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6 Practices for Achieving Excellent Self-Care
Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) often feel like they are running behind schedule, and just don't have the time get everything done. As a result, many ADDers end up sacrificing their own self-care in order to scratch off items on their...
Busting Acne Myths Requires Individualized Treatment and More Research
If you have acne, you know the deal- everybody has a cream or suggestion to help you get clear skin. But how do you separate myth, medicine and folklore to find an acne treatment that works for you? That’s what researcher Parker Magin set out to do...
Stress and Depression are Killing Us!
A short generation ago, families could set their watch by the time the father got home from work each day. My dad always walked through the front door at precisely 6 PM and supper was served at 6:10. We’d all sit around the table...
The Art of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a critical element in becoming self actualized and fully loving. Forgiving is the process by which you let go of feeling victimized or having wronged others. It allows you to climb out of the dark well of anger, bitterness, or...
What is Stress?
What is Stress?
Stress is an interpretation of an event or circumstance which is understood to be a threat. It can be any force or pressure put on a system (living or nonliving) which may result in a need for the system to adapt or change. ...
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Change Your Attitude About Exercise
Although exercise is one of the most powerful tools available for improving health and managing weight, even the word “exercise” can conjure up negative thoughts and feelings. If you are not very active or not exercising regularly, perhaps you have some negative thoughts of your own. Isn’t it time to start thinking in more positive ways?
“I know I should exercise but I hate it so I just can’t seem to make myself do it.” Many people have negative feelings about exercise, as can be heard by the use of words like “should,” “hate” and “make myself.” These thoughts and feelings come from negative past experiences like being chosen last for teams, boring exercise routines, and discomfort or pain from doing too much too fast. Some people only exercise when they are trying to lose weight so they have come to think of exercise as a punishment for their overeating. However, this time you can find fun physical activities that suit your personality and lifestyle. You can start slowly and allow your body to adjust gradually so it is not uncomfortable. You can choose to focus on all the great things it does for you and how wonderful you feel instead of how much weight you should lose.
“I’m embarrassed to be seen exercising.” Ironically most other people are so focused on themselves, they are not going to notice you anyway! Those that do will likely admire you. Eventually you will feel less self-conscious but in the meantime, find activities and places that make you feel comfortable so you can focus on all of the wonderful benefits. Remember, you are doing this for yourself - to feel better and become healthier.
“Exercise is really hard for me.” Physical activity doesn’t have to be hard or hurt to be beneficial. In fact, it is more important to find activities that are convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable so you’ll stick with it. Finding a partner, trying new activities and new routes,
rewarding yourself with a hot bath or massage, and setting small, achievable goals are great ways to make exercise more fun. Even if you have physical limitations it is always possible to find some way to increase your activity level. If you have been very inactive, start by increasing your “lifestyle” activity then work toward a regular exercise routine. You will be amazed at how much your body can adapt to whatever challenges you give it!
“I’m so out of shape—I don’t even know where to begin!” Of course it is important to check with your doctor before you begin any new exercise program. Once you have been medically cleared, you have to start somewhere—so start where you are! There is no such thing as instant fitness. If you start this week by increasing your activity level, little by little, three months from now you will be leaner, stronger, more energetic, and healthier. If you choose not to start, then don’t be surprised if you are exactly the same as you are today! What are your other negative thoughts and attitudes about exercise? Can you counter them in a positive way? Develop positive statements about activity and repeat them often to yourself. For instance, instead of saying, “exercise is boring”, say, “being active gives me the opportunity to relieve stress and feel better.” Repeat affirmations like “I can feel myself becoming healthier and more energetic”, “It feels so good to move my muscles!” and “I can do it!” Start thinking of your self as an active, healthy person—and you will become one!
About the Author
Michelle May, M.D. is a practicing Board Certified Family Physician with expertise in the cognitive-behavioral aspects of weight management. She is the author of Am I Hungry? What To Do When Diets Don’t Work in collaboration with a Registered Dietitian and Psychologist. Visit her website www.AmIHungry.com for ideas on managing weight without dieting.
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Stress Management Tips and Techniques from Mind Tools |
More than 100 stress management tips and techniques, helping you manage the job-related stress in your life. |
www.mindtools.com |
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Stress Management Techniques, Stress Relief & Stress Reduction ... |
Mind Tools helps you manage the causes of stress and teaches useful stress management techniques. |
www.mindtools.com |
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Stress Management |
Stress Management. What is Stress? Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical ... |
www.ivf.com |
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Stress Management: Information and Resources on Stress From About.com |
Find a wide variety of stress management strategies you can use in your daily life. Learn about the causes and effects of stress, healthy and effective ... |
stress.about.com |
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Stress Management |
Links to stress management information on the web. |
www.pp.okstate.edu |
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Links to Stress Related Resources |
Return to the Stress Management and Emotional Wellness Page ... Cognitive Restructuring Approaches to Stress Management ... |
www.imt.net |
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International Stress Management Association(UK) |
The leading professional body for stress management. The ISMA website has articles from their journal Stress News, links and general advice on lifestyle and ... |
www.isma.org.uk |
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Stress Management for Patient and Physician |
Stress management for patient and physician. Stress is the most common cause of ill health, probably underlying as many as 70% of all visits to family ... |
www.mentalhealth.com |
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Stress Management: Counseling Services, University at Buffalo |
The description on stress management. ... Stress Management. Introduction Stress is a part of day to day living. As college students you may experience ... |
ub-counseling.buffalo.edu |
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Stress Management and Anxiety Relief |
Welcome to stressmanagement.co.uk - We specialise in managing your stress. |
www.stressmanagement.co.uk |
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Stress Management for effective ways to manage stress |
Our stress management services allows you to find the solutions to all types of stress. We also have professional stress management counsellors available 7 ... |
www.stressmanagement.com.au |
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Stress Management--UIUC Counseling Center |
Self-help Brochures. What is Stress? Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; ... |
www.couns.uiuc.edu |
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The Stress Management Society |
Congratulations to taking the first step to freedom from the stress trap. This is the place to learn more about stress and its management. |
www.stress.org.uk |
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Stress management - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
Stress management encompasses techniques intended to equip a person with effective ... Definition of stress: Stress management defines stress precisely as a ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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Stress |
Stress Management. Everyone experiences stress from time to time, so it is perfectly normal ... Fortunately, stress management is largely a learnable skill. ... |
www.cyberpsych.com |
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SBC Academic Resource Center | Stress Management |
With stress management training, you can learn to avoid procrastination and other stress-producing situations. Stress Quiz: How Stressed Are You? ... |
www.arc.sbc.edu |
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Mind Tools - How to Master Stress |
3. Stress Management Techniques. Raising Stress Levels - Psyching Up · Stress Reduction Techniques · Reducing Short-Term Stress - Mental Techniques ... |
www.psywww.com |
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Stress, stress management, occupational stress, stress prevention ... |
A recent survey showed that 70-90% of us feel stressed at work and outside. Unless we learn to manage stress, we will get sick. |
www.holisticonline.com |
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HSE - Stress Management Standards Homepage |
The International Stress Management Association has produced a leaflet showing how employees can work with their employers to tackle work-related stress ... |
www.hse.gov.uk |
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Stress Management Tips for Stressed and Overworked People. |
Free weekly stress management tips and relaxation CD plus practical resources for stressed people. |
www.stresstips.com |
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