What is Stress?

Stress is considered one of the main reasons for the majority of illnesses that face us today.

According to the American Institute of Stress, 95% of physician-related visits are due to stress. This is truly in epidemic proportions.

Time Magazine recently reported that stress was one of the greatest medical concerns facing us globally in the present millennium.

Stress is an inevitable part of life. However, stress that is held inside and not dealt with in a healthy way can be the root of many dangerous behaviors. These behaviors may include smoking and alcohol or drug abuse.

Stress can also be destructive to a home, a job, and relationships.

Life will always have its series of ups and downs, including being busy, always on the go, rushing, and feeling that we are burning the candle at both ends.

Burning the candle at both ends, or continual stress, can be detrimental and destructive to one's health.

A common complaint by many is that they feel consumed with rushing and being hurried all the time.

Ask ourselves.... can we ever slow down and really enjoy life?

Stress in the Elderly

Stress and the elderly is unfortunately becoming a common concern. Although some stress is normal and actually healthy as it is a form of motivation, continual stress can be detrimental to the immune system and the entire emotional physical well being of a person.

Individuals in their later years once were active active socially and physically, they are now realizing life is increasingly slowing down. They are troubled by the fact that they no longer can do the things that they used to do, or at least in the same way that they once could.

A feeling of loneliness, sadness, dependency and financial insecurties are just a few of the worries that they often deal with.

They want to maintain their independency, but at the same time, they realize so many dreams are lost. They just need to realize that although things may be different. Life is not over. They need to take control of their feelings and find the things and people that they enjoy and keep on going.

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than the feeling of being 'stressed out' that most people experience. Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

• racing heartbeat
• feeling a wave of uncontrollable fear
• difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air'
• terror that is almost paralyzing
• dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
• trembling, sweating, shaking
• choking, chest pains
• hot flashes, or sudden chills
• tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles')
• fear that you're going to go crazy or are about to die

You probably recognize this as the classic 'flight or fight' response that human beings experience when we are in a situation of danger. But during a panic attack, these symptoms seem to rise from out of nowhere.

A panic attack is not dangerous, but it can be terrifying, largely because it feels 'crazy' and 'out of control.' Panic disorder is frightening because of the panic attacks associated with it, and also because it often leads to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, medical complications, even suicide. Its effects can range from mild word or social impairment to a total inability to face the outside world.

In fact, the phobias that people with panic disorder develop do not come from fears of actual objects or events, but rather from fear of having another attack. In these cases, people will avoid certain objects or situations because they fear that these things will trigger another attack.

A Panic Disorder is a serious condition that around one out of every 75 people might experience. It usually appears during the teens or early adulthood, and while the exact causes are unclear, there does seem to be a connection with major life transitions that are potentially stressful: graduating from college, getting married, having a first child, and so on.

There is also some evidence for a genetic predisposition; if a family member has suffered from panic disorder, you have an increased risk of suffering from it yourself, especially during a time in your life that is particularly stressful.

A panic attack is not dangerous, but it can be terrifying, largely because it feels 'crazy' and 'out of control.' Panic disorder is frightening because of the panic attacks associated with it, and also because it often leads to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, medical complications, even suicide. Its effects can range from mild word or social impairment to a total inability to face the outside world.

In fact, the phobias that people with panic disorder develop do not come from fears of actual objects or events, but rather from fear of having another attack. In these cases, people will avoid certain objects or situations because they fear that these things will trigger another attack.

Guided Imagery has been shown to be highly successful for assisting those with panic attacks.

Guided Imagery can help with Stress Management and Maintaining Resliency in Today's Hectic World

Guided Imagery is a simple yet powerful relaxation technique that can assist people of all ages to utilize one of the most powerful resources that we have within us at all times - the power of the mind.

Guided Imagery has shown to be effective for young children all the way through the elderly.

It promotes wellness and can optimize overall health.

Hundreds of research studies have shown that the mind can affect the functions of the body through the use of Guided Imagery through CDs.

The mind does not know the difference between the thought and the actual event. It is true, you are what you think.

Guided Imagery teaches coping skills that can have an effect for a lifetime. It gives a person self confidence and control back in their life.

Guided Imagery is being routinely used in health care centers, corporations, schools, and homes around the world.

It is a simple process that gently guides a person through an imaginary journey in their mind. It brings a person a sense of peace and tranquility, and has a tremendous impact on sleep and relaxation.

Click here to learn how Guided Imagery can help you cope with stress and anxiety

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