There are natural remedies for depression that are successfully used by health care professionals. Quite a number of people living with depression day to day don't want to depend on synthetic prescription antidepressant drugs prescribed to them by doctors for help.
When looking at the possibility of being on medication for life, many people who suffer this condition are turning to natural remedies for depression. They would rather find natural treatments for depression that will help them cope with the depressive condition they experience every day.
St. John's Wort is an option that has won favor. This is one of the natural treatments for depression that has been the subject of numerous clinical studies. Though not definitive, these studies do agree that some results have been positive. Many often claim that the results they get from it are as good as, if not better than the drug Prozac. They swear they don't need anything else when St. John's Wort is taken on a regular basis.
How do natural remedies for depression like St. John's Wort work? It works by slowing the body's absorption rate of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, the three neurotransmitters affecting depression. Because of this effect, the body has additional time to convey messages to the brain. There is one drawback to using this supplement, though. It can have an interaction with some other medications a person might take so it is always advisable to consult with a physician before beginning its use.
Other natural remedies for depression have also had good results. Omega-3 fatty acids have been seen to be useful themselves. Found primarily in fish oils, it can also be found in canola oil, hemp or walnuts as well. However, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils appear to be the only ones that work as an antidepressant. DHE fatty acids that are found in these particular fatty acids are used as nourishment by the brain. These substances typically are low in depressive persons so the brain gets replenished with what it needs by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Natural treatments for depression also recommended for people suffering from depression are a number of the B vitamins. Studies have shown that of the adult depression suffers, many are low in folic acid. Tests show that people who have long periods of depression and do not respond adequately to conventional antidepressants are especially low in this particular vitamin. There is proof that a person's mood is improved when folic acid levels are increased. Mood is also shown to be affected by Vitamin B-1, which is another name for thiamine. Even people who do not suffer from depression have experienced improved moods when taking this vitamin.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), another of the natural remedies for depression, is a derivative of the amino acid called tryptophan. The body converts tryptophan into 5-HTP which is then converted into serotonin. When 5-HTP supplements are used as natural treatments for depression, they seem to help balance serotonin levels and enhance the mood. It is also used for weight loss, insomnia, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and stress as well as the symptoms of depression.
Vitamin B-12 levels can affect the mood, which is also affected by the natural process of menopause that women around the age of fifty can experience. A woman is likely to have only about half the amount of this vitamin in her system after she passes the age of fifty because it typically begins to diminish at this point in her life. Another important vitamin that has also been shown to alleviate PMS or premenstrual depression is vitamin B-6. The mood may be significantly enhanced when any or a combination of the B vitamins are used.
Improved mood has been seen to result from doing simple exercises. The belief is that the body is able to absorb supplements and medications better while exercising. It is also believed that brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine are produced during exercise. Exercise of any kind is good and has proven to be a mood enhancer. When choosing which forms of exercise to participate in, select exercises that are enjoyable and do not place too much physical stress on the body, especially in the beginning.
Light therapy is another of the natural remedies for depression. It has been proven that as the days shorten in the winter and there is less sunlight, some people develop depression symptoms. Try to simply get outside and enjoy the sun during the hours of daylight as much as possible during the shorter winter days. In the home, let the sun shine in through uncovered windows. It may also be beneficial to use light therapy in a clinical setting with the assistance of a qualified provider.
The patient should not give up as any one of these natural treatments for depression or a combination of them may well help. It may be worthwhile giving each of them a try when a person suffers from depression symptoms.
Copyright 2008 InfoSearch Publishing
Learn more about treating depression naturally at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/natural-treatments-for-depression.html - David Lee Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and one of the webmasters of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a popular website for natural health.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Top 5 Tips On How To Manage The Stress
No matter where you go, it seems like you hear it all the time from nearly every one you know - "I'm SO stressed out!"
Pressures abound world today cause stress and anxiety, and often time we are ill-equipped to deal with those stressors that trigger anxiety and other feelings that can make us sick. Literally, sick.
Stress is a part of daily life, no one can escape from it, to maintain a health and well-being life, all the things that make difference is how you react to the stress, your attitude and approach makes all the things difference.
We know pressures occur throughout life and those pressures cause stress. One thing you need to realize is that you will never completely get rid of stress in your life, but you can learn coping techniques to turn that stress into a healthier situation.
In fact, some stress is good stress. You may not believe that, but sometimes stress can motivate you to do things you may not normally do in a relaxed state.
Believe it or not, stress can make you brave enough to go forward when normally you might hesitate.
Speaking of how to manage the stress effectively? And how to relieve the stress, following are five quick steps you can take;
1. Don't just sit there. Move!
According to many psychologists, motion creates emotion. You might notice that when you are idle, it's easier to become depressed. Your heart rate slows down, less oxygen travels to your brain, and you are slumped somewhere in a chair blocking air from reaching your lungs.
So go to take a walk, drinking a glass of water, looking at objects in nature, or do some exercise can be a great stress buster.
I especially like the technique of exercise, because when you exercise, your heart rate goes up, you begin to sweat, and your breathing becomes heavier, which really light your body up afterwards and help you relieve the stress.
2. Smell The Roses
How do you smell the roses? How about investing some money to go on that one trip you've been dreaming about? Visit a country with lots of exotic places to jolt your imagination and spur your creativity. So detach from your daily activities and venture a little bit is a good way to go.
3. Help Others Cope With Their Problems
It is very therapeutic when you engross yourself in helping others. You will be surprised how many people's problems are worse than those you may be facing. You can offer others assistance in countless ways. Don't curl up in your bed and let depression and stress take hold of you.
Get out and help somebody. But be careful. Don't get caught up in other people's problems in an attempt to forget about your own.
4. Laugh a Lot
By now you've heard that laughter is a good internal medicine. It relieves tension and loosens the muscles. It causes blood to flow to the heart and brain. More importantly, laughter releases a chemical that rids the body of pains. So laugh more.
5. Wear Your Knees Out
If there were one sustainable remedy I could offer you when the going gets tough, it would be prayer. Many people (depending on their faith) might call it meditation. It doesn't matter to me what you call it, as long as you have a place to run to.
Finally, no matter which tips you are going to apply and use, just remember the most important thing is to understand the root cause of your stress first. No one can understand your problem better than you do. A few minutes spend to recognize your true feelings can completely change the situation, so find and identify what triggered the stress first.
In the other words, identify the cause of stress and pull out from it for a moment and then deal with it. Change the focus of attention when you return to the problem, you will find it does not look as monstrous as you felt before.
Now, you have this above stress relieve tips, hopefully you can do better job towards to your own stress management.
Ann Liu, business development manager of http://www.enpeo.com. Also a certified internet marketer of http://www.marketingbyann.com and author of http://www.onlineprofiting.com
Pressures abound world today cause stress and anxiety, and often time we are ill-equipped to deal with those stressors that trigger anxiety and other feelings that can make us sick. Literally, sick.
Stress is a part of daily life, no one can escape from it, to maintain a health and well-being life, all the things that make difference is how you react to the stress, your attitude and approach makes all the things difference.
We know pressures occur throughout life and those pressures cause stress. One thing you need to realize is that you will never completely get rid of stress in your life, but you can learn coping techniques to turn that stress into a healthier situation.
In fact, some stress is good stress. You may not believe that, but sometimes stress can motivate you to do things you may not normally do in a relaxed state.
Believe it or not, stress can make you brave enough to go forward when normally you might hesitate.
Speaking of how to manage the stress effectively? And how to relieve the stress, following are five quick steps you can take;
1. Don't just sit there. Move!
According to many psychologists, motion creates emotion. You might notice that when you are idle, it's easier to become depressed. Your heart rate slows down, less oxygen travels to your brain, and you are slumped somewhere in a chair blocking air from reaching your lungs.
So go to take a walk, drinking a glass of water, looking at objects in nature, or do some exercise can be a great stress buster.
I especially like the technique of exercise, because when you exercise, your heart rate goes up, you begin to sweat, and your breathing becomes heavier, which really light your body up afterwards and help you relieve the stress.
2. Smell The Roses
How do you smell the roses? How about investing some money to go on that one trip you've been dreaming about? Visit a country with lots of exotic places to jolt your imagination and spur your creativity. So detach from your daily activities and venture a little bit is a good way to go.
3. Help Others Cope With Their Problems
It is very therapeutic when you engross yourself in helping others. You will be surprised how many people's problems are worse than those you may be facing. You can offer others assistance in countless ways. Don't curl up in your bed and let depression and stress take hold of you.
Get out and help somebody. But be careful. Don't get caught up in other people's problems in an attempt to forget about your own.
4. Laugh a Lot
By now you've heard that laughter is a good internal medicine. It relieves tension and loosens the muscles. It causes blood to flow to the heart and brain. More importantly, laughter releases a chemical that rids the body of pains. So laugh more.
5. Wear Your Knees Out
If there were one sustainable remedy I could offer you when the going gets tough, it would be prayer. Many people (depending on their faith) might call it meditation. It doesn't matter to me what you call it, as long as you have a place to run to.
Finally, no matter which tips you are going to apply and use, just remember the most important thing is to understand the root cause of your stress first. No one can understand your problem better than you do. A few minutes spend to recognize your true feelings can completely change the situation, so find and identify what triggered the stress first.
In the other words, identify the cause of stress and pull out from it for a moment and then deal with it. Change the focus of attention when you return to the problem, you will find it does not look as monstrous as you felt before.
Now, you have this above stress relieve tips, hopefully you can do better job towards to your own stress management.
Ann Liu, business development manager of http://www.enpeo.com. Also a certified internet marketer of http://www.marketingbyann.com and author of http://www.onlineprofiting.com
Friday, January 18, 2008
10 Best Ways to Relieve Stress
Finding ways to relieve stress are great ways to relieve anxiety. By relieving anxiety, one is able to head off anxiety attack symptoms and cure anxiety itself. Stress is the number one cause of anxiety attacks and by handling stress, one learns how to deal with panic attacks and find other anxiety solutions. Stress relieving techniques are often employed by people to cure panic attacks themselves and head off future attacks. Knowing and understanding the ten best ways to relieve stress makes these techniques accessible to all.
1. Get organized. When one's life is not organized, the clutter can cause stress even for those without any type of anxiety or stress disorder. If one's life is organized, the stress of trying to locate things is reduced and the mind feels more in control of situations. Organization can be achieved through time and practice, and does not have to be done in one day. Even organizing one's desk at work can assist in making one feel more in control of situations and eliminate the stress associated with a lack of control and not knowing where things are.
2. Get plenty of rest. One of the most common reasons for stressful behaviors and feelings is a lack of sleep. If one is not getting the proper amount of sleep, the body does not have time to recover from the day and therefore can feel tired and sore. This tired and sore feeling can cause physical and mental stress throughout the day, making anxiety more prevalent.
3. Get the right foods. Eating healthy can reduce one's chances of a brain chemical disorder and imbalance. Try to eat foods with little or no trans fat, since it blocks many of the chemical reactions in the body that are quite necessary for normal living. Try eating fruits and vegetables, as they are known for their ability to cause a feeling of enjoyment when eaten. Chocolate, in small amounts, especially dark chocolate is known to release pleasure chemicals in the brain and reducing stress. Reducing or eliminating caffeine and other stimulants is a great way to help the body deal with stress as well.
4. Get fit. Aerobic and cardio exercises are well documented ways to reduce stress. These exercises can include taking a leisurely walk, to taking a fast paced cardio class. These activities allow for the brain to think on something different, such as the movements, and allows for the subconscious to deal with the everyday stresses.
5. Get a pet. Even if owning a pet is not possible, visiting a pet can greatly reduce one's level of stress. Petting a dog or cat is well known for its relaxing affects, for both the pet and the person. Taking a few minutes to visit a pet can greatly assist one in managing stress.
6. Look at the positives. Stress can be caused by viewing life as a chore, and not realizing the joys one has all around. Instead of looking at the amount of work that needs to be done, think of what work has been completed and how best to complete the work that needs to be done. Think about the things that bring joy into one's life when one feels stressed or over-whelmed.
7. Take a break. If one has been working for a while, taking a break can greatly reduce the amount of stress one feels. Even if working on a deadline, getting up and away from the desk for a few minutes can increase one's efficiency by reducing stress. Working hard is good, working efficient is better, and eliminating stress is best.
8. Light a candle. The light of the candle is symbolic of hope, and can cause a jump in positive chemical reactions when viewed. Keeping a candle nearby also gives something to look at when reflecting on life's joys, and keeping stress at bay.
9. Relax. Many people are so focused on work and other responsibilities that they forget to relax. Relaxation techniques such a meditation and massage therapy have long been known to reduce stress levels. People often forget that relaxing is a part of a healthy lifestyle and by skipping this aspect, people often cause more stress and feel the effects of stress more profoundly.
10. Talk to someone. The idea that "no man is an island" is very true. If one does not talk about the stressful situations in his or her life, that stress builds and can cause devastating health effects. Talk to someone, one's spouse, best friend, even one's dog. Though it seems like such a small thing, reaching out and talking to someone is one of the best ways to eliminate stress, and anyone can do it. There are professionals who can help manage stress through talking, called psychotherapist. These doctors are able to assist with help for anxiety and depression, which are often the effects of harboring such stress.
Dealing with stress is one of the natural remedies for anxiety. With these simple techniques for reducing stress levels, one should have no problem in managing daily stress and reducing anxiety levels. If these methods do not help in relieving anxiety, one should talk to one's doctor about a physical reason for anxiety.
For more information on how to rid yourself of anxiety, visit http://www.TipsForPanicAttacks.net now! Here you'll find tons of informative articles, as well as full reviews on the top Anxiety products available today!
1. Get organized. When one's life is not organized, the clutter can cause stress even for those without any type of anxiety or stress disorder. If one's life is organized, the stress of trying to locate things is reduced and the mind feels more in control of situations. Organization can be achieved through time and practice, and does not have to be done in one day. Even organizing one's desk at work can assist in making one feel more in control of situations and eliminate the stress associated with a lack of control and not knowing where things are.
2. Get plenty of rest. One of the most common reasons for stressful behaviors and feelings is a lack of sleep. If one is not getting the proper amount of sleep, the body does not have time to recover from the day and therefore can feel tired and sore. This tired and sore feeling can cause physical and mental stress throughout the day, making anxiety more prevalent.
3. Get the right foods. Eating healthy can reduce one's chances of a brain chemical disorder and imbalance. Try to eat foods with little or no trans fat, since it blocks many of the chemical reactions in the body that are quite necessary for normal living. Try eating fruits and vegetables, as they are known for their ability to cause a feeling of enjoyment when eaten. Chocolate, in small amounts, especially dark chocolate is known to release pleasure chemicals in the brain and reducing stress. Reducing or eliminating caffeine and other stimulants is a great way to help the body deal with stress as well.
4. Get fit. Aerobic and cardio exercises are well documented ways to reduce stress. These exercises can include taking a leisurely walk, to taking a fast paced cardio class. These activities allow for the brain to think on something different, such as the movements, and allows for the subconscious to deal with the everyday stresses.
5. Get a pet. Even if owning a pet is not possible, visiting a pet can greatly reduce one's level of stress. Petting a dog or cat is well known for its relaxing affects, for both the pet and the person. Taking a few minutes to visit a pet can greatly assist one in managing stress.
6. Look at the positives. Stress can be caused by viewing life as a chore, and not realizing the joys one has all around. Instead of looking at the amount of work that needs to be done, think of what work has been completed and how best to complete the work that needs to be done. Think about the things that bring joy into one's life when one feels stressed or over-whelmed.
7. Take a break. If one has been working for a while, taking a break can greatly reduce the amount of stress one feels. Even if working on a deadline, getting up and away from the desk for a few minutes can increase one's efficiency by reducing stress. Working hard is good, working efficient is better, and eliminating stress is best.
8. Light a candle. The light of the candle is symbolic of hope, and can cause a jump in positive chemical reactions when viewed. Keeping a candle nearby also gives something to look at when reflecting on life's joys, and keeping stress at bay.
9. Relax. Many people are so focused on work and other responsibilities that they forget to relax. Relaxation techniques such a meditation and massage therapy have long been known to reduce stress levels. People often forget that relaxing is a part of a healthy lifestyle and by skipping this aspect, people often cause more stress and feel the effects of stress more profoundly.
10. Talk to someone. The idea that "no man is an island" is very true. If one does not talk about the stressful situations in his or her life, that stress builds and can cause devastating health effects. Talk to someone, one's spouse, best friend, even one's dog. Though it seems like such a small thing, reaching out and talking to someone is one of the best ways to eliminate stress, and anyone can do it. There are professionals who can help manage stress through talking, called psychotherapist. These doctors are able to assist with help for anxiety and depression, which are often the effects of harboring such stress.
Dealing with stress is one of the natural remedies for anxiety. With these simple techniques for reducing stress levels, one should have no problem in managing daily stress and reducing anxiety levels. If these methods do not help in relieving anxiety, one should talk to one's doctor about a physical reason for anxiety.
For more information on how to rid yourself of anxiety, visit http://www.TipsForPanicAttacks.net now! Here you'll find tons of informative articles, as well as full reviews on the top Anxiety products available today!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Managing Stress- A Good Support System
Preventing stress is not so easy. This is the common health problem that most people are facing nowadays. Even though stress itself cannot be a cause for death, there can be many side effects from it. Stress appears in the body in many ways and shapes. Stress is brought in a different way in every person and for some people it is a distressing or disease that can destroy an entire life.
Some of the reasons for stress can be work, family, a terrible or sudden loss of a loved one, an ended marriage or relationship or problems in health and diet. Stress can come from anything and it can take over a person's life very swiftly. It is important for people to learn how to avoid stress or more stress in their life.
The best way to prevent stress is to have a good diet. You need to make sure that you are satisfying your body with healthy food that will bear or hold your mental and physical health. The more junk that you eat will in turn make you gain weight or hurt your health. Eating too much of this junk food will only make a person feel bad and may cause despair for some people.
Having a good exercise program plays an important role in relieving stress. Exercise can make a person feel better, when they are feeling bad. It will help you to take stress out of the body and help you feel better inside and outside. You will be burning off calories and helping your body become stronger and healthier by reducing stress that you are accumulating.
There are also medications for people who are dealing with stress. There are different forms of medical prescription that a doctor can prescribe for a person. There are also forms of vitamins that can be used to help a person deal with stress as well. These vitamins are going to help with the support of the mind and help people to maintain a better outlook.
One of the most important measure to be taken in preventing stress is to have a good support system. This means that you should have the help that you are going to need from your friends and family. You will want to have someone to lean on when you are in need and they will be there with you through all of your stressful situations. You will be able to control or manage your stress and feel more sure or certain in finding a way out of it.
Ranju assistant to Nancy Clyne has been a webmaster since 2005 and believes there are certain success principles that will help you to achieve your dreams and goals. Propel your life to fulfillment, joy and success by just log on to http://plrhub.com/nancy.php
Some of the reasons for stress can be work, family, a terrible or sudden loss of a loved one, an ended marriage or relationship or problems in health and diet. Stress can come from anything and it can take over a person's life very swiftly. It is important for people to learn how to avoid stress or more stress in their life.
The best way to prevent stress is to have a good diet. You need to make sure that you are satisfying your body with healthy food that will bear or hold your mental and physical health. The more junk that you eat will in turn make you gain weight or hurt your health. Eating too much of this junk food will only make a person feel bad and may cause despair for some people.
Having a good exercise program plays an important role in relieving stress. Exercise can make a person feel better, when they are feeling bad. It will help you to take stress out of the body and help you feel better inside and outside. You will be burning off calories and helping your body become stronger and healthier by reducing stress that you are accumulating.
There are also medications for people who are dealing with stress. There are different forms of medical prescription that a doctor can prescribe for a person. There are also forms of vitamins that can be used to help a person deal with stress as well. These vitamins are going to help with the support of the mind and help people to maintain a better outlook.
One of the most important measure to be taken in preventing stress is to have a good support system. This means that you should have the help that you are going to need from your friends and family. You will want to have someone to lean on when you are in need and they will be there with you through all of your stressful situations. You will be able to control or manage your stress and feel more sure or certain in finding a way out of it.
Ranju assistant to Nancy Clyne has been a webmaster since 2005 and believes there are certain success principles that will help you to achieve your dreams and goals. Propel your life to fulfillment, joy and success by just log on to http://plrhub.com/nancy.php
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Depression Anxiety Sleep Disorder Treatment: Five Ways Of Dealing With The Condition
Depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment usually involves a
trip to a psychiatrist and a daily dose of sleeping pills and/or
anti-anxiety medications. However, there are alternative means
available to you to face this disorder without resorting much to
medications. If you have the will power, patience and courage to
fight depression, you can succeed using these alternative means.
Sleep disorder goes hand in hand with depression and anxiety.
It has been documented by psychiatrists that nearly all of
those who are suffering from depression and anxiety have sleep
disorder. The reason for this is said to be physiological in
nature.
Whenever a person is depressed and anxious, his body is in what
doctors call a "fight or flight" mode. This means that the body
is full of epinephrine. Fight or flight response occurs
naturally in a person whenever he faces a difficult situation
that threatens his being. It is a natural or instinctive
survival response of humans to adversities.
For instance, when there's a fire, the body will produce
epinephrine to be able to move quickly, be more alert, have
heightened senses and save strength. So, if an anxious person is
in a fight or flight mode, he would have difficulty sleeping.
With less sleep, this also means that the hormonal imbalance
will continue to disrupt the normal processes of the body.
With these, it means the best depression anxiety sleep disorder
treatment is something that confronts anxiety. And thus, the
alternative mode of treatment for this disorder shall focus on
attacking anxiety.
1. Get vitamin E and B complex supplements.
Vitamin B complex is known to calm the nerves. This is best
taken at night. But do you know that Vitamin E can also help you
sleep at night? These two wonder vitamins are the best
alternative to depression anxiety sleep disorder treatments and
medications. They naturally help the body to relax and be ready
to sleep.
2. Avoid sugar and caffeine.
Sugar and caffeine perk a person up, which is why pancakes and
coffees are best taken during early mornings. However, since
your anxiety has increased your levels of epinephrine, you don't
need anymore of those things that will perk you up. Avoid sugar
and caffeine at all cost. As an alternative to coffee, try
chamomile tea. This is caffeine free and soothes the nerves,
too.
3. Learn how to meditate.
You don't need to be a guru to learn how to meditate. Just
attend a couple of yoga sessions that will teach you the basics
on correct breathing and meditation techniques. Meditation will
slow down your heart rate and will calm your mind. If you can,
continue what you have started with yoga. It will do you good.
4. Get counseling.
Counseling is important for your speedy recovery. Even without
medications you can hire the services of a therapist to help you
manage your illness and give you a chance to voice out your
feelings and emotions to help you deal with your anxiety and
depression without fear.
A therapist can give you more recommendations as to what other
alternative means of depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment
is available to you. And if you are already into alternative
treatment, you can ask your therapist if you are on the right
track and share with him your progress.
5. Tire yourself with exercise.
Instead of spending your time thinking, tire yourself with
exercise. Release that excess epinephrine through working out.
Walk, run the treadmill, swim, jog -- these are some of the many
cardiovascular exercises that can help you release that excess
energy. Do this at night, three hours before your scheduled
sleeping time. This way, after a tiring exercise session, your
body is ready to relax and sleep to recharge for the next day.
These are just a few of the many alternative depression anxiety
sleep disorder treatments that you can choose from. If you find
any of these alternative treatments to be sound and helpful for
your condition, discuss with your therapist how you can
incorporate them in your program towards being well.
About The Author: Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and
publisher of http://www.facts-about-depression.com/. Visit her
website to learn more about depression anxiety sleep disorder
treatment.
trip to a psychiatrist and a daily dose of sleeping pills and/or
anti-anxiety medications. However, there are alternative means
available to you to face this disorder without resorting much to
medications. If you have the will power, patience and courage to
fight depression, you can succeed using these alternative means.
Sleep disorder goes hand in hand with depression and anxiety.
It has been documented by psychiatrists that nearly all of
those who are suffering from depression and anxiety have sleep
disorder. The reason for this is said to be physiological in
nature.
Whenever a person is depressed and anxious, his body is in what
doctors call a "fight or flight" mode. This means that the body
is full of epinephrine. Fight or flight response occurs
naturally in a person whenever he faces a difficult situation
that threatens his being. It is a natural or instinctive
survival response of humans to adversities.
For instance, when there's a fire, the body will produce
epinephrine to be able to move quickly, be more alert, have
heightened senses and save strength. So, if an anxious person is
in a fight or flight mode, he would have difficulty sleeping.
With less sleep, this also means that the hormonal imbalance
will continue to disrupt the normal processes of the body.
With these, it means the best depression anxiety sleep disorder
treatment is something that confronts anxiety. And thus, the
alternative mode of treatment for this disorder shall focus on
attacking anxiety.
1. Get vitamin E and B complex supplements.
Vitamin B complex is known to calm the nerves. This is best
taken at night. But do you know that Vitamin E can also help you
sleep at night? These two wonder vitamins are the best
alternative to depression anxiety sleep disorder treatments and
medications. They naturally help the body to relax and be ready
to sleep.
2. Avoid sugar and caffeine.
Sugar and caffeine perk a person up, which is why pancakes and
coffees are best taken during early mornings. However, since
your anxiety has increased your levels of epinephrine, you don't
need anymore of those things that will perk you up. Avoid sugar
and caffeine at all cost. As an alternative to coffee, try
chamomile tea. This is caffeine free and soothes the nerves,
too.
3. Learn how to meditate.
You don't need to be a guru to learn how to meditate. Just
attend a couple of yoga sessions that will teach you the basics
on correct breathing and meditation techniques. Meditation will
slow down your heart rate and will calm your mind. If you can,
continue what you have started with yoga. It will do you good.
4. Get counseling.
Counseling is important for your speedy recovery. Even without
medications you can hire the services of a therapist to help you
manage your illness and give you a chance to voice out your
feelings and emotions to help you deal with your anxiety and
depression without fear.
A therapist can give you more recommendations as to what other
alternative means of depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment
is available to you. And if you are already into alternative
treatment, you can ask your therapist if you are on the right
track and share with him your progress.
5. Tire yourself with exercise.
Instead of spending your time thinking, tire yourself with
exercise. Release that excess epinephrine through working out.
Walk, run the treadmill, swim, jog -- these are some of the many
cardiovascular exercises that can help you release that excess
energy. Do this at night, three hours before your scheduled
sleeping time. This way, after a tiring exercise session, your
body is ready to relax and sleep to recharge for the next day.
These are just a few of the many alternative depression anxiety
sleep disorder treatments that you can choose from. If you find
any of these alternative treatments to be sound and helpful for
your condition, discuss with your therapist how you can
incorporate them in your program towards being well.
About The Author: Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and
publisher of http://www.facts-
website to learn more about depression anxiety sleep disorder
treatment.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Depression Self-Assessment
Depression is the most commonly occurring psychological
problem in the United States, with several estimates
putting the number of depressed people at roughly twenty
percent of the US population. While this percentage may not
seem extraordinarily large on its face, as a number it may
add up to sixty million people, or one in every five US
citizens. Common though it may be, depression often goes
undiagnosed and many depressed people may not actually be
aware of their condition, while other people may suspect
that they’re depressed but may not be entirely
certain.
Though it’s sensible to seek a professional diagnosis
if depression is suspected, there are methods for getting
an indication of whether depression has taken hold that can
be performed entirely on one’s own, within a private
setting. Specifically these methods involve personal
assessment for depression through the taking of a
self-assessment test. Self-assessment tests for depression
are quite common, and in fact are often used in
professional settings during efforts to make a mood
disorder diagnosis. Studies have found that people are
typically quite honest in answering questions about their
mood, and this may be especially true when answering
questions in written form.
Depression self-assessment tests aren’t some
arbitrary question and answer form: they are typically
simple to perform, but have been designed to be
exceptionally accurate in testing for depression and are
based upon established psychological principles. In
addition to asking particular questions about a
person’s outlook, a credible depression
self-assessment test will also typically gauge intensity
and duration of symptoms. This type of inquiry can often
distinguish between genuine depression and other, temporary
mood disturbances.
Arguably the most popular of the depression self-assessment
tests is the Beck Depression Inventory, or the BDI. The BDI
was developed by Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist and well-known
practitioner of the popular cognitive therapy form. The BDI
came into use in the early 1960’s and has since been
copyrighted and used on a large scale. The Beck Depression
Inventory is composed of twenty-one questions with four
possible responses each, with each response graded from
zero to three. The BDI is completed entirely by the
individual being assessed for depression, even when the BDI
is performed in a clinical setting.
There are other depression self-assessment tests besides
the Beck Depression Inventory, with many psychological
resources developing their own depression self-assessment
tests. Because of the tendency for depression to be
expressed in emotional and physical terms, many if not all
depression self-assessment tests are broken into assessment
for psychological and physical symptoms. The psychological
and physical symptom results are then combined to make as
accurate of an assessment of depression status as possible.
About the Author:
Zinn Jeremiah is an online author. To find depression help
resources, visit
http://www.hubonline.biz/get-better-now.htm or
http://www.hubonline.biz/healthy-mood.htm .
problem in the United States, with several estimates
putting the number of depressed people at roughly twenty
percent of the US population. While this percentage may not
seem extraordinarily large on its face, as a number it may
add up to sixty million people, or one in every five US
citizens. Common though it may be, depression often goes
undiagnosed and many depressed people may not actually be
aware of their condition, while other people may suspect
that they’re depressed but may not be entirely
certain.
Though it’s sensible to seek a professional diagnosis
if depression is suspected, there are methods for getting
an indication of whether depression has taken hold that can
be performed entirely on one’s own, within a private
setting. Specifically these methods involve personal
assessment for depression through the taking of a
self-assessment test. Self-assessment tests for depression
are quite common, and in fact are often used in
professional settings during efforts to make a mood
disorder diagnosis. Studies have found that people are
typically quite honest in answering questions about their
mood, and this may be especially true when answering
questions in written form.
Depression self-assessment tests aren’t some
arbitrary question and answer form: they are typically
simple to perform, but have been designed to be
exceptionally accurate in testing for depression and are
based upon established psychological principles. In
addition to asking particular questions about a
person’
self-assessment test will also typically gauge intensity
and duration of symptoms. This type of inquiry can often
distinguish between genuine depression and other, temporary
mood disturbances.
Arguably the most popular of the depression self-assessment
tests is the Beck Depression Inventory, or the BDI. The BDI
was developed by Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist and well-known
practitioner of the popular cognitive therapy form. The BDI
came into use in the early 1960’s and has since been
copyrighted and used on a large scale. The Beck Depression
Inventory is composed of twenty-one questions with four
possible responses each, with each response graded from
zero to three. The BDI is completed entirely by the
individual being assessed for depression, even when the BDI
is performed in a clinical setting.
There are other depression self-assessment tests besides
the Beck Depression Inventory, with many psychological
resources developing their own depression self-assessment
tests. Because of the tendency for depression to be
expressed in emotional and physical terms, many if not all
depression self-assessment tests are broken into assessment
for psychological and physical symptoms. The psychological
and physical symptom results are then combined to make as
accurate of an assessment of depression status as possible.
About the Author:
Zinn Jeremiah is an online author. To find depression help
resources, visit
http://www.hubonlin
http://www.hubonlin
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Mental Relaxation and Your Mental Health
Relaxation is important to both physical and mental health.
Mental relaxation benefits not just your mind but also your
body.
Stress is part of life; it is almost impossible to avoid
stress. In fact, attempting to avoid stress is enough to
create stress. Stress is what you experience emotionally
and internally in response to a given situation with which
you are incapable of coping. However, stress, ironically
enough, may also be beneficial in that it teaches you about
how to handle difficult situations in life. Learning to
deal with demands in life keeps your mentally healthy, just
as exercise keeps you physically fit.
Stress is related to your feelings, which signal that
“something is not in order.” Stress, therefore,
requires expression of these emotions in an appropriate way
– in the form of mental relaxation.
Mental relaxation is possible only when you have a plan for
a balanced lifestyle, including regular bedtime, even on
weekends and holidays. The reason is that your body’s
biological clock plays an important role in regulating your
sleep patterns, which are critical to your mental
well-being. Plan your daily routine and pace your life.
Take full responsibility for you own stress. This is the
key to managing stress in your life. Never say, “You
give me stress!” Nobody gives you stress but
yourself. You are responsible for your own feelings.
Otherwise, you would be passing the responsibility to
others – that does not work in real life.
Change your attitudes and perceptions of what you
experience in your life. Events that happen to you remain
the same, but your perceptions may vary. Change your
attitudes and perceptions to change the way you think about
your experiences. Learn to laugh at others as well as at
yourself. According to studies, children laugh 40 to 50
times a day, and that is why they are happy; adults, on the
other hand, laugh only 10 to 15 times at the most. Do not
take life too seriously, develop and nurture a sense of
humor, which is a component of mental relaxation.
Enhance your physical capabilities to cope with
difficulties encountered. These capabilities include
physical fitness, good nutrition, and deep sleep without
sleeping aids.
Change the environment that gives you stress. If your job
gives you stress, change the job or take a vacation to
de-stress yourself, although this may be a passive way of
dealing with your stress.
Life is full of problems. Understanding yourself and the
things that trouble you most is an important step in
solving your life’s problems, thereby eliminating
much of the stress. Your mental health is determined by the
way you work with and relate to others. In other words, you
may have behavioral problems that create stress for you at
work and in relationships. Isolating yourself in order to
avoid these behavioral problems only makes you more
difficult to enjoy good mental health.
To deal with any behavioral problem, you must learn how to
communicate easily and clearly with others. You must be a
good listener. You must be assertive without being critical
or aggressive. You must learn to trust others, and see the
good, instead of the bad, in others.
Eliminating stress is not equivalent to producing mental
relaxation. To help your mind relax, you need to give it
“a break.” When you are asleep, your mind
remains very active and does not “rest.” When
you are awake, your mind is preoccupied with mostly past
and future thoughts. Nearly all your thoughts, including
your desires and fears, are based on either the past or the
future. Your desires are no more than recollection of the
past pleasure and hope of repeating them in the future.
Fears are also memories of past pain, and your desire to
avoid them in the future. To give your mind the rest it
rightfully deserves, help your mind focus on the present
moment. Meditation does just that: it enables your mind to
focus only on the present moment to the exclusion of past
and future thoughts.
In meditation, you focus on your breathing, noticing your
inhalation and exhalation, directing your mind to the
present, thereby shutting off wandering thoughts of the
past and future. In meditation, you are essentially giving
your mind a period of relaxation. There is no other way as
effective as meditation in giving your mind total
relaxation. Modern medicine is beginning to use meditation
to cure mental disorders because it works at your
subconscious level. In Buddhist meditation, you experience
“nirvana” only through meditation, in which you
empty your mind of impure thoughts to arrive at a mental
state of enlightenment.
Meditation, in conjunction with self-effort in changing
attitudes and lifestyle, provides the best mental
relaxation for your mental health.
About the Author:
Stephen Lau is a researcher, writing synopses of medical
research for scientists. His publications include "NO
MIRACLE CURES" a book on healing and wellness. He has also
created several websites on health and healing.
http://www.longevityforyou.com
http://www.zenhealthylifestyle.com
http://www.chinesenaturalhealing.com
Mental relaxation benefits not just your mind but also your
body.
Stress is part of life; it is almost impossible to avoid
stress. In fact, attempting to avoid stress is enough to
create stress. Stress is what you experience emotionally
and internally in response to a given situation with which
you are incapable of coping. However, stress, ironically
enough, may also be beneficial in that it teaches you about
how to handle difficult situations in life. Learning to
deal with demands in life keeps your mentally healthy, just
as exercise keeps you physically fit.
Stress is related to your feelings, which signal that
“something is not in order.” Stress, therefore,
requires expression of these emotions in an appropriate way
– in the form of mental relaxation.
Mental relaxation is possible only when you have a plan for
a balanced lifestyle, including regular bedtime, even on
weekends and holidays. The reason is that your body’s
biological clock plays an important role in regulating your
sleep patterns, which are critical to your mental
well-being. Plan your daily routine and pace your life.
Take full responsibility for you own stress. This is the
key to managing stress in your life. Never say, “You
give me stress!” Nobody gives you stress but
yourself. You are responsible for your own feelings.
Otherwise, you would be passing the responsibility to
others – that does not work in real life.
Change your attitudes and perceptions of what you
experience in your life. Events that happen to you remain
the same, but your perceptions may vary. Change your
attitudes and perceptions to change the way you think about
your experiences. Learn to laugh at others as well as at
yourself. According to studies, children laugh 40 to 50
times a day, and that is why they are happy; adults, on the
other hand, laugh only 10 to 15 times at the most. Do not
take life too seriously, develop and nurture a sense of
humor, which is a component of mental relaxation.
Enhance your physical capabilities to cope with
difficulties encountered. These capabilities include
physical fitness, good nutrition, and deep sleep without
sleeping aids.
Change the environment that gives you stress. If your job
gives you stress, change the job or take a vacation to
de-stress yourself, although this may be a passive way of
dealing with your stress.
Life is full of problems. Understanding yourself and the
things that trouble you most is an important step in
solving your life’s problems, thereby eliminating
much of the stress. Your mental health is determined by the
way you work with and relate to others. In other words, you
may have behavioral problems that create stress for you at
work and in relationships. Isolating yourself in order to
avoid these behavioral problems only makes you more
difficult to enjoy good mental health.
To deal with any behavioral problem, you must learn how to
communicate easily and clearly with others. You must be a
good listener. You must be assertive without being critical
or aggressive. You must learn to trust others, and see the
good, instead of the bad, in others.
Eliminating stress is not equivalent to producing mental
relaxation. To help your mind relax, you need to give it
“a break.” When you are asleep, your mind
remains very active and does not “rest.
you are awake, your mind is preoccupied with mostly past
and future thoughts. Nearly all your thoughts, including
your desires and fears, are based on either the past or the
future. Your desires are no more than recollection of the
past pleasure and hope of repeating them in the future.
Fears are also memories of past pain, and your desire to
avoid them in the future. To give your mind the rest it
rightfully deserves, help your mind focus on the present
moment. Meditation does just that: it enables your mind to
focus only on the present moment to the exclusion of past
and future thoughts.
In meditation, you focus on your breathing, noticing your
inhalation and exhalation, directing your mind to the
present, thereby shutting off wandering thoughts of the
past and future. In meditation, you are essentially giving
your mind a period of relaxation. There is no other way as
effective as meditation in giving your mind total
relaxation. Modern medicine is beginning to use meditation
to cure mental disorders because it works at your
subconscious level. In Buddhist meditation, you experience
“nirvana&
empty your mind of impure thoughts to arrive at a mental
state of enlightenment.
Meditation, in conjunction with self-effort in changing
attitudes and lifestyle, provides the best mental
relaxation for your mental health.
About the Author:
Stephen Lau is a researcher, writing synopses of medical
research for scientists. His publications include "NO
MIRACLE CURES" a book on healing and wellness. He has also
created several websites on health and healing.
http://www.longevit
http://www.zenhealt
http://www.chinesen
Floatation Therapy: All Stresses Simply Seep Away
Floatation therapy is a quick and simple way to achieve intense relaxation. Stress is constantly being recognized as the cause of illness and physical problems and floatation therapy is an ideal way to unwind and release pent up tension.
A physician and neuro-psychiatrist named Dr. John C. Lilly originally gave birth to the idea of the floatation tank. His studies veered him in the direction of sensory deprivation and the impact it had on reducing brain activity. While Doctor Lilly was undergoing psychoanalysis training, he continued to find out as much as he could about isolating people from any external stimuli. His first tank was created early in the 1950's.
Floatation therapy provides people with an almost instant feeling of well-being: As the brain activity lowers, any problems or stresses seem trivial and simple to overcome. Whether a person has been experiencing physical pain or aches or they have a stress related problem like insomnia, Dr. Lilly's invention will prove to be invaluable. When the body and mind enters into such a relaxed state, more areas of the brain can work harmoniously together to provide healing and clarity of thought.
Most forms of such deep relaxation take a lot of time and practicing before any deeper levels can be reached. With floatation therapy, no learning or practicing is required and no energy is necessary. It is as simple as climbing into the tank and floating for a while. Even if it's the end of a hectic, tiring week, mustering the energy to climb on in will be well worth it.
How do Floatation Tanks Work?
Of course the initial development of the floatation tank was nowhere near as comfortable as the modern day designs. They now have light, easy to open and close lids or doors, circulation fans, internal lighting and a very classy and new age look.
They have been created as a peaceful, comforting tank or room that contains approximately ten inches of water and a heap of Epsom salt. When water contains pounds of salt, it becomes much denser than the body and provides the floater with a feeling of weightlessness, making it easy to float.
Should the tanks only contain fresh water or water with chlorine in it, a person would have to constantly keep moving to keep floating. It wouldn't be a very relaxing experience if worrying about sinking was the main agenda.
Using professional floatation therapy methods allows the body to become completely relaxed while floating on the surface without effort.
The water is always set to body temperature which means it quickly feels like the body and the water become one. It is a private, dark, temperate and moist environment that most people find to be very pleasant. For those concerned about feeling claustrophobic, the lid can be left ajar or completely open, but floatation therapy is more effective if it's closed and completely dark.
Some people choose to wear bathers and others like to be naked for their floatation therapy. There is a shower to use before climbing in and whichever way makes an individual feel more comfortable will be best for them.
Another good idea is to wear ear plugs because usually the ears are in the water the entire time.
Lying on the back is not the only option and many people like to try different positions whilst floating. It feels almost like laying on a bed and there is freedom to move and float in different ways.
An hour of floatation therapy is equal to four hours of deep sleep. Usually there will be a light to indicate that an hour has passed, or the tank water may vibrate as the filters start to self-clean. It isn't recommended to spend more than an hour inside and this is seen as the ideal length of time.
The Epsom salt makes skin soft, smooth and silky to touch. The prune look normally seen after bathing is caused by water leeching salt from the skin and because the tank water is so salty already, this doesn't happen. Many people go straight from a floatation session onto their next appointments.
Important Features of Floatation Tanks
Today's floatation tanks have been designed with safety in mind, which is why it is impossible to ever be trapped inside. It is completely okay to climb in and out any time so users feel in control.
Modern tanks aren't air tight and also have their own fans circulating the air and keeping it fresh. In the rare event that something did go wrong with the fan, there would never be a shortage of air.
Advanced filtration mechanisms keep the tank and water clean. This means there are no concerns about picking up an infection or catching a disease.
Currently floatation tanks and floatrooms cost anywhere from $7400 to $24000. This is the price of the units only and doesn't include any delivery charges or extra accessories.
Not many people can afford to install there own tank at home. It's much more affordable to visit a local salon that offers floatation therapy and many will provide package deals offering discounts for more than one visit.
The First Floatation Therapy
There are some important points to consider before the first float, whether planning to use a tank in the home or visit a salon that offers the service:
* Because of the high salt concentration of the water, metal items can be damaged during a float. For this reason even wedding rings should be removed.
* To avoid damaging contact lenses if water goes into the eye, they are also best being removed.
* It's an excellent idea to spray some liquid skin or liquid bandage onto any cuts or abrasions. This is because the salt water will sting rather intensely for some minutes if there is any broken skin, so even shaving nicks should be considered.
* It is a courtesy to take a shower and wash your hair. Conditioner shouldn't be applied and the entire body should be washed and rinsed before floating. This prevents unnecessary pollution of the water in the tank.
* For those who have a specific issue on their mind, it's suggested that focusing on it while preparing for a session is beneficial. As soon as the body hits the water, asking for universal guidance towards finding a resolution is usually very effective.
Precautions to remember when in the tank are:
* It is pitch black when the lid of the tank is closed and it's not uncommon for someone to initially panic when the doors appear to be stuck. This is impossible and it's simply a matter of them being disoriented because it's so dark. If this happens, simply feeling around for the lids location will solve the problem and keeping any panic at bay.
* On initially entering the tank, it is best to take a minute to orient the mind to where the lid is in respect to floating.
* Another thing to find when first entering the tank is the light switch. Nearly all tanks have interior lights and knowing how to find it can also help prevent a panic attack.
Anyone attempting floatation therapy for the first time needs to remind themselves that they are safe and calm. The doors are designed so they can not be locked or stuck and there is always plenty of air. Any problems will only be related to locating the doors and that is not so hard to do as long as calmness is maintained. It is sometimes a good idea to find the light switch first and then find the door. If panic does start to set in the best solution is to lie back in the water, breathe, relax and then look again for the lid.
* If salt water does make its way into the eyes it can sting very badly. This is because the salt concentration is so high, so it's important to remember these points:
- As soon as the hands become wet they must be kept off the face and eyes.
- Any time the hands are raised over the head for a change of position, they should go outside the head, not over the face. This avoids water dripping into the eyes.
- The hair needs to be carefully pushed away from the face anytime the floating position is changed and especially when sitting up.
- In case water does get in the eyes, there should always be a towel near the door of the tank for immediate use.
It only takes a single floatation therapy session to fall in love with the feeling. It provides a natural pathway to health and wellbeing and is a wonderful feeling everyone should experience.
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development. http://www.my-personal-growth.com/
A physician and neuro-psychiatrist named Dr. John C. Lilly originally gave birth to the idea of the floatation tank. His studies veered him in the direction of sensory deprivation and the impact it had on reducing brain activity. While Doctor Lilly was undergoing psychoanalysis training, he continued to find out as much as he could about isolating people from any external stimuli. His first tank was created early in the 1950's.
Floatation therapy provides people with an almost instant feeling of well-being: As the brain activity lowers, any problems or stresses seem trivial and simple to overcome. Whether a person has been experiencing physical pain or aches or they have a stress related problem like insomnia, Dr. Lilly's invention will prove to be invaluable. When the body and mind enters into such a relaxed state, more areas of the brain can work harmoniously together to provide healing and clarity of thought.
Most forms of such deep relaxation take a lot of time and practicing before any deeper levels can be reached. With floatation therapy, no learning or practicing is required and no energy is necessary. It is as simple as climbing into the tank and floating for a while. Even if it's the end of a hectic, tiring week, mustering the energy to climb on in will be well worth it.
How do Floatation Tanks Work?
Of course the initial development of the floatation tank was nowhere near as comfortable as the modern day designs. They now have light, easy to open and close lids or doors, circulation fans, internal lighting and a very classy and new age look.
They have been created as a peaceful, comforting tank or room that contains approximately ten inches of water and a heap of Epsom salt. When water contains pounds of salt, it becomes much denser than the body and provides the floater with a feeling of weightlessness, making it easy to float.
Should the tanks only contain fresh water or water with chlorine in it, a person would have to constantly keep moving to keep floating. It wouldn't be a very relaxing experience if worrying about sinking was the main agenda.
Using professional floatation therapy methods allows the body to become completely relaxed while floating on the surface without effort.
The water is always set to body temperature which means it quickly feels like the body and the water become one. It is a private, dark, temperate and moist environment that most people find to be very pleasant. For those concerned about feeling claustrophobic, the lid can be left ajar or completely open, but floatation therapy is more effective if it's closed and completely dark.
Some people choose to wear bathers and others like to be naked for their floatation therapy. There is a shower to use before climbing in and whichever way makes an individual feel more comfortable will be best for them.
Another good idea is to wear ear plugs because usually the ears are in the water the entire time.
Lying on the back is not the only option and many people like to try different positions whilst floating. It feels almost like laying on a bed and there is freedom to move and float in different ways.
An hour of floatation therapy is equal to four hours of deep sleep. Usually there will be a light to indicate that an hour has passed, or the tank water may vibrate as the filters start to self-clean. It isn't recommended to spend more than an hour inside and this is seen as the ideal length of time.
The Epsom salt makes skin soft, smooth and silky to touch. The prune look normally seen after bathing is caused by water leeching salt from the skin and because the tank water is so salty already, this doesn't happen. Many people go straight from a floatation session onto their next appointments.
Important Features of Floatation Tanks
Today's floatation tanks have been designed with safety in mind, which is why it is impossible to ever be trapped inside. It is completely okay to climb in and out any time so users feel in control.
Modern tanks aren't air tight and also have their own fans circulating the air and keeping it fresh. In the rare event that something did go wrong with the fan, there would never be a shortage of air.
Advanced filtration mechanisms keep the tank and water clean. This means there are no concerns about picking up an infection or catching a disease.
Currently floatation tanks and floatrooms cost anywhere from $7400 to $24000. This is the price of the units only and doesn't include any delivery charges or extra accessories.
Not many people can afford to install there own tank at home. It's much more affordable to visit a local salon that offers floatation therapy and many will provide package deals offering discounts for more than one visit.
The First Floatation Therapy
There are some important points to consider before the first float, whether planning to use a tank in the home or visit a salon that offers the service:
* Because of the high salt concentration of the water, metal items can be damaged during a float. For this reason even wedding rings should be removed.
* To avoid damaging contact lenses if water goes into the eye, they are also best being removed.
* It's an excellent idea to spray some liquid skin or liquid bandage onto any cuts or abrasions. This is because the salt water will sting rather intensely for some minutes if there is any broken skin, so even shaving nicks should be considered.
* It is a courtesy to take a shower and wash your hair. Conditioner shouldn't be applied and the entire body should be washed and rinsed before floating. This prevents unnecessary pollution of the water in the tank.
* For those who have a specific issue on their mind, it's suggested that focusing on it while preparing for a session is beneficial. As soon as the body hits the water, asking for universal guidance towards finding a resolution is usually very effective.
Precautions to remember when in the tank are:
* It is pitch black when the lid of the tank is closed and it's not uncommon for someone to initially panic when the doors appear to be stuck. This is impossible and it's simply a matter of them being disoriented because it's so dark. If this happens, simply feeling around for the lids location will solve the problem and keeping any panic at bay.
* On initially entering the tank, it is best to take a minute to orient the mind to where the lid is in respect to floating.
* Another thing to find when first entering the tank is the light switch. Nearly all tanks have interior lights and knowing how to find it can also help prevent a panic attack.
Anyone attempting floatation therapy for the first time needs to remind themselves that they are safe and calm. The doors are designed so they can not be locked or stuck and there is always plenty of air. Any problems will only be related to locating the doors and that is not so hard to do as long as calmness is maintained. It is sometimes a good idea to find the light switch first and then find the door. If panic does start to set in the best solution is to lie back in the water, breathe, relax and then look again for the lid.
* If salt water does make its way into the eyes it can sting very badly. This is because the salt concentration is so high, so it's important to remember these points:
- As soon as the hands become wet they must be kept off the face and eyes.
- Any time the hands are raised over the head for a change of position, they should go outside the head, not over the face. This avoids water dripping into the eyes.
- The hair needs to be carefully pushed away from the face anytime the floating position is changed and especially when sitting up.
- In case water does get in the eyes, there should always be a towel near the door of the tank for immediate use.
It only takes a single floatation therapy session to fall in love with the feeling. It provides a natural pathway to health and wellbeing and is a wonderful feeling everyone should experience.
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development. http://www.my-personal-growth.com/
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