How to identify the sources of stress and manage it?

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses.
Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?

Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”).

Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.
How we become victom of stress?

There are many causes and reasons of being stressed among which may be:

Life Crisis: Research has proven that the experiences that we have encountered over the years are likely to cause diseases which do not manifest until later on in life.
The death of a spouse or a truly loved one causes the highest level of stress, followed by divorce and a marital separation.
The conflicts intertwined with relationships with people close to you cause you the most stress.
Occupational Stress: As humans, more of our time is spent working compared to any other awake activity.
Occupational stress is a result of a factor or a combinations of factors at work. It impacts the worker, disrupting their psychological or physical wellbeing. It can be caused by a number of factors including work overload and stimulus underload. Work overload results from the burden of excess work. It may also be caused by the ambiguity of the task required of the worker. Stimulus underload happens when there are not enough tasks for the worker to undertake. It can cause job dissatisfation, post traumatic stress syndrome, and increase the level of cholesterol and the heart rate.
Social Networks Disintegration:  Relationships have been proved to be one of the more important aspects of our human life, especially to our psychological and physical well being.
Thus if someone who you truly cherish passes away, your social network begins to disintegrate as feelings of loneliness start to take over. This is because as humans, we need the warmth and love that relationships bring to us and the removal of one of these relationships can be heartbreaking.


What happens to you when you are stressed?

Diseases - Stress has been the reason for 50-80% of diseases.


Insomnia - The inability to fall asleep.

Hypertension - High blood pressure, which can lead to lethal complications.

Aging - Research has proven that people age faster when they experience more stress.
 
Quotes: ~ to help you relieve stress in your life ~

"Blame is a senseless action. You are the master of your own destiny, you can achieve whatever you desire and the only force that stands in your way is your own fear. So utilise your power to decide and do it!"

'Daily Strength' - A place to share and support each other

After the huge success of 'Facebook' 'Hi5' and related community/networking sites, there are more sites coming with the same or different theme. 'DailyStrength' is also an online community site with a difference.

"DailyStrength is a social networking website where users provide one another with emotional support by discussing their struggles and successes with each other."

The site contains online communities that deal with different medical conditions or life challenges. As of November 4, 2007, DailyStrength has created over 500 support groups focused on issues such as depression, divorce, parenting, and a wide variety of cancers.


The site is free for members. The site provides members with continual support as someone is always available to talk. Medical professionals are also available to contact and treatments for a variety of illnesses and problems are also listed on the site.

The users are asked to describe medical and psychological treatments they have undergone. They indicate what conditions those treatments were for, whether they were effective and provide a narrative about the experience. That information is then aggregated by condition and treatment – so it’s easy to see what a large number of people have done in response to a condition or what it’s really like to undergo a certain treatment.


Have you been thinking about using Lexapro? Out of 58 people who have used it on DailyStrength, only 45% found it helpful. That’s interesting information, presuming the complainers aren’t employees of a competing drug company or PR firm.
The discussion and support function is likely to prove quite valuable to users as well.
There are 25,000 treatments in the database. Each treatment and condition has a discussion space, syndicated Yahoo! news and an excerpt from the Wikipedia entry on the subject.

The company pays four medical doctors to participate on the site and DailyStrength is careful to advise against or delete medical recommendations posted by users. It is a good way for patients to educate themselves before and after visiting a medical office.

The site also has a resources section where you can find, for example, a long list of user contributed recipes for gluten free food.

The site is primarily targeting women,  prime audience for social networks

  Site link: 'Daily Strength.org' 

Currently, DailyStrength is operated by some very passionate and dedicated people that get great satisfaction knowing that site can be a positive force for everyone who faces challenges in their lives.

Managing cholesterol level helps reduce depression

University of Montpellier analysts demonstrate us how depression is linked to cholestrerol levels and gender.

Do you know the Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and University of Montpellier financed scientists suggested that managing 'good' and 'bad' levels of cholesterol can help reduce mood disorders among seniors?

In a newly released issue of the academic journal Biological Psychiatry (http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com) released in July 2010, leading researcher Dr. Marie-Laure Ancelin of INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale http://www.inserm.fr) documented that gender-specific regulation of cholesterol may help stop depressive disorders in the aging adults.

French analysts observed a considerable group of women and men aged sixty-five and older for seven years.

They established that depressive disorder in women was associated with lower levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which puts them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart stroke.

On the other hand, depressive disorder in men was associated with low levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This association was strongest in men with a genetic vulnerability to depression related to a serotonin transporter gene.

Therefore, proper regulation of HDL-C and LDL-C levels may help reduce depression in the seniors, the study concluded.

The analysis appeared in the July 15 issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry (Reference: http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(10)00393-8/abstract).

Major diet sources of cholesterol include dairy products, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, and shrimp. Plant products such as flax seeds and peanuts incorporate cholesterol-like substances called phytosterols.

Total cholesterol is described as the sum of HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (Very-low-density lipoprotein). Usually, only the total, HDL, and triglycerides are measured.

It is suggested to have cholesterol tested more often than five years if a person has total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or higher, or if a man over age forty five or a woman over age fifty has HDL (good) cholesterol lower than 40 mg/dL, or exist other risk elements for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

So...what can you do to increase your HDL (good) and decrease your LDL (bad) levels?

These tips can help you increase your good cholestrol and decrease your bad level:

1. Exercising can substantially increase HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.

2. Smoking has been shown to lower HDL while raising LDL cholesterol.

3. Prepared, trans fats at the same time raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.

4. Monounsaturated fats such as those found in essential olive oil and avocados increase HDL and reduce LDL.

5. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines contain omega-3 fats that raise HDL and lower LDL.

6. Whole, intact grains contain dietary fiber and niacin, both of which raise HDL and may lower LDL.

Now it's all to you...

About the author - Betty Doyle publishes articles for the http://www.depressionpills.net/ blog. It's a nonprofit website specialized in her personal depression journey. The blog focuses on giving energy and hope to any individual who is suffering from depressive disorder and promotes those people to find the energy to fight back against the effects of depression. This way she wants to support alleviate some of the stigma mental illness depression can cause and help the public perception of mood diseases.

Learn about yoga and acupressure at - Head First Yoga

I love to read personal blogs with valuable stuff, because these kind of blogs consist posts based on blogger's own thoughts, ideas or experience. I have been practicing yoga for a long time and after quitting this useful practice, I am now addict to meditation which is satisfying and relaxing for me.

'Head First Yoga' is a personal blog from Nilendu Bhattacharya who has keen interest in Yoga and practicing it for more than 8 years. He does it to get confidence and peace.

He has good knowledge of Acupressure which he believes that it is cheapest and most easy healing technique. Professionally he is a Software Product Manager at a local company.

His blog 'Head First Yoga' is about yoga, but there are valuable posts about acupressure therapy. He is a practicing yogi and acupressures and it is clearly shown from his articles. He has written articles on the basis of his own experience.

Few acupressure related posts are:

• Treating Headache with Acupressure
• Acupressure and Home Remedy tips For Ear Pain
• Treat Leg Pain with Acupressure

These posts not only explain the pressure points but he has given pictures as well.

Aim:(In his own words)

'My Purpose is to spread the knowledge of Yoga and Acupressure so that people can attain healthy body and mind in natural way.
My motto is You should Choose what you Want to Achieve and go after that.'

He hosts another blog 'Pactips' where he talks about Goals, Lifestyle and Money.

Read articles about parapsychology, healing and related topics at 'Mind Energy'

If you are enthusiastic about parapsychology fields, ESP, healing and related topics then 'Mind Energy' is the place to check lots of articles and posts. There are 222 posts relating to parapsychology topic only. Few other topics are (The number inside the brakets shows number of posts): Energy (102), Aura (19), Chakras (14), ESP (98), Healing (105), Health (77) and a lot more.
You can estimate how much variety of articles you can find at the site.



'Mind Energy.net' is created with several goals which are:

- Create public interest in various aspects of parapsychology and its uses, mainly related to healing mind and body, consciousness and extra-sensory perception (ESP).



- Cover trends, research publications, books and other information on the web and in the real world related to parapsychology.


- Publish lessons for basic steps in training one's psychic capabilities.


- Cover various blogs and sites related to parapsychology, filter information and present it to visitors of this site.

Their parapsychology and alternative medicine forums are a good place to look for related topic discussions.

Learn the Self help method of healing 'Emotional Freedom Techniques -EFT

We know it that our emotions, our thoughts play an important role in keeping our bodies/mind healthy and fresh. On the other hand stress, depression and negative thinking can lead to unhappiness, sickness of mind plus body, stretching towards chronic diseases etc. 'Emotional Freedom Techniques(EFT)' is a new way of healing.

What is EFT?

Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT is a potent technique that helps you take control of your body and your thoughts. This technique was developed by Gary Craig in 1990 and has originated from acupuncture, kinesiology, and psychology. This wonderful technique has shown amazing results in developing attitude and behavior, resolving personal problems, decreasing stress, and restoring life balance.

EFT is a powerful method based on the discovery that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease. Scientific studies have shown that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accellerate healing.

'EFT Universe' is an online resource where you can learn basics of EFT for free. It includes EFTs Basic Recipe that gives you the theory and all the tapping points. 

'sign up page for newsletter' for tips, how-to's and other articles.

As a "thank you" for subscribing, you'll get a brand new report, called Seven Top EFT Tips. If you share EFT with your friends, you'll also get a bonus Health Report from prominent EFT supporters such as Dawson Church, PhD, Bruce Lipton, PhD, Candace Pert, PhD, and others.
link: 'EFT Universe'
 
Useful links and online resources:

* 'Tapping.com' offers 13 free videos to teach and demonstrate how to use Emotional Freedom Technique.

* 'EFT Benefits' says: Your body is more powerful than you can imagine…

filled with life, energy, and a compelling ability for self-healing. With EFT, you can take control of that power. You get the free e-book 'How ETF Works' by submitting your email and other details at home page.


* Download free e-book "The Magic of Personal Choice in EFT"


- 'Download page'

* 'EFT for transformation'

* '123 eft'

* Basic Steps to Your Emotional Freedom

Osteoarthritis treatment in acupressure

Acupressure massage performed by a therapist can be very effective both as prevention and as a treatment for many health conditions, including headaches, general aches and pains, colds and flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow, and toothaches, among others.

Medical experts agree that no one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune disorders, or chronic pain. They say there is no known cure or way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, or dozens of other illnesses.
Modern medicine doesn’t attempt to cure these conditions. Instead, it manages them for as long as possible with symptom-suppressing procedures and drugs. But a growing number of physicians, medical experts, and health care practitioners believe they know how these illnesses begin and progress. It’s not all in your head, they say – but it is in the muscles and organs that store past traumas. Releasing stored traumas releases the illness’s underlying cause and helps the body heal from the inside out. The method they use is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) a do-it-yourself acupressure technique.

'Holistic Online' has provided pictures showing acupressure points for the relief and cure of osteoarthritis.

1. (Li 4, Adjoining Valley) This is one of the most important points in Acupuncture and Acupressure. It is useful in relieving pain and circulating the chi.

Caution: Pregnant women should not press this point.

2. (St 36, Three Mile Foot)

3. (Kd 3, Supreme Stream) Disorders of the bone and cartilage are related to the Kidney energy in traditional Chinese medicine. That's why, for osteoarthritis (which is a degenerative condition), it is beneficial to strengthen the Kidney energy. Kd 3 is considered the source point of the Kidney meridian.

4. (B 23, Associated point of Kidney) This point in combination with Kd 3 greatly strengthens Kidney chi.

Source: 'Acupressure treatment of osteoarthritis'

Useful links:

* 'Rheumatoid Arthritis'


* GoldBamboo is a health and wellness web site where users can explore content from alternative healing disciplines ("Eastern") side-by-side with information from conventional medical science ("Western"). There is a good compilation of posts and links at the site/


Link: 'Gold Bamboo'

* 'Natural Arthritis Medication.com' offers a free arthritis course! This 6 part  course examines types of arthritis, managing pain safely, what to eat (and not to eat), the best exercise for arthritis, myths and legends etc.
Link: 'Sign up page'

Natural remedies for pain relief and cure in osteoarthritis

As we age, many of us have to suffer some kind of age related diseases. Arthritis is one of the aging diseased which turns into osteoarthritis a painful condition called "wear and tear". Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint, including the hand, wrist, neck, back, knee, and hip. Osteoarthritis treatment depends on the joint but often includes medication and exercise.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with regular drugs and side effects:

The first drug generally used in the treatment of osteoarthritis is aspirin. It is often quite effective in relieving both the pain and inflammation. One side effect of aspirin and other (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)NSAIDs that is often not mentioned is their inhibition of cartilage repair and acceleration of cartilage destruction. Since osteoarthritis is caused by a degeneration of cartilage it appears that while NSAIDs are fairly effective in suppressing the symptoms, they possibly worsen the condition by inhibiting cartilage formation and accelerating cartilage destruction. This has been upheld in studies which have shown that NSAIDs use is associated with acceleration of osteoarthritis and increased joint destruction. Simply stated, aspirin and other NSAIDs appear to suppress the symptoms by accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis. Their use should be avoided.

Five natural remedies for pain relief in osteoarthritis:

1) Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables: Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, an extract made from avocado and soybean oils, can improve the pain and stiffness of knee and hip osteoarthritis and reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

2) Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: A naturally occurring substance found in high concentrations in joint structures appears to be nature's best remedy for osteoarthritis. This compound is glucosamine. Glucosamine is responsible for stimulating the manufacture of substances necessary for joint repair.

Numerous double-blind studies have shown glucosamine sulfate to yield as good as or even better results compared to NSAIDs in relieving the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate not only improves the symptoms including pain, it also helps the body repair damaged joints.

(Glucosamine, also called chitosamine, is a natural substance that is found in the covering of shellfish)
You can get this natural remedy with the name of 'glucosamine chondroitin' at many stores around your area.

3) Acupuncture: The World Health Organization has identified more than 40 conditions that acupuncture can treat, including osteoarthritis.

4) Yoga: It is safe and effective for people with osteoarthritis. Yoga's gentle movements can keep build strength, flexibility, and balance and reduce arthritis pain and stiffness.

5) Massage Therapy: Massage can help to relieve muscle tension associated with osteoarthritis. Joint pain can cause surrounding muscles to become tense. Massage boosts circulation to the affected joint, which decreases joint stiffness and promotes cartilage repair.

Note: If you are allergic to shellfish, do not take glucosamine unless you have discussed it with your doctor. Some glucosamine is made from shellfish covering.

Useful links:
* 'Osteoarthritis Pain Relief Remedies'

* A very useful article about 'Natural treatment for osteoarthritis' at 'Ayurvedic cure.com'

Drink enough water to keep you healthy and fit

The average person needs about 8 glasses of water per day. But that is just an average. Some people need more, and some people need less. However, there are also times when the body temporarily needs more water.
 
There are also certain times when people may need more water than usual, whether it is a health condition, or an environmental concern. 

 We should take more water:

--- When on a high protein diet

Did you know that uric acid in meat could cause gout? That said, people on a high protein diet require more water than a regular eater, as the water will flush out things like uric acid, caused by the extra protein. Another risk of high protein diets that can be combated with water is that, if you're not eating carbohydrates, your body breaks down fat cells and then produces a buildup of toxic chemical compounds, called ketones in your blood. When there are too many ketones in your blood, your body eliminates them in your urine. Eliminate too many ketones, and you also eliminate too much water. Without replacing it, you can suffer severe dehydration and the risk of abnormal heart rhythms

---- When on a high fiber diet

Constipation can be an uncomfortable side effect of high fiber intake. That is because fiber, although good for your health, can absorb fluid from your intestines. Drinking fluids help prevent constipation in those who are eating high fiber.

--- Having an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of dehydration. Drinking more water will keep the body hydrated during this illness, and also prevent that vomiting and diarrhea that goes along with it. It is suggested that someone with these symptoms, most likely from the flu or another virus, to drink 2-3 quarts of water per day.

--- Being more physically active

The more active someone is, the more they will perspire. When you exercise, your body builds up heat, and sweat brings your body temperature back to normal. As sweat evaporates from your skin, your body cools. But, through the cooling process, can lose four cups of water every hour during exercise. As a result, more water is lost. Drinking more fluids will combat that water loss by replenishing the body. Whether this activity is during a workout or during work, keep drinking.

--- Exposed to warm or hot conditions

As people are exposed to warmer conditions, their body temperatures will rise as a reaction to cool the body, resulting in more perspiration. This can happen whether they are being active or not. Without proper fluid intake, this change in climate could leave people having the uncomfortable effects of dehydration. That is not something someone on a vacation wants to experience! Carry around a water bottle while in warmer conditions. Also, warmer conditions could be in a workplace. If that is the case, always make sure that you are paying a visit to the water cooler, or have a water bottle at your workstation.

Source of information: 'Free drinking water.com'