Stress Management Magic, relieve stress like magic

Do you think you are suffering more stress than others?

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Marsha

If you think you are stressed out, look around you! You can see it on the faces of your family and friends. You can see how the pressure of putting twenty things to juggle in the hands of a peer at work affects them. You can hear it in their voices.

You can see the worry by the deep creases in their brows. You can hear it in the voice of a mother who yells at her child, not to be mean, but because she is tired, and is feeling pressure mounting and tension building.

Notice the disgruntled worker who looses it and flies into a violent rage. His stress is revealed through the explosion manifested from the implosion that took an outward reaction to stress. They too are on the verge of exhaustion, and could be creating high blood pressure and a potential heart attack!

Don’t say it doesn’t matter how other people feel, because the truth is, it does. Where there is stress there is disharmony, discomfort, and danger lurking in every corner.

You can be a key factor in changing things if you begin with you!

So how do we work out of these scenarios? We learn to REALLY manage stress, and REALLY relax! I don’t mean the kind of relaxation that is poured into a glass, or the kind that you feel when you smoke a cigarette or have a food binge session. Those things are NOT really relaxing! Trust me.

Sit back a bit and straighten up and take a nice slow breath in through the nose. Think about it moving throughout your head, giving your brain optimal oxygen. Then exhale slowly.

With just that simple exercise, you have honestly improved your mind, your energy, and relaxed yourself at the same time. Does this sound too good to be true? Not even! It is the physiology of the human body to react in those ways without you even knowing. But you will if you practice.

Remember the axiom, a Latin proverb, “repetition is the mother of all learning”. We encourage our children to practice whatever task they are trying to accomplish, so we need to keep that in mind when it comes to ourselves.

You will only your best self if you treat yourself as you would a friend!

With each practice of just this breathing, you are creating new brain cells, and enhancing your life. Your blood pressure will drop, and your muscles and ligaments and tendons will stay relaxed and flexible.

Do it once an hour. Are you worth it? Are you worth taking twenty to thirty seconds every hour to manage your stress and improve your life? I think you are!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Work Stress | Tagged brain, breath, change, Crisis, family, health, help, life, overwhelmed, relationships, stress, technique, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

New stress management techniques

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Marsha

Actually these two “techniques” have been around for decades, but the reason you probably don’t often think of them as something that will manage stress, is that you may not realize the power these two techniques will present to you when practiced.

They may not seem like something that will really help manage your stress – but they do!

Simply written, these are the techniques.

1. Forgive.

2. Count your blessings.

Don’t stop reading and scoff, thinking “Oh sure…this won’t work.” This is the truth; the magic of doing these two things, if you are sincere in heart, will astound you.

Beginning with forgiveness, you must open your mind enough to realize that whatever is still burning you with anger, and holding you from forgiving, whether it directed to a person or situation, is a huge stressor.

The power within you is endless, but you must begin to develop your receptivity of this power by growing in understanding and practicing changing your mind about a few things. You must be willing to believe that two small techniques can be life changing. The statistics are in. Results have been proven.

To forgive you must be able to step out of the prison you have built around you and outgrow old tendencies to “to hold grudges” against your fellow human beings, and life itself

In doing this you will release a mountain of negative thoughts and feelings. Old emotions that are pent up and that make you feel terrible, will be gone! There will be a burden lifted from you. Let someone else JUDGE what has happened…the people involved, or the scenario.

You don’t have to hang out with people you forgive. You just need to forgive them. They are human, and so are you. Personally I’ve made a million mistakes in my life, so I find it easy to forgive when I think of that.

Even “big forgiveness” for major wrongs is possible. You see, the only person who suffers is the person who dwells in the hell of not forgiving.

Now, when it comes to counting blessings, there are always so many blessings to count if we just take a moment and think!

We are creatures who have been given that capacity…try it.

(If you need help – find it! YOU ARE WORTH LIFE!)

Name ten things you are grateful for right now. Here is my list right off the bat:

1. My children and grandchildren are okay.

2. My husband still loves me.

3. I can walk, run, dance, see, hear, and laugh.

4. I have running water.

5. Music is available for me to surround myself with and enjoy.

6. I don’t have to kill another animal in my life to survive, or to help my children survive.

7. I can use the internet productively and choose NOT to be a pervert.

8. Millions of people close to me haven’t been displaced because of flooding……..

9. I still do believe in God and Jesus Christ.

10. My puppy loves me.

This is NOT in the order of the absolute most important ….they just came to mind in a flash!

YOU STILL HAVE CHOICES IN YOUR LIFE IF YOU ARE A BREATHING HUMAN BEING. THEY MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE CHOICES YOU THINK YOU NEED OR WANT, BUT YOUR RESPONSE TO WHAT HAPPENS IS ALWAYS YOUR CHOICE.

CHOOSE WISELY AND CREATE WONDERFUL MOMENTS…THAT IS ALL WE HAVE ARE THE MOMENTS THAT ARE FLEETING. SOMEONE REALLY CARES IN CYBERSPACE!to you, when used and practiced. .

——————————-

Also you can – Try yoga – Check out stress management classes on line – Take a breath and release old burdens and take in new thoughts – Pray -Talk to friends – Find a support group.

Posted in Crisis, Fast Tips, life, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic | Tagged brain, breath, burnout, Crisis, hope, life, overwhelmed, people, technique, tension, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

Do YOU have a Stiff Neck? Are You Feeling Tense?

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Marsha

Decompress Your Neck and Begin to Relax

It is so helpful to learn how to lengthen, relax, and decompress your neck and relax your shoulders. As you become familiar with your own body, you will find there are simple treatments you can manage, to begin to do this.

Because of the structure of our chairs, the positions we sit in, the kind of pillow we use, the weight of our own heads, the purses and backpacks we care, and the stress we maintain, our necks compress little by little. This can cause neck aches, headaches, and your shoulders to further tighten up and stress to begin to control your body.

Here are simple exercises to prepare you for keeping your shoulders down and your neck relaxed. The primary exercise will always initially begin with exercising your mind. Take in a needed breath of oxygen. Stress and pain cause us to hold our breaths. Slowly exhale and use your mind to visualize the carbon dioxide leaving and therein making room for more oxygen. Do this several times mindfully.

Now, hold an object weighing one or two pounds in each hand, letting the weight of the objects pull shoulder blades down. Make sure that you keep the breastbone lifting up so that the tops of the shoulders don’t pull down and forward, collapsing the chest.

Set the objects down and see if you can find the muscles you need to pull your shoulder blades down just as the weights did.

These muscles are called the lower trapeziums muscles. They attach to the vertebrae of the middle back, and insert on the inner border of the shoulder blades. They are antagonist muscles to the upper trapeziums muscles.

These muscles are very important posture muscles, and help support the spine in the middle back. When the lower traps are too weak to counteract the pull of the stronger and tighter upper traps, the scapulae will tend to ride up, compressing your neck.

Remember to use your oxygen. Roll your shoulders simultaneously in circles moving forward. Do this several times. Reverse the circles to move towards the back.

Press your shoulders up – then push them down. Think – and lift your head up from your shoulders where it’s been pressing downward, bend it towards your left shoulder, then lift again and bend towards the right.

Remember, as you decompress, you will allow vital oxygen to move through the areas with ease. Think of a garden hose that is crimped and how the water doesn’t flow freely. It works the same with your oxygen.

Take a few breaths. When you begin to feel discomfort again during stressful times, remember to use these simple techniques. You are in charge of how you feel, and if it’s not good, you are the only one who can change that!

Remember, too, groups are available who can help you discover your stress level through testing, and many organizations have been created specifically to help you through hard times.

Meditation and yoga are two ways to help you learn to manage your stress.

It’s your body, and the only place you have to live! Take care of it and have a wonderful day and a great weekend.

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Work Stress | Tagged brain, breath, health, hope, horrible day, neck tension, stress, technique, tension, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

It is Okay to Cry!

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Marsha

We ALL do it once in a while!

Once in a while it really is okay to cry. Even if you are a guy sometimes it may be one of the only ways you find to release stress from within.

We often hide anxiety, concerns about finances, thoughts of injustice, resentments, or feelings of inadequacy. We go on and on with these feelings, and others, building up inside of us.

This website will always honestly face the same challenging scenarios that face us all at one time or another. Our resolve will be carried out together, realistically.

This morning I realized that I had allowed some emotions to be pent up inside of me. I really didn’t know it consciously, but when this particular person was accusing and negative towards me, wrongfully, I felt, I went to a personal space and burst into tears.

If you’ve ever cried like a child, you can visualize my mix of flowing tears and sobbing sounds. It was as if the dam inside had burst and came roaring out of me.

I allowed myself to cry until the tears stopped and I was left only with that sighing that can’t be helped after crying hard. It felt good to release all those thoughts that were pent up inside about this particular person. I felt somehow cleansed of the hurt, and I know for sure my eyes got a good cleansing.

With that release of stress out of the way, I was able to modify intrusive thoughts that were based strictly on emotion, but without that fine mix of intellect we need to face our challenges.

I began to breathe calmly and mindfully, as we can do right now. Inhale through the nose and visualize your mind and body calming because it is receiving excellent oxygen.

Exhale through the mouth visualize this to be the “house-cleaning” of negativity and wasted worry. Repeat the inhalation slowly, as I too am doing, and then exhale again slowly.

Just a few mindful breaths throughout the day can be one of the simplest and most important techniques in managing stress.

Allow you to bawl loudly or even just weep quietly once in a while. There is no shame in it, and it can be a very healthy release of pent up emotions.

I feel really ready to tackle the day’s challenges now, and hope you do too!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Work Stress | Tagged burnout, Crisis, cry, family, overwhelmed, people, relief, sad, sob, tears, tension | Leave a comment

DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Marsha

You Can Deal with Them!

Everyone is irritable or indecisive at times. But some people are so difficult that they make others’ lives and work a strain. You know, you’ve walked into your workplace and seen the stress mounting minute by minute.

Dealing with difficult people is easier when you learn to recognize common personality types. Then it is possible to develop coping skills for dealing with each without trying to change them!

Prior to any confrontation or blow-up, the first defense against this kind of person is for YOU to slow down and do some thoughtful breathing. Remember your oxygen will regenerate and relax you simultaneously.

There are seven behavior types with whom most people have difficulty.

1. Bullies. These are hostile and angry, and throw tantrums to get their way.

2. Silent personalities. They don’t say much. You can yell at them, talk to them, or beg them to talk and you won’t be able to get more than a “yes” or “no” in response.

3. Complainers. These people gripe about everything they don’t like, but rarely do they make a move to change the situation.

4. Very nice people seem to agree with you, but won’t do what they say they will.

5. Negative responders. They say no to every new idea and are positive nothing will work.

6. Know it all. They always “know better”, are condescending and truly full of themselves.

7. Procrastinators. These folks put things off until someone else takes over, or until the decision is made because of delay.

All of these behaviors in people can be very annoying, upsetting and stressful. They keep everyone except the difficult person off balance. This can be true even though they may not be trying to control others.

Coping balances the power between people. It helps everyone get things done without stalling at the roadblocks difficult people set up.

The next time someone practices difficult behaviors around you, try these simple techniques:

For bullies, stand up for yourself. Use phrases like “I believe” or “I feel”. Don’t try to fight them. Instead make your point firmly.

For silent types, ask a question that must be answered by more than a “yes” or “no”. If you get no response, let this type know your plans.

Speak directly to complainers and let them know you’ve heard their concern. Then directly ask, “What is it you want?”

Those very nice people have a strong need to be liked; show them that you do. Then dig to find out what’s really happening.

Don’t argue with those negative responders. Instead, suggest what won’t work before they do.

When face to face with the know-it-all types, have all the facts before you before you meet. Raise possible problems, and be ready to follow through.

Listen to the “stallers”. Find out what the real reason for the delay is. Help them, and ask them for help.

You can’t always avoid difficult people, but learning to cope with them is well worth the effort. You’ll get more done and be less frustrated. Your stress level will diminish to an acceptable level, and your ability to handle it will astound you!

Take a breath and have a wonderful day!

Posted in Crisis, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Work Stress | Tagged anger, brain, breath, difficult people, humans, relationships, stress, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

10 Great Ways to De-Stress

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Marsha

Does this describe you? Your shoulders are tense your back hurts. You feel grouchy and can’t quite put your finger on why you feel like —–. Your wife (girlfriend, children or roommate) looks at you like you are a monster! WHAT CAN YOU DO?

YOU CAN HELP RELIEVE BOTH THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL TENSION THAT OFTEN ACCOMPANIES STRESSFUL SITUATIONS!

Relax your body and relax your Emotions

The next time you feel the effects of stress too much, when you are overwhelmed, try some of the following ways to help you relax

1. Deep breathing is your number one defense against unmanageable stress. You can sit, lie down, or stand to do this.

Close your eyes and breathe in slowly for a count of 5-10 seconds. By closing your eyes you will give them a rest too. Take ten of these super-relaxers any time you feel tense.

2. Stretch. Practice simple stretches that also be done in various positions. Gently roll your head in a half circle from side to side with your head pressing towards your chest. Stretch your arms into the air and stretch you fingers too. Point your toes away from your body, and then flex them towards you. Stretching will allow the blood circulation to those parts of the body that have been “crunched” by poor posture or sitting at a desk.

3. Any kind of exercise is wonderful to help reduce stress. Make it fun. A walk, hiking, bowling, running, or playing a game of badminton or golf are good examples of fun exercise.

4. Laugh! Laughter is healing and a great way to relax. Go to a comedy club, rent a funny movie, or give that funny friend of yours a call. It’s impossible to really laugh and be tense.

5. Read. A good book can take you on a great escape. Read a comedy or a tearjerker and it will help release pent-up emotions.

6. Take a bath. Spend at least 30 minutes soaking in a hot bubble bath. Prior to slipping into the tub, light a few candles and play some very relaxing music.

7. Eat well. Try to eat a well-balanced diet, as it will help your body to perform, and keep your mind functioning optimally.

8. Do something you love to do. If you like to go to the beach, go.

Gardening, kayaking, seeing friends, playing with a puppy, these are all wonderful ways to relax your emotions.

9. Talk. Take time to talk with a friend or relative. Try to express feelings that you may have been holding inside. Listen to your partner. Try to have this conversation while walking in a quiet park or neighborhood.

10. Get a massage. A massage is a wonderful way to get rid of physical tension. 30 minutes to an hour will work wonders. Do not be shy about your body. Professional masseuses have seen body types of all kinds, and they are there to help. Request specific areas of tension, such as the neck or lower back.

Keep in mind these are just a few of the many stress reducers you can try. Alcohol and drugs are a “temporary” fix and will take you down ultimately, and even cause depression! Do yourself a favor and begin now.

Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply and slowly exhale. You are the only one who can help you, so get to it and create a wonderful day!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Work Stress | Tagged brain, breath, burnout, change, hope, overwhelmed, relief, stress, technique, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

Why Some Stress is Good for You

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Marsha

There will always be stress in our lives. There is some good stress and some bad stress.

People think of stress as “pressure” or “tension”. I like to think of stress as being just the way we respond to change! When you understand stress and the effects that it can have on you, you can use it to your own advantage, and turn potential “stressors” into “positive challenges.”

Positive and Negative

Most people equate stressors, or things that cause stress, as negative. The instigator could be traffic, a difficult job, or divorce. During theses stressful times, often people become aware of tense muscles, headaches, or stomach aches during, before or after such situations.

But stressors can also be very positive experiences. Having a wedding, a baby, or pitching a perfect no-hit baseball game are examples of changes that can activate your stress response.

The Mechanics of Stress

Your body reacts to stress in many ways. Stress is defined as a response by your body to any demand made upon it.

Hormones, like adrenalin, surge. Your blood pressure and heartbeat increases. These effects on human beings have been unchanged for thousands of years. Our prehistoric ancestors used this response to help them run away faster, or fight harder. That is why this reaction is known as the “fight or flight” response. It is a natural response when your mind senses the need

The Effects of Stress

The problem with this automatic response is that the body can’t tell the difference between a positive or negative stressor. In either case, your body experiences the same stress effects.

If you are not able to vent by letting off steam somehow, if you don’t learn to relax, these effects can be harmful. During periods of stress you may feel exhausted or anxious. You may experience physical symptoms such as a clenched jaw or shoulder and backache.

If you are able, during these times, take care by getting plenty of rest, eating healthily, exercising and practicing some form of meditation or quiet time.

Alcohol or drugs do not help the situation.

If you are someplace where you are unable to practice the techniques listed above, FOR YOUR SAKE, use your oxygen as a magical and secret weapon. Breathe deeply and exhale slowly and fully. When stress enters we withdraw our oxygen supply to a minimum. This exasperates the tightening of muscles and ligaments. It can cause headaches, and only makes the situation much worse

Think of your oxygen relaxing and regenerating you. Know that the oxygen will make your intellect finer. These are changes that happen to the human body, automatically, just by breathing mindfully.

Stress is like a body temperature; if it’s too low or to high, you can’t survive optimally, but the right balance can keep you going strong. Consider life’s stressors challenges, experiences and wisdom builders.

You can use this mindful breathing even when you are not feeling overwhelmed. Now take a breath and have a wonderful day!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic | Tagged brain, breath, change, hope, intellect, oxygen, relief, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

When the stress seems out of control,and you think you can’t handle any more, remember…..YES YOU CAN!

Posted on August 2, 2010 by Marsha

Often we are hit with so much at one time we may think we just can’t handle it. The secret is, WE CAN! We have to if we are on a mission to accomplish our goals, whether at work or at home.

I will say what I’ve said in class so many times. STOP for a minute or two. Take a slow and mindful breath to energize you mind and body. Your exhalation makes room for more healing oxygen. It is also the time to think, “I am exhaling and pushing self-defeating thoughts out with the carbon dioxide.”

Slow down for 30 seconds and pull yourself together. We have been given a great natural instinct from within, to help us find an answer, or at least find a resolve to what seems to be unbelievable circumstances that surround us. We just must slow down.

Change the subject. Divert your own attention to something else momentarily. Take another mindful breath!

What is the worst that can happen? If you can fathom handling that, you can handle anything. If you think you can’t, then think again! Life is tough, but we have within our minds, the tools and power to rise above the obstacles.

Stop listening to all the negative things that include the words: I can’t, I won’t, I won’t be able to, I give up, I quit, etc. Never give up.

Just when you think you can’t handle everything – everything will change. Give it a bit of time.

Ninety percent of what we waste our lives worrying about never comes to fruition. STOP wasting your life on “worry and doubt”

The worry doesn’t do anything except hurt you and all those around you. Instead, handle anything that crosses your path. Never give up or give in! If I sound like a cheerleader I probably am. I know you can alleviate so much unnecessary stress by just controlling your thoughts, hence, actions.

Now take a breath and relax! It will all be okay. If you feel you need help – take the time to seek it out. There are classes, on line help, counselors, and so much more available. YOU ARE WORTH it!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged Crisis, help, hope, overwhelmed, rage, relief, stress, tension, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment