Monday, August 29, 2011

Five Methods I Use To Banish Worry

Five Methods I Use To Banish Worry
By
Professor William Lyon Phelps
[I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with Billy Phelps, of Yale, shortly before his death. Here are the five methods he used to banish worry-based on the notes I took during that interview. -DALE CARNEGIE]



1. When I was twenty-four years old, my eyes suddenly gave out. After reading three or four minutes, my eyes felt as if they were full of needles; and even when I was not reading, they were so sensitive that I could not face a window. I consulted the best occultists in New Haven and New York. Nothing seemed to help me. After four o'clock in the afternoon, I simply sat in a chair in the darkest corner of the room, waiting for bedtime. I was terrified. I feared that I would have to give up my career as a teacher and go out West and get a job as a lumberjack. Then a strange thing happened which shows the miraculous effects of the mind over physical ailments. When my eyes were at their worst that unhappy winter, I accepted an invitation to address a group of undergraduates.
The hall was illuminated by huge rings of gas jets suspended from the ceiling. The lights pained my eyes so intensely that, while sitting on the platform, I was compelled to look at the floor. Yet during my thirty-minute speech, I felt absolutely no pain, and I could look directly at these lights without any blinking whatever. Then when the assembly was over, my eyes pained me again.
I thought then that if I could keep my mind strongly concentrated on something, not for thirty minutes, but for a week, I might be cured. For clearly it was a case of mental excitement triumphing over a bodily illness.
I had a similar experience later while crossing the ocean. I had an attack of lumbago so severe that I could not walk. I suffered extreme pain when I tried to stand up straight. While in that condition, I was invited to give a lecture on shipboard. As soon as I began to speak, every trace of pain and stiffness left my body; I stood up straight, moved about with perfect flexibility, and spoke for an hour. When the lecture was over, I walked away to my stateroom with ease. For a moment, I thought I was cured. But the cure was only temporary. The lumbago resumed its attack.

These experiences demonstrated to me the vital importance of one's mental attitude. They taught me the importance of enjoying life while you may. So I live every day now as if it were the first day I had ever seen and the last I were going to see. I am excited about the daily adventure of living, and nobody in a state of excitement will be unduly troubled with worries. I love my daily work as a teacher. I wrote a book entitled The Excitement of Teaching. Teaching has always been more than an art or an occupation to me. It is a passion. I love to teach as a painter loves to paint or a singer loves to sing. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I think with ardent delight of my first group of students. I have always felt that one of the chief reasons for success in life is enthusiasm.

2. I have found that I can crowd worry out of mind by reading an absorbing book. When I was fifty-nine, I had a prolonged nervous breakdown. During that period I began reading David Alec Wilson's monumental Life of Carlyle. It had a good deal to do with my convalescence because I became so absorbed in reading it that I forgot my despondency.

3. At another time when I was terribly depressed, I forced myself to become physically active almost every hour of the day. I played five or six sets of violent games of tennis every morning, then took a bath, had lunch, and played eighteen holes of golf every afternoon. On Friday night I danced until one o'clock in the morning. I am a great believer in working up a tremendous sweat. I found that depression and worry oozed out of my system with the sweat.

4. I learned long ago to avoid the folly of hurry, rush, and working under tension. I have always tried to apply the philosophy of Wilbur Cross. When he was Governor of Connecticut, he said to me: "Sometimes when I have too many things to do all at once, I sit down and relax and smoke my pipe for an hour and do nothing."

5. I have also learned that patience and time have a way of resolving our troubles. When I am worried about something, I try to see my troubles in their proper perspective. I say to myself: "Two months from now I shall not be worrying about this bad break, so why worry about it now? Why not assume now the same attitude that I will have two months from now?"

To sum up, here are the five ways in which Professor Phelps banished worry:
1. Live with gusto and enthusiasm: "I live every day as if it were the first day I had ever seen and the last I were going to see."
2. Read an interesting book: "When I had a prolonged nervous breakdown ... I began reading ... the Life of Carlyle ... and became so absorbed in reading it that I forgot my despondency."
3. Play games: "When I was terribly depressed, I forced myself to become physically active almost every hour of the day."
4. Relax while you work: "I long ago learned to avoid the folly of hurry, rush, and working under tension."
5. "I try to see my troubles in their proper perspective. I say to myself: 'Two months from now I shall not be worrying about this bad break, so why worry about it now? Why not assume now the same attitude that I will have two months from

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Chapter 28: How To Keep From Worrying About Insomnia

Chapter 28: How To Keep From Worrying About Insomnia

Do you worry when you can't sleep well? Then it may interest you to know that Samuel Untermyer-the famous international lawyer-never got a decent night's sleep in his life.

When Sam Untermyer went to college, he worried about two afflictions-asthma and insomnia. He couldn't seem to cure either, so he decided to do the next best thing-take advantage of his wakefulness. Instead of tossing and turning and worrying himself into a breakdown, he would get up and study. The result? He began ticking off honours in all of his classes, and became one of the prodigies of the College of the City of New York.

Even after he started to practice law, his insomnia continued. But Untermyer didn't worry. "Nature," he said, "will take care of me." Nature did. In spite of the small amount of sleep he was getting, his health kept up and he was able to work as hard as any of the young lawyers of the New York Bar. He even worked harder, for he worked while they slept!

At the age of twenty-one, Sam Untermyer was earning seventy-five thousand dollars a year; and other young attorneys rushed to courtrooms to study his methods. In 1931, he was paid-for handling one case-what was probably the highest lawyer's fee in all history: a cool million dollars-cash on the barrelhead.

Still he had insomnia-read half the night-and then got up at five A.M. and started dictating letters. By the time most people were just starting work, his day's work would be almost half done. He lived to the age of eighty-one, this man who had rarely had a sound night's sleep; but if he had fretted and worried about his insomnia, he would probably have wrecked his life.

We spend a third of our lives sleeping-yet nobody knows what sleep really is. We know it is a habit and a state of rest in which nature knits up the ravelled sleeve of care, but we don't know how many hours of sleep each individual requires. We don't even know if we have to sleep at all!

Fantastic? Well, during the First World War, Paul Kern, a Hungarian soldier, was shot through the frontal lobe of his brain. He recovered from the wound, but curiously enough, couldn't fall asleep. No matter what the doctors did-and they tried all kinds of sedatives and narcotics, even hypnotism- Paul Kern couldn't be put to sleep or even made to feel drowsy.

The doctors said he wouldn't live long. But he fooled them. He got a job, and went on living in the best of health for years. He would lie down and close his eyes and rest, but he got no sleep whatever. His case was a medical mystery that upset many of our beliefs about sleep.

Some people require far more sleep than others. Toscanini needs only five hours a night, but Calvin Coolidge needed more than twice that much. Coolidge slept eleven hours out of every twenty-four. In other words, Toscanini has been sleeping away approximately one-fifth of his life, while Coolidge slept away almost half of his life.

Worrying about insomnia will hurt you far more than insomnia. For example, one of my students-Ira Sandner, of 173 Overpeck Avenue, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey-was driven nearly to suicide by chronic insomnia.

"I actually thought I was going insane," Ira Sandner told me. "The trouble was, in the beginning, that I was too sound a sleeper. I wouldn't wake up when the alarm clock went off, and the result was that I was getting to work late in the morning. I worried about it-and, in fact, my boss warned me that I would have to get to work on time. I knew that if I kept on oversleeping, I would lose my job.
"I told my friends about it, and one of them suggested I concentrate hard on the alarm clock before I went to sleep. That started the insomnia! The tick-tick-tick of that blasted alarm clock became an obsession. It kept me awake, tossing, all night long! When morning came, I was almost ill. I was ill from fatigue and worry. This kept on for eight weeks. I can't put into words the tortures I suffered. I was convinced I was going insane. Sometimes I paced the floor for hours at a time, and I honestly considered jumping out of the window and ending the whole thing!

"At last I went to a doctor I had known all my life. He said: 'Ira, I can't help you. No one can help you, because you have brought this thing on yourself. Go to bed at night, and if you can't fall asleep, forget all about it. Just say to yourself: "I don't care a hang if I don't go to sleep. It's all right with me if I lie awake till morning." Keep your eyes closed and say: "As long as I just lie still and don't worry about it, I'll be getting rest, anyway." '

"I did that," says Sandner, "and in two weeks' time I was dropping off to sleep. In less than one month, I was sleeping eight hours, and my nerves were back to normal."
It wasn't insomnia that was killing Ira Sandner; it was his worry about it.
Dr. Nathaniel Kleitman, professor at the University of Chicago, has done more research work on sleep than has any other living man. He is the world's expert on sleep. He declares that he has never known anyone to die from insomnia. To be sure, a man might worry about insomnia until he lowered his vitality and was swept away by germs. But it was the worry that did the damage, not the insomnia itself.

Dr. Kleitman also says that the people who worry about insomnia usually sleep far more than they realise. The man who swears "I never slept a wink last night" may have slept for hours without knowing it. For example, one of the most profound thinkers of the nineteenth century, Herbert Spencer, was an old bachelor, lived in a boarding house, and bored everyone with his talk about his insomnia. He even put "stoppings" in his ears to keep out the noise and quiet his nerves. Sometimes he took opium to induce sleep. One night he and Professor Sayce of Oxford shared the same room at a hotel. The next morning Spencer declared he hadn't slept a wink all night. In reality, it was Professor Sayce who hadn't slept a wink. He had been kept awake all night by Spencer's snoring.
The first requisite for a good night's sleep is a feeling of security. We need to feel that some power greater than ourselves will take care of us until morning. Dr. Thomas Hyslop, of the Great West Riding Asylum, stressed that point in an address before the British Medical Association. He said: "One of the best sleep-producing agents which my years of practice have revealed to me-is prayer. I say this purely as a medical man. The exercise of prayer, in those who habitually exert it, must be regarded as the most adequate and normal of all the pacifiers of the mind and calmers of the nerves."
"Let God-and let go."

Jeanette MacDonald told me that when she was depressed and worried and had difficulty in going to sleep, she could always get "a feeling of security" by repeating Psalm XXII: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. ...". But if you are not religious, and have to do things the hard way, then learn to relax by physical measures. Dr. David Harold Fink, who wrote Release from Nervous Tension, says that the best way to do this is to talk to your body. According to Dr. Fink, words are the key to all kinds of hypnosis; and when you consistently can't sleep, it is because you have talked yourself into a case of insomnia. The way to undo this is to dehypnotise yourself-and you can do it by saying to the muscles of your body: "Let go, let go-loosen up and relax." We already know that the mind and nerves can't relax while the muscles are tense-so if we want to go to sleep, we start with the muscles. Dr. Fink recommends-and it works out in practice-that we put a pillow under the knees to ease the tension on the legs, and that we tuck small pillows under the arms for the very same reason. Then, by telling the jaw to relax, the eyes, the arms, and the legs, we finally drop off to sleep before we know what has hit us. I've tried it-I know. If you have trouble sleeping, get hold of Dr. Fink's book, Release from Nervous Tension, which I have mentioned earlier It is the only book I know of that is both lively reading and a cure for insomnia.

One of the best cures for insomnia is making yourself physically tired by gardening, swimming, tennis, golf, skiing, or by just plain physically exhausting work. That is what Theodore Dreiser did. When he was a struggling young author, he was worried about insomnia, so he got a job working as a section hand on the New York Central Railway; and after a day of driving spikes and shoveling gravel, he was so exhausted that he could hardly stay awake long enough to eat.
If we get tired enough, nature will force us to sleep even while we are walking. To illustrate, when I was thirteen years old, my father shipped a car-load of fat hogs to Saint Joe, Missouri. Since he got two free railroad passes, he took me along with him. Up until that time, I had never been in a town of more than four thousand. When I landed in Saint Joe-a city of sixty thousand-I was agog with excitement. I saw skyscrapers six storeys high and-wonder of wonders-I saw a street-car. I can close my eyes now and still see and hear that street-car. After the most thrilling and exciting day of my life, Father and I took a train back to Ravenwood, Missouri. Arriving there at two o'clock in the morning, we had to walk four miles home to the farm. And here is the point of the story: I was so exhausted that I slept and dreamed as I walked. I have often slept while riding horseback. And I am alive to tell it!
When men are completely exhausted they sleep right through the thunder and horror and danger of war. Dr. Foster Kennedy, the famous neurologist, tells me that during the retreat of the Fifth British Army in 1918, he saw soldiers so exhausted that they fell on the ground where they were and fell into a sleep as sound as a coma. They didn't even wake up when he raised their eyelids with his fingers. And he says he noticed that invariably the pupils of the eyes were rolled upward in the sockets. "After that," says Dr. Kennedy, "when I had trouble sleeping, I would practice rolling up my eyeballs into this position, and I found that in a few seconds I would begin to yawn and feel sleepy. It was an automatic reflex over which I had no control."

No man ever committed suicide by refusing to sleep and no one ever will. Nature would force a man to sleep in spite of all his will power. Nature will let us go without food or water far longer than she will let us go without sleep.

Speaking of suicide reminds me of a case that Dr. Henry C. Link describes in his book, The Rediscovery of Man. Dr. Link is vice-president of The Psychological Corporation and he interviews many people who are worried and depressed. In his chapter "On Overcoming Fears and Worries", he tells about a patient who wanted to commit suicide. Dr. Link knew arguing would only make the matter worse, so he said to this man: "If you are going to commit suicide anyway, you might at least do it in a heroic fashion. Run around the block until you drop dead."

He tried it, not once but several times, and each time felt better, in his mind if not in his muscles. By the third night he had achieved what Dr. Link intended in the first place-he was so physically tired (and physically relaxed) that he slept like a log. Later he joined an athletic club and began to compete in competitive sports. Soon he was feeling so good he wanted to live for ever!
So, to keep from worrying about insomnia, here are five rules:
1. If yon can't sleep, do what Samuel Untermyer did. Get up and work or read until you do feel sleepy.
2. Remember that no one was ever killed by lack of sleep. Worrying about insomnia usually causes far more damage than sleeplessness.
3. Try prayer-or repeat Psalm XXIII, as Jeanette MacDonald does.
4. Relax your body. Read the book "Release from Nervous Tension."
5. Exercise. Get yourself so physically tired you can't stay awake.

25 Ways to Relieve Anxiety

25 Ways to Relieve Anxiety

by Jason on May 13, 2009
1. Breathing Exercises

Take a moment to close your eyes and focus only on your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose. Feel your diaphram move up into your ribcage and extend your belly outward as you inhale.Slowly push out your breathe as you exhale through your mouth. Feel the stress being breathed out of your body. It is no longer a part of you. Each breath should take 6 seconds to complete. Spend 3 seconds slowly inhaling through your nose and the other 3 seconds slowly exhaling through your mouth. Take 5-10 breaths like this and you’ll instantly feel more relaxed.
2. Drink Green Tea

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea plants. It also promotes relaxation and modifies the stimulating effects of the caffeine present in green tea.What does that mean exactly? Well L-theanine is a caffeine antagonist, meaning that it offsets the “hyper” effect of caffeine. That is why many people will have a “soothing” cup of tea and not a soothing cup of coffee. Green tea contains more theanine than the other teas. Try drinking Green Tea in the morning for a more gradual and calming wake-up boost.
3. Listen to Music

Sit back and relax to your favorite tunes. I love listening to classic rock. If you’re feeling nostalgic, put on something that will transport you to another place in time.Escape and think of nothing but the music. Try to play songs with a positive or uplifting message. Really it’s up to you. Just enjoy and have fun.
4. Take a Foot Bath

Even if you don’t actually own a foot bath, you can fill up a large bowl with warm water and have a nice long soak.Put in some bath salts to give your feet a soft smooth feel. Add some flowers and lavender if you like to really add to the pampering quality of this experience. Put on some relaxing music and sit in a comfy chair while your soothe your cares with this moment of Zen.
5. Meditate on Gratitude

Take a few minutes to think about all the things you are grateful for. It could be as simple as feeling grateful for the food in your fridge or the way your puppy dog loves you. Take the time to appreciate all the gifts you have in life and how lucky you are to have them. When you show thanks for the good in your life, more good will attract itself to you.I spend 5 minutes every morning meditating on gratitude while I take a shower. It’s amazing how it always starts me off in such a great mood for the day.
6. Exercise

Although Cardio Exercise like running or bike riding is more effective for relieving anxiety, weight lifting works well too. Really, just getting to the gym in general and burning off some steam is a wonderful way to feel better. Exercise doesn’t just provide a physical release. You’re also providing a mental release as well.By exercising, you counterbalance your negative thoughts with a positive feeling that you are taking steps towards improving your health. In effect, you cast aside worry and calm your mind with the natural high of working out.
7. Get Rid of the Clutter

Feng Shui is the art of creating a serene and relaxing home. Part of this study involves clearing the clutter from your environment. Clutter creates a sense of confusion and chaos. By cleaning up your home, you’re essentially clearing out the clutter from your mind.I feel so much better after doing just a little bit of housekeeping. I find it extremely relaxing to be in a clean home.I personally like getting rid of old clothes. If I haven’t worn them in a year, then they are wasteful clutter and can be given away.
8. Get a Massage

Take the time to treat yourself to a massage. You deserve it. A massage is not only relaxing, it also promotes healthy blood circulation and overall well-being.So go ahead, pamper yourself and feel good about it. Afterall, you’re not just doing something good for your mind. You’re also promoting a healthy body.
9. Go for a Walk

Nothing clears my head like a nice brisk walk. This is even better if you have beautiful backgrounds of nature to stroll through.Whenever I visit my extended family (they live in the country), I always make time for a 10 minute walk around their lake. As you walk, think about the rhythm of your body as you stride from one step to the next. It’s calming to focus on your breathing. Concentrate on each breath and empty your thoughts as you move along.
10. Aromatherapy

Connecting certain fragrances to an emotionally uplifting situation will trigger a relaxation response. For example, try lighting some of your favorite incense or fill your home with the aroma of potpourri while you sit back and meditate your worries away. If those aromas are too strong for you, you can buy a less pungent smelling Glade air freshener. They just plug into any outlet and you can adjust the amount of fragrance that they release. I personally love using Glade plug-ins. Vanilla is my favorite. It’s a gentle scent that eases my mind.
11. Do Charity work

When you help others, you take the focus off yourself. Taking the focus off yourself is a big part of overcoming anxiety. You internalize less and simply live in the moment, taking pleasure in the world around you. Feel good about yourself for doing a positive thing for others.
12. Read

Escape to another place and time. Live in someone elses shoes for a while and leave your troubles behind. Reading is actually another form of meditation.You leave your own thoughts and simply follow a scripted story. You’re essentially just going along for the ride and forgetting the world around you.I doesn’t matter what you read as long as it takes your thoughts elsewhere. This is a healthy break from things and will relieve anxiety within minutes.
13. Write out Your Thoughts

If you feel anxious or upset, write down your thoughts in a letter or diary. Sometimes, getting it all out on paper can feel like you’re getting out of your system. Don’t meditate on your negative thoughts. Simply spill them out in front of you. Feel the words leaving your your mind and making room for a more peaceful state of consciousness.
14. Take a Hot Bath

Let your muscles relax and sit in peace as the water calms and soothes you. Light some candles to create and even more tranquil environment. Play music to heighten the effect. There’s no rule that says you can’t turn your bathroom into a getaway spa if only for an hour.A bonus to this is buying special soaps, shaving creams or shampoos that will further your pampered “timeout”. Treat this as a special treat and really go all out.
15. Avoid Caffeine

This may sound like a bit of a tough one. I myself used to be a bit of a caffeine addict. And guess what? This was right around the same time my anxiety was at its worst. Sound like a coincidence? Not really.It’s easy to think that caffeine heightens you mood. Afterall, it’s a stimulant. But the crash that you get from a strong caffeine high is enough to bring on extreme anxiety and depression. So do youself a favor and start weening yourself off the caffeine train.I now start every morning with Green Tea and I eat a Granny Smith apple with my breakfast. Granny Smiths have been proven to actually wake you up just as much as a cup of coffee in the morning.
16. Stretch

Every night before bed, take 5 minutes to stretch. Even if it’s just touching your toes, every bit helps.When you stretch, you relieve tension in your back and muscles. You’ll feel calmer and more relaxed instantly. This is a great way to prepare for a fantastic night’s sleep.If you prefer not to stretch right before bed, you can stretch before going to the gym. It helps circulation and prevents injury as well. This anxiety reliever takes just minutes and it really does wonders. As a side benefit, you’ll feel so much better physically. Since I started stretching, I’ve noticed significantly less muscle cramps and soreness after a workout. I can honestly say this technique has made me feel younger and more vibrant.
17. Eat Chocolate

Chocolate releases phenylethylamine in the brain. This so called “chocolate amphetamine” causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels leading to feelings of excitement and alertness. It works like amphetamines to increase mood and decrease depression. It’s been said that chocolate creates a feeling of “being in love”. I just like the taste myself. But if you needed some extra convincing to eat a piece of chocolate, know that it’s been proven to relieve anxiety.
18. Smile

Smile and think of a time when you were most happy. Think of a funny moment, a family member you love or a time when you dared to try something new.Smile and think positively. Throw your negative thoughts out of your head and shield them off with a broad, life-loving smile.Share your smile with others. When you smile at someone, they can’t help but smile back at you. It’s part of human nature. Smile and bring joy into the lives of others. Smile and keep that smile for as long as you want to. The choice really is yours.
19. Guided Imagery

Guided Imagery is just a fancy way of saying visualize something that calms you. When you feel anxious or stressed, close your eyes. Picture a serene setting where you’d love to escape to.For me, my visualization involves laying in a beautiful grassy field under a wise, angular tree that stretches high above me. The sky is clear, sunny and ominous with breathtaking clouds. There are no bugs in my vison and the temperature is just perfect. A cool breeze engulfs my body in a refreshing whisper. I’m barefoot and the grass cushions my body with soft feathery support. I feel as light as air and my mind drifts off into sleepy bliss.Get the idea? It’s good to make your vision as detailed as possible. Become completely emersed in the escape and leave your anxiety out of the picture.
20. Sex

I find it impossible to feel anxiety when I am completely carried away with lovemaking. Sex is healthy, good for the mind and body.It rejuvenates you and makes you feel completely alive. This anxiety reliever should not be overlooked. When you are completely swept away by the love of your partner, you forget about all of life’s stresses.Take a vacation from the anxiety in your mind. Instead, fill your head with the thoughts of love for another. Then indulge yourselves and think of nothing but the moment.
21. Repeat a Mantra

As the Law of Attraction States, thoughts are things. So when you think negatively, negative things will come into your life. Conversely, when you think positively, positive things will come into your life. Having a Mantra is a great way to control your thought pattern and relieve anxiety.When you’re feeling anxious, have a mantra or short prayer memorized that you can repeat in the moment. Everyone’s mantra will be different and tailored to their own anxiety but my mantra is:“I am a kind, loving person. I strive everyday to be the best I can be and all good things flow to me from the universe. Any worry or stress I have now will not make a difference in the longterm of my life. My life is good and will continue to be good. I am blessed for all that I have. The only opinion that matters in life is the opinion of myself. I love myself.”You can make your mantra whatever you choose. Make it something that speaks to your mentality and comforts your soul. Repeat your mantra in times of doubt and confusion. Hold firm that it is the truth. Your mantra will be your relaxing touchstone.
22. Eat Your Favorite Food

I’m not telling you to go out and binge eat to get over your anxiety. Obviously that’s not a healthy strategy. However, you are allowed to indulge in your favorite comfort foods when things get particularly stressful.My comfort food is sushi. I like it when it’s super fresh and the rice is still slightly warm. I add a little hot Miso soup to the mix to really make me feel cozy. This is my relaxing meal. What’s yours?
23. Go by or Near Water

This could be as simple as laying by a pool or walking along the shoreline of your favorite beach. Water naturally has a calming effect on us.The calming effect is thought to be derived from the peaceful time when we were in out mother’s womb.Some other ideas for going near water could be visiting an aquarium, watching a beautiful lightening storm from your window, taking a walk around a lake or even simply taking a hot shower.
24. Grab Your Blankie

Your “Blankie” is symbolic. It can be anything that gives you comfort. My “Blankie” is my wedding ring. In times of high anxiety, sometimes I just look at my ring. I’ll think of my husband and the love we have for one another. I am instantly soothed.Maybe you have a lucky charm as your blankie? A necklace? A favorite sweatshirt? A great pair of jeans?Your blankie can be anything. Think of it when panic arises.
25. Use the Tactics Taught in Panic Away

When anxiety and panic hit, they can hit Hard. that’s why I like to have step by step techniques that I can implement on the spot. Panic away is the best anxiety and panic attack program I have ever found in all my years of researching on the Internet. Use their tactics to not only relieve anxiety, but extinguish it PERMANENTLY from your life. You can start the Panic Away program right now here.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

That Strange Falling Sensation

That Strange Falling Sensation

Falling sensation
Do you ever wake up suddenly to a falling sensation and a strong muscle twitch just after you have fallen asleep?
This strange falling sensation and muscle twitch is known as a hypnagogic myoclonic twitch or “Hypnic jerk” If this has happened to you on more than one occasion, don’t worry, you are not alone. Close to 70 percent of all people experience this phenomenon just after nodding off, according to a recent study at the Mayo Clinic.

Most experts agree that this is a natural part of the sleeping process, much like slower breathing and a reduced heartbeat. The occurance is well known and has been well documented. However, experts are still not completely sure why the body does this.

The general consensus among researchers is that, as your muscles begin to slack and go into a restful state just as you are falling asleep; your brain senses these relaxation signals and misinterprets them, thinking you are falling down. The brain then sends signals to the muscles in your arms and legs in an attempt to jerk you back upright. This misinterpretation that takes place in your brain may also be responsible for the “falling” dreams that accompany the falling sensation. These “dreams” are not really normal dreams, as they are not produced from R.E.M sleep, but rather more like a daydream or hallucination in response to the body’s sensations.

Sleeping

While this phenomenon happens to most everyone, studies have recently begun to link occurrences of “Hypnic jerks” to sleep anxiety, fatigue, and discomfort. People who are having trouble sleeping or can’t get comfortable in bed appear to experience the sensation more often throughout the night. It is especially more common with people who are trying to fight falling asleep or have deprived themselves of sleep for more than 24 hours.

Researchers believe that the lack of sleep from sleep anxiety or sleep deprivation confuses the muscles and the brain. The muscles continually attempt to relax and shut down for rest, while your brain remains awake creating continued “misinterpretations” of falling or loss of balance.

Scientists and researchers continue to study sleep twitching and jerking in a small capacity, but state that the sensation is completely normal for our bodies and is of little medical significance. Our bodies go through several procedures of shutting down and preparing for an extended period of rest. “Hypnic jerking” is just one of them. It doesn’t appear to cause damage to body and poses no danger to our physical wellbeing. That may be true, but it could pose a significant danger to my bed when I mess my pants next time I wake up thinking I just fell off of a building.

Friday, August 12, 2011

热气上火吃什么才能降火?但又不伤身体


热气上火吃什么才能降火?但又不伤身体

寒凉水果解燥热
夏天的水果多属于寒凉性的,比如梨、苹果和各种瓜类。一般来说,实热体质的人夏天代谢旺盛,交感神经占优势,出汗多,经常脸色通红、口干舌燥、易烦躁、容易便秘,夏天特别喜欢吃凉东西。所以,热体质人群可以适当多吃一些寒凉性的水果。
但是,寒性水果不能多吃,否则反而对身体有害。比如,苹果味道甘甜,具有止泻、通便、助消化的作用,经常吃可以使肌肤白嫩。但由于其中含有丰富的糖类和钾盐,食用过多会有损心、肾健康,像冠心病、心肌梗塞、肾炎及糖尿病患者都不能多食,而中气不足、精神疲劳的人倒可以当做滋补水果多吃一点。

而像梨、柑橘、柚子等水果,具有止咳、化痰、润肺、助消化的作用,但多吃却容易造成肠胃紊乱,还能导致牙痛、痔疮,甚至引起皮肤黄斑。因此,有胃病、胃寒的人最好少吃。
气虚、脾虚的人在选择西瓜、香瓜、芒果、梨和香蕉这几种冷性的水果时要特别谨慎,最好不要吃。气虚,一般是指中气不足,力气弱的人或孩童,这些人一般脸色比较苍白、体格瘦小、吃不下饭;而脾虚,是说消化系统比较差,肠蠕动慢。所以,越吃寒冷的水果,越会降低肠胃蠕动,使肌肉无力,吃多了会因为消化不良而导致腹胀。因此,肠胃功能不好的老人和孩子,不太适合吃寒凉水果,如果真的很想吃,可以在午饭后、晚饭前,少吃一点,不可过量。
夏日寒凉水果:香瓜、西瓜、梨、香蕉、奇异果、芒果、柿子、荸荠、甜瓜、柚子等。
适宜人群:实热体质

温热水果补虚寒
虽说夏天寒凉性水果比较多,但在众多水果中,像荔枝、桂圆、杏等属于温热性也是相当受人们欢迎的。尤其对于虚寒体质的人来说,他们气虚脾虚,基础代谢率低,体内产生的热量少,四肢即便在夏天也是冷的。相较而言,这类人群的面色比常人白,而且很少口渴,也不喜欢接触凉的东西,包括进空调房间。所以,这些人多吃些温热的水果无疑是补寒佳品。
不过,一般人大热天吃太多温热的水果却很容易上火。比如,荔枝中含有降糖成分,多吃会出现低糖反应。而对于热性体质的人,由于本身就精力充沛、晚上不易入眠,再加上代谢率偏高,所以更不能吃温热水果。另外,正在发烧或某器官正在发炎的孩子也尽量避免食用。
夏日温热水果:荔枝、桃、龙眼、番石榴、樱桃、椰子、榴莲、杏等。
适宜人群:虚寒体质
希望对您有所帮助


2012年射手座的整体运势


射手座(1123日至1221)

2012年射手座的整体运势

这一年,射手座的整体运势就是你很少地犹豫不决,这将会有利于你迈向成功。你将会获得很大的权力,你将会扭转目前的情况,无论去年给你带来多少的麻烦和困惑。你的社交生活都将会是你的特权,公认的伟大也会指日可待!今年是理想的职业有所改变的一年,你会顺利通过各方面的考试,法律方面也会有所长进,这些关系在法律上都被认为是无误的。你创造方面的潜能可以让你打破成功方面的最高记录。平时注意增加你的耐心吧,你的伟大的思想需要通过时间来权衡。

2012年射手座的工作运势

这一年,你会发现需要用更多的时间来衡量你工作的框架,在你的理想的工作生活中将会耗尽你所有的能量。事实上,你需要有准确的进步,今年的平均理想将会实现,也会有良好的意识。这是专属于你自己的机会,因为你可以通过测试与合作来解决原有的困难,在这一年开始的三个月里,火星方面有机会把你推向作为一名隐士的局面。这是事实,你将会独自一个人更快地前进,但是如果工作的内容破坏了你们之间的合作关系的话,你将会不得不与他们对抗,并且与其他人组成强大的队伍,通过彼此间的合作将会更容易走向成功。这一年最后四个月的努力将会给你提供成功的必要条件。这也将会是你走向成功,保持纯洁的内心的必要条件。

2012年射手座的金钱运势

这一年,你的财务方面理所当然地会有所上升。将会有乐观的态度,从这个结果上来看将会从某一方面获得大量的钱财,而且还能够参与某些费用不多的活动获得意外的收获呢。非常幸运的是土星方面也会鼓励你不要松开自己原有的项目,需要采取必要的措施来稳定住资金。在今年的前三个月份是理想的投入你原有的债务,与原先被遗忘的发票一同付款,所有的这些做法所代表的都是你的过去。能够给你带来痛苦的除了这些东西还会有一些转折,你会获得很好地启发,在工作中会给你提出更加有利的看法。这将会使你更好地欣赏这一片充满前景的领域,他将会密切地关注你,会释放你的精神力量。在今年会有很多的最适合你赚大钱的项目,尤其是在十一月份的时候,好好地把握吧。

2012年射手座的爱情运势

这一年,你将会有一个迫切需要势在必得的条件,射手座的爱情将会非常顺利。即使目前你已经有另一半了,你整体的发展基本上将会影响到对方。事实上,你的生活方式进入到了一个决定性的阶段,将会让你继续和通过最深的交流来增进彼此间的感情。这件事情将会给你带来更多的烦恼,而且许多的场合还会影响到你,并且更肯定地将你与附近的其他人相比。冥王星与土星方面近些天来会非常支持你的爱情方面,会给你带来依恋以及亲密的行为。这一切都需要一定的宽度,你会更加充分地感受到情感上所产生的价值,一切都可以带来正面和负面的影响!从你的现实主义来加固你的魅力,在你所能够达到的领域,你将不会有任何困难获得成功。如果你目前是单身的话,你将会促进彼此之间的友好地接触和联系,从而获得新的知识,无论这个阶段能为你带来什么,更多的将会是长期的亲和力了。如果没有不可避免地选择性,你将会有机会与你所见的人保持良好的联系。最后的两个星期标志着一个新的循环,木星和太阳方面将会加固你迷人的魅力,也是增加你的潜力和桃花运的大好机会。

2012年射手座的人际关系

这一年,木星方面会给你带来良好的人际关系。你的行星会给你带来更多的好运,但是这并不代表着会有很重要的变化,最好的创新方法是离开家到异地去发展,这将能够让你尽可能多地增长自己的作为,更加接近你的理想。你会遇到不同的情况,返回到你遥远的过去,那将会影响到你一系列的忧郁情绪。当你必须立刻做决定的时候不要让这些不必要的情绪影响到你内心的感觉。这是你对未来的长远的打算,今年将会是你发展自己良好的人际关系的最佳机会。最后的两个月份你将会表现地更加乐观,甚至是在提醒你,不要过分地依赖他人,太多的依赖不会让你走向成功。

2012年射手座的活力方面

这一年,这是所有通向外界的必经之路, 2012年你将超越全新的自我。火星方面将会与木星结合,使你拥有用之不尽的力量,如果你选择徒劳地离开,这是不太可能使你缺乏能量的。你不太可能受到土星的影响而改变自己原有的方向,你将会精力充沛地完成每一件事情,在你的眼中把事情做到最好就是最终的目的。而更多的还是涉及到你的生活方向,日常生活中的锻炼会让你保持精力充沛!你将不得不经常地锻炼,从另一方面来说,当你有着积极心态的时候不要唤醒你先天缺失的弱点。特别要注意你的肝脏以及身体内部的各个肠道的平衡。你的食物将会非常地适合自己,如果你想调试自己的身体状况,那就要多吃一些绿色的蔬菜及一些谷物,特别是在冬季的时候,补充身体的能量是保持活力的最好方式。




2012年十二生肖总运程

2012年十二生肖总运程
宇宙有着自己的规律,人受着天体的影响,也在按一定的轨迹运行。人生有运,这个“运” 就是人体和自然的规律,如一年四季,春夏秋冬,寒来署往,周而复始。一天有二十四小时,这是众所周知的。人的属相也同样是一种规律,而且是有序的,如一年有十二个月,一天有十二个时辰,人体有十二藏腑和十二经脉,因此人有十二个属相,每个属相都是按照固定的顺序排列的,如子鼠丑牛寅虎卯兔辰龙巳蛇午马未羊申猴酉鸡戍狗亥猪,每过十二年这些属相循环一次,与十二个月循环一样。2012年是壬辰年,太岁走到我们所说的龙年。我们知道每年都有一些人犯太岁,在这一年中他们会非常不顺利的。小人横生,事业受阻,财运不畅,烦人事特多。严重的会大破家财,婚姻出问题,企业倒闭,或者是出现各种意外灾祸等。但是也会有一些人在这一年特别的顺利,运势旺盛,所以在今年我们应该把握好自己趋吉避凶的原则,让吉祥更多,远离不顺。



2012年运气最好的生肖、把握事项——
第一名 鸡
属鸡的人在同年龄层中,会希望自己是最强最棒的,不仅特别在乎自尊,更在意面子问题,就算在家吃泡面,出去外面一定也要是光鲜亮丽、引人注目,在这样不服输的心态下,属鸡的人对金钱、理财以及投资也就会有自己一套独到的见解,不会随波逐流,并靠着自己的理财哲学拼命赚钱。他们大多财运通达,少有穷途末路的窘境。属鸡的人有明确而细心的理财观念,如果他们能将金钱的追求也作为生活信念的话,成为一个首屈一指的大富翁是没问题的。

第二名 鼠
属鼠的人财运总体来说还不错,拥有终生不会为钱财烦恼的运气,他们善于社交,交际范围广泛,因而总是在经济上有好机会,同时也能得到他人金钱方面的帮助。属鼠的人天生对数字就狠敏感,只要看到钱或闻到钱味,他们就特别有兴趣,这样的人在年轻的时候可能不是学习财经理财相关的,但他们就是狠有兴趣去专研这一块领域内的东西,如此难得的天赋,让他可以利用钱滚钱来赚取更多财富。而且,属鼠的人中年以后,大多能获得意外之财。

第三名 猴
属猴的人财运甚佳。因钱财比他人来的容易,所以花起钱来也大方,不懂得开源节流,容易挥霍无度,把钱化的精光。属猴之人由于机灵聪慧,具有不拘泥于任何事物的豪爽个性,不时会受到意想不到的恩惠。中年以后由于家庭负担日重,所以要以平实稳健的态度,料理一切事务,最好能够养成每天记账的习惯。属猴的人为了预防万一,应该努力养成储蓄的习惯。若能找到善于理财的伴侣,那是再好不过的事了。


2012年运气最弱的生肖、注意事项——
1、龙

本命年就是与当年的太岁地支相同,今年是龙年,当然属龙的就与太岁相同了。也就是你与你的领导平起平坐了,把自己看的太高了,不知道自己处于什么位置了。去做领导才能做的事情,发号施令,领导的地位受到了威胁,那领导肯定是不干的,他会想尽一切的办法来整你的。最后受伤的还是你自己,因此一定要小心为事。同时还要记住本命年中小人多。

2、狗

今年的太岁为龙,在地支当中戌与辰相冲,戌也就是狗,狗来冲龙也就是冲太岁,反过来也是被太岁冲,双方互冲因此属狗的人今年特背。你整天冲撞你的领导,与领导对着干,让领导的威望扫尽没有面子。那他肯定是不会干的,当然受伤的是你而不是领导。反过来他也会冲撞你,因为你俩今年是互冲。如果领导冲撞你,看你不顺眼,你反过来顶撞,不顺从那你更没有好果子吃了,不把你整倒才怪呢。因此今年属狗的人不顺利,同时还要提防小人在背后作祟。


3、兔

害太岁就是属相与今年的太岁相害,地支中卯辰相害,因此今年属兔的人害太岁。害就是破害的意思,与人不和,易遭人误解,或者遭小人破害。性质与刑太岁一样,因此属兔之人在今年也要特别注意自己的所做所为,不利于自己和他人的事一定不能做,否则到时吃亏的肯定是自己。

以上三个属相今年是相当不利的,俗语云“太岁当头坐,无福恐有祸。太岁现身来,无疾恐破财。人在家中坐,祸从天上落”。除了自身要多注意一些外,最好还得进行化解,这样才能做到防患未然。

2012年财运最好的生肖——
1、鸡

属鸡之人今年的财运增长会相当的快,上半年有好的运势,下半年同样也有好的运势。但要记住冬季是于你不利的,遇事都是开始好,越到最后越对你不利,有时也会因此出现分歧,矛盾这都很正常。只要你是以一颗诚实态度对待就行。下半年会有一些偏财出现,可以投资些股票、彩票之类的,今年可以投资一些基金,到时会有一些不错的收益。但千万不要认为有偏财就去赌博,那种心态是完全不对的,不但钱挣不来,最后还会影响工作和事业的。

2、鼠

今年对于属鼠之人来说可谓是吉星高照。进财方面是多种渠道,四面八方。这都是与你平时的积极努力有关系的,提职加薪是小事,更主要的是你为今后的事业起了一个好头。事业心上可以进行全方位的合作,除了正财之外,今年还会有偏财出现。因此可以投资一些基金,或者是其它有价值的一些投资都可以。平时多听一听理财讲座,将自己的钱财合理的进行投资分配。同时还要合理地控制支出,因你的支出一年是个很大的数字,省下的钱可以投资到别的方面,也许会带来更大的利益。

3、猴

属猴之人今年的财运不错,过完年就会有明显的感觉。在单位中由于你的能力极强,为公司带来了大量的利益。同时你也与上司关系处的很好,因此提职加薪这是正常的了。就连跳槽之人也能找到高薪水的工作。由于今年属猴之人的运气好,因此会感觉到财运明显上升。不光是正财来的大,偏财方面也会大有收获。今年所有的投资都有了回报,因此你一定要有一个清醒的头脑,为每一步发展都提前做好计划,特别是资金的使用方面更要如此,只有这样才能全面发展。



2012年事业最好的生肖——
1、牛

属牛的人士今年各方面运势相当不错,各个方面都会有很好的发展。在今年运势较为顺畅,事业的发展能够如鱼得水,发展大吉,精心经营,与对手的竞争中赢的可能性较大,宜好好把握机会。财运方面非常理想,正财和偏财都得,可以投资一些基金,或者是其它有价值的一些投资都可以。有时间多看一些这方面的书。最终自己也能创造更多的发财机会,这是最主要的。事业上会上一个新的台阶,工作上会顺风顺水,一路高升。身体方面强壮无比,只是平时多注意腰和肾脏方面的保健就行。感情方面如沐春风,非常融洽,异性缘佳,感情易三心两意,不专一,这样不但于对方不利,其实也是对自己的不负责任。

2、蛇

属蛇之人今年的运势会延续上一年的好运,各个方面都会取得不俗的成绩来。工作上节节高升,有德高望重的人物来提拔。事业方面会有新的转折点而令你突飞猛进。上半年的财运略好于下半年,全方位的投资令你财源广进,正财和偏财均得。可以尝试着投资一些基金、股票之类的,会有不错的回报。今年的花销同样是大的,主要都是用事业上了。不过在年终时也会有诸多的困阻出现,可能会有一些意想不到的事情发生,这些都需要你提前做好心理准备。感情上丰富多彩,单身人士上找到自己的另一半。身体健康方面没有什么问题,要注意心脏及肝胆等方面的保健。

3、猴

属猴之人今年的运气开始好转,因得太岁六合星拱照,做事会一帆风顺,遇事多得贵人相助,财源广进,生意兴隆。因此可以利用这个大好的时机,实现快速发展。工作上正是你平步青云,大展宏图之时。财运方面还可以,正财偏财都有收入,可以做一些股票进行投资或者是投资房地产均可。因此也不是什么事都顺利,主要影响身体健康和夫妻感情,身体健康方面尤其要注意皮肤、肾脏和消化系统。一般都是佩带吉祥物进行化解。感情方面在二月和八月犹其不利,容易因一些家庭小事引起争执,严重者有分手之相,因此千万不可当儿戏,应学会自己调控情绪。



2012年犯小人、口舌是非的生肖——
1、龙

今年是龙年这对于属龙的人来说是属相与流年太岁相重了,民间把这种情况叫做本命年。俗话说,太岁当头坐,无福恐有祸。中国人很忌讳这一年,因为绝大多数人在本命年中都会出现不顺,小人出来捣乱,工作或者事业上出现重重阻碍,严重者会出现灾祸,这些人在今年要特别注意感情婚姻,身体健康和破财灾伤。在这里提醒老师提醒大家,属龙的人今年千万注意化解犯太岁之不利。

2、狗

属狗之人今年的运气不是很好,因为今年的太岁是辰土,而属狗之人的属相地支是戌,辰正好冲戌,也就是说属狗之人今年犯害岁,是另一种意义上的犯太岁。一定要在年初做好化太岁工作。犯太岁之年一般都是不太顺利,工作或事业中会出现诸多的阻碍和麻烦,这些都需要你小心应对,逐一去化解。稍有不慎就会导致前功尽弃,一年的努力付诸东流。越是在不顺的时候越会出现小人,事业上也会出现一波三折,反反复复,今年千万不可进行大规模的投资。另外今年把心态放正,万不可做一些触犯法律的事情,那样你后悔都来不及。工作人员应以和为贵,低调做人,处理好人际,免得招来不必要的麻烦。

3、兔

属兔之人今年的运势也不是太好,主要是因为属兔之人今年害太岁。因兔的地支为卯木,而今年的太岁为辰土,辰卯相害。相害则主冲突、伤害等易发生于属兔之人不利的事情。特别是农历二月和三月,更要注意,千万不能做一些违犯法律的事情。今年害太岁不吉,各方面要多加小心,老师提醒大家化太岁一定不能忽视。工作上宜采取守势,万事小心谨慎,在人际关系上要雅量容人,做事留有余地,否则易招致失败。交友要注意,今年极易交上那些不三不四的朋友,会给你带来灾难的。财运上今年相当不好,不是很稳定,求财费力,而且到处耗财


2012年姻缘最好的生肖配对——
情感运是家庭运势的重要指标之一,不但影响双方感情还直接影响到家庭的运势。俗话说“家和万事兴”,此话一点不假,只有家庭和顺,家庭的事业运势才会好转。否则你说这样做,他说那样做,老也没有统一思想,即使按照一方的思想去做了,另一方老是不大力支持,你想这样下去事业能干好吗?所以情感运是一个家庭是否幸福的最重要的指标。
1、马

对于属马之人来说,马的地支为午,五行属火,属马之人今年犯桃花的机会更大,单身之人可以,要是己婚人士要千万注意了,不能因桃花影响夫妻双方的感情。可以把桃花转变成人缘,这样还利于工作一举二得。

2、蛇

对于属蛇之人来说,蛇的地支为巳,因此龙年对于属蛇之人来说虽说犯桃花,但桃花却与自己属相相害,这就是人们所说的烂桃花。如果这种桃花招来可能就会因情生灾,给自己带来不利,因此在交往时一定要注意这个问题。也不是所有属马之人都会遇到这个问题,只是说发生这种概率的事要高。己婚人士更要注意,以防止第三者出现破坏家庭幸福。

3、羊

对于属羊之人来说龙年属羊之人的桃花运是相当大的,而且成功率相录高,几乎是有一个成一个。这对于单身人士来说是在好不过的消息了。如果对于女士来说,在与异性相处的过程中一定要先了解对方的情况之后在做决定,不要盲目地做决定,因为桃花星多少对你有些克性。

Saturday, August 6, 2011

"In any realm of life—whether academic, social, business, or political—the only way to succeed is to take a practical, rather than an idealistic, point of view. Pragmatic behavior guarantees survival, whereas idealistic views tend to be superceded by simpler, more immediate options."

Ever-wondering, why US has the best renowned University in the academic realm? The answer lies in their pragmatic approach. For century-long, US-educational based system has outlined the different mainstream students to be independent, creative, critical thinking and the most upfront emphasize is the on-hand experience in the field of exploration. Taking the Go-Cart competition would best to describe. Each year, Mechanical faculty from amongst the University authorities would send out their best craftsmanship result by students for competition. Each student not only undertakes the analysis on Mechanical Stress, outsource the material, but also to the late-stage of assembly, testing and evaluation of their Go-Cart performance. Since then it would spur the students’ interest to participate actively in mini-group projects but also translating the theoretical formula into the realistic and workable project as a whole.
Neither, a caliber political leader should deal with his diplomacy in idealistic manner but in the pragmatic approach instead. When a catastrophe occurs, he should be first prompting for the action, extending his help to the needed victim and minimized the destruction-impact caused by natural disaster. In 2009, when BP failed to contain the leak oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, Barack Obama as a President of the United States quickly held an immediate closed-door party with BP’s top management. After several meetings, BP has reached the concession to pay mounting oil spill claim at USD20million in 4 years and agreed to scrambling the next bid before due date. From this perspective, Barack Obama could have won his next presidency campaign because of his agility to react with sudden-alerted situation, but also in ensuring financial safeguard to the affected vital-lifeline fishing villages.