The conversation on stress reduction therapy begins with lifestyle.

Since work is a reality of life, it makes better sense to organize our day around our work schedule, then to try to cram in as much as possible before we go to sleep.

I try to go to sleep one hour after I get home from work. Then when I wake up I do what I need to do around my home, like laundry, cleaning, and doing some shopping.

There are 24-hour wal-marts and the Internet never closes.

The point is to have a good look at your life and make sure you are eating right, sleeping right, and not running yourself down.

My next point is on depression. I consider depression as a form of stress. The secret to this type of stress is not to make sport of beating up on yourself.

Depression comes from, negative criticism of ourselves, trauma-such as divorce or loss of a love one, biochemistry, and other factors.

Some of these factors can be very serious. Therefore, I must include my disclaimer.

This blog in no way should be consider and alternative to correct therapy. Any person facing personal challenges he or she cannot handle should pursue professional help.

People that can use this information reasonably are encouraged to follow the following instructions.

The correct exercise for depression that is a result of biochemistry is medication. People struggling with this challenge should see an MD for the appropriate prescription.

Needing medication to control behavior does not mean that a person can not use other stress reduction exercises.

Positive verbal reinforcement is a good start. Instead of criticizing yourself negatively, be realistic about your true self and compliment yourself.

You are not a bad person, a looser, or a failure. In addition, life is not going to consume you.

Therefore, do not obsess on the negative. Set realistic goals. Pick your first step. Start little by little.

Beginning to dream is also good. Be realistic about accomplishing your dreams and recognize some dreams require time and effort to accomplish.

Personal relationships need to be approached cautiously. Do not take on too much.
When you take on the challenge of depression you need to start to construct the life, you want on paper and then pick manageable activities to accomplish.

When you evaluate your efforts, be realistic and kind to yourself. We all look at what we are doing in life and see where we can improve.

The key is to not look for excuses to be cruel to yourself.

My next point on stress management is for the ones that suffer from anxiety, frustration and angst.

Three techniques I will write about are breathing exercises, biofeedback, and, recreation.

We have all probably heard about counting to ten and taking deep breathes. It helps if we find a quite place where we can sit. The correct way to breathe is in through your nose out through your mouth.

You should also be concentrating on happy thoughts.

Biofeedback is tied to breathing exercises. Your own body will tell you when you are relaxed. You should notice the tension in your muscles, head, and spirit disappear.

In Biofeedback stress management you are monitoring you body systems for a reduction of tension as you practice relaxation breathing. You want your heart rate and breathing rate to stablelize.

Again, you should be concentrating on happy thoughts.

Recreation is just that. Here I mean reading, listening to music, watching a movie, talking to a friend, making love to your spouse, or any other healthy activity that can relax you.

Have you noticed that goal in stress reduction therapy is to relax. Give yourself a break.

Be nice to yourself. You have good dreams and positive goals. Your elements of life are okay.

Spend more time appreciating yourself and enjoying the commodities you have.

Stop looking around for approval. Approve of yourself. Like your self. Do a good job. Organize your life. Be responsible with your money. Focus on the good.

In addition, change your attitude. Most of stress comes from go we perceive life’s events.