When you are trying to get pregnant with your first baby, your life is undergoing a wide range of exciting changes, and you are moving to the next stage of adulthood. Most women experience their decision to try for a baby, and the process of trying to conceive itself, as a joyous one. Nonetheless, trying to conceive a baby can be very stressful too. Not just because women who are trying for their first baby are taking a step into the unknown, but also because there can be a lot of pressure to get pregnant quickly.

If you have been using an ovulation calendar and ovulation predictor kits to get pregnant, or are charting to conceive, I am sure you know what I am talking about! Many couples feel that their intimate times together, which used to relieve stress, have turned into a chore, and something that has to be timed carefully to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Perhaps this is the main reason why couples who are hoping for a baby experience a high level of tensions.

Fertility yoga is one of the best ways to rid the body and mind of these tensions and learn to let go of everyday stress. Other types of exercises, which can serve the body excellently, sometimes forget that the mind needs a work-out, too! But fertility yoga is not only good for general relaxation – women who are trying to conceive can use specific yoga poses to increase blood circulation to the relevant parts of their body, and make their whole organism more receptive to a pregnancy.

What’s more – you can keep practicing fertility yoga throughout your pregnancy to keep up fitness levels and reduce stress. Some mothers even find strength in fertility yoga while they are laboring, and mother and baby yoga classes are gaining in popularity. In short, fertility yoga is something that can stay with you throughout life!

Where to go from here:

• Yoga Practices for Fertility-DVD
• Restoring Fertility-DVD
• The Fertile Kitchen Cookbook:Simple Recipes for Optimizing Your Fertility
  
• Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility
• Fully Fertile: A 12-Week Holistic Plan for Optimal Fertility
  

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For those of you who grew up reading Beverly Cleary’s “Henry Huggins” and “Ramona” books, the movie, “Ramona and Beezus,” will not disappoint. If you’re unfamiliar with Ms. Cleary’s offbeat characters, strap yourself in, grab a large bag of buttery popcorn, a giant cherry coke, and your favorite candy bar (Snickers, anyone?), then sit back and enjoy the world view of one extremely mischievous, but well-meaning, Ramona Quimby.

The precocious nine (and three months) year-old has a unique perspective on life. It is through the prism of her eyes that we view this movie. From the moment we meet this charmer, we’re hooked. We vicariously experience Ramona’s antics, foibles, and miscalculations during this non-stop roller coaster ride.

Ramona is the oddball (and terror) of her third-grade classroom. She’s the neighborhood wild child to be avoided at all costs. She’s the super-hero (in her own mind) who, invariably, makes every bad situation worse.

Suffering from classic middle-child syndrome, the drama princess feels inadequate when compared to her gorgeous and “perfect” teenage sister, Beezus, and her adorable, can-do-no-wrong, baby sister, Roberta.

When the Quimby family faces a major crisis, our diminutive heroine takes it upon herself to rescue her loved ones from certain disaster. Unfortunately for Ramona, her great ideas and good intentions only create more problems. While every attempt at being “good” backfires, she bravely continues her campaign to change her image and the outcome of her endeavors.

Director Elizabeth Allen cleverly enables us to enter Ramona’s imaginative brain with the use (but not overuse) of special effects. We are allowed to see the sometimes terrifying, but often magnificent, world inside this amazing child’s mind. And, what a world it is to behold. But, you’ll not get any spoilers from this reviewer.

I particularly loved the relationship between the father, played by John Corbett (“Sex and the City 2″) and his daughters. This bond is rarely explored in family films and, yet, is such a critical factor in the development of every girl’s self-image. In television sitcoms, fathers are often portrayed as buffoons, while most mainstream films feature fathers as deadbeats who are abusive, absent, or weak. Finally, we witness a strong, yet sensitive and caring father, who is able to display his emotions while remaining an authority figure. Bravo!

This kid-friendly film tackles some timely, and timeless, subjects: job loss, financial hardship, first love, sibling rivalry, night terrors, and even death. But this character-driven screenplay never becomes heavy-handed or maudlin. These “serious” topics are seamlessly woven throughout the intricate tapestry of the movie.

Ultimately, this is a coming-of-age tale, where our lead character learns valuable lessons about family, altruism, lost love, courage, determination, and selflessness. We are privileged to experience, along with Ramona, her “aha” moments where she gains wisdom, compassion, and insight.

There are no “throwaway” supporting roles in the film. Each person is real and memorable. The always wonderful Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy” and “Sideways”) is Ramona’s third-grade teacher who uses an imaginary “mute” button to hush her class. Bridget Moynahan (“I, Robot) plays Quimby mom, Dorothy. Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”) is Dorothy’s younger sister, Aunt Bea, and the only adult who completely understands Ramona’s feelings of inadequacy. Heart-throb Josh Duhamel (“All My Children”) is Bea’s commitment-phobic ex-boyfriend, Hobart.

Rounding out the seasoned cast is doe-eyed stunner, Selena Gomez (voice of Helga in Disney’s “Horton Hears a Who”), as the angst-ridden Beezus, a “horrid” name that stuck when toddler Ramona was unable to pronounce her actual name, Beatrice. As the older sister, she’s in the unenviable position of trying to tame her “imaginative”sibling without getting caught in the cross-hairs. Unfortunately, more often than not, Beezus is at the receiving end of one of Ramona’s well meaning escapades. Beezus is a typical sister; one minute protecting Ramona from a situation gone awry, and the next, restraining herself from strangling the bane of her existence. And, then, there’s the great satisfaction she derives from triggering Ramona’s colorful imagination after the lights are turned out, and shadows appear on their bedroom walls.

The success of this film lands squarely on the very capable shoulders of its young ingenue, Joey King. Although a newcomer to films, it is clear from the moment she appears onscreen that she was born to play this pivotal role. Frankly, I can’t think of another child actress better suited for the part. Think Abigail Breslin and Dakota Fanning (about seven years ago) rolled into one small package of dynamite. With her huge, expressive eyes, petulant glare, and OMG, eye-rolling attitude, Joey captures the heart and soul of this immortal fictional character.

I highly recommend “Ramona and Beezus” (also tagged, “A Little Sister Goes A Long Way”) to all members of the family over the age of nine. I doubt that too many squirmy, younger children will be able to sit through this nearly two-hour film. There is no violence, objectionable language, or scenes with sex or nudity.

I look forward, with great anticipation, to the sequel.

Where to go from here:

• The Ramona Collection
• The Ramona Collection, Volume Two
• The Complete Ramona Collection
• Beezus and Ramona/Ramona and Her Father: Audiobook
• Henry Huggins: Audiobook
• My Own Two Feet: A Memoir by Beverly Cleary

For those of you who made it to the bottom of this post, I present you with a rare photograph of the beautiful childhood home of beloved “Ramona” author, Beverly Cleary.

Beverly Cleary's Childhood Home in Yamhill, Oregon

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Are you stressed and fed up with the constant demands from your family? How often during your day do you hear the words, “Mom, can I…..” or “Mom, do you know where my…. is?” Have you lost count of the amount of times you have argued with your partner/children about whose turn it is to load the dishwasher or to wash-up and put the dishes away?

Have you ever thought, “I wonder what it would be like to close shop for a day, to sit back and just relax? To have someone else cook, clean and shop for you – just for a few days while you spend some time alone, maybe with your girlfriends to rest, get your strength and energy back?”

As a busy working mom, it is hard for you to find time to care for yourself. Family commitments and social obligations tend to be your first priority. Making time for you – to have a spot of “Me-Time” seems like a luxury.

Well, believe it or not, given the multitude of things you do, it is essential you find time during your day to care for and nurture yourself. If you keep on reacting to everyone else’s schedule and neglecting yourself, chances are by the end of the day you are ratty, snappy and grumpy…and definitely not in the mood for a romantic interlude with your partner! All you want to do is eat, shower, and go to bed.

That is no way to live. You are naturally a vibrant, cheerful woman, yet somehow life has got you down. You used to gain a lot of satisfaction from work, now it just feels a chore and another thing to think about. You love your family, but there are times when it all feels too much for you.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry. Stress relief is on its way. Take a few minutes to sit down and read the following five fun tips. They are short and sweet and designed to support you rediscover the joys of rest and relaxation.

Five Fun Tips To Relax And Overcome Stress:

1. Rest your eyes. Your eyes are unique and eye care is often neglected. Gently close your eyes and place cupped palms over your eyes. Stay still and take a few rounds of slow deep breathing. Make sure your jaw is relaxed as you breathe in and out through your nose.

2. Play music. Classical, rock, R & B or good ole country music. Whatever style of music relaxes and turns you on, play it, sing along, and feel good as you reconnect with your inner heart song.

3. Learn to trust your intuition. Stress happens when you do too much and don’t take time to relax, rest, and recharge your batteries. No wonder you get overwhelmed and stressed-out. Learn to say “no.” Stop and trust your intuition more often. This may prevent you from agreeing to do something which, in the long run, is detrimental to your health and well-being.

4. Relax your body. Lie down in a quiet and, if possible, darkened room. Slowly tense and relax first your legs, then your arms, and your buttocks. Then, stretch your shoulders up to your ears, close your eyes, scrunch up and relax your face. Take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out. Try and lay still for at least 10 minutes before getting up and reengaging with your day.

5. Give yourself a big bear hug. You deserve it. As you hug yourself, smile and be happy for being the special person you are. Spend a few minutes sitting quietly recalling pleasant, happy thoughts.

So, next time you feel frazzled, frumpy and grumpy, take a few minutes to rest and recharge your batteries by practicing any of the five fun quick tips above. You will feel refreshed, calm and revitalized; better able to give your best to friends, family, and job. I would love to know how you feel after you do any of these exercises. Please drop me a line and let me know.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ntathu_Allen

Where to go from here:

• How To Deal With Stress
• Relaxation Hypnosis
• How To Rid Yourself Of Stress And Anxiety
• A Guided Meditation
• Quiet Mind
  

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Ideas for coping with stress:

1. Understand more about stress – this involves recognising your sources of stress and how stress affects you personally.  Plan for stressful periods.

2. Problem-solve – what is the problem, be specific and break it down into realistic achievable components.  Then set goals on how to deal with each problem.  Make sure you include how to begin your plan of action.

3. Develop new behavior – if you take on too much or have problems saying no, learn to be assertive.  There are plenty of courses at local colleges or you may prefer to see a therapist 1:1.  Learn to manage your time more effectively and delegate wherever possible!  Avoid procrastination; whilst you are not doing it, you’ll only be spending energy worrying about it.

4. Make sure you develop a support network – deliberately develop good supportive relationships.  Ask for help when needed and accept it when offered.  You must also be prepared to do the same for others.

5. Make time to relax and enjoy yourself – how many of us know we should do more of this but don’t make the time?  Set aside time each day to relax and build this into your routine.  Develop hobbies and leisure activities that help you too switch off.

Can you imagine yourself doing any of these activities when you need to cope?

Asserting yourself – Contacting one of your supports – Listening to music

Exercising- Taking a break – Going to a movie -Reading a book -Laughing/crying – Taking a walk – Taking a nice long bath – Writing a letter or a journal – Learning something new – Eating something healthy – Helping someone else.

It is important to identify and practice using coping tools if you want to be able to deal with your stress successfully.  Obviously, it is not always possible to plan for stress as situations can happen that we do not expect.  If you find yourself experiencing a period of crises, or intense painful emotions there are still coping strategies that you can employ in that moment.

Ideas for coping with acute emotional distress:

1. Use of distraction – the aim of this is to limit the time you spend in contact with the emotional stimuli, the things that are causing you to feel emotional.  The stimuli could be anything from another person to the thoughts that you are having.  Distraction involves doing something else to absorb your attention.

2. Imagery – think of safe and soothing images.  This involves imagining images that make you feel good, it may be a favourite place, person, pet or scenes from nature.

3. Relaxation – learn a simple technique like using peripheral vision to induce relaxation. Peripheral vision is effective at switching on the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system responsible for making us feel calm.  It’s not possible to feel anxious or distressed whilst fully relaxed in peripheral vision.

4. One thing in the moment – as adults we tend to spend much of our time stuck contemplating what went wrong in the past or what may go wrong in the future.  Try and just focus on the ‘moment’.  Perhaps this may involve thinking something like ‘I’m in my house in my favourite chair, I’m warm and comfortable and I have a good book to read’.

5. Exercise – physical activity can help to disperse the chemicals released in your body by the stress response.  It also releases feel good chemicals known as endorphins.

6. Soothe yourself – do something to nurture your 5 senses.  Be kind and gentle to yourself.

Karen Hastings is an occupational therapist, master NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist.  Karen uses hypnotic techniques alongside NLP to help people stop smoking.  Karen is based in Edinburgh and also offers home-visits in Edinburgh and Bucks.  Visit http://www.karenhastings.co.uk for more information.

Where to go from here:

• Hypnosis for Anxiety Disorders
• Overcome Anxiety and Stress Naturally
• How to Rid Yourself of Stress and Anxiety
• Stressed and Anxious? 7 Tips for Busy Moms
• A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation
  

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That’s where we get stuck. Sure, we all would like to be less stressed, but where do we start? How do we reduce the number of stressors in our lives? After all, it usually feels like everything on our plate is non-negotiable.

But that’s the thing: we cannot do everything. Never have. Never will. It’s not possible.

So here are four ways to reduce the number — and size — of the items on your plate:

1) Ask yourself: What would happen if you were gone?

I mean it. Start right there. We don’t like to think about it, but it’s a terrific exercise to ask that question, especially you’re trying to cope with too much stress. Reduce and eliminate are the magic words. What would happen if life had to go on without you. It would, wouldn’t it? Whether it’s your family or your boss, they’d find a way to cope — or let things go undone. And the world wouldn’t end.

Sure, they will miss you. So tell them you need help. Carve out a compromise. Find out which of the things on your plate you can let go of. Which ones wouldn’t make a difference to anyone? Drop them. You may be surprised to find that some of the things you’ve been stressing about don’t really matter so much to others.

And what about the rest? What can you delegate? What can you do less of? Your plate should get less crowded in a hurry. And your stress levels should go down.

2) Stop perfectionism

Perfectionism is the enemy of sanity and a surefire way to generate endless amounts of stress. Sure, a lot of us take great pride in doing everything perfectly, but is it really necessary? Think of the 80/20 rule and do the 20% that matter most really well. The rest? Oh well… Drop it if you can, and if you can’t, aim for “good enough” rather than “perfectly.” Overcoming perfectionism can take you on the fast track to sanity.

3) What’s really important to you?

Spend a week noting everything you do and either each night or at the end of the week sit down and figure out which of these things meet at least one of the following two conditions: a) You enjoy them, or b) they are really necessary for your well-being or for the well-being of those you care about. If they don’t score very high on either of those counts, you know what to do.

4) Use the magic phrase

Many of us find it difficult to say “no.” Yet we cannot possibly do everything we’re asked to do. Here’s the magic phrase that will get you out of a lot of things without being nearly as difficult to say as “no.” It’s also easier on the one who’s asking: Just say, “Not now.” That’s it!

So you may not be able (or even want) to completely eliminate stress , but reduce it by half and you’ll feel a whole lot better.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like Elisabeth Kuhn’s FREE stress tips report . And here’s a related article on stress management exercises.

Article Source:  www.ladypens.com

Where to go from here:

• Stressed and Anxious? 7 Tips for Busy Moms
• The Relaxation Response
• Anxiety-Free Kids
• The Anxiety Workbook for Teens
  
• Instant Stress Relief

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I’m sure you’ve heard about the 80/20 principle, also known as the Pareto principle. It means that 20% of the things we do bring us 80% of the benefits. It works in sales, and it works just about anywhere else.

How can that help you with your to do list? Here’s how:

Just because an item is on your list doesn’t mean you have to actually do it. Refuse to submit to time management stress. There’s a better way.

Just think about it. If there are more things on that list than you can possibly do, you simply cannot do them. It’s physically impossible.

So what to do? Relax! That’s right. It may seem counterproductive, but it’s actually going to help you get MORE done.

The reason for that is that stress slows your brain down and saps your energy. So you’ll work more slowly and get less done. Once that stress is taken care of, you’ll feel invigorated and able to tackle your tasks.

So eliminating the stress over the impossible to do list is our number one priority.

Here’s what you need to do instead of getting stressed: Go over that list and figure out which of these tasks simply must get done, and get done right away, on that day.

Write those down on a separate list. Consider how long it will take you to do them all and whether you can actually do them in the allotted time. If the answer is no, you need to cut something out.

However, if you believe you can do those and only those that you have written down, that’s going to be your new to do list for the day.

If there’s room to spare, look back over the original list and see if there is another really important task that you can fit in without driving yourself ragged.

If so, add that to your list.

And what about the rest? There’s always another day. Maybe they’re not yours to do in the first place, or maybe whoever wants you to do them will simply have to wait.

So if you refuse to be held hostage by time management stress, and instead follow the 80/20 principle, you will likely get done what really needs to get done. And you’ll be able to do a better job than if you had had a nervous breakdown.

Whether you use the 80/20 principle or some other stress management techniques, you’ve got to do something to help you stay calm under pressure. For more stress tips, you’re invited to download Elisabeth Kuhn’s FREE stress tips report.

And here’s a related article on reducing time management stress.

Article Source: www.ladypens.com

Where to go from here:

• Treatment for General Anxiety
• Self-Hypnosis and Focused Breathing
• Overcome Anxiety and Stress Naturally
• Time-Management Tips for Busy Moms
  



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Those who gained a few pounds this past year may dread the warm, summer months ahead. The shorts, the sleeveless shirts, the bathing suits. Does it get any worse than that? Oh, yes…the bikinis. Yipes! The horror! The horror!

You’ve comforted yourself with carbs and dark chocolate on those long, cold nights, but now it’s time to pay the piper. But wait…I’ve got great news for you. You don’t have to go on a crash diet. In fact, if you do, you will regret it because the pounds will come right back. You already know which foods are good for you and which ones will pack the weight on. So, you’ll not get a lecture from me.

I want to offer you an easy solution. One that not only works, but will continue to work without effort, deprivation, or hardship.

Sound too good to be true?

It is true and I, personally, can attest to the wonders of hypnosis. As a certified, clinical hypnotherapist, I help hundreds of people lose weight, stop smoking, and overcome panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, fears, and addictions.

This particular weight loss hypnosis program works magnificently. You can lose all the weight you want, and it will remain “lost” permanently. With hypnosis, you lose your cravings for fatty and sugary food, while you learn to enjoy smaller portions of healthy foods.

With this program, you are in complete control of your eating habits. You will no longer fight a losing battle with your willpower. YOU are in the driver’s seat. If you’re truly ready to change your life, then all you have to do is listen to the relaxing CDs in this program, and you WILL lose weight.

Since this program is 100% guaranteed, the only thing you have to lose is weight.

Remember, summer is just around the corner.

Click here for more information on Lose Weight Easy Hypnosis.

Where to go from here:

• Enjoying Weight Loss
  
• Mind Over Platter
• Intuitive Eating
• Skinny Thinking
• Letting Go of Compulsive Eating
  

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1. Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, and this is certainly the case here. There are a number of different anxiety disorders including: panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Try to learn everything you can about your loved one’s type of anxiety. You can research hundreds of sites on the internet for information.

2. Support them by being a good listener. Sometimes your loved one will need a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent their frustrations to, especially after a severe panic attack or while going through an anxiety provoking situation.

3. Assure them. Tell them it’s not their fault they have anxiety. They are not weak, worthless, or mentally ill. Let them know you believe in them and have every confidence that they can get better.

4. Be patient with them. Anxiety doesn’t just happen overnight, and anxiety treatment can take time as well.

5. Get help. Anxious people are often ashamed of their feelings, but keeping it a secret is not healthy. Encourage your loved one to talk to a doctor or therapist or try an anxiety self help program. For a list of recommended anxiety self-help programs, click here.

6. Help yourself. Helping your loved one can take its toll on you and zap your energy. It is crucial that you remember to take good care of yourself with adequate rest, nutrition, and taking time out to do things you enjoy. Don’t let your loved one’s anxiety overtake your life.

7. Advocate for them. Put yourself in their shoes, try to learn what having anxiety really feels like, and appreciate the stigma of mental illness they are faced with out in the world.

8. Vent your frustrations appropriately. It’s okay and perfectly normal to feel upset, angry, frustrated. These are valid feelings in response to a very trying situation. Join a support group like families anonymous or an internet forum where you can vent your feelings to others who are in similar situations.

9. Don’t take it personally. Remember that an anxious person’s behavior is not indicative of who they really are. The anxious person has impaired social skills. If they are irritable or withdrawn, it’s because they feel bad about their anxiety. Remember it’s not about you, and it doesn’t mean they don’t love you.

10. Love them unconditionally. When they truly know you care, this is the best medicine of all.

Keep these tips in mind when you want to help a loved one with anxiety. As your loved one begins to get their anxiety under control, you can be their biggest champion. If you care about someone with anxiety, these are great ways to help.

Jill Green is a recovering anxious person who no longer lives in fear of her next panic attack. Life is beautiful! To learn more, or to start your own recovery from anxiety and panic today, visit her anxiety self-help blog.

Where to go from here:

• General Anxiety Defined
• Treatment for General Anxiety
• Overcome Anxiety and Stress Naturally
• Stressed and Anxious? 7 Tips for Busy Moms
• Hypnosis for Anxiety Disorders
  

You may also enjoy these articles:

• Pain, Dental Chickens, and Self-Hypnosis – What?
• Conquer Fear and Anxiety

Let me back up a bit. You see, I am a fairly fearless person. I don’t like earthquakes, floods, or fires, but don’t really face those disasters on a daily basis. I’m not a daredevil, but I do enjoy a rough and tumble carnival ride, now and again.

However, I do not now, nor have I ever, liked dental offices. I was going to say “dentists,” but I’m sure that behind their glistening teeth, crooked smiles, and demonic eyes, they probably are, in all probability, human beings with feelings. So, okay, I’m not going to admit to being afraid of dentists. Yes, and if you believe that, then I really don’t find clowns creepy.

My tooth started throbbing a few months ago, but I was given a reprieve with some antibiotics. The “d” mentioned that, in time, I would probably need a root canal. I can’t stand drugs. In most instances, the side effects are worse than the symptoms. I will seek, until I find, an herbal or homeopathic substitute whenever possible. But, to avoid the dreaded root canal, I succumbed, well, actually, grabbed the prescription and joyfully handed it to my pharmacist. My life had been spared, my sentence, commuted, I was home free.

After ten days, I knew the antibiotics had worked. My tooth felt normal. I bravely ate walnuts, apples, and anything else I could find to test the little warthog. No pain. No sensitivity. No throbbing. I had won. I had beaten back the grim reaper. I felt victorious. La de da.

Unfortunately, my triumph was transitory. Two months later, and just a few days ago, the throbbing pain was back. I chewed some baby aspirin, applied some Orajel to my inflamed gums, and avoided eating anything on the left side of my mouth. But, the pain continued. I was now taking aspirin by the handful. I stopped eating. I gargled with salt water (seemed like a good idea at the time). Nothing helped. This time, I was doomed.

Okay, worst case scenario: I go to the “d” and he gives me another prescription for antibiotics. I can live with that.

Right? Wrong…that was not to be. Once he had me in his torture chamber, I mean, chair, all bets were off. As he evaluated my x-rays, I evaluated the state of my nerves. Trembling hands, racing heart, pounding headache…not the signs of a person “in control.”

“Hey,” I thought out loud, “I’m a hypnotherapist…I can handle this.” I stopped blathering (lest the little men in the white jackets haul me away), and I immediately started to breathe deeply. In through my nose, hold, out through my mouth. By my third breath, I could feel my muscles relax, my nerves unwind, and my mind fog begin to lift. I told myself that I would remain calm no matter what the “d” told me. I would enjoy the experience because I would be mentally elsewhere. Hawaii is nice this time of year. When the “d” came back and confirmed my worst fears, I was completely calm and coherent. No more medications for me. It was “show time” and the root canal had a starring role.

“Go for it,” I uttered with so much conviction that even the “d” was startled. Obviously he was prepared for battle. In my “relaxed” state, the Novocaine shots didn’t hurt, and the drilling, chipping, and grinding didn’t phase me since I was busy building sand castles on the warm, white sands in Hawaii, sipping on a strawberry Pina Colada.

Oh, the wonders of self-hypnosis. It empowers us with the freedom to explore our imagination until we find our perfect escape route. For me, it was Hawaii, for you, it might be an island, a tropical rain forest, or Disneyland.

I may not use self-hypnosis as often as I once did, but, like a dear, trusted old friend, it’s always there when I need it. I can even say the word “dentist” now with having the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stick straight up.

Does self-hypnosis work? Oh,YES IT DOES, and, once again, it saved my life…or, at least my tooth.

Where to go from here:

• Self-Hypnosis Explained
• Hypnosis: The Pain Solution
  
• Hypnosis in the Relief of Pain
  
• Instant Self-Hypnosis
  

You may also enjoy these articles:

• How To Help A Loved One With Anxiety – By Jill Green
• Relaxation Hypnosis
• Stressed and Anxious? 7 Tips For Busy Moms

But for those who suffer from situational depression, then hypnosis is the ideal solution. Situational depression, although temporary, can last for several years. This form of depression is caused by a negative circumstance in your life, such as divorce, bereavement, separation from a loved one (a spouse in the armed forces), care-giving an elderly parent, loss of a job or house, or any other devastating life change. Some of these situations are short-term, while others may go on for years. Thus, you cannot afford to stay depressed while you wait for the situation to change.

Although the depression may be temporary, it will still effect the quality of your life.  For this type of depression, hypnosis will help you through this rough patch, and will give you the strength you need to function normally.

First, let’s determine if you are depressed. Do you have any of these emotional symptoms?

• Feel sad most of the time
• Filled with anxiety and worry
• Expect the “shoe to drop” at any time
• Dread each day
• Pessimistic about the future
• Have no goals or dreams
• Feel hopeless and lethargic

Although most people recognize those symptoms of depression, there are physical symptoms, as well. According to Psychology Today, depression leaves its “footprints” on the body in the form of everything from headaches to heart disease. These problems often, but not always, disappear when the emotional problem is resolved.

Physical problems that can be caused by depression include:

• Sleep problems; too little or too much
• Irritable and restless
• Fatigued and moody
• Headaches
• Persistent aches and pains
• Digestive problems
• Weight gain or loss; some people eat too much, while others lose their appetites
• Chest pains
• Loss of libido

If you have these symptoms and cannot think of a cause,  then seek a medical diagnosis immediately. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, six percent of people who suffer from depression, and 15 percent of those who suffer from major depression, eventually commit suicide. When you talk to your doctor, describe your thoughts and feelings to her. If she prescribes medications for you, then you must follow her advice.

If, on the other hand, you know your depression is caused by a negative event in your life, then consider seeing a certified hypnotherapist in your area. If you cannot afford to see one in person, then I  recommend you try an online, high-quality hypnosis product. An audio CD, or MP3 download, can be just as effective, and more cost-efficient, than an in-person visit with a therapist.

The hypnosis recording will help you relax, and will provide positive suggestions to your subconscious mind. Once you ease your mental anxiety,  your physical symptoms should dissipate. Your mind controls your body, and once you feel serene, your body will react in kind. Once you are sleeping well, your energy level will improve and you will be able to resume your normal routine.

Hypnosis cannot change the facts of your situation, but it can help you change your attitude, your outlook, and your view of the future. Depression will not disappear simply by wishing it away.  You must take a proactive role in your health, and hypnosis is the perfect vehicle to use when you are mentally and physically fatigued.

Where to go from here:

• Depression Program
  
• Stop Worrying
  
• Weight Loss Program
  
• Insomnia Cure
  
• Ease Tension Headaches
  

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