5 Ways To Ease Depression
by Chris Green
Copyright 2006 Christopher Green

For many people who suffer from depression, or stress or anxiety, the only way to find relief is by taking antidepressants. Sometimes they help, often they don’t. Here’s five far more effective but wholly natural ways you can use to help you lift the fog of a depressive episode. And unlike a bottle of drugs, you can use these techniques for the rest of your life.

1. Start and end each day in a positive way. Listen to upbeat music, and avoid reading or watching anything too heavy. For example, starting the day by watching an hour-long news bulletin filled with images of war, crime and disasters is not a good way to brighten your mood. Instead, turn off the TV and play some easy-listening music. 70’s disco works for me, as does R & B. Beats watching war and violence over breakfast. Also, try not to listen to heavy music or read something heavy – a horror story for example – before you retire to bed. These are simple techniques to cut down your exposure to negative influences but they are highly effective and will improve your moods very quickly.

2. Take a daily 20-minute “time-out” from the firing line to rest. Turn off mobile phones and pagers, switch off the mind, relax and just enjoy the peace and quiet. Life isn’t about being on a treadmill 24/7. Give your mental well-being a boost by shutting everything and everyone out for 20 minutes and you’ll feel much calmer.

3. Accept change. Change is the one constant in life and refusing to accept change will be harmful. Embrace changes and use them as an opportunity to grow. And remember, change isn’t what causes us problems, it’s how we react to it. You can choose to react positively or negatively. Choose wisely.

4. Try not to assign single negative outcomes to problems. Single negative outcomes are rarely true and will trigger the fear response. Generate multiple outcomes to problems and work towards more positive solutions. Rarely will a single, negative outcome be true and if you take a step back and take your time to assign a meaning, you will generate more positive solutions.

5. Sometimes, it’s hard to cope with life. During these times, the plate is already full. Don’t pile the plate higher by making major, life-altering decisions. Postpone changes at work, relationship commitments, house moves etc. until the plate is less full and control has been regained.

Give the above techniques a try and they’ll bring benefits to your health almost immediately. But they’ll only work for you if you put them to action. Start right now and watch the fog begin to lift.

Until next time.

About the Author
Chris Green, More Details about stress here.

How To Eliminate Stress?
by: Anna Brandy

The truth is you may not always be able to eliminate stress. Since life is filled with potential threats, stress is inevitable. If you can’t always eliminate it, then at best you can eliminate what you can and learn to live with what you cannot eliminate. You are capable of minimizing the magnitude of the stressful reaction upon the body. You must evaluate your life as it is. If you are feeling stressed or if you are stressed out, take a moment and examine what may be causing your stress. List the stressors you can control, along with a coping strategy for each. By listing these, you may find that you can move some of these into the can-control category. Also try to generate a new way of looking at the situation; it may open up a new avenue for growth.

While drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and food may offer temporary relief, they can easily increase the problem. A change in your daily routine or environment can effectively reduce you stress and improve you coping strategies. The following are examples of effective coping strategies:

1. Relax: It’s important to unwind. Each person has his or her own way to relax. Some ways include deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. If you can’t do these things, take a few minutes to sit, listen to soothing music.
2. Make time for yourself: It’s important to care for yourself. Think of this as an order from your doctor, so you don’t feel guilty. No matter how busy you are, you can try to set aside at least 15 minutes each day in your schedule to do something for yourself, like going for a walk, or calling a friend.
3. Sleep: Sleeping is a great way to help both your body and mind. Your stress could get worse if you don’t get enough sleep. With enough sleep, you can tackle your problems better and lower you risk for illness. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
4. Eat right: Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Don’t be fooled by the jolt you get from caffeine or sugar. Your energy will aware off.
5. Set limits: When it comes to things like work and family; figure out what you can really do. There are only so many hours in the day. Set limits with yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to say NO to requests for your time and energy.
6. Plan your time: Think ahead about how you’re going to spend your time. Write a to-do list. Figure out what’s most important to do.
7. Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways: This includes drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.
8. Exercise: Research shows that physical exercise is the best tension reliever. It is an important remedy for stress. Nothing eases stress more than exercise. Exercise not only improves your health and reduces stress; it also relaxes tense muscles and helps you to sleep.

About The Author :
Anna Brandy is an expert of the alternative medicine industry and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise on yeast infection treatment. She has written extensively on issues relating to yeast infection. More info: http://www.symptoms-yeast-infection-treatment.com/.

Shopping: Stress Reducer

by: Riana Lance

Shopping …shopping…and shopping again. Everybody is busy nowadays preparing gifts for their loves one for Christmas present.

It seems the word “SALE” which is installed everywhere inside the store has became magnet for shoppers to come. Probably shoppers will always crazy with the SALE items.

Don’t get it wrong! Not only people come to stores to look for “SALE” but also to release stress. Shopping has been a good therapy for some women who suffered depression, either at home, office or having problem with partner.

After shopping, those who were unhappy becomes happier and their pulse-rate and blood pressure getting normal. That’s why some therapies suggested depressed women to go shopping to boosts their ego and creates adrenaline essential for feel-good sensations.

To do this therapy, one must have limitation. It doesn’t mean you can spend as much money as possible because this is only a glimpse of happiness. You still have to face your long term condition.

To help you having a good and relax shopping, here are five shopping tips in the mall that will prevent you from disappointment feeling:
- When you entered the mall, pray or say to yourself that you want to buy good items with good price based on your financial capability.
- Don’t get panic when you see “SALE “sign. Take a deep breath to have a relax feeling so you don’t feel you want to buy all those items.
- Walking to get stuffs or window shopping from one store to another is good for calorie burning. You doing an exercise without you noticed.
- If your main purpose is to reduce stress, you can just look around the mall and enjoy the environment.
- Self-restraint is needed. Buy things you need only, so I`m sure you won’t regret with what you have bought.

So, happy and healthy shopping guys!

About The Author
Riana Lance writes about health in some publications. Her mission is to inform about healthy life as much as she can. Twice a week she informs her health tips and knowledge in a newsletter. Subscribe to get your free twice a week newsletters so you can stay healthy for the rest of your life from Healthifica http://www.Healthifica.com

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, A Real Illness
by: Arthur Buchanan

Does This Sound Like You?
Have you lived through a scary and dangerous event?
Sometimes, all of a sudden, I feel like the event is happening over again.
I never know when this will occur.
I have nightmares and bad memories of the terrifying event.
I stay away from places that remind me of the event.
I jump and feel very upset when something happens without warning.
I have a hard time trusting or feeling close to other people. I get mad very easily.
I feel guilty because others died and I lived.
I have trouble sleeping and my muscles are tense.
If you put a check in the box next to some of these problems, you may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a real illness that needs to be treated.
Many people who have been through a frightening experience. It's not your fault and you don't have to suffer.
Read this booklet and learn how to get help. You can feel better and get your life back!

1. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a real illness. People may get PTSD after living through a disturbing or frightening experience. It can be treated, with medicine and therapy.
You can get PTSD after you have been:
Raped or sexually abused
Hit or harmed by someone in your family
A victim of a violent crime
In an airplane or car crash
In a hurricane, tornado, or fire
In a war,
In an event where you thought you might be killed or after you have seen any of these events. If you have PTSD, you often have nightmares or scary thoughts about the experience you went through. You try to stay away from anything that reminds you of your experience.
You may feel angry and unable to trust or care about other people. You may always be on the lookout for danger. You can feel very upset when something happens suddenly or without warning.

2. When does PTSD start and how long does it last?
For most people, PTSD starts within about three months of the event. For some people, signs of PTSD do not show up until years later. PTSD can happen to anyone at any age. Even children can have it.
Some people get better within six months, while others may have the illness for much longer.

3. Am I the only person with this illness?
No. You are not alone. In any year, 5.2 million Americans have PTSD.

4. What can I do to help myself?
Talk to your doctor about the experience that upset you.
Tell you doctor if you have scary memories, if you feel sad, if you have trouble sleeping, or if you are angry all the time.
Tell your doctor if these problems keep you from doing everyday things and living your life. You may want to show your doctor this booklet.
It can help explain how you feel. Ask your doctor for a checkup to make sure you don't have some other illness. Ask your doctor if he or she has helped people with PTSD. Special training helps doctors treat people with PTSD. If your doctor doesn't have special training, ask for the name of a doctor or counselor who does.
Get more information. Call 1-866-615-6464 to have free information mailed to you.
You can feel better.

5. What can a doctor or counselor do to help me?
Doctor may give you medicine to help you feel less afraid and tense. It may take a few weeks for the medicine to work.
Talking to a specially trained doctor or counselors helps many people with PTSD. This is called "therapy." Therapy can help you work through your terrible experience. Here is one person's story:
"After I was attacked, I felt afraid, depressed, and angry all the time. I could not sleep or eat much. Even when I tried to stop thinking about it, I still had awful nightmares and memories.
"I was confused and didn't know where to go for help. A friend told me to call the doctor. My doctor helped me find a special doctor who knows about PTSD.
"I had to work hard, but after some helpful medication and therapy, I am starting to feel like myself again. I'm glad I made that first call to my doctor."
Remember - you can get help now:
Talk to your doctor about the event and your feelings about it.
Call 1-866-615-6464. It is a free call. You will get free information about PTSD mailed to you.

About The Author
Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show! http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN TODAY!
With Much Love, Arthur Buchanan President/CEO Out of Darkness & Into the Light 43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012 Huron Ohio, 44839 www.out-of-darkness.com www.adhdandme.com www.biologicalhappiness.com 567-219-0994 (cell) arthur@out-of-darkness.com

Can You Handle the Stress of an Online Business?
by: Mike Parker

Are you looking to the Internet as a possible avenue of creating income and relieving you of your present burdens? You are not alone; many individuals see the potential for building their own business from wherever they are on this globe by means of the Internet. The Internet provides a level playing field and appeals to men and women of all ages as a prospective means of conducting business from the comfort of home.
However, despite the fact that running a business through the Internet can often be less expensive than a traditional business AND allows you access to a worldwide market at any time of the day, the truth behind starting a business online is that it can be as stressful as any other business. How can you prepare yourself for this obstacle?
PUT ON YOUR 'GAME FACE'
Yes, it IS a tough game to start a business. You are guaranteed to experience times when your self-confidence is shaken, you feel the task is beyond your abilities and you beat yourself up for making mistakes.
Know this - and move on. It is part of creating business and you will have to face these issues whether it's your first attempt or if you've been in business for years. Changes happen fast on the Internet and that includes changes to businesses. One day you will be amazing yourself and the next day you'll think you've been beat.
The best solution to this is to EXPECT it and plan to move on despite those feelings.
DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE
Are you bringing a small business to the Internet in order to expand your market? Good for you. Nearly every business can benefit from online exposure. Or are you inspired by the many programs that claim "instant wealth - easy to learn!"? Don't believe it. Regardless of if you've been in business for a long time or this is your first attempt - business done through the Internet has it's own methods and you'd better be ready to learn them if you want to make money.
The Internet is fast - people expect instant gratification when doing business online and can be incredibly fickle when all they need to do is click a button to check out the competition. If you are basing your Internet business on a traditional model that depends on walk-in traffic and personal referrals you will have to adapt your methods to an online business. If this is your first online business you will need to learn the nuances of obtaining customers and keeping them.
The learning curve can be steep and some individuals find it daunting. The good thing to remember is that it is possible for nearly anyone to operate a business online no matter what their previous experience - just be prepared to learn and have patience with your attempts.
DON'T BLOW ALL YOUR MONEY
It is easy to forget the need for a budget when you can spend money so easily online. Don't buy into every business opportunity or training program. Visit online forums to acquire a feel for the best systems available. Make friends on these forums that will support you when you are overwhelmed or needing advice.
The only thing worse than finding out you made a mistake is finding out that it cost you money. Remember that every experience is a learning experience. Try to stick to a budget but don't permit yourself to dwell on mistakes when they happen - learn and move on.
Taking steps to prepare yourself for the stress and rejection that all new business owners face will enable you to build on that knowledge and create a successful business. Thankfully for you there are many who won't make it that far which leaves the field wide open!

About The Author
Mike Parker has been a successful Internet retailer since 1998. He started from scratch selling inkjet cartridges online. Mike now works in the digital info market, his latest web site is http://www.gingeparker.com/
This article may be reproduced in paper and electronic format providing it is used as is, no changes made and the above author information remaining intact.

How To Conquer Your Stressed Mind
by: Christopher Green

In the 21st Century, it is predicted that stress and stress related illnesses such as depression and anxiety will become the biggest killers. Despite significant advances in housing, standards of living, quality of food, and medical science, the pressures all of us have to face in today’s world are as demanding as any pressures experienced by our predecessors.
Why are these illnesses on the rise? And why do some people become so ill through these illnesses, they can find it hard to function?
Well they sure don’t happen overnight! You don’t suddenly wake up one morning and feel stressed or depressed. It’s not like flicking on a light switch! And by the same rule, if you’re suffering, you can’t just wake up one morning, flick off the switch and say “Great, I’m better now.”
Many people who don’t suffer from these illnesses often say to sufferers:
“Come on, snap out of it.”
If only it was so easy! Should anyone say this to you, please forgive them as it’s just a lack of understanding. It’s very hard for people to understand how you’re feeling if they haven’t been there.
The fact that these illnesses don’t suddenly happen means we can draw some parallels with illnesses such as heart diseases, some cancers and strokes.
Because these illnesses don’t just suddenly happen either.
If we look at heart disease, it’s often the result of damaging behaviors practised over many years. Behaviors such as smoking, lack of exercise and a diet high in saturated fat. Strokes are a result of similar behaviors and cancers too, particularly heavy smoking and drinking as you know.
So how do stressful illnesses such as stress, depression and anxiety compare?
Stress is also the product of harmful mental habits and behaviors. These habits and behaviors are developed and practised over years – since childhood in most cases. These are the mental processes that enable us to make sense of our lives and the circumstances we’re faced with. When we reach adulthood, we perform them automatically because we’ve learned these behaviors by repetition.
Think of it like learning to drive a car. Initially, the skills required to control the vehicle needed conscious thought. It seemed really difficult didn’t it? But once we’ve performed them for sufficient periods, we drive on auto-pilot. We’ve mastered the required skills by repetition.
Here’s the key: if we eat healthy food, take regular exercise, cut out harmful behaviors such as smoking and drinking, we improve our health and drastically reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes. We are repeating good habits, habits that will give our physical well being a huge boost.
It’s exactly the same for stress. What’s important to understand is that not everyone becomes stressed or depressed – even when tragic and traumatic circumstances happen to them. Just like people who lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful habits and behaviors, people don’t become stressed or depressed because they have learned effective habits and behaviors that prevent stress from arising.
This is very good news if you suffer from these illnesses. Because just as we can learn habits and behaviors which cause us to become highly-stressed, depressed or anxious, we can learn the habits and behaviors which stop these terrible illnesses in their tracks. And the more often we make use of them, we’ll soon begin to perform them automatically and our mental health will benefit enormously.
No more feeling stressed out. No more feeling unable to cope. No more anxiety and no more depression. EVER.
I’m living proof of this. For 5 years, a series of traumatic events sent me spiralling into an anxiety-induced depression nightmare. I came out of it by learning the natural skills that starve these illnesses. The more I used them, the less anxious I became. They’re now as natural to me as driving a car, and I’ve completely eradicated anxiety and depression from my life.
You can do it too.

Copyright 2005 Christopher Green
About The Author
Chris Green is the author of “Conquering Stress”, a special program which will show you how to conquer stressful illnesses such as depression, anxiety, panic and worry permanently and without taking powerful drugs. For a FREE ecourse, please go to: http://www.conqueringstress.com.