The Anxiety

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Stress is a major contributor to many maladies that inflict us humans. Day after day we drudge on worrying about every imaginable thing some so trivial that it’s just plain stupid.

Humans are the only earthly animal that has such a problem.(as far as we know!) Other animals go about go about their business undaunted of stressful situations. We are seemingly addicted to stress. Stress has literally taken over our lives. It is as if we fuel our bodies on a daily basis with stress. Seems ridiculous doesn’t it, but you know exactly what I’m talking about, we thrive on everyday stress. Well if we thrive on it why eliminate it; what’s the point? The point is stress is a killer, it’s out to get you, throw you to the ground and stomp all over you.

Stress is a killer

Talk to any doctor and they will tell you unequivocally that stress damages the body immeasurably in countless ways. Stress is the silent killer that infiltrates and then does its damage overtime. Okay you know you are stressful and you don’t like it one bit but how in the world can we eliminate something that is so much of our life? You don’t eliminate stress you control stress. A certain amount of stress is actually good for you, it produces a sense of urgency, a motivation, a driving force. Stress can be compared to an adrenaline rush in as much they both create a burst of energy a sense of urgency. The trick is to harness stress so it works for you not against you.

What is Stress?

Stress is negative energy (worry), bottled up inside with no where to go. Most stress is self-induced. We are a fast paced society, continually trying to go faster. For example, if a speed limit is set at 55-mph invariably most drivers will push the limit and go at least 10-mph faster. It is our nature to push the limit. We are driven to exceed, succeed, and proceed. Unfortunately stress is a part of our everyday lives so we need to deal with it.

Controlling Stress

People make things more difficult then need be. Life needn’t be complicated. Simple is better. Uncomplicate your life.

Set a rule of priorities for your day to day life. Make these priorities realistic, simple, uncomplicated. Know your limitations don’t over extend abilities.

Here are some things that can help you reduce stress.

1. Start your day earlier then you normally would. Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready for work.

2. Eat a sensible breakfast allowing enough time to actually relax and enjoy breakfast.

3. Don’t watch the doom and gloom news while eating breakfast start the day on a positive note.

4. Allow a lot of time to comfortably get to work and if your driving listen to some good music and drive within the speed limit.

5. Limit your caffeine intake to one cup of coffee in the morning and 3 cups total for the day.

6. Avoid refined sugar foods such as doughnuts, processed cereals, pop tarts etc.

7. Don’t drink any soft drinks for are loaded with sugar.

8. Stop with all the competition with co-workers do your job to the best of your ability and good things will happen.

9. Be happy for others who succeed in their endeavors.

10. Drink plenty of clean unpolluted spring water. Water naturally detoxifies the body.

11. If possible take a short nap. I personally nap half an hour after my half-hour lunch.

12.Set realistic goals. Too many people try to accomplish too much too quickly. Most good things worth striving for require a lot of nurturing.

13. Stop worrying about things that are out of your control. 90% of everyday concerns are about stuff you can’t do a wit to change.

14. If a particularly stressful moment or situation occurs take a deep breath (or many) reflect on a pleasant memory and then proceed slowly, deliberately, maintaining control.

15. Set time aside everyday for ‘family talk’ where family members can express their thoughts, problems and communicate one to another. This is a solid ‘stress buster’.

16. Eat nutrious foods high in vitamins and minerals low in calories. Good food delivers optimum health thus reducing stress.

17. Live within your means don’t buy things you know you can’t afford.

18. Only use credit cards for emergencies and plan on paying dept in full each month.

19. Don’t try to keep up with what others have, (I.e. neighbors, family, and friends.) be happy for them, don’t resent what they have.

20. Ground your life in faith, family, and friends. Express your love for the important people in your life openly, let them know how you feel about them without any expectations.

21. Laugh often, smile alot.

22. Exercise moderately at least 3 times a week.

23. Sleep a sound 8 hours every night this alone will reduce stress dramatically.

24. Finally accept the fact that life is unpredictable and we all will be thrown a curve ball now and then that may flatten us for a time. Find solace in your faith and know that things will get better and always think highly of yourself.

Stress can be controlled however you must take it seriously and make a plan of action. The silent killer is lurking just below the surface and it wants to destroy you. re you up for the challenge?

Author: Gary Kenneth Archer

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Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here’s how to help your child manage their emotions.

We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world– school, friends, peer pressure–but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events.

In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent’s job loss but here are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling.

As a parent, you can become attuned to what’s a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following tools to help your child handle it better.

Tuning into Anxiety Attack symptoms

1. Tune in to their moods.

Pay attention to your child’s behavior. Take the time to talk to your child to get to the root of the problem.

Ask questions like:

“How are you feeling?”
“What’s happening at school?”
“How are things with your friends?”

When you show concern for their problems and issues, it’s reassuring to them and they’ll be more responsive to that attention.

2. Watch the same shows they do.

If you have younger children, you certainly don’t want them watching the doom and gloom of daily news shows. Children’s minds are like sponges in they absorb almost
everything they see or hear.

They are especially sensitive to negative energy, pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger children.

It’s important to discuss with them what they’ve seen. You can’t tell them that it’s never going to happen to them but you can say, “We’re going to do everything we
can to protect you”. It’s also a good idea to let them know whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency.

3. Focus on the positive.

There is obviously no way a child can be shielded from a major trauma such as a death in the family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, help children count their
Blessings!

Comfort and reassure them by saying, “We’re strong and we’re going to make it.” And as difficult as it may be, try to maintain everyday routines.

For many young victims of floods or fire, for example, going back to school, even in another city, can help bring some normalcy back to their disrupted lives.

What can also help is to make sure children have positive outlets like physical activity, going to the movies or spending time with friends.

4. Lead by example.

Children often learn to deal with stress by mimicking how you respond in challenging times. Even if you don’t tell your child that you’re about to be laid off from your job
or that you’re worried that your marriage is on the verge of breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress.

They may not understand the underlying causes but they can hear the strained tone and elevated volume of your voice, which gives them the message that something’s going on that may affect them too.

That’s why it’s so important to show them good coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, or use foul language when you’re under pressure, your little one may
internalize that as a coping method.

Instead, model healthy behavior during difficult times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in a hot bath, sharing how you feel without blaming, or taking a walk.

5. Instill confidence.

When children are young, there are times when you will have to come to their defence and help them handle tough situations. But as they get older, you also have to let them champion themselves, which builds their confidence in their ability to resolve problems on their own.

One of your missions as a parent is to know when to step in and when to stand back. Your response will depend on the child’s temperament, maturity and the situation.

For example, your third grader may be able to confront a taunting classmate on their own, whereas a serious case of bullying may warrant your intervention.

Still, always make sure your child knows you’ve got their back. Tell them, “Try it on your own first, but if you need help, let me know and I’ll be there.”

Michael Atma, author of numerous personal development books and audios, helps thousands of people every month to enjoy easy stress management tips for improved health, happiness and peace of mind. In less than 3 minutes you can get started on instant relaxation techniques for your mind, body and spirit.

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