2010 - Welcome

9th January, 2010 - Posted by L. John Mason -

Welcome to twenty-ten (2010). New year, new decade and still we are surrounded by modern stress and anxiety. There is no pill that removes stress, though there are pills that temporarily reduce the symptoms generated by stress. As the world gets more crowded and resources get spread thinner, we must be concerned with things that we have never had to deal with in the past. Good air, good water, even good food seem to be more difficult to obtain. Our bodies are adapting to rapid change and our denial is the only emotional protection that we have and its effectiveness will run out. If we can take our heads out of sand, we can begin the process of self-awareness and self-care that will allow us to be most productive and to improve the quality of our lives… Much easier said than done.

Since 1978, I have seen people respond very well to simple but powerful techniques that assist them in better controlling the way their bodies respond to the onslaught of stress due to technological changes. When stress has taken its toll with panic/anxiety, or headaches, or increased back pain, or stress related digestive symptoms, I have seen motivated people get back in control. They have reduced, if not eliminated, the amount of distraction and waste energy used to generate these symptoms. Sure it takes time and practice. It is not as easy as popping a pill, but it does come without the costs due to side-effects or the price of medications. Breathing techniques, progressive relaxations, Autogenic training, visualization, meditation, self-hypnosis, movement techniques, and biofeedback are some of the tools that can be taught, and then practiced, to get the most positive results.

Now more than ever, we need to find the best formula for our individual requirements and then use this information for preventive care.

The Stress Education Center’s website with articles, archived newsletters, and this blog is a good place to begin the process of self-education. To build the best, tailored program for your life, you may require some additional coaching. As an example, I know that I can file my own taxes but I use a qualified tax preparer to assist me in getting the best results and allowing me to be less stressed about this annual requirement. You may want to use some of the materials that are available for stress management, but remember to not give up easily, it works best when you have tried, and compared, several styles of stress management and then practiced these until you can determine that your body has responded (which is where biofeedback monitoring can be a big help.)

Stress management will not control global warming or improve our air or water supply but it will help us be better focused and make better decisions. Controlling our response to transitions and stress will free up valuable energy and improve our quality of life. Also, let us role model good survival techniques for the next generations whose world will continue to face increasing stressors.

Contact us if you have questions.

Please have a healthy and productive 2010, and beyond!

L. John Mason, Ph.D. (Founder of the Stress Education Center, since 1978)