Easing conflict with difficult people   2004-09-20:

Sometimes getting to the root of a difficult relationship seems to require either the insight of a Sigmund Freud or the saintliness of a Mahatma Gandhi. Even acknowledging the tension can be very tricky in a business setting. Fortunately, there are positive unilateral steps you can take behind the scene... in silence. You are invited to explore details on the following separate page (will open in new window). 00529

Migraine Headache Tips   2004-09-01:

We have compiled a page of stress management suggestions especially for migraine sufferers. It covers issues such as types of migraines, prevention of migraines, importance of timing of relaxation therapies, and the impact of caffeine: Link to migraine hints. 00488

Exercise: Aerobics with attitude   2004-02-28:

The evidence is indisputable: exercise not only helps your cholesterol and heart muscle health it helps your moods. Just as much as 30 minutes per day over time helps lift depression and reduce anxiety. Do not believe it when stress seems to say "there's no time" for exercise; or when discouragements moan that "I've no energy to exercise." That's when you really need to find a way — any way — to get yourself moving. The result will be a boost in energy and attitude. Put some upbeat music in those headphones; watch a big game while on the elliptical trainer or listen to an inspiring attitude book while you stride around the block. Make it regular and make no excuses — the biochemistry will kick in within 3-10 days and make it so much easier to throw off stress and negativity. —An ex-couch-potato. 00124

Breath of Life   2004-02-02:

Slow, deep breathing lowers pulse rate and blood pressure. A long, slow exhalation permits yoga students to enhance their stretches by 20-30%. Slowing the breath also speeds the release of tension from muscles tightly knotted by stress (neck and shoulder, most famously).
With slow, rhythmic breathing, brain waves shift to a lower, more-collected range of frequencies. In general, slower breathing tempers the sympathetic ("fight-or-flight") side of your autonomic nervous system.
Perhaps you laugh at simple suggestions to "breathe through" stressful situations. Yet in treating thousands of clients for stress-related disorders, I find that fully 80% of them told me that the most useful techniques for getting them through their illness and stress was... learning how to breathe effectively. Nothing to do with my expensive biofeedback equipment, sophisticated methods of visualization, or wisdom from my doctoral training in psychology: just learning to harness of the power of proper breathing. Humbling to the psychologist — but empowering to the client. 0077

Caffeine “do”s and “don't”s   2004-02-01:

Sure, caffeine is a great stimulant. And it's been acquitted of almost all allegations of unhealthiness. Except: stress!
People vary enormously in their sensitivity to caffeine, but in high doses it can certainly lead to rapid heart rate, feelings of anxiety, and increased muscle tension. If your body reflects stress in one of those ways, you may want to start backing down your daily caffeine intake.
Gradual reduction may be a good plan if you are at all susceptible to vascular (aka migraine) headaches. Sudden withdrawal can result in a severe or days-long headache. 0076