There will come a point that people will feel stressful with the things that are happening in their lives. There are situations that can occur unexpectedly that can bring stress to us.
Knowing where stress came from and understanding your stress management option so you can choose the best one for your situation. It is how to handle or hold stress defends on how you will be able to recognize it. Stress in not just for adult, it can happen in your teenage life as well. Maybe as tough as the stress work is putting on your parents or maybe the stress that they face in the school.
Your body and mind involves stress, which is why you need to learn how to not get it out of control, you have to know how it feels like before you begin to control it. You can manage stress if you want to, but some people will never learn this in their entire life, they just let stress ruin their lives.
There are some feelings that often come from stress such as, tired of the things that are happening in your life, moods changes for no reason, can't concentrate, cry over stupid things, can't sleep, head aches, fears, have nightmares a lot, palms get sweaty, accident prone, hungry at all time, no matter how much you eat, no motivation to do anything, and loss of enthusiasm.
Every time you're under stress, some people come down with the same symptoms, sometime their palms gets sweaty, or they found themselves to the bathroom. To each stressful situation, others react differently. The very important things to do are to know how to handle your stress. If you know how to do it then you will know when it's affecting you, so when you are stress out, you can do something about it.
Stress works when you come up against something that upsets you in some way, like it frustrate you, scares you, make you nervous,, pissed you off or make you sad, there's a part of our brain that effect and shoot stress hormones into your body. In the way your body is working, they activate changes. Stress can put a lamp in your throat and knots in your stomach, it also makes your heart beat faster and make your palm sweat. It can also make you drowsy and make you weird. In the first place, the reason of why people have stress is when they are in trouble.
To fight your stress you can take herbal remedies like Relagen. Relagen can help you treat stress naturally. Relagen has excellent stress management properties without causing sedation. Actually, there are a lot more herbal remedies out there. You can surf the internet to find which herbal remedy is the right one for you.
Eliza Maledevic Ayson
http://www.primeherbal.com/Relagen/
Eliza Maledevic writes for http://Jump2Top.com - SEO Company
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Digestive and Abdominal Symptom Control Program: For Stress Related GI Pains
Many people suffer from a variety of abdominal complaints that are either created or made worse by stress. You may be one of people who can learn to minimize, if not eliminate, your stress related symptoms!
Digestive & Abdominal symptoms can be confused with serious, sometimes life threatening physical disorders! Please consult your physician to determine the source of your symptoms.
Stomach tension ("knots"), ulcers or pre-ulcerous conditions, constipation, diarrhea, colitis, sexual dysfunction (70% of the time), poor digestion/absorption, and hyper secretion of gastric acid are the major physical symptoms which can link stress and abdominal problems. These conditions are not always created by stress, but can be made worse in stressful situations. People inherit characteristics both physically and emotionally that increase the possibilities of these types of symptoms. However, this does not mean that you are pre-destined to suffer from these complaints. You may need to change your lifestyle with behavioral techniques that can help you to get back in control of the way your body responds to stress and major life changes.
The keys to controlling abdominal complaints are:
Breathe slowly/diaphragmatically Remain in the present... in your body, in a positive way Avoid being perfectionistic and over-controlling Regular deep relaxation with Biofeedback Temperature monitoring Use the special relaxation tape regularly! Learn to warm your hands and feet Avoid caffeine and stimulants Regular aerobic exercise Positive self-talk... not negative ruminations
Learn to breathe diaphragmatically
Place a hand over your upper abdomen.Push it OUT as you inhale.Let in move IN as you exhale.Let your chest, shoulder, neck, and back relax as you breathe.Only on a very deep breath should these parts move in the breath. Use the other exercises from the chapter on relaxation through breathing (chapter 2.)Use the stress management tapes
Use the any of the stress management tapes 1-3 times per day for 8-12 weeks (you may wish to order a copy of any of these CD's from the Stress Education Center, if so, check the webite's "tapes" page.)
Any of the deep relaxations can be helpful, but especially recommended might be the Autogenic training exercises, visualizations, a GI specific guided relaxation, or the high blood pressure CD.
Try the Indirect Relaxation described at the "articles" page, if you have not used it already. After achieving a state of deep relaxation, encourage slow, regular diaphragmatic breathing, increased control, and maintain a present/positive mental awareness.
Use the StressDots or some sort of temperature training biofeedback device on your hands to learn how to warm your hands with relaxation.
When you can consistently get above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (93-95 degrees is ideal) then you can begin to master warming your feet to 90 degrees. See the article on temperature training at http://www.dstress.com/tempbft.html. When you can "let go" by relaxing and warming your hands and feet, you will be able to control if not prevent the panic/anxiety episodes that can contribute to your digestive complaints. Then you must develop the confidence in your control so the fear of digestive/abdominal disorders will not control your life. This skill can teach you how to minimize, if not eliminate, your symptoms.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise will help you to work off the effects of life's stresses. 3-5 times per week of regular exercise that can elevate your heart rate for 15-45 minutes would be best. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program if you have been inactive for a long while. Even though elevating your heart rate can be a little scary, the release of tensions and the strengthening of your cardiovascular system will have great benefits.
Eat Regular Meals
Low fat and complex carbohydrates are better than fast foods with lots of sugar. AVOID CAFFEINE and other stimulants. Caffeine is found in coffee, black teas, cola drinks, chocolate, some over-the-counter pain medications, and other foods/drugs. Caffeine is an irritant to your digestive track. Read labels. Eating as closely as you can to natural foods (lots of: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) will benefit any one (some people can not tolerate raw fruits and vegetables, however these may be very healthful over time.) You may want to avoid spicy foods and eating later in the evening to help control digestive symptoms.
Positive Self-Talk
Practice positive self-talk. Do not let your fears escalate into you losing control of your body and your mind. By breathing slowly and staying in your body, in present time, you avoid falling into the negative pattern of fear and panic which can intensify if not create digestive symptoms. Accept that you and everyone else has imperfections that allow us to be "human" and offer us an opportunity to develop in yet more positive ways. Learn from mistakes, but you do not have to beat yourself with these flaws. People who have insecurities that make them "overcontrol" other people can find long term difficulties in quality of life and health.
Remember you can get back in control of your body and your life! You must make this a priority so you can avoid being a victim to this set of scary symptoms.
Your abdominal symptoms are not always your enemy. These responses are designed to protect you and may teach you something about the stresses and transitions you are going through. Denial of these challenges only creates a more stubborn set of symptoms that can be more debilitating.
This program works best preventively and takes time to master. Be patient! Your skills will develop and you will be able to learn to control the stress related components of your digestive disorder. You will be able to minimize if not eliminate these symptoms through awareness and confidence in your developing relaxation skills.
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 http://www.dstress.com for articles, guided relaxation CD's, 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 (707) 795-2228.
If you are looking to promote your training or coaching career, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program for a secondary source of income or as career path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._John_Mason
Digestive & Abdominal symptoms can be confused with serious, sometimes life threatening physical disorders! Please consult your physician to determine the source of your symptoms.
Stomach tension ("knots"), ulcers or pre-ulcerous conditions, constipation, diarrhea, colitis, sexual dysfunction (70% of the time), poor digestion/absorption, and hyper secretion of gastric acid are the major physical symptoms which can link stress and abdominal problems. These conditions are not always created by stress, but can be made worse in stressful situations. People inherit characteristics both physically and emotionally that increase the possibilities of these types of symptoms. However, this does not mean that you are pre-destined to suffer from these complaints. You may need to change your lifestyle with behavioral techniques that can help you to get back in control of the way your body responds to stress and major life changes.
The keys to controlling abdominal complaints are:
Breathe slowly/diaphragmatically Remain in the present... in your body, in a positive way Avoid being perfectionistic and over-controlling Regular deep relaxation with Biofeedback Temperature monitoring Use the special relaxation tape regularly! Learn to warm your hands and feet Avoid caffeine and stimulants Regular aerobic exercise Positive self-talk... not negative ruminations
Learn to breathe diaphragmatically
Place a hand over your upper abdomen.Push it OUT as you inhale.Let in move IN as you exhale.Let your chest, shoulder, neck, and back relax as you breathe.Only on a very deep breath should these parts move in the breath. Use the other exercises from the chapter on relaxation through breathing (chapter 2.)Use the stress management tapes
Use the any of the stress management tapes 1-3 times per day for 8-12 weeks (you may wish to order a copy of any of these CD's from the Stress Education Center, if so, check the webite's "tapes" page.)
Any of the deep relaxations can be helpful, but especially recommended might be the Autogenic training exercises, visualizations, a GI specific guided relaxation, or the high blood pressure CD.
Try the Indirect Relaxation described at the "articles" page, if you have not used it already. After achieving a state of deep relaxation, encourage slow, regular diaphragmatic breathing, increased control, and maintain a present/positive mental awareness.
Use the StressDots or some sort of temperature training biofeedback device on your hands to learn how to warm your hands with relaxation.
When you can consistently get above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (93-95 degrees is ideal) then you can begin to master warming your feet to 90 degrees. See the article on temperature training at http://www.dstress.com/tempbft.html. When you can "let go" by relaxing and warming your hands and feet, you will be able to control if not prevent the panic/anxiety episodes that can contribute to your digestive complaints. Then you must develop the confidence in your control so the fear of digestive/abdominal disorders will not control your life. This skill can teach you how to minimize, if not eliminate, your symptoms.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise will help you to work off the effects of life's stresses. 3-5 times per week of regular exercise that can elevate your heart rate for 15-45 minutes would be best. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program if you have been inactive for a long while. Even though elevating your heart rate can be a little scary, the release of tensions and the strengthening of your cardiovascular system will have great benefits.
Eat Regular Meals
Low fat and complex carbohydrates are better than fast foods with lots of sugar. AVOID CAFFEINE and other stimulants. Caffeine is found in coffee, black teas, cola drinks, chocolate, some over-the-counter pain medications, and other foods/drugs. Caffeine is an irritant to your digestive track. Read labels. Eating as closely as you can to natural foods (lots of: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) will benefit any one (some people can not tolerate raw fruits and vegetables, however these may be very healthful over time.) You may want to avoid spicy foods and eating later in the evening to help control digestive symptoms.
Positive Self-Talk
Practice positive self-talk. Do not let your fears escalate into you losing control of your body and your mind. By breathing slowly and staying in your body, in present time, you avoid falling into the negative pattern of fear and panic which can intensify if not create digestive symptoms. Accept that you and everyone else has imperfections that allow us to be "human" and offer us an opportunity to develop in yet more positive ways. Learn from mistakes, but you do not have to beat yourself with these flaws. People who have insecurities that make them "overcontrol" other people can find long term difficulties in quality of life and health.
Remember you can get back in control of your body and your life! You must make this a priority so you can avoid being a victim to this set of scary symptoms.
Your abdominal symptoms are not always your enemy. These responses are designed to protect you and may teach you something about the stresses and transitions you are going through. Denial of these challenges only creates a more stubborn set of symptoms that can be more debilitating.
This program works best preventively and takes time to master. Be patient! Your skills will develop and you will be able to learn to control the stress related components of your digestive disorder. You will be able to minimize if not eliminate these symptoms through awareness and confidence in your developing relaxation skills.
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 http://www.dstress.com for articles, guided relaxation CD's, 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 (707) 795-2228.
If you are looking to promote your training or coaching career, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program for a secondary source of income or as career path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._John_Mason
Stress or Burnout - Do You Know the Differences?
Every day we experience events that may cause us to experience various levels of stress. The stress may appear at home, at work or almost everywhere in our daily life. Many regular signs of stress symptoms we easily adjust to or choose to ignore because of a sense of familiarity or we become used to it. If we experience prolonged symptoms they may become too heavy or the prolonged stress makes us feel desensitized to everything around us, it is possible we may be burned out.
A good definition of burnout is when we feel like the stress and problems we are going through have no possible endings or solutions. This feeling of helplessness is one of the more common signs of burnout. You many also suffer from apathy or even cynicism.
When you learn to recognize the beginnings of burnout it can essentially assist you in finding ways to get yourself back on an even keel or at least minimize the effects of burnout. Realizing and knowing you are moving toward possible burnout due to stress can help you from causing damage to your life, your relationships and your job.
Every day we are constantly showered by stress and it can make you feed both physically and emotionally drained. Daily stress is an ordinary occurrence but if you do nothing to wash it away you may end up experiencing the many signs of stress and the symptoms of stress burnout.
Stress and burnout are interconnected and although they are two distinct and different problems they may be solved with somewhat similar solutions. Differences between these two problems usually include the following: stress may make you feed hyper-emotional while burnout can make you feed under-emotional or at times not caring; stress may make you hyperactive while burnout can make you feel things are hopeless; stress can affect your physical well being while burnout can affect you emotional well being.
Although the differences between stress and burnout may seem wide they actually can be approached and solved in the same way. Recognizing the symptoms early and working with a stress management program to get rid of the accumulated stress that may lead to burnout is the start of solving the problem.
Once you learn to relieve stress through physical activity, meditation with some time alone, and perhaps yoga you can rejuvenate yourself and prevent the buildup of stressful forces that may lead to burnout. Keeping the stress from daily life under control will keep the negative effects of burnout from taking control of you life.
John Groth has learned to effectively manage everyday stress. On his site find Stress Relief Guide, valuable articles and a FREE report Stop Suffering from Panic and Anxiety. Discover stress reduction strategies at his Stress Management Guide all to assist you in reducing the stress and tension in your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Groth
A good definition of burnout is when we feel like the stress and problems we are going through have no possible endings or solutions. This feeling of helplessness is one of the more common signs of burnout. You many also suffer from apathy or even cynicism.
When you learn to recognize the beginnings of burnout it can essentially assist you in finding ways to get yourself back on an even keel or at least minimize the effects of burnout. Realizing and knowing you are moving toward possible burnout due to stress can help you from causing damage to your life, your relationships and your job.
Every day we are constantly showered by stress and it can make you feed both physically and emotionally drained. Daily stress is an ordinary occurrence but if you do nothing to wash it away you may end up experiencing the many signs of stress and the symptoms of stress burnout.
Stress and burnout are interconnected and although they are two distinct and different problems they may be solved with somewhat similar solutions. Differences between these two problems usually include the following: stress may make you feed hyper-emotional while burnout can make you feed under-emotional or at times not caring; stress may make you hyperactive while burnout can make you feel things are hopeless; stress can affect your physical well being while burnout can affect you emotional well being.
Although the differences between stress and burnout may seem wide they actually can be approached and solved in the same way. Recognizing the symptoms early and working with a stress management program to get rid of the accumulated stress that may lead to burnout is the start of solving the problem.
Once you learn to relieve stress through physical activity, meditation with some time alone, and perhaps yoga you can rejuvenate yourself and prevent the buildup of stressful forces that may lead to burnout. Keeping the stress from daily life under control will keep the negative effects of burnout from taking control of you life.
John Groth has learned to effectively manage everyday stress. On his site find Stress Relief Guide, valuable articles and a FREE report Stop Suffering from Panic and Anxiety. Discover stress reduction strategies at his Stress Management Guide all to assist you in reducing the stress and tension in your life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Groth
Stress Management Group Analysis
Group Description _______________________________________________
The current group of analysis is a mock stress management group. Each member acted out specific roles of individual situations that possibly exist within the local communities of Flint, Michigan. Each of these individuals had been asked to recall for one week between sessions, of a stressful event that impacted their life in a significant manner. The group had initially met one week prior for introductions and construction of group rules. The current video segment represented the second meeting with a time of approximately (30) minutes.
During the video segment the group’s indicated stage of development could be characterized as the Forming Stage (Tuckman, 1963). This stage as Tuckman (1963) stated is characterized by the initial or early stages of the group, with introductions, orientations, and the testing of members through interaction. Klein (1972) also characterizes an accurate portrayal of our stress management groups stage of development, when he stated that early in the development of a group, “The underlying theme of the orientation phase is anxiety and the actions are a means of coping with it. Some people respond to anxiety by remaining passive, watching and waiting” (p 82). Corey & Corey (2002), indicate that some members may be suspicious, anxious, and represent a curiosity of who these new group members are. These theoretical perceptions can be clearly identified when one of the members within the stress management group would laugh at times; expressing anxious reactions to group involvement as well as the indication by their members that we all can feel anxious initially. The priority issues within the group consisted of four areas of focus. They are as follows;
1.The need to express a past stressful event in the member’s life.2.The need to identify and express the emotions connected to the event.3.The need to understand and express the affects of the event on their relationships.4.The need to express the ways in which the member coped with the event
Figure 1.1
The members were asked to contemplate over a period of one week, a past event that was stressful. They were asked to prepare to discuss the topic during the second group session. The members were asked to identify and express the subjective emotions they experienced during the stressful event. According to Therapeutic Resources (2006), it is important to express and share feelings and emotions within such a support group in order to promote emotional healing. The members were also asked to identify and express the affects this event subjectively had upon the member’s relationships. Finally, the members were asked to express their perceptions and actions taken to cope with the past event. According to Toseland & Rivas (1995), assisting members in identifying past actions that assisted in accomplishing a positive outcome serves to empower individuals.
According to Reid (1997), group composition pertains to identifying who will be in the group and who will not be in the group. The gender, age, ethnic, social and racial characteristics are identified and analyzed according to group purpose and needs (Reid, 1997). Our stress management group consisted of four members, constructed as an open system. The members were all between the ages of thirty and forty. There were two males and two females of mid to low social stratification. This group represented both homogeneous and heterogeneous aspects (Reid, 1997). Unfortunately for the purpose of the group project the only members the leader could utilize were of European Caucasian decent. The leader realizes that it may have been valuable for other ethnicities and racial compositions to be present in the group for further learning opportunities for all members. According to Reid (1997), those of other cultures can give a group a diverse amount of perspectives in solving problems. It would have clearly been of great interest and more educational for members to gain insight on how others from different ethnic groups experienced their stressful event. Regarding gender, the leader did make efforts to obtain an equal participation of both genders.
The leader’s purpose and hope was to allow individuals to re-experience their thoughts, feelings, and relational identities regarding their past circumstance. This visual representation sought to shed light to new understandings of members past circumstances. This re-evaluation sought to clarify understandings and give new perspectives from other group members by those who would participate.
Leadership
According to Toseland, Jones & Gellis (2004), principles that convey good leadership and promote member to member interaction included;
1.To encourage member to member interaction; rather than member to leader. 2.Insure that members have input into the agenda for group meetings; in the present and in the future. 3.Supporting indigenous group leaders as their leadership emerges 4.Encouraging mutual sharing and mutual aid between members
Figure 1.2
These ideas were proposed and attempted during leadership processes. In regards to (# 1), early within the group session the leader encouraged members to share patterns and ideas in which they identified (Toseland, et. al., 2004). In regards to (#2), the leader asked within the first session for members to think about what they would speak about in the second session (Toseland, et. al., 2004). In regards to (#3), it was clearly difficult to identify indigenous leaders due to the stage of development. In regards to (#4), the leader encouraged members to share ideas, compare or relate regarding similar stories (Toseland, et. al., 2004). The leader displayed elements within group session, known to Toseland, et. al., (2004), as expert power, “possessing knowledge to help the group achieve goals (p.21).” This was clear throughout the session with examples of recommendations to members on how to cope with stressful circumstances. According to Toseland, et. al., (2004), informational power is when, “a leader possesses information that is needed by the group (p.21).” These ideas were expressed by the leader in regards to presenting material in a systematic and visually affective manner. Leadership Interventions
The leader’s first intervention was to construct four areas of focus. These areas focused upon cognitive, emotional, relational and positive strategies in coping. According to Toseland and Rivas (1995), some important components of support group interventions include;
1.Ventilation of a stressful experience within a supportive environment 2.A validation and confirmation of similar experiences 3.Support and understanding during difficult situations 4.Identify ways of coping during stressful circumstances
Figure 1.3
The leaders second intervention was to assist in lowering client defenses; allowing individuals in the second session to cognitively think through a stressful event prior to attendance, and then prepare to express it verbally and visually. According to Hartman (1978), the use of an eco-map tool with clients can help clients feel as if the social worker is making an effort to assist them and also decrease client defensiveness. This eco-map was carefully constructed with purpose, and represented areas in which the four areas of focus could be expressed through visual representation.
The leaders third intervention included, asking members “who would like to go first” regarding responses. The leader sought to let individuals retain choice and flexibility. If no one would respond, the leader would choose to direct a counter clock wise rotation.
The fourth intervention included a response to on camera or group interactive anxiety. One of the members admitted that he was a little anxious and was laughing in order to cope. The leader immediately addressed the behavior; reassured the member and made attempts to universalize his behavior with other members by stating that “we all at one time or another feel nervous in groups.” The leader also expressed to all group members that “if anyone felt uncomfortable, please understand that you can step out to relax.”
The leader’s next intervention included the taking of five minutes off camera for all members to fill out their eco-maps. The leader clearly explained before the break the visual need to represent their circumstance for greater clarity. This gave members a time to relax off camera and learn more about their circumstances. This gives way to what Reid (1997) calls therapeutic factors of internal action, that influence other’s processes within the mind of members; such as , imagining, rehearsing, remembering and planning.
The next intervention clarified to group members their opportunity to identify and express to other members “any patterns or ideas that are similar or different in which may ignite interaction.” The leader encouraged them to realize the similarities and commonalities of their membership; in hopes they would learn from their differences (Toseland, et. al., 2004).
Within the next intervention the leader sought to apply, and establish the identity of a pattern regarding the feelings group members were expressing; feelings of depression, low self esteem, loss, anger, as well as feelings that others within their families judge them. According to Reid (1997), this universalizing through the identification of consistent patterns is an important part of “mutual sharing groups.” The leader believed that allowing members to express and share their commonalities would bring forth greater learning and a sense of support (Reid, 1997).
The next intervention included linking or identifying two individuals within the group “Jenni” and “Roy”, with similar stories of divorce. The expressed self disclosure of feelings of loss and indicated transitional changes during the divorce process were very clear (Reid, 1997). After “Jenni” explained her story, the leader purposely called upon “Roy” to share or compare his similar circumstance. The leader hoped that he could link a commonality through the realization of current and past feelings. The leader realizing as “Jenni” went on to explain her feelings of isolation from her “church family” during the divorce, another comparison and assistance in realization between her and the other group member “Amy” became an apparent opportunity to bridge understandings. The leader called upon “Amy” in hopes that “Amy” with the isolation by family members due to the loss of her job, could give insight and understanding to “Jenni’s” feelings (Reid, 1997).
Next, the leader took the opportunity to intervene regarding the interaction by members in explaining their feelings of depression and behaviors relating to their circumstances. The leader emphasized their positive responses to self analysis as well as emphasizing the needs to cope positively within stressful circumstances. “Amy” stated that she enjoyed being part of a group and it made her feel like maybe she was not such a “freak” after all when listening to others in the group. The leader took advantage of influencing “internal member processes” with this comment, by reiterating the positive aspects of expressing individual feelings and emphasizing the safety that exists within the group system (Reid, 1997).
The leader, took the opportunity to address a common emotional theme of anger. The leader believed that through his active listening that this would be important regarding the need to express the emotional frustration of member’s circumstances (Reid, 1997). The leader purposed that this emotion in particular could clearly be related, effectively based upon the types of past events the members had expressed. The leader took an early advantage to initiate a perspective thought by members regarding “how they coped with their anger.” The leader purposely emphasized the need to construct positive coping skills; after “Roy” had indicated how he had changed from drinking at the bar, to working out at the gym. The leader believed that these early comments would prepare group members in thinking about the fourth area topic of focus.
The next intervention emphasized a need to identify areas in which individual members had difficulties trusting others. Commonalities were identified and interactions were clear between members. The leader re-emphasized a need to identify the expression of trust, economic, anger, and isolation issues common among members. The leader took the initiative to ask “Jeremy” if his comment’s about attending church was a way to cope with, or create greater support structures within his circumstance. This question prompted “Jenni” to initiate her coping processes regarding her belief in God. The leader further emphasized the need to utilize our beliefs and values in coping with our circumstances as “Jenni” had indicated.
After the member named “Roy” emphasized that his “work system” was affected by his stress reactions. The leader took advantage of utilizing the “work topic” to gain insight on how these events affected individual’s ability to make a living. Interestingly enough the only member who did not comment regarding this topic/system of interest was “Amy” and this was clearly due to the nature of her event; revolving around “work” and the loss of her job.
Another intervention by the leader included linking how our current circumstances can restrict our choices; however, through this change and transition, we develop new choices that if identified, can lead to very positive outcomes. This became evident when “Amy” spoke out about her job loss and then her opportunity to go to school. With this conversation a commonality between “Amy”, “Jenni” and “Roy”, develops in regards to stigma, exploitation and the oppression many experience when transitioning through these circumstances. One member “Jenni” goes on to emphasize her feelings regarding her frustration with feelings after her divorce. She stated she felt as “used goods.” The member “Jeremy” seemed to laugh loudly; possible due to ever present anxiety or maybe perceptions of humor. Never the less, the group leader took direct action to confront the reasoning in “Jeremy’s” response in an effort to clarify and protect the feelings of the other member’s emotional expression to emphasize respect and safety (Reid, 1997). The leader took the initiative to get “Jeremy” more involved in expressing his abilities to cope with his circumstance.
Within the final intervention the leader re-emphasizes the need to utilize coping mechanisms; identifies commonalities; clarifies the emotional sharing; social implications of member’s circumstances; and the thanking of group participation. Strengths
I believe that the leader’s strengths were clearly represented through the construction, structure, and use of curriculum. As indicated; the use of the eco-map and topic areas were researched based and relevant to the goal and purpose of the group session. The leader exhibited positive strategies in order to assist group members in expressing feelings, identifying connective patterns, reinforcing commonality, and gave ideas for positive coping skills. Areas to enhance
Areas of continual analysis and improvement are also clear. The group may have been too structured. Due to a lack of experience the leader may have attempted to control the group too extensively due to the leader’s insecurities (Toseland & Rivas, 1995). I believe that the leader could have used more active listening skills in regards to paraphrasing, and reemphasizing each group members responses. Greater ignition of interaction and a connection between conversations could have been beneficial; especially with the member named “Jeremy.” His behaviors may have influenced the leader’s ability to direct interaction more equitably. The leader could have created and retained greater eye contact and used less sophisticated words at times, such as “socioeconomic environment.” The leader must continually through group practice monitor verbal and non-verbal responses with greater efficiency, and closely monitor basic group dynamics.
_________________________________________________________________
References Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (2002). Group Process and Practice (6th ed).
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole (Forming a group, 98-120). Hartman, A. (1978). Diagrammatic Assessment of Family Relationships. Social Klein,
Casework, 59, 465-476. A. F., (1972). Effective Groupwork. Chicago: Follett Publishing Company. Reid, K. E., (1997) . Social Work Practice With Groups: A Clinical Perspective (2nd ed).
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Therapeutic Resources (2006). “Support Groups.”
http://www.therapeuticresources.com/supportgroups.html Toseland, R. W., Jones, L. V. and Gellis, Z. D. (2004). Group Dynamics. In C. Garvin, L.
M. Guitierrez, and M. J. Galinsky (Eds.). Handbook of Social Work with Groups.
New York: Guilford. Pp. 12-31. Toseland, R. W., Rivas, R. F., (1995). An Introduction To Group Work Practice (2nd ed).
Needham Heights, Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon. Tuckman, B. (1963). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin,
63(6), 384-399.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laverne_John_Riley_Jr.
The current group of analysis is a mock stress management group. Each member acted out specific roles of individual situations that possibly exist within the local communities of Flint, Michigan. Each of these individuals had been asked to recall for one week between sessions, of a stressful event that impacted their life in a significant manner. The group had initially met one week prior for introductions and construction of group rules. The current video segment represented the second meeting with a time of approximately (30) minutes.
During the video segment the group’s indicated stage of development could be characterized as the Forming Stage (Tuckman, 1963). This stage as Tuckman (1963) stated is characterized by the initial or early stages of the group, with introductions, orientations, and the testing of members through interaction. Klein (1972) also characterizes an accurate portrayal of our stress management groups stage of development, when he stated that early in the development of a group, “The underlying theme of the orientation phase is anxiety and the actions are a means of coping with it. Some people respond to anxiety by remaining passive, watching and waiting” (p 82). Corey & Corey (2002), indicate that some members may be suspicious, anxious, and represent a curiosity of who these new group members are. These theoretical perceptions can be clearly identified when one of the members within the stress management group would laugh at times; expressing anxious reactions to group involvement as well as the indication by their members that we all can feel anxious initially. The priority issues within the group consisted of four areas of focus. They are as follows;
1.The need to express a past stressful event in the member’s life.2.The need to identify and express the emotions connected to the event.3.The need to understand and express the affects of the event on their relationships.4.The need to express the ways in which the member coped with the event
Figure 1.1
The members were asked to contemplate over a period of one week, a past event that was stressful. They were asked to prepare to discuss the topic during the second group session. The members were asked to identify and express the subjective emotions they experienced during the stressful event. According to Therapeutic Resources (2006), it is important to express and share feelings and emotions within such a support group in order to promote emotional healing. The members were also asked to identify and express the affects this event subjectively had upon the member’s relationships. Finally, the members were asked to express their perceptions and actions taken to cope with the past event. According to Toseland & Rivas (1995), assisting members in identifying past actions that assisted in accomplishing a positive outcome serves to empower individuals.
According to Reid (1997), group composition pertains to identifying who will be in the group and who will not be in the group. The gender, age, ethnic, social and racial characteristics are identified and analyzed according to group purpose and needs (Reid, 1997). Our stress management group consisted of four members, constructed as an open system. The members were all between the ages of thirty and forty. There were two males and two females of mid to low social stratification. This group represented both homogeneous and heterogeneous aspects (Reid, 1997). Unfortunately for the purpose of the group project the only members the leader could utilize were of European Caucasian decent. The leader realizes that it may have been valuable for other ethnicities and racial compositions to be present in the group for further learning opportunities for all members. According to Reid (1997), those of other cultures can give a group a diverse amount of perspectives in solving problems. It would have clearly been of great interest and more educational for members to gain insight on how others from different ethnic groups experienced their stressful event. Regarding gender, the leader did make efforts to obtain an equal participation of both genders.
The leader’s purpose and hope was to allow individuals to re-experience their thoughts, feelings, and relational identities regarding their past circumstance. This visual representation sought to shed light to new understandings of members past circumstances. This re-evaluation sought to clarify understandings and give new perspectives from other group members by those who would participate.
Leadership
According to Toseland, Jones & Gellis (2004), principles that convey good leadership and promote member to member interaction included;
1.To encourage member to member interaction; rather than member to leader. 2.Insure that members have input into the agenda for group meetings; in the present and in the future. 3.Supporting indigenous group leaders as their leadership emerges 4.Encouraging mutual sharing and mutual aid between members
Figure 1.2
These ideas were proposed and attempted during leadership processes. In regards to (# 1), early within the group session the leader encouraged members to share patterns and ideas in which they identified (Toseland, et. al., 2004). In regards to (#2), the leader asked within the first session for members to think about what they would speak about in the second session (Toseland, et. al., 2004). In regards to (#3), it was clearly difficult to identify indigenous leaders due to the stage of development. In regards to (#4), the leader encouraged members to share ideas, compare or relate regarding similar stories (Toseland, et. al., 2004). The leader displayed elements within group session, known to Toseland, et. al., (2004), as expert power, “possessing knowledge to help the group achieve goals (p.21).” This was clear throughout the session with examples of recommendations to members on how to cope with stressful circumstances. According to Toseland, et. al., (2004), informational power is when, “a leader possesses information that is needed by the group (p.21).” These ideas were expressed by the leader in regards to presenting material in a systematic and visually affective manner. Leadership Interventions
The leader’s first intervention was to construct four areas of focus. These areas focused upon cognitive, emotional, relational and positive strategies in coping. According to Toseland and Rivas (1995), some important components of support group interventions include;
1.Ventilation of a stressful experience within a supportive environment 2.A validation and confirmation of similar experiences 3.Support and understanding during difficult situations 4.Identify ways of coping during stressful circumstances
Figure 1.3
The leaders second intervention was to assist in lowering client defenses; allowing individuals in the second session to cognitively think through a stressful event prior to attendance, and then prepare to express it verbally and visually. According to Hartman (1978), the use of an eco-map tool with clients can help clients feel as if the social worker is making an effort to assist them and also decrease client defensiveness. This eco-map was carefully constructed with purpose, and represented areas in which the four areas of focus could be expressed through visual representation.
The leaders third intervention included, asking members “who would like to go first” regarding responses. The leader sought to let individuals retain choice and flexibility. If no one would respond, the leader would choose to direct a counter clock wise rotation.
The fourth intervention included a response to on camera or group interactive anxiety. One of the members admitted that he was a little anxious and was laughing in order to cope. The leader immediately addressed the behavior; reassured the member and made attempts to universalize his behavior with other members by stating that “we all at one time or another feel nervous in groups.” The leader also expressed to all group members that “if anyone felt uncomfortable, please understand that you can step out to relax.”
The leader’s next intervention included the taking of five minutes off camera for all members to fill out their eco-maps. The leader clearly explained before the break the visual need to represent their circumstance for greater clarity. This gave members a time to relax off camera and learn more about their circumstances. This gives way to what Reid (1997) calls therapeutic factors of internal action, that influence other’s processes within the mind of members; such as , imagining, rehearsing, remembering and planning.
The next intervention clarified to group members their opportunity to identify and express to other members “any patterns or ideas that are similar or different in which may ignite interaction.” The leader encouraged them to realize the similarities and commonalities of their membership; in hopes they would learn from their differences (Toseland, et. al., 2004).
Within the next intervention the leader sought to apply, and establish the identity of a pattern regarding the feelings group members were expressing; feelings of depression, low self esteem, loss, anger, as well as feelings that others within their families judge them. According to Reid (1997), this universalizing through the identification of consistent patterns is an important part of “mutual sharing groups.” The leader believed that allowing members to express and share their commonalities would bring forth greater learning and a sense of support (Reid, 1997).
The next intervention included linking or identifying two individuals within the group “Jenni” and “Roy”, with similar stories of divorce. The expressed self disclosure of feelings of loss and indicated transitional changes during the divorce process were very clear (Reid, 1997). After “Jenni” explained her story, the leader purposely called upon “Roy” to share or compare his similar circumstance. The leader hoped that he could link a commonality through the realization of current and past feelings. The leader realizing as “Jenni” went on to explain her feelings of isolation from her “church family” during the divorce, another comparison and assistance in realization between her and the other group member “Amy” became an apparent opportunity to bridge understandings. The leader called upon “Amy” in hopes that “Amy” with the isolation by family members due to the loss of her job, could give insight and understanding to “Jenni’s” feelings (Reid, 1997).
Next, the leader took the opportunity to intervene regarding the interaction by members in explaining their feelings of depression and behaviors relating to their circumstances. The leader emphasized their positive responses to self analysis as well as emphasizing the needs to cope positively within stressful circumstances. “Amy” stated that she enjoyed being part of a group and it made her feel like maybe she was not such a “freak” after all when listening to others in the group. The leader took advantage of influencing “internal member processes” with this comment, by reiterating the positive aspects of expressing individual feelings and emphasizing the safety that exists within the group system (Reid, 1997).
The leader, took the opportunity to address a common emotional theme of anger. The leader believed that through his active listening that this would be important regarding the need to express the emotional frustration of member’s circumstances (Reid, 1997). The leader purposed that this emotion in particular could clearly be related, effectively based upon the types of past events the members had expressed. The leader took an early advantage to initiate a perspective thought by members regarding “how they coped with their anger.” The leader purposely emphasized the need to construct positive coping skills; after “Roy” had indicated how he had changed from drinking at the bar, to working out at the gym. The leader believed that these early comments would prepare group members in thinking about the fourth area topic of focus.
The next intervention emphasized a need to identify areas in which individual members had difficulties trusting others. Commonalities were identified and interactions were clear between members. The leader re-emphasized a need to identify the expression of trust, economic, anger, and isolation issues common among members. The leader took the initiative to ask “Jeremy” if his comment’s about attending church was a way to cope with, or create greater support structures within his circumstance. This question prompted “Jenni” to initiate her coping processes regarding her belief in God. The leader further emphasized the need to utilize our beliefs and values in coping with our circumstances as “Jenni” had indicated.
After the member named “Roy” emphasized that his “work system” was affected by his stress reactions. The leader took advantage of utilizing the “work topic” to gain insight on how these events affected individual’s ability to make a living. Interestingly enough the only member who did not comment regarding this topic/system of interest was “Amy” and this was clearly due to the nature of her event; revolving around “work” and the loss of her job.
Another intervention by the leader included linking how our current circumstances can restrict our choices; however, through this change and transition, we develop new choices that if identified, can lead to very positive outcomes. This became evident when “Amy” spoke out about her job loss and then her opportunity to go to school. With this conversation a commonality between “Amy”, “Jenni” and “Roy”, develops in regards to stigma, exploitation and the oppression many experience when transitioning through these circumstances. One member “Jenni” goes on to emphasize her feelings regarding her frustration with feelings after her divorce. She stated she felt as “used goods.” The member “Jeremy” seemed to laugh loudly; possible due to ever present anxiety or maybe perceptions of humor. Never the less, the group leader took direct action to confront the reasoning in “Jeremy’s” response in an effort to clarify and protect the feelings of the other member’s emotional expression to emphasize respect and safety (Reid, 1997). The leader took the initiative to get “Jeremy” more involved in expressing his abilities to cope with his circumstance.
Within the final intervention the leader re-emphasizes the need to utilize coping mechanisms; identifies commonalities; clarifies the emotional sharing; social implications of member’s circumstances; and the thanking of group participation. Strengths
I believe that the leader’s strengths were clearly represented through the construction, structure, and use of curriculum. As indicated; the use of the eco-map and topic areas were researched based and relevant to the goal and purpose of the group session. The leader exhibited positive strategies in order to assist group members in expressing feelings, identifying connective patterns, reinforcing commonality, and gave ideas for positive coping skills. Areas to enhance
Areas of continual analysis and improvement are also clear. The group may have been too structured. Due to a lack of experience the leader may have attempted to control the group too extensively due to the leader’s insecurities (Toseland & Rivas, 1995). I believe that the leader could have used more active listening skills in regards to paraphrasing, and reemphasizing each group members responses. Greater ignition of interaction and a connection between conversations could have been beneficial; especially with the member named “Jeremy.” His behaviors may have influenced the leader’s ability to direct interaction more equitably. The leader could have created and retained greater eye contact and used less sophisticated words at times, such as “socioeconomic environment.” The leader must continually through group practice monitor verbal and non-verbal responses with greater efficiency, and closely monitor basic group dynamics.
_________________________________________________________________
References Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (2002). Group Process and Practice (6th ed).
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole (Forming a group, 98-120). Hartman, A. (1978). Diagrammatic Assessment of Family Relationships. Social Klein,
Casework, 59, 465-476. A. F., (1972). Effective Groupwork. Chicago: Follett Publishing Company. Reid, K. E., (1997) . Social Work Practice With Groups: A Clinical Perspective (2nd ed).
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Therapeutic Resources (2006). “Support Groups.”
http://www.therapeuticresources.com/supportgroups.html Toseland, R. W., Jones, L. V. and Gellis, Z. D. (2004). Group Dynamics. In C. Garvin, L.
M. Guitierrez, and M. J. Galinsky (Eds.). Handbook of Social Work with Groups.
New York: Guilford. Pp. 12-31. Toseland, R. W., Rivas, R. F., (1995). An Introduction To Group Work Practice (2nd ed).
Needham Heights, Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon. Tuckman, B. (1963). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin,
63(6), 384-399.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laverne_John_Riley_Jr.
Small Business Stress Management - Worry Creatively About Money
Only fools and dead people have no worries. Human nature being what it is, all of us worry about money. We worry about money when we have too little, when we have enough and when we have extra. But not everyone worries equally.
Those who worry well about money are relatively stress free when it comes to money management, no matter whether the concerns are about too little money or how to best manage adequate and surplus funds. Those who do not know how to worry about money are nervous wrecks and consider finances to be a headache producer.
I suggest three rules of thumb about how to handle the financial concerns that go with every business and that are usually pressing concerns with small businesses.
First: organize the worries. Financial matters fall into a very few categories such as cash flow, debt management, credit development, receivables, taxes and asset management. Each have their own considerations and need to be well-organized, carefully filed and accurately tracked. For example, with cash flow it is important to have cash on hand to meet daily expenses and payrolls. With credit is is important to develop lines of credit, the longer the better. But aside from writing legibly and making careful notes and entries, none of these money matters merit non-stop attention.
Translating the worries into organized tasks that can be accomplished is a way of acting on the worries instead of worrying. If organizing the worries into action is step one, then step two becomes scheduling the dates on which the actions occur. Change the worry to action, schedule the action, and live worry-free during the interim.
Second: schedule the tasks and do them faithfully at the proper times. Get the taxes done on time. Be sure to make payroll on time every time. Organize debt payments to be automatically deducted or do them manually on the same date each month. It might be that the various tasks related to financial management of the business require a total number of hours each month equal to less than one work day! By organizing and scheduling the financial tasks a new perspective becomes possible: financial management of the business is not a big headache, just a collection of routine tasks!
Third: worry about the finances on purpose. Remember, we are all humans. It is human to worry. The manager of a small business and indeed of any-sized business will worry about finances, no matter how well-organized and efficient the company's management of financial tasks and policies. The goal is to be worry free in between the tasks you have organized. But the human mind does not always adhere to schedules.
Ridiculous as it may seem, commit yourself to worry on purpose when you "feel it coming on." Just be sure the worry session has a beginning and end before you get into the worrying. Keep it short: ten minutes is far more than enough to worry yourself sick and get it out of your system. This is a different approach than being half-worried or a little worried or stuffing down the worry.
Nagging worries simply produce a sense of unease. By comparison, an all-out bone-rattling worry acts like a strong storm: it clears the atmosphere so calm can return. Venting out fears, worries and anxiety is a cleansing antidote as old as human nature. Use it as often as needed. It won't let you down.
Managing a small business brings with it plenty of financial problems and challenges. It is human nature to sit up and take notice of financial problems. Just remember, they never really go away, they only mutate. Managing worry is the best approach: organize the worries, turn them into tasks and schedule the tasks. When you need to worry do it with abandon. The rest of the time enjoy successfully managing the financial aspects of your business!
Losoncy is a licensed therapist, an executive coach and president of three corporations. He can be reached at http://www.mvpseminars.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Losoncy
Those who worry well about money are relatively stress free when it comes to money management, no matter whether the concerns are about too little money or how to best manage adequate and surplus funds. Those who do not know how to worry about money are nervous wrecks and consider finances to be a headache producer.
I suggest three rules of thumb about how to handle the financial concerns that go with every business and that are usually pressing concerns with small businesses.
First: organize the worries. Financial matters fall into a very few categories such as cash flow, debt management, credit development, receivables, taxes and asset management. Each have their own considerations and need to be well-organized, carefully filed and accurately tracked. For example, with cash flow it is important to have cash on hand to meet daily expenses and payrolls. With credit is is important to develop lines of credit, the longer the better. But aside from writing legibly and making careful notes and entries, none of these money matters merit non-stop attention.
Translating the worries into organized tasks that can be accomplished is a way of acting on the worries instead of worrying. If organizing the worries into action is step one, then step two becomes scheduling the dates on which the actions occur. Change the worry to action, schedule the action, and live worry-free during the interim.
Second: schedule the tasks and do them faithfully at the proper times. Get the taxes done on time. Be sure to make payroll on time every time. Organize debt payments to be automatically deducted or do them manually on the same date each month. It might be that the various tasks related to financial management of the business require a total number of hours each month equal to less than one work day! By organizing and scheduling the financial tasks a new perspective becomes possible: financial management of the business is not a big headache, just a collection of routine tasks!
Third: worry about the finances on purpose. Remember, we are all humans. It is human to worry. The manager of a small business and indeed of any-sized business will worry about finances, no matter how well-organized and efficient the company's management of financial tasks and policies. The goal is to be worry free in between the tasks you have organized. But the human mind does not always adhere to schedules.
Ridiculous as it may seem, commit yourself to worry on purpose when you "feel it coming on." Just be sure the worry session has a beginning and end before you get into the worrying. Keep it short: ten minutes is far more than enough to worry yourself sick and get it out of your system. This is a different approach than being half-worried or a little worried or stuffing down the worry.
Nagging worries simply produce a sense of unease. By comparison, an all-out bone-rattling worry acts like a strong storm: it clears the atmosphere so calm can return. Venting out fears, worries and anxiety is a cleansing antidote as old as human nature. Use it as often as needed. It won't let you down.
Managing a small business brings with it plenty of financial problems and challenges. It is human nature to sit up and take notice of financial problems. Just remember, they never really go away, they only mutate. Managing worry is the best approach: organize the worries, turn them into tasks and schedule the tasks. When you need to worry do it with abandon. The rest of the time enjoy successfully managing the financial aspects of your business!
Losoncy is a licensed therapist, an executive coach and president of three corporations. He can be reached at http://www.mvpseminars.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Losoncy
5 Easy Steps to Daily Stress Management For Busy People
If you think stress only happens to professionals who work indecent hours, think again. Stress is in fact part and parcel of everyone's response to the increasingly fast pace of daily life in this century. A daily routine can be as ordinary as getting the kids ready for school, taking Dad for his regular medical check-up, driving to work, fetching the kids for extra-curricular activities, searching for the right home loan financing... well you get the picture.
Stress can be what enables you to achieve more in your typical day or it can work against you and prevent you from accomplishing your normal daily tasks.
The right amount of stress is a positive force. It helps us to do work to the best of our ability and keeps us alert, energetic, focused and engaged with others around us. However, too much stress on the other hand can leave us tense, anxious, drained of energy, distracted and uncomfortable. The key is to maintain an optimum balance when we become overwhelmed.
Stress affects us in many ways emotionally, physically and also directly impacts our behavior. As stress cannot be avoided, you need to manage it as part of daily life if you want to look after your health and sense of well-being.
Here are 5 basic ways to manage your daily stress:-
1) Social support - is the single most buffer against stress. Spend time with family and friends. It's important to share your problems and seek advice from people you trust and who care about you.
2) Relaxation - everyone needs to develop methods for invoking relaxation response. Relaxation lowers blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates, releases muscle tension and eases emotional strains.
3) Thought management - how and what we think, what we expect and what we tell ourselves often determines how we feel and how well we manage rising stress levels. Stop your thoughts as and when you catch yourself leaning towards negativity.
4) Exercise, diet and sleep - regular exercise is an excellent way to burn off accumulated effects of stress. As for your diet, limit caffeine, sugars and alcohol intake. Junk food and refined sugar low in nutritional value and high in calories can leave us feeling sluggish. Go to bed and rise at the same time everyday to build a routine habit. Do not engage in exercise or strenuous activity immediately before bed time.
5) Increase quality time - quality time is when you engage in special events to connect to and share the feelings and closeness with others. Although you need to have quality time with your family, it's also essential to set aside quality time for yourself, too.
Just relax and take it easy
To make it easier and to enhance your efforts, include diaphragm breathing techniques, relaxing massages, meditation, to help you in managing your body's stress response during demanding periods.
All these stress relievers help you to take control of your health and life goals with ease. By regularly practicing the diaphragm breathing technique and detoxifying your body over the weekend enables you to experience a sensation of true calm while enjoying better mental alertness and focus within weeks of practice.
These simple but therapeutic techniques also help your body regulate stress to a level that motivates and does not harm your bodily functions in the long run and is most helpful for anyone who wants to protect their body from the long term wear and tear of stress, and also those going through stressful situations.
It can also be incorporated in your daily routine for specific stressful situations such as exams, hectic schedule, killer datelines, important public presentations, etc. You will feel calmer and more focused with daily practice.
This is the "remedy" for go-getters who just want to get more out of their life. Most importantly, we all need to draw on calm, focused and dynamic energy levels to achieve all that we have planned for ourselves and loved ones for that matter.
To learn more, please go here for a step by step guide; http://www.EasyHomeSpaTips.com
I am a qualified Aesthetician involved in the health and beauty industry for over 15 years. My interest in alternative therapies and how it can help achieve a harmonious balance between serenity, vitality and beauty has spurred me on to further research and experiment with herbs and its uses. I am also teaching in my local beauty academy which I passionately share my knowledge and experiences with fellow students. Besides, I am also a practicing Reiki channel. During my spare time, I love traveling to other countries and learn about their local beauty and health remedies which also becomes a part of my on-going research for new material for my book and article writings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trisha_Har
Stress can be what enables you to achieve more in your typical day or it can work against you and prevent you from accomplishing your normal daily tasks.
The right amount of stress is a positive force. It helps us to do work to the best of our ability and keeps us alert, energetic, focused and engaged with others around us. However, too much stress on the other hand can leave us tense, anxious, drained of energy, distracted and uncomfortable. The key is to maintain an optimum balance when we become overwhelmed.
Stress affects us in many ways emotionally, physically and also directly impacts our behavior. As stress cannot be avoided, you need to manage it as part of daily life if you want to look after your health and sense of well-being.
Here are 5 basic ways to manage your daily stress:-
1) Social support - is the single most buffer against stress. Spend time with family and friends. It's important to share your problems and seek advice from people you trust and who care about you.
2) Relaxation - everyone needs to develop methods for invoking relaxation response. Relaxation lowers blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates, releases muscle tension and eases emotional strains.
3) Thought management - how and what we think, what we expect and what we tell ourselves often determines how we feel and how well we manage rising stress levels. Stop your thoughts as and when you catch yourself leaning towards negativity.
4) Exercise, diet and sleep - regular exercise is an excellent way to burn off accumulated effects of stress. As for your diet, limit caffeine, sugars and alcohol intake. Junk food and refined sugar low in nutritional value and high in calories can leave us feeling sluggish. Go to bed and rise at the same time everyday to build a routine habit. Do not engage in exercise or strenuous activity immediately before bed time.
5) Increase quality time - quality time is when you engage in special events to connect to and share the feelings and closeness with others. Although you need to have quality time with your family, it's also essential to set aside quality time for yourself, too.
Just relax and take it easy
To make it easier and to enhance your efforts, include diaphragm breathing techniques, relaxing massages, meditation, to help you in managing your body's stress response during demanding periods.
All these stress relievers help you to take control of your health and life goals with ease. By regularly practicing the diaphragm breathing technique and detoxifying your body over the weekend enables you to experience a sensation of true calm while enjoying better mental alertness and focus within weeks of practice.
These simple but therapeutic techniques also help your body regulate stress to a level that motivates and does not harm your bodily functions in the long run and is most helpful for anyone who wants to protect their body from the long term wear and tear of stress, and also those going through stressful situations.
It can also be incorporated in your daily routine for specific stressful situations such as exams, hectic schedule, killer datelines, important public presentations, etc. You will feel calmer and more focused with daily practice.
This is the "remedy" for go-getters who just want to get more out of their life. Most importantly, we all need to draw on calm, focused and dynamic energy levels to achieve all that we have planned for ourselves and loved ones for that matter.
To learn more, please go here for a step by step guide; http://www.EasyHomeSpaTips.com
I am a qualified Aesthetician involved in the health and beauty industry for over 15 years. My interest in alternative therapies and how it can help achieve a harmonious balance between serenity, vitality and beauty has spurred me on to further research and experiment with herbs and its uses. I am also teaching in my local beauty academy which I passionately share my knowledge and experiences with fellow students. Besides, I am also a practicing Reiki channel. During my spare time, I love traveling to other countries and learn about their local beauty and health remedies which also becomes a part of my on-going research for new material for my book and article writings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trisha_Har
Self Help for Stress Management
Stress is something that we are bound to put on in our life. The daily activities that we do by pushing ourselves show up as a sign of stress. A stress that is controlled or is defined as a limited one can act as a very good weapon in achieving ones goal, this stress makes us aware of the work that has to be accomplished, it pushes us to the winning post. A stress is a very common scenario in today's world the tensed office scenario, with the amount of work to be finished adds to stress. This stress is quite different to a normal stress; an excessive stress will act as a barrier in your path. This stress of yours wont allow you to take any further part in work, or possibly even if you work forcefully, you will not be as productive as before. So for you to retain you normal life you have to eradicate stress from your life.
Stress management is a major issue today, this is where you will try and reduce your stress to a certain extent or possibly manage it in the way that it does not act as an obstacle in your daily life. Stress management techniques concentrate mainly on recognizing the cause for the stress followed by seeking the stress level and then try reducing it, so that you can carry a normal stress free life. Stress and anxiety are very hazardous ill effects and if not taken care of can lead to a various problems for the individual.
Stress can be of different level for different people, the higher the levels the worst are its effects. Stress can completely change your life, your way of thinking, your behavior and many other important aspects of your life, so if you are looking to demolish stress from your life than it is very necessary for you to reach the root cause and then eradicate it from where it all had started. Stress is mind related problem and if you are looking to eliminate stress once and for all then you ought to look for a treatment that deals with persons mind. Hypnosis is by far the best medical treatment available as far as treating a persons mind is concerned. Hypnosis allows the stress mind relax, relaxation technique allows your mind to calm down and relive the stress. Once this is done your mind is taken to subconscious state, this is where your mind is given all the positive features. This will result in stress free mind and you can be as dynamic or as productive as before.
Stress management techniques with the help of hypnosis will do wonders for you, thus allowing you to resume your normal life style. This treatment can be conducted all by your self, yes a self-hypnotizing session. Conducted all by you, getting this is even easier. All that you have to do is download the contents from the website, this is available in the form of mp3. Follow the simple instructions and you will surely see a certain change in your stress levels and how to control it. Reliving stress cannot get easier then this. So what are you waiting for, go ahead and get one and enjoy a stress free life.
For more information on stress relieving and how to deal with stress check out the links today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shanat_Kuphur
Stress management is a major issue today, this is where you will try and reduce your stress to a certain extent or possibly manage it in the way that it does not act as an obstacle in your daily life. Stress management techniques concentrate mainly on recognizing the cause for the stress followed by seeking the stress level and then try reducing it, so that you can carry a normal stress free life. Stress and anxiety are very hazardous ill effects and if not taken care of can lead to a various problems for the individual.
Stress can be of different level for different people, the higher the levels the worst are its effects. Stress can completely change your life, your way of thinking, your behavior and many other important aspects of your life, so if you are looking to demolish stress from your life than it is very necessary for you to reach the root cause and then eradicate it from where it all had started. Stress is mind related problem and if you are looking to eliminate stress once and for all then you ought to look for a treatment that deals with persons mind. Hypnosis is by far the best medical treatment available as far as treating a persons mind is concerned. Hypnosis allows the stress mind relax, relaxation technique allows your mind to calm down and relive the stress. Once this is done your mind is taken to subconscious state, this is where your mind is given all the positive features. This will result in stress free mind and you can be as dynamic or as productive as before.
Stress management techniques with the help of hypnosis will do wonders for you, thus allowing you to resume your normal life style. This treatment can be conducted all by your self, yes a self-hypnotizing session. Conducted all by you, getting this is even easier. All that you have to do is download the contents from the website, this is available in the form of mp3. Follow the simple instructions and you will surely see a certain change in your stress levels and how to control it. Reliving stress cannot get easier then this. So what are you waiting for, go ahead and get one and enjoy a stress free life.
For more information on stress relieving and how to deal with stress check out the links today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shanat_Kuphur
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