Take Time for Yourself
Before the everyday stresses of life really hit, I always took time for myself. Even in university, where the pressure of deadlines and late nights were present- I worked out, i'd sit in my room with candles and just relax, i'd read, and i'd hop in the tub and listen to relaxing music. Now that my life is consumed with bills, work, groceries, weddings, baby showers, relationships- I forgot how to relax! I realized I was so focused on getting things done for everyone else that I forgot about me. Take the time to just sit on your patio, or in a park, and just take in everything around you. Enjoy a lobster at home by yourself. Go for a long walk. Take a relaxing bath. You deserve it.
You Don’t Have to Have Full Blown Anxiety to Feel the Effects
I've seen people experience anxiety attacks first hand, so when people used to tell me they had anxiety, I always assumed it was this extreme illness that you would definitely know you had. I didn't realize there are mild forms of anxiety that can sneak up on you and affect you so slightly that you can't even pinpoint what is wrong.
The mild version goes a bit like this: you know when you leave the driveway and you feel like you left the oven on or the garage door open? It’s that hovering feeling of doom that won’t go away, except in the case of anxiety; you have absolutely no reason to be concerned at that point in time, so instead you sit there confused as to why you’re worrying in the first place!
It took me awhile to identify exactly what I was experiencing, but once I realized it was anxiety, I was able to deal with it. I figured out that I no longer took the time to relax, i.e. “me time”, and now looking back at my calendar, I realize I had something booked every weekend and nearly every night of the week – not a lot of time to de-stress! Another factor was that I had stopped working out – probably one of the best stress relievers of all time! Once I got back to the gym and started taking a few nights a week to just stay home and relax, the looming clouds of anxiety seemed to float away.
Read More»Fear of Everyday Things
People are afraid of many things. "Phobia" is the technical word for being irrationally afraid of something. While many of the phobia's people suffer from are understandable, many are hard to believe - especially phobias of everyday things. People who suffer from these phobia's in particular are often unable to function in the real world, some become recluses. Without psychological help, phobia's can quickly overtake a life. Remember that these are not simply fears, these are irrational fears, fears that make even thinking about the subject difficult for the sufferer.
Recognize the difference between fear and phobia. While most people may be afraid of snakes, people who have snake phobias are impaired by their fear. They may not be able to leave their homes at night because they cannot see well enough to recognize a snake. They may compulsively check their homes for snakes or be afraid to venture out all. In order to be considered a phobia, the fear must be accompanied by an irrational fear that impacts the sufferers ability to function.
People who suffer from phobia's of uncommon things can often find ways to work around their fears. For example, someone who suffers from Radiophobia, a fear of x-rays, will likely only have to face up to their phobia once or twice during their lifetime. People who suffer from phobia's of common everyday items or occurrences are often unable to function because of their fears. Some of the most common types of phobias, as they relate to everyday items are:
• Porphyrophobia - a fear of the color purple
• Koinoiphobia - a fear of rooms
• Potamophobia - a fear of running water
• Photophobia - a fear of light
• Metallophobia - a fear of metal
• Eisoptrophopia - a fear of seeing oneself in mirrors or a fear of mirrors themselves
• Phagophobia - a fear of eating
• Dipsophobia - a fear of swallowing
• Amathophobia - a fear of dust
• Optophobia - a fear of opening one's eyes
It is easy to understand how fears like these can seriously impact someone's life. Being afraid to eat or being afraid of light makes everyday life almost impossible. It is easy to laugh at some phobias - like hippopotomostrosequipedaliophobia (a fear of long words) or Auroraphobia (a fear of the Northern Lights), the truth is some phobia' are almost impossible to avoid.
It is obvious that people with these types of phobias are in need of help. Working closely with a therapist, it is possible to overcome phobias. Commonly, exposure therapy is used. Under this practice, the sufferer is repeatedly exposed to the object of their fear, first in small doses, gradually for longer periods of time. In this way they learn coping strategies that will allow them to function in the every day world.
One last phobia bears a mention, Phobophobia - the fear of phobias. You see, there is a phobia for almost everything you can imagine. It is up to you to determine how much they will impact your life. Read More»
Are Stupid People Happier?
Ignorance is Bliss?
The famous English poet, Thomas Gray, once said "Ignores is bliss." One has to wonder if he is right. The dictionary defines ignorance as "the condition of being uneducated, uniformed or unaware." It follows that being unaware of a particular fact, situation or thing will make a person happier. So how come more people aren't happier?
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh seems to support that there is not a direct correlation between how smart a person is and how happy they are. Practically speaking, however, there seems to be "proof" that this is simply untrue. Intelligent people may very well be better equipped to deal with a particular situation or problem. Conversely, they may constantly strive to better themselves or their situation. This could lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction with their lives.
To put this in more easily understood terms, consider the author whose recently published book has just been reviewed by a major literary publication. Many authors will choose not to read reviews of their work, preferring instead to remain comfortably in the dark regarding the opinions of critics. Others will read every last word written about their work. Some of these will take the criticism and put it to good use, others will agonize over every word they write, always striving to beat the critics. Who is happier? It is difficult to tell.
Some people choose to ignore what happens around them because they do not want to see. Parents of children struggling with drug or alcohol abuse are a perfect example. They do not see their child drinking and driving or getting high simply because they do not want to know that their child has a problem. For them, perhaps, ignorance is bliss, at least temporarily.
If you ask a room full of people to write down five things that will make them happy, you are unlikely to see 'knowledge' appear on anyone's list. It is interesting to note, however, that many of the things men strive for, a better paying job, purchasing a home or developing a skill or talent, does require specific knowledge or intelligence.
Many researchers believe that happiness is actually a matter of biology, that the genes we inherit from our parents predispose us to happiness. Humans are more than the sum of their parts and a new branch of psychology believes that we can make ourselves be happy. Positive thinking, optimism and mindfulness can all help us become happier people. As an added benefit, happier people tend to live longer lives.
Perhaps the true answer to the question is that stupid people are not happier, rather that people who use the tools given to them to consciously better themselves and their lives can find themselves in a place where they can be happy. Maybe Thomas Gray was wrong when he said "tis folly to be wise."
Is ignorance bliss? It depends on the person and the situation. What makes one person happy may not work for another. Ignoring events around you may allow you to exist peacefully, but at the end of the day just because you do not recognize an event, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Read More»
10 Early Alzheimer’s Warning Signs
Alzheimer's: The Early Signs
Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that affects millions of people. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal brain disease that has no cure. However, if caught early, the disease can be treated in a variety of ways to reduce its severity. It's important to watch for the top 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's; an early diagnosis can make a difference in how the disease progresses.1. Memory Disruptions That Affect Day to Day Life.
People who have just started experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer's begin to experience forgetfulness, especially with information they have just recently learned. They will also forget important dates and ask friends and family for the same information repeatedly.2. Difficulty in Figuring Out Visual Images.
Some Alzheimer's sufferers experience vision problems. This includes trouble reading as well as determining distances or colors. In some cases, they may not even recognize themselves in a mirror.3. Inability to Solve Problems.
For some people with Alzheimer's, figuring out problems that were once easy becomes a difficult task. Even following a familiar recipe can bring up issues. People with the disease may find it difficult to stay focused and complete tasks.4. Trouble Speaking or Writing.
Alzheimer's disease can cause issues with language. It can make people have difficulty joining in conversations with others. Alzheimer's sufferers can wrestle with language skills, forgetting vocabulary and struggling to complete a story.5. Loss of Judgment.
Another early Alzheimer's sign to watch for is the inability to use proper judgment. This may show in dealing with money, such as giving large amounts to telemarketers or scams. This could also mean a loss of attending to personal grooming habits.6. Misplacing Household Items.
Although we all misplace things from time to time, someone suffering from Alzheimer's may place things in strange locations. They may repeatedly lose things and not be able to retrace their steps to find them again. When this happens, they may even accuse someone else of stealing their belongings.7. Unable to Complete Familiar Tasks.
Someone newly suffering from Alzheimer's disease may suddenly have problems completing tasks they've performed every day, such as finding the way to work, or playing a favorite card game.8. Trouble Understanding Time and Location.
Alzheimer's can cause people to become confused with time and places. It's easy for someone with the disease to forget what day or even what season it is. They may also forget what time it is and how they got where they are.9. Temperament or Personality Changes.
People suffering from Alzheimer's disease can become bewildered, wary, discouraged, afraid or stressful. They may become upset easily in everyday situations.10. Backing Out of Work or Social Events.
Alzheimer's disease can cause a person to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, including hobbies and sports. They may have difficulties keeping up with these activities, or they may be embarrassed of their symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with a doctor for a full discussion and diagnosis. For more great articles on mental and emotional diseases and problems please visit the Mental & Emotional Health section on GKHealth. Read More»Simple Yoga Routine
How to Reduce Stress with These Simple Yoga Moves
Yoga is a fun and relaxing form of exercise. Often touted as a flexibility exercise, yoga is also useful for helping relax the mind and the body. Here are a few exercises that you can do at any time to help focus and center yourself.
One thing to remember is that it's easy for practitioners who have been doing this for years to enter a pose. Chances are, if you're not used to stretching, you won't be able to hold these poses quite as easily. Adaptations are included in case you need them.
Downward Dog
Start on your hands and knees. Push upward with your butt until you are in a down-ward facing V. Push down through your hands and back through your feet. Straighten your legs, but don't lock your knees. Try to lengthen your back by pushing your butt higher in the air, but try to keep your heels as close to the ground as you can. If you have tight hamstrings, you probably won't be able to lower your feet very much. Tuck your head so it is between your arms, and breathe deeply.
Once you are in this position, take 5 deep breaths, and the come back down to your hands and knees. When you are ready, push back up into position. Do this three times, each time focusing on elongating your back and keeping your head in line.
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Sit on the floor in pike position. Bring the sole of your right foot to the floor on the outside of your left thigh. Bend the left knee, and tuck the left foot in near the right buttock. Inhale, and bring your left arm up near your left ear. Exhale and twist your right arm, bringing the elbow to the outside of the right knee and the right pal to the floor, just behind your back. Look out over your right shoulder. With each exhale, twist a little deeper from the belly.
While this pose seems complicated, it is great for relieving tension as it stretches the abdominal muscles, which are often clenched. It helps twist the spine, helping to “wring” out tension.
Relaxation Pose
Aptly named, this pose is for relaxing. At first glance, this pose looks like lying on the floor, but to achieve optimal benefit, try the following tips.
Lay face up on your yoga mat. To fully relax, you will probably have your arms out from your body. If your back is uncomfortable, raise your knees with a pillow or two. If your neck is uncomfortable, place a rolled towel behind your neck. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Concentrate on the feeling of sinking into the floor – but don't tense up. The focus on draining the tension from your muscles is more important.
Lots of options go from here. You can focus on your breath and relaxing. You can listen to relaxing music, or listen to a guided relaxation tape. Either way, remain in this pose as long as you are comfortable, usually ten to fifteen minutes.
For more great tips on yoga and other relaxation techniques please visit the Mental & Emotional Health section on GKHealth. Read More»