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Healthy people after experiencing emotionally challenging situations, can carry unprocessed emotions for many decades, be it childhood angst, conflicts with family and friends, or remorse over missteps and lost opportunities. For almost twenty years, during several scientific studies, researchers asked participants to write about a disturbing experience for 15 to 20 minutes a day for three or four consecutive days. The point of the exercise is not to craft a perfect essay, but to dig deeply into one’s emotional baggage, then translate the experience into language on the page.

An analysis of the participants’ writing about trauma found that those whose health improves most tend to use a higher proportion of negative emotion words than those associated with positive emotions. The growing use of insight, and associated cognitive words over several days of writing is also linked to health improvement. The creation of a coherent story, with the expression of negative emotions, work together in therapeutic writing. Evidence of these processes are seen in the immediate improvement in autonomic nervous system activity.

In my opinion, this research confirms the ancient truth, “to thine own self be true.” Self-honesty allows the realization that we have the inherent capacity to define every experience, regardless of the depths of emotional pain it may have caused, rather than allow the experience to define us. We all possess the psychological and spiritual wherewithal to survive all experiences. We also equally possess the ability to heal and to thrive.

The investigators are not certain as to the precise way writing effects the body and makes it effective medicine. Until 1999, research in this area had focused on healthy individuals. Dr. Joshua Smyth and colleagues studied the effects of journaling in individuals experiencing asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The study is believed to be the first using standardized, quantitative outcome measures to examine how writing about stressful events affects specific illnesses.

The study included 112 patients, 61 asthmatics, and 51 rheumatoid arthritics. 58 asthmatics and 49 arthritics completed the study. Patients were assigned to write either about the most the most stressful event of their lives or emotionally neutral events for only three days, 20 minutes each day. Four months later, nearly half of those who wrote about stressful events such as car accidents, abuse, divorce, or sexuality, had improved significantly. Asthma patients improved lung function by 19% on average. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, had a 28% improvement of symptoms.

“We can do a good job with medication, but we can do a better job if we also pay attention to people’s psychological needs,” said Dr. Smyth, now an assistant professor of psychology at North Dakota State University.

“This indicates that a very minimal psychological social interaction can have very substantial medical effects. And it indicates that stress may play a role in the progression of illnesses like arthritis and asthma.”

Published in the April 14, 1999, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association Dr. Smyth wrote, “Were the authors to have provided similar outcome evidence about a new drug, it likely would be in widespread use within a short time. Why? We would think we understood the ‘mechanism’ (whether we did or not) and there would be a mediating industry to promote its use.

“Manufacturers of paper and pencils are not likely to push journaling as a treatment addition for the management of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. But the authors have provided evidence that medical treatment is more effective when standard pharmacological intervention is combined with the management of emotional distress. Ventilation of negative emotions, even just to an unknown reader, seems to have helped these patients acknowledge, bear, and put into perspective their distress.

Want to find out more about holistic health, then visit Elaine R. Ferguson, MD’s site on how to choose the best journaling for your needs.

It’s been years since I’ve learned that I’m overweight and despite a number of weight-loss regimen I’ve tried, my condition remains the same. From what I’ve read, writing a weight-loss journal can make a difference. Since blogs are a fad these days, I gave it a try.

I tried it because I can’t think of any other motivation to make me win the battle of the bulge. Plus, it wouldn’t do me harm anyway. In fact, the worst that could happen is that I would skip being in front of the TV just to scribble what’s running on my mind.

What I like about blogging is that it plays a role in my weight loss efforts by helping me keep track of my workout and diet regimen. It also makes me be sincere to my cause because I have to write down all that’s happening – even if that includes confessing that I went binging on junk food.

Strangely enough, my weight loss blog made me feel in-charge of my actions. Because I know that all eyes are on me, I have to be cautious so I will not disappoint the people around me. Little by little, I was able to drop a few pounds and my blog serves as my documentation.

Suddenly, my weight-related practices are beginning to improve. Despite the two-month wait, I felt satisfied as my waistline was reduced.

I have my blog to thank for it. At the same time, it made me happy to know that I have readers following my blog entries regularly. They even encourage me throughout the arduous process.

But it doesn’t end there. Tell you what, a month after I started, I got paid for writing blog entries about my weight loss. Simply put, earning money while blogging is not a bad idea at all.

I’m $20 richer every month just by writing about my thoughts on weight loss and other relevant topics. Not to mention the fact that I’m also helping myself get back in shape quickly.

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Life in the big city can be a tiring and stressful existence. For those who are relatively new to it, the transition can prove surprisingly difficult that it’s easy to lose sight in what is happening around us.

I felt like I was drowning in it and it was not until I lost my job that I fully realized this. We all exert our best efforts to achieve things and perhaps make a name for ourselves. However we must not forget that giving ourselves time to unwind and relax is just as important.

Here are three means of relaxation that I found to be quite effective and this should work for you as well.

First off, if you have a bath tub in your house I would suggest you take full advantage of it by taking a warm bath regularly.

At the end of the day, nothing can be as soothing and relaxing as a warm bath. I would advise taking it with your favorite tunes and just savor the moment. This can be your way of pampering yourself every now and then.

Reading can also do wonders in easing down on the stress. Give yourself a quite time each day to just sit back and enjoy your favorite book. You may also invite a couple of friends who’ve read the same book over and share your thoughts about it.

While it may not exactly be your ideal way of unwinding, running can be an excellent source of relaxation. It enables me to keep my mind off things and have that great feeling at the end. If you want to keep fit, this would be the excellent way to go.

I would personally advise going on a run after that warm bath and it will surely keep you feeling in top shape.

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We use out television for entertainment, that’s what it was designed for. We suspend belief for an hour or so while we enjoy being entertained. Some believe, however, that TV rots the brain cells with all the violence etc. Some shows, however, still have morals and teach us lessons for life. These are the best of those.

The first one is Psych; this is a networked crime drama which I think is great fun. A guy who’s memory is photographic and wits are razor sharp passes himself off as a psychic to solve mysteries and crimes.

Everyone loves to play detective, and I am one while this show is on. It really gets you thinking and makes great TV.

A favorite show of mine is on ABC and is Super Nanny. This fascinating program deals with the super nanny, Jo Frost, helping parents on both sides of the Atlantic who simply can’t cope with their kids anymore. You can catch re runs on Style every day.

She enters their homes and gives out great advice on how to handle their unruly kids without screaming at them or dealing out harsh punishments. Both the kids and their parents benefit greatly from Jo Frost’s presence.

I’m not a great fan of makeover programs but the likes of How do I look? fascinate me. These people mustn’t have mirrors in their homes the way they dress. They are shown what to suits them and how to wear it, and become chic and well dresses people.

I don’t believe in judging a book by its cover, but they so often are. Tips to improve how you look can have a huge bearing on the rest of your life.

If I can be entertained and educated at the same time, I’m very happy. I get both of these from all the CSI shows, NCIS and Law and Order. They show behind the scenes of our legal system as well as dealing with moral and ethical dilemmas. No subject is taboo, however disturbing.

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A personality trait that few of us like to admit to having is procrastination. Although we insist that we don’t, there are times when we just can’t help ourselves. There are ways to deal with this thankfully, and I’ve a few ideas for you here.

Ask anyone if they procrastinate, and few people will readily admit to it, yet you must make this admission at least to yourself in order to deal with it.

Procrastination can effect both your working and personal life. Did you leave applying for promotion until it was too late and miss out to a much younger, inexperienced colleague who’s now your boss? Maybe a girlfriend got sick of your procrastinating regarding marriage and moved on to someone else.

Once you’ve made your list, don’t get all moody and miserable about what you’ve lost, you must look forward and determine never to miss out again.

Now for the biggie, stopping your habit of procrastinating. There isn’t a magical pill or potion that can stop this habit, you yourself have the power. However nasty the task may seem, take a deep breathe and get it over with, it will never be as bad as you imagined it to be.

Think about all the things that you should have done by now but your procrastination has stopped you. There were probably only one or two to start with and now you are swamped. It doesn’t matter which you do first, just get them done now.

One you have achieved this step; do not assume you are cured. You need to ensure you don’t fall into the habit again. Look at what you have achieved and how much easier it was than you expected it to be and how capable you really are.

If you have been sensible and followed the steps in this article, congratulations, you should be feeling pretty pleased with yourself! You have gotten those tasks down and are still here to tell the tale. Seriously though, from now on you must deal with everything immediately and if you start putting things off again, go through the steps again.

Besides procrastination, this writer also frequently shares writing on wooden kitchen bar stools and bed step stools.

You’ve probably come across this article because you’ve been asking yourself when to send that first text message after a date. It’s a question that bothers most people after a date and I’m afraid there isn’t just one answer.

Anyway, you’ve come to the right place because I would like to give you the benefit of my experience. I’ll give you my best advice on when to send that text message.

It’s a funny thing, texting. It’s only been in use about ten years but it’s come to be an important form of communication.

Back then, it was customary to call your date a day or two later to let them know you had a great time. While that is still acceptable by all means, many people prefer to keep it simple with a quick text message.

Things are a little different now and it’s not always easy to know what’s the best way of dealing with the situation.

My recommendation is to send a short text message within 24 hours of the date. You can even send it the same night, but what’s important is that you keep it short and sweet.

Make it light hearted and funny, and preferably something to do with anything that happened that night. There’s no need to say you had a great time, because the fact that you’re texting will implicitly send that message.

This will also spur a conversation that allows you to go back and forth as you please. Plus, the good thing about texting instead of calling is that it breaks the ice and sets the stage for that follow up call after the date.

You’ll be able to call a day or two later and you’ll have more to talk about seeing as how the seeds have already been planted from your texting conversations.

Aside from love, the writer additionally regularly writes about pressure washer nozzles and gas powered pressure washers.

When it comes to working, most people do not really give much thought to doing the best job they possibly can. Now, you would think that logic would prevail and that folks would do their best every work day; however, that is not the case.

It saddens me when I see people who don’t work to the best of their abilities every day and, thus, I have put some measures in place so that I do my absolute best each work day. As a result, my life has greatly improved professionally.

If you want to change your work performance like I have, then read on about the strategies I now adhere to and make a point of following them consistently. If you do, you will see a big improvement in how much more effectively you do things.

First and foremost, setting goals is extremely important. If no goals are set, then we will just work and not give any thought to what we are trying to achieve.

The size of goals that you set can be either little or large. I have discovered that a small goal actually is better at keeping my attention since I know that it can be attained. Always give yourself a reward every time you reach one of your goals.

Secondly, I have found it very helpful to keep a written account of how much progress I make every day. As time passes, after you have begun to do this, you will be putting more and more positive writings in there and, perhaps, you just might want to start a blog. This is a very good thing to do each day.

Last, but certainly not least, is keeping yourself fit and doing your best to eat healthier, two things that I feel are very important since they both ultimately affect how much energy one has. Remember, having lots of energy means that you will be able to get everything done more quickly and easily.

Try these approaches out and you’ll likely see a boost in productivity. The key is staying focused and committed to your goals.

Check out more of this author’s advice on subjects such as outdoor wall lighting and outdoor table lighting.

Are there any times quite as frustrating as those times when you are tossing and turning in your bed but simply can’t go to sleep? We’ve tried everything we can think of but are still awake; I’ve experienced this many times and now get really wound up about it.

As each minute and hours ticks by with still no sign of sleep, we start to worry about it, which puts sleep even further out of our grasp. Then, the ultimate insult, the dark, night sky begins to lighten. So we are faced with a very long day ahead functioning on auto pilot thanks to another sleepless night.

So what are we doing wrong, and why does this keep happening? We’ve tried everything but nothing has delivered what we promised, what do we do next?

If your Insomnia only happens occasionally, don’t run straight to your local drug store. I personally try my best to avoid taking anything to make me sleep, but there are times when we must sleep to stay healthy. Simply Sleep is a highly recommended medicine to bring on a natural sleep.

Reading in bed tends to be a good one to help you drop off. As you are warm and comfortable and the light is dimmed, you should find the words blurring together and your eyes unable to focus.

You should try and tip the odds in your favor by getting the most mind numbingly boring piece of written work that you can find. This usually does the job, but on odd occasions that is hasn’t, I may have learned something interesting!

The main point of this exercise is distraction. As you are focusing fully on your book, you aren’t thinking about sleep. This takes me nicely to my last method.

Once you’re in bed and snuggled into your sleep position, don’t try to empty your mind. If you do, the fact that you can’t get to sleep will flood your mind and the anxiety circle begins again. Focus on something completely random, thinking of anything except sleep is the one thing that induces it. Imagine yourself somewhere different, or think of pleasant memories, before you know it it’s morning, and this strange but true method has worked brilliantly.

See more of this author’s work on topics such as video projectors for home theater and LCD bulbs for projectors.