Tips to brighten up your day

Many of us find ourselves in a negative state of mind. Everyday stressors begin to take a toll and it seems everyone around us is feeling the same way. However, you can fight everyday stress and negativity with a few quick and simple tricks!

• Think of positive people or events that have happened
  
• Avoid negative words and conversations
• Take deep breaths and avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of your day
• Surround yourself with positive influences and surroundings
• Give yourself a break! Don't take mistakes or faults to seriously.
  

http://www.evolvingtimes.com/2007/08/10-tips-for-staying-positive-around-negative-people.htm
http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2007/09/10/15-tips-to-stay-positive-in-negative-situations/

Panic Attacks: You're not alone

Difficulty breathing, dizziness, heart palpitations, trembling, sweating... if you have felt any of these symptoms lately while shopping, working or during moments of stress you might have suffered a panic attack. Panic attacks may occur once or several times during a person's lifetime and may occur during stressful periods or while relaxed.
Some causes of panic attacks may be:

1. Family history
2. Drug or alcohol abuse
   
3. Chemical imbalances in the brain

Photo courtesy of mental-emotionalhealth.com

Home treatment, such as relaxation techniques or exercise, may work for people who are healthy and do not have severe attacks. For people with other health conditions, medical attention may be a more appropriate treatment option.
Medical attention includes a variety of prescribed drugs as well as regular follow ups with a physician to monitor progress.


http://www.emedicinehealth.com/panic_attacks/page8_em.htm
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-panic-disorder
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/panic_disorder_anxiety_attack_symptom_treatment.htm

When food becomes everything

Approximately 8 million people in the United States suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders usually manifest themselves during the teenage years and early adulthood years but they may develop at any time. Some of the symptoms are:

• Dramatic weight loss in a short period of time
• Feeling guilt after eating
• Isolation- avoids eating around others
  
• Hiding food
• Low self esteem
• Mood swings
  
• Depression
• Fatigue

Photo courtesy of stanford.edu

Eating disorders are difficult to cure and are usually a life long struggle. Common treatments include a combination of individual or group therapy, nutrition counseling and even hospitalization for more severe cases. The key to overcoming an eating disorder is to get help as soon as possible.

Photo courtesy of sfu.ca

http://www.something-fishy.org/isf/signssymptoms.php
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/eatingdisorders/stats.html
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

"I have such a bad memory!"

Many of us go through life missing appointments, birthdays and losing valuables assuming there is nothing we can do about our “bad memory.”
Although it is undeniable that many of us do have an easier time remembering things, there are certain memory enhancing exercises that can make all the difference!

1. Eat right and get rest- If your body is tired it will have a difficult time concentrating and remembering.
2. Relate information- When learning something new try to connect to something you already know well. Giving yourself small hints can help you remember new information more easily.
3. Stay organized- Try to keep and learn information in order and it will be easier for you to remember it in the future.
4. Be positive! - If you constantly tell yourself “I’ll never remember” or “I just have a bad memory” then chances are you will never improve.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Info-on-Improving-Memory-Through-Various-Natural-Methods&id=336392

http://www.helpguide.org/life/improving_memory.htm

Meditation 101

Everyday stress reaching new heights for many of us, learning how to relax should be an essential part of our everyday lives. One great way to relax is by meditating. Meditation is simple and can help alleviate tension wherever you are in matter of minutes!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.simplepleasurz.com/

Below are four simple meditation techniques that can make all the difference when you’re feeling stressed and anxious:

Deep breathing- Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale slowly. Clear your mind of all other thoughts and focus only on the breaths you are taking.

Sense your body- Close your eyes and visualize yourself and the various parts of your body that feel tired or are in pain.

Repeat a word or phrase- Repeating a comforting phrase or word out loud can help comfort and relieve tension.

Focus- Clear your mind by focusing on an object, image or sound that you find appealing or relaxing. It may be difficult at first but if you manage to focus all your energy on something soothing for a few minutes it can help clear your mind.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/

http://www.mindtools.com/stress/RelaxationTechniques/Meditation.htm

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm

How debt may be affecting more than your bank account

Millions of Americans are feeling the devastating effects of a slowing economy. Millions of jobs and homes have been lost and rising credit card debt has made it difficult for many to sleep well at night. Although everyone has experienced some level of stress and its side effects, intense stress can have serious consequences on your body and mind.






Image courtesy of: astrologeometry.com

Major stress can lead to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Ulcers
• Heart attacks
• Insomnia
  

Three out of every four families in the U.S are in debt, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances. The increasing amount of debt and the stress it causes can be emotionally draining but doesn't have to take over your life!
Here are a few tips to help you cope with debt related stress:

• Attitude is everything! Don't beat yourself up over something that is already done. Instead think positive, reassuring thoughts and work towards getting organized and paying back your debt at a resonable, comfortable pace.
  
• Keep a journal- Write down everything from your spending habits to any negative thoughts you may be feeling. Keeping a journal can help you relieve stress and look at situations in a more objective manner.
  
• Stay healthy- eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep. Keeping your body healthy will also have an effect how you think and feel.
  
• Have a plan- Create a plan for getting out of debt. A clear plan can help you feel more empowered and in control which may help keep stress to a minimum.

http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/the-debt-stress-connection

http://www.fastupfront.com