Stress Out, show stress who's the boss TM

Identity Theft This Spring

2015-04-05T13:17:00.001-07:00

Actual identity theft is no laughing matter. However, smiling and laughter has long been noted as a way to reduce stress. Be aware of impostors, regardless of how much they make you want to go awwwwww.......

Blowing Bubbles

2014-04-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Remember the carefree days when you were a kid playing? One of many children’s favorite toys were bubbles.

There are several mentions of children blowing bubbles, in stories and paintings, using ruggedly made devices.

Prior to the 20th century, children discovered their mothers’ leftover washing soap was fun to use to blow bubbles. In the early 1900’s bubbles gained popularity when they were first packaged and sold as a toy

If you were a child of the 60’s you might remember bubbles as a symbol of peace and harmony. The air was filled with bubbles as a symbol of peace and “flower power”, instead of war. Bubbles were one representation of the flower children during that time.

Today, bubble solution is the bestselling toy in the world! Millionaires have been made from various bubble blowing devices and solutions. One man has made a career as the world’s largest bubble blower.

Blowing bubbles require you to breathe deeply and you create something beautiful in your exhale with the bubbles.

When I was a volunteer Guardian ad Litem with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for the Los Angeles Superior court, I spent much of my time in the children’s protective area with them as they waited anxiously for their individual time in the courtroom. Part of my responsibility was to assist them in knowing that they were not to blame and feeling as safe as possible when they faced the judge. Most of the children were scared and several kept quietly to themselves, and others were crying. One particular day I took a small bottle of bubbles with me and sitting with the child I was responsible for, we took turns blowing bubbles. In a matter of minutes we were surrounded by almost all of the other children and they wanted to blow bubbles too. We all shared in the bubble blowing fun and some of the tears were turned to laughter. Although the children still were fearful of the situation they were in, the moments they spent blowing bubbles and laughing relieved the stress in the room. Some of them actually walked to the courtroom with a smile on their face.

So keep a bottle of bubbles handy. Most toy stores still sell them for under a dollar. Surprise yourself, and maybe a few other people, by blowing a few bubbles the next time you feel stress. You might remember how fun this really is.

QT If you don’t have any bubbles handy, you can pretend and still see some positive results. Hold your thumb and first finger as if you were holding a bubble blower. Blow over the top of these two fingers as if the bubble blower circle was there at the top of your fingers. For extra emphasis, you can close your eyes and visualize the bubbles floating away and popping the air.

Excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss © Self Investment Publishing

Each book sale GIVES BACK to Schools, Charitable organizations and Non-Profits*. We are passionate about helping these organizations make a difference.
Buy a book and support your favorite charity.

http://stressoutbooks.com

EFT - Tapping and stress release

2014-03-04T14:17:00.001-08:00

Stress is a constant in our lives, such a constant that we actually don’t realize we are under stress, we think it’s “just part of life.”

We erroneously think we have not control over our stress and how it effects us.

It can be a vicious cycle.

When we are stressed ... our body can begin to feel pain or sick... when our body is in pain or exhibiting symptoms of sickness we can feel stressed... and so on ...

There are many natural tools and techniques that can help us to relive our stress reactions and provide healing to our body. One of these powerful techniques if EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique, also referred to as tapping.

Countless people have reported that EFT helps them to release stress, anxiety, self-judgment, pain and many other physical problems, and in many cases, it gives them almost instant results.

EFT is a psychological acupuncture, an emotional version of acupuncture, designed and developed by Gary Craig, a Stanford Engineer, from Dr. Roger Callahan's Thought Field Therapy.

EFT stimulates some of the same acupuncture and acupressure meridian points but does so by tapping rather than the use of needles or pressure. In each of these modalities, there is a strong belief in a connection between your body's life force energy, your emotions, and your health.

EFT has been reported successful in countless cases often working where nothing else will.

EFT is recommended by natural practitioners as well as traditional medical doctors, such as Dr. Mercola and Dr. Oz. For more of Dr. Mercola's information on EFT, visit his website. To watch a video of Dr. Oz show when he discussed the Tapping Technique, click here.

Aila Accad, MSN, RN and an Advanced EFT practitioner, is one of the co-authors in Stress Out, Show stress who's the boss. She explains EFT this way: "This technique works on the same principles as acupuncture without the needles. Think of energy flowing through the meridians just like blood flows through the arteries & veins. When there is a clot, flow is stopped. The tapping breaks up the stuck emotions and thoughts so the energy can flow again." Watch her video of the technique on YouTube.

I have personally used EFT to release the effects of stress, increase clarity of mind, to relieve pain, and on other physical and emotional issues. Although many people report that is can be used on anything, it is not a cure-all or a one size fits all. We each have acceptance of what will work for us based on our experience, opinions and premature cognitive commitments. What we believe, will make a difference in what we accept. If you ave never used EFT, I would recommend reading the information on Dr. Mercola's page, watching the videos from Dr. Oz and Aila Accad, and working with it for a few times. When we are open to the possibilities of a natural healing, we may find more possibilities are available to us. I must however, include the disclaimer below.

Other Testimonials:
“EFT is one of the techniques I have used for years. Shortly after being introduced to it, I started using it on everything as they suggest. I felt immediate release from some of the tension and stress that used to be an everyday part of my life. It is something I can use almost everywhere when I start to feel upset, and it works right away for me." ~ Tracy Gelfer ~

“Being a single mother, barely making ends meet in a little apartment in a bad part of town was not how I imagined my life when I was a child, but here I was. I got an email from a friend about EFT. She had used it to help her when she was going through new management at her job and for weeks she wasn't sure if she would get fired. She said it was easy to do and it helped her a lot, so I figured I had nothing to lose. I couldn't afford a class or a coach so I checked it out on the internet. It was easy to understand. All I needed to do was tap certain areas on my face and body, repeat certain sentences and I would feel differently. At first I wasn't sure if anything had happened, so I followed the instructions about doing it more than once. I felt differently almost immediately. One thing I learned was that being very specific was most important. I did this a few times a day and in only a few days I felt calmer. When I was calm I worked better at my job and I had more patience for my daughter. I even had the strength to look for a new apartment in a better part of town. I am thankful my friend told me about EFT.” ~ Name withheld by request ~

Disclaimer. This blog and the book Stress Out, show stress who's the boss offer suggestions in the form of comments, testimonials, personal stories, and advice and action steps. It is not intended as medical or psychological advice. The suggestions may be invaluable in your personal journey toward health, however, you are the ultimate authority on what is appropriate for yourself. The results a person may receive from following the suggestions in this blog or related book are subjective and unique to each individual. There is no guarantee implied or otherwise, that following any of these recommendations will correct the causes of your stress or definitely eliminate the distress you are feeling. The responsibility for use and practice and the results obtained are solely the responsibility of you, the reader. If you are under the care of a medical practitioner for physical health or emotional support, check with your doctor before beginning this or any natural healing program. By following these suggestions, you knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently assume any risks, including any adverse outcome that might result, and agree to release, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the author and publisher, and their respective heirs, agents, consultants, and employees from and against any and all claims which you, or your representatives, may have for any loss, damage, or injury of any kind or nature arising out of or in connection with reading this blog and using any of the healing techniques suggestions.

BLOW BUBBLES TO REDUCE STRESS

2013-07-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Remember the carefree days when you were a kid playing? One of many children’s favorite toys was bubbles.

There are several mentions of children blowing bubbles, in stories and paintings, using ruggedly made devices.

Today, bubble solution is the best selling toy in the world! Millionaires have been created because of the invention and sales of various bubble blowing devices and solutions. One man has made a career as the world’s largest bubble blower.

Blowing bubbles require you to breathe deeply and you create something beautiful in your exhale with the bubbles.

When I was a volunteer Guardian ad Litem with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for the Los Angeles Superior court, I spent much of my time in the children’s protective area with them as they waited anxiously for their individual time in the courtroom. Part of my responsibility was to assist them in knowing that they were not to blame and feeling as safe as possible when they faced the judge. Most of the children were scared and several kept quietly to themselves, and others were crying. One particular day I took a small bottle of bubbles with me and sitting with the child I was responsible for, we took turns blowing bubbles. In a matter of minutes, almost all of the other children surrounded us and they wanted to blow bubbles too. We all shared in the bubble blowing fun and some of the tears were turned to laughter. Although the children still were fearful of the situation they were in, the moments they spent blowing bubbles and laughing relieved the stress in the room. Some of them actually walked to the courtroom with a smile on their face.

Quick Tip
If you don’t have any bubbles handy, you can pretend and still see some positive results. Hold your thumb and first finger as if you were holding a bubble blower. Blow over the top of these two fingers as if the bubble blower circle was there at the top of your fingers. For extra emphasis, you can close your eyes and visualize the bubbles floating away and popping the air.

Excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss!
ISBN: 978-0-9815238-3-5

All rights reserved including right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

$5 from every book donated to the charity of your choice.

Stop striving for Balance

2012-10-15T11:22:00.002-07:00

Many people strive for balance in their life. They set a goal and stress to achieve it.

When we want to achieve a more healthy relationship with stress, it helps to understand what we are attempting to achieve.

Balance is defined as: to arrange, adjust, or proportion the parts to be equal. Are the events in your life ever equal? Can you control everything to make the events in your life equal? Does it cause you stress when you continually work to control everything to make everything equal?

It appears that attempting to manufacture balance can actually cause stress.

Balance appears like a flat line:

A flat line, is usually the definition we give to death, no activity.

Our lives are actually a combination of ups and downs; things and events we label as good and bad.

Our life can be compared to a musical score of notes.

Some higher and more pleasant than others.

Harmony is defined as: agreement, a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.

One synonym is "Peace."

When we accept the harmony in our lives we can better recognize the "notes" that we can change to create the music we desire.

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Reprint allowed ONLY with written permission.
Excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss Chapter excerpt,

Every Stress Out book you buy can benefit your favorite charity. YOU designate your favorite charity on checkout.

Self Investment Publishing
ISBN#9780981523835
Self Investment Publishing

Laugh Quota

2012-04-07T22:59:00.001-07:00

Studies show we need 12 laughs a day to stay healthy.
You will laugh out loud watching this free movie of quotes and photos that bring them to life.
Contribute to your good health- get your share of laughs today !

A few of the humorous quotes:

"I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure"

"I've exercised with women so thin, that buzzards followed them to their cars" ~Erma Bombeck
"I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on." -Roseanne Barr
"Insanity doesn't run in my family, it gallops" - Cary Grant

It may require you to disable your pop up blocker to launch this video to play.

If that link doesn't work, click here

Exercise - just for fun

2012-03-22T09:27:00.008-07:00

Over the years, the US Surgeon General’s office has issued reports based on extensive research, to educate and provide us with recommendations that can help us to live healthier lives. The report recommends that moderate physical activity for only 30 minutes per day can make a significant difference in the way a person handles stress.

The problem is that most people will tell you that they hate to exercise. So what can be done to make it more fun.

A French company selling a water product created this commercial. If these stationary bikes were actually sitting in a public square, would you get on and exercise to see the result?

Did you love it. Share with your friends.

laughter is also a good relief from stress.

How to handle stress like a dog

2012-02-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend Dana, for sending me this photo. Perfect advice.

Note: Dana received this photo from several of her friends. We would love to know who originated this cute image.

Thanks

California
Featured Adoptable Pet:

A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com

Keys to Holiday Stress Relief

2011-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

From the co-author of Stress Out, Show Stress who's the boss, Aila Accad, RN

Three Keys to Holiday Stress Relief

“Stress is choosing to do battle with the Now.” Eckart Tolle

'Tis the season of Peace, Joy, Love.... Then why is this the season of added stress for so many people?

When you pile on a Holiday to-do list to everything else you are doing it is easy to get 'wrapped up' in more stress than peace.< One year I was so consumed by the tasks that the holiday lost its sense of deeper meaning. I wrote a poem to capture that feeling.

Every Stress Out book you buy for yourself or as a gift this Holiday Season can benefit your favorite charity. YOU designate your favorite charity on checkout.

Self Investment Publishing
ISBN#9780981523835
Self Investment Publishing

CHECK YOUR SMILE

2011-04-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Some people overlook how important healthy teeth can be when dealing with stress. Proper dental hygiene is essential which includes daily brushing and flossing.

We all know how painful a toothache can be, but are you aware how much it can add to your stress level?

Even without pain you can have an underlying infection and not know it. An infection can cause you occasional pain, tiredness, headaches, problems with your eyes and potentially serious problems with your heart. Dental insurance has historically been more expensive than medical insurance. Countless people are without dental coverage and this prevents many of them from visiting the dentist on a regular basis.

If your finances are limited there may be alternatives that can help you to stay on track with any dental work you need:

 If you have a regular dentist, ask if you can qualify for a payment plan. Some dentists have partnered with lending companies that provide financing for dental work.

 Some dentists offer their patients the opportunity to make payments with each step of the dental work being performed.

 Check with the dental schools in your area. These dental students need patients to prove their skills with. (note how I did not say “practice on”). Dental school fees are usually drastically less than retail dentists, and, their quality of work can be just as good. Dental students are constantly supervised and they may also be using techniques that are more progressive.

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Reprint allowed ONLY with written permission.
excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss
Chapter excerpt, CHECK YOUR SMILE (c)
Self Investment Publishing
ISBN#9780981523835
Self Investment Publishing
ISBN#9780981523835

Proceeds from STRESS OUT^™ books benefit selected charities.
YOU designate your favorite charity on checkout.

How to Stop Being a Victim of Your Own Stress

2011-04-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

I am not talking about average daily stress, I am taking about the insidious stress that we intentionally put upon ourselves each time we recall an event, experience, or person from our past. We hold onto grudges fiercely, then repeat and repeat the stories over and over in our minds. These are the stories that when recalled, bring you right back to that time and place to feel the emotions, the feelings, and even to the very taste in your mouth reinforcing your grudge.

These worn out, overplayed stories carry with them hidden open wounds and hidden hates as we secretly keep them to ourselves, blaming everyone and causing amplified stress to our whole being. Who are we all trying to fool?! The person we are holding a grudge against and blaming in our story is probably sunning their self on the beach in Morocco or enjoying a romantic dinner with their significant other, oblivious to the ranting in our head. They still have no idea that we are angry, they are not participating, and therefore we are the ones creating our own stress.

We all have these stories and some carry on for years. For me, it took five years or more to forgive my ex-husband for cheating on me, and I will tell you, I had so many stories that I could have written 100 books. In each one, I was the starring stressed-out victim.

I tried to forgive so many times, but to no avail. Why does it take so long to forgive, to truly release and let go?

There are many reasons and many times the answers are hard to accept. The list below is the many reasons I could not let go of my stories and you may be able to relate as well.

 I preferred to be right instead of happy.
 Unconsciously, I secretly loved to blame because it pointed my finger outward instead of inward where the real problem lied and I did not want to take responsibility for my own thoughts.
 My ego that loves to blame, screamed so loudly that it was all I heard. At the time I was not aware that I was making that choice of my ego.
 I was fearful to really explore my inner world.
 I was taught conditional and special forgiveness. I later learned that this type of forgiveness kept me in a continual cycle of blame and stress.

I learned that true forgiveness is a process and a new way to see and heal. I was taught true forgiveness through A Course in Miracles.

In a nutshell, for most of us, we are taught to forgive that when an event happens with another person, when we feel we have been wronged, the other person is made to be the bad person. Typically, we are taught to take the “high road” (I will forgive you, but, I am right, and you are still wrong). We outwardly forgive that person and then forget it all happened, but secretly, in our inner recesses, we view that person burning in hell for all eternity. Then, we feel guilty for wishing that person to burn in hell for all eternity.

The next step for many people, is the bargaining session between yourself and God to alleviate the guilt running rampant though your head. Guilt and fear overtake your whole being because now you are viewing yourself burning in hell for all eternity for wishing this on someone else. And we wonder why we are stressed?

True Forgiveness and the Benefits
When you practice true forgiveness, you get in touch with your Higher Self and you are willing to see with its eyes through the false images of your ego. You accept that your Higher Self sees the person you are angry with, as their true essence, unconditional love, unending peace, expanding joy and in Oneness at all times. You accept this about yourself as well.

You remember that you are never upset for what you think you are upset about. You recognize the reflection of what is unconsciously in your ego. You agree to allow your Higher Self to shine healing light and remove those thoughts from your mind.

While true forgiveness is simple, it is not easy. It’s not easy, because we have been operating with our ego for so long that this change of perspective is uncomfortable and our ego hates it. Our ego loves to blame and does not want to be found out.

The benefits of practicing true forgiveness are endless and lead to inner peace, love and joy. Stress is dramatically reduced and at times eliminated.

COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Reprint allowed ONLY with written permission.

excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss Chapter excerpt, Forgiveness, by Nancy Miiller (c)
Self Investment Publishing
ISBN#9780981523835

Proceeds from STRESS OUT^™ books benefit selected charities.
YOU designate your favorite charity on checkout.

Stressed? Take a nap.

2011-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology finds that procrastinators handle work-life stress better than motivated people.

This new study finds that those who cope with work-family conflict by becoming busier and looking for more resources to solve problems – type-A multitaskers — actually experience more stress.

The study also says that people who avoid problems, who withdraw and, perhaps, lie down and take a nap instead of tackling dilemmas right away, actually do better with life conflict, and seem to have more energy, says the study.

Previous studies indicated that people who take time to remove themselves from the stressful situation and close their eyes in meditation also recharge themselves.

And although having a support group of loving people around you is the number one stress protector, it can also increase your stress. If you use your support group to rehash and repeat the problem, you have no release and instead increase the feelings of helplessness, frustration, anger and stress.

Stressed? Take a minute to breathe deeply; close your eyes and visualize something peaceful or a happy memory. Breathe in fully and exhale slowly during this time and feel and see your stress resilience increase.

DON’T COMPARE - YOU are awesome, unique and amazing

2011-03-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss

Every year I receive several email messages, PowerPoint presentations, videos or poems all created and forwarded over and again. Some of these messages are cute, some incite feelings of love and compassion, and one that seems popular tells you to compare yourself to others. Such as: If you have (certain things in your life), that someone else doesn’t have …. you should be grateful (that you are not them, have more then them, are doing better off than them, etc).

“I had the blues because I had no shoes
until upon the street; I met a man who had no feet.”

~ Anonymous ~

Every time I hear this quote, it sounds to me like an expressing judgment of “I am better than” against the person with no feet. I get the same feeling when I get those emails that tell me I am more blessed than people with illnesses, imprisonment, lack of food, in countries where they are persecuted, and so on. In a society that judges others for having less than, and that success is measured by how much stuff you have, this feels to me like: I am better than you because I have feet (health, food, etc), so I am grateful that I am better than you and I am not you. Yikes!

Many of us have been raised with comparisons, from our grades in school to the family next door. As an adult, is it helpful or hurtful to your stress level to compare yourself to someone else? Some people believe it is an unchangeable natural human physiology, others believe it gives them a competitive edge. Perhaps. A few people shared that when they compare themselves to someone else; it gives them a lot of wiggle room. If they find faults in the other person, then it relives them of having to work so hard. It clears them of having to make an effort to change something in their behavior, even if that change might benefit them. But these people also admitted that guilt that comes with this rationalization and this guilt also causes them stress. I also heard that most people who compare themselves to others, always fall short somewhere, and they are more stressed in their attempts to be as good as someone else. The more you compare yourself to others, the more stress you will create in your life every time you see someone who has more…does more… is more (in your opinion) … than you.

Dr. Robert A. Emmons, A UC Davis psychologist, conducted a 10 week research in the psychology of gratitude. In one of his studies the participants were asked to list what they were grateful for compared to what they weren’t happy about in their lives. In another study they were asked to list what they were grateful for where thought they were better off than others.

The results showed that those who expressed gratitude without comparing themselves as “better than or better off than someone else” were significantly happier than those making comparisons between themselves and others. It’s difficult to be stressed when you’re grateful and feeling happy.

From another study on self esteem: a dangerous silent damage to your feelings of self worth is created and intensified when you compare yourself to being better off or more successful, or more of anything than someone else. By practicing the habit of comparison when you are feeling happy with yourself or your life, you are establishing the foundation for feelings of lack of self worth when you don’t measure up to any comparison in the future. The inherent problem with this habit is that then takes considerably more effort to repair your feeling of lack which can contribute to stress levels and difficulty in regaining levels of success in chosen areas of your life.

A person who can see their unique qualities, success and strengths without the need to compare themselves to anyone other than themselves are found to be emotionally stronger, and less prone to react in stress, when facing difficult decisions and occurrences.

And since we can only hold one emotion at a time, when we are happy we are not stressed.

YOU are awesome, unique and amazing

“What you are accomplishing

may seem like a drop in the ocean.

But if this drop were not in the ocean,

it would be missed.”

~ Mother Theresa ~

According to a UCLA psychological research study, self-affirmations can be a very good combat against stress. In another scientific study they also found that when their test participants wrote self affirming values, their self-perceptions were positively increased; their ability to succeed at learning increased and many other long term benefits.

So take time today to affirm: YOU are awesome, unique and amazing

Reprint allowed ONLY with written permission.

excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss
Self Investment Publishing
ISBN#9780981523835

Daily Handbook for 2011

2011-01-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

Health:
1.       Drink plenty of water.
2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5.       Take time for your spiritual guidance.
6.       Play more games
7.       Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8.       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9.       Sleep for 7 hours.
10.     Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12.    Don't hold onto negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.    Don't over do, unless its kindness.
14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16.    Dream more while you are awake
17.    Envy is a waste of time. It gets in the way of enjoying what you have, and the gifts that will come.
18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your loved ones of their mistakes of the past. That will interfere with your present happiness.
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. You don't have to love them, you can be neutral.
20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21.    Happiness is an inside job, you have the control.
22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23.    Smile and laugh more. Studies show we need 12 laughs a day to stay healthy.
24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree and both can be right.

Society:
25.    Call your loved ones often.
26.    Each day give something good to others.
27.    Forgive everyone for everything. You cannot change them. Holding a grudge is like a cancer, it can kill you.
28..   Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30.    What other people think of you is none of your business.
31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32.    Do the right thing!
33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.    Celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.    The best is yet to come.
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, be thankful for it.
39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
40. Read and Repeat often.

Original author unauthenticated.

Stress is a constant in our lives, such a constant that we actually don’t realize we are under stress, we think it’s “just part of life.” A little of this stress can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge. Too much stress can harm your attitude, your motivation and your health – it can age you and it can kill you. Traffic jams, deadlines, eating on the run, we stress when we have bills to pay, job changes, endless chores and too many errands. Our job has stress, not having a job has stress, it’s stressful maintaining your weight, having a relationship is stressful, not being in a relationship is stressful, family responsibilities are stress, and all those other demands on you can be huge amounts of stress. Not to mention those people who really get on your nerves. Our energy is drained, and we feel helpless. Health surveys report that over 70% of people feel stress everyday. You are not alone. After searching for easy and workable solutions Sumner Davenport brings together co-authors, professional counselors, coaches, stories & testimonials to provide a variety of solutions to stress in her best selling book, Stress Out, show stress who's the boss.

Proceeds from STRESS OUT^™ books benefit selected charities

Parents' stress can take a toll on their kids.

2011-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

A recent study reported in The Los Angeles Times indicates that children may be more aware of--and more reactive to--mom and dad's stress levels than previously suspected.

Even very young children, which the study defined as those under the age of eight, reported increased feelings of sadness, worry and frustration due to their parents' stress levels. What's more, as children get older, their reactions to mom and dad's elevated stress levels may increase. "Even though children know when their parents are stressed and admit that it directly affects them, parents are grossly underestimating the impact that their stress is having on their children," psychologist Katherine C. Nordal says in the association's report on the survey. Check out the findings at the Stress in America" survey A graphic on how parents' stress affects children from the "Stress in America" survey. Psychological Assn.)

Lower your family's stress levels with RELAXING RHYTHMS guided by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Andrew Weil and other leaders!

Stress is a constant in our lives, such a constant that we actually don’t realize we are under stress, we think it’s “just part of life.” A little of this stress can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge. Too much stress can harm your attitude, your motivation and your health – it can age you and it can kill you. Traffic jams, deadlines, eating on the run, we stress when we have bills to pay, job changes, endless chores and too many errands. Our job has stress, not having a job has stress, it’s stressful maintaining your weight, having a relationship is stressful, not being in a relationship is stressful, family responsibilities are stress, and all those other demands on you can be huge amounts of stress. Not to mention those people who really get on your nerves. Our energy is drained, and we feel helpless. Health surveys report that over 70% of people feel stress everyday. You are not alone. After searching for easy and workable solutions Sumner Davenport brings together co-authors, professional counselors, coaches, stories & testimonials to provide a variety of solutions to stress in her best selling book, Stress Out, show stress who's the boss.

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it." ~ Theodore Roosevelt ~

What could be disturbing your sleep and causing you stress?

2010-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

by Jerylyn Draker
co-author, Stress Out, show stress who's the boss

excerpt chapter: Get enough Sleep

It is no secret that the everyday stress of life, work, family and other commitments can wear someone out. But what do you do when all you want to do is get some rest, but you can't fall asleep or stay asleep? According to a National Sleep survey, almost half (48 percent) of Americans report lying awake at night due to stress.

       I had trouble sleeping, not from my thoughts but from the constant ringing in my ears. My doctor diagnosed it as tinnitus and offered me medication to lessen it. The medication not only didn’t work, I felt nauseous when I took it. I felt I was doomed to hear this disturbing noise every night. I tried white noise machines and soft music, but they couldn’t drown out the ringing in my ears. Some nights were worse than others. One night when I couldn’t sleep, I landed upon a medical show on TV and they were discussing tinnitus and some of the potential causes and habits that made it worse. Although the cause of mine has never been diagnosed, I took notes on some of the recommendations I heard from this show.
   There was a great deal of comments made about the relationship of food and nutrition to the intensity of tinnitus. Amongst list of potential culprits, I recognized a few in my life. Caffeine was at the top of the list, and between my coffee and my diet cokes I always had something I was sipping on all day. Between my coffee and my diet coke, I was consuming a lot of caffeine every day. When I quit smoking, I substituted coffee and diet coke as my addiction and bandaid for stress. I was drinking a huge amount of fluids, but very little of it was plain water. Alcohol was another one listed by these doctors as a contributor to the existing problem, and on nights when I couldn’t sleep from the noise, I had a few drinks to help me sleep. Vitamin deficiency and especially B12 was also high on the list. Vitamins were something I took on a hit and miss basis. I made the decision to control these three things and see what would happen.
   I didn’t believe I could do it all at once, so I made a schedule where I cut back a little more each day. I made little baggies of my daily vitamins and made sure B12 was among them and I switched to decaf coffee. I didn’t want to stop all my caffeine right away, so I after a few days I started to trade some of my diet cokes for soda with a squeeze of orange juice for sweetness and flavor. I cut back my alcohol to having one occasionally and mostly only on weekends with friends over dinner.
   It took me a few months to change my habits and eliminate the caffeine and some chemicals from my body, but now whether I’m stressed or not I sleep more peacefully with no ringing in my ears.
   In talking with my friends, I discovered I wasn’t the only one with this problem, and when they made changes in their habits they also saw a difference in their ability to sleep better.

You can learn more about Jerylyn Draker in the Stress Out, show stress who’s the boss book
Proceeds from Stress Outs books can benefit your favorite charity

Bubbles

2010-12-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

Remember the carefree days when you were a kid playing? One of many children’s favorite toys over the years has been bubbles.
   There are several mentions of children blowing bubbles, in stories and historical paintings, using ruggedly made devices.
   Prior to the 20th century, children discovered their mothers’ leftover washing soap was fun to use to blow bubbles. In the early 1900’s bubbles gained popularity when they were first packaged and sold as a toy
   If you were a child of the 60’s you might remember bubbles as a symbol of peace and harmony. The air was filled with bubbles as a symbol of peace and “flower power”, instead of war. Bubbles were one representation of the flower children during that time.
   Today, bubble solution is the best selling toy in the world! Millionaires have been made from various bubble blowing devices and solutions. One man has made a career as the world’s largest bubble blower.
   Blowing bubbles require you to breathe deeply and you create something beautiful in your exhale with the bubbles.
  When I was a volunteer Guardian ad Litem with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for the Los Angeles Superior court, I spent much of my time in the children’s protective area with them as they waited anxiously for their individual time in the courtroom. Part of my responsibility was to assist them in knowing that they were not to blame and feeling as safe as possible when they faced the judge. Most of the children were scared and several kept quietly to themselves, and others were crying. One particular day I took a small bottle of bubbles with me and sitting with the child I was responsible for, we took turns blowing bubbles. In a matter of minutes we were surrounded by almost all of the other children and they wanted to blow bubbles too. We all shared in the bubble blowing fun and some of the tears were turned to laughter. Although the children still were fearful of the situation they were in, the moments they spent blowing bubbles and laughing relieved the stress in the room. Some of them actually walked to the courtroom with a smile on their face.   So keep a bottle of bubbles handy. Most toy stores still sell them for under a dollar. Surprise yourself, and maybe a few other people, by blowing a few bubbles the next time you feel stress. You might remember how fun this really is.
  If you don’t have any bubbles handy, you can pretend and still see some positive results. Hold your thumb and first finger as if you were holding a bubble blower. Blow over the top of these two fingers as if the bubble blower circle was there at the top of your fingers. For extra emphasis, you can close your eyes and visualize the bubbles floating away and popping the air.

excerpt from Stress Out, show stress who's the boss. #ISBN978-098152383
Available on Amazon

You make a difference

2010-11-23T13:48:00.001-08:00

Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

2010-11-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.
It depends on how long you try to hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem..
If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm...
If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance...
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes!"

He continued...
"And that's the way it is with stress management.
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later,
the burden will become increasingly heavy;
and we won't be able to carry on.

As with the glass of water,
you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again..
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.
So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down: don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now,
let them down for a moment if you can."

So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while.

Getting organized - reduce stress!

2010-10-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Clearing away unwanted stuff, including too much paperwork, can help to clear your stress.

A few timesaving and management tips to assist you in your cleaning out and organizing process:

Start right away to create a new habit of being organized – it won’t happen on its own.

√ Write a plan to include a list of what you will be organizing, i.e.: your desk, your cupboards, your closets, etc.

√ Book specific time into your appointment calendar. Make your appointments with yourself a priority.

√ To get on track, avoid promising yourself that you will do it all in one day. Most people will become overwhelmed and give up in the process. Instead spend a few minutes every day to sort, file and discard. Choose one location to clean and organize at a time, i.e.: closets, desk.

TO HELP YOU GET YOUR WORKSPACE ORGANIZED

How many times have you looked for that same document or email, only to finally find it buried under several other pieces of paper, or lost in the maze of icons on your computer? The stress of looking for it over and over can be eliminated by setting up and following a simple plan of organization.

√ Keep printed documents in folders and binders for ease in finding. Create a filing system that works for you using hanging folders with plastic tabs (i.e., Pendaflex) for papers. Once you have created folders, they are available to immediately hold the paperwork you are working on as well as any related paperwork. 3 ring binders are also excellent for work in process and priority projects. In 3 ring binders you can have tabs to separate each project or idea. You can also use your 3 ring binder for only the most current and necessary information and file away all the other paperwork.

√ In your computer, set up folders with the same topics and sections as your physical paper folders. Make one for each project, each client, and one for “work in progress”. Set up these same folders in your email dashboard, so everything is consistent and more easily located when you need it.

√ When you must print a report or notes, set your print options to print the entire file location at the bottom of the page. This saves time hunting for the file on your computer and can prevent reprinting the same information over and again.

√ Stop creating more paperwork. Scan necessary paperwork into your computer files and keep it there until you need a printed copy for immediate use. Only print reports when you need them in physical form. (The exception to this is legal documents where the original is essential. In those cases set up your filing system to keep them organized. )

√ When organizing and sorting through your papers and other items, ask yourself - when was the last time I used this or needed this? How important is it for me to keep? What is the worst that can happen if I get rid of it? If it is essential to keep, set up its perfect place to be and put it there now.

√ Handle paper once – when you pick up a paper from your desk, or incoming mail – file it appropriately the first time. This way when you need it, it will be where you can find it without searching.

√ Organize your emails. If you don't need to read it now, move it from your inbox. Having less in your inbox to weed through will make it easier to know what you need to respond to and what can wait.

√ Create personal folders to organize your messages. These folders can be similar to the data folders you have crated as well as folders for your client’s, friends, family, hobbies, personal, work in progress and other specifics related to your career and personal life. Keep these folders simple so you can efficiently use them and also find what you are looking for when you need it.

√ Use your tools and action commands to instruct your incoming mail to automatically go to the folder of your choice. This way you can read them later when you have time. This would include hobby e-zines, sales fliers, product offers and some spam. Your messages will still appear as unread, only they'll be in the folder you designated, so you can find the new ones when you click on that folder.

√ In outlook and other email programs, when you leave your email folders list expanded, a number in parenthesis appears next to a folder indicating how many unread emails are in the folder. When you respond to an email, move the original email and your sent message to the folder that you have created for those emails. If it something that required an additional response or effort, your work-in-progress folder might be appropriate.

CLICK FOR MORE TIPS....

"I threw out all the papers I had been keeping from websites I'd printed to read at some other time. I made a page on my desktop of "WebPages to Visit". On the page I put the name of the website, its URL, and a quick note of what the website has that I want to read. I got rid of hundreds of papers, and it feels great." ~Brad Smorther~

"I've always used the throw-everything-in-a-box-to-be sorted-later filing system for my receipts. so when it comes time to do my taxes, I spend hours sorting and trying to remember what some of the receipts were for. Now I'm spending a certain amount of time every day sorting last years receipts so I don't get burned out. At the same time, I made myself a spreadsheet to enter my new expenses and income every day so this year I can use this spreadsheet for my taxes. I set up a special filing box with folders for each category, and before the receipt goes in the file, it’s entered in the spreadsheet." ~ Marcia Bearn ~

"I cleaned my closet. Anything that I haven't worn in a year was given to charity. I cleaned my desk of saved papers and anything that isn't tax or client related, I threw away. This feels like a breath of fresh air at my desk. I can find what I need now, because it’s not mixed with paperwork I no longer need." ~ Lisa Lorie ~

Read more about Stress Out books
Buy a book - Benefit a Charity
Read the book - find benefit for yourself

Book Excerpt Stress Out™ Book: p. 199
Chapter Content Copyright 2009, Sumner M. Davenport
Book Copyright, 2009, Self Investment Publishing Co.