Stress Management Magic, relieve stress like magic

Affirmations, Prayers, Meditation – These are management techniques always available to you!

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Marsha

Thoughts drive our “action and reaction” responses to life. Thoughts manifest into how you conduct your life. The following is a list of tried and true positive thoughts, that when thought or spoken, repeatedly, can help manage your stress.

These are positive thoughts are for your enhancement as a human being, and for all those in your circle of life.

You can refer to them as mantras, meditation, or just positive thoughts. If you apply them to your life you can change your life. No one can do it for you.

This requires desire, dedication and repetition.

The following thoughts can transform your life, one thought at a time. Pick whatever is applicable to your need and use the thoughts as a reminder when you feel the time is appropriate.

1. I will never let another be in charge of my actions, my healing, my thoughts, nor my heart. I am in charge.

2. I will dismiss all undue anxieties, and picture my life, as I want it to be.

3. I am my own and have a choice in every word I speak and every action I take.

4. I am an individual creation in the process of becoming my elevated destiny.

5. I am able to shift my thoughts from emotion to intellect and back again to have a fine mix of both.

6. I am healing, mentally and physically.

7. I am learning, step by step.

8. I will stop trying to control the present and the future.

9. I will accept those things that I must accept.

10. I will be courageous moment by moment.

11. I will smile more.

12. I will celebrate each moment with vigor.

13. I can. I will. I am becoming what I see in my dreams and

feel in my heart.

14. I will await the next change in life with anticipation,

regardless of the challenge it may require

15. I will use the gift of “breathing” for my empowerment.

16. I will never loose sight of the light before, and I will keep

my path in focus.

17. This moment is a new beginning. I will savor it and hope

for the best.

18. I will read again, and think again, these thoughts and positive thoughts of my choice.

This is a stepping-stone to stress management for a lifetime.

If you find you need additional help (most people do) – seek it by find stress management classes, joining yoga, or contact one of the fine organizations advertised on this website or the many other sites available..

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CREATE a wonderful life for you and your loved ones. It is possible and easier than you think, for as you think, so shall you become.

Marsha

http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com/2010/02/contest-stress-free/

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized | Tagged Affirmations, meditation, overwhelmed, peace, Prayer, stress, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

Online Three-Minute Stress Management Session

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Marsha

If today is a challenge, or if something is bothering you and you aren’t sure where to turn for insight, then this minuscule amount of time required to help manage stress should be a priority! You are searching for help so take this time to begin helping yourself.

For those who are not familiar with empowering breathing techniques, do a “simple” inhalation through the nose, and exhalation through the mouth. Keep your breathing slow and deep. You can learn more about mindful breathing techniques another time. For now, let’s just relax. READY? Let’s begin J

Think about the way you’ve been sitting, and the length of time your movement has been limited to fingers flying on the keyboard. . Wiggle around and put sit back from the computer a bit. Straighten up a bit for better oxygen flow. Place your hands on the desk comfortably.

As you Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose think:

“I am an oxygen machine.”

As you exhale slowly and deeply through the mouth think:

“My negative emotions fly away.”

(Please note: Stress causes shallow breathing.)

As you inhale think:

“I am relaxing my mind and body with a quality measure of oxygen.”

Exhale slowly and think:

“My shoulders relax and tension diminishes with every exhalation.”

Visualize it and feel it as it is happening. When you breathe mindfully this IS what happens!

Continue this process of breathing. Direct your attention to your fingers and clasp them together. Stretch your arms in front of you, palms facing away. Still clasped, lift them up over your head and stretch. Inhale. Exhale.

As you bring them downward, with fingers still clasped, place your hands on the back of your head and lean back a bit in you chair, allowing the weight of the head to be on the hands and arms, and not the neck. Inhale. Exhale.

Release and shake hands and place them on the desk again.

Start with both feet flat on the floor. Lift heels Drop heels.

Press toes towards you. Drop toes to floor and relax feet.

Do this several times.

Drop the right side of your head to your shoulder and hold.

Bring to center. Drop the left side of your head to your shoulder and hold. Bring to center. Inhale. Exhale.

As you inhale slowly and deeply in through the nose think:

“I can choose my response to any circumstance.”

As you exhale slowly and deeply out through the mouth think:

” Useless worry and fear leave with my exhalation.”

Continue the breathing and remember it can be your secret weapon against stress. It will empower you intellectually and physically. It will allow you to assimilate your thoughts before speaking.

If you can now, stand up and move around a bit. You activate circulation by doing this. Stand in front of your desk; take a walk to get a drink of water. You do not need to walk a mile, but thirty or forty steps with the whole body moving will refresh you blood flow.

When you sit down again be grateful for eyes and ears that work for you without you even thinking about it! Take another great breath and exhale fully.

Now SMILE.

You just did a wonderful thing for YOU. Great job! You can incorporate this tiny “session” into your life whether at work, school, or home. You can do it several times a day for added help in managing stress. The more you are a good “caregiver” for your own body and mind, the easier and more relaxed your days will become. It just happens!

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Check out our contest: free and “helpful and fun” prizes! You have until May 1st to enter.

Posted in Crisis, Fast Tips, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged on line stress management, overwhelmed, relief, stress, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve, Work | Leave a comment

HELP, I HAVE TEENAGERS!

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Marsha

Are they difficult and unreasonable, or just normal?

The first stress management tip for YOU is to SLOW DOWN a moment, and take a breath or two. Remember you were a teenager once and you and your parents probably (we hope) survived all the challenges!

It’s not easy being a parent to a teenager, but if you can recall – it’s not easy being a teenager either. To say that living with a teen is a mix of soap operas, frantic moments, and last minute projects, is just skimming the surface of all that is involved.

Did you know that there are really scientific explanations for the emotional outbursts and sitcom scenarios? New studies have found that the frontal lobe, the brain region responsible for impulse control and good judgment, is the last part of the brain to mature.

Until the individual is about twenty-five what is active within the brain is the more primitive amygdala, which governs instinct and emotion that tends to rule behavior and decision-making. This is a tough reality, and means there is long time between the “urge to take a risk” stage, and the “ability to resist” stage. If you’ve ever looked at your teen and thought, “What were they thinking?” they were probably thinking exactly as the maturing of the brain of the teenage normally progresses. They are vulnerable to errors associated with the normal brain functioning.

Teen’s brain doesn’t mature as quickly as the bodies do. You may look at your son or daughter and see the appearance of what seems to resemble an adult, but there is still a little boy or girl upstairs who is directing all the action! With that fact kept in mind, the next time you look at your child, remember you are dealing with a child who only has the appearance of an adult.

There is also a difference between intelligence and brain maturity, so even a very bright student can do stupid things, especially in social situations. When emotions come into play, teens can-and will-make poor decisions. It happens to the best of “mature” adults.

You may think what you say has no influence over children, but studies show this to be untrue. Although you may want to run out the door screaming occasionally, experts say it is critical that parents maintain a strong presence during adolescent years, and serve rather as a temporary frontal lobe for teens.

Sometimes (keep this in mind as it is important) you may think your teen is purposely tuning you out or not following your instructions. What happens more often than not is poor communication between you and your teen – simply a misinterpretation about what was said.

New research suggests that teens have trouble reading and understanding emotions in other people, and responding appropriately. Remember that primitive amygdala is currently in the driver’s seat. Encourage your teens to repeat what you’ve said so you know they haven’t misunderstood you.

Let the teens know about this research mentioned earlier, and acknowledge you know they are doing the best they can. Tell them to just slow down and consider the consequences before making important decisions. You are giving them the opportunity to think twice, and nurturing a partnership during this difficult time.

Remember they are working hard in school, have the appearance of a young adult, but are just now coming into a WORLD of new experiences. Their emotions and sexuality are immerging. Their body is changing, and their fear of failure and insecurity about body image and appearance are a mixed up bag that would be difficult for ANY young person to handle without a few challenges. Pick your battles. If the subject matter is life-threatening, then stick with it; otherwise, be choosy and allow your teen to make some decisions.

Remember you love them and you are their mentors and guides to this whole new world. With all that can be intimidating for teens to learn, and the instability of our civilization and world right now, be a rock for your teen. Be real. Talk to them. Keep the communication line open.

It would be REALLY aiming towards stress management with them, if you could share a class in breathing, or pursue some stress management techniques to help them with their demands in life - and school – and help you, too, along the way.

There will be defining moments for your child’s entire life during the teen years. He or she will often be at a crossroads and need guidance only you can give them. Though it seems less than a desirable job at times, pat yourself on the back as you are molding a human being for their entire life on this planet. The job is very important! Don’t give up: “This too shall pass”. Now do a bit of mindful breathing. Stand up and stretch, and begin your moments of life again.

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Management Help, Uncategorized | Tagged burnout, children, Crisis, family, help, teens, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

The Stress of having an unemployed husband or mate, AND/OR the stress of being that person

Posted on March 5, 2010 by Marsha

STRESS MILLIONS ARE EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW!

There are unexpected horror stories happening right now because of the high unemployment rate in our nation. In February alone the number of job losses (reported) is over thirty-five thousand. It is disheartening, to say the least, to be unemployed and not be able to support yourself or a family. This is particularly true for families with children, or with only one member of the family in the work force.

Not only is it stressful because of the financial problems that are accruing, it is devastating to many relationships. Today there are many citizens who have worked all their lives and have now been unemployed, not by choice, for months. There are a growing number of people who have also just given up, and that number isn’t even counted in the unemployment monthly figures.

After a few months of unemployment there rises a feeling of detachment to the work force. As the period of time extends the less current the resume becomes, and the potential for a possible loss of skills can occur.

For the unemployed person there is added worry about how the bills will be paid, often boredom with too much free time, a hit to the ego, and the ever-present luring nature of having a drink to “take off the edge”. The seductive nature of alcohol is a real temptation (after all it is social and legal). It is also easy to have a second drink because “the first one made you feel so good”. Then you think, ” perhaps another just to be social”. The ball is rolling now.

Be careful, alcohol can run you down and kill your relationships, family, and even the potential to ever work again. Motivation is lacking with those who drink regularly – except the motivation to get another drink. Good men (and women) can get caught up in this downward spiral. It happens all the time!

Alcohol is a VERY DANGEROUS drug. Like any drug, it has a cumulative draw. Too much alcohol and lies are congruent. If a person has a blackout there is a huge danger of total ruination, because of actions you can’t remember, the possibility of driving under the influence, and often times, violence.

You don’t want the unemployed person, or yourself, to have to drink and get into that “fake world” where everyone is your best friend, and you all tell each other how great you are, just to regain some confidence. That doesn’t even take into consideration the cost of the alcohol. These days two drinks is the same cost as if you went to the store and bought a bottle!

These truths aren’t meant to freak anyone out, but to simply elevate awareness of potential problems. We are ALL FLAWED human beings the need to be cognizant of the pitfalls and dangers that face so many people are real. It is important for you to be on your toes if “things” seem to be changing.

Be supportive and do understand it’s tough right now. It does not help in most situations to point out how many other people are in similar situations. A person who has been gainfully employed can only stay home so long (particularly with children) before “stir crazy” and “cabin fever” manifest.

Remember, too, particularly a man, may not want to share his insecurity, his concern, or his feelings of failure. As an example of how tough it is right now, there are fifty-one candidates for every one position available in construction! That is staggering.

If you have a genetic connection to alcohol someone with alcoholic tendencies, be aware. Also, for those who simply fall into the pit by circumstance, keep the risks in mind. They are real.

So what can you really do?

1. The first key to stress management will always be learning to use your oxygen to calm yourself down. You will not “react” but “respond” with intellect if you slow down to breathe. When you concentrate on your breath you will be leaving your problems for a short time. You can only think of one thing at a time.

2. If you are the person unemployed, listen to your mate or partner. Really listen. Some things they say may seem unfair to you, but be mature enough to know what is true, and work on the problems.

3. If you are the mate or partner of the person unemployed, be patient. Share your feelings without tearing down the other person. Use your intellect and recognize the difference between someone who is really trying, and someone who is not.

3. Remember fighting will not resolve anything. It will only exacerbate the problem. Again, use your oxygen before opening your mouth! Don’t yell. Everyone concerned is frustrated.

4. Have a “production” meeting and make notes as to possible job opportunities or alternate choices that may work.

5. STAY FLEXIBLE. There are no guarantees of what will happen in the next moment. The only guarantee you have is that if you turn sour or negative, you will definitely ruin your

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Relationship Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged anger, Crisis, Employment, fear, relief, tension, Tips and techniques, Unemployment, Work | Leave a comment

Learn to Relax and and regenerate in these three areas right now!

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Marsha

TENSION creates a “Stress Triangle” Neck – Head – Shoulders

When you are stuck in traffic you can feel the tension rising.

The kids are arguing and it’s getting irritating.

Work has been unusually hard and your peers haven’t helped.

These are just a few of the tension scenarios that can cause your shoulders to be tense, your neck to ache, your head to feel as if it is going to blow off your neck. These three areas are the places where we hold much of our tension-the “stress triangle”, a phrase coined elsewhere, but absolutely correct.

Learning to release the tension in these muscles can really help us relax and de-stress.

Find the areas in need of help

If you place your right hand on your left shoulder, and move your fingers halfway in toward your neck, you are at one point of the triangle. The second point is the same place off your right shoulder. The third point is on your forehead, between your eyes.

Why tense muscles hurt

Muscles tighten to protect you! That’s right. We are talking about the muscles preparing for the “fight or flight” scenario.

But you don’t need that protection for everyday stresses. When your muscle shortens, and then holds that position, waste products from muscle activity get trapped (metabolites). This causes pain. The pain is released when the muscle regains its natural length by relaxing.

Stretch away tension – TRY IT RIGHT NOW!

The following simple stretches can help relieve tightness in your “stress triangle.” Always remember when you do these stretches that mindful breathing aids in the relaxation process.

1. Neck roll. Stretch your right ear to you right shoulder, keeping your left shoulder pulled down. Roll you head down so you chin is on your chest. Continue on to your left side. Do rolls from side to side. Begin with eight, build up to sixteen.

2. Shoulder shrug. Using one shoulder at a time, draw big circles. Do two or three to start, and build up to eight times, going forward, then back.

3. Pick Fruit. With one hand, reach up as if you are picking fruit from an apple tree slightly ahead and far above you. Go from one arm to the other, building up to eight times on each side.

4. Self-massage. Use your right hand to massage your left shoulder, and your left hand to massage your right shoulder.

Work your fingers gently, but firmly, beginning with your shoulder blade and moving up toward the neck. Include the scalp in this mini-massage. Use your oxygen to help the relaxation.

5. Standing body roll. Let your head roll forward until your chin is on your chest. Keep rolling down as your knees begin to bend. When your hands are hanging near your knees, rest there a moment and slowly roll back up. Work up to ten times.

A welcome release of tension

At home, at work, or wherever you are, just take a few moments to do one or all of these simple stretches. Use them once an hour if you feel tension mounting. After doing these a few times, and comparing the different feeling of tense muscles verses relaxed muscles, you will absolutely feel like it’s well worth it for a few minutes of your time. You will feel better and prevent tension from building up in your body

Don’t forget to use your oxygen as an additional aid to your relaxation and management of stress. You will like the results!

You now have secret weapons of “oxygen savvy” and “simple movements” to enhance your day – every hour, if you choose! Improve work, and your family life.

Get in the habit of caring for YOU and CREATE an awesome day. The power to help YOU begins with one exercise. Exercise your mind with these simple beginnings.

*Don’t forget to enter our contest. It’s easy, free, and has some great prizes! *

Just CLICK on “contest” in upper left-hand corner…and have fun!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, life, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged Crisis, family, life, stress, tension, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

Are You Angry?

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Marsha

Anger is defined as strong emotions: wrath, aggravation, being annoyed, bothered, exasperated, furious, irritated, outraged, and antagonized. If you are reading this there is a reason. Please take a few slow breaths of oxygen as you continue. Inhale slowly and exhale slowly. You are on the right path.

The emotions, INCLUDING “a sense of injury” and a desire to retaliate, (which are sometimes disguised, even to the individual who is angry) can be dangerous emotions. You can be almost out of control. It happens to millions of people. However, if anger is left unmanaged, the anger can escalate to violence, and the loss of control for one moment, has the potential to destroy your life and perhaps someone else’s! This is not an exaggeration. Statistics are a witness to acts of violence and the consequences paid.

If you feel your anger is tipping the scales, please answer the follow questions honestly.

1. What does anger REALLY resolve?

2. Do you REALLY want to devastate your body chemistry?

3. Do you REALLY have good reason to hurt family, friends, and peers?

4. Can you think of more appropriate ways to handle the situations?

5. Is your anger REALLY aimed at someone else, or is it yourself?

Fact: Anger does not resolve anything. When you feel angry leave the room. Go to someplace alone and do two things. Take for to five deep breaths slowly and exhale slowly. This concentrating on getting increased oxygen will divert your attention from the problem, for the moment. It actually has a calming effect on your mind and body.

Fact: When you are angry just once in a while, though the chemicals in your body are thrown into an abnormal state, the damage is not permanent. When you get angry all the time you actually are setting yourself up for disaster, both physically, and mentally.

Fact: While breathing to calm down, say a short prayer, or mantra several times. Examples: “God please help me to calm down.” or “I feel calm now.” Say whatever you choose to help several times.

Fact: Your angry words can cut like a knife and ultimately are capable of destroying any relationship. Angry words lead to angry actions. Since we are creatures of habit, if you ALLOW this anger to control you, you are jeopardizing everyone in your circle of life – including you! Heart attacks have happened because of this negative habit!

There are better ways to handle tough scenarios. Take a time out for finding your intellect instead of relying on emotions. Walk away. Seek counseling.

Have a family meeting and set rules. There is always a better way than “lack of self-control.”

Fact: Think of this. Sometimes your anger may actually be misguided frustration in handling a situation that is either out of your control, or out of the realm of you actually knowing what to do. It happens! Anger at one’s self can be twisted and manifest as anger to another.

If you have a child, you may have felt anger when you couldn’t locate the child for a time. Perhaps he or she was only playing somewhere out of your sight, but by the time you discovered the child your pent up WORRY had turned into anger; actually kind of a retaliation towards the child for your discomfort.

There are reasons to be angry, but do not let the anger destroy your life and ruin the lives of the people around you. There are men and women in prison for the rest of their lives for that moment of anger that was mismanaged.

Exercise your brain to think of a way to get out of this useless “anger pit” before you dig your way into a grave. PRACTICE new thoughts. Even if you don’t feel satisfied at first, you must continue to try to create more positive brain cells. If you must, take a pillow and beat it! Get a punching bag and use it until you are exhausted, and calmer. Go for a run. There are alternatives to anger.

PLEASE – IF YOU NEED HELP – AND YOU KNOW IT INNATELY – GET HELP BEFORE IT ESCALATES! There are anger management classes, social service organizations, and many other places to seek help. Talk to someone at a church. There is help available.

Right now: take in a slow, deep breath (through the nose). Hold it a few seconds remembering this will physically help to calm you down. Exhale (through the mouth) and visualize that anger subsiding as you get rid of the carbon dioxide. Do this again slowly. YOUR MIND AND BODY WILL RESPOND WITH A CALMER YOU, CAPABLE OF RESPONDING AND NOT REACTING.

Anger out of control can lead to violence. Violence can lead to irreparable damage. In many cases anger can, and has been a straight path to jail! Think about it and see help now if you feel out of control rage. PLEASE!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged anger, breath, Crisis, family, life, neck tension, overwhelmed, rage, stress, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve, Work | Leave a comment

Attention: Professionals, retirees, stay at home parents, and students! Boost your brain health with a few easy changes.

Posted on February 28, 2010 by Marsha

It has been proven you can keep a sharp edge on your intellect throughout your life. Many scientists believe that the combination of a person’s innate ability, and the additional brainpower that comes from consistently challenging the mind, will manifest in what is called “cognitive reserve”.

Studies have shown that diverse and mentally stimulating tasks result in more brain cells! Also, a greater ability to bypass age-related trouble spots in the brain is quite apparent.

The more you work your mind, the greater your cognitive reserve. The greater the reserve, the better ability you will have to withstand inevitable challenges of aging. Keep in mind that we all begin to age way before fifty!

As a survivor of multiple traumatic incidents, and a stress management specialist, I have learned you can “retrain” your brain to accommodate any incident, or series of incidents that manifest in your life. You can create new brain cells with new thoughts and habits. Doing these things will begin for you a lifelong experience of stress management, better health, and will put you on the path to stay as sharp as possible. Exquisite breathing can really enhance these processes.

You are reading to find out about how to manage the stress in your life that may seem overwhelming and chaotic. If you spend your life reliving your misery, or anger, and struggling just to swim in a pool of sadness, what does it accomplish? NOTHING. Time spent “mourning the past” just trashes any chance of peace and progress that is still available to you. We do have wonderful brains that can keep learning no matter how we have diligently tried to kill all the cells by the “party on” philosophy. I’ve been there too – big time.

There are bound to be some physical restrictions and mental problems that may increase with aging, and for some, those problems may inhibit to some degree some areas of retaining a sharp intellect. Reasons for this decline might be a loss of neural connections, a blockage of blood supply, and perhaps decreases in nerve-signaling chemicals. Memory can diminish with age, though only certain types.

Typically “learned skills” are so firmly wired in individuals, they typically do not decline unless you have a disease such as Alzheimer’s.

But for most people, the ability to keep that edge is dependent only on a few things. The commitment to exercise (even moderately) is imperative, as movement is so crucial to brain health cognitive thinking, changes in aging can be the result of inactivity. Refresh the brain on a daily basis with new thoughts, new information, and new habits. If your memory, as you age, is suffering, it is probably your short-term memory. Some moderate loss is to be expected.

After all, this wonderful human machine clicks along for years and years.

So how are you going to keep your brain at it’s best? BY GROWING NEW BRAIN CELLS! Scientists believe certain lifestyle habits can spark the cells’ growth. I believe the use of your oxygen combined with habitual thoughts (new thoughts for advancement preferably), will absolutely grow new brain cells.

In a nutshell:

1. Pay attention to your mental and physical changes.

2. Make sure you “exercise” your brain with new information.

3. Exercise your body.

4. Incorporate good nutrition in your life, as many memory

problems stem from vitamin deficiencies.

5. Be the master of your own thoughts. Thought manifest into

action, and your behavior becomes your life.

Posted in Fast Tips, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, The Magic, Uncategorized | Tagged change, health, memory, physical symptoms, relief, stress, technique, tension, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment

Contest: Stress Free!

Posted on February 26, 2010 by majed

This is easier than you think, and will be fun to be a participant. Even if you aren’t one of the top winners, you will be challenged to think of ways to make stress management work for you, and that’s what we’re all after, right?

Stress Free Contest

Contest will run from March 1 to May 1. During that time those who wish to be contestants will write an email to stressmanagementmagic@gmail.com.
Within the email, participants will send in what they feel are the three most important ways to be successful in managing stress.The winner will be announced on the website May 10th.

First Place:

1. A personally calibrated stress management program for the winner, including a limited edition stress management CD.

2. A 30-minute motivational conversation to discuss stress
management challenges the winner may face and a limited edition
stress management CD.

3. A book suggesting ways to make the job of care giving, for an
elderly parent or friend, less stressful for all involved.

—————————————————–
The top 5 entries will be linked from this website to their blog or
website.

So put on your thinking caps and send in your entry. It’s as easy as
that. Remember, one entry per person, and the deadline for entries
is May 1, 2010. Winners will be announced on the website May 10th!
————————

All participants will have their suggestions published here with full credit including a link to their blog if they choose.

Tell your friends, tell your family, and if you want to put a link on your site to this contest, that would be great too!

Good luck and don’t stress about it!

Posted in Fast Tips, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers | Tagged no stress, stress free contest, stress management contest, win stress free | 17 Comments

TENSION creates a “Stress Triangle” Neck – Head – Shoulders

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Marsha

Learn to Relax and relive these areas Right now!

When you are stuck in traffic you can feel the tension rising.

The kids are arguing and it’s getting irritating.

Work has been unusually hard and your peers haven’t helped.

Learning to release the tension in these muscles can really help us relax and de-stress.

Find the areas in need of help

Why tense muscles hurt

Muscles tighten to protect you! That’s right. We are talking about the muscles preparing for the “fight or flight” scenario.

Stretch away tension

The following simple stretches can help relieve tightness in your “stress triangle.” Always remember when you do these stretches that mindful breathing aids in the relaxation process.

2. Shoulder shrug. Using one shoulder at a time, draw big circles. Do two or three to start, and build up to eight times, going forward, then back.

3. Pick Fruit. With one hand, reach up as if you are picking fruit from an apple tree slightly ahead and far above you. Go from one arm to the other, building up to eight times on each side.

4. Self-massage. Use your right hand to massage your left shoulder, and your left hand to massage your right shoulder.

Work your fingers gently, but firmly, beginning with your shoulder blade and moving up toward the neck. Include the scalp in this mini-massage. Use your oxygen to help the relaxation

A welcome release of tension

Try these. You will like the results!

Posted in Crisis, Fast Tips, Stress and Health, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged neck tension, relief, stress, technique, Tips and techniques, What to do to relieve, Work | Leave a comment

Life Events Stress Test

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Marsha

In an attempt to measure life changes, a Life Scale was developed ranking events in order from the most stressful (death of a spouse) to the least stressful (minor violations of the law).

As you read take note of all the stressful events that may have touched or are touching your life. There are other stresses not listed, but according to statistical information these events are common to man.

1. Death of spouse or child

2. Divorce

3. Marital Separation

4. Addictions

5. Death of a close family member (parent or sibling)

6. Physical or verbal abuse

7. Child sent to war

8. Being fired from work

9. Marital reconciliation

10. Retirement

11. Major change in health or behavior of family member

12. Pregnancy of spouse/ partner / child

13. Sexual difficulties

14. Gain a new family member (through birth, adoption, etc.)

15. Major business readjustment (merger, reorganization, etc.)

16. Major change in financial state (a lot worse / or better off)

17. Death of a close friend

18. Changing to different type work.

19. Major change in number of arguments with spouse (more

or less)

20. Taking on a significant (to you) mortgage

21. Foreclosure on a mortgage or loan

22. Major change in responsibility at work (promotion,

transfer, demotion)

23. Son or daughter leaving home (marriage, college, etc.)

24. Marriage

25. In-law troubles

26. Outstanding personal achievement

27. Partner beginning or ceasing work outside of the home.

28. Beginning or ceasing formal schooling

29. Major change in living conditions (new house, renovating)

30. Revision of personal habits (dress, manners, associations)

31. Troubles with the boss

32. Detention in jail or other institution

33. Change in residence

34. Major change in usual type and / or amount of recreation

35. Major change in church or spiritual activities (more or less)

36. Major change in social activities (clubs, dancing, movies)

37. Taking on a small loan (purchasing car, TV, freezer, etc.)

38. Major change in sleeping habits (more or less)

39. Major change in number of family get-togethers (more or

less

40. Major change in eating habits (a lot more or less food

intake

41. Holidays or vacations

42. Minor violations of the law (traffic or parking infractions)

43. Time and traffic (deadlines, heavy traffic)

After reading the list you may find you REALLY HAVE GOOD REASONS to sometimes feel overwhelmed. These events are common to all of us, and taken into consideration with other “personal events”; you can see just why you may be stressed! You aren’t just whimpering or weak and unable to handle the events in your life!

So pat yourself on the back for not coming totally unglued every day, and begin to seek STRESS MANAGEMENT MAGIC through articles posted here, classes, videos, personal instruction, self-improvement groups, family meetings, and by ANY MEANS you can to “manage” this stress.

There are several ways NOT to look for stress management help.

1. Alcohol

2. Drugs

3. Overeating or secretly eating to find a temporary fix.

In order for management techniques (whatever is right for your

lifestyle) to work, and for the techniques to be permanent, keep this important fact in mind:

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, And PRACTICE

Make it a FUN goal and remember THIS IS YOUR LIFE!

Now take a deep slow inhalation through the nose, exhale through the mouth and KNOW this is the most important first step you can take towards stress management. USE YOUR OXYGEN YOU WONDERFUL OXYGEN MACHINE!

Posted in Crisis, Family Stress, Fast Tips, Relationship Stress, School Stress, Sponsored suggestions, Stress Management Help, Stress Relievers, The Magic, Uncategorized, Work Stress | Tagged breath, burnout, Crisis, overwhelmed, relief, signs of stress, stress, tension, What to do to relieve | Leave a comment