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STRESS REDUCTION

Stress is the most incipient killer of people today. Stress is responsible for 70 to 80 percent of the disease in America. Stress reduction is essential in today's society for longevity, health and happiness. Below are some simple rules for fighting this unseen killer.

1. Stress awareness begins with recognition and becoming aware. A stress inventory provides insight into the amount of stress in our lives. As we become aware of stress, we begin to deal with it. The "ostrich" technique of stress reduction never works.
   
   
2. Humans resist change. Whether change occurs in the body, mind, social, spirit or environment, most humans will resist it. To learn to relax means learning the need to break old habits of stress reaction and substitute more productive reactions such as clear thinking, calm headed and relaxed understanding. To change requires perseverance, positivity, proper goals and beneficial rewards. Whether changing eating habits, exercise routines, stress reactions or social skills, change requires work. The rewards of a healthy body and mind are worth it for both ourselves and our family.
   
   
3. Stop addictive behaviour. Whether it is coffee, soda, sugar, heroin, cocaine, alcohol or others, an addiction is an addiction. Addiction to stimulants will always rob health and always cause disease. Truly caring for our children, we would fight to stop them from using heroin but so often they are allowed to indulge in potato chips, candy bars, tobacco and so on. The seeds of addictive behaviour stem from "stimulation dependency" in youth. If we are truly to conquer drugs, then addiction to stimulation or depression early in life must be stopped. Really caring means saying, 'No', as early as possible to stop addiction and break it's bond.
   
   
4. Relax after meals. Allow at least 30 minutes after a meal to relax with comfortable music (not hard rock and roll), good spiritual books (not tax literature), good conversation (not argument) or some other relaxing diversion. Do not lie down. Sitting, standing or a light walk is recommended. Allow the body to focus on digestion for the best effect.
   
   
5. Allow one to two hours for worry or think time per day. Make this a quality think time to completely analyze problems and concerns. Any more than two hours a day and the mind will distort the problem and not produce a solution. Excessive worry produces more problems and more worry until this violent spiral results in disease. Use quality think time to develop quality solutions on which to act to really help with solving the problems and concerns.
   
   
6. Take 30 minutes a day for relaxation and silent reflection. Concentrate on calmness, acceptance, relaxation, health, peace or stillness. Save active thinking for later. Let this still time be one for producing calmness. Wear comfortable clothing, find a quiet spot and let those around know how important this time is to you.
   
   
7. During this quiet time, relax tense muscles. Breathe deeply and slowly. Calm and relax the mind as you detach yourself from the turmoil of the day. Let go of your troubles and fill your thoughts with positive thoughts. Use this daily experience to foster your mind and body and develop your inner health.
   
   
8. Remember, laughter is the best medicine.
   
   
9. Learn the laws of good health.