Sleep Your Way to a Happier, Healthier, Skinnier You!
by Jackie Kelly, Lifechanging Counseling Marketing Assistant
In today’s day and age, many Americans think sleep is over-rated. When there are deadlines to be met, parties to attend, and late-night TV shows to catch up on, sleep is simply placed on the bottom of the to-do list. While sleep is seen as a way to re-charge for the next day’s busy schedule, making time for the recommended 7 to 9 hours of Zs can be very beneficial to one’s health.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that people who slept a consistent 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night had a trimmer waistline than those who slept less than 7 hours. You read this correctly: sleep can help you be slimmer! Not enough sleep may throw-off hormones in the brain that regulate a person’s appetite. It can change the levels of the hormones that regulate hunger, thus causing an increase in appetite. In addition, higher levels of stress hormones that consequently raise blood pressure have also been associated with lack of sleep.
Another common effect of sleep deprivation is getting sick! Ever notice when your children go back to school, they usually get sick after the first few weeks? They are probably getting less sleep than they did over the summer break. When a person does not have enough sleep, the immune system (the Superman of the body) cannot fight-off disease as easily. When Popeye does not get enough spinach, he simply cannot beat the bad guys. So, feed your body with sleep so it can be your personal superhero and fight off the sniffles.
Now that you are completely motivated to get more sleep, here are four great ways to do just that:
1) Gradually go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.
2) Do not go to bed with the television or computer on—this may distract you from your main focus, which is to fall asleep.
3) Put your pajamas on and dim the lights in your house about one hour before you plan to sleep. This will tell you and your body that it is time to settle down for bed.
4) Meditate or do light stretching. People who relax in the evening fall asleep 30 minutes sooner than those who do not.
So, ladies and gentlemen, break out the pillows and bed sheets and go to sleep already!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
15 Ways to Manage Stress
15 Ways to Manage Stress
Do you feel like you never have enough time in your day? Are you always feeling stressed? Do you wish you could learn how to relax? According to the American Psychological Association, two thirds of Americans say they are likely to seek medical help for stress. Common signs and symptoms of stress include headaches, body pain, concentration problems, difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, overreaction, stomachache, anxiety, isolation, fatigue, and weight gain or loss.
Stress can also cause physical illnesses in addition to mental and emotional problems. Stress can contribute to hair loss, personality changes, ulcers, muscle spasms, nervous tics, high blood pressure, asthma, stomach problems and skin problems. If you suspect that any of your symptoms may be stress related, please visit your family physician.
We all lead very busy lives. Family responsibilities, work demands, time commuting or running errands. But we all have 24 hours in each day. How can we make the most of those 24 hours? What can we do to manage our stress in a healthy way?
1. Examine and evaluate your activities. Prioritize them by importance, and consider dropping any that are not bringing you joy or those that are contributing to your stress.
2. Take time to play. Unleash your inner child and have fun. Join a sports team, organize a game night, plan time with friends, blow bubbles, read the comics.
3. Laugh – watch a funny movie or television show. Laughter is good medicine.
4. Take time to rest. Take a 15 minute break during the day and rest. Meditate, pray, or nap. Make sure you get enough sleep each night.
5. Make lists. Plan ahead and prioritize your commitments. Cross them off the list when completed.
6. Take one step at a time. Make your tasks small and manageable.
7. Develop healthy eating habits.
8. Exercise daily.
9. Practice deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxation.
10. Daydream. Visualize yourself in your favorite place.
11. Relax. Set aside 15-30 minutes every day for relaxation. Take a bath, pray, take a nap, draw a picture, write in a journal, read a book, talk to a friend, pet your cat or dog.
12. Listen to music.
13. Draw, paint, or sculpt. Be creative.
14. Journal – write down your thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes.
15. Talk to friends.
Learning how to properly manage your stress will help you be more relaxed, confident, stronger, and more content. You will have improved concentration, and a greater sense of peace and direction. You will have more energy, and will be able to accomplish more with less.
Do you feel like you never have enough time in your day? Are you always feeling stressed? Do you wish you could learn how to relax? According to the American Psychological Association, two thirds of Americans say they are likely to seek medical help for stress. Common signs and symptoms of stress include headaches, body pain, concentration problems, difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, overreaction, stomachache, anxiety, isolation, fatigue, and weight gain or loss.
Stress can also cause physical illnesses in addition to mental and emotional problems. Stress can contribute to hair loss, personality changes, ulcers, muscle spasms, nervous tics, high blood pressure, asthma, stomach problems and skin problems. If you suspect that any of your symptoms may be stress related, please visit your family physician.
We all lead very busy lives. Family responsibilities, work demands, time commuting or running errands. But we all have 24 hours in each day. How can we make the most of those 24 hours? What can we do to manage our stress in a healthy way?
1. Examine and evaluate your activities. Prioritize them by importance, and consider dropping any that are not bringing you joy or those that are contributing to your stress.
2. Take time to play. Unleash your inner child and have fun. Join a sports team, organize a game night, plan time with friends, blow bubbles, read the comics.
3. Laugh – watch a funny movie or television show. Laughter is good medicine.
4. Take time to rest. Take a 15 minute break during the day and rest. Meditate, pray, or nap. Make sure you get enough sleep each night.
5. Make lists. Plan ahead and prioritize your commitments. Cross them off the list when completed.
6. Take one step at a time. Make your tasks small and manageable.
7. Develop healthy eating habits.
8. Exercise daily.
9. Practice deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxation.
10. Daydream. Visualize yourself in your favorite place.
11. Relax. Set aside 15-30 minutes every day for relaxation. Take a bath, pray, take a nap, draw a picture, write in a journal, read a book, talk to a friend, pet your cat or dog.
12. Listen to music.
13. Draw, paint, or sculpt. Be creative.
14. Journal – write down your thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes.
15. Talk to friends.
Learning how to properly manage your stress will help you be more relaxed, confident, stronger, and more content. You will have improved concentration, and a greater sense of peace and direction. You will have more energy, and will be able to accomplish more with less.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Preparing for College – 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in Day
Preparing for College – 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in Day
By: Crystal May, Lifechanging Counseling
Are you a parent or a new college freshman? You can make your move-in day successful and stress-free with a few simple steps. No one can warn an incoming freshman of the do’s and don’ts of campus life better than an upperclassman who was in his or her shoes not long ago. High school students dream about leaving home, gaining freedom, and having that unforgettable college experience balanced with the perfect combination of making memories with lifelong friends, a little partying and a few classes along the way. Everyone tells you what to expect, but no one tells you how to prepare yourself to be propelled into a totally foreign environment where every decision you make can change your life (for better or for worse).
It’s been my experience that move-in day is pivotal to how the rest of your semester will pan out. If you’re a wreck at move-in, your semester will be just as chaotic. Move-in day is also important because you get to meet the people you’ll be living with for the rest of the semester. This can go smoothly or become a complete disaster, depending on how you choose to handle things. When deciding what to bring to school, and on the actual move-in day, it’s important to remember 5 key points:
1. Contact the University’s Housing Office AND get in touch with your roommates before moving in so you don’t end up with 4 mini-fridges, 4 full-length mirrors, and no floor lamps or cleaning products. Also find out how much space will be available to you so you can decide before you leave home if the extra futon is really practical.
2. Be conscientious of your roommates. Your mom might insist on you bringing your full drum set and X-Box gaming system to keep you busy between classes, but take your roommates into account and ask yourself if you have enough space for all that in your room, and will that be a distraction to them and their studies. You don’t want to be the roommate who is a distraction to the rest of the suite.
3. To make the move-in process run more smoothly, take into consideration how far from home you’ll be living. If you live in state and your parents’ house is closer than your roommate’s hometown, don’t bring as much stuff on the first day. You’ll have the opportunity to go home in a few weeks and grab some more stuff if you need it, but your roommate won’t get a chance to go home until the holidays and might need to bring more supplies. If you’re going to school locally, all you really need to bring are your clothes, bedding, school supplies, and toiletries. Anything else can be brought in later. This will cut down on how much time Mom and Dad spend in your room helping you move. The swifter your move, the easier it is for the next person.
4. Prepare your parents prior to arrival. Nothing can slow the move-in process down more than Mom crying hysterically and Dad trying desperately to connect your Internet before they get back on the road. You should say your last goodbyes before getting to school, so when move-in day arrives, it won’t be this huge dramatic scene in the parking lot while another family is waiting to unload their kid. Also, Dad should be properly briefed on all electronics before attempting to hook everything up in your room so things don’t get broken or misplaced out of frustration. Lastly, don’t make move-in a family affair. Random relatives and little brothers and sisters only get in the way and slow things down. You should say your goodbyes to them the night before and only those who are pivotal to the move should be in the car heading to campus. They can all come back and see your room and meet your roommates on Family Weekend!
5. Finally, bring more necessities than fun ways to past the time. It’s ok to bring your movie collection or some video games to share with your roommates, but don’t bring things that can become a distraction to your roommates or yourself. There are student run organizations on campus for a reason. The more things you bring to play with in your room, the less of campus life you’ll get to experience.
College is supposed to be a fun new experience for the next four years of your life. You can’t enjoy anything new if you bring everything from home with you. This not only includes material items, but also old attitudes, close-minded ideals and overall baggage that will keep you from enjoying anything different that you come up against. You can be whomever you want when you get to school, and move-in day is the day to start fresh. Make it worthwhile…
Crystal worked as a summer intern for Lifechanging Counseling, a counseling agency providing counseling for teens and adults who are stressed, depressed, and anxious. She can be reached at cmay1130@gmail.com. For more information on Lifechanging Counseling, or to join our mailing list, please visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com.
By: Crystal May, Lifechanging Counseling
Are you a parent or a new college freshman? You can make your move-in day successful and stress-free with a few simple steps. No one can warn an incoming freshman of the do’s and don’ts of campus life better than an upperclassman who was in his or her shoes not long ago. High school students dream about leaving home, gaining freedom, and having that unforgettable college experience balanced with the perfect combination of making memories with lifelong friends, a little partying and a few classes along the way. Everyone tells you what to expect, but no one tells you how to prepare yourself to be propelled into a totally foreign environment where every decision you make can change your life (for better or for worse).
It’s been my experience that move-in day is pivotal to how the rest of your semester will pan out. If you’re a wreck at move-in, your semester will be just as chaotic. Move-in day is also important because you get to meet the people you’ll be living with for the rest of the semester. This can go smoothly or become a complete disaster, depending on how you choose to handle things. When deciding what to bring to school, and on the actual move-in day, it’s important to remember 5 key points:
1. Contact the University’s Housing Office AND get in touch with your roommates before moving in so you don’t end up with 4 mini-fridges, 4 full-length mirrors, and no floor lamps or cleaning products. Also find out how much space will be available to you so you can decide before you leave home if the extra futon is really practical.
2. Be conscientious of your roommates. Your mom might insist on you bringing your full drum set and X-Box gaming system to keep you busy between classes, but take your roommates into account and ask yourself if you have enough space for all that in your room, and will that be a distraction to them and their studies. You don’t want to be the roommate who is a distraction to the rest of the suite.
3. To make the move-in process run more smoothly, take into consideration how far from home you’ll be living. If you live in state and your parents’ house is closer than your roommate’s hometown, don’t bring as much stuff on the first day. You’ll have the opportunity to go home in a few weeks and grab some more stuff if you need it, but your roommate won’t get a chance to go home until the holidays and might need to bring more supplies. If you’re going to school locally, all you really need to bring are your clothes, bedding, school supplies, and toiletries. Anything else can be brought in later. This will cut down on how much time Mom and Dad spend in your room helping you move. The swifter your move, the easier it is for the next person.
4. Prepare your parents prior to arrival. Nothing can slow the move-in process down more than Mom crying hysterically and Dad trying desperately to connect your Internet before they get back on the road. You should say your last goodbyes before getting to school, so when move-in day arrives, it won’t be this huge dramatic scene in the parking lot while another family is waiting to unload their kid. Also, Dad should be properly briefed on all electronics before attempting to hook everything up in your room so things don’t get broken or misplaced out of frustration. Lastly, don’t make move-in a family affair. Random relatives and little brothers and sisters only get in the way and slow things down. You should say your goodbyes to them the night before and only those who are pivotal to the move should be in the car heading to campus. They can all come back and see your room and meet your roommates on Family Weekend!
5. Finally, bring more necessities than fun ways to past the time. It’s ok to bring your movie collection or some video games to share with your roommates, but don’t bring things that can become a distraction to your roommates or yourself. There are student run organizations on campus for a reason. The more things you bring to play with in your room, the less of campus life you’ll get to experience.
College is supposed to be a fun new experience for the next four years of your life. You can’t enjoy anything new if you bring everything from home with you. This not only includes material items, but also old attitudes, close-minded ideals and overall baggage that will keep you from enjoying anything different that you come up against. You can be whomever you want when you get to school, and move-in day is the day to start fresh. Make it worthwhile…
Crystal worked as a summer intern for Lifechanging Counseling, a counseling agency providing counseling for teens and adults who are stressed, depressed, and anxious. She can be reached at cmay1130@gmail.com. For more information on Lifechanging Counseling, or to join our mailing list, please visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com.
Friday, April 23, 2010
April is Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month - how is your stress level?
http://psychology.about.com/b/2010/04/09/april-is-stress-awareness-month.htm
http://psychology.about.com/b/2010/04/09/april-is-stress-awareness-month.htm
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Blogging again?
I was trying to blog every day, but I guess I just don't have enough to say? Or maybe I use up all my words at work and have none left by the end of the day.
Actually, I just want to write something interesting, or relevant, and some days (like today) I have nothing interesting or relevant to say. At least, nothing that I want to share with the cyberspace world.
So there it is, blogging again (sort of)...
Next time, I'll have more to say.
Actually, I just want to write something interesting, or relevant, and some days (like today) I have nothing interesting or relevant to say. At least, nothing that I want to share with the cyberspace world.
So there it is, blogging again (sort of)...
Next time, I'll have more to say.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Where did the day go?
Today was one of those days where I was running around all day, helping others and never had a moment to myself. Generally, I don't mind helping others, since that is one of my strengths. But sometimes it is important to stop and smell the roses. To take time for myself. To relax. To chill. Maybe just a few minutes to listen to my iPod, read a book, or surf the internet. Well, it is 11:59pm and I am just now winding down. I have a stack of things to do (read the newspaper, pay bills, do work) but that can wait for tomorrow. I think I'll take a few minutes to read before bed instead. Better late than never - it is now 12:02. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Value of Blogging?
I haven't blogged for quite a while. Almost 2 years. I never really blogged much anyway. I don't feel like writing every day. But I always make time to read my favorite blogs every day. Today I decided to try to write daily in addition to reading the blogs. I want to write so I can stay accountable to learning, growing, and marketing my business. I'll try to impart something of value in my posts - a business or counseling tip I learned, a challenge to myself, or just a funny or interesting story or fact. This is my commitment to myself for 2010. Join me in the journey.
Money Breakthroughs in Counseling
I just finished listening to a call on Money Breakthroughs by Carey at Coach Tools To Go. I often listen to conference calls on business, coaching, or counseling to get ideas for growing my counseling business. As a business owner, I recognize the importance of profit, income, and value for services provided, but as a counselor, it can be hard to charge clients who are struggling with financial difficulty.
A few things I learned from tonight's call:
1. If I make more money, I can give more money away.
2. People value things they pay for. For example - I would take better care of a car that I bought with my hard earned money than a car that I was given to use for free.
3. Don't give away too much for free - limit availability, don't go over time. The service will be more valuable to the client and I will be a better counselor if I am not burned out.
4. Offer disappearing benefits (time sensitive), limited benefits (number of people), and payment plans to increase value and encourage clients to make a commitment to services they need. We often wait until the last minute before we make a decision.
5. Outsource - find college students who will intern for free or low cost in exchange for mentoring.
I want to help my clients by offering them a valuable service. They will be more committed to the process if I value it also - by charging what it is worth, giving my best hours to the business, ending sessions on time, offering payment options, and mentoring. These are my money breakthroughs for 2010.
A few things I learned from tonight's call:
1. If I make more money, I can give more money away.
2. People value things they pay for. For example - I would take better care of a car that I bought with my hard earned money than a car that I was given to use for free.
3. Don't give away too much for free - limit availability, don't go over time. The service will be more valuable to the client and I will be a better counselor if I am not burned out.
4. Offer disappearing benefits (time sensitive), limited benefits (number of people), and payment plans to increase value and encourage clients to make a commitment to services they need. We often wait until the last minute before we make a decision.
5. Outsource - find college students who will intern for free or low cost in exchange for mentoring.
I want to help my clients by offering them a valuable service. They will be more committed to the process if I value it also - by charging what it is worth, giving my best hours to the business, ending sessions on time, offering payment options, and mentoring. These are my money breakthroughs for 2010.
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