http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/natures-natural-nerve-tonic-is-passion-flower.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/natures-natural-nerve-tonic-is-passion-flower.html Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:11:19 -0500
Passionflower is a perennial climbing vine that grows to a length of nearly ten meters. Each leaf on the passionflower has petals that vary in color from white to pale red. It possesses a fruit that is orange-colored, multi-seeded, and egg-shaped. This fruit is edible, containing a sweetish yellow pulp. According to folklore, the passionflower was given its name because it resembles the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion.

Recent research on passion flower has concluded that it is also useful for insomnia, fatigue, spasms, and nervous tension. The majority of the research done on this herb has focused on its sedative action and found good results. Studies have even found that an extract of passionflower can reduce locomotor activity and prolong sleeping. Some additional tests indicate that this herb has pain reliving abilities as well as sedative effects. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which make it useful for those who are suffering from arthritis.

This plant contains passiflorine, which is thought to be the active ingredient, as its principles are similar to that of morphine. This herb is even occasionally referred to as the nonpoisonous, safe opium of the natural physician. It is extremely soothing to the nervous system. It is a good way to treat hysteria, anxiety, and hyperactivity. This herb possesses the ability to depress the central nervous system and also lower high blood pressure. Herbal combinations that contain valerian and passionflower are considered to be very useful as a natural tranquilizer. Additionally, passionflower contains calcium and magnesium, both of which are essential for the nervous system. This herb has been proven safe for both children and the elderly.

Passion flower remedies are made from either fresh or dried flowers as well as other ground parts of the plant. Whole and raw plant materials are used. The flowering shoots, which grow 10 to 15 centimeters above the ground, are harvested after the first fruits have matured. They are then either air-dried or hay dried. Passionflower is available as an infusion, tea, liquid extract, or tincture. For adults taking an infusion, the recommended amount is 2 to 5 grams of dried herb three times a day.

Fluid extracts should be taken three times a day, using about 10 to 30 drops, while a tincture should also be taken three times a day using 10 to 60 drops. For children, the recommended adult dose should be adjusted to account for the child’s weight. Since most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on a 150 pound adult, a child who weighs 50 lbs should receive an appropriate dose of passionflower of 1/3 of an adult dosage. Generally speaking, passionflower is considered to be safe and nontoxic. Passionflower should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Passion flower can be found at your local and internet health food store and available in capsule, tablet, and powder form. When looking to purchase this supplement, stick with name brands such as Solaray and Source Naturals. Name brand companies back their product for any reason and put in pure quality ingredients in each bottle.


--
More information on passion flower is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/aromatherapy-candles-make-the-best-gifts.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/aromatherapy-candles-make-the-best-gifts.html Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:01:16 -0500 aromatherapy candles. These are the best gifts because they always get used, they provide a health benefit, most people love them, and they are not too personal or not personal enough.

Buying a gift can be extremely difficult for people. It can be hard to tell what the best gift is for someone who has everything. At times like this is when you should choose things like aromatherapy candles. You can never go wrong with candles because you never let the person down.

The majority of people enjoy aromatherapy candles. The great thing about buying them for a gift is that they will not go unused. If the recipient doesn’t like them then they will not throw them in the trash. Instead, they will be regifted or they will sit on a shelf until a good time to bring them out and use them. Most people will use them but if this is the case they usually save someone when their electricity goes out from a storm or some other situation.

Aromatherapy candles also have a health benefit. There are many different aromas designed to provide a health benefit for different things. Many people use them to repair problems with insomnia, tension, muscle problems, overeating, and many more things. The best benefit to these types of candles is to promote relaxation for stress. Stress can be dangerous and extremely unhealthy. Aromatherapy is the best way to relax and calm stressed nerves.

When you give aromatherapy candles as gifts you can be sure they will always get used. Some people will take them seriously and use them for the health benefit when they need to provide a calming atmosphere for guests or even just time alone. Some people will unwrap candles and light them immediately. You can never go wrong when you give candles as gifts.

There are many reasons why gift giving is made easy when you give aromatherapy candles. You can never go wrong because most people love candles. Aromatherapy works by providing relaxation and health benefits in many ways too. They are the best gifts to buy for people who are really hard to buy for and who have just about everything. The next time you are shopping and you cannot pick a gift you should consider candles for aromatherapy. You may even want to buy some for yourself.


--
Candle Candles UK is the UK's number 1 candles website. Candle Candles UK write lots of articles on the subject of Candles including aromatherapy candles.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/can-online-gaming-be-relaxing.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/can-online-gaming-be-relaxing.html Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:38:46 -0600
Or maybe this is your first exposure to online gaming and you are wondering if, after a long day at work, this is really the form of entertainment for you or if it can truly relax you?

The first thing you need to figure out is what your style of play is? Is it aggressive? Passive with little time for some of the more violent games? Or somewhere in between? Regardless of which way to play, online games can be very relaxing. Let me explain why.

At work we are all bombarded with too many things to do and think of and not enough time. In a sense we get “information overload.” But when you play a game online, either by yourself or with other people, it is just you and your computer. There isn't a boss breathing down your neck. And whats more, you are able to focus on ONE thing, that being the game. This allows your mind to gradually process the days events and allows you a break from the constant “mind chatter” we all have.

Online gaming is also a social outlet where you can simply be yourself and not worry about what anyone thinks. This is also relaxing as we are freed from a lot of what is expected of us.

Finally, it is also a wonderful place to make new friends.

What if there was a place online where you could go and play any game of your choosing and in doing so create your own personal social network where you could contact and play with people around the globe without worrying about hardware or other requirements. There is. It is called uVme and is an exciting vibrant community.

--
Go to www.eplayuvme.com to know more.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/what-is-stress-management.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/what-is-stress-management.html Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:56:58 -0600
So what your definition of stress management? We define it as our conscious knowledge of things that effect stress and the methods to divest stress harmlessly out of our body system. It is also a set of techniques that professionals do to help us in coping up with various kinds of stress. Furthermore, we can also say that it is an equipping of knowledge, a conditioning, or a change of lifestyle that allows only the most minimum instances where stress can actually set in.

Before we start, what is stress? Stress is a nervous system reaction of your body towards certain stimulus. This nervous system reaction could be easily viewed as an unconscious preparation of the body for a certain activity, like for instance releasing adrenaline chemicals onto your muscles whenever you feel alarmed, for example triggering auto response duck and adrenaline rush quickness on the muscles as you hear and process a gunfire shot; or else shutting down some of your pain receptors while you’re in a fight.

The problem with stress response is that it also triggers psychologically. Anxiety of approaching deadlines, nervousness over the outcome of a completing project, surmounting unpaid bills, or the nervous anticipation of any event, any situation that’s going to happen in the near future may trigger stress response. Over time, these repeated stress experiences can severely deplete energy which could be used instead to other health functions like digesting meals, functioning body defense system, and such. And because stress response, especially to feelings of anger can also trigger those auto response that shuts down blood on several areas, these other blood-oxygen deprived areas can result to a number of illnesses.

Returning on track, the definition of stress management is a system that is aimed to reduce stress and/or facilitate the person to cope up on these instances. Because stress fall into a complex assortment of emotions and sources of them are even more profuse, the definition of stress management had become so broad, but all of them are aimed to relieve stress and divert these energies elsewhere harmless, and sometimes, even productive. All in all, the definition of stress management falls into three categories: action oriented stress management, emotionally oriented stress management, and acceptance oriented stress management.

Find insightful and useful information about Organizing and Positive Attitude at AllContent.com.

--
Lucile Taylor, an expert in Coaching, is a writer for AllContent.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/diane-de-anda-stress-management-curriculum-an-effective-stress-management-curriculum.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/diane-de-anda-stress-management-curriculum-an-effective-stress-management-curriculum.html Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:53:35 -0600
Diane de Anda is presently working in the Department of Social Welfare of the UCLA’s School of Public Policy and Social Research. She has worked for 25 years with community organizations that are focusing on population and adult related concerns such as coping with stress, juvenile violence, teenage pregnancy, and other multicultural issues. She has also published several articles fictional stories both children and young adults. Hence, the Diane De Anda Stress Management Curriculum is a program that is a product of immersion from the field and extensive researches.

The stress management curriculum offered by Diane De Anda is geared towards the improvement of mid and high school youths’ ability in reduction the effects of stress and likewise coping with stressful events. This stress management curriculum is useful in classroom setting as well as fit for small group activities.

The stress management curriculum as espoused by De Anda provides scripts for sessions and instructions. It also includes worksheets for self-assessment, visual aids for better discussion, and other motivational activities. Likewise additional materials are also added like the pretest and posttest tools for better understanding and utilization of the curriculum. These tools are appropriate in determining the stress levels, coping skills to manage stress, and the to determine the effectiveness of the proposed coping strategies.

Diane de Anda stress management curriculum has been widely hailed by those who have attended the program. Its positive reviews from participants are keeping more people especially those that are involved in social welfare to join the program. Diane de Anda stress management curriculum is taught in a systematic manner and well executed.

According to some of the participants, the Diane de Anda stress management curriculum provides new insights not just on the relaxation techniques and regulatory proficiency but also among other things, strategies on problem-solving and mindfulness.

A book on stress management by Diane de Anda can also help to those who want to know more on the subject. Readers will also be provided with additional insights on the identification of stress, and familiarizing with the early signs of stress and how the body reacts to certain type of stress.

The connection between the body and the mind is also highlighted, as well as the technique in self-talk. Moreover, strategies on how to calm the mind the body and ways to clear the mind are well discussed.

The Diane de Anda stress management curriculum is really a big help for those who want to know more about stress management. No wonder, in his field, de Anda’s name surely rings a bell.

Please check out AllContent.com for useful tips and info about Inspirational and Leadership.

--
Lucile Taylor writes for AllContent.com, a site full of helpful insight about Health and Self Improvement.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/relaxation-techniques-at-work.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/relaxation-techniques-at-work.html Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:48:17 -0600
With the modern pressures of working many people experience neck and shoulder problems from continued work at computers and this can lead to headaches and other problems.

Massage at work offers a quick and convenient way to break this cycle and can offer an opportunity for you to return to work feeling mentally and physically reinvigorated for the day.


•The massage is conducted through clothes so no messy oil is used and the client does not need to undress.

•Sessions can be tailor-made to the client. Options can be chosen between 15, 20, and 30 minutes for a massage.

•The massage is conducted on a chair and focuses on the upper body, neck and shoulder areas.


For a sample relaxation techniques at work

1.Power yourself up with breakfast before work.

2.Laughter is still the best medicine. Even stress can be defeated with a laugh!

3.Plan ways to change positions during work tasks. This could include using a chair rather than standing or simply readjusting your approach to your job activity.

4.Make sure the chair’s adjustable to suit your moods and needs.

5.Rotate jobs or share work duties. This can be fun by offering a new work setting, and it allows the body to recover from the demands of the previous job task.

6.Contribute a few minutes of your time to Clean Up Your Desk

7.Use Headphones either to listen to relaxing music or block out ambient noise.

8.Have a portable fan ready. Switch it on when your body – and maybe your temper, too – need cooling. Close your eyes and enjoy the breeze. When you open your eyes, you’re sure to feel much better.

9.Have a Fountain Nearby, you’ll be soothed by the pleasant sound of running water.

That’s it for now. Use these tips regularly to relax in the workplace and see your productivity skyrocket.


Here is some fun relaxation techniques
These however might provide more excitement than relaxation...

Try These hints for relaxation at work:

•Answer the phone clucking like a chicken or baying like a hound. ( for the more cautious, use someone else's phone)

•Climb under your desk - don't come out.

•Lie on your back on the floor and balance a ping-pong ball on a column of air blown from your mouth.

•Enact a scene from Pinnochio when he tells a lie and his nose grows under the fairy's spell.

•Present a puppet show using just paper clips, erasers and pencils etc.

•Recite a poem by John M. Bennett in a wobbly falsetto

•Use the white-out to give yourself a clown's smiley face and peer over cubicle dividers making a swishing noise with your mouth.


--
Relaxation Techniques That Work
http://www.hotrelaxationtechniques.com/

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/quick-relaxation-techniques.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/quick-relaxation-techniques.html Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:43:31 -0600
For a sample relaxation technique, try this simple exercise:
Quick Relaxation Techniques

1.Loosen your clothing and get comfortable.

2.Tighten the muscles in your toes. Hold for a count of 10. Relax and enjoy the sensation of
release from tension.

3.Flex the muscles in your feet. Hold for a count of 10. Relax.

4.Move slowly up through your body- legs, abdomen, back, neck, face- contracting and relaxing muscles as you go.

5.Breathe deeply and slowly.


When you’ve got 1 minute

Place your hand just beneath your navel so you can feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in slowly. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out. Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing for a count of three after each inhalation and exhalation.

Or alternatively, while sitting comfortably, take a few slow deep breaths and quietly repeat to yourself “I am” as you breathe in and “at peace” as you breathe out. Repeat slowly two or three times. Then feel your entire body relax into the support of the chair.

When you’ve got 2 minutes

Count down slowly from 10 to zero. With each number, take one complete breath, inhaling and exhaling. For example, breathe in deeply saying “10” to yourself. Breathe out slowly. On your next breath, say “nine,” and so on. If you feel lightheaded, count down more slowly to space your breaths further apart. When you reach zero, you should feel more relaxed. If not, go through the exercise again.

When you’ve got 3 minutes

While sitting down, take a break from whatever you’re doing and check your body for tension. Relax your facial muscles and allow your jaw to fall open slightly. Let your shoulders drop. Let your arms fall to your sides. Allow your hands to loosen so that there are spaces between your fingers. Uncross your legs or ankles. Feel your thighs sink into your chair, letting your legs fall comfortably apart. Feel your shins and calves become heavier and your feet grow roots into the floor. Now breathe in slowly and breathe out slowly. Each time you breathe out, try to relax even more.

When you’ve got 5 minutes

Try self-massage. A combination of strokes works well to relieve muscle tension. Try gentle chops with the edge of your hands or tapping with fingers or cupped palms. Put fingertip pressure on muscle knots. Knead across muscles, and try long, light, gliding strokes. You can apply these strokes to any part of the body that falls easily within your reach. For a short session like this, try focusing on your neck and head.

•Start by kneading the muscles at the back of your neck and shoulders. Make a loose fist and drum swiftly up and down the sides and back of your neck. Next, use your thumbs to work tiny circles around the base of your skull. Slowly massage the rest of your scalp with your fingertips. Then tap your fingers against your scalp, moving from the front to the back and then over the sides.

•Now massage your face. Make a series of tiny circles with your thumbs or fingertips. Pay particular attention to your temples, forehead, and jaw muscles. Use your middle fingers to massage the bridge of your nose and work outward over your eyebrows to your temples.

•Finally, close your eyes. Cup your hands loosely over your face and inhale and exhale easily for a short while.

When you’ve got 10 minutes

Try imagery. Start by sitting comfortably in a quiet room. Breathe deeply for a few minutes. Now picture yourself in a place that conjures up good memories. What do you smell — the heavy scent of roses on a hot day, crisp fall air, the wholesome smell of baking bread? What do you hear? Drink in the colors and shapes that surround you. Focus on sensory pleasures: the swoosh of a gentle wind; soft, cool grass tickling your feet; the salty smell and rhythmic beat of the ocean. Passively observe intrusive thoughts, and then gently disengage from them to return to the world you’ve created.


--
Relaxation Techniques That Work
http://www.hotrelaxationtechniques.com/




Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/are-you-a-shopaholic.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/are-you-a-shopaholic.html Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:52:47 -0600
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th Edition (DSM IV) put out by the American Psychiatric Association, there are 374 so called mental disorders. Psychiatrists literally vote on what constitutes a mental illness or disorder by raising their hands at a conference. There is no medical evidence presented, no brain scans, blood tests or any other medical criteria needed to establish a disorder in the DSM; it is 100% subjective.

So now there is Compulsive Shopping Disorder. A study was done on 23 women and one man. All of whom were allegedly suffering from this disorder. This is of course 24 people trying to represent the entire country. It stated that most of the compulsive shoppers had improved in their urge to shop with an anti-depressant, Citalopram. Of course, the urge to shop might also be reduced by taking a number of other drugs, like heroin, cocaine, or maybe even sleeping pills. But it doesn’t mean it will help the situation. Drugs very often only serve to cover up a situation without really handling anything.

Putting a label on a certain type of behavior has really never helped anybody. According to Dr. Fred Baughman, Neurologist and Child Neurologist, “Any physician saying any psychiatric condition is an actual disease, is guilty of fraud.”

“This applies to Compulsive Shopping Disorder and to all ‘diseases’ they may add to future editions of their DSM for the simple reason that diseases are objective physical abnormalities discovered in patients by observant, scientific physicians, not subjective symptom complexes, voted into existence, and, by prior agreement called ‘diseases or chemical imbalances’ of the brain. And telling someone that there is a chemical imbalance in the brain can actually make things worse, as a person will then believe that there is something wrong with him that can’t be helped.

Dr. Baughman also stated that, “Any abnormalities that have been found in the brain are due to the invariably brain-damaging drugs all of their patents get put on and kept on. None are due, as they fraudulently claim, to their ‘disease’ or ‘diseases’ for the simple reason that their was never an actual disease or objective abnormality to begin with.”

The book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, shows that there are two parts of the mind. One is the analytical mind, which we use to solve the problems and puzzles of everyday life. And then there is a darker, more sinister part of the mind, called the reactive mind. This is composed of all the times of upsets and moments of pain and unconsciousness, known as engrams (a moment of ‘unconsciousness’ containing physical pain or painful emotion and all perceptions, and is not available to the analytical mind as experience) that a person has experienced. These are recorded in the reactive mind and can come into action to affect the person at a later time. In the book the author states, “The reactive mind is the entire source of aberration. It can be proved and has been repeatedly proven that there is no other, for when the engram bank (the reactive mind) is discharged, all undesirable symptoms vanish and a man begins to operate on his optimum pattern.”

Instead of trying a new drug to cover up a situation or being told that there is a situation when there isn't, or simply putting a label on some kind of behavior, it's best to find the true source of the problem and handle it.

For more information on Dianetics, go to www.dianetics.org



--
Louis Steiner is a freelance author in the field of mental health.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/reading-stress-articles-will-it-do-you-any-good-00-2717.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/reading-stress-articles-will-it-do-you-any-good-00-2717.html Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:44:59 -0600
The internet contains a wealth of information. At the click of a mouse, you can have access to articles written by top experts, and by pretenders at the same time. Due to the sheer volume of information available, it could take you quite a while to work through enough information to separate fact from fiction.

On top of that, you still have to put all the pieces together, because you may not find all the answers in one single place. The more you search, the more you discover, and the more you realize there are more things you have to know.

Is it a waste of time? No, but it will probably take you a lot longer than you anticipated, especially considering you may not know what to look for in the first place. Stress is a complex condition, with many different facets, causes and symptoms. Stress articles will surely shed some light on the subject, but you will probably end up reading a lot more than you anticipated.

Unfortunately, spending forever to find an answer is not an option for everyone. If you happen to be a stressed out person, you are probably looking for answers now, and not in a month from now. The mere fact that you are searching for answers indicate a need that has to be attended to.

You may very well be better off investing in a book or two to start off with, and adding to the collection as you go. One decent book may offer you more sensible advice in an hour than a few days' worth of reading, and sifting through, stress articles. In terms of expense, it may cost you more at the offset, but in terms of health, it may very well mean a saving in the end. It's your life, and your choice.

--
For more information, you may want to read this article Here
Click here to read more on stress articles.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/what-makes-up-a-comprehensive-stress-management.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/stress/what-makes-up-a-comprehensive-stress-management.html Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:31:57 -0600
Comprehensive stress management is relative in nature. We have different stress stimuli just as we react to them differently on different occasions. A comprehensive stress management technique that works best for one person may not necessarily do well with others. Thus a comprehensive stress management technique works in a case-to-case basis. We should emphasize on what triggers out stress than stressing ourselves on finding out the immediate remedy. Once we learn our own sources of stress we are on our way to making our own list of comprehensive stress management tools.

Simple strategies in coping with stress may just do some wonder. There are some proven techniques that might just give the same benefits as it has with others. Here are some the simple techniques:

Exercise- this is one of the oldest techniques in addressing stress. In general exercise can relieve stress though too much of it can also bring about physical stress. A simple breathing exercise done in an appropriate way can definitely lower the stress level. It expands our lungs and helps expels toxins that can be detrimental to the body. An aerobic exercise can be a good start like brisk walking or jogging. It does not only strengthen our heart, but making us stress-free as well.

Express yourself- some people when they are stressed out often result to displacement as a way of coping. When they are angry they vent it with to other people or to doing things that might be harmful to them. Expressing oneself as a means of coping with stress can be through creative means. Talking, crying, laughing are just some of the ways that can help eliminate stress in our system. When you feel that you beginning to feel the effects of stress, it’s about time to talk to your friends or watching simple comedy flick will help do the trick.

Enjoy a hobby- one way of relieving stress is getting our mind away from it. It can be done in many different ways, one of which is engaging in a productive hobby like gardening for instance. There are other kinds of hobby to get busy with, choose the one that will make you truly enjoy and stress-free.

These are just some of the techniques that can help us get started. Learning new one will naturally come along the way as we encounter yet another type of stress.

Find insightful and useful information about Organizing and Positive Attitude at AllContent.com.

--
Lucile Taylor, an expert in Coaching, is a writer for AllContent.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>