sobota, 4. januar 2014

Coping with loneliness

Loneliness it is a state of mind, which is rather contrary to what many people think; a measure of the number of persons you get to interact with. This feeling can overwhelm you even in bustling environments like in a restaurant or market, cheering ones like in a football stadium, in family gathering, business meeting or even in interesting situations like while having sex. Before we identify ways of coping with loneliness, it is important that we get to understand what causes it.

Causes of loneliness
Being a form of neediness, a feeling of needing companionship and support that you feel like you are not being given or you are not getting, it is mostly brought about by loss of companionship or a loved one you previously had through either of this ways: being left alone, death or moving away.
The other cause is always as a result of comparing your social life or network to that of others. Seeing others enjoying their connection with friends, lovers and family will bring make you desire what they have, leading to you becoming lonely. In case you are experiencing loneliness, here are some tips of coping with it.

Tips of coping with loneliness
Accepting - the first step is accepting that you are lonely. The next step involve finding out the cause; ask yourself if you tend to feel lonely when in others company or when you are alone and with no one to communicate with.

Focus on the present - you may find yourself desiring the past. You need to stop and bring back your attention to the present. Your past may include: your college life or high school days. Instead try focusing on the great opportunities that lay a head of you.
Smile - no one ever wants to be around someone who appears miserable. It is therefore important that you wear a smile all the time and be friendly with every person you meet, even if it is a fact that you are not 100% cheerful.

Call an old friend or visit your relatives - it may be that your friends are caught up with certain concerning issues in their lives, but not ignoring you. Talking to or having the people who you grew up with always carry a positive and satisfying effect to help you cope with your loneliness.

Visit internet forums or chat rooms - this offers you an opportunity to create new friends and talk to people in a more comfortable setting.

Be you and proud of yourself - do not try emulating or wish that you would be those celebrities you adore, or be the rich guys you see that own many houses and cars. You are not anyone but you, which is a good. Be proud and happy that you are who you are.

Do what you are good at - this might include sewing, painting or growing prize-winning bougainvillea. Using your strength appropriately will enable you gain confidence in yourself and probably new friends.

Other methods of coping with loneliness include - using your time alone, watching a movie, helping someone, hobbies like reading and dancing among others, learning, engaging in physical activities and join groups of activities among others.

Popular Stress Related Illnesses You Should be Wary Of

If you think that stress is just a feeling and has no effect on your overall well-being then you are completely wrong. The body and mind has a deep connection, meaning the state of a person's mentality has a direct effect on how his or her body generally fares. If you have been experiencing chronic stress, now is the time to seek treatment before you end up suffering so many additional medical conditions. Here are some of the most popular stress related illnesses.

Obesity is one of the most common health problems suffered by people of all ages, genders and races. Medical experts have found that increased levels of stress causes the body to release high amounts of cortisol into the blood stream. Popularly known as the stress hormone, cortisol causes the body to store more fat in the abdominal region.

Chronic stress causes devastating effects on a person's heart and has been found to be responsible for hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. High levels of stress are known to be one of the most popular causes of heart attacks, especially in the elderly.

While studies are far from conclusive, a poplar school of thought among scientists is that extreme stress suffered by parents translates to asthma in their young children. People suffering from asthma tend to experience worsened breathing difficulties when suffering from increased levels of stress.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most popular stress related diseases. Psychiatrists and other medical professionals who provide treatment for depressed patients usually identify stress caused by financial problems, relationship issues and other circumstances, as the outlying condition for making the patients depressed in the first place.

While it is not yet known whether stress can be a contributing factor towards Alzheimer's disease, patients tend to suffer worsening conditions when faced with increased stress levels. Lots of medical professionals are of the opinion that reducing the stress levels of patients can decline the progression rate of the disease.

In most cases, stress has been found to be the number one cause of chronic migraines and other serious forms of headaches. Many of the most advanced treatments for headaches incorporate stress-reduction therapies and medication.

The higher your level of stress, the quicker the rate at which your body ages. Extensive studies have shown that excessive stress levels trigger the aging process to become abnormally quicker.
Well, it is true that stress has been found to have no direct effect on the development of ulcers. However, patients suffering from the disease report worsening symptoms when battling huge levels of stress. Bowel movement problems and chronic heartburn have all been linked to stress, according to medical experts.

Diabetes is one of the most common stress related illnesses. Apart from diabetes risk factors such as binge drinking and unhealthy eating, medical experts also believe the body produces higher levels of glucose under increased stress levels. This only makes the condition worse, especially in Type 2 patients.

These stress-related medical conditions above can inevitably lead to a reduced quality of life as well as death before your time. Don't take stress lightly and try to seek treatment as early as possible.

Foods to Reduce and Eliminate Stress

Nowadays we live in a more demanding and stressful world than ever. Stress is all over, at home, at work and even on our minds. Stress can weaken you body immune system and expose you to a higher risk of contracting chronic disease. Chronic stress can contribute to body fatigue by causing a variation in glucose level. Knowing the most excellent stress reducing foods can assist you in combating stress.

Food helps in fighting stress in many ways. First, it boosts the level of serotonin. Serotonin is one of the chemical in the brain that assists in calming the body in times of chronic stress. Food also reduces the levels of adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline and cortisol are hormones that manage stress. Food can help offset the impact of stress in your body. Here are some of the most recommended stress reducing foods.

Lentils or Beans - lentils and Beans are high in protein and fiber content. They can nourish your body and eliminate craving caused by stress. Lentils contain magnesium which helps to calm your mind and relax the body
Avocados - Avocados are rich potassium more than any other fruit. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure. So when you are stressed you need to eat a piece of avocado to reduce the pressure of your blood.
Apple -You can eat one or two apples when you are in stress. Apples are full of fiber which helps in filling stomach, hence reducing cravings. You will also get an instant boost of energy and nutrients because apples are easily digested by the body. Furthermore, apples are also known for blood sugar regulation
Blueberry - Blueberry is full vitamin C and antioxidants. Antioxidants help to get rid of free radical that causes early aging and heart infections. Prolonged stress can cause a decrease in Vitamin C level. So replenishing it helps to reduce stress.
Milk - Milk is rich in calcium, antioxidants as well vitamins B2 and B12. Calcium helps in soothing tension, reducing muscle spasms, and easing anxiety cause by stress. It is recommended you take skim milk.
Nuts - nuts contain vitamins B2 and minerals such zinc and magnesium. Zinc and magnesium regulates cortisol level in the blood. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Zinc fights stress.
Complex Carbohydrates - A stressed body craves carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates have extra calories without nutritional value, so it is advisable to avoid them. However, complex carbohydrates are consumed slowly and hence help in stabilizing blood sugar level. They are one of the most common stress reducing foods. When you feed on them your brain increases the production of serotonin, a chemical that relieves stress.
Oranges - Oranges contain vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system after being affected by stress.
Iron - you can find Iron in foods such as red meat and spinach. When you eat these foods you will boost up your energy and cool your mind.
Fish - Cold water fish like tuna and salmon are among the most recommended stress reducing foods. They are rich in fatty acids. These fatty acids contain amino acids that help the brain in reducing stress. They also contain vitamins B6 and B12, which assist the brain to make serotonin.