What is Burnout and How to Avoid It.

Burnout is one of those things that tends to creep up on you, often without you realizing it.  When it does it can significantly affect your mind and body, causing complete exhaustion, anxiety and often causes depression. If you dont stop burnout before it takes hold, it can lead to more serious issues such as heart attacks or strokes.  As I said, often we do not even see it coming. A few things to be conscious of:

Take a serious look at your Workload. Be realistic about the hours you are putting in at work. Also take into account how many hours you are working without taking a break as this will contribute to burnout.  Remember when it is break time, you must take it, take time away from your job to relax your mind and body, even if it is only a short ten minute break. Breaks are necessary to refresh and rejuvenate your mind. Go for a walk, read a book, or just remove yourself from your source of tension for a few minutes.

Next, be critical of your time management techniques.  I know from my own experience, I would tend to be working on one task and then move to an email when it came in, then back to the task etc. You must learn to work efficiently, complete tasks before moving on, avoid interruption in order to do so and you will find you achive more in less time.

Be in tune with your body and know when you are reaching overload or exhaustion. Look for the warning signs and think through what you can do to avoid things getting worse.  It may be that you need to take a day off, or a weekend away or simply spend time at home relaxing both your mind and body, away from the telephone and the computer.  Work out what it is you need to do in order to take time out to recharge! If you find that you take a short vacation or a day off only to find the old feelings welling up again, then perhaps its time for a re-evaluation of where you are in life, and perhaps a life change is necessary to avoid burnout altogether.

I think the single most important thing you must do if you are to avoid burnout is to learn the art of saying NO. It is great to be accomodating and helpful however not if it is at the expense of your own health.  Quite simply nothing is that important if it comprimises your health to that degree.

For quite sometime I worked overseas with a lot of international travel thrown in. I was expectected to put in the long hours, jump on a plane and head off overseas for a week, then back again and into the 60 hour working week.  Unfortunately I didnt see the warning signs until it was too late.  It took a complete re-evaluation of my life and where I was at and to make some serious life changes before my health suffered more than it already had.  Once you reach burnout believe me, its difficult to work your way back from it.

Michael Licenblat, an Australian who devoted a large part of his life to people as a Shiatsu Massage Therapist with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), has put together an excellent ebook on recognizing and relieving stresses and pressures whilst increasing your productivity.  Well worth the read and I only wish I had read it sooner!  Get your copy here. Click Here!

By MaryAnn Roche.

Tags: anxiety, burnout, de-stress, exhaustion, life balance, Success, Time Management

Acupuncture, Stress or De-Stress?

Today I return to my Stress and Anxiety series, with a question…..
Can Accupuncture reduce stress or does it promote stress?

Firstly, What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art that involves inserting fine needles at very precise pressure points throughout the body. The needles stimulate the body’s natural healing processes in its energy system.

Health Benefits of Acupuncture

Accupuncture can relieve the physical symptoms of stress that tends to accumulate in the neck, shoulders, and back, causing pain and tension. Headaches are another physical complaint resulting from stress. People who are under high levels of stress often have high blood pressure.

Acupuncture can relieve physical symptoms, such as tense muscles, and even help to lower blood pressure. Acupuncture leaves the body feeling calm and relaxed. An added benefit is that it improves the circulation of the blood throughout the body.

How Does Stress Treatment with Accupuncture Work?

Acupuncturists believe that energy flows through the body system through channels called meridians. This energy is referred to as Qi or Chi.

Stress causes an imbalance in the body’s energy and causes it to flow improperly. The Qi can become blocked and stagnant. It must be unblocked and flow freely in order to restore harmonious balance to the body.

By stimulating the proper acupressure points, the Qi can flow freely, and thereby can reduce stress induced mental and physical symptoms.

So Is This Stress Treatment Safe?

Acupuncture is perfectly safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Acupuncturists are trained in the proper methods of stress treatment and all instruments are sterilized to prevent any risk of infection.

The Food and Drug Administration approved non-toxic needles made for single use application just for use in acupuncture treatments. The majority of people who undergo acupuncture feel no pain at all. A small percentage may feel very minimal pain. Bleeding rarely occurs.

Stress Related Health Conditions

Regular acupuncture treatments can reduce stress, help heal stress related health conditions and improve the body’s immunity to defend against potential illnesses.

In fact, in some cases, acupuncture that is being used to treat one condition can actually help detect another, more severe illness that had not been previously identified.

In such cases, acupuncture aids in early diagnosis and treatment. In another capacity, acupuncture can serve as a form of preventive measure against illness by alleviating stress and strengthening the body.

Accupuncture Treatment Sessions

A typical acupuncture session may last for 30 to 60 minutes. The patient will become very relaxed during the treatment and may even fall asleep.

Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen your body so you’re better able to deal with the day-to-day stresses of life. Acupuncture can also leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

The Body and Mind Connection

Stress is a perfect example of the interrelated connection between the body and mind.

Remember, acupuncture is just one method to relieve stress. It’s also important to learn positive and productive ways to cope with stress on a daily basis, thereby making the stress work for you rather than against you.

Find your own combination of de-stressing methods that work for you, and use them often to enjoy a happier and healthier life. Stress is a natural part of life, but with our seemingly never-ending hectic lifestyles, we are more stressed out than ever!

There are various techniques you can use to relieve stress, such as yoga, meditation, massage therapy and more. You may want to try several different methods to reduce stress to find a method you feel most comfortable with. Read more about Stress Relief and Anxiety.

Tags: Acupuncture, de-stress, destress, reduce stress, relieve stress, stress, stress treatment

Stress Less with Massage Therapy

I love a good massage to relieve my stress! How about you?
Now, be nice guys – Im suuure you do…lol but I am talking about massage that can relieve your stress (ok I hear you!)

A relaxing massage can take your cares, aches and pains away and today I want to discuss this great stress relief activity!

Massage Therapists will find this Invaluable – Click Here!

With today’s high-stress lifestyles and careers, massage therapy is one form of treatment many people are indulging in to help de-stress, relieve tension, or simply get some alone time full of pampering.

Massage therapy consists of several different techniques, including but not limited to:

* Pregnancy Massage
* Self Massage
* Swedish Massage
* Stone Massage
* Deep Tissue Massage
* Sports Massage
* Chair Massage
* Reflexology
* Geriatric Massage
* Energy Work
* Baby Massage

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The massage techniques typically used for de-stressing are deep tissue, Swedish, chair and stone.

Let’s take a look at these 4 ways to de-stress with massage:

1. Deep Tissue Massage.

Using many of the traditional massage techniques, deep tissue massage takes it one step further, getting into the deep tissue areas of your body.

* Once the skin and muscles are relaxed using classic massage, the therapist goes deeper into the tissues that join your body parts together, the underlying musculature and connective tissue called fascia.

* Deep tissue massage is also an excellent remedy for chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and reduction of pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis.

2. Swedish Massage.

Swedish massage is also known as the classic massage and was actually invented by a Dutch man. It involves five kinds of touch and is delivered to the soft tissues using the therapists hands, moisturized with massage oil or lotion.

* The lotion or oil serves two purposes. It reduces friction between the patient’s skin and the therapist’s hands and acts as an aromatherapy experience.

* Scents often evoke strong associations deeply wired into our brain, so using scented lotions can help you relax and thoroughly enjoy the massage experience. The therapist will often give a choice of scents, so choose one you find the most relaxing and pleasing.

Through kneading, rolling, vibration tapping and percussive movements, your blood will begin to circulate better. This sends more oxygen to your muscles and helps them relax.

* Swedish massage will also help hasten healing of injuries, reduce swelling and help dissolve deep scar tissue adhesions.

3. Chair Massage.

Chair massage has fast become a popular way to de-stress while shopping in a mall or traveling by air. Chair massage therapists can also often be found at your local health food store.

* A chair massage therapist doesn’t use oil or lotion, and you’re fully clothed during the massage. In addition, the sessions are shorter than traditional massage, usually 20 minutes or less. Chair massage focuses pressure only on the head, neck, shoulders, back, and arms.

* Chair massage is a great way to get quick relief and de-stress when you don’t have time for a traditional massage.


* The cost is easy on your wallet, too, usually costing approximately $1 a minute.

4. Stone Massage.

You’ve probably seen pictures in magazines or on the web of people receiving a stone massage. Smooth, heated, black stones are placed along a person’s spine and used as an extension of the therapist’s hand in conjunction with traditional massage.

* The added benefits of stone massage are increased pain relief, improved movement and energy.

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What to Expect During a Massage

1. Clothing. Expect to disrobe, unless you’re receiving a chair massage. Most likely, you’ll be expected to remove most of your clothing and given a robe to wear during the massage.

2. Questions & Concerns. Your therapist should ask you about any health concerns, why you’re seeking a massage, and if there are any medical conditions that they should be aware of.

3. Allergens. Oils and lotions that contain scent are typically used during massage. If you’re allergic to certain scents, oils, or lotions, ask your therapist for an alternative.

4. Positioning. Most massages require that you lie down during your massage and roll over from front to back or vice versa. You’ll also experience hands-on touching, but it should never be inappropriate.

5. Pain. You should never feel more pain than temporary discomfort often experienced while the therapist works out a knot or on a sore muscle area.

* If you’re experiencing pain greater than temporary discomfort, tell your therapist right away.

Possible Risks of Massage Therapy

Massage is generally safe as long as it’s offered by a trained therapist. However, massage isn’t the best de-stressing method for everyone, and you should seek the advice of your physician if you have certain conditions, such as:

* Burns or open wounds in areas to be massaged
* A recent heart attack
* Cancer – you’ll want to avoid direct pressure on the tumor area
* Deep vein thrombosis
* Unhealed fractures
* Rheumatoid arthritis in the area to be massaged
* Severe osteoporosis

Some other risks may include internal bleeding, nerve damage or temporary paralysis if the massage is done improperly. Make certain the therapist you choose is licensed and has the proper training.

Benefits of Massage

Massage can relieve tension in your muscles, help you relax, relieve stress and anxiety, and reduce muscle soreness. Massage is also known for releasing natural painkillers in your body, and it may even boost your immune system.

Before making an appointment for a massage, consider the possible risks and talk to your physician. This will help ensure your safety and make your massage a rewarding one.

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If you ask me, there is nothing better on a bad day – I often go to sleep during a massage! Massage therapy will help you in more ways than one – try it!

Tags: de-stress, massage, massage therapy, relaxing massage, self massage

Here are some great tips to Simplify Your Life
When life is getting on top of you – you need some good strategies to de-stress! Read on to find some…………..

At times we may think everything is of equal importance in our lives, but there are some great ways to evaluate what really matters so we can gain a new perspective on life.

When you are stressed out and you can’t seem to find a moment of peace for yourself, you probably need to simplify your life. We often make our lives more difficult than they need to be, so when we take it down a notch and make things simpler, our stress levels will drop rapidly and our life will be much more enjoyable.

6 Choice Ways to Simplify Your Life

1. Determine what is important. Make a list of all activities you have going on in your life right now. You should look at the first four or five and make sure that you are putting more of your energy into these things. It is the first four or five things in your life such as your relationship, family, and work that should get the most emphasis on a day-to-day basis. Once you make this list, it’s a whole lot easier to see where you’re spending most of your time (and where you should be spending more time).

2. Learn how to say No! Many times when we feel stress it’s because we don’t know how to say no to the people in our lives. Saying no to kids, family, friends, and even the boss is important. I know it can be tough to say no, but you can say it with grace or by delegating the request to another capable person. If you’re finding it difficult to stay firm, remember that you are not superman or superwoman. You can’t possibly take on the world by yourself!

3. Reconsider your commitments. Many times we simply over-commit ourselves. You should look at the “extras” in your life and see how they align with the things that are most important to you. If there are things that you are committed to doing that you don’t enjoy or don’t add meaning to your life, consider giving them up. You can reduce stress and make your life more relaxed when you release yourself from commitments that are only tying you down.

Click here to take control of your life and learn ways to thrive, not just survive.
4. Simplify your work. Every day when you’re at work you likely have a 10-page to-do list. In reality, there are things that just aren’t all that important and aren’t worth the effort. And yes, there will be some things that you’ll never get around to. That’s okay! Accept that fact and re-evaluate your activities to determine what is really essential and do away with the rest.

5. Involve the family. There is as much to do at home as there is at work. Make your family your team and involve them in the home activities. Get everyone involved in the little tasks around the home such as taking out the trash, dusting, and doing the dishes. For example, you can require that each family member pick up 20 things around the house before bed. This way, cleaning the house is a lot easier and you can spend more of your time relaxing instead of worrying about every little task around the home.

6. Clear the clutter. In your home and office there are probably a lot of things that are cluttering your space. Everything must have its place – even if it’s in the trash! When you clear the clutter from your space, you’ll find that cleaning, finding things, and simply going about your daily life is a lot simpler and a whole lot less stressful.

Get Rid of Stress with Anthony Robbins!

As you can see, if you follow these simple tips on how to simplify your life it does not have to be difficult. You just need to get back to basics and do away with everything else. Living a simple life is living a happier, less stressed life and that’s something that we can all aspire to do.

When everything feels like it is piling up and stress creeps in – you can use these tips to simplify your life and de-stress quickly! Don’t overdo it and dont over think it either!

Stress is an everyday killer and if you continue to let things stress you out – you will suffer! Its a choice – make a good choice for yourself and decide to take things down a notch or two for your own benefit and for the benefit of ohters around you!

De-stress your life today and reassess whats going on in your life on a regular basis, then go back over the above tips and re-implement them as often as you need to.

When you take positive action to simplify your life and de-stress the world seems a much brighter place. Get on top of things and stay on top of things – Life can be such a wonderful place!

I have a FREE eCourse with some practical advice on steps you can take to really get your stress levels down! Get it delivered straight to your inbox today! Just click here and signup – FREE Stress Relief eCourse!
I am sure that if you take my advice and get rid of some of your daily stress factors – you will have a smile on your face more of the time and be a happier person in general! Take action to simplify your life today – it really is better for you and your health to leave stress behind!

Tags: de-stress, destress, how to simplify your life, simplify your life, stress