Tag Archives: Hypothalamus

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Hypothalamus area of the brain and drug addiction

Hypothalamus

Hypothalamus area of the brain and drug addiction. This is the section of the brain that is most affected

Hypothalamus area of the brain and drug addiction: Stress management

Of the components of the brain, the hypothalamus area often bears the greater risk of attack by substance abuse. This is actually the part of the brain that is responsible for several functions including body temperature regulations, hunger, thirst and sleep. Besides these functions, the hypothalamus is also task a key role of the interpretation of how we respond to stress. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment, we cannot effectively talk about addiction without the mention of stress. Doctor Dalal Akoury MD and also the founder of this facility agree that stress regulation is highly relevant to our understanding of addiction. And that is why we want to explore further into details the effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area of the brain alongside the regulation of stress and withdrawal.

Because of these facts, it is important to note that when an individual is stress, the hypothalamus releases chemicals known as hormones. It is these hormones that allows’ the brain and the body to respond to that stress. Unlike neurotransmitters (which are chemicals limited to the brain) hormones travel throughout the body via the blood system. It therefore means that hormones can exert an effect on other body systems as well. When these chemical hormones operate in the brain, we refer to them as neuromodulators. These hormones (neuromodulators) can act just like neurotransmitters in the brain. Like neurotransmitters, they have their own receptors associated with them.

Stress the relapse trigger

From our studies, it is obvious that stress is a well-known relapse trigger to all users of drugs. It capable of prompt powerful cravings in addicted persons I can therefore say almost with certainty that majority of us in one way or another have come across someone who struggled with an addiction and tried to quitting but ultimately relapsed when they became stressed out. Doctor Akoury says that under normal circumstances, at the beginning periods of recovery withdrawal symptoms often create stress and the vicious cycle continues. It is however very important to appreciate that stress will always prompts the addictive use, while efforts to discontinue use prompt stress.

During withdrawal, these stress hormones are elevated. Even though stress levels are high, the brain’s anti-stress neuromodulators appear to decrease, as do dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens. This suggests that withdrawal affected the reward system (evidenced by decreasing dopamine and serotonin). At the same time, withdrawal activates the stress and anxiety systems. This “1-2 punch” heightens the negative experience of withdrawal. This prompts people to seek relief via the addictive substance or activity (i.e., relapse).

In summary, the neurotransmitter pathways associated with the amygdala and the hypothalamus play a crucial role in sustaining the addiction process and this occurs thorough:

  • The negative emotional memory that is associated with drug withdrawal
  • The positive emotional memory that is associated with drug cues
  • The disruption that occurs to stress regulation
  • The pleasurable relief from withdrawal symptoms that occurs by resuming drug use or addictive activities

Hypothalamus area of the brain and drug addiction: Stress management

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Hormones imbalances and the consequences to body

Hormones imbalances and the consequences to body and mind: Are your hormones out of balance?

Hormones imbalances

Hormones imbalances and the consequences to body needs to be corrected by a competent medical professional.

Are you troubled by the happenings in your life? If you are you’re certainly not alone. Many people across the globe are worried for various reasons but ideally the problem may have to do with imbalances in your hormones, which are really wreaking havoc on your body and mind. In view of this we want to take time to understand how hormones imbalances affect the human body and mind and to do this effectively, we will be sharing with you some tips you may want to consider using to restore your hormones balancing and ultimately bring your life back on truck. Therefore answering the following questions will help you know whether your hormones are out of balance:

  • How often does your moods and energy swing up and down? And does that make your life feel crazy?
  • Do you hunger for sugar or salt?
  • Are you struggling with your weight?
  • As a woman do you have premenstrual syndrome, painful or heavy periods, and a low sex drive?
  • Are you suffering from depression?
  • Do you sleep poorly?
  • How often do you feel tired and wired?
  • Do you need coffee to wake up in the morning and a few glasses of wine to calm down at night?

A yes answer for these questions will be an indication that your hormones may be out of balance, and before you panic take time and relax there is always a solution to this and besides you are not alone. Doctor Dalal Akoury will help you all through the journey to proper balance if only you can schedule for an appointment with her today. It is regrettable that whereas help is very much available most Americans and many others across the globe have these feelings simply because we are living out of harmony with our natural biological rhythms. This is because the small molecules in our bodies that we depend on to keep us in balance are running wild. Remember that molecules are messengers in the body playing a critical role the day to day functions of the body. Besides that they are our hormones messenger molecules of our endocrine system and neurotransmitters messenger molecules of our brain and nervous system.

Hormones imbalances and the consequences to body and mind: Hormones and Neurotransmitter

The human body hormone and neurotransmitter system is one of the essential systems of the body that we must address if we want to achieve vibrant health. And that explains why balancing your hormones are very instrumental to Ultra-Wellness. Nevertheless as we progress into this discussion, we want to help you understand a few things including;

  • Why hormones get imbalanced from time to time
  • How they can be restored back
  • Their functions and
  • Why many people are living miserable lives because of them (hormones).

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are in agreement that all the body hormones and neurotransmitters work together in harmony to help us maintain optimal health and keep us happy, focused, and peaceful. They are likened with an excellently orchestrated symphony that must work together to keep everything in balance. It is however important to note that the command and control center for this process is in your brain and it is made up of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

This center sends signals to distant parts of the body to control everything from your stress response through the adrenal glands to your blood sugar balance through the pancreas to your thyroid hormone via the thyroid gland, to your sexual behavior and function through the reproductive organs. It also controls growth, sleep, mood, and many other body functions and activities. And besides these hormonal messengers we also have the neurotransmitters which are brain chemicals sending messages throughout body to all cells, organs and other tissues to facilitate body activities including movement of the arms to the sense of feelings which could either good or bad feelings. Therefore each time your neurotransmitters or hormones are imbalance, essentially everything in your body goes confused and that is one of the greatest consequences to the body and mind.

Hormones imbalances and the consequences to body and mind: Epidemics of hormonal problems in our societies

We are living at a time that when the words like epidemic or catastrophic even or calamities are mentioned people associate them with most of the things we watch in news like earthquakes, floods, landslide and the likes. Yes those are true calamities but for this discussion we want to look at catastrophic events that affect your health directly. There are quite a number, but we are going to narrow down to the four main epidemics of hormonal problems in most of our societies that are sending millions of people out of balance. Such may include:

  • Too much insulin (from sugar)
  • Too much cortisol and adrenaline (from stress)
  • Imbalances of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone and
  • Not having enough thyroid hormones.

From the four we have highlighted, we want to discuss each of them progressively in our subsequent articles and we want to ask you stay with us on the site so that together we can educate ourselves on how to protect ourselves and be safe. These entire hormone epidemics are important whichever way you look at them and in our most immediate article, we are going to focus on the most common and therefore the most problematic in our times and that is too much insulin. Now we welcome you to continue with us to be smart and take appropriate remedies. But in the meantime, if you have any concern whatsoever about hormones imbalances and their consequences to the body and the brain, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center on telephone number 843 213 1480.

Hormones imbalances and the consequences to body and mind: Are your hormones out of balance?

 

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Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area: Stress regulation and withdrawal

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area is not only dangerous to the brain but the effects can also spread through other organs of the body

One of the areas of the brain that can easily be affected by effects of substance abuse is the hypothalamus area. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for several duties including controlling of the body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep. Owing to these functions, the hypothalamus is equally playing a key role in how we respond to stress. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is one of the leading pioneers in natural and holistic addiction treatment, we cannot effectively talk about addiction without the mention one stress. Doctor Dalal Akoury MD and also the founder of this facility agree that stress regulation is highly relevant to our understanding of addiction. And that is why we want to explore further into details the effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area of the brain even as we also look the stress regulation and withdrawal. It is therefore important to note that when an individual experiences stress, the hypothalamus releases chemicals known as hormones. It is these hormones that allows’ the brain and the body to respond to that stress. Unlike neurotransmitters (which are chemicals limited to the brain) hormones travel throughout the body via the blood system. It therefore means that hormones can exert an effect on other body systems as well. When these chemical hormones operate in the brain, we refer to them as neuromodulators. These hormones (neuromodulators) can act just like neurotransmitters in the brain. Like neurotransmitters, they have their own receptors associated with them.

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area: Stress the motivator of relapse

From our studies, it is obvious that stress is a well-known relapse trigger to all users of drugs. It capable of prompt powerful cravings in addicted persons I can therefore say almost with certainty that majority of us in one way or another have come across someone who struggled with an addiction and tried to quitting but ultimately relapsed when they became stressed out. Doctor Akoury says that under normal circumstances, at the beginning periods of recovery withdrawal symptoms often create stress and the vicious cycle continues. It is however very important to appreciate that stress will always prompts the addictive use, while efforts to discontinue use prompt stress. During withdrawal, these stress hormones are elevated. Even though stress levels are high, the brain’s anti-stress neuromodulators appear to decrease, as do dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens. This suggests that withdrawal affected the reward system (evidenced by decreasing dopamine and serotonin). At the same time, withdrawal activates the stress and anxiety systems. This “1-2 punch” heightens the negative experience of withdrawal. This prompts people to seek relief via the addictive substance or activity (i.e., relapse).

In summary, the neurotransmitter pathways associated with the amygdala and the hypothalamus play a crucial role in sustaining the addiction process and this occurs thorough:

  • The negative emotional memory that is associated with drug withdrawal
  • The positive emotional memory that is associated with drug cues
  • The disruption that occurs to stress regulation
  • The pleasurable relief from withdrawal symptoms that occurs by resuming drug use or addictive activities

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area: The brain also helps to reverse addiction

There’s no doubt that addiction is wreaking havoc on the brain. That is the naked truth that addiction causing significant chemical, structural, and molecular changes that quite literally hijack the brain. However, treatment can reverse or counteract these effects. Besides, as the recovery process proceeds, the brain continues to heal. And even though it is true that many changes do occur in the brain after addiction takes hold. Nonetheless, we must also remember that the brain is a dynamic and ever-changing system. Changes to the brain’s neuronal circuits, chemistry, and structures powerfully drive the addiction forward. However, a strong motivation to change, can just as powerfully counter these changes. People can learn new coping skills. They can practice behavioral modification techniques. These efforts will counter those damaging changes.

Abstinence from addictive substances or activities can lead to a reversal of many physical changes that occurred during addiction. Combination therapies (medications plus psychotherapy) help the recovery process by managing the physiological effects of addiction and withdrawal. Cognitive-behavioral treatments work to mend and repair the psychological impact of addiction. Doctor Akoury says that from this discussion, it should come out clearly that the brain is quite amazing. Like for instance it has the capacity to control its own physiology and is highly adaptive. Each behavioral step we make forward has a beneficial physiological effect on the brain. Therefore a sincere effort to change behavior is a powerful tool that mends the damaged brain. It therefore means that when we change our behaviors by finding new healthy outlets for satisfying cravings, we succeed in correcting the damaged brain functions. These positive changes form new memory and behavioral circuits in the brain that strengthen and reinforce recovery efforts. Yes, the brain has changed because of the addictive process. Nevertheless, even people with severe addiction problems succeed in overcoming their addictions. Many do so without any outside help. Motivation is one of the key.

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area: The Psychology of Addiction and Recovery

We have introduced the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual (BPSS) model of addiction. We will use this model to answer the question “How do people get addicted?” So far, we have reviewed the biological reasons people can get addicted. The biological portion of the BPSS model considers addiction a brain disease with biological, chemical, and genetic roots.

We now turn our attention to the psychological portion of the BPSS model. The psychological portion of the BPSS model views addiction in different ways. It is important to note that people may get addicted to whatever they are addicted to through various means including the following:

  • It could be as a result of learning the habit from others
  • People may find recovery difficult because of the way they think about things.
  • They may also lack good problem-solving skills.
  • Addiction may occur as a means of coping with uncomfortable feelings.
  • Addiction could also develop because of a personality defect or mental disorder.
  • Addiction may be due to developmental immaturity.

We will explore the psychological factors that affect addiction and recovery in due course however, even if addiction originated because of some biological process, it is important to note that recovery from addiction requires people to become motivated to make significant changes. Psychology is a science that studies what motivates people to behave in certain ways. Therefore people can improve the quality of their lives by learning new behaviors and changing old thought patterns. People can also benefit from increasing their maturity, and improving their copings skills. Finally to get these full benefits, it is only fair for you to consult with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the professional guidance of doctor Dalal Akoury today to free yourself from all the effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area of your brain and all other organs of your body today.

Effects of addiction on the hypothalamus area: Stress regulation and withdrawal

 

 

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Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The HPA Axis

HPA (Hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal)

researches have been done and conclusions made. One of the Research fund that the “home” of alcoholism (alcohol) resides in the HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis of the neuroendocrine system …

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The Home of Alcoholism in the Body and Mind

Consumption of alcohol is a problem which has kept the global society thinking. There are two different schools of thoughts depending on the interest represented. The interest of health and that of generating revenue, for the purpose of this article we will focus on the interest of health and the possible solutions. Several researches have been done and conclusions made. One of the finds was that that the “home” of alcoholism resides in the HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis of the neuroendocrine system, to this effect scientists have developed extremely sophisticated tests which monitor the performance of this axis under various conditions by measuring:

  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin, GABA
  • Glutamate
  • Epinephrine (adrenaline)
  • Norepinephrine (noradrenalin)
  • Cortisol
  • DHEA

These are the six big neurotransmitters and two key hormones which define either the health of the neuroendocrine system or its state and depth of illness. To better understand the root of this phenomenon we will go into it a little more detail regarding genetic addictive biochemistry and active addiction and how they affect the HPA axis.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The hypothalamus

The endocrine system is the network of glands in the body comprised of the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid and the sex glands; ovaries and testes.  These glands secrete hormones throughout the body to each and every organ via the blood which are received by their complimentary receptors.  Hormones are “messengers” which carry messages coded by our DNA with the intention of keeping an organ regulated and healthy, essentially functioning as it should.  A hormone’s message will stimulate, suppress or maintain functional cell or tissue activity of the organ it is received by.

The hypothalamus is the center piece of the endocrine system and is located in the middle of the base of the brain.  The purpose of hypothalamus’ is to establish and maintain homeostasis; balance within the body.  It regulates all the functions of the autonomic system of breathing, heart rate, etc… but also hunger, thirst, sexual drive, sleep urination and metabolism which includes blood sugar control.

Although technically hypothalamus is part of the endocrine system it is really central to both the endocrine and nervous system; in fact, it is in the hypothalamus that these two extremely complex systems of the body intersect.  As the Master Accountant, the hypothalamus performs checks and balances and responds to chemical messages of deficient or excess by sending various hormones and neurotransmitters to “adjust” to the requirements of your internal and/or external environments to maintain status quo.  The hypothalamus is able to do this because it houses receptor sites for both hormones from the endocrine system and neurotransmitters from the nervous system and it utilizes the information it receives from those sites to do its job of not only controlling the entire endocrine system, including having a profound influence on the liver, heart and kidneys, but establishing healthy brain chemistry and nervous system performance by correcting neurotransmitter imbalances by either slowing production of what is in excess, ingesting or degrading them faster, or in cases of deficiency, producing and releasing them as required.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-Addictive biochemistry

The door to addictive biochemistry opens when either the hypothalamus or one of the organs which serve the hypothalamus in accomplishing this job is injured, or if the nutrients required are not available.  In any one of these conditions the entire system will fall off the “point zero” (homeostasis) that the HPA system tries to maintain, and the door for addictive biochemistry is opened.  It is a well-known fact that addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism are associated with over expression of the sympathetic nervous system; low serotonin, GABA, dopamine, endorphins and enkephalins and it is in the hypothalamus where the delicate job of balancing this network of hormones and neurotransmitters to achieve physical and mental health is supposed to be done whether it be directly from the hypothalamus or via the pituitary and adrenals under the control of the hypothalamus.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The difference between addictive biochemistry and alcoholism

The only difference between addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism is that addictive biochemistry becomes aggravated, meaning that the deficient condition within the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenals is made more profound by the damaging effects of alcohol toxicity and the medicating effects which, while drinking, overexpress serotonin, endorphins and dopamine which magnifies the negative impact of an already up-regulated brain chemistry.  The symptoms the problem drinker experiences intensify in direct relationship to the diminishing health of the neuroendocrine system which further encourages the person to drink more thus causing even more damage.  This cycle progressively intensifies until intervention which discontinues and heals the damage is required to stop it.

The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus and is directly connected to it via nerve and circulatory pathways.  The hypothalamus regulates the function of the pituitary gland which in turn controls hormonal secretions of all other glands; however, specific to alcoholism we are concerned with the function of the adrenals and the secretion of cortisol which is under control of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophin) secreted by the pituitary, and epinephrine and norepinephrine which is also released by the adrenals due to a rise in CRH and/or signals from the sympathetic nervous system.  In the case of cortisol release, when the hypothalamus registers low blood sugar it will send CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormone) to the pituitary which then releases ACTH which will cause cortisol to be secreted from the adrenals.  This chain of events will also cause the release of epinephrine and to a lesser degree norepinephrine.  Prolonged increased levels of epinephrine will block insulin receptors which lead to insulin resistance and lowered serotonin, endorphin, enkephalin and GABA levels which impairs HPA functions and increases compulsive/addictive behavior.

The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys and are directly controlled by the pituitary gland.  The adrenals are comprised of two sections; one is the medulla which is the inner core and the second is the adrenal cortex which is the outer layer.  The medulla relates to the sympathetic nervous system and produces the catecholamine’s epinephrine and norepinephrine.  The adrenal cortex produces sex hormones, aldosterone, and what we’re most concerned with cortisol.

The adrenals receive chemical messengers (hormones) from the pituitary and signal from the sympathetic nervous system which determines how much of its hormones it will release.  However, if they are injured, diseased or fatigued they will not be able to keep up with the demands from the hypothalamus to maintain homeostasis and mild to severe mental disorders will surface as symptoms of compromised adrenal health.

Although it is hard to imagine because they are docked on our kidneys, adrenal health is fundamental to our mental health.  Proper levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are crucial to our mental well-being so concentrated focus needs to be applied to their health when healing addictive biochemistry and alcoholism. As you consider breaking way from addictive biochemistry and alcoholism, you need the help of an expert to take you through the healing process. Doctor Dalal Akoury is an expert who has the experience of over two decades and has been helping many get their life back globally by emphasizing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Alternative Approaches to end Alcohol Abuse-The HPA Axis

 

 

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Do You Really KNOW Stress Management!?

Stress Management

Dr. Dalal Akoury

Do You Really KNOW Stress Management!?

Your body is hard-wired to react to stress in ways meant to protect you against threats from predators and other aggressors. Such threats are rare today, but that doesn’t mean that life is free of stress.

Stress Management

Stress Management

On the contrary, you undoubtedly face multiple demands each day, such as shouldering a huge workload, making ends meet, taking care of your family, or just making it through the morning rush hour. Your body treats these so-called minor hassles as threats. As a result you may feel as if you’re constantly under assault. But you can fight back. You don’t have to let stress control your life.

Stress Management: Fight or Flight

If your mind and body are constantly on edge because of excessive stress in your life, you may face serious health problems. That’s because your body’s “fight-or-flight reaction” — its natural alarm system — is constantly on.

When you encounter perceived threats — a large dog barks at you during your morning walk, for instance — your hypothalamus, a tiny region at the base of your brain, sets off an alarm system in your body. Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues.

Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or detrimental in a fight-or-flight situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with regions of your brain that control mood, motivation and fear.

Stress Management means Take Control

The body’s stress-response system is usually self-regulating. It decreases hormone levels and enables your body to return to normal once a perceived threat has passed. As adrenaline and cortisol levels drop, your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels, and other systems resume their regular activities.

But when the stressors of your life are always present, leaving you constantly feeling stressed, tense, and nervous or on edge, that fight-or-flight reaction stays turned on. The less control you have over potentially stress-inducing events and the more uncertainty they create, the more likely you are to feel stressed. Even the typical day-to-day demands of living can contribute to your body’s stress response.

The long-term activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones — can disrupt almost all your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:

  •                Heart disease
  •                Sleep problems
  •                Digestive problems
  •                Depression
  •                Obesity
  •                Memory impairment
  •                Worsening of skin conditions, such as eczema

That’s why it’s so important to learn healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life.

Stress Management means identify your Unique Stressors

Your reaction to a potentially stressful event is different from anyone else’s. How you react to stressors in your life includes such factors as:

  •                Genetics. The genes that control the stress response keep most people on a fairly even keel, only occasionally priming the body for fight or flight. Overactive or underactive stress responses may stem from slight differences in these genes.
  •                Life experiences. Strong stress reactions sometimes can be traced to early environmental factors. People who were exposed to extremely stressful events as children, such as neglect or abuse, tend to be particularly vulnerable to stress as adults.

You may have some friends who seem laid-back about almost everything and others who react strongly at the slightest stress. Most reactions to life stressors fall somewhere between those extremes.

Stress Management teach how to React to Life Stressors 

Stressful events are a fact of life. And you may not be able to change your current situation. But you can take steps to manage the impact these events have on you. You can learn to identify what stresses you out, how to take control of some stress-inducing circumstances, and how to take care of yourself physically and emotionally in the face of stressful situations.

Stress Management: Means Move that Body and Exercise!

Stress Management

Stress Management

Any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat will greatly lighten your mood, increase energy, sharpen focus, and relax both the mind and body. For maximum stress relief, try to get at least 30 minutes of activity on most days.

Eat right

Low blood sugar can make you feel anxious and irritable, while eating too much can make you lethargic. Eat small, but frequent meals throughout the day to maintain an even level of blood sugar and avoid these swings in mood.

Get enough sleep

Not only can stress and worry cause insomnia, but also a lack of sleep can leave you vulnerable to even more stress. When you’re well rested, it’s much easier to keep your emotional balance.

When job and workplace stress threatens to overwhelm you, there are simple steps you can take to regain control over yourself and the situation. Your coworkers will love your self-control and may try to adopt your habits, too.

 

 

Stress management strategies include:

  •                Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep
  •                Practicing relaxation techniques
  •                Fostering healthy friendships
  •                Having a sense of humor
  •                Seeking professional counseling when needed

The payoff of managing stress is peace of mind and — perhaps — a longer, healthier life.

 

AWAREmed: Do You Really KNOW Stress!?

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