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Overcoming fear is something almost everybody could benefit from since we all experience fear. Some fears – like being frightened of a big dog chasing you – are necessary and even beneficial. But most of the fears we experience are pointless and debilitating, and overcoming these fears is an essential part of living an effective and happy life.
There are several steps you can take which will enormously reduce – and often, completely eliminate – your fears.
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Real, deep relaxation is probably something many of us rarely experience. It is a state in which tension is absent from the muscles, and where the mind is at ease, free from worry and negative self-talk. It is, therefore, both a physical and a psychological state.
The physical effects of stress are well documented. One of the main effects of stress in an increase in blood pressure, which can contribute to the development of heart disease and hence increase the risk if associated acute conditions such as stroke.
Being properly relaxed has tangible and clear health benefits – people with so-called ‘type B’ personalities tend to have a lower incidence of heart disease. Being more relaxed will also allow you to concentrate better, give you greater immunity to disease, help you to be more efficient and effective, and reduce pain.
Psychologists have generally taken the view that personality is formed during childhood and that it is does not change much in adults.
This belief is underpinned by a wide range of research into and theories about personality and, although there is an ongoing debate about whether it is more a matter of ‘nature’ or ‘nurture,’ there is little disagreement about the limited extent to which adult’s generally change their personality. Read the rest of this entry »
The Newspaper I was flicking through today carried an article claiming that people in Hong Kong are generally least happy in May and June. This is just the opposite of what I expected since, to me, since summer is associated with holidays and nice, sunny weather. Also, it’s the time I get to go back to the UK to see my family for a few weeks. The cause of these ‘summer blues’ is a bit of mystery. It could be that people get more depressed since there is no long holiday to look forward to – most people here work throughout the summer – and the weather is getting worse – hot, humid and unpleasant with lots of rain and storms.
The Newspaper I was flicking through today carried an article claiming that people in Hong Kong are generally least happy in May and June. This is just the opposite of what I expected since, to me, since summer is associated with holidays and nice, sunny weather. Also, it’s the time I get to go back to the UK to see my family for a few weeks. The cause of these ‘summer blues’ is a bit of mystery. It could be that people get more depressed since there is no long holiday to look forward to – most people here work throughout the summer – and the weather is getting worse – hot, humid and unpleasant with lots of rain and storms.
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William Glasser’s book ‘Choice Theory’ offers a new way of looking at relationships.
His basic insight is that we are free to change ourselves but cannot change anyone else. Even a man with a gun to his head cannot be forced to act against his will.
Because we are free (although perhaps not completely so) to make choices about our own thoughts and actions, it must be true that everyone else has this freedom too, and so we cannot interfere with it.
Because we are free (although perhaps not completely so) to make choices about our own thoughts and actions, it must be true that everyone else has this freedom too, and so we cannot interfere with it. Read the rest of this entry »
Steven Covey’s bestselling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effect People, starts off by telling us that the foundation of an effective life is proactivity.
We’ve all heard about the connection between mind and body, where our mental state can affect our physical wellbeing, sometimes in very profound ways. A recent study shows that laughter – a reflection of a happy mental state – can improve the way blood vessels function.
In the study, blood flow was measured before and after subjects had watched clips from film which induced laughter, or created states if mental stress. The differences were very significant – blood flow increased greatly after subjects had been laughing. The increase in blood flow was due to a change in the inner lining of blood vessels – the endothelium. This lining has many functions, in addition to controlling blood flow – it regulates coagulation and blood thickening and also secretes chemicals in response to the presence of infections. Read the rest of this entry »
“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.” ~Tecumseh
Adopting an attitude of appreciation towards the good things in life makes an enormous difference to levels of happiness. People who make a conscious effort to adopt an ‘attitude of gratitude’ report a greater sense of peace and general well being. Read the rest of this entry »
Hearts & Minds with Walter Jacobson M.D.
Herbal Medicine with Deborah Grant BSc(Hons) Consultant Medical Herbalist
Personal Development with Mark Harrison, M Ed.
CommonSense MD with Kenneth Lin M.D.
Key Nutrition with Millie Barrett BSc(Hons), mBANT