Our world is full of stress nowadays. It is true that middle-aged people are really under high pressure. People who are under high pressure will be very inclined to smoke and drink alcohol. As a result, it will pose real health problem to us.
However, do you know what kind of stress we are facing daily? And how can we cope with the stress we are facing?
We will be worried when we are in traffic jam. In fact, most people will spend something like 2 hours on the car every day. It will be even worse when there is traffic jam. Something it will take you 3 hours in the car in a particular day if you encounter a traffic jam that day. You will find that you will be under stress if there is a traffic jam. This is especially true if you are in a hurry.
So how can you reduce the pressure you will facing? The easiest way is to avoid traffic jam. There will be no stress due to it if there is no traffic jam. Another way to tackle the problem is to prevent yourself form being in a hurry. You may get up 20 minutes earlier everyday so that you will not need to rush to your office. This is because you will probably be able to avoid the rush hours in the morning.
You will also be facing stress when you are at work. It is true that there are a lot of pressure from your work. However, you should always try to be relaxed. Sometimes you will find that it is not worth worrying about something at work. Do not try to eat in the office in the lunch time. This will certainly give you more pressure. Try to take a break during the lunchtime. It is good to have a 10 minutes walk in the park. Exercising is always a good way to reduce stress.
You attitude and mentality also play a crucial role when you are coping with stress. We will tend to be worried when we make mistakes. We have to think positive. The truth is that we have to find ways to correct the mistakes. Most people will just be worried when they make mistakes. They will never think about solutions. And there are always solutions to problems. If you can think in this way, you will find that you can cope with stress a lot easier.
Antony Lee has a website on Health, Fitness and Weight Loss. Be sure to check Tips on Weight Loss Pill Reviews and the article Faster Metabolism, Body Fat and Weight Loss.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antony_Lee
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Can You Cope With The Stress In Your Life?
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate America a fortune. Some estimate that 80% of health care costs are stress related, and these expenses go right to the bottom line.
According to CNN-Money.com, Americans spent more than $17 billion for anti-depressants and anti- anxiety drugs in 2002, up 10% from the year before and nearly 30% over a two year period.
The Institute for Management Excellence reports that American industry spends more than $26 billion each year for medical bills and disability payments with another $10 billion for executive's lost workdays, hospitalization, and early death.
In addition to these staggering figures, stress takes its toll through the added costs of quality control, legal challenges, lost opportunities, poor performance, bad attitudes, and training.
We cannot do much about the skyrocketing costs of medical care and prescription drugs, but we can take immediate action to control the top ten causes of stress as identified by The Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health.
The countdown is:
10. "Workload" – Employees report that they are often stressed when they have too little or too much to do. Managers need to divide responsibilities and help employees prioritize work that must be done. Make sure you understand the impact before shifting responsibilities. Take into account the cost of stress before you increase anyone’s workload or hire more people.
9. "Random interruptions" - Telephones, pagers, walk-in visits, and spontaneous demands from supervisors all contribute to increased stress. Time management, delegation of responsibilities, and clarification of expectations can reduce these stressors. 8. "Pervasive uncertainty" – Stress levels increase rapidly when people are confronted by new requirements and procedures. Keeping people informed controls stress and increases productivity. Put details in a memo so they can review the facts following your explanations.
7. "Mistrust and unfairness" - These situations keep everyone on edge, create bad attitudes, and lower productivity. It is important to keep an open line of communication to avoid misunderstanding and know what people are thinking about your decisions. Managers must consistently build trust and give equal treatment - just do the right thing.
6. "Unclear policies and no sense of direction" - Lack of focus causes uncertainty and undermines confidence in management. You need more than a well-written policy manual. Enforcement of policies and clear communications are essential.
To make sure everyone gets the message, you can repeat your explanation in a variety of ways – repetition and feedback are important. Reinforce policies through memos, articles, bulletin board postings, personal meetings, and small group discussions.
5. "Career and job ambiguity" - If people are uncertain about their jobs and careers, there is a feeling of helplessness and of being out of control. In addition to the trusted job descriptions and annual personnel reviews, people need to understand a broad range of issues that affect the company.
News of mergers, consolidations, plant closings, and restructuring contribute to a feeling of helplessness. Management must keep people informed about situations that will affect their jobs, or the rumor mill will add to an already stressful situation.
4. "No feedback - good or bad” – People want to know whether they are meeting expectations. Consistent, written and verbal, personalized feedback is required. Some people need more attention than others, but everyone’s performance is enhanced if leaders frequently affirm individual efforts.
3. "No appreciation” - Failure to show appreciation generates stress that endangers productivity throughout the company. There are many ways to demonstrate appreciation, but the most effective is a sincere comment about how much the person means to you and the company.
2. "Lack of communications" - Poor communication leads to decreased performance and increased stress. Management memos and announcements work well for distributing information, but two-way conversation improves communication and solicits ideas and suggestions while reducing stress and complaints.
1. “Lack of control” – Workplace stress is at its greatest when employees have no say regarding things that affect them. You can decrease sensitivity to all the other stressors and give a sense of being in control by involving employees in operating and administrative decisions and acting on their input. Frontline employees know what they are talking about. Listening to what they have to say reduces stress and increases productivity.
Effective managers understand that stress control is a leadership responsibility and give it just as much attention as any other management function. For those who want to explore stress control further, a free 3-session e-course is available by email request at stresscontrol@sendfree.com
Grasping the concepts and reducing stress one step at a time can have an amazing impact on your bottom line --and on the lives of those who do the heavy work.
Dale Collie - professional speaker, former US Army Ranger, CEO, and a Fast Company top 50 innovative leader. Author of "Winning Under Fire." (McGraw-Hill) collie@couragebuilders.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Collie
According to CNN-Money.com, Americans spent more than $17 billion for anti-depressants and anti- anxiety drugs in 2002, up 10% from the year before and nearly 30% over a two year period.
The Institute for Management Excellence reports that American industry spends more than $26 billion each year for medical bills and disability payments with another $10 billion for executive's lost workdays, hospitalization, and early death.
In addition to these staggering figures, stress takes its toll through the added costs of quality control, legal challenges, lost opportunities, poor performance, bad attitudes, and training.
We cannot do much about the skyrocketing costs of medical care and prescription drugs, but we can take immediate action to control the top ten causes of stress as identified by The Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health.
The countdown is:
10. "Workload" – Employees report that they are often stressed when they have too little or too much to do. Managers need to divide responsibilities and help employees prioritize work that must be done. Make sure you understand the impact before shifting responsibilities. Take into account the cost of stress before you increase anyone’s workload or hire more people.
9. "Random interruptions" - Telephones, pagers, walk-in visits, and spontaneous demands from supervisors all contribute to increased stress. Time management, delegation of responsibilities, and clarification of expectations can reduce these stressors. 8. "Pervasive uncertainty" – Stress levels increase rapidly when people are confronted by new requirements and procedures. Keeping people informed controls stress and increases productivity. Put details in a memo so they can review the facts following your explanations.
7. "Mistrust and unfairness" - These situations keep everyone on edge, create bad attitudes, and lower productivity. It is important to keep an open line of communication to avoid misunderstanding and know what people are thinking about your decisions. Managers must consistently build trust and give equal treatment - just do the right thing.
6. "Unclear policies and no sense of direction" - Lack of focus causes uncertainty and undermines confidence in management. You need more than a well-written policy manual. Enforcement of policies and clear communications are essential.
To make sure everyone gets the message, you can repeat your explanation in a variety of ways – repetition and feedback are important. Reinforce policies through memos, articles, bulletin board postings, personal meetings, and small group discussions.
5. "Career and job ambiguity" - If people are uncertain about their jobs and careers, there is a feeling of helplessness and of being out of control. In addition to the trusted job descriptions and annual personnel reviews, people need to understand a broad range of issues that affect the company.
News of mergers, consolidations, plant closings, and restructuring contribute to a feeling of helplessness. Management must keep people informed about situations that will affect their jobs, or the rumor mill will add to an already stressful situation.
4. "No feedback - good or bad” – People want to know whether they are meeting expectations. Consistent, written and verbal, personalized feedback is required. Some people need more attention than others, but everyone’s performance is enhanced if leaders frequently affirm individual efforts.
3. "No appreciation” - Failure to show appreciation generates stress that endangers productivity throughout the company. There are many ways to demonstrate appreciation, but the most effective is a sincere comment about how much the person means to you and the company.
2. "Lack of communications" - Poor communication leads to decreased performance and increased stress. Management memos and announcements work well for distributing information, but two-way conversation improves communication and solicits ideas and suggestions while reducing stress and complaints.
1. “Lack of control” – Workplace stress is at its greatest when employees have no say regarding things that affect them. You can decrease sensitivity to all the other stressors and give a sense of being in control by involving employees in operating and administrative decisions and acting on their input. Frontline employees know what they are talking about. Listening to what they have to say reduces stress and increases productivity.
Effective managers understand that stress control is a leadership responsibility and give it just as much attention as any other management function. For those who want to explore stress control further, a free 3-session e-course is available by email request at stresscontrol@sendfree.com
Grasping the concepts and reducing stress one step at a time can have an amazing impact on your bottom line --and on the lives of those who do the heavy work.
Dale Collie - professional speaker, former US Army Ranger, CEO, and a Fast Company top 50 innovative leader. Author of "Winning Under Fire." (McGraw-Hill) collie@couragebuilders.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Collie
Avoid Burnout With These Office Stress Management Techniques
Stress is a perfectly normal reaction to the unfamiliar, unexpected, or uncomfortable things we have to deal with in the workplace. Short term stress can be helpful in some cases, but in the long term stress can make you unwell, and make it difficult to remain productive and happy on a day to day basis. Stress can appear at home, and in the work place, but the principles for dealing with stress, and minimizing its impact on your health and wellbeing remain the same.
Learning Office Stress Management Techniques
There are lots of different office stress management techniques, and you will need to experiment to find the ones that work best for you. Some techniques for managing stress can help you while you feel stressed at work, and others are ones that you can practice at home to help yourself unwind and make the most of your relaxation time.
One of the main office stress management techniques is to alter the way you think about things. Take a step back and analyze situations before acting, and when a situation is causing you stress, consider it carefully so that you can get an objective idea of how things stand. Often, simply understanding a situation and the options that you have available can be enough to help you cope with the situation more effectively. Often, a short break can help you come back with a clear head and be ready to look at a situation more objectively.
Do You Make This Mistake?
One mistake many people make is to take work home with them - while the aim is good, often, taking work home makes you less productive. Instead of making your home another place where you feel stressed, make a mental rule that your work stays in the office. That way, when you go home, you can relax more easily. You will come back to work rested and refreshed, and be much more productive during your working time.
Sometimes managing stress at the office means being a little more organized - while it can seem like this is just making more work for you, once you get used to working that way, you will find that the little time spent in organization and time management can save you a lot of time and stress in the long term. Good stress management techniques will help you be more productive with less effort, and safeguard your health and happiness at the same time.
Avoid stress and diet related illnesses in your family by finding out how stress management helps illness. Sign up for our FREE newsletter and make stress and health management a priority in your family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlyn_Burkle
Learning Office Stress Management Techniques
There are lots of different office stress management techniques, and you will need to experiment to find the ones that work best for you. Some techniques for managing stress can help you while you feel stressed at work, and others are ones that you can practice at home to help yourself unwind and make the most of your relaxation time.
One of the main office stress management techniques is to alter the way you think about things. Take a step back and analyze situations before acting, and when a situation is causing you stress, consider it carefully so that you can get an objective idea of how things stand. Often, simply understanding a situation and the options that you have available can be enough to help you cope with the situation more effectively. Often, a short break can help you come back with a clear head and be ready to look at a situation more objectively.
Do You Make This Mistake?
One mistake many people make is to take work home with them - while the aim is good, often, taking work home makes you less productive. Instead of making your home another place where you feel stressed, make a mental rule that your work stays in the office. That way, when you go home, you can relax more easily. You will come back to work rested and refreshed, and be much more productive during your working time.
Sometimes managing stress at the office means being a little more organized - while it can seem like this is just making more work for you, once you get used to working that way, you will find that the little time spent in organization and time management can save you a lot of time and stress in the long term. Good stress management techniques will help you be more productive with less effort, and safeguard your health and happiness at the same time.
Avoid stress and diet related illnesses in your family by finding out how stress management helps illness. Sign up for our FREE newsletter and make stress and health management a priority in your family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlyn_Burkle
How To Get Rid Of Stress - Stress Management Strategies
Do you have that feeling that you are about to lose control and that the demands made on you are becoming unbearable?
You probably need to look at some ways to get rid of stress and some successful stress management strategies which will help to get out of the jungle alive ! I know, because I was there but that is another story.
So, what do you need to be able to manage this stress which everybody (including kids!) talks about nowadays!. Stress management is the ability to maintain control when situations, people, and events make excessive demands. Stress management is identifying, isolating and resolving that which bugs you. What you need to do is to collect a number of skills, tools, and techniques that help you reduce, manage, and even counteract the negative side-effects of stress. Develop a thick skin. The bottom line of stress management is "I upset myself". Fortunately, stress management is largely a learnable skill. Developing strategies in dealing with stress is gaining importance as we realize the need to deal with the "wear and tear" that our bodies are experiencing under the effect of stress. Prolonged exposure to stress will affect your health negatively in the long term.
Stress Management Strategies
Strategies of stress management will vary according to the theoretical paradigm adhered to, but may include some of the following: autogenic training, cognitive therapy,,conflict resolution, exercise, meditation, progressive relaxation and sexual intercourse. Keeping a diary is a way to better understand your thought patterns, examining your beliefs and attitudes, and stress resiliency. Some techniques of time management may help a person to control stress. Stress management encompasses techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress, with stress defined as a person's physiological response to an internal or external stimulus that triggers the fight-or-flight response. Learn a few stress management strategies to help you in reducing stress to a level you can live comfortably with. Some of the best stress management techniques available include breathing exercises imagery and relaxation techniques.
If you need to escape from the stress jungle, you should bear in mind that by simply learning a few easy strategies to apply when you are under pressure, will help you enormously. If you cannot face ANOTHER Manual on how you can radically manage your stress, then you need a little helping hand to get you through. Nothing wrong with that and while you are taking the natural cure outlined below, you can begin to address things that need changing in a calm rational fashion !
Robert Locke is an Internet Marketer specializing in Health, Wellness and Fitness. Visit his blog :- http://www.thewellnessbible.blogspot.com
Stressed out ? Need to do something about it now? Try this link to discover a natural cure which will help you cope and get a grip !
http://www.usfreeads.com/1125227-cls.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_William_Locke
You probably need to look at some ways to get rid of stress and some successful stress management strategies which will help to get out of the jungle alive ! I know, because I was there but that is another story.
So, what do you need to be able to manage this stress which everybody (including kids!) talks about nowadays!. Stress management is the ability to maintain control when situations, people, and events make excessive demands. Stress management is identifying, isolating and resolving that which bugs you. What you need to do is to collect a number of skills, tools, and techniques that help you reduce, manage, and even counteract the negative side-effects of stress. Develop a thick skin. The bottom line of stress management is "I upset myself". Fortunately, stress management is largely a learnable skill. Developing strategies in dealing with stress is gaining importance as we realize the need to deal with the "wear and tear" that our bodies are experiencing under the effect of stress. Prolonged exposure to stress will affect your health negatively in the long term.
Stress Management Strategies
Strategies of stress management will vary according to the theoretical paradigm adhered to, but may include some of the following: autogenic training, cognitive therapy,,conflict resolution, exercise, meditation, progressive relaxation and sexual intercourse. Keeping a diary is a way to better understand your thought patterns, examining your beliefs and attitudes, and stress resiliency. Some techniques of time management may help a person to control stress. Stress management encompasses techniques intended to equip a person with effective coping mechanisms for dealing with psychological stress, with stress defined as a person's physiological response to an internal or external stimulus that triggers the fight-or-flight response. Learn a few stress management strategies to help you in reducing stress to a level you can live comfortably with. Some of the best stress management techniques available include breathing exercises imagery and relaxation techniques.
If you need to escape from the stress jungle, you should bear in mind that by simply learning a few easy strategies to apply when you are under pressure, will help you enormously. If you cannot face ANOTHER Manual on how you can radically manage your stress, then you need a little helping hand to get you through. Nothing wrong with that and while you are taking the natural cure outlined below, you can begin to address things that need changing in a calm rational fashion !
Robert Locke is an Internet Marketer specializing in Health, Wellness and Fitness. Visit his blog :- http://www.thewellnessbible.blogspot.com
Stressed out ? Need to do something about it now? Try this link to discover a natural cure which will help you cope and get a grip !
http://www.usfreeads.com/1125227-cls.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_William_Locke
Stress Management Questionnaire
When you put yourself under more pressure than you can handle, you make yourself vulnerable to a host of illnesses that can worsen into life-threatening diseases. Too often, we only notice our problems when they come and not before they do. Remember the old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - and it's easier on the budget, as well. Take some time off your schedule and check yourself for any signs of mental and/or physical breakdown.
The results of this quiz can serve as a loose guideline when drafting a stress management program, so it's important that you answer the questions honestly. If you find that more than one answer applies to you, choose the one that applies to you best.
1. When forced to work overtime, how do you deal with it?
A: I start working on the things that need to be done.B: I think first, and then I take my time doing what I need to do.C: Get annoyed and bored with work.
2. If you suddenly find yourself in debt, you…
A: Try to settle all your financial problems as soon as you can manage.B: Assess the situation and gradually recover from your financial losses.C: Brood over the problem.
3. If you were asked to describe your life in one word, it would be?
A: Progressive.B: Stable.C: Difficult.
4. When you encounter a problem, you…
A: Take it as a challenge.B: Think about what necessary steps to take to deal with it.C: Blame others for the problem.
5. If a person you are waiting for is late, you?
A: Find something to distract myself with while waiting.B: Read a good book or take in the sights and relax.C: Get annoyed and angry.
6. When you're given more work than you can deal with, you?
A: Redouble your efforts in order to make ends meet.B: Trace a course of action and slowly but surely adapt to the pressure.C: Complain about it.
7. During a vacation you?
A: Go everywhere I can go to.B: Relax.C: Find it difficult to relax.
8. You find work?
A: Engaging.B: Amusing.C: Difficult.
9. You feel like you're?
A: Ready to tackle anything that comes my way.B: Calm and open-minded.C: Not able to make things go my way.
10. When something forces you to change your lifestyle, you?
A: Accept the changes.B: Learn how to deal with the changes.C: Complain about it.
If most of your answers are "A," it means that you're a very active and reliable person. You address problems by either dealing with them directly instead of letting things resolve themselves. It's most likely that your stress coping mechanism is turning stress into positive stress (eustress) which allows you to benefit from it while dealing with it at the same time. You usually achieve this by distracting yourself with a hobby or resorting to some form of exercise. The combination of your sound mind and healthy body will enable you to withstand a good degree of stress.
If the majority of your choices end up as "B" you're most likely a very relaxed, laid-back and logical individual. You take your time with things, minimizing the chances of error on your part. It is also this very methodological approach to things that allow you to root out most problems before they even become problems. Chances are you rarely deal with problems, and when you do, it doesn't affect you as much as it normally should, and you perform as though nothing happened. The only drawback to all these traits is you are prone to becoming too passive. You run the risk of overlooking problems or giving yourself too long a time to deal with things and thus you may find yourself facing a problem that you could have nipped at the bud.
Mostly "C" answers would reflect your relatively poor coping mechanisms. You're probably irritable and always want things to go your way, which is never the case in life. You become frustrated because of this and you end up putting unnecessary tension on yourself. Your nature could also be attributed to some life-changing event that may have happened recently. It might be advisable to seek professional help and start changing the way you see problems when they come. It would also be a good idea to start getting into shape, as a physically healthy person will receive stress much more favorably than one in poor health.
http://www.stressmgmtsite.com brings you all the latest information you need to assist you with stress management. There's nothing to buy, just really helpful information. Be sure to check out pages like Stress Management Questionnaire. © 2007 copyright by DSquare Marketing and Della Franklin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Della_Franklin
The results of this quiz can serve as a loose guideline when drafting a stress management program, so it's important that you answer the questions honestly. If you find that more than one answer applies to you, choose the one that applies to you best.
1. When forced to work overtime, how do you deal with it?
A: I start working on the things that need to be done.B: I think first, and then I take my time doing what I need to do.C: Get annoyed and bored with work.
2. If you suddenly find yourself in debt, you…
A: Try to settle all your financial problems as soon as you can manage.B: Assess the situation and gradually recover from your financial losses.C: Brood over the problem.
3. If you were asked to describe your life in one word, it would be?
A: Progressive.B: Stable.C: Difficult.
4. When you encounter a problem, you…
A: Take it as a challenge.B: Think about what necessary steps to take to deal with it.C: Blame others for the problem.
5. If a person you are waiting for is late, you?
A: Find something to distract myself with while waiting.B: Read a good book or take in the sights and relax.C: Get annoyed and angry.
6. When you're given more work than you can deal with, you?
A: Redouble your efforts in order to make ends meet.B: Trace a course of action and slowly but surely adapt to the pressure.C: Complain about it.
7. During a vacation you?
A: Go everywhere I can go to.B: Relax.C: Find it difficult to relax.
8. You find work?
A: Engaging.B: Amusing.C: Difficult.
9. You feel like you're?
A: Ready to tackle anything that comes my way.B: Calm and open-minded.C: Not able to make things go my way.
10. When something forces you to change your lifestyle, you?
A: Accept the changes.B: Learn how to deal with the changes.C: Complain about it.
If most of your answers are "A," it means that you're a very active and reliable person. You address problems by either dealing with them directly instead of letting things resolve themselves. It's most likely that your stress coping mechanism is turning stress into positive stress (eustress) which allows you to benefit from it while dealing with it at the same time. You usually achieve this by distracting yourself with a hobby or resorting to some form of exercise. The combination of your sound mind and healthy body will enable you to withstand a good degree of stress.
If the majority of your choices end up as "B" you're most likely a very relaxed, laid-back and logical individual. You take your time with things, minimizing the chances of error on your part. It is also this very methodological approach to things that allow you to root out most problems before they even become problems. Chances are you rarely deal with problems, and when you do, it doesn't affect you as much as it normally should, and you perform as though nothing happened. The only drawback to all these traits is you are prone to becoming too passive. You run the risk of overlooking problems or giving yourself too long a time to deal with things and thus you may find yourself facing a problem that you could have nipped at the bud.
Mostly "C" answers would reflect your relatively poor coping mechanisms. You're probably irritable and always want things to go your way, which is never the case in life. You become frustrated because of this and you end up putting unnecessary tension on yourself. Your nature could also be attributed to some life-changing event that may have happened recently. It might be advisable to seek professional help and start changing the way you see problems when they come. It would also be a good idea to start getting into shape, as a physically healthy person will receive stress much more favorably than one in poor health.
http://www.stressmgmtsite.com brings you all the latest information you need to assist you with stress management. There's nothing to buy, just really helpful information. Be sure to check out pages like Stress Management Questionnaire. © 2007 copyright by DSquare Marketing and Della Franklin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Della_Franklin
"Survivors Guilt" and PTSD Control- For People Who Have Survived Traumatic Situations
"Survivors Guilt" and PTSD are common responses to the Natural Disasters and Man-made Critical Incidents that can befall people.
"Survivors Guilt" can be experienced by people who have survived airplane crashes, tornados, hurricanes, and even "Corporate Downsizing." A question often asked by survivors is "Why did I survive and others did NOT?" There are often no easy answers. The Post Traumatic Stress that these "survivors" experience is very real and can have a huge impact on their lives and the people around them.
When you combine the trauma from a dramatic event which can be generated from primitive survival responses and the guilt which is generated from higher emotional and intellectual centers in the brain, you have a complex reaction that can be difficult to resolve. The more primitive survival responses make up the physical symptoms that can manifest from fear and anxiety. It is not unusual for people surviving from PTSD to have difficulties sleeping or concentrating or releasing the memories that haunt them. Anxiety can also manifest with symptoms of chest pain, rapid or irregular heart beats, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, reduced libido, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, and sometimes overwhelming fear as if these people were about to die. Guilt comes from complex emotions that are not as physically demanding but very distracting on the mental and emotional plane. Guilt may be a more "learned" reaction that may not be as close to the surface (or may not be there at all) for other people who have a shared experience. Self-esteem and feelings of self-control may be woven into the reaction that triggers the response of "guilt."
Many suffering from Survivor's Guilt and PTSD will "self-medicate" with alcohol (or possibly other drugs/medications) to control anxiety, stress, fear, and anger, and this can lead to substance abuse. The mental and emotional distractions that traumatic events create can lead to accidents or mistakes that can further injure these people mentally or physically.
It is important to understand that there are many things that happen in life that you can not control or fully understand. The things that are the most stressful are the things that you care the most about but that you can not control. The thing that you can control is the way that you respond. It is important to learn the lessons from your trauma or tragedy, try to not second guess yourself, stay as "present" as you can be, and find a way to move forward, in the most positive direction that you can.
There are many strategies that can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD starting with understanding and support as quickly as possible. These people often need to be "debriefed" about the trauma and allowed to freely vent without outside judgments. Some will require more counseling and professional attention. Sometimes anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications can be helpful. Most can benefit from a program of stress management that leads to controlling their physical responses to fear and anxiety. After learning effective stress management, a process called desensitization can be employed to beat the remaining fear and anxiety. Linking this process with biofeedback can help improve the outcomes and offer the PTSD sufferer a chance to see the connection to "getting back in control" of their body's response mechanism. Getting people to regain their sense of self-control by learning to control their anxiety responses can allow them to get back in control of their lives which are often experienced by the traumatized person as spiraling out of control.
If you know people who may be suffering from Survivor's Guilt or PTSD reach out and give them as much support and understanding as possible. Lead them to trained professionals and do not assume that time will heal these emotional wounds. Buried traumas can come back to haunt "healthy" people in their future lives. Especially with young children and young adults take this information very seriously and get them the support that they need. Observe carefully for signs of depression which can occur after Guilt or PTSD episodes.
More information regarding stress management and anxiety control see the articles at www.dstress.com/articles.htm especially the article on Panic and Anxiety Control
Information on PTSD: ncptsd.va.gov and www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/ptsdmenu.cfm
More info for Vets: vva.org/benefits/ptsd.htm
L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Executive Coaching and Training.
Please visit the Stress Education Center's website at Stress, Stress Management, Coaching, and Training for articles, free ezine signup, and learn about the new telecourses that are available. If you would like information or a targeted proposal for training or coaching, please contact us at (360) 593-3833.
If you are looking to use your training or coaching career to assist people with PTSD, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program as a career path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._John_Mason
"Survivors Guilt" can be experienced by people who have survived airplane crashes, tornados, hurricanes, and even "Corporate Downsizing." A question often asked by survivors is "Why did I survive and others did NOT?" There are often no easy answers. The Post Traumatic Stress that these "survivors" experience is very real and can have a huge impact on their lives and the people around them.
When you combine the trauma from a dramatic event which can be generated from primitive survival responses and the guilt which is generated from higher emotional and intellectual centers in the brain, you have a complex reaction that can be difficult to resolve. The more primitive survival responses make up the physical symptoms that can manifest from fear and anxiety. It is not unusual for people surviving from PTSD to have difficulties sleeping or concentrating or releasing the memories that haunt them. Anxiety can also manifest with symptoms of chest pain, rapid or irregular heart beats, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, reduced libido, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, and sometimes overwhelming fear as if these people were about to die. Guilt comes from complex emotions that are not as physically demanding but very distracting on the mental and emotional plane. Guilt may be a more "learned" reaction that may not be as close to the surface (or may not be there at all) for other people who have a shared experience. Self-esteem and feelings of self-control may be woven into the reaction that triggers the response of "guilt."
Many suffering from Survivor's Guilt and PTSD will "self-medicate" with alcohol (or possibly other drugs/medications) to control anxiety, stress, fear, and anger, and this can lead to substance abuse. The mental and emotional distractions that traumatic events create can lead to accidents or mistakes that can further injure these people mentally or physically.
It is important to understand that there are many things that happen in life that you can not control or fully understand. The things that are the most stressful are the things that you care the most about but that you can not control. The thing that you can control is the way that you respond. It is important to learn the lessons from your trauma or tragedy, try to not second guess yourself, stay as "present" as you can be, and find a way to move forward, in the most positive direction that you can.
There are many strategies that can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD starting with understanding and support as quickly as possible. These people often need to be "debriefed" about the trauma and allowed to freely vent without outside judgments. Some will require more counseling and professional attention. Sometimes anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications can be helpful. Most can benefit from a program of stress management that leads to controlling their physical responses to fear and anxiety. After learning effective stress management, a process called desensitization can be employed to beat the remaining fear and anxiety. Linking this process with biofeedback can help improve the outcomes and offer the PTSD sufferer a chance to see the connection to "getting back in control" of their body's response mechanism. Getting people to regain their sense of self-control by learning to control their anxiety responses can allow them to get back in control of their lives which are often experienced by the traumatized person as spiraling out of control.
If you know people who may be suffering from Survivor's Guilt or PTSD reach out and give them as much support and understanding as possible. Lead them to trained professionals and do not assume that time will heal these emotional wounds. Buried traumas can come back to haunt "healthy" people in their future lives. Especially with young children and young adults take this information very seriously and get them the support that they need. Observe carefully for signs of depression which can occur after Guilt or PTSD episodes.
More information regarding stress management and anxiety control see the articles at www.dstress.com/articles.htm especially the article on Panic and Anxiety Control
Information on PTSD: ncptsd.va.gov and www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/ptsdmenu.cfm
More info for Vets: vva.org/benefits/ptsd.htm
L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Executive Coaching and Training.
Please visit the Stress Education Center's website at Stress, Stress Management, Coaching, and Training for articles, free ezine signup, and learn about the new telecourses that are available. If you would like information or a targeted proposal for training or coaching, please contact us at (360) 593-3833.
If you are looking to use your training or coaching career to assist people with PTSD, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program as a career path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._John_Mason
Time Management Is Vital To Stress Free Living
Stop Stress Even Before It Happens
Self improvement Is For Everyone, Even If you don't think so.You can gather some self improvement Tips right here. All you have to do is be able to read and hopefully put to some use these ideas that will help you.
This self improvement guide is intended to offer you the best solutions to eliminate these factors for good. Or at least to reduce it drastically. Sometimes we overlook ourselves, Or Put "us" On the back burner.
Work, meetings, deadlines, appointments, telephone calls, shopping, taking the dogs out etc. - all these are things most people have to accomplish daily.
Most of the times, on the waiting list there are other things like: Kids To pay attention too,Chores To Do, friends and even more often ourselves.How long have you wanted to read that book you got a year ago? I guess a year right?
The Last one on that list is very important, "Ourselves" Try To Do Something for your self even if so small, It Pays off big time.
Sometimes we discover too late that the points mentioned on the waiting lists are, in fact, the most important and, unfortunately, sometimes, we don't realize this at all, so find ourselves wondering for what reason we are so unhappy. Or you wonder why your children are not feeling as close as they used to seem. Its not they like you any less than before, Its just they have gotten used to the fact your busy all the time.
Most people understand that time is worth more than money - time means, first of all, life and, more than that, it means our lives.
That is why we have the obligation not to surrender in stressful situations and to go fighting for the joy of living. Take care of your priorities first, Or at least equal...
Let us not forget also that deficient management of time can produce tremendous health problems, both at the physical and mental level. But having a clear mind can help to better manage our time and our whole schedule.
And cause you to be more productive, A huge asset.
See how these factors all feed themselves? Too Much Stress causes more stress, Crazy but all too true. Not Enough rest, But If you take rest you will not get your projects done, That Too Causes stress, But So does not enough rest.
So Its real important to work on project and more time management.
But there is good news! Time can be domesticated - we can make it, in certain ways, obey us. First step in setting up this process is to identify the elements that rob or waste your time. Normally, they are divided into two groups:
The external factors (unexpected phone calls, very long phone conversations, unplanned visits,too much television , the policy of open doors, not sufficiently trained personnel, frequent meetings, interruptions caused by colleagues, friends and family etc.)
The internal factors - related strictly to our own persons (priorities and objectives that change, the lack of a daily working plan, lack of self imposed deadlines, the tendency to take care of too many things at the same time, disorder, lateness ,Trouble in resolving any conflicts, incapacity of saying no, lack of decision, (over tiredness)These are part of the big problem..
About the only real problem is emergencies we cannot control , We just have to deal with those, And With a healthy mind its not so bad. The rest need to be put in their place.
By reading the above list you probably pictured or recalled all the similar situations that you went through. Now, all you have to do is to find a way to defeat and eliminate them, so that you can be the boss of your own time again.
Here are possible ways in which you can do that:
Get used to writing everything down. It is useful, especially if you have a bad memory. Otherwise you might fail to remember to go to important meetings, to make important phone calls, to answer messages you promised you would answer doctors visits etc.
You can also write down great ideas and inspirations that occur to you in the most unexpected moments. This Could Help you later.
Very Important : Make a list of priorities. It takes you very little time to draw it and you can even do it while you're having your morning coffee. Write down, the things you need to do that day, in the order of their importance and urgency.Then systematically Go After Your List
And Concentrate on getting it done, That's your goal of the day. Let Nobody get in the way, Without Being rude of course.
Learn to say no. One big mistake that a lot of us make is that we put other people's problems in front of ours. Nevertheless, by helping them in a bad moment, We give rise to frustration With our own list of things,Witch causes (you guessed it )Stress, And we find ourselves unable to carryout our previous plans.
All these advices and time management is also a philosophy of life. Soon you will feel the difference, And people will comment:
Wow he or she is hardly ever late, And you will look so fresh and feel ready to tackle the big ones with no problems.
Remember All We are expecting out of ourselves is to try, No punishments for failing just keep trying,
And Be Proud and happy for each little piece we get in order.
That's it soon it starts to become a habit, And your successes will pile up. With That Comes more freedom and and happiness and guess what?
Less Stress (*!~)
Now don't make me worry about you...
It might change your life. http://books-on-line.info/anxiety/ Get down right basic help with common sense approach that works, visit our site and ease your mind its gonna be just fine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Gentry
Self improvement Is For Everyone, Even If you don't think so.You can gather some self improvement Tips right here. All you have to do is be able to read and hopefully put to some use these ideas that will help you.
This self improvement guide is intended to offer you the best solutions to eliminate these factors for good. Or at least to reduce it drastically. Sometimes we overlook ourselves, Or Put "us" On the back burner.
Work, meetings, deadlines, appointments, telephone calls, shopping, taking the dogs out etc. - all these are things most people have to accomplish daily.
Most of the times, on the waiting list there are other things like: Kids To pay attention too,Chores To Do, friends and even more often ourselves.How long have you wanted to read that book you got a year ago? I guess a year right?
The Last one on that list is very important, "Ourselves" Try To Do Something for your self even if so small, It Pays off big time.
Sometimes we discover too late that the points mentioned on the waiting lists are, in fact, the most important and, unfortunately, sometimes, we don't realize this at all, so find ourselves wondering for what reason we are so unhappy. Or you wonder why your children are not feeling as close as they used to seem. Its not they like you any less than before, Its just they have gotten used to the fact your busy all the time.
Most people understand that time is worth more than money - time means, first of all, life and, more than that, it means our lives.
That is why we have the obligation not to surrender in stressful situations and to go fighting for the joy of living. Take care of your priorities first, Or at least equal...
Let us not forget also that deficient management of time can produce tremendous health problems, both at the physical and mental level. But having a clear mind can help to better manage our time and our whole schedule.
And cause you to be more productive, A huge asset.
See how these factors all feed themselves? Too Much Stress causes more stress, Crazy but all too true. Not Enough rest, But If you take rest you will not get your projects done, That Too Causes stress, But So does not enough rest.
So Its real important to work on project and more time management.
But there is good news! Time can be domesticated - we can make it, in certain ways, obey us. First step in setting up this process is to identify the elements that rob or waste your time. Normally, they are divided into two groups:
The external factors (unexpected phone calls, very long phone conversations, unplanned visits,too much television , the policy of open doors, not sufficiently trained personnel, frequent meetings, interruptions caused by colleagues, friends and family etc.)
The internal factors - related strictly to our own persons (priorities and objectives that change, the lack of a daily working plan, lack of self imposed deadlines, the tendency to take care of too many things at the same time, disorder, lateness ,Trouble in resolving any conflicts, incapacity of saying no, lack of decision, (over tiredness)These are part of the big problem..
About the only real problem is emergencies we cannot control , We just have to deal with those, And With a healthy mind its not so bad. The rest need to be put in their place.
By reading the above list you probably pictured or recalled all the similar situations that you went through. Now, all you have to do is to find a way to defeat and eliminate them, so that you can be the boss of your own time again.
Here are possible ways in which you can do that:
Get used to writing everything down. It is useful, especially if you have a bad memory. Otherwise you might fail to remember to go to important meetings, to make important phone calls, to answer messages you promised you would answer doctors visits etc.
You can also write down great ideas and inspirations that occur to you in the most unexpected moments. This Could Help you later.
Very Important : Make a list of priorities. It takes you very little time to draw it and you can even do it while you're having your morning coffee. Write down, the things you need to do that day, in the order of their importance and urgency.Then systematically Go After Your List
And Concentrate on getting it done, That's your goal of the day. Let Nobody get in the way, Without Being rude of course.
Learn to say no. One big mistake that a lot of us make is that we put other people's problems in front of ours. Nevertheless, by helping them in a bad moment, We give rise to frustration With our own list of things,Witch causes (you guessed it )Stress, And we find ourselves unable to carryout our previous plans.
All these advices and time management is also a philosophy of life. Soon you will feel the difference, And people will comment:
Wow he or she is hardly ever late, And you will look so fresh and feel ready to tackle the big ones with no problems.
Remember All We are expecting out of ourselves is to try, No punishments for failing just keep trying,
And Be Proud and happy for each little piece we get in order.
That's it soon it starts to become a habit, And your successes will pile up. With That Comes more freedom and and happiness and guess what?
Less Stress (*!~)
Now don't make me worry about you...
It might change your life. http://books-on-line.info/anxiety/ Get down right basic help with common sense approach that works, visit our site and ease your mind its gonna be just fine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Gentry
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