Five Ways Exercise Leads to Happiness And Can Change Your Life!

By Dondi A Morgan

We all know that EXERCISE is essentially good for us, but just HOW good is the question? As a matter of fact, one of the most overlooked things people can do to make themselves happier is to exercise on a regular basis. With the daily lives we lead it is a known fact that stress, depression, anger and anxiety can creep on us and begin to compile to the point where we become unhappy with our lives and ourselves. In this article I will give you five amazing benefits on how exercise can increase your happiness and health for you and the entire family.

Many studies have shown that people who exercise on a regular basis benefit from a positive mood boost and show a lower rate of depression. Exercise releases a type of endorphin that makes you happy and with a feel good energy that reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Anxiety, depression and stress go hand in hand and is estimated that 9.5 percent of the U. S population age 18 and older has this type of mood disorder.

Another great way you can benefit from exercise is the ability to gain an improved and stronger Immune System which will help prevent against illnesses. Strengthen your cardiovascular system by exercising on a regular basis. By doing so, it allows the blood circulation to improve making it easier for cells to transport oxygen and nutrients and helps to flush away toxins from muscles and organs. Exercise followed by good nutrition will lessen your chances of susceptibility to disease.

Researchers have found that exercise improves your quality of sleep. Inadequate sleep leads to depression and cardiovascular disease among other health problems. There are many factors that give to an unhealthy sleeping pattern such as stress, unbalanced diet and no physical activity such as exercise. Studies have found that body temperature plays an important part of your good nights worth of sleep. For example, exercise raises your body temperature and it maintains higher for up to six hours, your body needs time to cool down so that you are able to fall asleep faster and comfortably. Having said that people who work out in the early mornings or afternoons will benefit the greatest.

One of the most important benefits gained from exercise is the increase of your self-confidence and self esteem. Exercise generates a sense of accomplishment and self worth. Believe it or not how you carry yourself in public, school or work is a direct reflection on the quality of life you live. Whether it be walking, running, aerobics, strength training, mixed martial arts you will be giving your body and mind a complete makeover. Experiencing the changes your body will endure with consistent exercise or training will change your entire outlook and quality of life because when you look good, you feel good and everyone around you will be able to notice the new and healthier you.

An extraordinary benefit gained from exercise is the ability to be able to control TYPE 2 DIABETES. It is a great way to help you control your weight and blood sugar level. Strength training and resistance training also has a profound impact on helping people manage type 2 diabetes by improving glucose tolerance, improve insulin sensitivity and helps lower your risk for heart disease. Aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming can also help control your blood sugar as well.

In conclusion, on an average sixty-five to eighty-five percent of the world's population fails to exercise. One of the most common excuse we hear is "I don't have time". If it is truly weight loss, better health and happiness you want then there will be no excuses. These benefits are achieved with your ability to take the initiative and find a program and stay consistent, dedicated and strive hard at obtaining your sense of well-being and health. With these unlimited benefits from exercise not only are you adding years to your life but increasing your happiness.

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Helpful Astral Travel Information

By Brian J Daly

If you have always been curious about time traveling then some of this astral travel information will be useful. The first step to understanding astral travel is comprehending what it truly means. Astral projection is an out of body experience, literally. It is when your soul detaches itself from your physical body to travel to different planes.

Throughout the astral state you will still be completely conscious and your mind will continue to function regularly. The only difference is, you will not be doing this from within your physical body. Once you leave your body you may travel to different planes. Astral planes are the location where your thoughts, dreams, memories of loved ones live. It is a place where everything that has happened to you is kept, hence the term time traveling.

Astral travel information is important because it gives those that are hesitant to try time traveling assurance that this is natural and safe. There are no pills to take or no hypnosis. It is just the state where you are half awake and half asleep. Astral travel is best done when you are alone in a quiet room since concentration is very important to be able to successfully travel to a different plane. You may feel vibrations that make you irritable but this is all just a part of the process.

With the proper astral travel information, any one can get a glimpse of their past. All it takes is practice and dedication. This is a good way for some people to gain closure from their past mistakes or previous heartaches. Astral projection gives you a chance to right what was once wrong.

If you want to learn how to do this there are a number of ways to go about it. Everyone has their own belief as to what is the best way to astral project. The foundation of all these theories is a relaxed body and mind. Astral travel information will vary depending on what book you are reading or what website you may have stumbled upon.

If you want to make your experience even more adventurous you can learn about spells. These spells can take you to a particular place or allow you to visit a particular person from your past. It gives you control over what planes you are traveling and how long you will be away from your body. These spells will probably not work the first time you try it because as with most things, you must practice until you get it right.

So if you are interested in learning more about astral travel information there are a few ways to do so. You can enroll in an online or offline class. The price ranges for these classes will vary so if you are not yet sold on time traveling then it would be advisable to just enroll yourself in one of the free courses. Keep in mind that patience is a must when it comes to astral projection. You will not learn how to do it overnight. However, with enough patience you will be able to experience this remarkable out of body experience that is like no other.

Brian is an astral travel publisher. For more great information on astral travel, visit http://www.astraltravelguide.info

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How Do I Learn To Relax?

By Gary T Leske

Some time ago I was studying and working as a Sports Coach. One of the areas in which I became heavily involved was that of Sports Psychology. I not only studied the techniques but I applied them with great effect to the benefit of those I was coaching.

Of even more importance, however, for the purpose of this article, is the fact that I used these techniques in many areas of my personal life. One that I would like to share with you today is how to use a Progressive Relaxation Technique to improve your quality of your life. Progressive Relaxation is the answer to the question "How do I Learn to Relax?"

Progressive Relaxation is also known as Progressive Muscle Relaxation or Progressive Muscular Relaxation - these terms are interchangeable.

Progressive Relaxation has many uses away from Sport - typical examples are to help you with insomnia problems, health issues and stress to name a few. Once you have learnt proper relaxation techniques, then you can move on to meditate with greater effectiveness, and also use self-hypnosis and visualisation in many areas of self-improvement.

HOW DO I EARN TO RELAX?

The first step is to find a comfortable position, preferably lying down. I find that lying on my back on a bed is great for this technique but you may find another place or position that suits you better. This technique could take 15-20mins of your time so make sure that your position is not going to become uncomfortable after a few minutes.

Take a few nice deep breaths and then breathe out very slowly just allowing all of your cares to drift away. There are various alternatives to the next step but I plan to give you the variation that I was taught. At the end of the description I will tell you the variation that I now use.

I want you to imagine that there is a ray of light shining on the toes of your left foot. With your eyes closed just feel this ray of light moving around your toes and the warmth and relaxation that is occurring. Keeping your focus there, just feel all of the tension from your toes vanishing. Spend as long as you like enjoying the feeling.

Now move the ray of light to your left foot. Feel it as it circles around your foot. Let the ankle, the instep, the heel and the bottom of your foot enjoy the warmth and relaxation that is occurring. Again let all of the tension go and just enjoy the sensation for as long as you wish.

Next apply the same technique throughout your left leg. Allow the ray of light to slowly drift up and down and again let the tension all drain from your leg. Now before proceeding further imagine a phantom image of your leg and foot just floating above.

From here you repeat the process for your right foot and leg. Then move to slowly cover the rest of your body....your buttocks, waist, chest, shoulders, neck, scalp, face, arms and fingers.

By the time you reach the end of this procedure all of your muscles should be relaxed and you should have a phantom image of yourself floating above you.

That essentially is the way that you learn to relax using progressive relaxation.

A FEW POINTS TO NOTE

You may wish to spend more time in particular areas of your body. If you are like me and many other people you may carry much of the tension in your neck and shoulders area and this is where I spend a large amount of time when I am relaxing.

When you apply the technique to your face, make sure that your eyes are not tightly shut...just let the eyelids relax. Also slightly part your lips to let the area around your mouth relax.

My experience suggests that the first time that you try this technique one of two things may happen.

1. You fall into a relaxed state very quickly sometimes to the point that you fall asleep well before completing the technique. Do not worry if this happens......it is great (especially if you have trouble normally getting to sleep).

2. You find that your concentration wanders all over the place, you cannot keep your focus and you are very restless. In my experience this is the more common scenario when people are first taught this technique. It is nothing to worry about. Being able to relax is a skill and like all skills it can be learned. To learn a skill usually requires practise and the amount of practise needed will vary with each individual. If you go through this process every day, you will improve your ability to relax within a short space of time.

Once you have learnt the above skill the time needed to enter a relaxed state will decrease rapidly and you can apply it almost anywhere (at the office desk, sitting in your lounge chair, sitting in the sun etc.) I do suggest that you do not use it whilst driving a vehicle (for obvious reasons).

MY VARIATION OF THE ABOVE TECHNIQUE

After I had learnt this technique I thought about using different focus ideas than the 'shining light' process described above. I actually came up with the image of a pair of hands giving me a massage. This works great for me. I start by imaging that my toes are being massaged and then just follow the same thought process as already described. You may prefer to use this imagery to the shining light method.

A FEW FINAL WORDS

Learning to relax is a great skill to have available and is something that you will use in your life over and over again once you have learnt and practised the methods. I have taught this technique to adults and children (especially in developing a relaxed approach to sport) and have seen many positive benefits flow from it in my own and others lives. I trust that this article will help you along the road to learning how to relax and that with a little practice relaxation will become a skill that you can apply as and when needed.

Gary Leske has been trained in Sports Psychology and has used Progressive Relaxation in his coaching methods. One of his pupils, Kathy Gould, was selected to represent Australia in the Common Games team for Table Tennis. He has also used this technique in many areas of his personal life.

With his wife, he has a website focussed on home and family matters. You can visit this site at http://homeandfamilymatter.com

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Suffering Loss: How Massage May Help Those Who Are Grieving

By Elizabeth Serrell

We all experience loss in life. Whether it is the loss of a friend or family member, the loss of a job, an ended relationship, financial loss, the loss of health, or another life-changing circumstance, it affects the entire body in a profound way and can take an emotional AND physical toll. It is not uncommon for those who are under extreme stress or experiencing grief to start losing their hair and to display other physical symptoms of what would appear to be an emotional issue. The body, mind, and soul are irrevocably intertwined and need to be looked at from a holistic point of view, for it is certain that whatever impacts one will surely impact the others.

Being a licensed massage therapist does not mean we are qualified as grief counselors, psychologists, or other mental/emotional health workers, and those in need of professional help should be referred to the proper expert. However, our work encompasses many different areas and affects not only the physical, but emotional health of our clients.

I have been privileged to witness firsthand the tremendous impact that massage can have on those suffering loss. Earlier this year I worked with a female client who would come in on a weekly basis for basic relaxation massage and barely had a tense muscle in her body. That quickly changed as the health of her terminally-ill husband deteriorated and she went through the pain of his death. The stress and emotional toll became evident in her physical body - causing muscle tightness, constrictions in her fascia, and inflammation of her sacral ligaments. Frequent massage and chiropractic adjustments helped her to cope physically, and I believe that massage also helped her emotionally as well. After the loss of her husband, massage sessions would often involve subtle emotional release as evidenced by sighing and occasional tears. Massage assisted her emotional well-being to be able to relax and let go of some of the grief and stress of that time while experiencing a caring touch that might otherwise be missing in her life.

Another client started getting massage MORE frequently after losing his job, despite the seemingly unnecessary financial burden at a time when most would say he should be cutting back. The added stress and tension, along with a desire to take care of himself, brought him in for the relaxation of a full-body Swedish massage with Neuromuscular Therapy on his shoulders and neck to work out the stress-induced knots and trigger points. He obviously viewed massage as more than just a luxury and it helped to brighten his outlook on life in the otherwise gloomy face of being unemployed.

Working with these clients brought invaluable personal meaning to the oft overlooked, emotional impact of massage. Indeed, studies have shown how massage may help with grief and emotional difficulties, lending much needed support during hard times and improving emotional health (1, 2). While some people embrace change, the majority do not deal with it well, especially unplanned and sorrowful transitions. Although everyone experiences and deals with grief in a slightly different way, the benefits of massage to those who are suffering can be quite pronounced.

References:

1. "Soft Tissue Massage: Early Intervention for Relatives Whose Family Members Died in Palliative Care", 2010, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20492048
2. "Research Shows Massage Therapy Benefits Older Clients in Many Ways", 2011, http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=11141&catid=1&title=research-shows-massage-therapy-benefits-older-clients-in-many-ways

07/14/2011

Elizabeth Serrell is a licensed massage therapist and member of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. She has received her Occupational Associate of Science in Therapeutic Massage with a 4.0 GPA. She is the owner of Enduring Health Massage Therapy in Port Charlotte, Florida. Her company website may be found at http://www.enduringhealth.massageplanet.com.

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Martial Arts And The Body-Mind Connection

By Forrest Caudill

BODY/MIND CONNECTION

Writing blogs isn't easy. Especially getting started. The hardest part is finding that first sentence, that first line of thought. However, I've found a way to get the creative writing juices flowing. I usually sit down to write after an intense couple of rounds on the heavy bag. After finishing beating up my stuffing-filled leather opponent I feel renewed and refocused and the inspiration just seems to flow. It's a little trick that's never failed me.

The interesting thing is that this trick is not new. It's been around for at least a few thousand years. Tradition has it that when Bodhidharma made his way to the Shaolin Temple he discovered that the Shaolin monks were, well, weak and puny. They had no outer strength and thus they seemed to struggle with inner strength as well. During meditations in the cold they couldn't help but to frailly chatter and shiver. Bodhidharma put on his personal trainer and martial arts instructor hat and went to work with them, teaching them a grueling and tiresome form of fighting based on the fighting strategies of various animals. Over time the Shaolin monks became known for both their immense inner and outer strength. Bodhidharma knew that the inner world and the outer world are very much related and that improving one gives you more ground for improving the other.

To see this for yourself just ask yourself when you feel the most centered, productive, and able to tap into your potential--after a good night's sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a morning jog? Or perhaps after a late night, a lazy morning, and a junk food breakfast? I'm betting on you picking the first.

Sadly, as a culture we've been taught to deny what's obvious. Many people have turned into floating heads, thinking that their experience of life takes place only in their ability to reason and think. They forget how to feel. They become robots. The zest for life, the adrenaline coursing through blood-rich veins, the fiery passion and excitement are slowly drained out and forgotten. And in its place is given a dimmed down consciousness, a little more numb, a little more stale.

Are you ready to shake off some of the dust that has settled in your system? Are you ready to reawaken all that has dozed off inside of you? It's time to reconnect with your more primitive, animal self. It's time to refresh and renew your body AND your mind. It's time to pick up some weights, go for a run, or show up to that kickboxing class you keep missing. You'll feel better for it and your productivity will jump through the roof.

Sifu Forrest

Sifu Forrest Caudill

Forrest is a certified instructor in two martial arts and runs the Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do school in Austin, Texas. For more resources and information check out his website at http://martialartsaustintx.com

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What Is Descartes Relationship Between Mind and Body?

By Arianna Benson

Rene Descartes was a French philosopher who was born in the late 16th century and lived until 1650, a lifetime in which he delved into various subjects. One subject that he dealt with was called dualism. He indicates that the mind affects the body, but the body can also affect the mind. This mind/body relationship is something that many still believe today, although our thoughts on the subject have evolved. For instance, Descartes believed that animals did not have minds and could not feel pain, and practiced live dissection of animals.

But his belief in the relationship between the mind and body is something that many still consider today. The debate is not dead, but many do believe that a sound mind may contribute to a sound body, and vice versa. Have you ever felt mentally refreshed after exercising, or have you ever felt like you had more energy in the middle of the afternoon if you've exercised in the morning? On the other hand, does relieving stress make you feel more relaxed?

Finding ways of relieving stress can be important during pregnancy or while trying to become pregnant such as during cycles of IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies. Acupuncture may be a good way to achieve this. The reasons for acupuncture's success are not fully understood, but the release of endorphins may have a calming effect that helps individuals relax and relieve stress. Practitioners believe that a life energy that flows through the body may become blocked due to stress, trauma, poor diet or lack of exercise. By placing thin, sterile needles in certain points on the body, practitioners believe that this releases positive energy which pushes out negative energy in the process, thus restoring balance to the body.

Restorative yoga is a type of yoga that involves the use of props like blocks and blankets to assume certain poses. This is a restful exercise that does not require the exertion of any effort. Note that this is not the same as sleeping, however, and there are several benefits associated with it. This exercise may be performed by pregnant women or women who are looking to become pregnant to relieve stress, which may have a positive impact on their overall health and their fertility. Various types of massage may be helpful in relieving stress and may be a part of various mind/body exercises or programs designed to help women looking to become pregnant or who are already pregnant.

Arianna has assembled more information on Mind and Body programs as well as restorative yoga for pregnant women. Have a look at your convenience for relieving stress and how it helps during a pregnancy.

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Change The Voices In Your Head

By Mandy B Anderson

How To Identify The Voices That Keep You Stuck

Ever wish you could quiet the voices in your head?

While spending time with my aunt in a quaint, small town gift shop, we came across a picture that had the following quote on it: "Can I get caller ID for the voices in my head?" I had never seen such a picture before and I immediately laughed out loud as I realized that I identify with this particular message far too often.

On my journey of overcoming cystic fibrosis, PTSD, and every obstacle that comes my way, I have often wished that I could get caller ID for the voices in my own head. I've learned some tricks and tools to help me recognize when I'm listening to the wrong voices, and it's beginning to get easier, but every now and then I accidentally answer the wrong line and find myself in a conversation with someone I'd rather not listen to. Maybe you can relate to some of these voices too...

1. "What Will People Think?!" - This voice is usually high pitched. It also gasps and causes anxiety. This irritating voice calls whenever we're about to take a huge leap of faith that others might scorn at. I've personally gotten to the point now where I can predict when/where this voice will appear so I combat it by telling myself that it doesn't matter what other people think. What matters is what I think, and what God thinks!

2. "Hurry Up Because Your Clock Is Ticking!" - Isn't he a special one? This voice often pops up in the heads of those who are overcoming disease or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that could eventually lead to a pre-mature death. He used to consume my thoughts so much that I willingly played his message over and over again in the back of my mind subconsciously. This voice makes us feel anxious, hopeless, overwhelmed, and ultimately like we're never going to reach our destiny because our lives will be cut short. Can I tell you something? This voice is nothing but a liar from the pit of hell. In fact, when he calls, don't avoid him. Avoiding him makes it worse. Answer his call and boldly demand that he goes back to hell where he belongs! You, my friend, were not meant to live in a life of bondage feeling like you're never going to get there. In fact, it's promised in the book of Proverbs that through God Almighty our days will be many and years will be added to our lives! Speak that over your life the next time this voice tries to tell you otherwise - you'll be surprised what begins to happen when you do!

3. "You Will Never Be Good Enough, But You're So Much Better Than They Are!" - This is the bi-polar voice of comparing yourself to others. She sounds seductive no matter which line she feeds us. First she tells us that we'll never be good enough so that we stay comfortable and small right where we are. Then she slyly points out how we're better than some of the others in our lives. She easily deals out judgment towards those who are doing the amazing things we ourselves wish we could do. She's dangerous, evil, and must be cut out of our lives completely in order to succeed with the dreams in our hearts. The only way we can erase her voicemails and dodge her calls all together is to extend forgiveness. Forgiveness toward ourselves for believing that we aren't good enough; toward others for making us feel like we aren't good enough; and even seeking forgiveness from God for thinking that we were better than other people. (Do you see how messed up this voice is? She's got us believing both sides of a lie so we stay confused and in the dark!)

Truthfully, from time to time we all experience these voices. You're not alone if you've experienced them, and it doesn't have to be this way from this point on. You now have the caller ID of these pesky, worthless voices and you can join those of us who are screening their calls so we can live a life of freedom and true wholeness.

My challenge to you is to make a commitment every day to start changing the voices in your own head. Make your voices like you; make them encourage you and watch what happens in your own life!

I believe in you, and I'm honored to be a part of your journey!

By: Mandy B. Anderson

Born with cystic fibrosis, Mandy B. Anderson's journey of overcoming a life-threatening disease encourages and equips people to rise up and conquer their own barriers in life. She is an inspirational speaker, singer, writer and Juice Plus+®wellness coordinator who shares her life in such a way that you feel like you just spent time with your best friend. Mandy cares about people, and is passionate about helping them overcome their obstacles so they can live their lives in true wholeness. Download your free copy of the E-book "True Wholeness: Lessons Learned On My Journey From Cystic Fibrosis To Total Health" at http://www.mandybanderson.com

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