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June 14, 2011 2 Comments

Know Your Stress Triggers. Avoid Your Stress Triggers!

Stress Triggers, how to avoid them and stres less!

All of us, even the most laid back people in the world, have stress triggers. Simply put, stress triggers are people, events, situations, or circumstances that cause us to feel anxious and stressed.   Like kryptonite to Superman, these stress triggers keep us from functioning at our peak and they rob us the normal peaceful life we crave. And deserve.

Many times if an individual is looking for ways to feel less stress and anxiety, simply identifying their stress triggers can help a lot. After all, half the battle is always knowing who or what you’re battling.

A really common stress trigger is money problems. Most of us feel stress like never before when the cash flow is more of a cash trickle.  Full blown stress hits when the bills waiting to be paid outnumber the bills that are needed to pay them!  For those of us who know, full well, that money is a stress trigger, the wise thing to do is to put forth EXTRA effort to make more and/or spend less.  Someone once told me that, because of the economy, they were getting a second job.  When I pointed out that that would be pretty stressful, to spend so much time working – I couldn’t argue with their answer, “Nothing could be as stressful as worrying about money all the time.”

The fact that coupons and “extreme coupon reality shows” are so popular right now indicates two things:

  1. The economy isn’t completely back on its feet yet.
  2. People are looking for ways to ease the stress of not having as much money as they want.

Basically, there are two kinds of people in the world: Those who complain and those who do something about it.  The latter handles the situation and battles their stress triggers, while the former is at their mercy.

Money is, of course, only one of many potential stress triggers.  Certain situations can trigger stress and, when possible, avoiding them is necessary. Same can be said for certain people.  Sometimes avoidance is the only peaceful resolution.  If avoidance ISN’T an option, think of things YOU can do to make the situation better.

The best time to think about, identify, and make a plan for dealing with stress triggers is while you aren’t feeling particularly stressful or anxious.  Sit and think about times in your life when you’ve felt tense, stressed out, on edge, or anxious.  Ask questions such as, “What was I doing?  Where was I? What made me feel this way?”

The stress triggers will come into focus and you’ll be able to identify them right away. Remind yourself that you’re in control and challenge yourself to come up with ways to get rid of these stress triggers.

No one is at their best when they’re stressed because NO ONE wears stress well. Do all you can to reduce the amount of stress in your life and you’ll increase the peacefulness and enjoyment of your life.

Make each moment as peaceful as possible!
~ Joi

Filed Under: Anxiety, Stress Tagged: , , ,
January 10, 2011 Leave a Comment

This is Your Mind On Music. Any Questions?

I’ve always been amazed by the influence music can have on a person. When you’re feeling down, the right kind of music can lift your spirits. Ironically, when you’re feeling sad, listening to sad songs can somehow help as well. That one has always stumped me – you’d think it’d make matters worse, wouldn’t you?!

Even in movies and on television, the effects of music are epic. When we’re watching a scary movie, the music played in the background serves to heighten our fear. Upbeat soundtracks cause our emotions to soar right along with the music!

I’ve also noticed that music can have a very relaxing effect on the listener. A lot of the time, when I’m working at the computer, I’ll have Patsy Cline, Motown Classics, or Johnny Cash serenading me while I plug along. Good thing I work from home! Different songs, and even different artists, affect people differently – for whatever reasons, Patsy Cline songs always bring a smile to my face and calm into my world.

Even on Mondays.

A new study now backs up what I’ve said all along: Listening to music makes the brain release a chemical that gives pleasure. Researchers found that music causes our brain cells to react to music much as they do to food or sex.

Is it any wonder so many people love to listen to music?

Interestingly, the study proved that the songs don’t even have to have vocals accompanying them – instrumentals have the same reaction. In fact, personally, I’ve found that instrumentals are often more relaxing. Classical music is especially good for sort of turning off the thinking process and shutting out the world. I’ll often play classical music while working online. I find my fingers trying to keep beat with the music sometimes.

What can I say, sometimes I need a little amusement in the middle of a long day.

Try this: The next time you feel stressed or anxious, listen to classical music (like the music in the video below). You’ll find that your stress and anxieties will diminish as the notes carry them away. If you don’t happen to have a classical music collection (yet!) search Classical Music on YouTube, or search for an individual composer’s work. A quick search for Relaxing Music brings about some beautiful results as well.

Make each moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Anxiety, Stress Tagged: , ,
January 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Stress Less by Moving More

If one of your resolutions, or goals, is to find a way to handle stress and another is to get fit – you’re in for a pleasant surprise because one of the best ways to achieve one is also one of the best ways to achieve the other.

People spend a great deal of time trying to find ways of coping with stress.  They try talking things out, repressing worries and anxieties, meditation, and a host of other approaches. While some achieve a certain level of success with these stress reducers, there is a simpler and more productive way to combat stress.  What’s more, you’ll reap far more head-to-toe benefits with this approach than the others combined.

The stress-busting solution: Engage in as much physical exercise as you can possibly engage in.

One laboratory experiment took ten underexercised rats, and subjected them repeatedly to a variety of stresses: shock, pain, shrill noises, and flashing lights. After a month, every one of them had died through the incessant strain. Another group of rats was given a good deal of exercise until they were in peak physical condition. They were then subjected to the same battery of stresses and strains. After a month, not one had died.

(Disclaimer: As an intense… intense…. intense animal lover, I’m never FOR animal experiments – even on rats.  However, I do have to concede that when science is able to gather information that benefits humans, it’s difficult to argue.  How extraordinary it would be if one day science found another way.)

Here’s the basic, simple, and profound truth:  Our bodies were made to move and the more they are exercised, the more effectively they function.  From Adam and Eve to you and me, our bodies were beautifully designed to function and work.  We were made to hunt, gather, build, work, run, and then go back and do it all over again.  We weren’t intended to sit as much as we do.  We weren’t made to find the easiest way to do things, the path of the least resistance, or the shortest distance to take.

We weren’t made to ride buggies around the grocery store because we’re too lazy (or overweight) to walk.  We weren’t made to find the closest parking space possible to the front door so we don’t have far to walk.  We weren’t made to blow right past the stairs and take the elevator every time.

Many of the problems we have today (physical, mental, and emotional) could be greatly alleviated if we simply got more exercise and increased our activity.

Studies on the ways exercise helps to reduce stress are VERY conclusive.

Benefits of Exercise for the Body and Mind:

  • gets rid of harmful chemicals in our bodies
  • burns extra calories to help us lose weight or keep from gaining too much weight
  • strengthens our muscles
  • strengthens our bones
  • improves our circulation
  • aids in digestion
  • strengthens our respiratory system
  • strengthens our mind
  • provides a form of abreaction (a way we can let off steam)
  • builds up stamina
  • counteracts the biochemical effects of stress
  • reduces the risk of psychological illness

Growth and advancement are almost always wonderful things.  In our world of advanced technology, however, we simply aren’t getting enough activity and exercise.  Think about it, when’s the last time you engaged in activity long enough (or strenuous enough) to break a sweat? When’s the last time you pushed your body beyond what it’s accustomed to doing?

For every aspect of our bodies, we need to find ways to ADD exercise and activity to our daily routines. Keeping an activity journal is one way to get in touch with how much – or how little – you actually move.  Most of us would be surprised at how many hours we actually spend sitting.

Wearing a pedometer is another great way to gauge your movement.  Experts tell us we need to aim for at least 10,000 steps daily.

Whether you are trying to cope with stress and anxiety or not, adding more exercise to your life will make you both healthier and happier.  Do it for your mind, do it for your heart, do it for your weight, do it for your emotions…. just do it!

Make each moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Anxiety, Mental Fitness, Stress Tagged: , , , ,
November 18, 2010 3 Comments

Relaxation 101: Quiet the Mind and Steady the Nerves

It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts. -  K.T. Jong

Yesterday afternoon, I noticed something as I walked through my kitchen.  It wasn’t necessarily the smell of soup on the stove (although it did smell good!) or the sight of my beautiful cat Alexa intently watching birds from her window perch.

What struck me was the noise – or I should say the LACK of noise. My family members work different hours of the day and night, and during the day (from 9 am to 3 pm) everyone besides me and Alexa are either sleeping, at work, or in class.  I work from home and, during my work hours, I don’t play music or watch tv.  On my lunch break, I pop in an episode of I Love Lucy, Friends,  The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith (or another favorite classic sitcom) – but it comes out the minute the last bite has been eaten.

It was during this “Quiet Zone” that I walked through the house and couldn’t help noticing how different quiet seems.  Throughout a typical day, we all encounter so much clatter and racket that I think it becomes normal.  The television, the traffic, the radio, videos online, text dings, phone rings, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the noise police.  I love sounds of life!  And, around 3:00 each day, I’m pretty much craving them.

However, I’m also a huge fan of periods of absolute quiet.  When I drive, I almost never play the radio anymore.  I often like to drive along with my thoughts to keep me company – they’re excellent companions, I never know what to expect from them next.

And that’s the point.

If we fill our ears… and, thereby, our minds…. up with noise all day, how will we ever hear ourselves think.  When will we find the opportunity to squeeze an original thought in?

Our world is one noisy place. But get this:  According to a news report, science has found a way to achieve absolute silence.  Silence that even surpasses the silence in our home form 9 – 3.   Scientists have shown off the blueprint for an acoustic cloak, which could make objects impervious to sound waves. The technology, outlined in the New Journal of Physics, could be used to build sound-proof homes, advanced concert halls, or stealth warships.  I guess the last example are of little use if they aren’t sneaky.

We’d all do well to find our own “acoustic cloak” – and not JUST when we’re trying to write, think, study, or concentrate.  Granted, these times require peace and quiet – but you’d be surprised how therapeutic absolute quiet is when you enjoy it “for no reason at all.”

Start carving out “acoustic cloak” moments of your own during the day. Plan for them in the same way you’d plan to exercise. Below are some suggestions for these delicious time outs:

  • While driving to and from work. Leave the radio off and ride along with your thoughts.
  • Before, during, and after your shower or bath.  Try to keep your mind as still and quiet as possible.
  • Take a nice quiet walk outdoors.  The music nature makes can’t be beat by any instrument man invents.
  • Sit and stare out the window in absolute silence – just like a cat!

If you set aside time during the day to QUIET and STEADY your mind and nerves, you’ll feel refreshed and invigorated for the rest of the day.  Who knows, you might even hear a great idea in your head that you’d been drowning out.

People are always looking for ways to relax, ways to unwind, and ways to get rid of anxiety.  The first step is to simply bring more quiet to your world.  Too much stimulation of the senses can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts.  One of the simplest, yet most powerful, things you can do is to simply bring more quietness to your world.

A word of warning, however:  Don’t become a noise police, expecting everyone around you to tiptoe or turn their entertainment down.  If you find one area of your home too noisy, be considerate and simply move to another.   You simply can’t expect everyone to seek peace and quiet at the exact same time everyday… unless, the individual you spend most of your time with is a goldfish!

Make each quiet moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Anxiety, Relaxation, Stress Tagged: , ,
April 12, 2010 4 Comments

Exercise as a Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

We all know that exercise releases “feel good” chemicals called endorphins.  These blissful little guys can leave you feeling happy and peaceful for hours after the exercise.  New research shows that the benefits of exercise go further than making us healthier and happier.  Exercise can help you fight off feelings of anxiety and depression.

Jasper Smits, one of the researchers and director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, explains, “Individuals who exercise report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and lower levels of stress and anger. Exercise appears to affect, like an antidepressant, particular neurotransmitter systems in the brain, and it helps patients with depression re-establish positive behaviors. For patients with anxiety disorders, exercise reduces their fears of fear and related bodily sensations such as a racing heart and rapid breathing.”

As author Steve Pavilanis, A Life Less Anxious, points out, exercise can also help you develop more self-confidence. “Once you’ve established a regular routine you’ll feel stronger and more relaxed both mentally and physically. The fact that you’ll look good at the beach this summer is just the icing on the cake!”

So what are you waiting for?  Get outside (or in an wide open room) and get moving. You’ll love how it makes you feel.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, Mental Fitness Tagged: ,
May 26, 2009 2 Comments

How To Cope With Your Fears And Stress

I’m honored to present a guest post by a very talented author, Stanley Popovich.  Be sure to check out his website, linked at the end of the article.

How to Cope with Fear, Anxieties, and Stress.

How to Cope With Your Fears and Stress

By: Stanley Popovich

Everybody deals with anxiety and depression, however some people have a hard time in managing it. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their most persistent fears and every day anxieties.

The first thing that you need to do is to determine what is the source of your fears. Determine what is making you so anxious and fearful. Once you determine the source of your fears, the next step is to manage it.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could get some fresh air or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

A person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fear provoking thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Dealing with our persistent fears is not easy. Remember that all you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and take things in stride. Patience, persistence, education, and being committed in trying to solve your problem will go along way in fixing your problems.

BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/


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