tolle says in A New Earth, "How you react to people and situations, especially when challenges arise, is the best indicator of how deeply you know yourself."Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/How-Life-Can-Still-Be-Calm-In-Tough-Times/930015#ixzz140H4HK95 Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

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Rena Hatch

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Stress Management - Quick Strategies For Coping With Stress

We all do what we need to do to survive, "get by", and deal with the stressors of modern life: Stress at home, stress in our relationships, stress at work. In all of these, good, bad, or ugly, the stress that accumulates adds to the load we're already carrying through life. Thankfully, we are surrounded with abundant information on how to productively quarantine, reduce, or ideally dissipate the stress - the question is have we looked into it yet?There are none more powerful in managing the symptoms of stress than ourselves and so we are charged with the responsibility of keeping tabs on how we are allowing stressors to affect us psychologically and ultimately, physically. It is important for those dealing with stress in the workplace or at home to find practical methods to incorporate daily to prevent stress-induced deficiency. We need to practice removing ourselves from our everyday stressors, even if for a few seconds at a time while right in the middle of them, in order to avoid the anxiety and depression so easily invoked by chronic stress.One particularly inconspicuous strategy that is fun and costs nothing is a "three second vacation". For three seconds, close your eyes and let your mind transport you to the most relaxing place on earth - sights, sounds, scents, everything. Breathe it all in deeply for three seconds and then resume your activity (extend duration and/or repeat as many times throughout the day as necessary).On a larger scale, use some of the most gratifying activities you've come to enjoy to assist in the battle against stress. They don't necessarily need to cost anything (it doesn't cost much to take a sketch pad out to draw a landscape or to get out and climb a tree...preferably your own tree) but a reasonable expense is also acceptable (a ride along the coast on a sunny day top-down in a rented convertible, a round of golf, or a session out on the community airfield with a radio controlled airplane...however, if the expense or challenge of the mechanism adds stress, please find another coping mechanism to use). We're all different and there's no sense in stressing about choosing coping mechanisms so find your fun and you'll discover a mechanism that works for you!

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/

About the Author:

Alexis writes for Bonfirehealth.com, an online Health education company that teaches its customers how to live longer, happier and healthier lives. Bonfirehealth.com provides the resources, products and services that enable people to live a wellness lifestyle. Visit us at http://bonfirehealth.com/

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Emotional Insights

By Kimberley Cohen
When we experience emotions that are fun, joyous, loving, happy, comforting, magical, peaceful, etc. we want to hang on to them like they are our life savers.
But when we encounter feelings of anger, doubt, confusion, sadness, depression, anxiety, pain, suffering, etc., we want to cast them away and get rid of them quick like they are the worst things imaginable.
Feelings, whether they are comfortable or uncomfortable are filled with emotional insights.
We can learn so much about ourselves, our beliefs, our thoughts, our ways, and our existence from them. So why would we want to run away, deny, or get rid of them?
We want to toss the unsettling ones aside because they don't feel good. Somewhere we learned they aren't okay, or that they aren't acceptable, or are bad, or you "shouldn't" feel that way, or perhaps you "should" be beyond these feelings, or they are too intense, etc.
These unwanted emotions are really feelings wanting to be explored, not ignored.
You can keep avoiding them and/or stay in your comfort zone, but eventually someone or something will trigger them within you.
What can you do when these internal storms stir? Move with them and through them.
Meet them. Greet them. Befriend them. Learn, grow and expand from them.
Your feelings aren't your enemy, your thoughts toward them are.
Emotions aren't good or bad, unless you believe or label them as being one or the other. You let go of them when you acknowledge they are there, when you feel the energy within them, when you see them for what they are, and when you are ready to set them free... you will.
Some feelings come and go quite quickly, while others seem to hang on and leave one afraid of what's lurking beneath. Ahhh... but these lingering ones have so much to offer us.
Accepting your feelings, especially the ones you try to avoid, doesn't mean staying stuck in them, it means being conscious of them; an observer within them. When you open to them, rather than close them off or shut them out, there comes a silent understanding that truly can change your perceptions and outcomes.
Next time unwanted feelings surface don't try to sink them, or jump overboard to get away from them; float with them, relax within them, see where they take you.
Yes, it might feel like you are bobbing or flailing around in uncharted territory and perhaps you are, but rest assure, because there is a life saver from the greatest source waiting for you.
Know there is space within your emotions where you can breathe freely and will guide you through, if you allow it.
Each moment offers us new discoveries into our souls. It is through the darkness that the light comes shining through, this is emotional insight.
Remember, breakthroughs surface from internal storms.
The Insight Technique™ assists you in moving through the feelings and gaining emotional insights.

Kimberley Cohen is the Founder, Facilitator and Personal Insight Coach of The Insight Technique&trade.
Sign up today for your FREE Special Report - 3 Key Insights That Can Change Your Life! http://www.TheInsightTechnique.com
Kimberley is certified in Body Mind Counselling, Process Oriented Body Work and Spiritual Psychotherapy and Polarity Therapy. She founded the Insight Technique - Your Insight to genuine Happiness, Purpose and Prosperity to assist herself and others in transforming limiting mindsets.
Soar through the limiting beliefs holding you back and experience the freedom of unlimited possibilities. http://www.TheInsightTechnique.com

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Principles Never Fail!

By Art Babao
It takes faith to live by principles, especially when you see people close to you get ahead in life by lying, cheating, indulging, manipulating, and serving only for themselves. What you don't see, however, is that breaking principles always catches up to them in the end.
Take the principle of honesty. If you're a big liar, you may be able to get by for a while, even for a few years. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a liar who achieved success over the long haul. As Cecil B. DeMille observed about his classic movie, The Ten Commandments, " It is impossible for us to break the law. We can only break ourselves against the law."
Unlike all other centers we've looked at, principles will never fail you. They will never talk behind your back. They don't get up and move. They don't suffer career-ending injuries. They don't play favorites based on skin color, gender, wealth, or body features. A principle-centered life is simply the most stable, immovable, unshakable foundation you can build upon, and we all need one of those.
To grasp why principles always work, just imagine living a life based on their opposites - a life of dishonesty, loafing, indulgence, ingratitude, selfishness, and hate. I can't imagine any good thing coming out of that. Can you?
Ironically, putting principles first is the key to doing better in all the other centers. If you live the principles of service, respect, and love, for instance, you're likely to pick up more friends and be a more stable boyfriend or girlfriend. Putting principles first is also the key to becoming a person of character.
Decide today to make principles your life-center, or paradigm. In whatever situation you find yourself, ask, "What is the principle in play here?" For every problem, search for the principle that will solve it.
If you're feeling worn out and beaten up by life, perhaps you should try the principle of balance.
If you find no one trusts you, the principle of honesty might just be the cure you need. Just keep on holdin' on!

-Art Babao Corporation and Development "Serving Billions" Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Babao

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Do Not Let Stress Kill You - Importance of Handling Them Effectively

By Greg Correll
Having a little stress in life will give you that extra push you need when it comes to getting things done. The problem with that is, how much stress do you really need? Not only excess stress can trigger anxiety, depression and affects your mental health negatively, it can also affect our physical health as well! This article will talk about the physiology of stress and why you should handle them effectively before they kill you.
On top of the negative mental health effects, here are some ways stress is killing our body:
Firstly, we experience the fight or flight mode, a change in the state and physio of our body that includes several different hormones and chemicals being released into our body such as adrenaline and endorphins. Heart rate will go up together with your blood pressure and blood flow can slow down for several part of our organs. This mechanism is in place to gives us the sudden burst of energy for survival, one that is necessary back in the past.
Once our perceived threat is over, the body will start to repair any tissue that was damaged during the stress stage, this is called stress resistance. Although not in the fight or flight mode anymore, our body is still somewhat on alert mode, normal function of the body will begin again.
The last physiological change to our body is stress exhaustion, this is where it can be potentially harmful to our body, especially the more we go through it. The immune system now will be suppressed, because of the overabundance of chemicals in our body, and thus causing our cardiovascular system to suffer.
This is also why stress is often linked to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure. The changes stress brings to our body can often leads to formation of stomach ulcers, falling sick regularly due to a weakened immune system, as well as a change in our eating habits.
Other notable ways it can affects our body are headaches and body aches, it can also alter your sleeping pattern altogether. On top of that, a drop in sexual desire and performance are also commonly reported and linked to stress.
The worst part about having excess stress in our life is that it often escalates our current health complication, especially complication that involves our nervous system. Escalation of chronic pain, bowel disorders and digestive problems are not uncommon when someone with the condition undergoes a stressful period.
Handling stress can indeed be a life saver, because there is no real way to avoid stress altogether, therefore one needs to learn how to disperse them effectively before it severely alters your health and your mental health!

Author has been writing health related articles for a couple of years now, you can find more of the author's work on kids outdoor furniture and kids patio furniture here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Correll

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Communication - Empower Yourself

The Blarney Stone is a historical stone, or actually part of the Blarney Castle in Ireland where it was believed that kissing the stone can grant you the gift of gab. Yeah, it seems strange in this day and age, but who are we to question tradition? It's not like I'm saying that Santa Claus doesn't exist (OOPS!).

There is so much to know about conversation that anyone, even I, could ever realize. You can go though watching talk shows; radio programs; clubs dedicated to public speaking; ordinary conversations; certain rules still apply when it comes to interaction through words. It may sound tedious, I know, but even though it's your mouth that's doing the work, your brain works twice as hard to churn out a lot of things you know. So what better way to start learning to be an effectivecommunication is to know the very person closest to you: yourself.

1. What you know.
Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is to practice what you've learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters' meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn't mean we can't learn to keep up and share what we know.

2. Listening.
It's just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and to say the things we believe in with conviction.

3. Humility
We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter, and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don't be afraid to ask if you're saying the right word properly and if they're unsure about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it'll make everyone laugh and you can get away with it as well.

4. Eye Contact
There's a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your audience with an eye-catching gaze. It's important that you keep your focus when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he or she may be gorgeous.

5. Kidding around
A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom when making your speech. That way, you'll get the attention of the majority of the crowd and they'll feel that you're just as approachable, and as human to those who listen.

6. Be like the rest of them
Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You'll get a lot of ideas, as well as knowing what people make them as they are.

7. Me, Myself, and I
Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do! Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while you're at it you can spruce up as well.

8. With a smile
A smile says it all much like eye contact. There's no point on grimacing or frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it's a wake. You can better express what you're saying when you smile.

9. A Role Model
There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to when they're at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they saycan help you once you take center stage.

10. Preparation
Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards, while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work.

And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in edgewise, but I've learned to empower myself when it comes to public or private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as educational.

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Will Science Kill the Love?

Online dating sites are becoming more and more popular in our hectic world. No one has the time anymore to go out and meet people the traditional way. And now there's a trend in online dating to include personality profiles and compatibility ratings in their services. These are a supposedly scientific means to help you find real love with someone who is “just right for you”.

Can this really be done? More importantly, should this really be done? If we can, in fact, distill the requirements for finding real love into a single multiple choice tests that only requires a couple of hours of our time to complete, are we really just eliminating some of the things that made dating fun? Stressful, maybe, but also exciting.

Will these online dating tests really let us bypass all that stress? The advertisements seem to say so. Just take our test, they say, and let us match you up with your soul mate. Our Computer says that this person here is your soul mate, and surely you wouldn't question our Computer.

Traditional courtship behavior has previously involved meeting or being set up with someone you may or may not have known. You fight your way through all the normal barriers we throw up in an attempt to give off a certain first impression. And this is all just to decide if it's worth risking a second date. If things start going well at that point, you now enter the long phase of slowly getting to know each other. This phase can take longer for some people than others, but it has traditionally been a necessary part of building a relationship founded onreal love.

Online dating sites are now basically claiming that they can help you skip this step. Take our test and find your soul mate and never struggle with the “getting to know you” phase again. After all, what's to know? You're perfect for each other.

Can this be done? Can we scientifically skip a courtship step and hope to land with our feet firmly planted on ground of relationship bliss? Are we capable of saying: This person shares a large chunk of common ground with me. Therefore I would be crazy not to start a relationship with this person.

Where's the fun in that?

Is it possible to have a fun relationship that didn't require a little work on your own? The online dating sites seem to believe you can. The fun, they seem to say, will come once you're spending time with your perfect match. You're already ultra-compatible, why wouldn't you have fun?

But let's examine this for a moment. Do simple commonalities produce real love? Are similar personalities destined to be soul mates simply because they share the same interests and attitudes?

Put like that, it doesn't seem that likely that online dating sites will be able to help you much, unless you define real love as just “getting along really well”. All you have to do is look around at the people you're already close with to know that it's not just similarities that attract you to someone. Just as often it's your differences that spark interest. And when you're creating a relationship built onreal love , that spark can make all the difference. There comes a point when the supposed differences or even perceived flaws are no longer actual flaws. When you've built a relationship based onreal love, you wouldn't have them any other way. Those differences and flaws are part of what makes them so perfect.

On the other hand, if these online dating sites can evolve to the point where they can take all of this into account – similarities, differences, and just plain old attraction – then we might start getting a little closer to scientifically romantic relationships. In other words, we can start making wise, informed decisions about who we want to pursue, and never give up the fun parts of the pursuit.

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Andy Eliason is a writer at Main10. For more information on starting relationships founded on real love, check out the online dating site that offers a range of services, HeavenlyMatched.com.

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Here is Your Most Valuable Asset

By P. A. Bryant
Before you make your next move towards achieving your next goal in business or life, consider your most valuable asset. Your next goal may have to do with physical fitness or a major change in your social relationship situation. But just stop and take the time to ponder your most valuable asset. This is the asset that can cause great success or left nurtured could lead to a terrible failure. This particular asset is the phenomenal key to overcoming your greatest obstacles in life, the asset that controls the destiny of your financial, physical, mental, and yes even your spiritual success
The asset I am speaking of is of course you yourself, the most important asset you have in your arsenal of success. Poised in the negative, you yourself can cause defeat in every area of your life. But aligned in the positive, you as an asset can defeat any obstacle that comes your way, trampling them as they come causing them to transform into stepping stones moving ever so closer to your destiny of success.
Now you must understand that this will always be a learning process and in order for you to grow positively, you have to go through. But there is one another way of growing that you can at least control, and that is nurturing yourself with knowledge. By doing this every day in some form, shape, or fashion you can grow at a faster rate than you would by just experiencing life
So arm yourself by filling this asset with all the knowledge, wisdom, and power you can. Do this on a daily basis and it will be impossible for you to fail.

P.A. Bryant
Wealth Motivation, Internet Marketing Tips, & Free Business Solutions
http://www.wealthandmotivation.com/

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Success Doesn't Happen Overnight

By Mardi Hughes
We've all heard and read stories about someone becoming an "overnight" success. An actor no one has ever heard of "instantly" has fame and fortune; an entrepreneur becomes a millionaire overnight. The truth is, this just doesn't happen very often. One major exception to this is Gabourey Sidibe, the young woman cast as Precious in the Oscar nominated film of the same name. She had virtually no acting experience when she auditioned for the role. There are other exceptions of course, as there always are to every "rule" however most of us don't fall into that category.
Alexander Graham Bell, famous for inventing the telephone failed over a 1000 times before perfecting the instrument. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, one of the most successful writers ever was rejected by 12 publishers after she wrote her first Harry Potter book and was told, even after she finally got it published to get a day job since she didn't have much chance of making a living writing children's book. What would have happened if she gave up because she wasn't an instant success? The old adage, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again" is very apropos.
If you ask successful people how they got where they are you will likely hear some the following.
1) Hard work
2) Passion for what I do
3) Vision
4) Failure
5) Persistence
6) Knowledge
7) Purpose
8) Failure
9) Never taking no for an answer
10) Focus
11) Long days and nights
12) Sacrifice
13) Great supporters
14) Belief in myself
15) Failure
You'll notice that failure is listed 3 times because failure is one of the stepping stones to ultimate success. If you never fail at something you aren't moving forward and moving forward is critical to reaching your goal of success.
Create your own list of what you need to get where you want to go. Tape it up by your desk and each time you have a set back look at it and remember, success doesn't happen overnight.
To get started or to continue on your journey to success, I'd like to invite you to visit http://www.mardihughes.com and sign up to receive a free copy of my 3 Powerful Steps to Kickstart your Future.

Mardi Hughes is a former college professor and business expert. She is also a recognized career and educational coach known nationally as The Opportunity Coach. Mardi is founder and owner of Mardihughes.com, an entrepreneurial and marketing consultancy working with budding entrepreneurs.
She is the former co-founder and principal of Appreciative Inquiry Group, an organizational development consultancy and co-founder of Off the Wall Phonics, a reading program for children with ADHD.

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Success and Failure

By Zack Rhodes
A common characteristic of successful people is that in general they are ready to venture out of their comfort or safe zones. Like your average person, successful people get nervous, scared, especially when trying new things, but guess what, they go ahead a do it anyway regardless of the outcome they take a chance.
You may think that successful people are lucky and never fail, but the truth is they fail just like everyone else but they keep trying and, they are not quitters, they pick themselves up and carry on. Successful people are always positive in their minds and get themselves motivated, this keeps them going in the long term.
This is a bit of a cliche but I read " a successful person is a failure who tried just one more time". This is very true as they have the never say die attitude and keep going regardless of what they face.
To be successful you must balance risk, yes some things are very risky, for example there is no such thing as a risk free investment. Recently someone challenged me regarding this and said that a property can be bought cheap and rented out for big profits. I cut this guy down my telling him you are assuming too much. You may not get a good mortgage, you may not get the desired rent, you may get a non paying tenant, interest rates go up and down, recession, property values go up and down, repairs, management costs etc etc.
There will always be risk in whatever we do, that's life, whether it is an investment or a business or even going to the right college or university. We just simply need to balance the factors and see if they are in our favour. If you wait for a risk free moment to do something then I'm sorry to say you will do nothing, so you may as well give up now. EVERYTHING HAS RISK...........
Successful people recognise that and, but what they do is look at the risks, weigh up all the probabilities and look at what they can do to balance the odds in their favour. They then make a decision as to whether they can accept whatever risk is left and whether they can live with the consequences of that risk if things don't work out. Let me point out when weighing up the odds successful people will have thought of many scenarios ad will have back up plans in place to counter them.
Successful people will make their decision and take full responsibility for it. If things go wrong, they don't blame the government, parents, friends, etc. they get on with it and go in to a situation with their eyes open and are always prepared to accept whatever the consequences, and as i mentioned before they will have a back up plan, plan A, Plan B etc.
Where is this all going? We need to challenge ourselves about what we are trying to achieve. We also need to challenge ourselves over how we see things and the situation and always keep in mind nothing is without risk so weigh up the odds and make them favour you and take action otherwise you will never change your situation, action is the key.
To get your free 5-day E-course and your free copy of the great all time best seller that is attributed to the creation of the the most richest people in the world,"Think and Grow Rich"
visit http://www.selfhelpsuccess.net.

A self-help and motivational speaker from the United Kingdom who has been helping people achieve their dreams and attain success. "Helping you to help yourself. To turbo charge your success and reach your full potential get your free 5-day E-course and your free copy of the great all time best seller that is attributed to the creation of the the most richest people in the world,"Think and Grow Rich" please visit http://www.selfhelpsuccess.net

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Memory Improvement Techniques - How to Get a Photographic Memory

By Jim Hofman
Have you ever wondered how certain people have a razor sharp photographic memory, while others can't remember what they ate for breakfast? While it is true that a select few people are blessed with an exceptional memory, most people have an average memory at best. But there is a specific path you can take to achieve a photographic memory...
How A Photographic Memory Works
You may have seen demonstrations of a photographic memory, usually on late night television. Typically, a person demonstrates their exceptional memory skills by reciting cards from a deck in perfect order, or some similar feat.
And while it may seem like magic or a trick, it's not. Some people do have photographic memories and it is almost always due to specific training methods. Happily, those training methods are not terribly expensive or time consuming, and are well within reach for just about everyone.
A photographic memory is a function of the brain and how it processes visual information. The brain is able to store images, or even words on a page, and has the ability to recall the information on demand. It is a highly developed skill, but actually, all of us have this exact same skill to a degree.
Our memory is a function of the brain and all five of our senses. We are able to remember and recall information based on images, sounds, taste, feel, and smell. Unfortunately, as it relates to memory, it is not enough to have an acute sense of smell or perfect vision. The brain needs to work in conjunction with the senses to develop memory skills.
How To Achieve A Photographic Memory
In order to acquire a photographic memory, your vision and your brain will need to work together seamlessly. Perfect vision is not required, but rather, a highly proficient brain.
Whether you want a photographic memory or merely improve your memory, you need to train your brain to memorize. There are some simple exercises you can do, like card tricks and crossword puzzles. These activities help stimulate the brain but they are not long term solutions. The reason is because they are helping you with a specific activity versus training your brain to retrieve information on demand.
In order to teach and train your brain to respond on demand, you need to train it, just as you would a muscle. We recommend a brain training program that utilizes a building block approach. After all, retaining information is complex, so a training program should be administered in bite size pieces, as it were.
A typical brain training program is computer bases, usually in DVD format or better yet accessible on demand. Normally, they last about twelve weeks and can be done on your own time at your own pace.
Many aspects of the brain training program will focus on spatial relations and visual recall. The activities are fun and interactive, allowing you to enjoy the training while enhancing your memory skills. For example, you may be asked to identify a series of shapes and then place them in the order you saw them.
Another activity might involve associating shapes with words or shapes with objects, which enhances your ability to process visual images in orderly fashion. As you might imagine, the activities start out relatively simple and then build in complexity as your skill set increases.
Over a three month period, or however long it takes you to complete the training, you will notice a significant improvement in your memory, no matter your age. If you think about it, memory is a skill just like any other skill, like playing the piano or running a marathon. Highly developed skills take practice and training.
So, after completing a brain training program, will you have a photographic memory? Quite possibly, although it will likely require more training and practice. But one thing is for sure. Your ability to recall names, dates, directions, and faces will drastically improve.
Summary
Acquiring a photographic memory is a skill that is a direct result of training your brain to remember images and retrieve them on demand. To do this, consider participating in a brain training program specifically designed to enhance your memory skills. These programs are affordable, self paced, and utilize a building block approach to build your skill set.

Did you enjoy these memory improvement tips? If so, we have a lot more for you at our website dedicated specifically to helping people improve their memory skills. Visit us today at: http://www.improveyourmemorytips.com

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Train Your Memory Like a Muscle

By Joshua Noerr
How many times have you met someone a second or third time and they say to you, "Oh I'm sorry, I'm bad with names?" This is a common conversation, but it does not have to be that way. You can be different. You can decide to train your memory and stand out among the masses.
Why would you want to do this? Well, if you are in sales, this will be a huge contributing factor to your own success. Let's be honest with each other here, we are all in sales to some extent. Every day we do things that qualify as selling, and improving your memory will make you better at it than the rest of the pack!
What about life? I am married, and I am constantly given tasks to do, or dates to remember, by my wife. One of her serious points of contention with me was my ability to remember seemingly trivial information yet forget the simplest tasks that she would ask of me. I decided to work on this fault, and I have since improved on my memory in its entirety. It has served to make things much smoother at home.
Have you ever met someone with an amazing ability to remember facts and figures, names and faces, or places and dates? Some people are born with an ability that may make it seem like it comes easily and natural to them, but the reality is that this, like any other skill can be learned. The first step is to stop limiting yourself and your abilities by saying things like, "I am bad with faces." Right there, you are telling your subconscious mind that you are bad, so it has no choice but to continue in this pattern. Decide to day that you ARE good with faces and names, and start to make the change.
The next step is to commit to improving your recall skills. With names, make a habit of saying someone's name to them in conversation at least three times within 15 minutes of meeting them. It will make them feel important, and begin to make you better.
There is much more to training the memory than what I have mentioned here. I decided to take a course in memory and recall techniques, and I strongly urge you to do the same. I will provide a link to the course that was so helpful to me in this article, so that you can begin your path to improvement. I would never suggest something I did not think was beneficial to you. If you would like to use the same course I did, and start improving your memory today, you can navigate to my website, http://www.joshuanoerr.com, and look at my recommendations page.
If you make this great decision today, I congratulate you on a new beginning for many areas of your life. If you do not, what are you waiting for? Start improving your memory right now!

Joshua Noerr is a sales manager and coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit http://www.joshuanoerr.com to learn more or contact Joshua.

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Stay Your Course

By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
You need to keep your goals on track by focusing on the facts of the here and now rather than your reactions to the past or your, 'What ifs...regarding the future. By focusing on what you are doing in the present to attain your goals, you can avoid being distracted by the unknown...'What if.'
Remaining objective as you assess your past, present and future is important. Your current circumstances can offer insight into the direction you are creating. It is important that you look at what you are creating now to know what you will experience in the future.
Maintaining an objective outlook will help you to keep your mind on your goals through your incremental successes as well as actions that need to be revised. It is important to monitor your emotions associated with attaining your goals. Pushing through the distractions will help you stay the course to reach your goals.
The phrase, 'Stay the course,' has been attributed to a nautical metaphor of maintaining a constant, unfaltering course, while navigating through the choppy waters. However, every nautical course needs to be adjusted according to prevailing conditions. In charting your course to achieve your goals, you need to focus your attention on getting what you want rather than focusing on the trials and tribulations that might occur, thus, allowing you to stay grounded in what you are doing, and adjusting for prevailing conditions.
When you focus on what you want you will be able to forge ahead instead of getting caught up in self-defeating patterns of behavior, and nothing will throw you off your path. Maintaining an objective outlook, each minute of the process will enable you to keep your sights firmly set on your staying the course toward your goals.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach - Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy facilitates clearing the blocks, fears and limiting beliefs, then, you can live the life you desire. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net

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Stress Management - How to Relax Your Mind

By Antionette R Tate
I want to start out by saying that emotions are neither bad nor good. Emotions are just energy, but it is the way that you express your emotions that can be bad or good. Let me ask you, "When you feel stressed out, how do you normally express yourself?" Five negative ways that you may possible express yourself are:
1) Yelling
2) Ignore the problem
3) Hitting someone
4) Throwing things or
5) Cussing
Your emotions are going to be your number one indicator to let you know if you are at a state of inner peace or if you are at a state of dis-ease.When you are stressed, angry, depressed, sad etc. you are in opposition of feeling calm, joyful and peaceful. Once you recognize that you are not experiencing a state of Inner Peace, then you have to be responsible for taking the necessary steps to position yourself back in to a peaceful state of being by calming your mind.
I have listed three things that you can do to calm down and relax your mind when you are feeling stressed. They are:
1) Play Cards
2) Write and
3) Read a book
#1) Play Cards
When you are feeling stressed, a great way to relax your mind is by playing cards. You can get a deck of cards and play solitaire. You may even have solitaire as a free game on your computer. When you play cards you temporary take your mind off of the stressful situation because you are concentrating on what you are doing. Sometimes, in only takes a few minutes of getting your mind off of what is troubling you in order to return your mind back to a relaxed and peaceful state of being.
#2) Write
If you enjoy writing, then you should try keeping a journal or even blogging to release your stored up energy. When you journal you can look back on your previous entries and measure your progress. As an alternative to keeping a journal, I would suggest that you visit Squidoo and start your very own web page. The great thing about Squidoo, is that it is a free site and it is easy to build a web page.
#3) Read
Reading is another great way to relax your mind when you are feeling stressed. You should make sure that you choose a book that interests you.The idea is to find a book that is going to hold your attention and calm you down.

Antionette Tate M.Div, is a Inner Peace Expert who enjoys helping people to discover how to maintain their Inner Peace and how to live their life full joy. For more tips, she invites you to visit her blog "Inner Peace and Joy: Tips to Help You Maintain Inner Peace and Joy Daily" http://howtohaveasuccessfulday.blogspot.com

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Giving your Kids a Cellular Child Phone

In today's hectic world, more and more parents are concerned about their children's safety, and rightly so. Children today are involved in more and more activities and spend more time at home alone than any other generation. Many parents are turning to cell phones as a way to keep in constant touch with their children.

As cellphone technology becomes more and more advanced and prices of phones drop further and further, many families are utilizing shared calling plans and prepaid phones to furnish their children with cell phones. Most parents feel that children can be taught to be responsible with the devices, and the peace of mind that being able to contact your child at any time brings is more than worth the cost of the monthly billing.

Of course, a certain level of responsibility is necessary before a child should be given a cell phone. Most parents wait until their kids are middle school age before considering it, and then there is a significant learning process before the kids are turned loose with the phones.

Children must be taught that the phone is a valuable piece of equipment, like a gameboy or scooter, and must be treated with respect. This means no "monkey in the middle" or games of catch with the phone. Additionally, children must learn when it is appropriate to call for help and when it isn't. Any parent of a child who has called 911 as a joke or just to see what would happen will stress the importance of this lesson.

Children must also be taught the proper time and place to use their cellphones. Most parents will set limits on the amount of calls to friends that the kids can make during the week. Since many plans now have free weekend calling, many parents allow children to call their friends during the free periods. Children must also be taught that the phones are not to be used during school hours, unless there is an emergency.

Most middle school aged children can grasp these concepts well, and the "coolness" factor still associated with having a cellphone at that age is a great incentive for the kids to follow the rules.

There are several prepaid cellphone plans available as well, if you just can't afford to take the chance that your child will run up an astronomical bill. Several large discount retailers carry the popular Tracfone on which all time must be prepaid. The per minute cost is significantly higher than with regular phones, but if you are providing your child with a cellphone for emergencies, this shouldn't be a major issue. They are easy to activate, and the minutes can be replenished via a special toll-free number or on the internet.

There are also services that allow you to track your child's activities using Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). These phones are available through several companies including MyChildTracker. The service works with regular cellphones and allows the user to receive a voice message or a dot on a map on the internet. Although this is an extra monthly fee to pay, parents of teens have found the service invaluable.

If you are considering a cellphone for your child, make sure to spend some time teaching him basic cellphone etiquette and establishing some rules for its use. Not only will the cellphone give you piece of mind, but you may be able to teach your child about responsibility at the same time.

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Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.portalmoviles.net a website specialized on Moviles, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Moviles. For more info on Moviles visit: http://www.portalmoviles.net

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Tips for Combating Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety affect more than 20 million adults every year. With depression symptoms ranging from mild to severe, more people are seeking help for the treatment of depression and anxiety than ever before. Treatment options for depression and anxiety include prescription medication, hormone therapy, psychotherapy, and a variety of other specialized therapies.

Since each case is unique, there is no "one-size-fits-all" cure for these sometimes debilitating mental disorders. But when natural remedies are used in conjunction with other types of treatment, treatment success rates can soar!

Regardless of whether or not you are in a professional depression or anxiety treatment program, there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself.

Natural remedies for these mental disorders don't get a lot of attention so they're often overlooked as successful treatment options. Fortunately the situation is changing. Natural remedies for depression and anxiety are most effective when used in conjunction with professional therapy. For many patients, that combination is enough and additional treatment methods usually aren't required.

Here are some proven tips for getting depression and anxiety under control:

Banish Negative Thoughts

Although it's nearly impossible to prevent negative thoughts from creeping into our minds, negativity makes depression and anxiety worse. Try to offset these thoughts by focusing on the positive things going on in your life. Positive, happy thoughts trigger the brain to release "feel good" chemicals that combat depression and anxiety naturally.

Avoid Associating with Negative People

Sharing your life with people who are negative only strengthens your own negative feelings. Likewise, sharing your life with positive, upbeat people strengthens your positive feelings. The choice is voluntarily so choose the people who can help you and avoid the ones who can't.

Journal Your Way to Relaxation

Take a few minutes each day to write in a journal. You don't have to create a novel, just jot down your thoughts on the positive and negative aspects of each day and note what made you depressed and what made you happy. At the end of each week take time to reread what you've written. Before you know it you'll have a clear picture of the things that lift you up and which ones bring you down. As soon as possible, start avoiding the things that affect you negatively and start doing more of the things that make you happy.

Tap Into the Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are uplifting statements that you say out loud. Because affirmations are spoken as if the results you are seeking have already occurred, they work by programming your subconscious to make true that which you have already told it to be true.

Feel free to create your own affirmations or use these:

"I deserve the happiness that I feel every day."

"I think only positive and uplifting thoughts."

"I am in control of my moods and outside issues do not affect me negatively."

"I love myself and I deserve the love of others."

Summary

You are in control of your thoughts and feelings. Depression and anxiety are not unbeatable conditions that you are powerless to control. Start by following the tips presented in this article and then seek the help of an expert in the field of anxiety and depression management if you require additional assistance.

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Ways To Improve Your Eyesight

It's been said that 'Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder' but have you given any thought to those eyes which help you capture this beauty. By adopting various patterns of life we can give your eyes a much needed boost. Bring changes in your lifestyle and in your eating habits to help you see your eyes in a new light.

Food and Diet

? Consuming good amount of apple and grapes helps in improving your eyesight.

? Vitamin A is very good for enhancing your eyesight. Carrots have good quantity of vitamin A which proves to be one of the useful natural treatments.

? Cucumber juice does wonders for your eyesight as it tries to improve it immensely.

? Add spinach in your daily diet as Spinach contains iron, vitamin A, B and C. It purifies your blood, increases the hemoglobin and improves your eyesight.

? You can find good source of vitamin A in turnip, milk cream, fresh milk, cheese, butter, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, soya beans, green peas, oranges and dates.

? An ayurvedic medicine name Triphala is considered to work immensely in favor of your eyes.

? Consuming blueberry juice also considered to be very useful for your eyes.

Exercises

? Close both the eyes very tightly by shutting the lids firmly. Open them suddenly which allows you to feel the stretch. Once open arch your brows and stretch your face. Repeat this several times a day.

? Look as far as possible and inhale then look down as far as possible and exhale. Blink your eyes more than dozen times. Do the same procedure by turning to your left and right then diagonally up to left, down to right, up to right and down to left followed by rapid blinking.

? Rotate your eyes in all the directions. Slowly and steadily concentrate one eye at a time. Do this exercise more than dozen times and try doing this with your eyes shut.

? By using palming which can be stated as a revised version of the thousand-year-old yoga tradition known was Hatha Yoga. It relieves strain and stress from your mind and eyes which needs the required break. For this you have to warm your hands by rubbing them together vigorously. Once it's warm cover the eye without touching the eyelids. This relaxes the nerves and helps in blood circulation.

? You can also try sunning which means to use sun's light for your eyes. Move your head from side to side for the heat to benefit the eyes. After a while try stretching the eyes to allow more sunlight to your eyes. Directly looking at the sun is never good. It is great method to reduce light sensitivity.

? Perform Netra Basti which is bathing your eyes with clarified butter to reduce eye strain and to improve eyesight.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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Kevin Pederson is the webmaster for home remedies sites similar to http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com. The site provides knowledge about home remedies and natural cure. Using simple means and methods we can improve our eyesight.

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Tips On How To Relieve Your Arthritis Pain

If a person experiences muscle pain and it continues for more than two to three days, there is a strong chance that he or she is suffering from arthritis. This chronic disease is a very common disorder, one that affects lots of people all around the world. The major symptom of arthritis is pain in the bone joints, but some arthritis sufferers may also feel pain in certain organs in the body.

The term Arthritis is actually a Latin word that means inflammation of joints. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints due to damage to the cartilage. Patients suffering from arthritis could suffer from long-term joint damage, which could ultimately lead to disability from severearthritis pain. Arthritic patients commonly feel pain in the early morning hours that slowly subsides as the day progresses.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Without a thorough examination the doctor will not be able to find which type of arthritis you are suffering from. Arthritis can stem from injuries and strains caused by sports, repetitive motion, overexertion etc. Arthritic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are autoimmune diseases; septic arthritis, caused by joint infection; and the more common osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease that largely affects older people.

There are three stages of arthritis:

The first stage of arthritis is swelling. The second stage is rapid division and growth of the cells. In the third stage the cells release specific enzymes, which erode the bone, causing the joint to lose its shape. It is then thearthritis pain becomes unbearable. Since this is a systemic disease, it can migrate and affect other body organs. So it is better to detect arthritis at its early stage before it spreads to other parts of the body. Arthritis can be treated with proper therapy and medication.

Treatment: Arthritis treatment includes medicine, exercise, thermal modalities, joint protection and surgery.

Medicine: there are several effective arthritis medications available in the market for proper arthritis treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful in most cases. However you should consult a doctor before buying any medicine.

Exercise: this helps strengthen muscles and joints plus increases blood circulation in those areas. Yoga is very therapeutic in reducingarthritis pain.

Rest: rest provides good arthritis relief, as proper rest helps the body to conserve energy and allows the body to heal and reduce pain.

Thermal modalities: cold and heat compresses give short-term relief to stiffness and pain.

Joint protection: this allows the patient to move with minimal stress to the joints. Joint protections like knee supports, back belts are commonarthritis relief products widely available on the market today.

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If you are searching for ways to fight Arthritis, visit Susan's site at http://www.best-arthritis-treatment.info. Susan also enjoys writing on a wide range of topics at http://www.sports-and-recreation-hub.info

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