Top Stress Reducers Are Dogs

Stress-related illnesses are at an all time high in America, and there is no sign it will lessen. For the most part, doctors have identified the basic cause of this to be our “seriousness”. By that they mean taking ourselves too seriously, thus causing so much pressure that any meaningful stress management is impossible. When things are beyond our power to solve, we must drop the ball; not easy for non-quitters.

Unhealthy levels of stress show as mood changes, migraines, hair loss, worry, agitation, sleeplessness, weight gain and the more serious level; depression. Stress contributes to half of all illnesses in the U.S. and 70% of all visits to the doctor’s office. But before you see your doctor to ask if Valium is right for you – let’s consider some natural options.

Laughter is an antidote to stress. When we laugh, blood flow to the brain is increased and endorphins (that hormone that gives us a sense of well-being) are released and levels of stress drop dramatically. We can begin this healing by laughing at our own selves, our perfect imperfection that makes up all of us.

Force yourself to be more sociable because under stress our instincts tell us to withdraw and isolate ourselves. Nothing could be worse according to stress experts. Isolation allows us to concentrate on our problems, which perpetuates negative thinking – instead of resolving it, we intensify it. When you feel stressed to the max, call a friend or put yourself among children; they have a way of making anyone forget their worries. Volunteer work is a good stress-buster.

Indecisiveness can intensify stress, so we must learn to be more assertive. Some may associate assertiveness with hostility or aggression, but we simply mean expressing your feelings, letting others know your opinions and acting on your own behalf. Some things we can practice are: speaking up when you feel it’s warranted… initiate conversations… make an effort to seek out and form new friendships. Don’t be afraid to disagree. Give out and accept – compliments. Ask for information.

When trying to break the sleeplessness cycle, avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco – all of which have negative effects on sleep. Do something calming before bed; a warm bath, soft music, scented candles. Talk positively to yourself and pat yourself on the back now and then for a job well-done. Then give yourself a reward because when you do that you will realize a boost in your immune system that can last for several days. This can be a pair of shoes or as simple as a dish of ice cream (or both)!

Slowing down nearly everything in your life is another stress reliever. Holistic studies have taught me to stop running for the phone when it rings – why did I always do that? I now concentrate on driving slower, pausing after I park the car in the garage just to relax as I ease into another transition. I don’t hurry my meals, but chew more slowly and with all of this you can feel the stress ebb away.

Also, write down those nagging problems. Make two columns on the paper: one “Worries I can do something about” and the other “Worries I can’t do anything about”. Reading these from your notes offers another dimension and you can begin to accept the ones you can’t change, and go about finding solutions for those you can.

One doctor’s research of 480 people under stressful conditions found that, “… the top stress reducers are dogs”. People who were facing unbearable situations had the lowest heart rates and blood pressure if they were with their dogs – even lower than those who were with the spouses. Possible reason: Dogs are perceived as completely nonjudgmental.

A Science Breakthrough That Could Change Your Life Forever

Ever think the world is out to make you fail? Do you think that “If you didn't have bad luck you wouldn't have any luck at all ? “
Wrong!
You make your own luck and your own failures and successes.
Are you one of the positive ones who think “Everything happens for a reason!” ?
Good for you! You are correct! Well, sort of...

Everything DOES happen for a reason, but not in the way many people think. Everything in your life happens because you made it happen.
Car break down ? Yeah, that was you!
Can't find the right partner? Yeah that was you too!
Your life. Your events. You made it happen.

How can this be ?
Its all because of the laws of the Universe! Time, space, quantum physics, vibrations and energy. Its all around you every moment of every day reading you and transforming your life.

Sound too “New Age” for you ? Its all real science and real life.

Your world is built on one main law. The law of attraction. The law of attraction means that energy attracts like energy, vibrations attract like vibrations. This means that what you feel is what you get out of life. Having a bad day and things just keep getting worse ? It makes perfect sense in context with the law of attraction.

So what happens when you use this law to your advantage? When you take all of your goals and dreams and treat them like they will happen, and you stay positive ? Well your dreams come true, and miracles happen. In the universe anything is possible, and you can make it happen if you know how.
Here are a few tips to to get start on on your way to become a master of manifestation.

Stay Positive. The Universe is always listening and you can sabotage yourself and your dreams by becoming self critical and negative. Pay attention to your “Inner Voice” and make corrections when needed.

Stay connected. Staying connected with your inner self is very important. You need to listen to your instincts when you are trying to fallow your life path you are dreaming of. You also need to be aware of what you really want in life instead of what you THINK you want in life. One way to achieve this is through meditation and self-discovery.

Stay Strong. Don't let anyone smash, steal, or put your dreams down. Not everyone will agree with or support your dreams, but don't let that get you down. They are your dreams alone, and are completely possible. Don't let anyone stand in your way of accomplishing your goals!

I would wish you the best of luck, but you have something better than luck when the Universe is on your side!

Maranda Mann

“7 Surprisingly Quick And Easy Ways To Feel Happier”

All of us have days when we're out of sorts. You just wish you were in a better mood. You've had days like that, haven't you? Perhaps you tried to get yourself into a better state of mind but struggled to achieve it.

Sometimes we get stuck in our own emotional dumps and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood. Many people have found them useful. Some of them may surprise you!


1. Go for a walk.

Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds. Can you think of such a setting not? What do you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees? Make it real by taking a short stroll.

2. Listen to quality music.

Music can shift a listener's state within moments. It's effect can be nearly magical. Dig out that CD you haven't listened to in ages or tune in your radio to something you've never listened to before.


3. Open yourself to discovering something new.

Read something (printed, not on line) different than what you would normally watch. There are a ton of different types of magazines can you get these days. Visit your local library or browse through a magazine rack. Pick up or buy a magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You may discover something wonderful.

4. Find something to laugh at.

Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Find a humorous book, or watch a comedy. Even better, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others.

5. Simple breathing meditation.

Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere. Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward.

6. Doodling for the fun of it.

Most people can remember when they were young and used to doodle for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures. Drawing is not just for kids or artists. Whoever you are get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw for the fun of it. Notice how your state of mind shifts.

7. Think of others less fortunate.

The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than most people on this planet. At times this may be hard to believe, but if you can read and have access to the internet, just those two things alone means you are better off than most people in the world. There are many human beings that barely have access to the basics of survival. There are people in lots of pain. Allow your compassion for them to grow.

These are all pretty simple. There's nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up these may be just the thing you need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change more quick and easily--surprisingly so at time-- than you imagine.