Stress Management
Dealing With Panic Attacks - What is the Most Important Factor in Coping With Panic Attacks? 
Sunday, February 15, 2009, 01:24 AM - Anxiety
Posted by Administrator
Dealing with panic attacks is not really that complicated. You just need to understand what causes anxiety and panic attacks, and what triggers them so that you can avoid them or eliminate them completely.

A panic attack occurs when your adrenal glands overreact to the signal sent by your brain in response to what's perceived as a threat. The adrenaline produced by the adrenals causes the symptoms of panic attack such as heart palpitation, difficulty breathing, sweating, and trembling.

One of the strongest triggers of panic attack is actually the fear of having another attack. As a sufferer of this anxiety disorder you realize how terrifying the symptoms can be that you're afraid to experience it again. That fear however, causes you to be more anxious and hence, more prone to having an attack.

Therefore, the most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to eliminate the fear of having another episode. You need to be more relaxed and calm, take things easily, and feel good about yourself. There are a number of things that can help you achieve this.

You can try various methods of relaxation but the simplest that you can start right away is breathing technique. You simply inhale as deeply as you can through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale. Let your stomach muscles assist you in this breathing exercise, and do this as often as you can throughout the day.

Meditation can also help you relax. There are different types of meditations but the simplest is to just sit quietly for at least 10 minutes everyday while focusing on your breathing.

Yoga is another activity that's beneficial in coping with panic attacks. Besides being a good physical exercise, yoga also teaches you to relax and be more calm.

Reading personal development books that help you enjoy life and become more confident is certainly helpful as well. If you're confident, calm, and feeling good about yourself, you will not worry about or anticipate having a panic attack.

The above techniques in dealing with panic attacks are great but it may take a while before you experience significant improvements, especially if you have a severe panic disorder. Unfortunately, many sufferers don't follow through with panic attack self help if they don't see immediate results.

By: Jayden Freeman
There's a proven effective technique in dealing with panic attacks naturally and stopping them on their tracks so you will no longer worry about having them. You can regain the carefree life you once had and embark on a new journey living with confidence. To learn more just click here now!
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Stressed? - Ease Into Relaxation in 5 Easy Steps 
Sunday, February 15, 2009, 01:20 AM - Relaxation
Posted by Administrator
If you feel stressed, that's a good indication that you have a lot of things in your life that are causing stress. Oh, you already knew that?

You might not be able to get rid of all of your stressors, at least not right away. It can take a while to get a different job, a new car or change relationships that cause you grief. An interesting thing is that you may have causes of stress that you aren't even aware of!

In the meantime, here are several tips to help you ease into relaxation. Pick out one and start using it right away.

1. Let your shoulders relax when you drive. Your shoulders can hike up to your ears, without you being aware that they're moving up - until you feel muscle tension and stress. Each time you become aware that your shoulders have hiked up, allow them to drop to a comfortable position. You might have to lower your shoulders many times because they tend to creep back up. They do this just because your muscles are used to doing it. Muscle stress is a stressor.

2. Gently and firmly press your shoulders into the floor or bed while you are lying on your back. Your shoulders are in front of you most of the day. This causes muscle stress. Pressing your shoulders into the floor strengthens your back muscles so they will complain less. Less pain equals less stress.

3. Imagine that you are a stick of butter, soft, warm and pale. You are melting. As you melt, all of your stress melts and slides down to the floor. It evaporates. There is no stress left.

4. Breathing is a wonderful relaxation technique. Simply pay attention to your breath expanding your ribs. On the exhale, feel the movement in your back. On the next inhale, feel your belly expand. When your exhale, feel your belly get smaller. Pay attention to each breath, and if you forget and go back to your stressful thoughts, that's OK. Just start breathing again and paying attention to your breath again.

5. Arrange to have a relaxation massage from a professional massage therapist or from someone who cares about you.

Use these tools to help relax and lower your stress level. Start with one (the "butter" strategy is easy and quick to learn) and, as you can, add another. Then, just melt and let all of your stress evaporate.

By: Kathryn Merrow
And now, I'd like to invite you to discover more ways to relax deeply and to permanently relieve the causes of your stress naturally, without drugs, at http://www.StressReliefStrategy.com
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Stress Management - 5 Steps to Successfully Manage Stress 
Sunday, February 15, 2009, 01:15 AM - General
Posted by Administrator
Stress is a common problem that many people face in hectic, fast paced lives. It can affect productivity and feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction. In extreme cases, it can become overwhelming or begin to manifest in physical illnesses or depression. It is important to reduce the effects of stress whenever possible. Here are 5 steps to successfully manage stress in your life:

1. Check your diet. Make sure you are eating healthy foods such a fresh produce, lean protein sources, and whole grains. Sometimes stress impacts appetite, either causing a decrease or an increase in appetite. If your appetite is suffering, try carrying around healthy snacks and eating them in small portions throughout the day. If you tend to eat too much as a reaction to stress, try setting a time at the end of the day when you will stop eating. Also, be sure you are not eating when you are distracted, like when watching television.

2. Try supplementation to support your physical health. Like your diet, supplements can help increase your physical health, which helps support your emotional health. A food based multivitamin is a good start - these are generally utilized better by the body than non food based brands. If you don't eat much food that is calcium rich, add this as well. Fish oil is excellent for a variety of physical benefits, including better brain health and cardiovascular benefit. L-Theanine can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, and 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan) can help regulate mood. It is advisable to check with your health care provider when trying a new supplement.

3. Make sure to start exercising. Check with your doctor to determine the most appropriate level of activity. Cardiovascular exercise is excellent, as it encourages the release of endorphins which help elevate mood and release physical stress. Try to have a regular schedule, ideally 45 minutes about 5 times a week. Any exercise is beneficial, however.

4. Coaching or counseling. Depending upon the severity of your stress and whether there are other accompanying issues, you may benefit from getting some therapy or coaching to help you learn how to prioritize, delegate, manage, and reduce stress.

5. Take some time out each day just for you. Make a list of several things you really enjoy doing. Every day, pick one thing off the list and do it for yourself. Once you finish the list, create a new one and keep on going. It is a wonderful habit to establish.

By: Shannon E Cook
Are you interested in addressing your life challenges from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/g ... ssion.html

Shannon Cook is a personal coach and resource guide who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.
1 comment ( 74 views )
Discover the Different Massage Types 
Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 02:25 AM - Massage
Posted by Administrator
The standard massage treatment has flourished recently to include much more specific treatments concentrating on various areas of the body. You may not be aware that there is most probably a massage treatment for your particular ailment.

Swedish massage therapy: This is the most common type to be offered by masseurs because it is very gentle and relaxing. The masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. The result is a refreshed, calm and renewed feeling for the body.

Aromatherapy: The reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. During the session, you will select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

Hot stone massage: Heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy points in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

Deep tissue massage: The massage technique is specifically designed to target the deep layers of body muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

Shiatsu: This massage therapy originated from Japan. Here, the masseuse will use localised finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

Thai: This is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don't do anything except go with the flow.

Pregnancy: For women that are expecting, they can opt for a specialist pregnancy massage. The benefits it was designed for are the relief of aches and pains, reduce swelling, relieve stress and reduce the ailments of anxiety and depression.

Reflexology: The can also be known as foot massage as the procedure involves applying pressure to parts of the foot. It is believed that the foot in fact corresponds to certain body organs and systems so if this is worked on therefore the whole body will benefit.

Sports: This is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes but anyone involved in sport since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

Back & Neck: Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back and neck caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

By: Michael Tasker
What if you could you could heal, improve, relieve, relax, even arouse just with the power of your hands? The beneficial effects of the various massage therapies available are too often ignored as a natural method of easing common ailments Discover how you can harness the power of your hands and be able to massage with confidence at http://www.massagedvd.info.
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