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SELF HELP CENTER -  Stress Control Tips, Tools

FACTS & STATS - stress control

1. TERMS & DEFINITIONS:

Educate yourself today with the facts today.

A. STRESS: Definition

The term stress was first employed in a biological context by the endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s. He later broadened and popularized the concept to include inappropriate physiological response to any demand. The term stress, refers to a condition as a result of stimulus, caused by actions of stressor’s.

Stress covers a wide range of phenomena, from mild irritation to drastic dysfunction that may cause severe health breakdown.     

(1) Signs or Types of Stress:

Cognitive Stress
Emotional Stress
Physical Stress
Behavioral Stress

(2) Signs Include:

Poor Judgment
General Negative Outlook
Excessive Worrying
Moodiness
Irritability
Agitation
Inability to Relax
Feeling Lonely
Isolated or Depressed
Aches and Pains
Diarrhea or Constipation
Nausea
Dizziness
Chest Pain
Rapid Heartbeat
Eating too much or not enough
Sleeping too much or not enough
Social withdrawal
Procrastination or neglect of responsibilities
Increased alcohol, nicotine or drug consumption
Nervous habits such as pacing about or nail-biting

 

(3) General adaptation syndrome, (GAS)

How the Body Responds to Stress, as described by the Experts.
Physiologists define stress as how the body reacts to a stressor, real or imagined, a stimulus that causes stress. Acute stressors affect an organism in the short term; chronic stressors over the longer term.

a. Alarm is the first stage.

When the threat or stressor is identified or realized, the body's stress response is a state of alarm. During this stage adrenaline will be produced in order to bring about the fight-or-flight response. There is also some activation of the HPA axis, producing cortisol.

b. Resistance is the second stage.
If the stressor persists, it becomes necessary to attempt some means of coping with the stress. Although the body begins to try to adapt to the strains or demands of the environment, the body cannot keep this up indefinitely, so its resources are gradually depleted.
 
c. Exhaustion is the third and final stage in the GAS model. At this point, all of the body's resources are eventually depleted and the body is unable to maintain normal function. The initial autonomic nervous system symptoms may reappear (sweating, raised heart rate etc.). If stage three is extended, long term damage may result as the capacity of glands, especially the adrenal gland, and the immune system is exhausted and function is impaired resulting in de compensation.

The  Results  of  Stress can manifest itself in obvious illnesses such as ulcers, depression and diabetes, trouble with the digestive system or even cardiovascular problems, along with other mental illnesses.

B. STRESSOR: Definition
Both Negative and Positive Stressors can lead to stress.

Stressors are Identifies as: Circumstance or events causing the Stress
(1) Sensory Input:

Pain
Bright Lights

(2) Environmental Issues, such as Lack of Control with…

Food
Housing
Health
Freedom
Mobility

(3) Social Issues:

Struggles difficult individuals
& social defeat
Relationship Conflict
Deception
Break Ups

Major Events in our Lives

a. Birth
b. Death
c. Marriage
d. Divorce

(4) Life Experiences:

Poverty
Unemployment
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD)
Heavy Drinking
Insufficient Sleep
Students from Exams & Deadlines
Workers from Project Deadlines & Group Projects.

(5) Adverse Experiences During Development:

Prenatal exposure to maternal stress
Poor Attachment Histories
Sexual Abuse

C. EUSTRESS: Definition

Where stress enhances function, by
(physical or mental forces, such as through
strength training or challenging work).

 

 

 

D. DISTRESS: 

Persistent stress that is not resolved through coping or adaptation may lead to anxiety or withdrawal (depression) behavior.          
          
Relationship Explanation of Eustress (Vs) Distress

“The difference between experiences which result in eustress or distress is determined by the disparity between each experience, Real or Imagined”.

Personal expectations & resources to cope with the stress.
Alarming experiences, either real or imagined, can trigger a stress response.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(biology)

E. POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, (PTSD)

PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else as physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, overwhelming the individual's ability to cope. As an effect of psychological trauma, PTSD is less frequent and more enduring than the more commonly seen acute stress response.
Diagnostic symptoms for PTSD include re-experiencing the original trauma(s) through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased arousal – such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger, and hyper vigilance. Formal diagnostic criteria (both DSM-IV and ICD-9) require that the symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

3. stATS & fACTS:

• FACTS OF STRESS: 

A. STRESS vs. COPING SKILLS

The body doesn't’t distinguish between Physical & psychological threats.  When you’re stressed over a busy schedule, an argument with a friend, a traffic jam, or a mountain of bills, your body reacts just as strongly as if you were facing a life-or-death situation.  If you have a lot of responsibilities and worries, your emergency stress response may be “on” most of the time.  The more your body’s stress system is activated, the easier it is to trip and the harder it is to shut off.

B. WHAT INFLUENCES YOUR STRESS TOLERANCE LEVELS

Your ability to tolerate stress depends on many factors, including the quality of your relationships, your vision or general outlook on life, your emotional intelligence, and genetics.

(1) Your Support network:

A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against life’s stressors.  On the flip side, the more lonely and isolated you are, the greater your vulnerability to stress.

  (2)  Your Sense of Control

If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to influence events and persevere through challenges, it’s easier to take stress in stride.  People who are vulnerable to stress tend to feel like things are out of their control.

  (3)  Your Attitude and Outlook

Stress-hardy people have an optimistic attitude.  They tend to embrace challenges, have a strong sense of humor, accept that change is a part of life, and believe in a higher power or purpose.

 (4)  Your Ability to deal with your Emotions

You’re extremely vulnerable to stress if you don’t know how to calm and soothe yourself when you’re feeling sad, angry, or afraid.  The ability to bring your emotions into balance helps you bounce back from adversity.

(5)  Your Knowledge and Preparation

The more you know about  stressful situation, including how long it will last and what to expect, the easier it is to cope.  For example, if you go into surgery with a realistic picture of what to expect post-op, a painful recovery will be less traumatic than if you were  expecting to bounce back immediately.

       C.  COMMOM EXTERNAL CAUSES OF STRESS

Not all stress is caused by external factors.  Stress can also be self-generated:
   * Major life changes                    * Financial problems
   * Work                                      * Being too busy
   * Relationship difficulties             * Children and family

                       "Effects of Stressors on Everyday Life"

D. COMMON INTERNAL CAUSES OF STRESS

Not all stress is caused by external factors.  Stress can also be self-generated by Internal Causes:
            * Inability to accept uncertainty   * Unrealistic expectations
            * Pessimism                               * Perfectionism
            * Negative self-talk                     * Lack of assertiveness

 E. LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE STRESS

 It’s important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control.  The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you.  You get used to it.  It starts to feel familiar – even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll.
 
The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost anything.  Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently.

F.  LEARN HOW TO MANAGE STRESS  

You may feel like the stress in your life is out of your control, but you can always control the way you respond.  Managing stress is all about taking charge:  taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems.  Stress management involves changing the stressful situation when you can, changing your reaction when you can’t, taking care of yourself, and making time for rest and relaxation.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm

G.  WASHINGTON | Reuters) - Tues May 27, 2008 4:13pm EDT

WASHINGTON Newly diagnosed cases of PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among U.S. troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan surged 46.4 percent in 2007, bringing the five-year total to nearly 40,000, according to recent U.S. military data.
The statistics, released by the Army, showed the number of new PTSD cases formally diagnosed at U.S. military facilities climbed to 13,981 last year from 9,549 in 2006.
The numbers rose as President George W. Bush poured extra forces into Iraq to try to quell sectarian violence and extended Army tours from 12 to 15 months. The United States has also sent more forces to Afghanistan.
The figures, encompassing all four branches of the U.S. armed services, showed that the Army alone had 10,049 new PTSD cases last year.

This brings to 39,366 the number of PTSD cases diagnosed at military facilities between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2007, among troops deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. The totals
include 28,365 cases for the Army, 5,641 for the Marines, 2,884 for the Navy and 2,476 for the Air Force.
Army officials said the larger number of PTSD diagnoses in recent years partly reflects greater awareness and tracking of the disorder by the U.S. military.

Longer, Multiple Combat Tours = Higher Risk of PTSD
"But we're also exposing more people to combat," Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, the Army surgeon general, told reporters.
Experts also say PTSD symptoms increase as soldiers return to combat for multiple tours of duty.
PTSD is a health condition that can result from wartime trauma such as being physically wounded or seeing others hurt or killed.
Symptoms range from irritability and outbursts of anger to sleep difficulties, trouble concentrating, extreme vigilance and an exaggerated startle response. People with the condition can persistently relive the traumatic events that initially induced horror or helplessness.
The Pentagon has come under mounting political pressure in recent years to enhance treatment for PTSD amid criticism that initial programs were inadequate.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced a change in the U.S. government clearance process that allows PTSD sufferers to seek help for combat-related mental health problems without risking their military careers.

Army officials emphasized that data does not reflect the actual number of troops and war veterans who suffer from PTSD, many of whom do not seek treatment or have been diagnosed at civilian facilities where records are confidential.
A recent study by the RAND Corp. estimated about 300,000 troops, or 18.5 percent, of the more than 1.5 million troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan exhibit symptoms of either PTSD or depression.
The fresh statistics add detail about the scale of human suffering from two wars that have killed 4,579 U.S. troops and inflicted physical wounds on 32,076 more.
In 2008-09 there were 155,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and 33,000 in Afghanistan.  As of May 2010, 94,000 troops are in Afghanistan.  By August, 2010, 50,000 non-combat troops still remain in Iraq, as the last of the combat troops were pulled out.

H. EARLY TREATMENT CAN RECTIFY A STRESS CONDITION

In 2007, anxiety and stress disorders affected about 40 million ages 18 and older in the US.  Stress from anxiety disorders that last more than six months should be addressed by a professional.  Stress issues sometimes go hand in hand with other physical and/or mental signs which may mask or make stress worse.  These other issues should be treated before rectifying the stress problem.  Effective therapies are available and research is always finding new treatments to help people overcome stress and lead fulfilling lives.  
Government Research Study   

 I.  GETTING A HANDLE ON STRESS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH.

Unending stress can be linked to wide ranging problems.   Also alcohol, drugs and bad habits can keep a body in a state of stress causing even more problems.  Stress can be hard on your body!

Research Study Here

J. CHRONIC STRESS PRODUCES MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS

Such as dizziness, body aches, grinding teeth, acid reflux and muscle tension.  Other symptoms of stress are shortness of breath, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, bad cholesterol and hair loss.  
Research Study Here
 

                        Health Issues Caused by Stress

3. stATistics of stress:

A. MONEY ISSUES REPRESENT 63% OF ALL OUR STRESS

Money issues was the top cause of 63% of what stresses people out most according to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association.  National security at 44% was another top vote getter along with 31% of the vote going to job security.  Younger Americans were more worried about money (74%) and national security (40%) than those over 35.

B. WE EAT OR DRINK TO COPE WITH OUR STRESS

1/3 of us either eat (22%) or drink alcohol (14%) to cope with stress.  Others rely on exercise (45%) and religious and spiritual activities (44%), while 14% turn to massage and yoga to relieve stress.  
 Research Study Here

C. 70% oF AMERICANS HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE TRAUMA

About 70% of U.S. adults have experienced a severe traumatic event at least once in their life and one out of five go on to develop symptoms of PTSD.  Approximately 8% of all adults have suffered from PTSD at any one time.  About 1 in 10 women will develop PTSD symptoms during their lifetime or double the rate for men because they are much more likely to be victims of domestic violence, rape or abuse. 
Research Study Here

D. WOMEN ARE EFFECTED BY STRESS MORE THAN MEN

An APA survey conducted in 2006 shows that nearly half of Americans, especially women, parents, and people of working age, are concerned with the amount of stress in their lives. Women say stress affects them more than men do (51% vs. 43%) and are more likely than men to report more things that stress them out. Women also express concern about how stress affects their lives more than men. Women 28% of women call money a “very   significant” source of stress, vs. 19% of men.                           

Children Represent A Significant Source Of Stress
Studies show 24% of women say children are a very significant source of stress in their lives, compared to 5% of men.

G. SMOKERS ARE MORE STRESSED

People who are “very concerned” about their stress are more likely to be smokers.  A quarter (27%) of those very concerned about their stress smoke every day, vs. 19% of those “not at all” concerned with stress.  Interestingly, 49% of single fathers and 31% of single mothers smoke 3 or more times a week.   Research Study Here

H. 25 MILLION AMERICANS EXPERIENCE SEVERE DISTRESS

 

Severe psychological distress was experienced by 25 million Americans in 2006 according to the American Psychiatric Association. Research Here

                                                   

I. JOB-WORKPLACE STRESS

Stress statistics based on a survey conducted in 2004 by the American Psychological Association (APA).

62% of American say work has a significant impact on stress levels.
A majority of workers (52%) are more stressed because of work than home.

54% of workers are concerned about health problems caused by stress.

45% of workers list that job insecurity has a significant impact on work stress levels.

61% of workers list heavy workloads as a significant impact on work stress levels. 

Executives and managers tend to have the most stressful jobs, while self-employed workers are the least stressed.

1 in 4 workers have taken a mental health day off from work to cope with stress.

 

10 BEST TIPS - stress control

1. Determine & Identify Your Source of Stress

Your stress might be partially caused by yourself, due to procrastination and/or any bad habits. These can be significant contributors to anyone’s tress.  Until you determine the source, acknowledge it and accept responsibility, your stress will remain beyond control. 

To help to prevent and Stop Stress, you may find keeping a Stress Journal may help you to identify the stressors in your life, causing your stress. Determine them to prepare yourself with the proper tools to prevent their occurrence in your life. One of the most powerful Tips to overcome stress due to any Procrastination in your life is the Powerful Bright Images Professional Programs, Achievement - Stop Procrastination. This programs really works fast at eliminating any procrastination you may have in your life, by just listening to the beautiful new adults contemporary musical compositions that are playing in the background. In doing so you will receive over 20,000 positive complete statement regarding your ability to get your tasks completed in a stress free environment. You should be able to notice yourself getting into gear, getting your work done almost immediately.                                                     

2. TRY BREATHING EASY & VISUALIZE CALM

 
In times of stress, use deep breathing instead of shallow
chest breathing.  You can also visualize a relaxing scene such as walking on beach and focus on details such as sight and sound.
                           

          

3. EXERCISE & CONSUME HEALTHY FOOD 

A. EXERCISE COMBATS STRESS

One way to take control of the stress in your life is through physical activity.  Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.  Exercise increases your overall health, your sense of well-being, and also has some direct stress-busting benefits. IN addition, take advantage of the professionally created Stress Control Program developed at Bright Images. It works very fast, not only at reducing our everyday stress that we may be in contact with from time to time, but works at eliminating our STRESSOR, which are the causes of our stress lives. Bright Images Stress Control is a very popular programs because of the great music, fast results to reduce and providing a stress free experience in our lives.
 
(1)  Endorphins Make you Feel Good

 

Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.  Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, various activities like a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike also can contribute to this same feeling.

(2) Exercise is like Meditation in Motion. 

After a fast-paced game of racquetball or several laps in the pool, you’ll often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements.  As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything that you do.

(3) Exercise Improves Your Mood, can reduce your Stress.

Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety.  Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety.  Using these tips can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and improve your life.  Whatever you do, don’t think of exercise as just one more thing on your to-do list.  Find an activity you enjoy—whether it’s an active tennis match or a meditative meander down to a local park and back—and make it part of your regular routine.  Any form of physical activity can help you unwind and become an important part of your approach to easing stress.   
      Research Study Here
One of the BEST TIPS to help anyone get into a regular exercise program is the use the powerful, Fitness & Exercise Program developed by Bright Images, INC. This Program is available as a CD quality download today at only $19.95, making is most affordable with quick results.

B. EAT HEALTHY TO KEEP YOUR BODY IN BALANCE

(1) Feed Your Body Vitamin C.

Your body needs more nutrients to sustain energy levels while under stress.  Stress also affects how your body absorbs these nutrients.  One important vitamin the body needs during stressful times is Vitamin C.  The lack of Vitamin C during stress causes your energy level to drop and you become tired and listless very easily.  Also your immune system weakens considerably.  Stress can also thicken your blood.  This is why when some people are under stress their blood sugar goes up.  They need to be extremely careful, especially if they are aged as this can cause a stroke or heart attack.

(2) Limit your Caffeine & Sugar Intake

Coffee, tea with caffeine and too much sugar can also add to stress. So instead of drinking coffee, soda or eating sweets during stress, take vitamins and minerals.  The best source of vitamins and minerals are fruits and vegetables.  Some of the fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C are oranges, apples, melons  tomatoes, red and green peppers, spinach, just to name a few.  Carrots and other green and leafy vegetables are other excellent sources for your daily intake of nutrients.  Overall healthy eating will keep your energy level at its best and help you to deal with the affects of stress.     Research Study Here

 

4. SATURATE YOURSELF IN QUALITY AFFIRMATIONS 

BEST TIP OF ALL is to use the Bright Images Stress Control Program. As it both reduces stress occurring in your daily life now, but will also act to control and elemi ate it form your life. Using profound, quality tested and approved affirmations, like those found in {BRIGHT IMAGES Professional Programs}, can provide anyone with a positive outlook to help prevent the occurrences of stress.  They are among the 20,000 affirmations used in each Bright Images Program, part of numerous technologies used to produce quick and successful results. Here are a few examples of the profound affirmations found in the Bright Images STRESS CONTROL Program.    Customer Testimonials Here

“You feel an inner peace such as you never felt before”

“Your thoughts are as gentle as a soft summer breeze”

“Because I am relaxed, I CAN deal with anything”           

For quick results with Bright Images Programs, simply… Choose a program
1. Choose the program that best describes your area of interest.
 2. Set your CD or MP3 music player for Continuous-Repeat Play.
3. Play in the background, quietly while doing what you enjoy.
4. Use daily at work, at home, while reading or watching TV, even use while you are sleeping for quick results.  
     See more Bright Images affirmations

5. LEARN TO DAY NOT IF YOU ARE PUSH TO YOUR LIMITS 

The measure of true success is being able to prioritize and say no if necessary.  Do only what you can and take time for yourself. Set aside time in your day to reflect your days event and give yourself the rest and relaxation you desire. One very popular tool to help you archive Total Relaxation for yourself is the Bright Images Program titled, Total Relaxation. .                                                

Take yourself to that special place that allows you experience a Total Relaxation. Allow yourself to let go of all your tensions to be calm and in control. Through the beautiful music playing in the background, the 20,000 positive affirmation statements going direct into your bio-computer storage bank, available for immediate use in coping with the your Total Relaxation needs. For an amazing experience in calming your senses, be sure to try out the Bright Images Total Relaxation Program. A huge success from the very beginning, it will provide you with a tranquil total mind & full body personal experience, of relaxation, filling you with a sense of calm and inner peace.

6. TAKE TIME OFF TO DECLUTTER

Examine the pile of mess that may be on your table, which could use clearing and a bit of organization.  Sort the tasks you have in according to their importance and finish one at a time.

 

 

7. TRY AROMATHERAPY AND PHYSICAL RELATION TECHIQUES. 

Yoga and Pilates helps to tune your mind and body while essential oils found in aroma therapy helps to calm your senses.                      

      

8. BOOST YOUR VITAMIN VITAMIN INTAKE. 

Prepare yourself for additional stress conditions. Be sure to take a good daily multivitamin and mineral formula to provide your body with the additional nutritional needs required under stressful situations of physical and mental stress.

9. TALK TO A FRIEND, USE YOUR LIFE-LINE. 

Sharing your worries with someone allows temporary relief of your burdens and can help you feel cared for at your time of need. Establish good close friends, that you can lean on when you are feeling stressed, that may help you deal with your needs.

 

10. CULTIVATE A HOBBY 

Your hobby should be something you’re passionate about- it helps to take your mind off the stress and gives you a sense of renewed awareness.   Research Here

 

helpful tools - To REDUCE stress

1. Meditation - to reduce stress

Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are, really helps.  It’s considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine, which produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.

   
     Popular Methods of Meditation: 
     Guided Meditation
     Mantra Meditation
     Mindfulness Meditation     
     Qi Gong
     Tai Chi
     Yoga           

     Research Study Here

2. Sex - To Reduce STRESS

You probably already know that sex is a great tension reliever, but have you officially thought of it as a stress-relieving practice?  Perhaps you should. The physical benefits of sex are proven to be numerous, and most of them work very well toward relieving stress.  Sadly, many people have less sex when their stress levels are high, missing out on the pleasures of releasing stressful tensions together as a couple. 

Be sure to review the Adult Series of Bright Images Subliminal and experience the Sexual Enhancement Program. See what our customers are saying about their personal experiences on our testimonial page, here. Specifically, designed to create therapeutic stimulation between both partners. Known to successfully heighten the sexual, sensual feelings between partners during love making. Created to bring natural pleasurable experience, while relieving stress.

Professional Affirmations, at over 20,000 statement per/hour, like:

I am a sensual person, loving, sharing and touching brings one pleasure.
I am considerate of my partners pleasure, health and well-being.
Making Love is both stimulation and inspiring to both myself and my partner.
You make your Sexual Fantasies come true.              

3. Music Therapy - To Reduce Stress

Music therapy continues to show numerous health benefits for people with conditions ranging from mild stress to severe, like say cancer.  When dealing with stress, the right frequencies in music can actually lower your blood pressure, relax your body and provide calm over your mind. 
Research Study Here

 

4. PETS ARE A GREAT STRESS REDUCER:

Research shows that, unless you’re someone
who really dislikes animals or is absolutely too busy to care for one properly, pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits-perhaps more than people!           Research Study Here

5. LAUGHTER:

It’s not only ‘the best medicine’, laughter is one of the more fun free stress relievers available!  It’s also important to maintain a sense of humor in life; it can be a great way to relieve stress, and can make life more enjoyable at the same time.  It can also relieve stress in those around you.
Research Study Here

6. BRIGHT IMAGES - STRESS CONTROL PROGRAM: The Very Best

This program is the most powerful tool available to control and reduce your everyday stress to help you prevent the more damaging effects that stress can lead to. Using specially developed, advanced technique to help you cope with mental and physical tension, strain and burdens, resulting in swift positive results.  This Stress Control Program works fast to prevent the first signs of stress.  Will help you eliminate the first onset of stress related tensions that could otherwise cause head-aches and drain you of emotional energies.
Try it today for yourself to experience personal Stress Control in just a few minutes. Experience our custom beautifully arranged Adult Contemporary Music and our 3D Audio Environmental Sound Tracks playing, while 20,000 positive affirmations are beaming into your subconscious bio-computer data storage bank for immediate use. Breath Better, become more relaxed, calm and notice positive changes in your life.  Customer testimonial here.

7. MASSAGE THERAPY:

Massage therapy in general is something that can reduce stress and ease the tension that the muscles are holding.  Multiple studies have been done on the benefits of this type of therapy and it has been proven that the simple power of touch is very beneficial.  The effects are many because the treatment involves more than just rubbing the muscles.  Physical touch tends to relax people and the rhythmic motion of a massage encourages the body and mind to calm and let go of the anxiety and stress that has built up.  Research Study Here

SUPPORT & RESourceS

1. JOIN A HIKING CLUBS - To Reduce Stress

 

Hiking clubs are a great way to de-stress. A club is a fun way to get introduced to hiking.  There are different personalities of clubs; some are easier while some are more aggressive.   Check out the one that is right for you. Discover the great outdoors and some beautiful areas that are located near you. Meet new people and get valuable exercise to maintain a stress free day.    Find a hiking club near you.

 2. WALKING CLUBS - To Reduce Stress

Walking clubs are a good choice to reduce stress.  All you need is good comfortable walking shoes. Check out local web blog's for information on local walking clubs.  Enjoy walking with others. Make friends with a walking partner and talk along the way as you discover the beauty of the outdoors.  There are a number of walking clubs in most areas.

Find a Walking Partner here

Visit http://www.ava.org for extensive information on clubs, starting clubs, and planning a event.
  

3. BICYCLING CLUBS - To Reduce Stress

One of the good things about bicycling is that you can ride in urban and rural areas.  Here are some reasons to join a club; Find friends and biking buddies to ride with.  Check out information on new bikes and gear.  If you like mountain biking, you can find out about new trails.  Lobby for laws to help your group. Visit  http://www.bikeleague.org/ for information on local clubs. 

4. GYMS - To Reduce Stress:

Think about joining a gym. Most gyms offer a free tryout before you join, find one that is right for you.  http://www.gymticket.com/ is good site to visit for local gyms.  To help you get into a regular exercise routine, try out the Fitness & Exercise Program. It is very popular at help you get into a regular exercise program, while you are becoming more healthy and reducing your stress in the process.  

 5. Alcoholics Anonymous Support Groups

AA and other 12 step groups are very helpful if you or other family members are having stress issues resulting from addiction. They offer a vast support network at the local level. You will find one in just about any good size town by looking in the local yellow pages or Google them to find meetings in your area.
 Find a meeting in your area here.
                                                       

Begin and end each day with a good affirmation. Use any of the Professional Self Improvement Programs available from Bright Images and receive 20,000 positive affirmations per/hour to assist you in experiencing your goals and success.