Life is a Journal - Self Help For Lazy People!

Cool Hypnotic Experiment that Works - Hypnotism

2009-09-22T21:28:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone,

Those of you who are perceptive will know I have been quiet lately. Well there is good reason for this.

I can now reveal that I have been studying hypnosis for the past two years (in my spare time). I have been incredibly lucky to have been studying with a very well known hypnotist (well known in Northern Ireland) and he feels I am ready to share an experiment with you now.

I would ask if you are particularly sensitive or easily disturbed please do not carry out this experiment... Just simply close the web browser and forget about it.

For those of you who are still here let us start......

Follow my instructions with an open mind. If you are open to the experiment it will work as it has worked for many people in the past. (It seems to work with people who are of a creative and caring mindset. The experts are not sure why.) So if you are ready ... sit in your chair, relax and follow my instructions....SLOWLY

You should follow my instructions exactly as I tell you. Otherwise you may not be successful .. so let us begin...

First ... let your gaze rest on the picture below. Dont worry .. it is not dangerous. It is a specially designed picture to help induce a hypnotic trance. You can still back out at this stage. If you want to continue .. Just let your gaze rest on the picture below... Count backwards slowly from 10 as you look at the picture and then continue reading the instructions...

As you sit in your chair breath slowly... breath deeply...breath from your lower stomach... Not your chest.. let your stomach rise slowly with an intake of breath...and breath out.

Repeat this ..

Each time you breath in and breath out you feel your weight increase in the chair. As you breath slowly in and slowly out rest your hand on the computer mouse beside your keyboard. Feel the pressure of the mouse under you hand. You are still breathing in and breathing out slowly.

With every breath in and breath out you notice yourself feeling heavier in the chair, more relaxed, this is normal.

This is the trance starting to work ... but don't panic.

As you read this text you may also feel your eyes strain a little more than usual. Perhaps they feel a little more tired than they would normally feel.

This is normal.

This is good.

This means the hypnotic trance is beginning to work.

So don't panic.

Just go with it.

Continue to breath slowly and deeply - allowing your body to relax and as you do this you notice that the hand that is resting on the mouse is feeling heavy.

With every breath in and breath out your mouse hand is getting heavier and heavier.

You might even yawn at this stage.... Let yourself yawn and relax. Let yourself sink deeper and deeper into your chair.

As you read these words you begin to notice that your mouse hand is so heavy now. You smile a little as you realise this. You might even note that it feels a little strange.

You smile again as you notice that you may want to close your eyes as they feel heavy. But thats ok.

Thats normal.

As you notice your breath you try and lift your heavy mouse hand but you should find that you are not able.

Your hand is stuck to the mouse.. to the table..

Again if this happens to you don't panic.. It may feel strange but it is normal.

You may even find that the more you try and lift your hand the more stuck it becomes.

Go with it .. let it happen... if this does happen to you its all good. It will wear off in about 5 minutes so enjoy it while it lasts.....

So dont panic. Your hand will become normal again after a few minutes.

This is the end of the experiment.

I would hope that you enjoyed this little diversion. If this worked for you let me know by posting a comment here. It wont work for everyone.

5 Ways To Survive The Recession

2009-08-02T19:19:00.006+01:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm back. My shoulder is recovering well and I can type again without being in pain! Thank heaven for small mercies!

I will cut straight to the chase. We are all suffering from credit crunch blues but how do you survive this global recession? Well here are 5 tips to keep those recession worries at bay!

1) Stay Positive

The economy is affected by how we all think. This is true. The economy is like an emotion - the way we think directly affects it. We do refer to the economy as being depressed or we hear the "experts" talk about lack of consumer confidence. Well consumer confidence is just another way of saying we are all being negative in our attitudes. Now - I realise that a lot of people have lost their jobs and I am not asking people who have lost there jobs to keep going out spending. What I am saying is this. There are sectors out there that haven't been hit as hard. There are people still working away as "normal". I am asking that those people remain positive or at least do not let the media scare you out of buying something that you would normally buy. Live a little but live sensibly. I'm not saying to go crazy with the credit cards but just have a more optimistic attitude. If you NEED a pair of shoes buy the shoes. The important word here is NEED.

For people who find themselves out of work. Being positive can be a survival technique. Which brings us to the next point.

2) Keep those tools sharpened!

If you find yourself out of work its easy to go into a downer. Especially in this financial climate. Again staying positive helps. Use this time for some self study or use it as an opportunity to re-evaluate where your life is going. Keep your "tools" sharpened. Your skills and your talents need to stay sharp for you to get back into work. You need to plan your down time and have goals.

3) Have Goals!

If you are in a job you feel you have to stay in - as you have no choice in this climate - or you have lost your job. Try and construct goals that keeps your mind on a rosier future. I am currently involved in a project - although not ideal - will help me step stone to another job in the future.

If you are out of work make sure you have short term goals as well as long term goals and make sure you reward yourself for reaching them! Goals are so important and the tasks you do to reach your goals gives you structure where your life might not have any.

4) Keep that Routine Going!

Keep yourself in a routine. Don't lie in bed until all hours if you are out of work. Get up and go to sleep at the same time every night. It is important to maintain a routine. When you get up, start the day with a lovely breakfast and go for a walk before addressing the tasks for the day. This goes for people who are in work too! You may feel trapped in your current job but if you start your day in the right way it can keep spirits lifted.

5)Remember - This too shall pass.

Everything in life is temporary. The good things and the bad! Remember that even though things feel bad now. This will pass. The economy will recover. Take each day - one at a time. Count your blessings EVERYDAY. Make it an obsessive habit! It is like going into a dark tunnel. You may not see the end but it will come and then you will pass out into the light.

I hope these thoughts help you. I hope I still have readers who appreciate those thoughts and I would be VERY interested in YOUR thoughts on how to survive this down turn in the economy.

Remember - what you look for, you will find. So lets look for the positive things in life!

Take Care,
Allen

An update

2009-03-12T11:40:00.002Z

Very quick update - I have been out of action for a long time due to a shoulder injury.. They found tears in the tendons in my shoulder. I haven't been to my day job for 8 weeks.

Hopefully the treatment will work and I will start updating here soon.

Thanks and stay tuned.

Allen

What does it look like for us to shine like the stars

2008-10-04T00:02:00.005+01:00

These words were not originally written by me but by a church in Grand Rapids, USA.

I have adapted them a little for this blog and you don't need to be religious to hear what they say.

Allen

We forget that there’s a bigger story going on.

Will we remember?

Will we see?

Despite the overwhelming evidence that the world is a dark, dark place, will we shine like the stars in the heavens?

We’ve got to ask ourselves some questions.

Where do we find ourselves grumbling and complaining?

What does it look like for us to remember that life is a gift and that we’ve got everything we need?

What does it look like for us to shine like the stars in the common, everyday,
hum-drum of life?

when we forget to remember...
when we think we need more...
when we believe God or life has shorted us...
when we judge the future by the present...

when we forget that it's a marathon

not a sprint...

click here and contemplate what can be

do everything without grumbling or arguing

so that you may become blameless and pure

in a warped and crooked generation

then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

The Philosophy of Charles Schultz.

2008-08-29T23:14:00.010+01:00

The following is the philosophy of
Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to
actually answer the questions. Just read the article straight through, and
you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people
in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman
trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of
the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the
Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy
Award winner for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of
World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is,
none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate
achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards
tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried
with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do
on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided
your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have
helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught
you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have
made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy
spending time with .

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a
difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most
money, or the most awards. They are the ones that
care.

'Don't worry about the world coming
to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia ' (Charles Schultz)

Man Sings Puppies to Sleep - This will lift your mood!

2008-08-06T22:40:00.002+01:00

Click Here if you don't see the movie

Batman - The Dark Knight - An alternative movie download

2008-07-28T09:59:00.006+01:00

I saw the new Batman movie at the weekend The Dark Knight. It was, indeed, very dark but one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. For once the hype was right and Heath Ledger's perfomance as the Joker was amazing.

I stumbled across this spoof made by someone out there in internet-land. Perhaps it is only funny if you have seen the movie but I thought it was hilarious...

Click here if you dont see the embedded movie.

Energize! Calming! Comforting! Have a playlist for your life!

2008-07-25T16:13:00.004+01:00

Do you want to feel more compassion for others? Do you want to exercise with more enthusiasm or achieve serene relaxation no matter where you find yourself? Well, what about having a soundtrack to your life?

With modern mp3 players you can put anything on them, and then organize your music into play lists. You can then have a different playlist to help motivate you in different areas of your life.

Let us look at an example.

John Smith creates a workout play list; high tempo dance music, Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica and Pixies. The first time he works out with his new playlist, he lifts heavier weights and feels full of energy. The difference is amazing. He calls this play list “Energize”

Then he creates a relaxing play list. It has Brian Eno, ambient music, sea shore and various other sounds on it. He revels in his down time, enjoying a deeper sense of calm and relaxation. He calls this play list “Calming.”

He finally creates a compassion play list. It has contemplative music on it such as Leonard Cohen or The Smiths. He listens to it when he feels world weary. He calls this play list “Comforting.”

So no matter where John is, he has a sound track that he can call on that acts as a balm for his mood. It can comfort him, energize him and calm him - all at a touch of a button!

So look at your mp3 player in a new light. Not only as an entertainment center but as a wonderful device that can help transform how you feel or act.

Just be careful if you have your mp3 player on shuffle or you may find your mood swinging all over the place!

Let me know what mood play lists you have!

Allen

4 Ways to Maintain your Posture at the Office.

2008-07-22T17:51:00.006+01:00

My blog has been quiet - too quiet. There is a reason for this. I have been suffering from tendinitis in my shoulder. This has put pay to my typing and in turn has put a stop to my blog and my book.

A lot of my problems with tendinitis are apparently caused by years of bad posture. I have written about posture before but I feel it is important to re-visit. After all the pain I have been in, I am becoming a bit of a good posture evangelist. This all stems from my thoughts that we can become so blasé about our health. We can only appreciate our health when something goes wrong.

If you work in a manual laboring job, chances are you are much more in tune with your physical health. What I mean by that is if you get a sore back chances are you will be forced to rest it. Or if you injure your arm, again you will be forced to take time to rest it.

More and more people are working in offices and spend most of their days sitting rather than moving. This is a very different world to physical labor but it still puts strain on the body. Backs become sore, tendons in arms and necks become inflamed but people seem to work on despite this. They don’t take the time needed to recover. The problem becomes worse and the worker then suffers from frozen shoulder or other extreme pain.
I am guilty of this too. My inflammation got so bad I couldn't move my fingers!

With all of above in mind, I believe some strategies are needed to maintain your posture at the office. Here are my suggestions:

1. Sit well! See diagram below ... (You can click on it for a larger version)

2. Strengthen your core muscles in your pelvic region –. Try and develop your core muscles – these so called core muscles that help you sit and are found around the pelvic region. You can do this by practicing Pilates, or by sitting on an exercise ball for short periods of time and finally by doing back curls. These will all contribute to increasing your sitting power!

3. Chin retractions - I call these my ugly exercises but if you want to maintain a good postural sense these are essential, so you have to get over worrying what other people think, Sitting up straight, keeping the chin LEVEL, gently pull the chin straight in as if you are hiding against a wall or sideways behind a tree. Your head should not bob up or down. The back of your neck should feel long. The highest point of your body should be the top back or your head. This is a good postural correcting exercise to perform during the day, for example while doing computer work. It counters the tendency most people have in sitting to slip into a forward head posture. See the picture below for an idea of what it should look like.

4. Walking – Simple isn’t it. Walk, walk, walk! It is the exact opposite to the static sitting position you are forced into during the day in the office. Walk at lunch time. Walk during coffee breaks (why sit in the cafeteria when you have already been sitting at your desk. Its all about balancing motion with the sedentary position of working. Walk to health!

I am not a medical professional so before trying any of the above suggestions please consult one!

Good Luck,
Allen

12 Steps to Personal Growth

2008-06-22T13:03:00.003+01:00

The original 12 steps were formulated for the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Arising from the widespread use of the program for dealing with alcoholism, the steps have been adapted for numerous other addictions and dysfunctional behavior.

The Twelve Steps were first published in the book, Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939. The method was then adapted, and became the foundation of other twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous.

Many self help organizations have adopted the 12 steps program and they have adapted it to suit their needs.

I have heard it many times in many places that the 12 steps program can be great for personal development and change. We all have aspects of ourselves we would like to change so with this in mind I have taken the liberty to adapt the steps to suit the goal of personal growth.

There is usually a strong spiritual side to these steps. If you feel uncomfortable with this you could view your Higher Power as your intuition or subconscious and natural ability to take care of yourself.

This is a long term project and I am going to embark on this journey too. Let me know what you think of my adapted version of the twelve steps and let me know how you get on with them! I have been assured that once you start these steps your life will change for the better forever!

12 Steps to Personal Growth

1. Admit that there are things we are powerless over and be honest and confess that sometimes our lives are unmanageable.

2. Come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of our Higher power as we understood that power to be.

4. Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admit to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. When we are entirely ready, to have our Higher Power remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly ask our Higher Power to remove our shortcomings.

8. Make a list of all persons we have harmed or seriously wronged, and become willing to make amends to them all.

9. Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong promptly admit it.

11. Seek through prayer, meditation or using deep relaxation technique to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power as we understood that power to be. We ask only for knowledge of that Higher Power's will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual and personal awakening as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to other people in need, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Good Luck!

Allen

Know Which Side of Your Brain You Use The Most

2008-05-15T22:03:00.007+01:00

It is commonly thought that one side of our brain is more dominant than the other. Some people are left brain dominant and others are right brain dominant. Some rare people, such as Leonardo Da Vinci, can you use both equally.

It can be very useful to work out which side of your brain you use the most. It can help you understand yourself better and it can help you develop the side of your brain that is not dominant. Then you too could become like Da Vinci!

Have a look at the image above. If the girl above appears to be rotating clockwise then you are right brain dominant. If the girl appears to be rotating counter-clockwise then you are left brain dominant. If the girl seems to change the direction of her rotation from clockwise to counter clockwise then you are one of those rare individuals who use both side of their brain equally.

Left Brain:
Logical
Sequential
Rational
Analytical
Objective
Looks at parts

Right Brain:
Random
Intuitive
Holistic
Synthesizing
Subjective
Looks at wholes

Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes.

Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Left brains tend to choose careers in law, accounting or science.

Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics,feeling, and creativity.
Rights select careers as entrepreneurs, athletes, sales, artists, musicians, craftsmen or dancers.

Post a comment here and let me know how the test worked for you!

Good Luck,
Allen

Let People Have a Bad Day.

2008-04-25T20:14:00.001+01:00

So much for all my time management. I was running late, I had a bus to catch at 12.30 and the only way I was going to make it was to put my head down and run like the blazes. So there I was, my long lanky legs trying to move faster than they had moved in a long time. As I approached the bus stop, my chest felt like it was being soundly beaten with a rather large mallet.

The bus pulled up, the doors opened and I hopped onto the bus to be met by a very sullen bus driver.
"Phew",I sighed, "I just made it and no more!"
Silence.
"That was a tough run.", I continued.
More silence.
"How much is a single journey to the village of Killyleagh?"
A rather annoyed glare from the bus driver as he reached down for his list of fares.
"Three pounds fifty." he grumbled back at me.

I handed him the money and headed into the bus to find a seat. Who did he think he was? I should have said something to him! I should have complained about his attitude. How dare he treat me like that! These were all the thoughts that were running, hot tempered through my head.

I eventually found a free seat beside a smiling elderly woman. She greeted me with a warm "Hello sonny". I calmed down a little. I then told her about the attitude of the bus driver. I told her about how it had gotten my blood boiling. She looked at me calmly, rested her hand on my arm and with a warm compassionate smile said

"We all have bad days. Let him have his."

This one sentence totally changed the way I was feeling. We are all only human. We all indeed have our bad days. If someone is rude to you, or has a bad attitude towards you, remember it most likely has nothing to do with you. Do not take it personally. They might be having their bad day. Do not let it get to you. Learn to shrug your shoulders and let them have their bad day. You will be a much happier and calmer person.

Good Luck,
Allen

Stress is Relative - Be careful how you THINK!

2008-04-16T12:36:00.004+01:00

We all think our problems are the most important problems in the world. It amazes me how a lot of people seem to get caught up in their everyday activities, so much so that small issues can be blown out of all proportion. Let me give you an example.

I work in a city center office, parking spaces are a premium commodity and they cost a small fortune. My place of work uses a "discount" parking area about a fifteen minute walk from the office. When I say it is a parking area, it is - in fact - an area of waste ground that used to be a gas works. Said waste ground has had loose stone chippings strewn over the area as a temporary service and it is run by a small community operation. The guys who look after the car park on a daily basis are down to earth and they would otherwise be unemployed if it were not for this "project".

It is a fairly simple operation and they just guide the cars into unmarked parking places. Most people's car parking is pre-paid and there is plenty of room for everyone to park. The place virtually runs itself.

You would think it wouldn't be a stressful job! Well the other day I was parking the car, when one of the guys at the car park was freaking out!

"Look where that person is going! I didn't tell them to go there.. and I have a person here who needs to pay... UGGGG I'm so stressed... I feel like I need to be cut in two so I can be in two places at once!!!", he cried.

It really made me think. We all think OUR jobs are the most important. OUR tasks are almost life and death activities. OUR stress is the worst. Oh I wish I was cut in two so I could be in two places at once!!

Well it usually isn't life or death (unless you are a medic of course). Our day is usually filled with small events that WE blow out of proportion. That WE think is so important at the time. Take a few minutes to look around you and you will realize no matter how menial the job or position people have - they can get stressed.

You can find stressed out garbage men, stressed out janitors, stressed out office cleaners! It does not matter what we actually DO. It is how WE THINK about a situation that causes us stress.

So ask yourself today. What do I blow out of proportion? Is the thing I am currently stressed about REALLY that important or am I giving it far too much importance. Let me know how you get on and remember. It is how we think, not what we do that makes us stressed.

Thanks,
Allen

Writers Block ...

2008-03-14T11:50:00.002Z

I've had a bad case of writers block this past while but I have been doing lots of research for my book..

Its all hard work let me tell you. Writing a book is no joke! Thankfully I have an understanding publisher.

Hope you are all well....

Allen

Killyleagh on TV Tonight

2008-01-17T13:49:00.000Z

My home town of Killyleagh is on BBC One UK tonight.. They used the location for shooting scenes of a castle!

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcone/ for more detail...

Happy New Year - Random acts of Kindness

2008-01-05T13:45:00.000Z

Hello Readers,

As you may have noticed, I have been very quiet of late. A lot has been going on in the background and I am confident 2008 will be an exciting year for Self Help For Lazy People.

I was driving home yesterday amidst a flood caused by a thaw of snow. We came to a big enough pool of water that stretch the entire width of the road. We watched as the car ahead of us passed safely through the water and then to my surprise the car stopped and waited. The driver waited to make sure we passed through the water safely.

It made me think. Would I have stopped for the driver behind me (there were no drivers behind me in this case). I thought to myself probably not!

I thanked the driver by flashing my headlights as we completed are traverse of the water. It was an act of kindness that also reminded me to be kind to others.

So don't forget dear readers! Your actions affect others! If you can be kind to others your actions can have a domino effect as the person who received the kindness then, in turn, is inspired to help others.

What acts of kindness have inspired you this holidays season?

Allen

Alternate Nostral Breathing - A Relaxation Technique Revisted..

2007-10-28T14:11:00.000Z

Since I am out injured - here is an article from the archives that you might find useful.

be well...

Allen

About ten years ago I went on a Yoga course at the Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School and was taught this relaxation technique.

I was a little skeptical at first but its a really effective way to calm frazzled nerves! I find it effective in that you are actually DOING something PHYSICAL rather than just some form of MENTAL relaxation. Meditation etc. can be very hard to do when you are feeling stressed and it is more something to do on a regular basis as a preventative measure against stress. I view Alternate Nostril Breathing as a first aid technique for a person who is ALREADY stressed. So look beyond the yogic mysticism and see a very effective relaxation technique.

This is what Holistic Online has to say about it:

If you don't do anything else, this is a simple yoga breathing exercise that can be done virtually anywhere, anyplace. You will be glad you did.!

With this exercise, we breathe through only one nostril at a time. The logic behind this exercise is that normal breathing does alternate from one nostril to the other at various times during the day.

Benefits

- The exercise produces optimum function to both sides of the brain: that is optimum creativity and optimum logical verbal activity. This also creates a more balanced person, since both halves of the brain are functioning property.

- The yogis consider this to be the best technique to calm the mind and the nervous system.

1. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Do this to the count of four seconds.
2. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale through this nostril. Do this slowly and in a relaxed manner. This completes a half round.
3. Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril slowly and in a relaxed manner. This completes one full round.

Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you are doing seven rounds.

Alternate nostril breathing should not be practiced if you have a cold or if your nasal passages are blocked in any way.

For details on this exercise please visit HERE.

Good Luck!,
Allen

Frozen Shoulder ....

2007-10-26T10:30:00.000+01:00

Hello all..

A very quick apology for lack of posts. I have been off work with a frozen shoulder and I have not been able to blog either.

As soon as I am well I will upload a lot of posts. I have a lot of (I hope) useful articles for you all.

Be well...

Allen

Problogger Has Prize Birthday Bash

2007-10-03T13:47:00.000+01:00

One of my favorite sites is holding a birthday party with loads of prizes. So dear readers please visit:
Problogger.

Happy net birthday Darren and long may your blogging infuse the blogsphere with blog :-)

Allen

5 Ways to Calm Down in an Emergency or When Having a Panic Attack

2007-10-01T13:13:00.000+01:00

5 Ways to Calm Down in an Emergency or When Having a Panic Attack

Sometimes, despite all our best efforts, we can suffer from the symptoms of panic or as they used to call it "bad nerves". The symptoms of panic can be:

* Rapid heart beat, pounding heart or palpitations
* Sweating
* Shaking visibly or inside
* Choking sensations or lump in throat
* Smothering or shortness of breath sensations
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Nausea, bloating, indigestion or abdominal discomfort
* Dizziness or unsteadiness
* Feeling light-headed
* Derealisation (feeling unreal or dreamy)
* Depersonalisation (feeling outside yourself or like you don't exist)
* Fear of losing control or going crazy
* Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations) in face, extremities or body
* Chills or hot flushes
* Skin losing colour
* Blushing or skin blotches
* Urgently needing to urinate or defecate

When you are panicking - the body releases adrenaline into your blood and this puts you on a high state of alert. Your fight or flight system triggers. The fight or flight system harkens back to the day when we were all living in caves and hunting for food. Perhaps we might get attacked by a saber tooth tiger and then we have a choice - we can either fight the beast or run away. In both cases we need a boost of adrenaline to help us fight or run. In today's culture, we don't get attacked by many saber tooth tigers but we do experience mental and emotional stress. This mental and emotional stress still triggers the fight or flight system except we usually don't do either. If the boss is giving you a hard time it wouldn't pay to start punching him in the head or running away!

When this panic reaction happens we need a little "first aid" to break the cycle of panic before ever addressing the cause of what brought you to feeling like this in the first place. If you are unable to break the cycle of panic and anxiety then this is classified as a panic disorder and you should seek medical help. Panic disorder is very common and it is not dangerous in itself although the symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. I could write pages on my experiences with Panic Disorder but I will leave that for another day but suffice to say I view panic attacks as your mind and body's way of telling you something about the way you think has to change.

So when you feel the symptoms of panic what can you do? Well here are five suggestions (that have worked for me) on how to calm down in an emergency:

1) Abdominal Breathing.

When you feel panic your breathing becomes faster and shallower. Abdominal breathing is the exact opposite of this and is the best way I have found to calm down. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. When you take a deep breath in, the hand on the abdomen should rise higher than the one on the chest. This insures that the diaphragm is pulling air into the bases of the lungs. After exhaling through the mouth, take a slow deep breath in through your nose to the count of 5. Hold it for 3 seconds and then breath out to count of 5. Repeat this cycle until you feel you have calmed down.

2) Distract Yourself.

When you feel panic it is your thoughts that actually cause the panic. A cycle of scary thoughts but only thoughts. These thoughts trigger the fight or flight system in the body which triggers the symptoms of panic. What you could do when you are trapped in this cycle is distract yourself thus, breaking the cycle of thoughts. This can be done by picking up the phone and talking to someone, playing a video game, watching a favorite movie or TV show, going for a brisk walk, writing about your feelings in a journal - anything that will distract your mind from the panic thoughts.

3) Face/Accept, Float and let time pass.
This is the famous technique created by Dr. Claire Weekes on how to deal with being trapped in a cycle of panic. The more you "fight" your panic symptoms, the more adrenaline your body releases and the worse you will feel. Its like picking at wound - it just wont heal! So this technique is more about changing your attitude to the symptoms. You need to face and accept that because of the adrenaline in your system you will be feeling the symptoms of panic for the next while. In the mean time you need to carry out your daily activities while having the symptoms but the key here is to accept the symptoms not just "put up with them". The less you fight with yourself the more relaxed you will become. This brings us to floating. You can imagine yourself floating as you move and live with the symptoms. Relax yourself and go with the flow. Float don't fight! And finally you need to let time pass. Frayed nerves take time to heal and it doesn't pay to keep obsessing about how long you have been feeling this way. Live in the moment. If you are feeling panicky say to yourself "this is only adrenaline in my system and time will heal my frazzled nerves". For more on this technique please check out the book "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes.

4) Do something physical.

This is not always possible and is similar to point number 2 in that you will be distracting yourself but it is still very important. Remember your system is full of adrenaline and so you need to burn this off. Your fight or flight system is triggered so we are not going to fight but we are going to take flight. Go for a brisk walk or run to burn off that adrenaline. Go and do some work in the garden. Do some of those chores you keep putting off. Do some housework, wash dishes - anything that will get you moving. I realize if you are taking an exam or test you can't just get up and run off - as much as you would like to - but you could apply one of the other techniques and then go and burn off the stress chemicals later. Exercise is important.

5) Comfort yourself.

While applying the other techniques also try and comfort yourself. Have a long hot soak in the bath, eat your favorite food, drink some warm milk. Don't drink alcohol this will put your body under more stress. Ask for a hug from someone you love, go for a long leisurely walk or a swim. Do something you enjoy that will bring a smile to your face and comfort your soul.

Know that in time these feelings will pass.

These symptoms are nothing more than feelings and feelings no matter how unpleasant cannot hurt you.

For more information check out these wonderful sites (they are still worth checking out even if you don't have panic DISORDER but just feel panicky).

Panic disorder at about .com
TAPIR: The Anxiety Panic Internet Resource

Good Luck,
Allen

10 Ways to Excercise the Mind - Revisited

2007-09-11T12:56:00.000+01:00

Hi Readers,

I thought this might be a good time to repeat this post. The popularity of Nintendo's Brain training is testament to that! So here you go .. 10 ways to exercise the mind.

Allen

In many ways the mind is like a muscle i.e. if you don’t exercise the mind – it can weaken. Like a muscle, if you regularly test it with exercise, the brain will be become stronger and stay fit and alert. I am sure there are many more spiritual or deeper methods of exercising the mind but in keeping with the theme of my blog I like to keep things simple.

With that in mind :), here are some of my suggestions on how you might exercise the brain and keep your mind fresh.

1. Regularly solve puzzles e.g. crosswords, sudokus and other “brain teasers”.
I find this the single most effective and simple way to exercise the mind. I have noticed if I give them a miss for a while, my brain doesn’t quite operate as efficiently as it might do when I regularly solve my favorite crossword.

2. Play a musical instrument – even if you play it badly.
I play a little bit of guitar and I play it quite badly. I play it for myself and I find it a great way to stimulate a different part of the old grey matter. If you don’t play an instrument then learn how! There are countless instruments out there that you can play badly or you might even surprise yourself and play the instrument well!

3. Paint, sketch or draw. I know what you are going to say. I can’t draw! Well you know what? It doesn’t matter that you are not the next Leonardo Da Vinci, paint or draw for you. I draw sketches now and again and sometimes they look ok and sometimes the look like they have been drawn by a six year old. It doesn’t matter. Do it for YOU!

4. Learn a new language.
This is such a great way to stimulate the mind. I can speak Swedish as a second language and it’s a shame I don’t get to practice it any more. Although my wife and I can have secret conversations in public as there are not that many Swedish speakers in the world. Pick a language you feel you would love to learn but remember some languages are more challenging than others.

5. Learn how to juggle.
I love this exercise. It is a great way to improve concentration and improve hand to eye co-ordination. It also relaxes the mind as you don’t have time to think of all the stresses and strains of life as juggling takes 100% concentration. Go on, give it a go! Its even fun!

6. Play Chess, Backgammon, Checkers or even Go!
These are great and classical mind games and are surprisingly easy to learn but it might take a life time to master Chess or Go! :) .

7. Play computer games.
Strategy games or puzzle games can be great stimulation but like most things in life play them in moderation! I like to play the odd game of “Advance Wars” on my Nintendo DS.

8. Write!
Write poetry, write a short story or even write a blog! :) Even keeping a journal is a great way to flex those creative muscles.

9. Try amateur dramatics.
Acting can be a wonderful release of emotions and very creative. I was involved in an English speaking drama group in Sweden – even performing as part of a cabaret act. It was something so different from my then day job (a computer programmer) and I felt I was able to use other parts of my brain and rest the logical part! There is nothing logical about performing in front of a crowded theatre.

10. Travel.
It is true what they say - travel does indeed broaden the mind. You take in so many things about so many different cultures. You learn that not everybody thinks the same way you have been taught to. You gain an understanding of the world around you and sometimes you have to think fast to meet the challenges traveling can bring. I admit this is not an option for a lot of people but if you ever get the opportunity to travel this world of ours – go for it!

What other ways can you think of to exercise your mind?

Good Luck!,
Allen

Comments and that ..

2007-09-07T12:18:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone,

I have a confession. I have been feeling guilty that I have not been responding to your comments in the way I would like to. I have no excuse other than I am a very busy person and sometimes before I know it, weeks have passed and I have not responded to comments on my blog.

What I will say is that I will try an improve upon this (after all this is supposed to be a personal development blog). I read every comment and I appreciate deeply the time and effort you take to pass comment on my scribbles on life.

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend and please be kind to my mistakes.

Peace,
Allen

Hope and Encouragement ....

2007-09-03T17:05:00.000+01:00

Two women, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One was allowed to sit up in her bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from her lungs. Her bed was next to the room's only window. The other woman had to spend all her time flat on her back. The women talked for hours on end. They spoke of their families, their homes, their jobs, their travels.
Every afternoon when the woman in the bed by the window could sit up, she would pass the time by describing to her roommate all the things she could see outside the window.
The woman in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where her world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
As the woman by the window described the scenery in exquisite detail, the woman on the other side of the room would close her eyes and imagine the picturesque scene; a park with a lovely lake, ducks and swans playing on the water while children sailed their model boats, young lovers walking arm in arm amidst flowers of every color, the city skyline.
One warm afternoon the woman by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other woman couldn't hear the band - she could see it in her mind's eye.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the woman by the window, who had died peacefully in her sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other woman asked if she could be moved next to the window.
Slowly, painfully, she propped herself up on one elbow to take her first look at the real world outside. She strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. She asked the nurse what could have compelled her deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

--- Author Unknown

The Attraction of Opposites – How to add balance to your daily life

2007-08-29T14:08:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone,

Balance is very important. It’s the yin and yang of life that keeps us healthy and energetic. I have been learning this lesson the hard way but I hope this tip will save you the trouble and make it a little easier to learn balance. Let me explain.

My education is in information technology. Yes I admit it I am a geek at heart! To this day, I still remember my first computer a Commodore 64 that my father saved for and bought for me as Christmas present in 1984. I used to love playing all those computer games – Thrust, Sentinel, Jet Set Willy and Monty on the Run. You name it! Those early days of computing inspired me to become a computer programmer and I am still paying for that choice to this day. Only kidding! 

As information technology became my profession I still played computer games in my spare time and my overall sense of well being began to suffer. I mean it is no surprise I was feeling bad if I was sitting down all day in front of a computer only to come home and sit down in front of another computer. I was out of balance. I needed to change.

What I did was this. I made a promise to myself to reduce the amount of time I played computer games and do something that was directly the opposite of what I was doing during the day. So I took up cross country running. It was physically active where computing was inactive. It was outdoors where computing was indoors. It was natural where computing was unnatural. It was the opposite and it was adding balance to my life.

Don’t think I still don’t get “out of balance” today. The tension in my shoulders and my RSI is testament to too many hours at the keyboard. I try to address this by practicing yoga or working in the garden or simply going for walks in the countryside. I am lucky that I am surrounded by a beautiful Irish landscape.

My point is that one should do the opposite of what you do during the day. If your job is very physical do something with your brain when you get home and visa-versa. If you work alone do something with people and visa-versa again!

If you want to increase your sense of well being, this simple tip will go a long way to making you feel so much better.

As always, let me know what you think.

Allen

5 Ways To Keep Things in Perspective - Revisted

2007-08-25T17:23:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

In the last of our summer re-runs, here is a post I know will help a lot of people out there. Well it helped me when I was writing it...

Let me know what you think!

Allen

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds

I am going to be honest with you now dear reader. I am no Tony Robbins. That’s right! I am just somebody who is interested in self improvement and I am sharing with you self help stuff that works for me.

I don't always apply these strategies and tips (my wife would not be shocked at all by this). I get caught up with the "everydayness" of life and I can sometimes loose perspective. That’s why I am always so interested in your own opinions on what I write. I usually list out some strategies that I have found helped me and ask "What strategies can you think of?". This is as much for my own education as to get your own creative juices flowing.

Let us take this example. As I get caught up in the "everyday-ness" of life I loose perspective. I start feeling stressed out over small silly things that don't really add up to much in the big scheme of things. Sometimes it takes a serious life event like illness or bereavement to give me a good kick up the back side and realize what a great life I have after all.

So I think to myself what can I do EVERYDAY that would help me keep a healthy perspective on things? Well, as is tradition on this site, here are 5 ways I feel that will help us all keep things in perspective.

1) Look at your worries from the future.

How would your worries today be viewed by yourself as you look back in 10 years time? How would the worries look from 20, 50 or 80 years in the future. My grandmother used to say "Try not to worry, you will be dead in 100 years time." Which is very true and this doesn’t half give you perspective on your problems.

2) Compare your problems and worries to others less fortunate than yourself.

How do your problems compare with people who live in war torn countries? How do your problems compare to people facing hunger, terminal illness and poverty. Reflect on these things and this should give you some perspective on your own problems.

3) What's the worse that can happen?

Look at the worse case scenario as scary as that might be. Is the problem your facing really as bad as you think it is? It may not be? If the worse does happen at least it may not come as much of shock? This strategy only really works with less serious problems that we have exaggerated in our own minds.

4) Talk to your friends and/or family or children?

There have been countless times that I have come home from my day job feeling like the whole world was on my shoulders. I then would have a good chat with my wife and she would more than most give me her sense of perspective on the issues of the day. It is often so good to talk to someone with a sympathetic ear who have a certain distance to one's own problems. Children have a really healthy perspective on life and really bring you back to earth. I remember the time that we had to move from the area where my wife's niece.
"Why do you have to move from here?", asked the niece.
"I have to go as I have to start a new job.", replied my wife.
"Why don't you just get a job near where I live then?, pointed out the six year old. :)

5) Spend time with your pet or go walking in the nature.

My little cat at home provides a daily does of perspective for me. After a stressful day at the office there is nothing like a furry cat wanting to play with you to bring perspective back and a smile to your face. Walking in the nature can also be a good way to remain grounded. There is a park near where we live and just seeing the different wild life going about their day with no worries at all really puts things into perspective for me.

I feel I have so much to learn in the ways of keeping perspective. What ways can you suggest to me, that would help us all keep perspective in our everyday lives.

Good Luck,
Allen