Think about how easy it is for a baby or small child to fall asleep. We're born with the instinct to relax and sleep when our bodies or minds need a break. Over the years, it becomes necessary to control and even suppress these natural urges to rest, since we must remain alert as we attend school, learn professions, go to work, or care for a family. Many people spend years conditioning themselves to perform well despite feelings of tiredness. While no one would argue that suppressing tiredness can be a necessary skill, it can impair our ability to actually “let go” and relax when we do find the time.
Relaxation is also a uniquely individual activity. Napping or just doing nothing might be your idea of relaxation, but this amount of inactivity might drive someone else crazy. Others may relax by participating in sports or undertaking physical challenges, but some people would find these activities stressful. Whatever your idea of relaxation, the following tips can help you re-train and regain some of those lost relaxation skills:
Give yourself permission for some down time. Stop ruminating about work or personal problems or tasks. If it helps, make a to-do list of issues and projects and put it aside during your relaxation time. That way, you won’t worry about forgetting or neglecting any responsibilities after your break.
Decide if you’re interested in a structured relaxation program, such as courses in meditation, yoga, or martial arts. Some may find this kind of training helpful; others may feel it adds to their stress.
Try some short, simple exercises such as the Muscle Relaxation for Stress and Insomnia, Meditation for Reducing Stress and Improving Health, or 3 Minutes to Stress Relief!
Practice other positive health habits such as getting exercise and eating well. The healthier your body is, the better it can function in all areas, including relaxation. An exhausted, “burned out” state isn't going to bring on restorative or strengthening relaxation.
If necessary, force yourself to take emotional "time out" for relaxation. Practice shutting out stressful thoughts and images for a few minutes at a time to start out. Imagery exercises (visualizing a comforting or pleasurable setting) can help redirect your thoughts.
Accept help. Talk to a loved one or counselor about your stress. The very act of sharing can provide a much-needed release of anger and frustration.
Don’t always equate relaxation with sleep. Particularly if you suffer from stress-induced insomnia, daytime napping can just make your nights more wakeful. Instead, focus on an activity that gives you pleasure.
Remember that the best form of relaxation is finding and participating in something that brings you joy - whether it be alone or with others, sedentary or active, goal-directed or aimless - find whatever is it that brings you relaxation and peace.
WebMD Medical Reference from MedicineNet
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Stress Types - Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
Stress was created to help the human body get through life's turbulence. When danger is sensed, the body's natural "fight or flight" response kicks in, as a way to prepare itself for battle. The adrenal glands kick into action, flooding the bloodstream with high doses of adrenaline to give the body energy.
Heart rate quickens and blood flow increases, giving the body's major organs and muscles more oxygen. Endorphins are released to work as natural painkillers. Breathing increases and digestion slows, all in attempt to help you better face what imminent struggle lays ahead. Nature's way of handling something bad coming our way, stress can be good when it helps you focus and deal with an emergency.
Problems arise when stress levels continue to escalate, causing this natural fight or flight response to stay with you throughout the day. An ongoing struggle with a spouse, an illness, or an unruly coworker can all cause this fight or flight response to linger unnaturally. The nervous system senses prolonged tension and danger, and may continue to pump hormones and chemicals throughout the body that can deplete a person's natural reserves, leaving them feeling tired and sick all of the time.
A little stress can be a good thing - but too much is bad for anyone. While good stress empowers us to get a job done, or handle a tough situation on our own, bad stress can strip us of confidence, and the wherewithal to tackle everyday issues.
Too Much Stress Is Bad.
Too much bad stress, (or a stress overload), can cause severe problems with the body's immune system, making its victim more prone to simple illnesses like colds and flu, or more serious conditions such as infections, diabetes, high blood pressure and gastrointestinal problems. Stress has also been linked to a higher rate of cancer, heart attack and stroke in some patients. In others, too much stress can lead to depression, which can cause serious mental and behavior problems as well.
What Causes Bad Stress?
Everyone reacts to stress differently; what bothers one person may easily be shrugged off by another. But, some of the most common stress-inducers are:
-Divorce
-Death
-Illness
-Moving
-New job
-Pregnancy
-Legal issues
-Retirement
-Financial problems
-Marriage
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Too Much Bad Stress.
The first step t overcoming bad stress is first, recognizing that you are experiencing it, than finding new ways to cope. Symptoms of a stress overload may include:
-Emotional Changes. Mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, trouble concentrating, anger and even feelings of agitation and tenseness may all be signs that your stress levels are hitting dangerous proportions.
-Feeling Unwell. Physical symptoms of stress can often be very subtle (an upset tummy, or trouble eating), or they can be more severe with extreme fatigue, throbbing headaches, chest pains, recurring diarrhea, or even angina and/or heart palpitations.
-Behavioral Changes are another sign that stress points are rising to an unhealthy state. Overreacting, anger, acting on impulse, withdraws and even a sudden need to quit or change jobs may be the result of stress overload.
Stress can be good or it can be bad. The best way to get control of bad stress is to recognize its symptoms, and learn how it affects your specific body so that you can better monitor and handle it. Learn to recognize how your body reacts to stress, and you'll be better prepared to stop it in its tracks.
Author:Matthew Hick
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Heart rate quickens and blood flow increases, giving the body's major organs and muscles more oxygen. Endorphins are released to work as natural painkillers. Breathing increases and digestion slows, all in attempt to help you better face what imminent struggle lays ahead. Nature's way of handling something bad coming our way, stress can be good when it helps you focus and deal with an emergency.
Problems arise when stress levels continue to escalate, causing this natural fight or flight response to stay with you throughout the day. An ongoing struggle with a spouse, an illness, or an unruly coworker can all cause this fight or flight response to linger unnaturally. The nervous system senses prolonged tension and danger, and may continue to pump hormones and chemicals throughout the body that can deplete a person's natural reserves, leaving them feeling tired and sick all of the time.
A little stress can be a good thing - but too much is bad for anyone. While good stress empowers us to get a job done, or handle a tough situation on our own, bad stress can strip us of confidence, and the wherewithal to tackle everyday issues.
Too Much Stress Is Bad.
Too much bad stress, (or a stress overload), can cause severe problems with the body's immune system, making its victim more prone to simple illnesses like colds and flu, or more serious conditions such as infections, diabetes, high blood pressure and gastrointestinal problems. Stress has also been linked to a higher rate of cancer, heart attack and stroke in some patients. In others, too much stress can lead to depression, which can cause serious mental and behavior problems as well.
What Causes Bad Stress?
Everyone reacts to stress differently; what bothers one person may easily be shrugged off by another. But, some of the most common stress-inducers are:
-Divorce
-Death
-Illness
-Moving
-New job
-Pregnancy
-Legal issues
-Retirement
-Financial problems
-Marriage
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Too Much Bad Stress.
The first step t overcoming bad stress is first, recognizing that you are experiencing it, than finding new ways to cope. Symptoms of a stress overload may include:
-Emotional Changes. Mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, trouble concentrating, anger and even feelings of agitation and tenseness may all be signs that your stress levels are hitting dangerous proportions.
-Feeling Unwell. Physical symptoms of stress can often be very subtle (an upset tummy, or trouble eating), or they can be more severe with extreme fatigue, throbbing headaches, chest pains, recurring diarrhea, or even angina and/or heart palpitations.
-Behavioral Changes are another sign that stress points are rising to an unhealthy state. Overreacting, anger, acting on impulse, withdraws and even a sudden need to quit or change jobs may be the result of stress overload.
Stress can be good or it can be bad. The best way to get control of bad stress is to recognize its symptoms, and learn how it affects your specific body so that you can better monitor and handle it. Learn to recognize how your body reacts to stress, and you'll be better prepared to stop it in its tracks.
Author:Matthew Hick
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Meditation Reduces Stress and Improves Health
A simple technique practiced for as few as 10 minutes per day can help you control stress , decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a greater capacity for relaxation.
The meditative technique called the "relaxation response" was pioneered in the US by Harvard physician Herbert Benson in the 1970s. The technique has gained acceptance by physicians and therapists worldwide as a valuable adjunct to therapy for symptom relief in conditions ranging from cancer to AIDS.
When our bodies are exposed to a sudden stress or threat, we respond with a characteristic “fight or flight” response. This is sometimes called an “adrenaline rush” Because the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine are released from the adrenal glands, resulting in an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate, faster breathing, and increased blood flow to the muscles.
The relaxation response is a technique designed to elicit the opposite bodily reaction from the “fight or flight” response -- a state of deep relaxation in which our breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and metabolism are decreased. Training our bodies on a daily basis to achieve this state of relaxation can lead to enhanced mood, lower blood pressure, and reduction of lifestyle stress.
The relaxation response technique consists of the silent repetition of a word, sound, or phrase while sitting quietly with eyes closed for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be done in a quiet place free of distractions. Sitting is preferred to lying down in order to avoid falling asleep. Relax your muscles starting with the feet and progressing up to your face. Breathe though your nose in a free and natural way.
You can choose any word or phrase you like. You can use a sound such as “om”, a word such as “one” or “peace”, or a word with special meaning to you. Intruding worries or thoughts should be ignored or dismissed to the best of your ability by focusing on the repetition. It’s OK to open your eyes to look at a clock while you are practicing, but do not set an alarm. When you have finished, remain seated, first with your eyes closed and then with your eyes open, and gradually allow your thoughts to return to everyday reality.
The technique requires some practice and may be difficult at first, but over time almost anyone can learn to achieve the desired state of relaxation. In his book The Relaxation Response (Harper Collins 1975, reissued in 2000) Dr. Benson recommends practicing the technique once or twice a day. He recommends not practicing the relaxation response within two hours after eating a meal because the digestive process may interfere with the technique.
The relaxation response can also be elicited through other meditative and relaxation techniques. No matter how the relaxation state is achieved, the physical and emotional consequences of stress can be reduced through regular practice.
WebMD Medical Reference from MedicineNet
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
The meditative technique called the "relaxation response" was pioneered in the US by Harvard physician Herbert Benson in the 1970s. The technique has gained acceptance by physicians and therapists worldwide as a valuable adjunct to therapy for symptom relief in conditions ranging from cancer to AIDS.
When our bodies are exposed to a sudden stress or threat, we respond with a characteristic “fight or flight” response. This is sometimes called an “adrenaline rush” Because the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine are released from the adrenal glands, resulting in an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate, faster breathing, and increased blood flow to the muscles.
The relaxation response is a technique designed to elicit the opposite bodily reaction from the “fight or flight” response -- a state of deep relaxation in which our breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and metabolism are decreased. Training our bodies on a daily basis to achieve this state of relaxation can lead to enhanced mood, lower blood pressure, and reduction of lifestyle stress.
The relaxation response technique consists of the silent repetition of a word, sound, or phrase while sitting quietly with eyes closed for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be done in a quiet place free of distractions. Sitting is preferred to lying down in order to avoid falling asleep. Relax your muscles starting with the feet and progressing up to your face. Breathe though your nose in a free and natural way.
You can choose any word or phrase you like. You can use a sound such as “om”, a word such as “one” or “peace”, or a word with special meaning to you. Intruding worries or thoughts should be ignored or dismissed to the best of your ability by focusing on the repetition. It’s OK to open your eyes to look at a clock while you are practicing, but do not set an alarm. When you have finished, remain seated, first with your eyes closed and then with your eyes open, and gradually allow your thoughts to return to everyday reality.
The technique requires some practice and may be difficult at first, but over time almost anyone can learn to achieve the desired state of relaxation. In his book The Relaxation Response (Harper Collins 1975, reissued in 2000) Dr. Benson recommends practicing the technique once or twice a day. He recommends not practicing the relaxation response within two hours after eating a meal because the digestive process may interfere with the technique.
The relaxation response can also be elicited through other meditative and relaxation techniques. No matter how the relaxation state is achieved, the physical and emotional consequences of stress can be reduced through regular practice.
WebMD Medical Reference from MedicineNet
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tips for Building Love Relationships
Tips for Building Love Relationships
Nearly everyone claims to want a great relationship with their significant other. But what do they do? Same old thing over and over, and then wonder why it all went bad.
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Everything has a cost, whether it's in dollars, time, trouble or work. And relationships are no different. A good, no, a great, relationship doesn't happen by accident.
Too many people get all caught up in the dizzy craziness of early love and start to think it should always be like that - that weird magic and incredible obsession of the beginning of a relationship. Inevitably, people move beyond it and that's when it's critical to pay attention and start building the real thing.
Has the passion started to ooze away? Intimacy and passion in relationships is not only important but also a vital part of keeping a relationship healthy. Couples need to enjoy being together in an intimate way. When there's trouble, maybe the last thing either person wants is to be sexual or passionate with each other, but this is a part of the healing and rebuilding of the relationship. It may be awkward in the beginning, but it is crucial.
Do something to make your intimate time together special. Surprise your mate with a warm bubble bath, lighted candles, soft music, and a bottle of wine, or reserve a nice romantic evening at a local hotel with a wonderful candlelit dinner, fine wine, and a beautiful room.
Since men sometimes have difficulty figuring out how to show their feelings, here's a few items that can make a woman feel good:
* Tell her how beautiful she is
* Compliment her on her many skills (and be specific about this, it's important)
* Try leaving the toilet seat down (sounds silly but it drives some woman nuts)
* Tell her how much she means to you
* Let her know that she is your best friend
* Be affectionate with her in front of family and friends
* Let her know that you think she's sexy
Despite that moronic movie, if you want to have a relationship with any staying power, you have to be able to say you're sorry. People fight, even lovers. But there are no winners. If you make a mistake by doing or saying something that is hurtful or damaging to the relationship, say that you are sorry. Right away.
Many people struggle with these words, even when they know that what they did was wrong. It takes a strong (and smart) person to apologize. No waiting, say it immediately, and with sincerity. When couples argue, that long period of silence actually makes the anger and tension worse. You need to let your mate know immediately that you made a mistake and ask for forgiveness.
You don't need to drive yourself crazy with this, but pay attention to how your relationship is going. Open your eyes and take stock of what is and is not working. Are there definite things missing or definite problem areas that need to be worked on? Think about it. If you invest in the stock market, you pay attention to what is going on so you can make changes if needed. Your relationship is far more than the stock market but requires some of the same strategies.
Being aware can help you stop problems early and find new ways to make your relationship better. We tend to stop seeing things when they become routine. We build habits because they make our life easier and simpler - or so it seems. But when it comes to relationship, intimacy and passion, those routines and habits will kill them dead in time. Surprise, imagination, novelty, doing something unexpected and different will all help keep a relationship fresh.
Written by: Sten Olsin
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Nearly everyone claims to want a great relationship with their significant other. But what do they do? Same old thing over and over, and then wonder why it all went bad.
There's no such thing as a free lunch. Everything has a cost, whether it's in dollars, time, trouble or work. And relationships are no different. A good, no, a great, relationship doesn't happen by accident.
Too many people get all caught up in the dizzy craziness of early love and start to think it should always be like that - that weird magic and incredible obsession of the beginning of a relationship. Inevitably, people move beyond it and that's when it's critical to pay attention and start building the real thing.
Has the passion started to ooze away? Intimacy and passion in relationships is not only important but also a vital part of keeping a relationship healthy. Couples need to enjoy being together in an intimate way. When there's trouble, maybe the last thing either person wants is to be sexual or passionate with each other, but this is a part of the healing and rebuilding of the relationship. It may be awkward in the beginning, but it is crucial.
Do something to make your intimate time together special. Surprise your mate with a warm bubble bath, lighted candles, soft music, and a bottle of wine, or reserve a nice romantic evening at a local hotel with a wonderful candlelit dinner, fine wine, and a beautiful room.
Since men sometimes have difficulty figuring out how to show their feelings, here's a few items that can make a woman feel good:
* Tell her how beautiful she is
* Compliment her on her many skills (and be specific about this, it's important)
* Try leaving the toilet seat down (sounds silly but it drives some woman nuts)
* Tell her how much she means to you
* Let her know that she is your best friend
* Be affectionate with her in front of family and friends
* Let her know that you think she's sexy
Despite that moronic movie, if you want to have a relationship with any staying power, you have to be able to say you're sorry. People fight, even lovers. But there are no winners. If you make a mistake by doing or saying something that is hurtful or damaging to the relationship, say that you are sorry. Right away.
Many people struggle with these words, even when they know that what they did was wrong. It takes a strong (and smart) person to apologize. No waiting, say it immediately, and with sincerity. When couples argue, that long period of silence actually makes the anger and tension worse. You need to let your mate know immediately that you made a mistake and ask for forgiveness.
You don't need to drive yourself crazy with this, but pay attention to how your relationship is going. Open your eyes and take stock of what is and is not working. Are there definite things missing or definite problem areas that need to be worked on? Think about it. If you invest in the stock market, you pay attention to what is going on so you can make changes if needed. Your relationship is far more than the stock market but requires some of the same strategies.
Being aware can help you stop problems early and find new ways to make your relationship better. We tend to stop seeing things when they become routine. We build habits because they make our life easier and simpler - or so it seems. But when it comes to relationship, intimacy and passion, those routines and habits will kill them dead in time. Surprise, imagination, novelty, doing something unexpected and different will all help keep a relationship fresh.
Written by: Sten Olsin
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
How To Break The Addiction To Anger
Addiction to anger is one of the most common and lethal addictions, and one most seldom recognized. The anger addict becomes hooked by the false sense of power anger brings. As the addiction grows, it consumes more and more of their lives, producing painful consequences.
It is easy to become addicted. We are all creatures of habit. Habits provide a sense of certainty, security and stability in our lives. When they are disrupted our sense of well being becomes easily threatened. However, when we depend upon a habit for our sense of well being, it is easy for it to develop into an addiction.
The best way to undo an addiction is to look it squarely in the face, see what triggers it, how it functions become aware of the false promises it offers and the huge costs we pay. Then we replace old behaviors with new ones that are easy and enjoyable. As we dissolve an addiction we regain power back over our lives.
To begin to dissolve the addiction to anger, we will start by becoming aware. What is the source of this addiction? What function does it serve?
Functions of Addictions
When we are addicted to anything (anger, substances, relationships), many troubling aspects of life are blocked out. Our focus narrows. The addiction numbs us to painful feelings we may not wish to deal with. The addiction is serving as a defense against anxiety. It prevents us from seeing and dealing with issues, which need to be attended to.
In particular, an addiction to anger provides a sense of power. This is often a defense against feeling helpless or inadequate. Individuals become blind to the fact that as the addiction develops, they will need more and more of it to feel okay. Not only does the dosage increase, but so does the negative impact upon their lives.
Addiction provides a false sense of security. At first it makes the individual feel safe and secure. The reality, however, is that an addiction blinds an individual from doing what needs to be done to build a life of true value and stability.
Effects Of Addiction To Anger
When we are angry we often have a temporary feeling of strength, energy, power, authority or control. Much like alcohol, the surge of anger, which takes over, block out fears, inhibitions and doubts. There is a temporary sense of freedom and empowerment that we normally lack.
Anger also blocks out logical thought processes, producing a sense that we are absolutely right. Some individuals who have trouble making decisions can make them easily then. Decisions made while angry often focus only upon a limited aspect of the situation. These kinds of decisions rarely provide positive outcomes.
Anger provides a sense of justification. Many actions that might seem unacceptable when calm seem perfectly fine when we are angry. Anger also encourages us to blurt out negative thoughts and feelings we may have been holding in that might have better gone left unsaid. Of course, after the surge of anger passes, it is difficult to take these words back. Even if we apologize the after effects remain.
Dissolving The Addiction To Anger:
1) List the times in which you feel angry or upset automatically. What person, thoughts, memory or situation brings this up? For now, just notice this and write it down. As you go through the day, if another situation strikes you, step back, notice it, and write it down as well. Rather than reacting blindly, you are now taking time to become aware. Once you become fully aware of the way anger operates in your life it will not be able to sneak up from behind.
2) Find a substitute for the automatic angry reaction. Instead of reacting the same old way the next time the situation arises, stop, breathe and tell yourself, I will not be a slave to anger anymore. Stop and listen to the person and say to yourself, "This time I will let them be right. There's plenty of time to be right later." See how much better you feel now getting pulled down into anger.
3) Find a new way of viewing the situation. Instead of seeing them as an enemy, tell yourself that their anger is a cry for help. It comes from pain and conflict within. Instead of going on the attack, say to the person (either in your mind or out loud), "What can I do to serve you?" Not only will this diffuse the anger, but will open new doors for both of you to walk through.
By: Brenda Shoshanna Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
It is easy to become addicted. We are all creatures of habit. Habits provide a sense of certainty, security and stability in our lives. When they are disrupted our sense of well being becomes easily threatened. However, when we depend upon a habit for our sense of well being, it is easy for it to develop into an addiction.
The best way to undo an addiction is to look it squarely in the face, see what triggers it, how it functions become aware of the false promises it offers and the huge costs we pay. Then we replace old behaviors with new ones that are easy and enjoyable. As we dissolve an addiction we regain power back over our lives.
To begin to dissolve the addiction to anger, we will start by becoming aware. What is the source of this addiction? What function does it serve?
Functions of Addictions
When we are addicted to anything (anger, substances, relationships), many troubling aspects of life are blocked out. Our focus narrows. The addiction numbs us to painful feelings we may not wish to deal with. The addiction is serving as a defense against anxiety. It prevents us from seeing and dealing with issues, which need to be attended to.
In particular, an addiction to anger provides a sense of power. This is often a defense against feeling helpless or inadequate. Individuals become blind to the fact that as the addiction develops, they will need more and more of it to feel okay. Not only does the dosage increase, but so does the negative impact upon their lives.
Addiction provides a false sense of security. At first it makes the individual feel safe and secure. The reality, however, is that an addiction blinds an individual from doing what needs to be done to build a life of true value and stability.
Effects Of Addiction To Anger
When we are angry we often have a temporary feeling of strength, energy, power, authority or control. Much like alcohol, the surge of anger, which takes over, block out fears, inhibitions and doubts. There is a temporary sense of freedom and empowerment that we normally lack.
Anger also blocks out logical thought processes, producing a sense that we are absolutely right. Some individuals who have trouble making decisions can make them easily then. Decisions made while angry often focus only upon a limited aspect of the situation. These kinds of decisions rarely provide positive outcomes.
Anger provides a sense of justification. Many actions that might seem unacceptable when calm seem perfectly fine when we are angry. Anger also encourages us to blurt out negative thoughts and feelings we may have been holding in that might have better gone left unsaid. Of course, after the surge of anger passes, it is difficult to take these words back. Even if we apologize the after effects remain.
Dissolving The Addiction To Anger:
1) List the times in which you feel angry or upset automatically. What person, thoughts, memory or situation brings this up? For now, just notice this and write it down. As you go through the day, if another situation strikes you, step back, notice it, and write it down as well. Rather than reacting blindly, you are now taking time to become aware. Once you become fully aware of the way anger operates in your life it will not be able to sneak up from behind.
2) Find a substitute for the automatic angry reaction. Instead of reacting the same old way the next time the situation arises, stop, breathe and tell yourself, I will not be a slave to anger anymore. Stop and listen to the person and say to yourself, "This time I will let them be right. There's plenty of time to be right later." See how much better you feel now getting pulled down into anger.
3) Find a new way of viewing the situation. Instead of seeing them as an enemy, tell yourself that their anger is a cry for help. It comes from pain and conflict within. Instead of going on the attack, say to the person (either in your mind or out loud), "What can I do to serve you?" Not only will this diffuse the anger, but will open new doors for both of you to walk through.
By: Brenda Shoshanna Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Laughter Is Good For Your Heart, According To A New University Of Maryland Medical Center Study
Science Daily — Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack, according to a new study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, was presented at the American Heart Association's 73rd Scientific Sessions on November 15 in New Orleans. The researchers found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.
"The old saying that 'laughter is the best medicine,' definitely appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart," says Michael Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. "We don't know yet why laughing protects the heart, but we know that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries and ultimately to a heart attack," says Dr. Miller who is also an associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
In the study, researchers compared the humor responses of 300 people. Half of the participants had either suffered a heart attack or had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. The other 150 were healthy, age-matched participants who did not have heart disease.
Participants in the study were asked to complete two questionnaires. One questionnaire had a series of multiple-choice answers to find out how much or how little the participant laughs in certain situations. The second questionnaire used 50 true or false answers to measure anger and hostility. For example, the questions included the following:
From the multiple-choice section:
* If you arrived at a party and found that someone else was wearing a piece of clothing identical to yours, would you (a) not find it particularly amusing (b) be amused but not show it outwardly (c) smile (d) laugh or (e) laugh heartily.
* If you were eating in a restaurant with some friends and the waiter accidentally spilled a drink on you, would you (a) not find it particularly amusing (b) be amused but not show it outwardly (c) smile (d) laugh or (e) laugh heartily.
From the true or false section:
* I often wonder what hidden reasons another person may have for doing something nice for me. True or False.
* I am likely not to talk to people until they speak to me. True or False.
People with heart disease were less likely to recognize humor or use it to get out of uncomfortable situations. They generally laughed less, even in positive situations and they displayed more anger and hostility.
"The ability to laugh - either naturally or as learned behavior may have important implications in societies such as the U.S. where heart disease remains the number one killer," says Dr. Miller. "We know that exercising, not smoking and eating foods low in saturated fat will reduce the risk of heart disease. Perhaps regular, hearty laughter should be added to the list."
Dr. Miller says it may be possible to incorporate laugher into our daily activities, just as we do with other heart-healthy activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
"We could perhaps read something humorous or watch a funny video and try to find ways to take ourselves less seriously," Dr. Miller says. "The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be -- exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day."
Other researchers on this study included Adam Clark, M.D. and Alexander Seidler, Ph.D.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University Of Maryland Medical Center.
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
"The old saying that 'laughter is the best medicine,' definitely appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart," says Michael Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. "We don't know yet why laughing protects the heart, but we know that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries and ultimately to a heart attack," says Dr. Miller who is also an associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
In the study, researchers compared the humor responses of 300 people. Half of the participants had either suffered a heart attack or had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. The other 150 were healthy, age-matched participants who did not have heart disease.
Participants in the study were asked to complete two questionnaires. One questionnaire had a series of multiple-choice answers to find out how much or how little the participant laughs in certain situations. The second questionnaire used 50 true or false answers to measure anger and hostility. For example, the questions included the following:
From the multiple-choice section:
* If you arrived at a party and found that someone else was wearing a piece of clothing identical to yours, would you (a) not find it particularly amusing (b) be amused but not show it outwardly (c) smile (d) laugh or (e) laugh heartily.
* If you were eating in a restaurant with some friends and the waiter accidentally spilled a drink on you, would you (a) not find it particularly amusing (b) be amused but not show it outwardly (c) smile (d) laugh or (e) laugh heartily.
From the true or false section:
* I often wonder what hidden reasons another person may have for doing something nice for me. True or False.
* I am likely not to talk to people until they speak to me. True or False.
People with heart disease were less likely to recognize humor or use it to get out of uncomfortable situations. They generally laughed less, even in positive situations and they displayed more anger and hostility.
"The ability to laugh - either naturally or as learned behavior may have important implications in societies such as the U.S. where heart disease remains the number one killer," says Dr. Miller. "We know that exercising, not smoking and eating foods low in saturated fat will reduce the risk of heart disease. Perhaps regular, hearty laughter should be added to the list."
Dr. Miller says it may be possible to incorporate laugher into our daily activities, just as we do with other heart-healthy activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
"We could perhaps read something humorous or watch a funny video and try to find ways to take ourselves less seriously," Dr. Miller says. "The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be -- exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day."
Other researchers on this study included Adam Clark, M.D. and Alexander Seidler, Ph.D.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University Of Maryland Medical Center.
Sourced By: TheSAMIGroup.com
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Effects of Stress
Stress can affect you both immediately (acute stress) and over time (chronic stress).
Tension is often the first signal of acute stress. Tense muscles are tight and feel "hard" to the touch. A tense mind makes you feel jumpy, irritable, and unable to concentrate. This could be your signal to do something about stress, both for your immediate comfort and to prevent the long-term effects of stress.
Symptoms of stress
Common symptoms of stress include:
Rapid heartbeat.
Headache.
Stiff neck and/or tight shoulders.
Backache.
Rapid breathing.
Sweating and sweaty palms.
Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
You also may notice signs of stress in your thinking, behavior, or mood. You may:
Become irritable and intolerant of even minor disturbances.
Feel irritated or frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason.
Feel jumpy or exhausted all the time.
Find it hard to concentrate or focus on tasks.
Worry too much about insignificant things.
Doubt your ability to do things.
Imagine negative, worrisome, or terrifying scenes.
Feel you are missing opportunities because you cannot act quickly.
Use this form to assess your stress style and examine how you physically and emotionally cope with stress. (What is a PDF document?)
Acute stress problems
Acute (short-term) stress is the body's immediate reaction to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous. Your stress level depends on how intense the stress is, how long it lasts, and how you cope with the situation. The body usually recovers quickly from acute stress, but it can cause problems if it happens too often or your body doesn't have a chance to return to normal. In people who have heart problems, acute stress can trigger an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) and even a heart attack.
Life-threatening or traumatic events, such as sexual abuse or war experiences, can cause acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, see the topic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Chronic stress problems
Chronic stress can be the result of a host of irritating hassles or a long-term life condition, such as a difficult job situation or living with a chronic disease. In people who have higher levels of chronic stress, the stress response lasts longer. Over time, chronic stress can have an effect on:1, 3
Cardiovascular disease. Stress can lead to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), problems with blood clotting, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It is also linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
Muscle pain. People who are stressed often have neck, shoulder, and low back pain. This may be caused by constant tension in the muscle because of stress. Stress also affects rheumatoid arthritis.
Stomach and intestinal problems. Stress may be a factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Reproductive organs. Stress can result in painful menstrual periods, decreased fertility, and erection problems.
The lungs. Stress can make symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
Skin problems. Stress can make disorders such as acne or psoriasis worse.
The immune system. Under stress, the body becomes more vulnerable to illnesses, from colds and minor infections to major diseases. If you have a chronic illness such as AIDS, stress can make the symptoms worse.
Individual differences
How stress affects you depends on several things including:
Inherited traits.
Your experience with stress.
How you perceive stress.
Your coping strategies.
Your social support.
Some people seem to stand up to or bounce back from stress better than others, and some even seem to thrive on stress; this is known as being stress-hardy or resilient.
To find out how well you cope with and recover from stress, use this Interactive Tool: How Well Do You Bounce Back?
Use this coping strategies evaluation form(What is a PDF document?) to see how you respond to stress.
When you understand how you deal with stress, you can make lifestyle changes to lower your stress level, help you cope with stress better, and help you recover from stress more quickly.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Sourced By:TheSAMIGroup.com
Tension is often the first signal of acute stress. Tense muscles are tight and feel "hard" to the touch. A tense mind makes you feel jumpy, irritable, and unable to concentrate. This could be your signal to do something about stress, both for your immediate comfort and to prevent the long-term effects of stress.
Symptoms of stress
Common symptoms of stress include:
Rapid heartbeat.
Headache.
Stiff neck and/or tight shoulders.
Backache.
Rapid breathing.
Sweating and sweaty palms.
Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.
You also may notice signs of stress in your thinking, behavior, or mood. You may:
Become irritable and intolerant of even minor disturbances.
Feel irritated or frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason.
Feel jumpy or exhausted all the time.
Find it hard to concentrate or focus on tasks.
Worry too much about insignificant things.
Doubt your ability to do things.
Imagine negative, worrisome, or terrifying scenes.
Feel you are missing opportunities because you cannot act quickly.
Use this form to assess your stress style and examine how you physically and emotionally cope with stress. (What is a PDF document?)
Acute stress problems
Acute (short-term) stress is the body's immediate reaction to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous. Your stress level depends on how intense the stress is, how long it lasts, and how you cope with the situation. The body usually recovers quickly from acute stress, but it can cause problems if it happens too often or your body doesn't have a chance to return to normal. In people who have heart problems, acute stress can trigger an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) and even a heart attack.
Life-threatening or traumatic events, such as sexual abuse or war experiences, can cause acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, see the topic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Chronic stress problems
Chronic stress can be the result of a host of irritating hassles or a long-term life condition, such as a difficult job situation or living with a chronic disease. In people who have higher levels of chronic stress, the stress response lasts longer. Over time, chronic stress can have an effect on:1, 3
Cardiovascular disease. Stress can lead to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), problems with blood clotting, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It is also linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
Muscle pain. People who are stressed often have neck, shoulder, and low back pain. This may be caused by constant tension in the muscle because of stress. Stress also affects rheumatoid arthritis.
Stomach and intestinal problems. Stress may be a factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Reproductive organs. Stress can result in painful menstrual periods, decreased fertility, and erection problems.
The lungs. Stress can make symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
Skin problems. Stress can make disorders such as acne or psoriasis worse.
The immune system. Under stress, the body becomes more vulnerable to illnesses, from colds and minor infections to major diseases. If you have a chronic illness such as AIDS, stress can make the symptoms worse.
Individual differences
How stress affects you depends on several things including:
Inherited traits.
Your experience with stress.
How you perceive stress.
Your coping strategies.
Your social support.
Some people seem to stand up to or bounce back from stress better than others, and some even seem to thrive on stress; this is known as being stress-hardy or resilient.
To find out how well you cope with and recover from stress, use this Interactive Tool: How Well Do You Bounce Back?
Use this coping strategies evaluation form(What is a PDF document?) to see how you respond to stress.
When you understand how you deal with stress, you can make lifestyle changes to lower your stress level, help you cope with stress better, and help you recover from stress more quickly.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Sourced By:TheSAMIGroup.com
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