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Archive for the 'Stress Management' Category

11 10th, 2008
by The Affordable Storage Guy

Fortunately, lots of people have done this before and are willing to share their wisdom. The secret is to be organized and use proper supplies.

Save Money - Pack Yourself - Packing can be time and energy-consuming. Usually, it will take two people two full days to pack a three bedroom home.

If you can’t make such a time commitment, be prepared to hire others to do the job for you. Professional movers will do as little or as much packing as you want. If you have something very delicate or valuable, consider having it professionally packed. It is one way of increasing your chances of it safely arriving to your new home. If you pack yourself, though, it can be a real money-saver.

As soon as you know you’re moving, try to do some downsizing. Do you really want to bring absolutely everything with you? Or can you use the move as an opportunity to lighten your load? Now is a great time for that Garage Sale! If not a garage sale, perhaps there is a charity in your community willing to redistribute your extra ’stuff’.

First of all, set up your packing headquarters. Cover a large table with a protective pad for a firm work surface. Start collecting your packing materials.

How Many Boxes? Use boxes designed for moving. I don’t often recommend spending money - but in all honesty, good boxes can really make a difference in ensuring that your items arrive at their destination safely. They come in shapes and sizes specifically designed to fit a variety of household goods. You can buy them at self-storage facilities. They are a good investment.

Here is a guide for the number of boxes you might need. Most self-storage businesses will let you bring back unused boxes for a full refund, so take more than you think you need. 1 or 2 rooms: Sm. Boxes - 7, Med. Boxes - 3, Lge. Boxes - 3, China Boxes - 1, Wardrobes - 1 3 to 4 rooms: Small Boxes - 15, Med. Boxes - 8, Lge. Boxes - 6, China Boxes - 1 or 2, Wardrobes - 1 5 to 6 rooms: Small Boxes - 20, Med. Boxes - 12, Lge. Boxes - 8, China Boxes - 3, Wardrobes - 3 7 to 8 rooms: Small Boxes - 30, Med. Boxes - 20, Lge. Boxes - 12, China Boxes - 4, Wardrobes - 4

Box Descriptions Professional moving boxes come in a few different sizes: Smaller (2 cu. ft.) boxes for heavy items such as dishes, files and books Medium (4 cu. ft.) boxes for pots, pans, small appliances, lamps, shades, clothing, linens, and toys Large (6 cu. ft.) boxes for light/bulky items: pillows, bedding, stuffed toys Mirror or Picture Cartons are a great way to move art, framed posters, etc. China Barrels provide extra protection for dishes, fine china and glassware. Wardrobe Boxes are used for packing clothes and drapery (each wardrobe holds approximately 20 garments).

As well as being strong and durable, there is another, hidden benefit to using proper moving boxes. The uniform sizes allow for quick packing and stacking - and that will save you time and money. When you use boxes of every shape and size, you’ll waste a lot of time fitting them all together in the moving van. When you are moving you want less aggravation and frustration. Using professional boxes will make the move easier.

Other Packing Materials Mattress covers to protect box springs and mattresses from moisture and dust Newsprint (preferably non print and in pre cut sheets) Tissue paper and/or bubble wrap for wrapping and cushioning breakable objects Styrofoam chips are necessary fillers for empty spaces and will prevent items from bouncing around inside the boxes Packing tape to seal the boxes Twine to seal boxes and tie loose items together Scissors or a sharp knife Felt markers and/or box labels Notepad and pen to list box contents as they are packed

Final Packing Tips - Label all your boxes on several sides. Include which room the box should be delivered to. - If there are boxes that you want to open first, write a number on them. - Start by packing out of season, or least used items first. Leave the things you use everyday to the end. - Tape important things together such as pins for shelves and bookcases to the bookcase, nuts and bolts for bed frames to the bed frame, etc. - Use crushed newsprint at the bottom of each carton for cushioning. - Fill empty spaces in the boxes with crushed paper. You don’t want anything to slide around. Put heavy items on the bottom and lighter things on the top of each box.

Sooner or later, we all move. When it happens to you, please make it as easy as possible and let the experience of others guide you.

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Overcoming Inappropriate Competition in the Workplace

Author: Avery Henderson, Ph.D., M.P.H.
09 19th, 2008
by Avery Henderson, Ph.D., M.P.H.

When used appropriately, competition raises the bar for the quality of goods and services, as well as the skill levels of employees. However, inappropriate uses of competition can result in turf wars, budget fights, incentive programs that reward only a few, destroyed interpersonal relationships, low morale and productivity, and needless conflicts. Many leaders, managers and employees, who are otherwise affable, reasonable, peaceful people, buy into the competitive WIN/LOSE paradigm without questioning its true effects.

The Game

In my leadership, teambuilding, and conflict resolution training for organizations, we play a game early in the session. I separate people into two similar-sized groups and say that the goal is “to get as many points as possible.” After describing the rules, I send the groups away to strategize. When the groups return, in 99% of the time, the game will be played competitively between the two groups. While trying to score points, they use valuable resources to block the other group from scoring. The usual outcome is one group’s claiming victory and bragging how they are “number one.”

When I ask what the goal was, the most prevalent answer is “for our team to win the game.” Others answer that they wanted “to prevent the other team from scoring” and “to maximize our dominance.” I reiterate the goal–”It is simply to get as many points as possible”–and reveal that there are 100 points possible. One by one, as they realize some of their resources were squandered keeping the other group down, each participant gets the “AHA!” Collectively, they realize how they automatically assumed a competitive paradigm to play the game against the other group.

Because of the division into two groups, they automatically assumed the groups were “teams.” The competitive paradigm is so ingrained in our thought processes that the division into groups is enough to skew what is being asked.

Implications for the Workplace

In my training sessions, I ask participants, “Who here likes to lose?” As expected, no one raises a hand. If no one likes to lose, why do we insist upon the inevitable win/lose scenario in many workplace situations? Would harmony and cooperation serve the organization better than constant competition?

Let’s take the paradigm of competition into the arena of conflict. Conflict is inevitable most days of our lives because of differences in personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. But there is a better way to deal with conflict than imposing the “someone has to lose and it ain’t gonna be me” paradigm

In his popular book entitled, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey describes three principles for interpersonal success that apply especially to conflict:

(1) Think Win/Win (mutual benefit in all human interactions)

(2) Seek First to Understand, and then to be Understood (empathic listening)

(3) Synergize (working together cooperatively resulting in a total effect that is greater than the individual effects).

When parties involved in conflict aim for a Win/Win outcome, listen to the other parties involved and empathize with them, and then cooperate, collaborate and figure out solutions that meet everyone’s needs, relationships are built and solidified, not destroyed. As trusting, cooperative relationships grow, conflict becomes less threatening and peaceful conflict resolution becomes possible and leads to developing high performing workplace teams.

Of course, no alternative approach is going to totally get rid of conflict in the workplace. Diversity and disagreement are important, and conflict may be an opportunity for developing creative solutions. Additionally, competition is very real when careers and promotions within an organization are being considered. So what’s a good approach?

The answer lies in understanding and systemically embracing the concept of “coopetition,” appropriate cooperation and sharing of information and resources between competing individuals and even between organizations. Coopetition is a key to the growth and the raising of standards in organizations, companies, industries and their associations.

Although many associations have practiced coopetition for a long time, the term itself is relatively new and needs wider recognition and acceptance as a workplace concept. Coopetition is based on the principle of the individual’s having the betterment of the team and the organization at heart rather than self-promotion. How well a person fosters teamwork, serves internal and external customers, problem solves, and helps to meet the organization’s goals become an important measuring stick for career promotions. Once it is accepted, promoted and utilized by management as an important part of the organizational culture, employees will get the message and their behavior will follow. Role modeling by management is critical to the success of this concept.

By embracing and promoting coopetition, along with cooperation, collaboration, synergistic problem solving, and creativity, an organization can overcome inappropriate competition in the workplace. The creative energy unleashed in the resulting cooperative teamwork can have a dramatic positive effect on interpersonal relationships, customer service, morale, productivity and the bottom line, and that will make everyone in the organization happy!

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Easy Stress Reducing Tips

Author: Sara Mendez
09 6th, 2008
by Sara Mendez

Relaxation plays in a key roll in leading a healthy happy life. Without relaxation it is difficult to stay on task, make good decisions, and be productive. Relaxation also has many physical benefits which include lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and increased blood flow to muscle groups to name a few. Some people think relaxation takes hours, but relaxation can take place in as little as ten minutes a day.

Work, marriage and money are just a few things which can cause stress in peoples day to day lives. Often people get so busy and think they have no time to relax. They can also be fooled into thinking that they need to do something extreme or go someplace such as going on vacation to relax. These people are mistaken, relaxation can happen at home, in the office or while driving. The key is to train the mind to relax.

There are many ways in which you can relax. Finding your method is really your biggest obstacle, but it is easy, just think about what you enjoy most. Maybe you like listening to music, reading, meditating or walking. Any of these activities can be a relaxation method and can be scaled down to as little as ten minutes.

Something simple like watching TV, listening to music, surfing the web and reading offer a break from regular day to day situations. Books can create a world completely different from your own as can a good movie or song. Each of these activities help your mind escape into a visually exciting place.

Meditation can help you learn to control your body’s reaction to stress through reflection and deep breathing exercises. These techniques must be learned and practiced regularly to insure maximum results. You can achieve full relaxation through ten minutes of meditation, and most people have ten minutes to spare in their busy lives.

Other people prefer to hit the gym to relax. Some like to run, walk or lift weights. Others might prefer a cycling, kick boxing or tai chi class. Running and walking burn off excessive built up energy, however not everyone wants to run a marathon. For them there are other sorts of classes which sole purpose is relaxation such as yoga. Many people choose to skip the classes and gym all together and simply walk their dogs in the park.

Your body will tell you what it likes and what it doesn’t like, you just need to learn to listen. Take note of what worked and what didn’t while you were practicing different relaxing techniques. If one doesn’t work don’t be afraid to try a different approach. Make sure to keep yourself motivated by reminding yourself you will be healthier and happier in the end and think how nice it is to do something enjoyable.

Make sure you try different techniques, sometimes one might work better than another and it is best to have a variety. Learning something new is always a challenge however once you get the hang of it, it is like riding a bike, your body won’t forget how. You must make a conscious effort to remind and train your body to relax while performing this task. It may take time, but in the end the rewards will be worth it.

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08 7th, 2008
by Sara Mendez

Stress can be defined many different ways. The most common definition is, stress is the body’s response to an outside situation in one’s life. Stress effects one’s environment, life and others around them in many ways. Sometimes these situations get the better of us and we have trouble dealing with the feelings of stress. You may become irritable, hostile, angry or overly sensitive just to name a few. Sometimes our physical body deals with the stress in an unhealthy way as well. You may have high blood pressure, become depressed, develop ulcers, or have a heart attack. It is important to learn what your stress triggers are and how to deal with both the triggers and the effects. Only by learning this will you be able to successfully manage your stress.

A trigger can be anything. I can be something immediate like preparing for a date, making a speech, or the threat of physical danger. These situations happen and are over quickly. The stress will allow you to deal with these things immediately and then your body will return to its normal state. Long term stressors are different. A long term stressor can be things like divorce, having a baby, work or moving to a new location. These stresses can wear on the body and also cause serious health concerns.

Hypnosis can assist you on your path to inner peace. It will help you to learn what your trigger is and it can change your body’s response to that trigger. Some people know their triggers but others might require help finding them, hypnosis can do this. Hypnosis is a highly effective treatment for stress management. If you are trying to reach your goal of stress management, you need to know the triggers and the reaction you have in order to be successful.

The body’s reaction to stress is different for everyone. Stress can be the cause of low work performance, sleep deprivation, or other addictions such as alcoholism, drugs and smoking. Your body might respond through skin breakouts, grinding your teeth, a panic attack or a low immune system. Just having some of these problems can lead to even more stress. Most people want to lead a happy and peaceful life free of stress.

Hypnosis will allow you to face your stress and its triggers head on instead of bottling it up. You will learn to relax your mind and breathing which will give your body a break that it needs. Hypnosis can help you avoid chronic problems caused by stress. You will learn to manage your stress in a healthy manor. Others may choose other ways of dealing with stress, such as medication, counseling or exercise but they are not dealing directly with the trigger and response. Hypnosis will address all of these things, it will even help you in other areas of your life that might cause you more stress such as weight loss, self confidence and fears.

There is always be stress in our lives, it is something we can not avoid. Many new discoveries and theories are being made each day regarding stress management and treatment. The choice is yours. Only you can decide what is best for you and your lifestyle. Remember you are in control of your body and it’s reaction. The time has come for you to make a choice.

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Anger Management Skills that work

Author: Dan Aikerman
05 27th, 2008
by Dan Aikerman

Management Techniques and Skills

Since anger issues affect individuals from childhood to adulthood, obviously it is necessary to teach anger management skills that work for every age group. There are many, many positive techniques and skills related to anger management. For the person who is dealing daily with anger problems, it is important to learn skills that will be effective in coping. Since anger management seems to affect so many people in society, it is imperative to design and create techniques, teach skills, provide counseling and provide appropriate care and support.

Acupressure and Emotional Freedom Techniques

Acupressure is one skill that tends to help people deal with negative emotions. This technique used as an anger management skill is achieved by tapping or rubbing the body. When feeling tense and upset one can use this skill, to briskly massage the body and cause an individual’s energy to move around their body which results in relaxation. An anger management skill or technique known as the Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT can be combined with acupressure to fight against negative emotions. Practicing EFT helps an individual admit to their problem and find forgiveness which tends to balance the brain hemispheres. As a tool to release feelings of anger and promote relaxation, this anger management skill would be very beneficial.

Keep a Journal

When an individual writes about the situations which upset them, it helps to get the negative thoughts and emotions out of their head. Adopting positive anger management skills might involve keeping a journal. By journaling about feelings and emotions, a person is able to rid their minds of unhealthy thinking and put them on paper. Being able to read and review reactions to situations, a person might be capable of making changes in their behavior. This anger management activity would provide specific details and perhaps triggers which usually set the individual off.

Avoidance

If a person has a regular pattern of lashing out during specific conversations, they ought to avoid those incidents. Some people who have anger issues seem to go looking for a reason to get upset. If aiming to adopt anger management skills, these people should attempt to change this way of thinking. Instead of going to the problem, they ought to run from the problem. When considering anger management skills, there’s one which is quite easy to adopt. Removing themselves from a threatening situation might eliminate the problem. If a person realizes they have difficulties controlling their temper, they might consider staying away from situations which may cause heated arguments.

When an individual is attempting to gain control and eliminate the negative feelings normally dictating their life, exploring anger management skills is necessary to find a technique or skill which works for them. Adopting anger management skills that work is definitely an essential step when striving to cope with feelings of rage and anger. There are many suggestions and recommendations offered on Internet sites related to anger management skills. It would certainly help to visit these sites and read the information and advice. It is unreasonable to think that a person will use all of the anger management skills suggested. However finding one that works may mean trying each of them at least once.

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05 6th, 2008
by Susan Atkinson

Correspondence courses are self-paced independent study courses that allow students to work at their own pace with instructor guidance; no formal classroom attendance is required. This independent study format allows students work with a textbook and course guide.

Students’ views on this approach to learning are equally complex-some welcome the convenience of correspondence courses, while others fear losing the face-to-face interaction of the more traditional learning experience.

Correspondence courses can be a complementing option for homeschooling; parents may take advantage of specific course offerings, in order to address insufficiencies in learning areas which the parent or guardian cannot properly manage by themselves. In this sense, distance learning is a step above the homeschooling alternative, as it can provide solutions in aid to the specific needs of the latter.

Students may study at their own rate and at the time and place of their choosing. This approach has been proven highly beneficial for those who desire to continue their college work: to teachers who wish to take courses leading to additional certification or who are in need of additional study in the disciplines they teach and to citizens who wish to broaden their learning.

Correspondence courses are among the more convenient ways to improve your technical knowledge and increase your chances for career success. If you think you may be eligible for school board assistance with fees or texts you should contact your principal or guidance counselor.

Students who are enrolled in eligible programs of study at eligible institutions may qualify for student aid benefits from federally-funded programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and its amendments. Students who enroll in correspondence courses only will be considered as halftime per federal regulation.

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05 1st, 2008
by Keira Adams

It’s common knowledge that walking has numerous health benefits for your body. It burns fat and calories, enhances blood flow throughout your system, and improves your cardiovascular fitness. What you may not know, however, is that incorporating meditation into your walking routine can boost the benefits considerably by providing a spiritual and mental payoff.

Oftentimes, when people take up walking, they do so because it’s an easy way to exercise that is low impact and is easy to learn. You don’t need special equipment or even a lot of time. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and walk your way toward better health.

However, if you combine this with meditation or mindful walking, you can get even more benefit out of this time than you would normally spend just exercising.

Mindful walking has its roots in the Buddhist belief of Ayatana, involving awareness of your senses. It requires lot of concentration on your movements, which will probably take some getting used to. Your goal isn’t to step up your pace, and in fact you will probably walk a little more slowly than usual while you’re getting used to walking meditation.

As you concentrate on your steps, focus mentally on the heaviness or lightness of your feet as they leave the pavement and then hit the ground after each stride. As you practice mindful walking, you need to concentrate on the experience and not let your thoughts wander off to other activities and worries. Focus on the process, and take note of the details involved in moving each foot in turn.

Oftentimes, traditional meditation has you sitting in a room with your eyes closed so that you can concentrate on mental clarity. However, with walking meditation, you need to see where you’re going. This means that you absorb your outside environment and process it with the mental clarity brought on by meditation.

The ideal surroundings for walking meditation are somewhere peaceful and appealing. Your neighborhood park is good; road construction is bad. Your environment should be inviting enough that time passes quickly and pleasantly. You should aim to walk for a minimum of 20 minutes each time.

When you start to walk, use good posture and keep your arms at your sides. Focus on a point about 3 to 6 feet in front of you as you walk.

Of course, walking will help your body and your health in many ways. It provides more serotonin to improve your mood as well. If you add meditation to your walk, your exercise program will become even more powerful and further improve your mind as well as your body.

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