http://www.whyamirich.com/ Articles at Free Website Content from Whyamirich.com en-us http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/dealing-with-anxiety-and-stress-the-differences-and-similarities.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/dealing-with-anxiety-and-stress-the-differences-and-similarities.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:24:34 -0600
When someone is experiencing anxiety there is a difference to feeling stressed. Feeling stressed is a much more general type of condition, where in the case of anxiety the condition and cause is more specific. Unfortunately the cause of anxiety is not always obvious which can in turn lead the anxiety sufferer to experience ever increasing levels of anxiety about their inability to identify the cause. A classic vicious cycle.

Excessive emotional disturbances such as grief generalized worry and fear as well as physical conditions such as hypoglycemia, hypoadrenia and an overactive thyroid are just some physical conditions that can lead to increased levels of stress.

Irrespective of what the specific causes are in effectively treating stress and anxiety the cause does need to be found. This is not always easy but a good place to start is mapping out your symptoms and making note of the situations and circumstances that are associated with high levels of stress and the occurrence of your anxiety attacks.

If the cause of your anxiety and stress has been established talk type therapy can often be a great help in reducing the impact of your anxiety or stress problem now while also increasing your understanding of yourself and how the problem came about in the first place. However you choose to use this method is up to you. Support groups for people suffering with anxiety, high stress and panic attacks have become quite common due to the ever increasing number of people suffering stress and anxiety attacks. You could of course also find a psychologist and undergo counseling or imply find a trusted friend to talk things through with, someone who you can trust and be totally frank about your anxiety and stress problem

In addition to a therapeutic approach to dealing with your anxiety and stress, make sure that your everyday lifestyle supports the therapy you are undertaking. Get moving. Regular exercise has been proven to help reduce levels of stress and increase wellbeing apart from the obvious fitness benefits. Proper sleep and rest are essential as are a healthy well balanced eating plan. Making sure these things are in place will make a huge difference to how you feel now and quite likely prevent the anxiety and stress from getting to levels that are difficult to manage in the future.

Of course what we have discussed here are measures you can take should you still have a reasonable amount of control of the stress and anxiety. If severe physical symptoms palpitations, pain in the chest, extreme dizziness and disorientation occur along with self destructive thoughts, get medical help immediately. While anxiety and stress can be addresses with the basic measures we have discussed sometimes they are not enough. Always seek appropriate medical treatment when in doubt ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/a-simple-touch-can-help-you-relax.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/a-simple-touch-can-help-you-relax.html Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:04:41 -0600
For some individuals, especially senior citizens who live alone or are confined to nursing homes, a simple touch can re-awaken feelings of happiness and a sense of belonging.

The sense of touch not only relaxes, but it can also heal.

Conversely, for those of you who work at computers all day long, having someone give you a neck and back massage can have an immediate effect. While you may be quite tense in the beginning, a few minutes later you find yourself sinking into the chair as the tension begins to dissipate.

You could be engaging in a heated conversation at home - then one of your children may come up to you and gently touch your hand. The conversation abruptly ends and you forget what it was you were fighting about.

Many pet owners find the benefits rewarding of stroking, cuddling, and spending time with their pets. You could be in the worst possible mood when you arrive home, but when your pet greets you with excitement as you enter the house, all of your worries seem to fade away, and you can relax.

Let's face it; we all need a hug now and then. Whether it's from a spouse, a child, a sister, or a friend - it does change the way we feel and it does help change our attitude. Sometimes, hugging ourselves - the inner child in us - can not only make us feel better but put us in a relaxed and comfortable state of mind.

When children are taken for a visit to a petting zoo for the first time, they thrive upon touching the different animals. The textures of the different animals are new to them and they chuckle with joy.

The art of touching can relax, heal, soothe, and comfort. It can be sensual, sexual, and even allow individuals who have low self-esteem to open up and discuss their feelings.

A grumpy old man can all of a sudden smile from the touch of a child. The touch of a friend can immediately create a comfort zone, whereby one becomes relaxed enough to share their feelings. A mother's touch can relax a crying child into a peaceful state of slumber. ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/stress-management-workshops-for-the-new-age-organization.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/stress-management-workshops-for-the-new-age-organization.html Tue, 06 May 2008 18:54:02 -0600
Seen as a way of increasing the quality of life, not just at work but at home too, stress management workshops and programs are offered to employees generally at the expense of the organization.

Stress management programs or workshops can involve employees being pampered with things as lavish as life-spa type treatments or just 'time-outs' where they are free to do as they please in order to relieve some tension and stress. Usually a stress management consultant of some sort is involved in deciding what is offered.

A program that some employers offer to their employees is to allow them to work from home. This is something that has to be discussed openly with all staff. There will be those who won't be able to work from home as their job may require use of equipment only available at the office.

A home is a relaxing and usually stress-free environment for most people but having to work at home may prove difficult for some as there could be all sorts of distractions which could keep them from doing their job. And of course without having someone looking over their shoulder, employees could take advantage.

Employers using working from home as part of their stress management programs will have to use activity based feedback mechanisms to ensure individuals do not take advantage.

When you think of all the serious health conditions and illnesses caused as a direct result of stress, it is not surprising that like stress management workshops are being implemented as a tool to combat stress in the workplace. Companies cannot afford the increasing absenteeism associated with stress.

Individual companies or consultants offer stress management workshops with the intention to:

1. reduce the amount of stress experienced by an employee in the workplace

2. induce better behavior and productivity in employees.

When employees aren't stressed and feel good about themselves they work more efficiently and add value to the organization on a more consistent basis. Stress management and the workshops designed around this concept must be provided regularly and their effectiveness monitored to ensure the right results. ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/a-pampering-massage-to-lose-your-stress.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/a-pampering-massage-to-lose-your-stress.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:00:02 -0600
Don't let it get that far. You can put stress at bay by taking some time out to look after yourself. And a massage is the perfect antidote to a fast-paced life.

Make some time in your busy schedule to check out massage services at a nearby day spa or massage therapist. They'll be able to advise you of the options available to help you overcome your stress and feel pampered. There's more than one type of massage technique, so read up on the various ones available that will meet your needs. You'll need to take into consideration what will best address your problems, how much time you can allow, and whether you can afford it.

Choosing the Best Massage for You

Knowing how each type of massage therapy works and what its particular benefits are is a must before you dive in. Once you know the basics, go ahead and indulge.

1. Hot Stone Massage: Just like it sounds, this massage technique involves placing smooth, heated rocks on specific areas of your body. It's perfect for relieving muscle aches and pains. The warmth of the stones loosens your tight muscles, giving you greater freedom of movement and reducing your pain. Your massage therapist will gently apply pressure and a little friction to relax the muscles even more.

2. Shiatsu. Originating in Japan, this technique is similar in some ways to acupuncture and acupressure, but has been practiced for much longer than either of those treatments. Shiatsu therapy corrects imbalances in your body by using the palms and fingers to apply pressure to key locations. It's perfect for treating muscle stiffness and headaches caused by stress. It improves your circulation and helps to promote and maintain good health.

3. Aromatherapy. Certain essential oils, especially lavender, are known for their relaxing qualities, and this technique combines oil with a calming massage. The massage therapist works the oil into your skin, loosening your tense muscles and relaxing your mind. Although you'll likely feel sleepy during your session, you'll leave feeling energized. This treatment is particular useful for relieving emotional stress.

4. Thai Massage. This massage therapy utilizes a little more pressure than does shiatsu massage, and incorporates stretching similar to yoga. But you don't have to do any of the work. The massage therapist will guide your body through the postures for you. This is excellent for stress reduction as well as improved flexibility and range of motion.

Knowing what your options are is the first step in eliminating stress from your life. If you want your body to feel pampered and your mind to be calm, it's hard to find anything better than massage. ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/relieve-stress-in-9-minutes.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/relieve-stress-in-9-minutes.html Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:37:56 -0700
Is the bulk of your stress because of current situations in your life or is it based off of previous events in your life? It's likely you understand what I mean by this, and the answer is sometimes hard to find.

It's common sense that managing and reducing stress can prevent many problems. Problems with general health, potential addiction, and more. Preventing these problems with stress management methods is much less costly and more comfortable than dealing with the results.

You wouldn't choose to have problems with your blood pressure, heart, and sleep. Choosing to ignore your stress level is almost the same thing.

Many people with high stress look to avoid the discomfort by looking for things to make them feel "better". Short term distractions like watching TV, movies, prescription medications, cigarette smoking, eating, and other addictions.

Many people think medication is the only alternative, and try to avoid that. If there were a simple, clinically studied and proven method to relieve stress, would you use it?

Of course you would, if it really works.

You have probably used watching TV or a movie to help you relax. How does that help? It gives you a distraction. Something else to focus on and think about, right? But there really isn't much "thinking" going on... it just indirectly creates a quiet state of mind.

Some people achieve this same mental state using creative visualization, meditation, or prayer.

All of these examples technically achieve a mental state of hypnosis. With a little practice, it is very easy to get this hyper focused state. Like when you're involved in reading a book, or on the phone.

You actually go into a light state of hypnosis several times a day anyway. And to do it on purpose, with the intention of relieving stress, is quick and proven effective.

I'm a hypnotist, so what do you expect me to say, right? The National Library of Medicine has a site, ww.pubmed.gov where you can search for medical studies on hypnosis and stress. Please remember, these are trained doctors doing hypnosis, not trained hypnotists. The results can be even better than they find.

Physical and mental stress relief of over 50% is possible in under 10 minutes. Honest.

Getting help from a well trained and reputable hypnotist or using a quality hypnosis audio at home to relieve stress is a wonderful choice. Hypnosis can more reliably help your stress, and hypnosis has no side-effects.

Note: Even though hypnosis has been an approved by the American Medical Association since 1958, it does not replace conventional medicine. ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/massage-therapy-in-san-antonio.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/massage-therapy-in-san-antonio.html Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:08:39 -0700
Massage in San Antonio is an experience that you'll enjoy tremendously and want to repeat over and over. Whether your goal is to thoroughly relax with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your sports performance Massage Therapists in San Antonio can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several types of Massage in San Antonio. The most commonly offered massage techniques in San Antonio are:

- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage
- Reflexology

However, in addition to the more commonly practiced massage techniques your San Antonio based Massage Therapist might also practice some other well known massage therapy techniques:

- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Medical Massage
- Myoskeletal Alignment Technique
- Zen Shiatsu
- Acupressure
- Ortho-Bionomy
- Natural Reflex Therapy
- Thai Massage

You might even want to try a special treat when you get a massage in San Antonio like Couple's Massage where a couple can receive their massage together in the same massage room with two massage therapists. Or, for the true massage therapy enthusiast some Licensed Massage Establishments and Day Spas offer Four Hand Massage where you can be massaged by two massage therapists at the same time.

Massage in San Antonio is also very convenient to receive. Massage in San Antonio is available on an incall basis at a Massage Therapist's office, in a Licensed Massage Establishment, or in one of many conveniently located Day Spas. Massage in San Antonio is also available on an outcall basis in your San Antonio area home, office, or hotel. No matter where you are in San Antonio a great massage is just minutes away.

So what's stopping you? Massage in San Antonio is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today...you'll be glad you did! ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/how-can-aromatherapy-benefit-your-holistic-life.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/how-can-aromatherapy-benefit-your-holistic-life.html Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:22:55 -0700
Essential oils can be blended together to also provide a specific therapeutic action. Oils may be made into salves, creams, and compresses. Oils are usually diluted with a "base" or "carrier" oil, which is a vegetable oil processed from nuts, seeds, or trees that helps spread the essential oil over a larger area and protects the skin from a reaction.

Massage therapy with essential oils may also be of value (together with medications and/or therapy) for people with depression, stress, anxiety, or other ailments. Massage has a powerful effect on the body and the emotions. Massage mixed with aromatherapy blends nursing, art, and science. And unlike dangerous chemicals, which can leave trace toxins in your body, essential oils deliver their benefits to your body systems and then leave cleanly without a trace.

Essential oils each have their own chemical make up. It is within these that their benefits vary so widely. While some may be anti-bacterial, as in Tea Tree Oil, others may be anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-septic, or even a blend of benefits from jsut one oil!

One must be careful though, Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can cause skin irritation. For this reason a bit of education in oils is beneficial, as they can be harmful if not used correctly, in the right amounts, or in the right ways.

There are many products claiming to be aromatherapy products, some of these are commercial products that just smell nice. Unfortunately, many companies improperly use the term aromatherapy on products that contain unnatural and perfume oils, so it's important to look at the ingredient label when seeking true aromatherapy products. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits; at best, they provide only a fraction of the benefit that natural products supply.

Being the fact that nearly 900 ingredients found in 98% of skin care products on the market in the US today are toxic, one must beware of what they put on their skin! A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products that do not list their ingredients and those that do not boast of having pure essential oils Look for products that contain pure essential oils on their ingredient list and avoid those that have words like fragrance.

We are bombarded with synthetics and fakes everywhere we look, from our skincare to our medicines, even most of the food we eat really isn't 'real'. Give up the excuse of not having time to treat yourself to a truely natural break...pencil it in your date book as a 'wholeness' treatment for your body, mind, and soul, one that you need on a regular basis, too! ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/quit-smoking-it-s-about-time.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/quit-smoking-it-s-about-time.html Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:17:03 -0600
Smoking causes health issues, the warnings are all over the place. The cancer risk is labeled on every box, along with the child birth defect warning and on TV there are anti smoking commercials. Non smokers don't understand why someone would start smoking at all, let alone why a smoker can not just quit. As you very well know, it is easier said than done.

It is very common for a smoker to try quitting and fail multiple times before succeeding. Many feel if they failed once, they will surely fail again so there is no point in trying. This idea is very negative and can cause self esteem issues making it that much harder to quit. I am guessing this is not your first time trying to quit. Unfortunately, this process can create a learned behavior through repetition.

Emotional connections to smoking can also make it even harder to quit smoking. Some people have a fond memory associated with smoking. Some reward themselves with a cigarette for completing a task or project. These are both examples of emotional connections to the addiction. Some people feel, if they quit smoking they have to quit having that happy memory or good feeling, this is not the case but it is a very realistic thought to the smoker.

Sometimes there are other connections that stand in the way of you and your goal. The connection can simply be a ritual. Every time you eat, go outside, get in the car, or talk on the phone you may have a cigarette. These rituals are learned behaviors and are obstacles that make it difficult for the person to quit.

A big concern for some is weight gain. Many times the same reasons people smoke is the same reason ex-smokers put on weight. People who are quitting might be more nervous, and therefore eat more or snack. Others might reward themselves with food instead of a cigarette. This is also a repetitive behavior.

Smokers often try common remedies such as the nicotine patch, the gum, medications, cold turkey, and hypnosis. Hypnosis addresses the problem in a unique way. Instead of using smoking succession aides, hypnosis deals with the root problem. It allows you to both develop and nurture your ability to quit smoking. Hypnosis can help you with self confidence and weight management also while you are trying to quit. It will also give you positive suggestions to continue to assist you on your path to smoking succession.

Each person experiences and deals with addiction is different ways. Often it can feel overwhelming to accomplish such a task alone and frankly down right frightening. Just by acknowledging you want to quit smoking, you have taken the first step. Now is it time for you to research the available options and find out what is right for you. The sooner you do the sooner you can stop having those cravings. ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/stress-management-relief-is-possible.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/stress-management-relief-is-possible.html Wed, 17 Oct 2007 05:41:03 -0600
Your pulse races, your chest feels tight, you feel depressed and hopeless. This is how many people describe being stressed out. Often stress can feel unmanageable and overwhelming, just this thought can add additional stress to your life and body. Hypnosis allows your mind to take a break from the stress and relax. During your session you learn different tools to combat stress and how to apply them to your daily life.

Maybe you feel stressed before a doctor's appointment, taking a test or standing up in front of a large crowd. Maybe you feel stressed out by something more serious like family problems or financial difficulties. Whatever makes you stressed out is called a trigger. It is necessary to find out what your trigger is and address how to deal with it when confronted with one. Hypnosis will allow you to feel more in control and more relaxed when you are met with a trigger.

Through behavior modification you learn a unique method. You learn how to not only manage your stress but how to deal with the individual trigger responses. Many times a response to stress is expressed as anger, anxiety, and the feeling of helplessness. By learning to combat those triggers you can start on the path to leading a healthy relaxed life.

Stress can show itself in other areas of your life such as your health. Stress can be the cause of many health related issues such as a lower immune system, heart attack, cancer, stomach problems and skin break outs. In some cases people turn to alcohol or dugs to help them cope. Many start to gain weight or lose weight, start to smoke or lose confidence in themselves. You will learn special techniques to help with all of the issues you want to address. Just knowing that behavior modification can help in so many areas should help you to relax even more.

During your first session you will notice an immediate reduction in stress simply from relaxing. Hypnosis works immediately and will be long lasting which will help you be successful in your stress management goal. You will notice your breathing and pulse rates will become lower as well as your blood pressure. Long term you will learn self hypnosis techniques that will allow you to relax on command.

Stress is something we all have to learn how to deal with. It is something which can affect our daily lives and relationships. There are many different approaches to stress management you must choose what is right for you, but before you so make sure you have all the pieces of the puzzle before you make your final decision. ]]> http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/stress-relief-and-weight-loss-with-hypnosis-and-yoga.html http://www.whyamirich.com/health-and-fitness/stress-relief/stress-relief-and-weight-loss-with-hypnosis-and-yoga.html Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:48:36 -0600
Stress can affect every part of the body and produce negative physical, mental and emotional symptoms. One biological affect of chronic stress is weight gain. Trying to lose weight can be an even bigger challenge for people with chronic stress.

A number of herbs and nutrients have been identified according to Nutrition Science News, that regulate and enhance the body's ability to handle stress and its manifestations, with one biological effect of chronic stress is weight gain. Weight gain is often associated with emotional eating and the too-busy-to-exercise lifestyles of people under chronic stress.

Changes in the body formed by stress, such as higher cortisol levels, can cause weight gain and insuline resistance according to researchers. Source: Nutrition Science News.

With all the new research pointing towards an obesity epidemic here in America, parallels can also be drawn between the relationship of unhealthy lifestyles and stress. People tend to take worst care of themselves due to their apathetic and pessimistic outlook on life, which in turn will cause lack of motivation to exercise or be active and eat right.

Avoiding stress (pain) and seeking pleasure is how most people spend their lives. People try to spend their lives somewhere in the middle at the comfort zone where stress is kept under control. If an event or situation is causing stress and you have fallen out of the comfort zone, stress relievers such as fatty and sugary foods, alcohol, smoking etc. can become abused.

More and more people are seeking natural alternative methods that don't require drugs that usually end up not working in the long term.

Stress symptoms can be relieved with the simple act of some vigorous exercise or physical activity by a chemical reaction in the brain (endorphines) putting you in a naturally high mood. Losing weight can't be accomplished with exercise alone, sometimes a complete mental transformation needs to take place.

Hypnosis and yoga are becoming the natural alternative to a healthier physical and mental lifestyle freeing participants of stress related obesity and anxiety symptoms. Both hypnosis and yoga can be taught and used alone.

Unfortunately, many individuals have a hard time sticking to a conventional diet, especially since it usually involves elliminating a lot of your favorite foods and requires a lot of dedication not only to a strict diet but a full healthy diet program needs to include exercise also.

Hypnosis and yoga are being noticed for their overall health benefits and are becoming a mainstream solution for stress related ailments such as overeating and the lack of ambition to get physically active.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, in which you enter a trance-like state.

Hypnosis only works on willing participants and your success will depend entirely on your desire to achieve your treatment goal.

Under hypnosis, you are in a state of mind in which you are unaware of the happenings occuring around you. It's comparable to daydreaming or absorbed in music or a book.

For many years hypnosis was frowned down upon as a theatrical parlor trick exploited by charlatans, but western medicine has shown a fascination in its potential and has since become a useful tool in helping people lose weight, quit smoking, help relieve chronic pain and also used to motivate or extinguish phobias and fears.

For Hypnosis to be effective to control weight, the individual needs to undergo a mental transformation that will get rid of the food cravings and reinforce their resolve to eat better by avoiding unhealthy food choices and the motivation to be physically active with exercise or some form of fat burning activity.

There is no magic to hypnosis, only the individuals use of a natural physical state that influences your subconscious that is only effective if it's something you truly desire.

Yoga means union, an experience of oneness with your inner being. Yoga originated over 5000 years ago in India and has been modified through generations. Yoga has become highly relevant in todays stressful society.

Hatha is a style of yoga that involves the more physical type of poses. The most physical type being Ashtanga, that utilizes the both physical and powerful asanas poses.

A more modern term used today is Power Yoga and is being utilized in many of the gyms and workout classes in America due to it's vigorous and physically demanding constant poses. Because of the constant movement (flow) Power Yoga helps fortify both mind and body while increasing your heart rate and your flexibility.

To aquire a complete physical and mental transformation to lose weight and have a cardio, calorie burning effect, the yoga sessions need to be performed long and often enough to get the good results.

With the stress relief and physical benefits associated with yoga and exercise, many people are combining yoga with other forms of exercise such as aerobics, walking and many other forms of fat burning activity workouts.

Like all forms and styles of exercise, if it isn't performed on a regular basis, all of the benefits will be lost and just like starting a new workout routine, you need to start out slowly at first to avoid injury.

So, both hypnosis and yoga are truly effective alternatives to supplements and drugs for weight loss or any stress symptom, providing a deep willingness is present . The rewards will be proportionate to your efforts ]]>