Stress Management Are you thin-skinned? If critical remarks (or perceived criticism) are unduly painful for you, learning to put them in perspective can reduce their impact. But why does criticism hurt in the first place? Part of the reason is fear that the criticism may be warranted-that you are indeed too fat, too slow, too […]
Learn To Accept Criticism Read More »
Stress Management Cars are inching along bumper to bumper. The weather is foul. You’ve already been late to work twice this week. Every muscle in your body is beginning to feel tense. What a way to start the morning. Boy, are you in for a bad day! Auto commutes don’t have to be “stress on
If You Can’t Alter Traffic, Alter Your Mood Read More »
Stress Management When nagging thoughts or worries stand in the way of feeling good, a technique called thought stopping is an effective way to eradicate them. The trick is to recognize negative thoughts, then reduce their impact. Here’s an example: You’re so distressed by a petty remark a coworker makes, you can’t concentrate on anything
Just Say No To Stressful Thoughts Read More »
Stress Management If you’re going through a crisis, your view of the world probably isn’t too rosy. Sudden, sometimes unexplainable events, like loss of a job, death of a loved one, or illness or injury, throw people into an emotional abyss. It’s a crowded abyss, too: The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that in
Keep Cool In A Crisis Read More »
Stress Management Communicating well is the key to keeping calm. Trying to express your thoughts and needs to somebody who just doesn’t get it can be very frustrating. You may supress your feelings or blow a gasket, neither of which is good for your mental state or physical health. With some effective skills to handle
Keep Your Cool With This Tool Read More »
Stress Management Breathing techniques can help you relax. Breathing exercises promote relaxation in four ways: 1. They tense and relax muscles. Taking a deep breath tenses muscles used for breathing. A deep exhale relaxes the muscles. 2. They allow more oxygen to be absorbed. This helps the body respond to stress, as well as recover
Exercise Your Breathing Read More »
Stress Management Imagine yourself effortlessly floating in water that’s about 93.5ºF-not too hot, not too cold. You’re in total darkness. All is silent except for the comforting sounds of your own breathing. In this pleasurable and totally stress-free environment, every muscle feels deeply relaxed. Your thoughts wander, but you don’t really think about much of
Stress Management Most people say they feel better after a good cry, and tears of joy, sadness, or relief may be a very healthy outlet for stress. Tears of joy, for example, relieve the intense emotions generated by happy occasions. But shedding emotional tears also seems to alleviate stress in a more subtle manner. University
Don’t Be Afraid To Cry Read More »
Stress Management Try to fit exercise and movement into your day to reduce stress and focus on what makes the holidays special – connecting with family and friends. Break it up:Split 30 minutes of exercise into 10-minute blocks. For example, after you park, take a short walk before beginning your errand, job or other activity.
Ease Holiday Stress Read More »
Stress Management Use quick fixes to release the pressures of daily life. Stress is the reaction to change – good, bad, real or imagined. Some stress helps keep you alert and ready to tackle life’s little surprises. But, too much stress, worry, and anxiety can put you at risk of health problems. Your body reacts
Cope With Emotional Fender Benders Read More »
