Guided Meditation for Detachment From Over-Thinking (Anxiety / OCD / Dep...

Something to try this evening to wind down.  Take care.

Understanding and Managing Anxiety

By Brian H Allison

The experience of anxiety is common and universal. It is not an emotion restricted to the economically deprived nor to the politically oppressed. Anxiety is an inescapable part of the human condition, for life on all its levels, from the international and governmental to the domestic and personal, is marked with uncertainty, perplexity, and stress. Many may deny their personal anxiety, or at least the intensity of it (even to themselves) for a variety of reasons, such as, the desire to avoid embarrassment, the sense of pride, the fear of rejection, the threat and unease of vulnerability, etc; notwithstanding, nearly everyone experiences anxiety to some degree. Its occurrence is disturbing and debilitating. Its persistence is crippling. As long as daily living is characterized by struggle, strife, and suffering, the anxiety-experience is an inevitability.

The Nature of Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental tension which expresses itself in worry, irritability, apprehension, or uneasiness. The mental tension results either from a sense of uncertainty about future or impending events, or from a sense of inability to control one's environment or state of affairs. Anxiety is a natural emotional response of human beings endeavoring to survive and live comfortably. Anxiety is a constant reminder of humankind's appalling frailty and its utter impotence to master its own destiny.

Anxiety and fear, though closely interrelated, are not synonymous concepts. Fear, sharply defined, is both the psychological and emotional response to a sense of being in danger. Fear is basically a survival mechanism in that it promotes self-preservation. Anxiety, however, is the warning signal of one's increasing impotence to survive. It has been said that anxiety is "fear spread out thin."

Not all anxiety is pernicious, but rather only certain forms of it. Psychologists, both secular and spiritual, generally believe that periodic mild anxiety assists in productivity and performance. Alertness is enhanced, motivation is stimulated, and concentration is heightened. One's potential and ability are thus more efficiently harnessed. In fact, serious educational and socializing repercussions may result when anxiety is absent (such as typifies hardened criminal behaviour); or when anxiety is excessive (such as typifies sensitive children in a disruptive home).

The relationship between amiable and pernicious anxiety is similar to that of stress and distress. A moderate amount of stress is indispensable to peak performance and success. This fact is particularly evident with the athlete prepared to run a race or compete in a field event. However, the threat to health occurs when the increase of stress is transmuted into distress. This situation may arise with the business executive who has demanding daily quotas to fill and unrelenting deadlines to meet. Inefficiency and atrophy are the natural by-products. The outcome is the onset of serious emotional disturbances. Pernicious anxiety is particular focus of this article.

A further classification of anxiety may be helpful. Debilitating anxiety is basically of two types, namely, simple and neurotic. Simple anxiety is the temporary emotional tension which most people experience towards life's pressures and struggles. Neurotic anxiety is emotional tension which has become an ingrained behavioural trait of one's personality. A neurosis is a fixed emotional disturbance pervading the whole personality. Some neuroses, for instance, are obsessive-compulsive reaction, hysteria, phobia, hostility, neurasthenia, chronic depression, etc. An untreated neurosis may possibly develop into a psychosis, though this development is usually dependent upon hereditary and predispositional factors. Simple anxiety is primarily discussed in this article, though much of what is considered has equal relevance to neurotic anxiety. The intrinsic nature of anxiety remains constant, only its degree and intensity differ. The treatment of neurotic anxiety entails a specialized approach because the anxiety has become behaviourally entrenched. Personality maladjustment may also have to be addressed. The causative factors and the psycho-dynamics underlying the anxiety need to be discovered and investigated, which may require detailed discussion and analysis of childhood experiences and domestic training. People who suffer from neurotic anxiety typically need professional counselling.

The Effects of Anxiety

The costs of anxiety are exceedingly high. The effects are profound and far-reaching. These effects fall into three basic categories: the physical, the psycho-emotional, and the social. Let us first consider the physical effects of anxiety. Anxiety results in a whole array of physiological discomforts. One particular manifestation of anxiety can be labeled under psychosomatic symptoms, such as, the common upset stomach, heart palpitations, headaches, muscle cramps, and various bodily aches and pains. Sustained or chronic anxiety results in deteriorating physical health. Organic and functional illnesses, ranging from dyspepsia to heart disease, are the long term effects.

Anxiety may also occasion serious psycho-emotional disorders. Initially, anxiety decreases performance by curtailing reasoning abilities, dulling imaginative thinking, and causing general discouragement. Feelings of disorientation and depression may then ensue. Personality maladjustments are the eventuality.

Anxiety may also result in strained social relationships and retarded interpersonal development. Extremely anxious people may tend to avoid social contact, even with familiar friends, in order to reduce the anxiety level. Social contact tends to generate feelings of uncertainty, suspicion, and uneasiness, with the natural reaction being social withdrawal and alienation. Security and peace are construed as the fruit of separation and solitude. Accordingly, the development of communicative skills and social etiquette may be hampered. Extremely anxious people learn to live by themselves.

The Causes of Anxiety

The psycho-dynamics underlying anxiety are complex. Some psychologists generally describe anxiety as a vague and indirect feeling, having no particular source or fundamental cause. This claim can certainly be challenged. With anxiety there is typically a cause-effect relationship, though the cause may be hidden or misunderstood.

I suggest that the actual causes of anxiety are usually associated with specific tenuous mental states. There are basically three major tenuous mental states from which derive emotional disturbances. The first of these is guilt. Guilt by its very nature creates psychic tension. Guilt is the sense of personal wrongdoing and being liable for punishment. The guilt may be false or true (imaginary or real, psychological or moral). In either case, the psychic experience and tension are similar. True or real guilt results from the transgression or rejection either of some authoritative or societally-established law. When a person steals another's possession, he or she may sense guilt. False or imaginary guilt, on the other hand, results from the failure to conform to the expectations or judgements of others. For instance, a child's peers may ridicule him because he has played poorly on the sport's team, though he has performed to his full potential. He may then feel that he has failed his friends. Consequently, he feels guilty. This guilt is 'unjustified', for the supposed offense does not involve moral culpability. Some of the secondary mental states attributable to guilt are depression, discouragement, loneliness, insecurity, despair, etc.

Many neuroses have guilt as their central component. Usually the impetus underlying false guilt is the need to please, to win the approval of, or to be accepted by, others. The person who feels guilty should thus ask himself or herself a series of questions: What kind of guilt am I experiencing? Is it a justified guilt? What is the cause or reason for the guilt? What is the proper way to view the situation? If the guilt is morally justified, then moral action should be pursued in order to address and resolve it. If the guilt is (morally) unjustified, then it should be acknowledged as such, assessed as harmful, and even wrong, and disowned.

The second major tenuous mental state which may generate anxiety is egoism. The individual suffering from egoism has a preoccupation with himself and with his personal needs. It should be noted that a common trait of the egoistic state of mind is anger. Egoism has two fundamental dimensions, namely, superiority (arrogance) and inferiority (inadequacy). A superior disposition compels a person to obsessively strive for personal attention and to secure the applause and praise of others. His conceit, exaggerated self-love, and his need for recognition often foster an insensitive, judgmental, and even merciless attitude. His behaviour is also potentially volatile. Various examples from the worlds of show biz and professional sports could easily be cited by way of illustration. Some secondary mental states of a superior disposition are hostility, jealousy, hatred, bitterness, resentment, and envy.

An inferior disposition appears to be the more prevalent of the two dimensions in those who suffer from anxiety. An inferior disposition compels a person to socially withdraw and to feel intimidated around people. This person feels unworthy of personal recognition, and even love. He or she even lacks in self-respect. This person feels that anything he or she does is either not right or not good enough. This person views himself or herself as a failure. The child who is continually criticized by his authoritarian mother (for instance, because of an inability to intellectually grasp certain concepts in a particular discipline) may tend to view himself as stupid. Consequently, he may lose interest in academics altogether. He eventually may lose all confidence even in his ability to think.

The person with an inferior disposition learns to dislike himself, and consequently believes that others do not like him either. He or she often becomes a perfectionist, which is the path to a very unsatisfying, frustrating, and unhappy life. The person predictably never quite makes the grade, regardless of how hard he or she may try. The secondary mental states of an inferior disposition are depression, discouragement, emptiness, loneliness, insecurity, jealousy, hatred, envy, etc.

The third major tenuous mental state is fear. Not all fear is malignant. Instinctive fear is required for physical survival. Morbid fear is pernicious and is characterized by a slavish preoccupation with personal safety and well-being. An immoderate concern over securing (or maintaining) an admirable public image, a respected reputation, a high social status, good health, family welfare, material possessions, etc., may effectuate morbid fear. Morbid fear often arises when an exaggerated value or importance is assigned to these particular objects. The motivational belief is that the procurement of these objects will provide security. The person's perception, however, has become distorted. Consequently, the threat of loss or damage of these objects may be paralyzing, and even incapacitating. The secondary mental states of fear are depression, insecurity, suspicion, panic, etc. Fear is also the essential component of various neuroses, such as, hysteria, phobia, and paranoia.

These three major tenuous mental states--guilt, egoism, fear--may may be situational or chronic. If they are situational, then their duration is temporary, if handled appropriately. If they are chronic, then professional counselling may be required in order to discover and examine the causative factors. In treating anxiety (we shall say more about this shortly), the determinative mental state should be confronted and fully explored. The psychic tension is mitigated through the exposure of its underlying cause(s). In exploring the underlying cause(s) of anxiety, the antecedent perception(s) of any given mental state should be examined. One's mental perception determines the particular mental state which is responsible for ensuing anxiety. The personal interpretation of a situation/set of circumstances effects a corresponding mental state. For instance, a person may notice after a business meeting that a colleague is looking askance at him. The colleague's facial expression may be totally innocent and unself-conscious. However, this person, especially if he is generally suspicious and naturally sensitive, may interpret this facial expression as antagonistic. As a result of that faulty mental perception, the person may then feel guilty and rejected. He may then begin to scrutinize himself minutely, reflecting upon his present relationships and questioning his past deeds and actions. If this fallacious thinking persists, this person may eventually become depressed and anxious.

Hence, generally speaking, anxiety must be managed indirectly. For example, a person may suffer from a rejection syndrome. As a result of the psychic conflict, he may find himself continuously anxious, completely unaware that the anxiety is the result of this particular psychic conflict. The sufferer must come to realize the relationship between the psychic conflict and the anxiety. Further, an adjustment of perception or a reframing of interpretation is also critical in correcting emotional disturbances. Adjusting personal perceptions, or reframing personal interpretations, does not result in a masking or denial of the truth of the given situation, nor does it result in a subtle form of self-delusion. Mental adjustment or psychic reframing simply allows for the achievement of a right perspective in order that there may be proper understanding. The ultimate goal is to learn to think clearly and correctly.

The Management of Anxiety

In the management of anxiety, as with other emotional disturbances, there are different schools of thought. Various therapists advocate some form of behaviour modification, such as, relaxation training, thought-stopping, modeling, and behaviour rehearsal. These techniques may prove partially helpful, but an obvious deficiency with behaviour modification is that the perception(s) and mental state that engender the anxiety may not comprise the fundamental focus or consideration in the treatment. Treatment must be primarily cognitive, not behavioural. The behavioural is usually secondary and concomitant.

Some direction for the management of anxiety has already been furnished above. Further elaboration and suggestions are now offered. As already argued, anxiety is dependent upon one's mental state. Therefore, management for anxiety must begin with a confrontation and analysis of the mental state responsible for the anxiety. This approach, of course, will include a consideration of one's perception and interpretation of the situation(s) occasioning the mental state.

First, confrontation involves self-consciously addressing one's thinking. It consists of self-consciously turning inward on one's thoughts and observing them in as objective a manner as possible. It is seeking to identify the commensurate thoughts of the experienced anxiety. For example, an aspiring young minister may become extremely anxious days before he is to preach. This anxiety may be more than simple "stage fright". His mental state, though unconsciously recognized (which is often the case), may be one of fear. He may be fearful of not being impressive; fearful of rejection; fearful of appearing inadequate. Confrontation is the mental act of being honest and courageous with oneself.

Analysis is a more complex process than confrontation. It involves the critical examination of one's mental state with a view to the understanding of its origin, justification, and validity. For example, in feeling anxiety, one may recognize that he is harbouring guilt. He should ask himself why he is experiencing guilt or what has occasioned this guilt. It may be that he didn't shake a fellow church member's hand on Sunday or that he asked a rather simple question in the economic's class. He then should ask himself whether it is right to feel this guilt, whether he really committed a wrong. In the first case, he may not have had a real opportunity to shake the member's hand and thus should not feel guilty. In any event, he is not obligated to shake the person's hand every Sunday.

Hand-shaking is an expression of spiritual fellowship and not one of mere religious duty. In the second case above, he may have asked a question to which he didn't know the answer in order to clarify a point or enhance comprehension, and thus he should not be concerned about other peoples' personal evaluations. He apparently is seeking to learn and grow. In the two cases cited, the person probably shouldn't feel guilty. Next, he should ask himself what would have been the proper way to perceive and interpret the situation (i.e., the reasonable, objective way). In these two cases, the guilt is false and thus should be rejected. His thinking is faulty. His mental state is morally unjustified. So, analysis involves a close and intense investigation of the dynamics underlying and shaping one's mental state in order to evaluate the propriety of such a state. The origin of such a state may find its roots in some childhood experience, rendering analysis complicated, and professional help may be needed at this point.

Analysis allows one to assume a particular mental position (an objective one) in order to correct a tenuous mental state which has arisen. Often when one confronts his or her thoughts and recognizes the commensurate thoughts of the experienced anxiety, he or she simultaneously recognizes the origin of the mental state (if the anxiety is situational). Hence, in this two-fold process of confrontation and analysis, it would be beneficial for the sufferer to discuss his or her anxieties with a close friend or with a competent associate. Honest, transparent communication is very therapeutic.

This exercise of 'confrontation and analysis' should be viewed as a special kind of cognitive procedure, namely, self-examination. This procedure allows for an object-subject relationship to be established between the sufferer and the anxiety (with its causative factors). The sufferer, rather than remaining indistinguishably one with the anxiety, being "caught up" by it as it were, is able to stand over and against it. This psycho-positioning in itself diffuses some of the force of the anxiety, but more importantly, it initiates a dissipating mechanism. The sufferer should become 'the watcher' or 'the observer'. The sufferer is now able to become somewhat emotionally removed from the experience itself, establishing a quasi-objective situation in order to evaluate the validity and origin of the anxiety itself, as well as the justification for the occasioning situation giving rise to such anxiety.

This "objectivizing"--moving from a subjective relationship with respect to the anxiety (and its occasioning situation) to a quasi-objective relationship--is critical for the effective treatment of anxiety. Ignorance simply perpetuates the condition, and may even intensify it. Self-understanding is at the core of mental health. Only on the basis of self-understanding can the edifice of self-adjustment solidly stand. The emotive is secondary; the cognitive is primary. The emotions merely reflect or express thoughts and perceptions. Emotions are not isolated and independent entities. They are necessarily dependent upon how and what one thinks. Treatment, therefore, must be primarily cognitive. Emotional disturbances must be treated indirectly, by directly treating one's cognitive state.

Accordingly, with the stages of 'confrontation' and 'analysis' achieved, the stage for 'transformation' is set. In order to overcome anxiety, one needs a change in his or her thinking patterns and attitudes. The ancient New Testament counsel of St. Paul underscores the validity and benefit of this point. He writes, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil 4:8,9).

This mind transformation, particularly in reference to anxiety, also entails cultivating a proper mind-set. This mind-set is characterized by two perspectives. First, there must be a present perspective on issues. Many anxieties stem from the assumption of a future perspective which is conducive to uncertainty and doubt. One should focus on the issues and challenges of any current day, and try not to overly focus on, and worry about, future days (which does not discount the need for proper planning). One must discipline himself to train his mind to be currently-focused, though future-aware.

Second, one should try to cultivate a more universal perspective. One should examine, analyze, and assess matters and events within the larger scope of the 'global village' and the 'collective consciousness'. Narrow-mindedness and an unreasonable preoccupation with personal details typically provoke anxiety. Excessive attention given to life's details, failing to evaluate them within the larger setting, results in a misconception of what constitutes real value and true significance.

In addition to the preceding remarks for the management of anxiety, there are some practical steps which may be adopted in order to maintain control over anxiety. First, changes should be made concerning the anxiety-provoking situation(s). For instance, if one is anxious about arriving at work on time, then the clock should be possibly set 30 minutes earlier. Second, a list of daily duties and responsibilities should be made, preferably with the more exacting and demanding duties listed first. One should list only what he or she believes may be accomplished that day. Third, there should be a schedule of periodic breaks and recreation times for each day. Even walking briefly outdoors can be invigorating. Fourth, sufficient sleep each night is required. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. Fifth, a program of regular exercise should be adopted. Physical exercise is paramount. Exercise advances stamina and stability. Sixth, one should learn to "talk through" his or her frustrations and problems with a close friend. Again, honest, transparent communication can be quite therapeutic. Seventh, vacations should be taken regularly, and they should be a complete change from daily routine. Eighth, regular medical check-ups should be scheduled. Anxiety can have a biological or chemical basis. Ninth, one should adopt the practice of listening to melodious music. The right kind of music has a soothing and beneficial effect. Tenth, one should develop a good circle of friends. Learning to socialize has psychological benefits and rewards. One acquires a sense of belonging. Also, a good support system is indispensable for emotional well-being. Eleventh, a hobby should be undertaken. Interest and enthusiasm release positive and well-directed energy. Twelfth, eating nutritiously and healthily may help mitigate anxiety. Along with organic foods, one should consider such supplements as vitamins B and D, omega 3 fatty acids, and such minerals as calcium and magnesium. Herb teas, like chamomile, may also prove supportive.

For other resources and aids for self-improvement and personal growth, check out the author's website http://www.maranatha-counseling.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Brian_H_Allison/1404435

Happiness Emanates From Within

By Berhane A Tedla

The term happiness cannot be contained or explained through words. No word is right word to explain the essence of happiness. Happiness is a spiritual element that is far beyond human explanation. It is eternal and human inheritance. The word happiness cannot make you happy like the word water cannot quench. For someone who is thirst must drink water and quench the throat. And the same thing is true with happiness. Happiness is not something verbal or to be induced from outside. No money, power, fame, or other worldly materials can make you happy; if they make you, it is temporarily, for happiness emanates from within.

Happiness has been the subject of debate and philosophical conflict among philosophers. It is a burning issue since human creation. The whole humanity is zealous to be happy and stay calm and peaceful. However, very few like the number of our fingers are happy; otherwise the rest of humanity is snuffed off into thick night and invariably grope. There is no night with a darkness that can stay for life time, for there is a lamp to lit, but there is human darkness that can never even be illuminated without human happiness. Happiness unveils the thick human darkness and lights the path of purpose. Nevertheless, happiness is byproduct or effect, not the cause by itself.

The very effort that we invariably exercise is to be happy and stay vibrant on the stage without fear and insecurity is the desire to experience ecstasy. Whatever we do is our attempt to stay happy. The motive of life is happiness and failure to accomplish is unhappiness. The motive is strong, the energy is enormous and the search is endless but the time is limited. As a consequence of this, humanity is in rashness of emergency. In the course of life, I have been with several people who sought happiness at high cost of their time and energy. Some would say it is such a waste and futile effort to break through the walls so as to experience happiness. Some admittedly said that no effort is good effort to achieve happiness. I pondered who is happy and can be happy, if efforts are worthless and anti happiness. I wondered 'why', however while time went by little by little I started to understand the secret. It is true that no effort is true effort to attain happiness. This tells me that happiness is unsearched and cannot be charted or put under certain formula. If it were, philosophers would have set a mathematical formula to find our happiness, and only mathematicians would be happy.

Philosophers died seeking happiness, not even happy one day. Efforts over efforts, but fruitless. Not only philosophers though their ideas are epidemic to humanity; even your life from morning to night is struggling wrongly to breath happiness. Sometimes you feel the insight of blessings and sometimes absolute boredom. However, this is byproduct of your actions-blessed and evil actions. Remember that you were not born evil; it is your action makes you evil. Just wonder about evils that prevail on the planet. All human evils are meant to achieve happiness, but wrongly. Very recently I have come to realize that the motive for murder, crime, theft, gossip, assassination, hatred, genocide and endless evil actions are all meant to be happy. This implies that how much humanity is ignorant about the path of happiness. As there is a path to evil, so shall there is a path to happiness, but it seems better said than done. It is easy to destroy a palace, but extremely difficult to build. The same thing is true with happiness. The path to evil is too easy, whereas the path to happiness is subtler and only few find it.

I have read enormous books about happiness in particular and life in general, but none of them coined it vividly. They beat around the bush and take the long way to explain the bright part of life; it is vicious circle. Some of them took me far away and dropped me nowhere, while some had taken me far away and brought me where I was, no change at all; only wastage of time and energy. Still other books had provided me a certain formula to put life into a box, but eventually I have understood that life is infinite; only turtle lives in a box and some fanatics.

The essence of happiness is not seeking, searching, philosophizing or mathematical formula. No seeking is certain and no formula is true. Happiness cannot be contained in such a way. If it were, we would all be happy and shining. Desperately, humanity has been seeking the source of happiness; however, still nothing achieved. The effort is colossal, the search is endless, the worries are sucking, but the hope is potential. In succinct manner, let me put it this way: the path to happiness is pathless and chartless. If you want to be happy, be yourself. To be yourself, discover yourself. To discover yourself, understand your nature. To understand your nature, understand the purpose of life. To understand the purpose of life, communicate to the unmoved mover. Nothing exists, only existence alone. Happiness is not a hot subject, but existence is. Don't drift away and consume your life. Mediate over beauty of existence, and eventually existence will consume and grant you happiness. Happiness does not descend or come to you because it is already within you. You are potentially happy. Its ingredient is available to you; only learn to how discover it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Berhane_A_Tedla/1257974

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Control Anxiety

By Heath J Johnson

Even though we suffer from anxiety, life still goes on. We need to learn how to control anxiety so that we may continue to live and prosper. Most people that suffer from anxiety live normal lives. They have families, they work, they love, they raise children, they take vacations and they look just like everyone else. The difference is, we may become anxious or suffer from a panic attack at any moment. These attacks can range from complete debilitation to mild discomfort. Some people are able to hide their attacks and no one around them is the wiser. For an unfortunate few, the anxiety is so overwhelming that it controls their lives and their lifestyle and their behavior is completely based around their anxiety.

Whichever category you may fall under, just know it is possible to function even while you are experiencing anxiety. In the article, Dealing with Anxiety, you read about the fear scale. If you are an 8 or above, it becomes very difficult to focus on anything but your anxiety. For people in that category, it is very important that you work on different methods to bring your fear level down to a 7 or below, before trying some of the tactics in this article. You can manage that by medication, breathing techniques, exercise or meditation. The point is, be pro-active and work towards lowering your anxiety fear level.

Fear Scale

Just to recap from a previous article, keep a journal in which you record daily what you feel your level of anxiety to be. 0 = No fear at all, completely relaxed, 10 = The worst fear you have ever had, complete panic. 4 through 8 represent a discomfort zone of heightened anxiety levels that most people can still function through. If you find yourself in that zone, it is important to work voluntarily in that zone in order to reclaim your life from the anxiety monster. In other words, it is important to CONTROL ANXIETY, rather than anxiety control you. Remember also, you are changing the faulty wiring in your brain by not responding to the false alarm that is being sounded. You are training the way your body responds (the physical symptoms) to your anxiety. At first, this may seem very difficult, but overtime, you will gradually notice the less credit you give your anxiety, the less effect it will have on you. 

A big part of anxiety is our reaction to it. When anxiety triggers in our bodies, we experience physical symptoms. The second bite the anxiety monster takes is our fear of those symptoms. The less fear we have of those symptoms, the less control anxiety has over us. Only active practice will desensitize our nervous system.

Functioning with high levels of anxiety

Most people that experience a high level of anxiety (8 or above) find it very difficult to focus on anything but their anxiety. This makes it very difficult to use any of your calming techniques. That is why it is so important to practice, practice, practice! The time to practice is not when you are in critical mode, but when you are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety. It is during those times that you control anxiety with your breathing techniques or meditation or whatever it is you have found that works for you.

Imagine playing a game of golf with your buddy Jim. The game has come down to the last putt on the last hole of the course. Both you and Jim golf on a regular basis. Over the last few months, Jim has been practicing on his swing while teeing off. You on the other hand have been practicing over the last few months on your putting. You are both about ten feet away from the hole. Who has the better chance of sinking the ball? That's right! You do! It really is that simple, if you practice something, when it comes time to use it, you will be more able to do it than someone who has not practice it. Plain and simple!

If all else fails, remember this, this is unpleasant, but not dangerous. Let me say that again. If you are experiencing anxiety over a level of 8, it is unpleasant, BUT NOT DANGEROUS! You must remember that above all else. The feelings at this high level of anxiety are so overwhelming that it is very easy to respond to the false alarm your body is sounding by concluding that real danger is at hand. Look around you, is anyone else panicking? No? Then nothing is wrong, you are experiencing a false alarm, a few chemicals out of place in your sensitized brain.

Always leave yourself an out

I challenge you to face the anxiety monster head on. But, you may not win the war in one battle. It may take several times, even several months before you feel enough improvement to realize you are winning the war. That is why, before the battle even starts, have an out. Running from the anxiety monster never works. You may feel better, but the monster knows it beat you. And you are training yourself to flee every time you face the monster. An out is different. An out is simply a contract that you have made with yourself beforehand. You have agreed to take a break and to return to the situation in a more manageable way in the near future. If you do take an out, make sure and get back in the fight as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to return.

Baby steps

Use imagery to fight the anxiety monster on your terms. Visualize or imagine the place or situation that causes you anxiety. When the monster shows up, begin working on lowering your anxiety. Keep your eyes closed when you use imagery. Your out is opening your eyes. This exercise is under your complete control. Fight the monster and feel your anxiety levels lowering. If it becomes too much, open your eyes. You are safe, you are in control. Know before you begin an exercise like this, what exactly you are going to do to fight the monster, know what your out is and know that you are in complete control.

Again, this takes practice. Stick with it and I guarantee you will see results. Once you can control the monster using imagery, it is time to step it up a notch and search out the monster on his home turf. If for example you are having trouble driving, imagine driving while in a comfortable setting at home and deal with your anxiety on your terms. Once you have complete control over your anxiety while at home, then it's time to take it a step further. Simply sit in your car in your driveway and begin the exercise all over. Sit back relax, feel the anxiety as it comes on, once your anxiety level is 4 or over, start decreasing it. Once you have mastered this sitting in your car, go for a short slow drive in your neighborhood or find an empty parking lot and repeat the process. From there, find a place you can go a little faster and so on until you are driving on the freeway and control anxiety completely.

My Story

Several years ago I experienced a panic attack while driving down the freeway with my family in the car. I had to pull over and let my wife drive. It was a very embarrassing time for me to say the least. Even worse, I started experiencing anxiety every time I drove with someone in the car.

When I finally had had enough, I decided to do something about my problem. Using imagery, I sat in my favorite comfortable chair at home and closed my eyes. I called out to the anxiety monster and told him he wasn't going to bother me anymore. I focused my thoughts and began daydreaming about taking a drive with my family on the freeway. I tried to make it as real as I could in my mind. Admittedly, I had trouble staying focused at first. I could imagine being in the car and driving down the freeway, but my brain wandered and I began thinking of other things. I was unable to bring up any anxious feelings and the monster did not show up.

But, guess what? I stuck with it and tried again and again. Each day I tried again. On the third day, something happened. I was able to focus enough that I actually began to feel anxious. I pushed into those feelings and tried to increase my anxiety. I actually began to feel more anxious and eventually I was experiencing an anxiety attack. For me, there are two tell tale signs that I experience. I get a lump in my throat and my palms sweat. Once I started feeling anxious, I continued to imagine driving and I began to calm myself with deep breathing (which I had been practicing for a few months prior) and by calming myself using a mild form of meditation. Soon my anxiety disappeared.

Over the next two weeks, I was able to go from making myself anxious while imagining driving and then calming myself, to not being able to make myself anxious at all while imagining driving. I simply lost the fear of pretend driving. That was great, but now it was time to try it for real. My first step was to drive by myself and try to make myself anxious. For some reason, the only time I became anxious is when I had other people in the car with me. I never became anxious while driving alone. I used the same techniques that I did with the imagery, minus closing my eyes, as obviously that wouldn't have worked very well. I went through the exact same process and within a few days, I could no longer make myself anxious while driving alone.

Remember what I said about baby steps? I decided that for my first drive that I would only take one other person with me. I didn't want to overwhelm myself with a car full of people. My wife has been by my side through all of this and she was kind enough to volunteer to go for a ride with me. If I may, I would like to stray for a second and say, if you have someone in your life that "gets you." Recruit them if you can, it makes things so much easier when you have another person on your team. Anyway, for our first drive, I decided to stay in the neighborhood and at speeds 20 MPH and under. I drove around for about ten minutes and realized the anxiety monster was not going to show up. I usually only experienced the attacks while on the freeway.

So, I called out to him and invited him to a fight. I used the exact same process that I did when I was sitting in my favorite chair (except for the eyes closed). And when he showed up, I calmed myself and made him go away. By this point, I had done it so much, I felt in total control. I felt like I had a new super power, I could almost control my anxiety at will. This was very empowering for me because I had experienced anxiety in one form or another for over the last 20 years. I was doing so well, that at that moment, I decided to take my wife for a ride on the freeway.

During that trip, I actually had to think about being anxious, because it was not happening on its own. I know it sounds counter intuitive to try and make yourself anxious, but this was an important step for me, I had to show the anxiety monster who was boss. Try as hard as I may, I was only able to bring my anxiety level up to about a three. In any case, after being mildly anxious for a few minutes and realizing that I was not going to get any more anxious, I began my calming thoughts and literally within a few moments the anxiety was gone.

About a week later I was driving on the freeway, this time with my entire family in the car with me. Traffic around me was moving pretty fast and I was going with the flow. I came up on a long curve in the freeway and had to slow a bit because of my speed. At that moment, guess who showed up. If you guessed the anxiety monster, you would be right. My first reaction was to hit the brakes a little harder than I should have. My wife actually looked over at me and asked if I was okay.

I was so unprepared at that moment to experience anxiety that it actually caught me off guard. But that's how it usually happens isn't it? It often shows up when you least expect it to. At that moment, I actually felt a full blown panic attack coming on and my first thought, as it had been in the past was to pull to the right shoulder. I slowed down and moved into the slow lane and then I remembered all the practicing I had been doing. I suddenly realized what a great opportunity this was going to be for me to actually calm myself in the face of a real panic attack.

You see, all the previous times, it was easy because I had been working on it for a few days in a row, but now, here I was a week later and I was caught unprepared. It was time to see what I was capable of. I do have to say, I felt very confident in my ability to lower my anxiety level, I had done it several times before and was pretty sure I could do it again. The first thing I did was to get my breathing under control. I started taking deep breaths, almost as if I was trying to yawn (I actually did yawn a few times). As soon as I focused on my breathing, I realized that I was taking short rapid breaths, I never really noticed that I was breathing like that until I started focusing on my breathing.

My wife, who I love dearly, has always been very supportive with my anxiety. But, unfortunately at this moment, she actually became a distraction for me. You see, as I began to control my breathing, the next part of the process was to calm my mind. The problem was, my wife sitting next to me in the passenger seat was staring at me and began asking me if I wanted to pull over and let her drive. She was doing this because she was trying to help me, but in fact it was distracting me from being able to calm my mind. I told her to give me a few minutes, but within those few minutes she asked me several times if I was okay and if she needed to drive.

The great thing about the way this happened is that it was as real of a situation as it gets. Most of the other times that I had fought the monster, it was under controlled circumstances. But this time, I had the entire family in the car, I'm on the freeway, the panic snuck up on me and my wife won't stop asking me if I am okay. When I think about it afterwards, I realize that was the perfect situation to fight the monster in, because if I could beat him there, I could beat him anywhere.

I told my wife once more to give me a few minutes and I refocused on my breathing. I was already breathing pretty well, I had been practicing deep breathing for some time now and every time I did it, it was easier and easier to do. With my breathing good, I began calming my mind. I used imagery for this. When I was a little kid, I had an uncle that used to take me fishing at a lake nearby. It was one of my favorite things to do as a child. Previously I had begun using that lake and that time with my uncle as my calm and safe place to be. In practice, I would imagine myself back at the lake with my uncle, it was very peaceful and restful and no harm could come to me there.

With my eyes open (for obvious reasons), I envisioned myself on the shore of the lake. I was with my uncle and we were both fishing. The day was beautiful and warm, the lake was serene. I was at total peace and all was good. I began recalling minor details of those times, the way my fishing pole looked, the way the air smelled, the lunch that my aunt always packed for us. I realized how good I felt and how happy I was.

It was only a matter of minutes before I realized that I was fine and that the panic had left me as quick as it had shown up. My wife, who had been quiet for several minutes, finally spoke up and I will never forget what she asked me. She asked, "Why are you smiling?" I hadn't even realized it, but I had a smile spread across my face. As she asked this, I looked in the rear view mirror and sure enough, I had a grin on my face. I looked at my wife and simply said, "I made it go away." I have to tell you, that was one of the most powerful moments in my life. I suddenly felt like anxiety would never be a problem for me again.

Fast forward five years later and I have some retrospective comments to make. First, unfortunately, it was not the last of my anxiety. I still to this day occasionally feel anxious. What I have come to realize is that it is never going to go completely away. But, and it's a big BUT, since that day I have never experienced anxiety over a four. Before I allow it to go any higher, I calm myself and bring it back down. I used to experience full blown panic attacks where I would suddenly stand up or stop what I was doing and feel completely lost and confused. I would think I needed to call 911. It was that bad, not anymore though and for that I am thankful.

The second thing I realized is this, the reason I was able to get my anxiety under control that afternoon driving with my family, is because of all the time and practice I put in before hand. You have to understand that the first time you try these techniques, they are not going to necessarily work. Especially if you try to use them while you are in full blown panic mode. You must practice your breathing, you must practice calming your mind, then and only then will it start working for you.

It is funny, this article actually took me a few days to write. This morning while I was dressing for work an interesting thought occurred to me. I recently had a job change within my work. This job change required that I start wearing a tie to work. I have always been horrible at tying a tie. So, I found a youtube video and learned how to tie a double Windsor knot. For the first month, while putting on my tie, I would take my I-phone and set it down in front of me and follow the video step by step. It was the only way I could successfully tie my tie in a double Windsor knot. This morning, as I have for the last few months, I was tying my tie while looking in the mirror and I was amazed at how easy it was to tie a double Windsor knot. I watched as my fingers deftly maneuvered the tie until I was finished. I realized, just like my anxiety, I was only able to accomplish this task after several weeks of practice.

Isn't that just like everything in life? The more we do something, the better we become at it. No matter what you want to accomplish in life, the more you try, the more you do it, the more you practice, the better you become at it. There is no difference with anxiety. It may take you weeks or even months, but if you stick with techniques mentioned in my site you will eventually master them and then you will master your anxiety.

Read the articles and sign up for the free e-book, Eliminate Stress and Anxiety for Good!

Thank you and be well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Heath_J_Johnson/1545191

MY TOP 5 DAILY HABITS for Beating Depression, Anxiety, & Depersonalization

Even small changes, when they become habits, can make a big difference

The 15 Biggest Reasons Why Relationships Fail

By Tim Connor

I could go on for hours with hundreds of reasons why relationships fail regardless of their length and status but I believe there are some critical ones that are directly or indirectly responsible for the failure of relationship.

The following are in no special order and there are always degrees relative to these issues. It's never an - all or nothing - when it comes to traits, attitudes, behaviors or mindsets.

Keep in mind that many of these issues happen because people lack the maturity, patience, compassion or the skills or courage to be willing to grow together, learn together or just let go of their prejudices or clean out their emotional filters that are always filled with a variety of old baggage issues and emotional wounds.

Keep in mind that all relationships are either getting better or worse, they are dynamic and ever changing. Nothing ever stays the same as each person grows independently of their partner and the relationship in general undergoes a variety of changes due to many factors. So here are the fifteen.

One - They lose the romance and intimacy. Romance and continued intimacy is not about the quality or frequency of sex. It is purely keeping the mystery, fun, closeness and emotional connection. When the romance fades so does the closeness, laughter and togetherness. When I refer to romance I am speaking only about the creative ways each of you bring excitement, surprise, uniqueness and adventure and yes - love into the relationship.

Two - There is no effective conflict resolution process. Disagreement and conflict are a normal part of every relationship no matter how close, strong or long lasting. Conflict when not dealt with in a respectful and understanding way will lead to withdrawal, editing of communication and generally failing to maintain openness and a safe emotional environment.

Three - There is a lack of acceptance for their partner. From the human perspective no one is perfect. We all have flaws, opinions, prejudices, beliefs and values that are unique. When two people come together in a relationship it is normal that from time to time your partner will do or say things that drive you nuts. The inability to unconditionally accept your partner for who they are will eventually lead to increased conflict and emotional distance.

Four - One or both people let their ego get in the way. The ego needs to be right or better than others. When both people allow their ego to get out of control in a relationship it will then be filled with stress, disagreement, conflict, frustration and anxiety. Not good emotions to harbor if you want a loving and nurturing relationship.

Five - One or both partners are stuck and are unwilling to compromise. No one way is always better or right. No one is always right. There is no right or wrong just different ways of seeing things. When one person gets stuck in their perceived way of believing, talking, feeling or acting and fails to accept that their can be another or even better way - it's inevitable that this mindset will lead to increased tension, stress and conflict.

Six - There are hidden or personal agendas that sabotage the relationship. A personal agenda is nothing more than a goal or need. When these are not in the open or are in conflict with your partner's goals or needs you can count on increased conflict, arguments, assumptions or misunderstanding.

Seven - There is a lack of trust. When mutual trust leaves the relationship every other aspect of the relationship will suffer. All relationships to be successful and enduring must be grounded in mutual trust. Trust is nothing more than knowing that your partner will always be honest no matter what.

Eight - There is a lack of respect. Respect is a cousin of trust. Respect honor's your partner's goals, desires, dreams, plans or activities. You don't have to like them or agree with them but you must honor them. To honor them means that you don't try and change them, criticize them or belittle them for any reason.

Nine - There is emotional manipulation. Emotional manipulation is simply using guilt, blame, anger, withdrawal, jealousy or some other emotional game playing to get what you want, to punish your partner for some reason or to control them in some way.

Ten - There is a lack of loyalty by one or both people. Loyalty is directly connected to the trust issue, but it is in the end a behavior that in some way says - I need something or someone else to give me what you can't or won't. When loyalty leaves your partner may leave next. I'm not just referring here to having affairs but also when your job, interest, hobby, personal agenda, career or business always seem to be more important than your partner or their fears, needs, desires or plans.

Eleven - There is insufficient appreciation or recognition. The single thing that people crave is appreciation and recognition for their effort, creativity, surprises, extra work etc. When this appreciation or recognition is lacking sooner or later these acts will become less and less and soon end altogether.

Twelve - Communication lacks integrity, responsiveness or is dysfunctional. Communication is a complicated issue when it comes to human behavior and its assumptions, misunderstanding, confusion and even misleading messages. If you both can't be open and honest and feel the need to hide feelings, thoughts, actions - whatever - or you need to constantly edit your messages for fear of punishment, retribution or criticism - this is sure sign that things are coming to an end.

Thirteen - There is a great deal of invalidation. Invalidation is basically when you do or say anything that makes another person feel unimportant, not valued, insecure, disrespected or worthwhile. It could be things as simple as - always being late, interrupting them, not listening to them or criticizing them in front of others.

Fourteen - There is a get or take rather than give mindset by one or both people. Giving rather than getting will always make a person happier and better about themselves. There are two types of people in the world when it comes to this issue - givers and takers. Takers need people to give to them and givers need to give to others. Givers rather than takers are always happier and more content in life. The problem is that most relationships are made up of - one giver and one taker. Both tend to get what they need when it comes to giving and taking but in the end both will soon tire of their partner's behavior.

Fifteen - Expectations are unmanaged or not communicated with integrity. We all have expectations of others. Some are immature or dysfunctional while others are grounded in reality and even respect. But in the end if your expectations are not communicated you will begin to feel more and more disappointment with your partner's lack of honoring your expectations. They can't honor them or even consider accommodating them if they are not expressed.

That's it folks. Got any of these issues or challenges in your relationship that are not being dealt with, overcome, addressed or managed in a positive way? If not you better get started before it's too late.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tim_Connor/43189

Tony Robbins Motivation 2017 | The Key To Healthy Relationships

A follow-on from last week; take a look

Declutter Vlog: Less Stuff, Less Stress Part 3

We all need some decluttering - part 3 in the series

Using natural ingredients around the home

by Heather Finlay

Try these natural ingredients in place of your usual chemicals:

Lemon juice

• Use lemon juice to clean your chopping boards
• Clean glass and china by mixing equal parts of water and lemon juice to remove hard water stains
• Put a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water and heat in the microwave to help to loosen grease when cleaning
• Rub chrome, copper and brass with a lemon to clean them
• Soak white clothes that have gone grey in a mixture of warm water and a ½ cup full of lemon juice (per laundry load).  Agitate occasionally and then rinse
• Put lemon juice onto a sponge to clean soap marks from your bath.  Rub on, leave for a few hours and then rinse off
• Remove limescale by soaking affected areas in lemon juice (similar to the effect of white vinegar)

Soda crystals

• Clean your washing machine – put 300g of soda crystals into the drum and wash through on the longest, hottest cycle to remove bacteria and odours.  Repeat with 500ml of white vinegar to remove detergent and limescale
• Remove burnt-on residue in pots and pans – soak overnight in water and soda crystals (not suitable for aluminium pans)
• Clean kitchen floors - use with hot water on kitchen floors; be careful as it will remove any wax coating
• Keep sinks and drains fresh and blockage free by putting a mug of crystals down the sink; add some hot water but allow to drain down slowly to remove grease
• Wash shower curtains in a water and soda crystal solution to remove mildew
• Re-fluff towels by soaking in a soda crystal and water solution for 10 minutes; rinse through and put in the washing machine.  Add your usual detergent, and add white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment; rinse and spin as per your normal cycle
• Use a water and soda crystal solution to clean tiles and grouting in bathrooms and kitchens
• Barbecue grills and utensils can be soaked in a soda crystal solution to remove grease; you will also need a wire brush
• Pour soda crystals down your outside drains and rinse with boiling water to remove grease and other blockages
• Remove moss and algae from patios and paths by sprinkling soda crystals onto the affected area, wet with a watering can (or put down the crystals just before expected rain) and leave for a couple of days.  Brush or scrape off with plenty of water.  Be careful next to ponds and plant life – although biodegradable, a large concentration of soda crystals is not advised in any one area

 

Bicarbonate of soda

• Soak tea and coffee stained mugs with bicarb dissolved in water to remove stains
• Make a paste of bicarb and water to polish silver
• Use a bicarb solution to remove scuff marks on laminate floors and skirting boards
• A small open bowl of bicarb in the fridge will remove bad odours; replace every 3 months and throw down the sink so it can deodorise that as well
• Put bicarb on a clean damp sponge to clean your microwave
• A scoop of bicarb will keep flowers fresher for longer
• Bicarb added to a wash will help to whiten your whites
• Cover rusty tools and gates with bicarb, pour over some white vinegar and leave to bubble.  Scrub off with a stiff brush when bubbling has stopped

Vinegar

• Clean your dishwasher – put 2 containers of white vinegar, one on each of the upper and lower racks, and run through a hot wash.  Heated white wine vinegar is better to remove limescale; use it regularly in the rinse cycle
• Clean your washing machine – put 500ml into the drum and run the longest, hottest cycle to remove detergent and limescale.  See also the soda crystals section
• Descale your kettle - cover the element of your kettle with white vinegar, switch on and then leave overnight.  Rinse thoroughly before use
• Remove limescale from your toilet bowl – push out as much water from the bowl, over the u-bend, using your toilet brush, as possible.  Pour white vinegar into the bowl and leave overnight; flush away
• Clean your iron and de-scale – empty the water reservoir and re-fill a third full with white vinegar.  Switch on and set to steam setting; iron an old piece of cloth until the reservoir is empty.  Re-fill with water and repeat until the water has flushed through all of the vinegar
• Use with bicarb to remove rust – see Bicarb section
• Remove red wine stains - spray white vinegar liberally onto the stain and leave for 30 seconds before rinsing.  Repeat as many times as necessary and wash as normal
• If your glasses are cloudy from the dishwasher, wrap them in paper towels soaked in vinegar, leave them for a few hours and rinse

Immediate Anxiety Relief - A Natural Technique to Stop Panic Attacks and General Anxiety Fast!

By Charlie Bonesteel

The anxiety is just too much to bear, so she skips the first day of class to avoid the possibility of having to introduce herself in class. Anxiety is your body's way of alerting you that some kind of action is needed in the face of a situation that is perceived to be threatening or dangerous.

Therefore, anxiety can be useful or adaptive whenever it prompts you to take appropriate action in response to an anxiety-provoking situation. Anxiety is probably the most basic of all emotions. Not only is it experienced by all humans, but anxiety responses have been found in all species of animals right down to the sea slug.

Exposure to the feared social situations almost always causes significant anxiety, even a panic attack despite the fact that the anxiety is seen as excessive and unreasonable. This belief may lead to avoidance of such situations or endurance under extreme distress, leading to marked interference in the person's functioning and routine. If your anxiety is a reaction to a single, isolated event - the shot the doctor is about to give you, for example - your anxiety level will decrease and your symptoms will disappear after the event.

If your anxiety is caused by friction between you and your mother-in-law, you're likely to experience anxiety for a period of time before and after you see her. If you are in business the cost of Anxiety is incalculable. This fear could cost you tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career.

Yet the nature of the anxiety is still unclear. It is associated with a poor response to psychostimulant medication treatment, and alternative pharmacotherapy approaches have been suggested. Anxiety is often accompanied by physical changes and behaviors similar to those caused by fear. Anxiety is not a normal response to stress though stress, if it continues long enough, can lead to anxiety. There are many kinds of stresses in our lives, many of them unavoidable.

According to the cognitive perspective, the most effective way to deal with the anxiety is to transform the anxiety into fear. Then one will know exactly what is bothering them. Anxiety is a problem when our body reacts as if there is danger when there is no real danger. It's like having an overly sensitive smoke alarm system in your body! Research indicates that generalized anxiety is fully treatable and can be successfully overcome over the course of about three to four months if the person is motivated and works toward recovery.

Because test anxiety hinges on fear of negative evaluation, debate exists as to whether test anxiety is itself a unique anxiety disorder or whether it is a specific type of social phobia. Test anxiety is not caused by the test but rather by the meaning that the individual attaches to the test.

If you mentally tell yourself that you are not going to do well or that you have not studied enough, then you will have an emotional reaction that is consistent with that message. Anxiety is a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient's personal history and memory, and the social situation.

Anxiety is an emotion that sends our mind into the future. After all, nobody is anxious about the past, right? As an ex sufferer I know exactly what anxiety is and how it could interfere with living a normal life. I also know that there is a cure for anxiety that doesn't require addictive medication. Performance anxiety is caused by the ways you think and feel.

However, many seniors avoid seeking treatment for these disorders, because they feel that the anxiety is normal � "I've had it all my life, it's a part of me.". Performance Anxiety is most commonly experienced as a fear of public speaking. However, people whose career or other interests require them to take the "stage" for other purposes, i.e., actors, musicians, athletes, etc., will experience stage fright as an impairment of their own particular activity.

Anxiety is a generalized mood condition that occurs without an identifiable triggering stimulus. As such, it is distinguished from fear, which occurs in the presence of an observed threat.

Knowing the difference between heart attack and anxiety is crucial. Many people have mistaken anxiety as a heart attack. Put simply, anxiety is fear. It's normal to feel scared before a big event. If fear and anxiety is an ongoing problem in your life, schedule a regular time each week to talk with someone.

The physiological arousal we experience as anxiety is directly related to fear of harm. When we are faced with a threat to our physical well-being that can result in either serious physical harm or death, we respond psychologically and physically. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress.

It helps one deal with a tense situation in the office, study harder for an exam, keep focused on an important speech. This is because one way to beat anxiety is to let yourself suffer anxiety attacks while developing a passive attitude. This can work but it takes persistence and patients.

Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, apprehension, fear, or worry. Some fears and worries are justified, such as worry about a loved one or in anticipation of taking a quiz, test, or other examination. The term social anxiety is also commonly used in reference to experiences such as embarrassment and shame.

However some psychologists draw distinctions among various types of social discomfort, with the criterion for anxiety being anticipation. For me, Anxiety is basically a list of article ideas and pitches to send out when I have time. You could really use it for any kind of list, though.

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of fear and apprehension. Normally anxiety can be useful, helping us to avoid dangerous situations, making us alert and giving us the motivation to deal with problems. At the other end of the continuum, too little anxiety is grounded in contentment. When we feel too little anxiety, we avoid change, value the status quo, and believe everything will continue to be O.K.

Anxiety is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed mental health problems of Americans; as many as 20% of people seeking primary care have symptoms of treatable anxiety disorders. Untreated anxiety Increases costly visits to urgent care.

Anxiety is a common ailment in our society. However, the drugs available to treat mild-to-moderate anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines, are problematic because they can cause injury, produce side-effects, and create dependence. During the debriefing everything but anxiety is permitted.

Laughter and tears came out, but as soon as individuals began to show anxiety, usually manifesting itself in hyperventilation, then they were made to stop and breathe. Anxiety is usually triggered by a situation that involves a decision or judgement; tests and exams are common precursors of anxiety in educational settings.

He also pointed out that anxiety is linked to a special state of preparedness: it looks as if the subject is defending himself against some horror with the help of anxiety. Anxiety is a old habit pattern that my body responds to. I am going to calmly and nicely change this old habit. Generalized or "free-floating" anxiety is distinguished from phobia because it is not triggered by a specific object or situation.

Notice there are multiple places where library anxiety is common: initiation, sometimes selection, exploration, and collection. The important thing to remember is that anxiety is very common among people seeking information. If not it's likely that your anxiety is inappropriate. Later we'll look at ways of combating anxiety but for now it's enough just to learn how to recognize it. Pooch1:

Anxiety is a debilitating experience that can leave you feeling alone and helpless. Childrens' anxiety is especially traumatic as they are not able to discern fears that are able to be overcome.

Again, do not take stimulants if anxiety is your problem! In fact, be sure to cut back or eliminate caffeine, decongestants and any other type of stimulant you may be exposed to. Another serious type of anxiety is chronic anxiety, which is often defined compared to panic attacks as less serious but more generalized.

There are many people that feel a vague sense of anxiety which never reaches the intensity level of a panic attack. When performers are on stage, their anxiety is channeled into focused energy. Practice taking sample tests with your study team, and you should be more confident during the actual test.

Anxiety is a very treatable disorder. Separation anxiety is a phase. Every child goes through it, every childcare book covers it. My anxiety is pretty through the roof. I have been peeing a lot lately - sometime 2x per hour (not every day - just sometimes).

You will be amazed at how such a simple technique known as the One Move Technique [http://affiliatesnmore.com] could be so powerful in restoring you back to your former care free self. I am not only talking about eliminating panic attacks but also getting your general anxiety level right back down to zero without the use of any medication or alternative therapies. This technique is based on advanced psychology made simple for Every One to Apply [http://affiliatesnmore.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Charlie_Bonesteel/378799