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Accepting Yourself Affirmations
Affirmations can be, for some, compared to prayer or meditation. It's a technique that lets you 'talk' to your higher self, to your spirit or God and ask for something specific for yourself or for others. Accepting yourself affirmations are pretty...
Does Prayer Really Work?
As a young Christian, I felt that there was no spiritual activity more beneficial for my success and well being than prayer. After all, the Bible emphasizes that God is personally involved in the intimate details of our lives. Christianity is...
Effective Ways To Deal With Sadness And Grief, Part 1
No one ever has a problem dealing with happiness or feeling good. When joy comes into our life we experience it freely, but when sadness or grief is present, we often struggle with them.
We live in a culture that tells us to "put on a happy...
Mindfulness and Laughter: Gaining Clarity While Giggling
Life is funny.
Throughout the day, there are plenty of humorous moments that we tend to ignore. We get so caught up in being earnest that we miss opportunities to gain clarity while giggling.
Sure, there are times when it is considered...
Summer Observations About Rest and Guidance
I had tea with my dear friend Billy on Friday. She had just returned from two weeks in a small town in Mexico, where her daughter surfed and she rested. It was the first time in a very long time that Billy allowed herself a deep rest. She was...
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Holistic Stress Management
You have permission to publish this article electronically free of charge as long as you follow my requirements. The entire byline at the end of the article must be included and the content should be left unchanged. The actual url must be visible, not a link connected to unrelated words. The bio and url must be placed either directly above my article or directly below my article, not on a completely different page. The bio and the url must be typed in a large enough font that it is clearly visible to the eye. If you use the article, please notify me with a copy of your publication or a url to where it can be found. For print publications, please contact me to discuss and to obtain US mailing address to send a courtesy copy. cynthiap@frognet.net
Stress Management by Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed.
Stress is an inevitable part of life. Managing stress effectively is important for every person, but for the person dealing with chronic illness it is essential for optimal functioning.
There is good stress and bad stress. Even good stress can be difficult to deal with when one’s resources are limited due to chronic illness. Stress is an inherent component of chronic illness, arising from the inevitable challenges, loss and limits it creates, therefore adding more than the average level of stress to one’s life.
It is impossible to eliminate stress completely, nor would you want to, a certain amount of stress is healthy. The key is to find ways to minimize its negative impact on your life, cope effectively and reduce the excess.
Too much stress or stress that is not handled effectively can affect the immune system, therefore symptoms may become exacerbated or new symptoms may arise, keeping the immune system overwhelmed. It may also make you irritable and interfere in your quality of life.
Try to incorporate some of these stress busters into your life.
~Don’t take on too much at one time. Say no when you want to.
~Allow yourself to live within your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard.
~Be patient, loving and forgiving with yourself.
~Take frequent breaks.
~Make
adjustments in your life according to what your body needs.
~Pace yourself. Break tasks and chores into increments. Allow yourself adequate time to achieve tasks.
~Prepare ahead and plan resting periods after events you know will drain you.
~Make love or if you’re alone masturbate. Endorphins released during sexual activity are a great stress reliever.
~Limit your time on the phone and interactions. Constant talking and interacting can be draining.
~ Take a hot shower or bath without interruptions.
~Listen to soothing music. If music or sound is an irritant for you, then this suggestion is not for you.
~Take a day trip. A short trip to a peaceful place such as the ocean, lake, park, zoo, etc. can be very relaxing and soothing. If your health limits allow take a vacation.
~Make lists of chores, activities, tasks, etc. and do them one at a time.
~Participate in activities that are meaningful to you and give purpose to your life.
~Avoid drugs and alcohol. They only mask your symptoms and will intensify the problem in the long run.
~Eat a healthy well balanced diet. Avoid caffeine and sugar.
~ Get proper sleep- if you’re sleep deprived you can’t cope well with stress.
~Partake in deep breathing exercises. The breath is a great calming agent.
~Humor is great for the soul. Get regular doses.
~Regular exercise burns stress off and helps you cope better.
~Spend time with nature. It nurtures, soothes and feeds.
~Engage in prayer or meditation.
~Take frequent naps or resting periods- Naps can be very rejuvenating.
~Vent emotional stress. Talk it out, write it out or whatever it takes to release it. Don’t let it build.
About the Author
Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. is an author and holistic health counselor helping individuals living with chronic illness or chronic pain to live life to the fullest and find holistic life management strategies. She is also author of the inspirational E-Book "Finding Life Fulfillment when Living with Chronic Illness-A Spiritual Journey." http://www.holistichelp.net/
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Learning Meditation Home Page |
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Meditation Room |
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Meditation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
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World Wide Online Meditation Center |
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Welcome to Meditation Mount |
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Wildmind | Learn Meditation Online |
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Free Learn to Meditate, online meditation - Meditation Australia. |
Details of activities, events, and classes in Wollongong University, Australia. Also offer a free online Meditation course. |
meditation.org.au |
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Meditation, Home, what is meditation, types of meditation ... |
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1stholistic.com |
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Introduction to the Official Web site of the Internationa Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. Lots of information on Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, ... |
www.sivananda.org |
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Stress Reducers: Articles index |
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Zen Mountain Monastery: Zen Meditation Instructions |
Detailed instructions from Zen Mountain Monastery on how to practice Zen meditation. |
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Siddha Yoga path - Gurumayi - Swami Muktananda founder |
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Meditation Handbook |
Survey of seven meditation techniques for beginners. |
home.att.net |
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Healing Music|Meditation Music|Self Help products |
Healing Products offers healing music for your Mind, Body & Soul at low prices. Use sound and music to heal and relax. |
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