It’s March and for many students and their families, it is the season of midterms and Spring Break. Test anxiety is in the air. A worried student may say, “I hope I don’t fail this test.” The problem is that the subconscious doesn’t process language well but does work with actions, senses, feelings and images. A classic example is “Don’t think of a white elephant,” and the common result is visualizing a white elephant. The student’s subconscious hears “fail this test” and responds, “we can fail … [Read more...] about It’s Only a Test
stress
Understanding How Stress is Killing You
Did you know there is actually an American Institute of Stress? In 2012, they presented some statistics: “44 percent of Americans feel more stressed than five years ago. One in five Americans experience “Extreme Stress,” which includes shaking, heart palpations and depression. Work stress causes 10 percent of strokes and is the basic cause of 60 percent of all human illness and disease. Three out of four doctor visits are for stress-related ailments. Stress increases the risk of: heart disease … [Read more...] about Understanding How Stress is Killing You
How Does Massage Reduce Stress?
We all know that certain types of constant stress in our lives are not healthy. But did you know that recent evidence indicates the physical changes associated with stress may contribute to the leading causes of death – heart disease and cancer? In addition, stress can create and/or exacerbate many physical and emotional conditions such as chronic fatigue, digestive upset, headaches, back pain, high blood pressure and risk of stroke. A recent study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in … [Read more...] about How Does Massage Reduce Stress?
How Stress Affects Stroke Risk
“I was so stressed out, I thought I was going to have a stroke!” How many times have you heard someone say a version of the expression above? While it may often be said in jest, researchers have shown that the statement above may not be far from the truth. According to the American Heart Association, higher levels of stress, hostility or depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in middle-aged and older adults. A stroke occurs … [Read more...] about How Stress Affects Stroke Risk
Tips for Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month. Everyone experiences stress from time to time and it can come from work, family, relationships and many other sources. If stress isn’t handled correctly, it can be a real burden on everyday life. If not careful, stress can build up to the point of causing fatigue, insomnia and even illness. The key in handling stress is being able to recognize when it is creeping up, and implement methods to relieve that stress or harness it to your advantage. Try these practices … [Read more...] about Tips for Stress Awareness Month
Battling Stress
Unless we purposely seek out high-risk endeavors, most of us lead lives far calmer than our predecessors. We likely go to jobs where we sit for most of the day, and return home, possibly to families, where we also likely sit for long periods. For bodies and minds that evolved to endure great danger, modern life should be a cakewalk. Yet, across fields, healthcare professionals are battling the effects of stress-related pain or disorders from clients with a wide variety of lifestyles. Three … [Read more...] about Battling Stress
Reinventing Retirement–A Mindset Makeover
Modern retirement is riddled with uncertainty and is much riskier than it was decades ago when there were many safeguards and veritable guarantees in place. The burden of assuring a suitable retirement nest egg has shifted from employers and the government to individual retirees. Even with this now common knowledge, far too many have still not adapted to the changes and find them self ill-equipped or, worse, entirely unable to retire when desired. In fact, most Americans actually admit to … [Read more...] about Reinventing Retirement–A Mindset Makeover
The Power of Touch
Touch is perhaps the most powerful sense of all. From the moment we are born, before our eyes are open, a gentle touch calms us and lets us know someone cares. In the beginning stages of life, a nurturing touch helps create a bond that shapes us for the rest of our lives. Even though research cannot prove exactly how touch positively affects us, it has shown that those who are physically touched on a regular basis experience higher levels of the hormone oxytocin. According to the National … [Read more...] about The Power of Touch
Pets –- More Than Just Man’s Best Friend
Owning a pet can be fun and rewarding for people of all ages. Who does not appreciate the joyous greeting your dog displays when you return home for the day, tail wagging furiously – that sparkle in his eyes just for you? Or how about snuggling with your soft, sweet cat while her gentle purr tickles your ears? Their antics are sure to bring a smile to your face no matter what is going on around you, and the love they have for you is certain to lift your heart on even your worst day. Aside … [Read more...] about Pets –- More Than Just Man’s Best Friend
Massage Benefits Reach Beyond Relaxation
Did you know regular therapeutic massages can do more than relieve stress? There have been numerous studies that show the positive effects of massage and the value of making them part of your wellness routine. In fact, both The New York Times and Oprah.com recently wrote articles about a study done by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles that identified significant physical benefits from massage. Mark Rapaport, M.D., chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences … [Read more...] about Massage Benefits Reach Beyond Relaxation