By Patricia AdamsRegardless of your age, there is a good chance that you have experienced some form of stress in your life. Stress is your body's way of preparing itself for dealing with a tough situation by increasing focus, strength stamina and the body's level of alertness. While stress helps keeps us safe in potentially dangerous situations, too much stress can actually do our bodies more harm than good which is why it is so important to learn how to reduce stress. When you become overstressed, your body is always at a heightened level of awareness which can affect how you deal with your day to day responsibilities.
Our bodies commonly respond to stress inducing situations by activating the nervous system and certain hormones. When our stress levels rise, the body's hypothalamus sends a signal to the adrenal glands to produce more adrenaline and cortisol and then release these two hormones into the bloodstream. This combination causes your heart rate to speed up, your breathing to quicken, your blood pressure to rise and your metabolism to increase.
Stress also quickens your physical responses by allowing you to react quickly and effectively to any event. Commonly known as the stress response, it is the body's normal response to a stressful situation. In normal situations the body will eventually return to normal once the stressor is handled but problems start to occur when the stress levels in the body never seem to decrease which is commonly known as over stress. In order to learn how to reduce stress, you need to first learn the type of situations that commonly cause over stress. They are:
- Exams
- Dealing with constant problems at school or work
- Dealing with sexual, physical or emotional abuse
- Dealing with relationships
- Being required to handle new responsibilities
- Moving to a new place
- Dealing with a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one
- Dealing with a new or chronic illness or disability
- Dealing with peer pressure or dealing with being bullied
- Dealing with unrealistic expectations that have been placed on you by yourself, your friends, your family or your culture
While occasional stress is fine, being over stressed all the time can have negative effect on both your physical and mental health which is why it is so important to learn how to reduce stress. Some of the most common consequences of over stress are:
Psychological and Emotional Consequences:
- Feeling hostile, angry, or irritable
- Feeling anxious
- Choosing to avoid other people
- Crying
- Moodiness or feeling frustrated with things that normally wouldn't bother you
- A low self-esteem or lack of confidence
- Anxiety attacks
- Depression or sadness
Physical Consequences:
- An upset stomach, diarrhea, or indigestion
- Headaches
- Backaches
- An inability to sleep
- Eating either too much or too little
- An increased heart-rate
- Smoking
If you find that you are suffering from one or all of these symptoms then you may want to consider talking to your doctor or counsellor in order to learn how to reduce stress. Choosing to not reduce your stress will only end up doing your physical and mental health more harm than good.
Patricia Adams of PanicAnxietyCure-Reviews.com, had suffered from panic attacks for over twenty years, but fortunately found help from it's debilitating effects and cured herself permanently. She now dedicates her time in helping other panic and anxiety sufferers get the info that they need to gain ultimate freedom. Patricia now constantly reviews new products and natural cures in the market to make sure you get the best value products that work for you. Check out actual user reviews of the best panic and anxiety natural cures atPanicAnxietyCure-Reviews.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Adams
By Jackie RondeauAs a young woman I had no idea what a hormonal imbalance was but I can remember having days when I would feel emotional or slightly depressed and my mom would tell me that all women felt like this when their cycle was nearing. When "it' finally arrived all the things I had experienced in the two weeks leading up were gone. Women all over the world suffer with some kind of hormonal Imbalance and for some of us we can work our way through it without "hurting anyone". Today, young girls are getting their menstrual cycle earlier than we did and their bodies seem to be developing at an earlier rate. All to often, women will go through some kind of emotional roller coaster and along with her she'll take her family and co-workers. The medical community has all but one solution called "The Pill" but is that the band aid that cures all? What you would really like is harmony in your home and to stop feeling imprisoned by your own body.
Hormonal Imbalance symptoms can be: bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, anxiety, aggression, joint and muscle pain, headaches, acne, mood swings, fatigue, poor digestion, yeast infections, food cravings, insomnia and of course stress. Really, is there anything left!
Some women will be fortunate in the sense that they will only deal with a couple of the above issues but what about those who suffer on a much higher level, who just can't seem to cope? Not being able to cope means that family life can be in shambles for the weeks leading up to. Everyone is on egg shells not really wanting to look at you in fear that some ones head might get chewed off. The things the children did a week ago that would normally have been okay are not. Suddenly you realize you are dealing with a hormonal imbalance once again. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there, co-workers won't talk to you or avoid you because they're not sure how you'll react.
Today, young girls as early as 10 years old are getting their menstrual cycle or have all the symptoms that it will be arriving soon. So why is this? Why is it that young girls are getting their periods sooner rather than later?
Well one reason is food processing. Today, our food has been processed and altered to suit our busy lifestyles. The meat we eat has been injected with antibiotics and in other foods the natural vitamins and minerals are taken out only for them to be put back in at a later stage of processing. Fruits and vegetables which could only be bought seasonally can be purchased any time of the year the only difference now is the fact that they are picked before their time and left to ripen on a truck on the way from who knows where. These days breads can sit on the grocery store shelves for a couple of weeks and pasta and most cereals, even though they may have an expiry date, can last up to 10 years only getting stale but not going bad. Even if a product has the name Whole Grains on it it contains the fiber but not the most important part which are the oils because these oils will go rancid which in turn means a shorter shelf life for the product.
What does this have to do with you? Well everything! At the turn of the century when the flour mill was introduced, it stripped vital oils from the wheat so that the white bread and flour that we love so much would have a longer lifespan. Shortly thereafter, women started to have hormonal imbalances as well as chronic fatigue and adrenal fatigue. A study done at a hospital in Southern California recognized the importance of these oils called Lipids and Sterols and fed them to women in a controlled study. What they found was women with these issues responded to the oils and started to feel better about themselves and the PMS they suffered with had deteriorated. We now know that these oils feed the Endocrine Gland system and are vital, but that's not all.
In the late 60's it was discovered that each cell in the body produces it's own hormones for important body function. They control many important functions of the body such as blood pressure and even childbirth contractions. These hormones are produced at the cellular level and they also require Lipids and Sterols to do their job properly.
The medical community's answer is a band aid solution to this problem. While I'm not being insensitive to those of us that really need medication and I do believe there is a place for that but often you hear of doctor's giving young girls the pill to regulate their period. The health concern of taking the pill for prolonged periods of time should not be downplayed. It's still a fake hormone entering the body and while it will help it's the prolonged use of any medication that is troublesome. Risks of taking the pill as you get older and if you smoke are also a concern. Is it time to look at alternatives to help in this department?
When looking at alternatives, take the time to do some research which could save you a lot of headaches later on, (sorry, no pun intended). Try and choose a product that is as close to nature as intended. What's in the product? Where was it manufactured? Was it manufactured with other products, which could affect you if it was cross contaminated with some thing else. Don't always buy based on price. You really do get what you pay for. Educate yourself so you can make your choices wisely.
As much as we sometimes don't like to hear it, exercise is one of those things that can help with stress and cramps. Tightening up the abdominal muscles can and will help ease the cramping experienced during that time of then month. When I refer to exercising, I don't mean running a marathon, I mean going out for a walk at least 3 times a week if not more. The fresh air and the exercise will help raise the heart beat and is also great in relieving stress and we all have a fair share of that in our lives.
Medication doesn't have to be the be all and end all. We women and young girls, with the help of their mothers, can feel empowered to take leadership of our bodies to help find answers to our hormonal imbalance so that our friends, family and co-workers won't have to take cover when they see us.
Jackie Rondeau is the owner and author of http://www.fatigue-to-fantastic.com After suffering with fatigue for many, many years and searching for ways to increase her energy and feel better, she came across products that made a profound difference in her life. Products that are Based In Nature and Backed By Science! Products which are from the human food chain, products that actually work!
If you, like me, have been searching for something to help with your fatigue visit my site and drop me a line. Taking the first step to feeling better is a click away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Rondeau
By Glen Winkel, Ph.D.We hear a lot in the news about stress and how it affects our health. It is a well-accepted fact that chronic stress leads to disease. Setting aside the psychological aspect of stress, stress also affects the nutritional status of the body, such that we fall prey to various stress-related illnesses. Supplementing our diet with those nutrients depleted due to stress will not only reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses, but also give us more energy and vitality, such that we are able to cope more effectively with stress.
Stress affects our nutritional status in two specific ways:
First, it affects the way our physiology, increasing our nutritional needs.
Second, it affects our eating habits which alters our nutrient intake.
When we are under stress, our body mobilizes its resources to defend itself (fight or flight). It increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, and redistributes blood from the internal organs (stomach) to the muscles in preparation for physical activity. There are increases in blood fats and sugars (for muscle fuel) and increases in specific brain neurotransmitters to sharpen our reflexes.
Meanwhile, other bodily functions are put on hold: Tissue repair is postponed, digestion is slowed and the immune system delays its activities as well. While this is an appropriate short-term response, chronic stress eventually leads to exhaustion. This is like leaving your car parked in neutral with the engine racing. Chances are your car engine won't last very long if you run it this way, and likewise your body won't last very long if you don't supply it with high-grade "racing fuel" As I'll explain below, this heightened state of arousal causes certain nutrients to be depleted while increasing the need for other specificnutrients.
However, as if to compound the problem, a stressed person often changes their eating habits that further exacerbate their nutrient status. We tend to skip meals, and eat "fast food", which is high in fat, sugar and salt. Stress causes us to exercise less (lack of time) and consume more stimulants like coffee, alcohol and tobacco. These habits further deplete vital nutrients.
HOW can we enhance our nutrient intake?
1. Stress raises our metabolism and decreases our nutritional status, depleting our body of water- soluble vitamins and minerals. Therefore we must increase intake of the water-soluble vitamins, B and C. A deficiency of B vitamins leaves you feeling tired and lethargic, yet more reactive to stress. Minerals, particularly potassium, magnesium and zinc are also depleted during stress. A basic multi-vitamin supplementation program is essential. There are many "stress" formulations available on the market. The best formulas are made from whole-foods not synthetic pharmaceutical blends. Choose wisely.
2. Stress causes an elevation in free radicals, thus anti-oxidants become extremely important in reducing oxidative damage throughout the body and particularly in the brain where stress contributes to brain damage and premature aging. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain the super anti-oxidant factors known as carotenoids and flavonoids. We need to eat the recommended 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day to keep ourselves supplied with these powerful antioxidants.
3. Stress activates the adrenal glands and over time will lead to adrenal exhaustion. The essential fatty acids, present in whole grains, will provide the raw materials to make the hormones necessary to keep the adrenal glands operating at maximum efficiency. Adrenal exhaustion may also contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome.
4. Since the immune system is depressed while under stress, various factors will boost immune system function. These include the essential fatty acids and especially the omega-3 essential fatty acids. Carotenoids and flavonoids have also been shown to dramatically enhance immune system function.
5. Poor dietary habits, consuming foods high in fat and sugar, and increased caffeine and alcohol intake, will cause marked changes in blood sugar, with associated changes in mood, behavior and energy levels. A protein supplement which is easily digested will aid in stabilizing blood sugar and provide the amino acids necessary to repair and replace cells damaged from stress.
6. Finally, stress affects digestion of our food, decreasing our ability to extract the essential nutrients from the food we do eat. We may need to add digestive supplements to enhance digestion for more complete absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients.
The above supplemental strategies will provide our bodies with specific nutrients depleted when stressed. This will make a person less reactive to stress and also reduce the risk of illness and other stress-related diseases.
If you need assistance in selecting a high-quality whole-food sourced nutritional supplement, I have worked with many nutritional companies and have chosen those supplements that I believe to be the most effective supplements to enable us to better cope with the stress of our modern western lifestyle.
http://www.GlenWinkel.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glen_Winkel,_Ph.D.
By Michael FehlauerA crucial dynamic of handling stress is knowing that the strength within must be greater than the pressure without. A great example of this is the contrast between the aquatic life in the depths of the ocean and a bathysphere.
A bathysphere is a miniature submarine used to explore the ocean at depths that would easily crush a conventional submarine. Bathyspheres compensate for the pressure with steel plates, several inches thick, successfully keeping the water out. But, they are also heavy and hard to maneuver. And when the external lights are turned on, you can see numerous fish through the thick plate-glass windows.
These deep-sea fish cope with the extreme pressure of their environment in an entirely different way. They don't have thick, rigid skins; they remain supple and free. They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves. Christians, likewise, don't have to be hard and thick-skinned-as long as they appropriate God's power within to equal the pressure without.
In handling stress in our lives, God has given us a source of sustaining strength. As we face the relentless squeeze of life's challenges and responsibilities we can be comforted with the promise, "We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed!" This was written to Christians who were under tremendous pressure from their traditional religious system, their society and from even their brothers to abandon their faith in Christ. The stress was intense and they must have felt as though they could cave in at any time. But... they had an inner life that held strong. "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." The writer here must have keenly felt his vulnerability compared to the circumstances he was facing.
And, what was this treasure residing in a vessel of frail earth? What they know... what they've experienced of God... the light He has shed in their heart of His glory, of His character, of Jesus Christ and of the scriptures... these can also be your core strength. Frances Bacon said, "Knowledge is power." The biggest mistake we can make is to forsake what we know in our hearts - because of circumstances, because of disappointment, because of living in this fallen world - when it's been put there to keep us from being crushed.
I'm not talking about a false strength of hardening our hearts and putting up barricades, trying to protect the fragility we feel. This is a genuine strength that is forged in the fires of the trial of our faith, where God's integrity emerges victorious. When handling stress by God's grace, nothing is more powerful than a personal experience of the reality of God's faithfulness!
http://www.free-relationship-help.com/hand-of-god.html http://www.free-relationship-help.com/victim-of-circumstance.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Fehlauer
By Kate WouldAs a former sufferer of hypoglycemia, adrenal fatigue and various allergic conditions I often asked myself 'why me?' I sometimes wish that I'd known then what I know now as it would have made it so much easier. I am here to offer you hope that you are not alone.
It is suggested that the majority of people with fatigue disorders are sensitive people. Elaine Aron devised this test, can you recognize yourself here?
Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Do you have a rich and complex inner life? When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
IT IS NOT A BAD THING to recognize yourself here. It means that you are one of only 15-20% of the population, a special group. Without sensitive people the world would be a harsher place. You have the rare ability to know what people need, to be there for them, to care for people ' unconditionally. Your gifts are special, unique and selfless. In exchange for all your wonderful gifts you are sensitive to the harsher things in this world. You are sensitive to foreign substances and environmental pollutants. You may worry forever about things people have said and they can eat you up inside. Too many things bombarding you everyday has left you weak and unable to cope. As you develop symptoms of fatigue you don't have the energy to carry on your special work any more and you feel even more detached.
Rue Hass encourages you to remember your ideal qualities; these are featured on her website
Internally deeply caring
Deeply committed to the positive and the good
On a mission to bring peace to the world
Strong personal morality
Often make extraordinary sacrifices for someone/something you believe in
If you're suffering right now I urge to you look for what you could get out of this situation. You rediscover reading, self help books are so inspiring, getting back with nature would help a sensitive person to ground themselves again. Could you use this opportunity to retrain or somehow find a way of helping other sensitive people? You need to allow yourself time to recover and your energy can only pick up if you've allowed yourself some time away from the noise, people, pollutants, demands etc. You're not odd, just because the majority of the population seem to cope. You're not odd ' you're special.
So go forward and nurture your sensitive side. It took me years to build myself back up again and I wish I had understood all about sensitive people at the time. Don't dismiss what I've told you as unbelievable and impossible.
Visit the links I've given you and read more about other people in similar situations. It's the best thing you could do for yourself today. You can absolutely conquer this.
Rue Hass - http://www.intuitivementoring.com
Visit http://www.hsperson.com and take the full test devised by Elaine Aron. She also has some very interesting books to read.
Kate Would Holistic Practitioner publishes a regular newsletter full of practical advice. Kate will help you start living a healthier and happier life and you'll wonder why you didn't do it before. You can subscribe by clicking the link below, you can also claim your FREE therapy session here too.
[http://www.shakethedisease.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Would
By Luka MalgajStress affects all students, from graduate level to those in the kindergarten. The term stress refers to the response you have when facing circumstances that force you to act, change or adjust in some way to keep things balanced. It is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. In the right dose, stress can be healthy or even enjoyable. However, stress can be very damaging for students when it becomes excessive. It can harm students' health, happiness, performance, relationships and personal development. This article will deal with management of negative stress.
Causes Of Stress In Students
Causes of stress in school children include; bullies, a mismatch between student and teacher, concerns about not having enough friends, not in the same class as friends, peer pressure, lack of family time, over scheduling of extra-curricular activities, insufficient sleep, poor diet, lack of preparation, noise pollution among others.
As the students progress to a different level the causes of stress often increase. When students go to college or university, they have to contend with leaving their parents and beginning the process of finding their own identity as adults and their place in the world. The main causes of stress here will therefore include; the new university or college environment, payment of fees, the new relationships formed, the competitive circumstances, exams, lack of proper time management techniques, peer and parental pressure.
How Students Can Manage Stress
Students can manage stress using various techniques. The most important of these are;
- Learning to manage their time wisely. This is done by setting up a study schedule, breaking up studies into smaller chunks. In short, students are advised to formulate, with the help of their teachers and parents, study timetables and adhere to them.
- The student will also need to have a system of organization for note-taking, keeping track of assignments and other important papers.
- Creating a good study environment is also a great tool for stress management. Students have different study habits. While some need a completely quiet room free from interruptions, others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background. A student should pick which is best for him or her.
- Determining the most appropriate learning style: whether the student is a visual, kinesthetic or auditory learner. Tailoring your study practices around your particular learning styles makes success easier to attain and keeps stress at bay.
- Using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualization or imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga. Additionally, being optimistic will help students become healthier, less stressed and more successful.
- Learning how to budget money, spend wisely and pay bills on time, if any, is very important for the student's survival and will lower stress levels.
- Lastly, students must take care of their bodies and minds by getting proper nutrition, getting some form of physical exercise and getting enough sleep. Seven hours of sleep each night is recommended for optimum body and brain function. Naps, not exceeding one hour, should also be taken when needed.
Following these tips will help you greatly to reduce the stress and it might even help to improve your performance on exams.
If you are interested in this topic you should read the extensive guide to stress management for students on the web site that is dedicated to stress management.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luka_Malgaj
By Julie WatermanWhat happens when you are stressed out? Your body goes into "flight or fight" mode. Without getting too technical, there are actual physical changes that take place; your heart and blood pressure increase, your blood gets rerouted from internal organs to your muscles (just in case you have to run from that mountain lion).
Other changes take place that put normal things like digestion, tissue repair and your immune system on hold. That is OK for a short time, but if you are in a constant state of stress, your body starts to break down, and you become more susceptible to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Other things like memory loss and depression are also linked to stress.
What can you do?
Exercise plays a key role in stress reduction: If you haven't started moving yet, it is time to start! Join a Zumba or Yoga class, (ballroom dancing anyone?) take a 10-15 minute walk before dinner, join in a sport league (for the over 30, 40, 50 crowd). Start with a small change. Other ways to help yourself: Relaxation, breathing techniques, connecting with others and finding some activity that adds joy to your life.
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for survival. Stress depletes your body of these minerals. As you figure out how to manage your stress, make sure you are getting proper nutrition. These include things like B vitamins, antioxidants (hello blueberries), magnesium, omega-3's, and fiber. Let's see; blueberries, spinach, oatmeal, (your mom was right) and salmon is a good place to start. Say: NO MORE FAST FOOD!
Julie Waterman is an ACE certified fitness instructor and independent distributor with Reliv International, a food science company which researches, develops and manufactures patented nutritional products. All of our products are carefully monitored for purity and potency and are made here in the U.S.A. These nutritional supplements have therapeutic amounts of vitamins, minerals and herbs rather than just the minimum amounts. Targeted formulas are also available for weight loss, metabolic syndrome (blood sugar control), joint health, heart health and reversing the aging process. For more information or to order products, please visit our website athttps://healthylife.reliv.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Waterman
By Janine MichaelsWhen you think about the effects of stress on the body, you usually think about external pressures that make you feel anxious. However, the foods you eat can also play a part in the level of stress you experience.
Some foods, like coffee and bacon, you may already be familiar with as foods that aren't particularly good for you if you have diabetes or suffer from anxiety. However, there are several types of food that can stress out the body without you even realizing it. You may not feel it immediately, but it can be a long-term stress on major organs, which can lead to other ailments.
It's important that you are aware of these foods so that you can make better choices in how you choose to include them in your diet.
Caffeine - a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and soda. Caffeine releases adrenaline, which can put undo wear and tear on your adrenal glands and interfere with your normal metabolism.
Cow's Milk - cow's milk contains casein which can be hard for some people to digest comfortably. Milk can also trigger allergies.
Alcohol - many people wrongly believe that having a couple of drinks will alleviate their stress. Actually, alcoholic beverages is the worst thing you can take when feeling stressed. Alcohol stimulates the adrenal glands, which leads to further feelings of stress and insomnia.
Sweets - while sugar gives you a quick boost, too much sugar will cause you to crash and can lead to irritability and poor concentration.
Red Meat - red meat elevates the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the bloodstream. Both are natural chemicals in the body that are connected with higher levels of anxiety and stress.
Salty Foods - foods high in sodium, like bacon, sausage, ham, pickles and certain processed foods, increases blood pressure.
Food Additives - food additives stress the body due to the fact that your body has to work harder to process them.
Fatty Foods - foods loaded with fat cause lots of stress to your heart and cardiovascular system.
Spicy Foods - while tasty, spices like hot chilies and curries can greatly irritate the stomach.
Processed Foods - food that are highly processed, like anything made with white flour, depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals because it has been stripped of it's own natural nutrients.
Discover the truth about top diet plans online - do they really work? Read the reviews here [http://www.StartYourDietPlan.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janine_Michaels
By Kristi Patrice CarterMany people believe that chronic fatigue immune dysfunction is just a condition that makes one tired. What most people do not realize that this condition, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, causes very real and debilitating symptoms. The unrelenting fatigue that one experiences with this condition is much more serious than that of just being tired. People that suffer with CFID can experience fatigue so severe that in can literally render them incapacitated. In addition, they may experience short term memory loss as well as concentration deficits.
A person with CFID will also have flu-like symptoms such as, a sore throat, headache, painful or achy muscles and joints as well as restless sleep. The severity of the symptoms as well as the actual symptoms that one deals with will vary greatly from person to person. CFID is a difficult illness to understand, as many of the symptoms go un-noticed. People who suffer with CFID, often feel very alone as most do not feel that this is a serious condition due to lack of education.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are very similar to CFID. Many believe that they are all generally caused from the same factors. Factors such as a sequence of stresses that eventually will overcome a person that has developed or was born with an adrenal glad that is under developed. It has also been shown that a severe tragic or stressful event on the body such as an untreated illness can trigger the onset of these conditions.
The top reason still remains the same but for the most part they are due to many years of suffering from different stresses. Over a period of time the body’s adrenal glad gets weak as well as the immune system. This can make it difficult for your immune system and your adrenal glad to do their jobs inside of your body.
If you think that you may suffer with one of these illnesses, you should seek the advice of a trusted doctor. Together, you two can find the underlying causes for your condition. You can work on a plan together to get you feeling much better and sleeping better in no time at all. There are different treatments available to take care of your symptoms but be careful on what ones you go with. What may work well for someone else may not work well for another. The severity of your particular condition will help you and your doctor determine what method of treatment is the right one for you.
Kristi Patrice Carter is an experienced marketing consultant and copywriter that has been battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia for over 3 years. She created http://www.chronicfatiguerelapse.com to assist others who are experiencing this debilitating condition or hoping to avoid a relapse of symptoms after a symptom-free time. Learn more about Chronic Fatigue Relapse.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter
By Chelsea AlvesDo you ever find yourself working for hours on end sitting in an office chair without getting up to take a break? This is not uncommon, in fact most people either do not know or forget to take breaks when working long hours sitting in one position. Whether you work full time or part-time from home or in a traditional workplace setting, it is still important to take breaks. Taking breaks while working long hours is essential and crucial to your health.
Employers may need to think about the environment in which their work takes place in order to develop an adequate plan for allowing time for breaks. For jobs which are full time, two shorter breaks is often adequate. People who work behind a computer all day should take a break every hour or so and be able to get up and move round. This enables them from being in a seated posture all day staring at the screen. People who work in highly repetitive jobs should be offered more frequent shorter breaks in order to prevent boredom which can result in a decrease in productivity, a decrease in proficiency, and less mistakes. There are many reasons why regular breaks are important; here are just a few.
- Circulation is impaired by prolonged sitting: When you sit in static postures where you are not moving, circulation can be impeded. When blood flow to an active muscle is impaired, the oxygen supply is diminished, which over time can impair muscle function. The feeling of fatigue often is related to circulation and blood supply.
- Working on the computer distorts the awareness of time: When working for long hours on the computer most people do not take breaks frequently enough, nor do they realize how much time has passed since they began working. An easy way to eliminate this problem is to make sure people take regular breaks by using time reminders.
- Burnout: People who work continually face complete burnout and what good is a burnt out employee? Physical exhaustion can lead to problems such as chronic headaches, fatigue, inability to concentrate, and trouble sleeping at night. Even if all you take is 15 minutes during an 8 hour work day, you can use that time to refresh yourself and feel more energized the rest of the work day.
- Productivity: Many studies have revealed that workers who take breaks are dramatically more productive during the day as opposed to those who do not. After a break, your performance levels increase dramatically so that you can tackle tasks again with renewed vigor and finish them accurately. Mistakes are also made more when you do not refresh your mind and body.
- Heart Risks: After researchers in Finland conducted a study on a group of nearly 800 workers over the span of 28 years, they found that subjects who failed to find time to recover from their workweek were more likely to eventually die of cardiovascular disease. If people are not able to relax periodically, plaques can build up in their arteries which contribute to potential heart attacks and or strokes.
- Stress: Focusing on a tedious task for too long can easily lead to physical and mental stress. Stress as most know, can lead to serious implications for our health. Common consequences of stress include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor fitness, low resistance to viruses, and serious illnesses. If something that is being worked on becomes too stressful, it is best to take a break from it and resume the work once calm and collected.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Especially for those that sit at a desk all day staring at a computer, it is easy to develop repetitive stress injuries such as eyestrain from staring at a computer screen too long. Carpal Tunnel is also another injury which can develop from spending too much time typing and not typing in the proper position. Sitting in an office chair too long generally leads to wanting to fidget and move posture, most of the time into improper posture. By not sitting correctly and having adequate lumbar support, back and neck pain is sure to develop.
When starting your new routine of taking breaks, start small with 5 minute breaks and work your way up in about a week or two. Taking breaks at work cannot be considered being lazy, especially when you take short meaningful ones. There is no harm in trying, but there is harm in not trying.
Chelsea Alves is the marketing manager for Sitbetter.com, a company dedicated to finding the best chairs for you, at the best price possible, with the best customer service available. For more information on how to find the perfect office chair for you please visit http://www.sitbetter.com/.
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