I’d never really thought of it in those terms before, I’m not sure many people outside of academics would, but it’s true and a great starting point to do something about it. If you’re stressed remember, according to the experts, it’s "the consequence of a failure to respond appropriately".

If it’s the result of a "failure to respond appropriately" then all you need to do is to respond appropriately and no more stress! This could be the shortest article I’ve ever written but it’s not that easy is it?

Yes and no, it is a case of responding appropriately to any situation but how do you guarantee doing that each and every time?

How do you currently handle stress in your life? Typical answers to this will include:

• Smoking
• Drinking too much
• Over or under eating
• Withdrawing from contact with people
• Using pills or drugs to relax
• Sleeping too much
• Procrastinating or filling up every minute of the day so you never actually have to face making decisions
• Taking it out on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence)

Not good, productive or healthy so we accept we need to do something about it. If you have ways of coping that are more positive and healthy like exercise then DON’T STOP doing those things even when you don’t feel the stress in the same way, just enjoy them for what they are beneficial activities.

If you’ve tried Cosmic Ordering in any way you’ll have been told the importance of intent and how you really must intend to improve your life and alongside that how important positive thinking is. Both of those things will help you train your mind to respond appropriately because the appropriate response will yield a positive outcome for you and naturally less stress.

What is special about using Cosmic Ordering to reduce stress is that less stress is actually a by product of the process you don’t even need to be ordering less stress in your life to benefit. The process of Cosmic Ordering itself will attune you to a more positive mindset, let’s revisit the steps:

Step 1 – Place your order (write it down if you wish) – OK this one may not reduce your stress levels but since this is step 1 of your new more positive, happier life and once you truly believe that you’re well on your way to a less stressful existence.

Step 2 – Use affirmations/mantras to boost your manifesting abilities – these affirmations are all about positivity and a if you’re thinking in that way you’re more likely to respond appropriately to any situation since you know the outcome will be good for you.

Step 3 – Love yourself, love your own reflection – once you master this, what is there to be stressed about? You are who you are and you love being you.

Step 4 – Be grateful – an attitude of gratitude is important – all of the steps build on each other and being thankful for what you’ve got rather than envious of everyone else will also relieve stress.

Step 5 – Believe, believe in you and believe you are worthy of receiving – and believe you will get a positive outcome to any situation as you are in control.

Step 6 – Receive – accept your order – and notice how much less stress there is in your life.

So use the power of Cosmic Ordering to improve your life and whilst you’re doing that notice how much less stress you feel and how each and every response your make is geared toward a positive outcome for you.

Carole Davies is a Cosmic Ordering Expert with more years experience in Cosmic Ordering and the power of positive thinking than she is happy to admit. http://www.caroledavies.com

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Computer Games – Not those complicated strategy games that take a great deal of concentration to play, save those for another time. Instead try simple, easy to understand games that can just be a pleasant way to while away your lunch hour and distress. Whatever operating system your computer runs it will come with a few built in – Minesweeper and card games like Solitaire are the most common.

When you are bored of those you can head online where you will find hundreds of free flash games that are as absorbing as they are simple to master. These games load quickly in your browser and run the gamut from puzzlers like Bejeweled to great stress relievers like Whack-a-Mole.

Cards – An old fashioned game of solitaire using real playing cards can be a great way to exercise your mind and take it off your troubles for a few minutes. It is not a hard game to master but it can be very engrossing.

Darts – Whether you are aiming for a regular target or you have added a photo to the dart board the physical action of throwing darts is an easy way to bust stress. If you want an office dart board though for safety’s sake, choose one with Velcro darts rather than the real thing. They are usually readily available in the local dollar store.

Crosswords and Sudoku – Low tech for sure, but still terribly effective stress relievers. Switching your focus from worrying about your problems to puzzling over a word or number challenge can be a great way to while away a lunch hour and a very inexpensive hobby in general.

These are just a small sample of ideas and ways to get a healthy break from the daily stress that we all deal with and that we all need a break from. The key to take the time and to give yourself a time to recharge your batteries with some fun and easy and inexpensive (or free) ways to get that needed break.

To learn more about this and other related topics please visit VideoLifeLessons.com which specializes in all topics related to improving one’s lifestyle by providing education, encouragement and inspiration to enhance your life.

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Here is how: Frustrations can indicate that you need to take a step back. We start things when we have fresh minds, but as time pass things become complex and sometimes we find road block and fall into frustration. That is the right time to stop and take a step back to look at the big picture.

Take the time to find out the original goal and see if you are still on the right path. You may determine that you have some way started a road you never actually intended to go. Take your time and re-think is it correct goal that you want to achieve and I assure you that you will find that you have saved yourself a lot of time, effort, and money on something you did not want to be involved with anyway.

Right time to brainstorm

Working on a plan not so easy. When we start a thing we take them casually. We just think of a solution and go for it but when we run into frustration, it is right to do brainstorm and find new opportunity. You will find most cost effective opportunities available by taking some time to do some research.

The benefit of brainstorming is that you may discover a far better idea than the initial plan.

You need a solution

If you can take a break and come to look the situation from a new viewpoint, you may find that the issue was not genuinely as big of a deal as you initially considered.

Tools for you

If you can think of your frustrations as chances then you will be far ahead of those that just leave whenever problems come. Always keep in mind that every sky has silver lining. Think of barriers as silver linings for your goals and you will be amazed at what solutions all of a sudden appear. Your assurance to achieve your final desires will increase as you now know you have incredible power. Your destination just become much closer than you thought and all because you knew frustrations are really valuable tools.

Jennifer has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in family matters and organizing other fun events, you can also check out her latest website http://www.emeraldcutengagementringsshop.com on emerald cut engagement rings which reviews and lists the best emerald cut engagement rings.

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Sometimes our way of coping with stress is to rely on the bad habits that we have developed. This means that as you change habits you need to develop other ways to cope with the stress in your life.

In order to make your habit change work you can try some, or all, of these habit breaking tricks:

1. Awareness. Be aware of the triggers that cause stress in your life. Is it a particular part of your work? The people in your life? Trying to fit too many things into your day? Money worries? Once you are aware of these triggers then you can begin to work on reducing your levels of stress.
2. Symptoms. Listen to your body and know how stress affects you. Do you become irritated easily, have trouble relaxing or sleeping or find that you catch every cold that comes into the office?
3. Exercise. Our bodies are made for moving. The cravings you may have when stressed to light a cigarette or eat that block of chocolate are usually physical prompts of an entirely different nature. You may think your body is telling you to treat yourself and buy that expensive new dress and shoes and handbag when in reality your body is trying to tell you to get moving.
4. Relax. Work out which method of relaxation works best for you. You may prefer to do something quiet like a yoga class or it may be that something more active is what you need like doing a circuit class. Smokers be aware that nicotine stimulates brain cells so if you thought smoking relaxed you its time to think in a different way.
5. Deep breathing. This is a great trick to use anywhere. Simply take a deep breathe in your nose and breathe slowly out through your mouth. Repeat at least 5 times.
6. Get organised. Create a stress reduction plan for yourself using the triggers that you have identified above and the methods that you have are discovered best for you. Review that plan to ensure that it is working as you need.
7. Seek help. If stress gets too much for you then seek help. Find a friend who is good at listening or contact a coach. I have found coaching invaluable when I have dealt with stressful periods in my life as your coach will be non judgment.

Although it may not feel like it at times, you do have choices in your life and can take charge of the things that are causing you stress. Focus on the things in your life that you can control and change and let go of those parts of your life that are outside of your control.

Andrea Jordan is the Author of "Habit Breaking Facts: How to Change Your Bad Habits, Forever!" (now available electronically). Andrea is also a Corporate Lawyer and a Coach.

If you would like to learn more of her coaching tips about making lasting changes to your bad habits and creating a healthier lifestyle then visit http://www.habitbreakingfacts.net for more information and a FREE chapter of her book.

(C) 2010 Andrea Jordan. All rights reserved

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Unrelenting stress, whether it is concerns about finances, job stress or the over-committed responsibilities can occur on a daily basis, can mean that the fight or flight response can be activated most of the time.

This chronic stress can be harmful to your health and well being. This makes dealing with stress a priority for you.

One of the first steps to managing stress to know what is causing your stress.

The old adage that "You can’t fix a problem until you can recognize the causes" is true of stress management as well!

Whether it is the long commute to work, the irate boss complaining about deadlines or concerns about how you are going to pay the next bill, it is important to identify those causes of stress in your life.

By identifying your stressors, even if they are daily hassles and how you react to them, can give you the objective information to deal with stress.

In essence once you know your causes of stress, the things that trigger that stress and how you react to them – you are in a better place to manage your stress in an appropriate manner.

In my practice I find that different people like different stress management techniques, and that some of these are more useful in certain situations than others.

For example, identifying financial stress as a cause of stress allows you to put in place budget strategy and debt consolidation to manage your finances. Whereas if you get stressed about the long commute to work then this may represent an opportunity to practice your breathing exercises.

However, like any skill, whether it is learning to play tennis or to drive a car – stress management techniques take practice. But the good news is that you can develop a suite of techniques to cope with stress that you can use at just about anytime.

I have taught these stress management techniques to elite athletes to use just before a major race, barristers in the middle of their presentations, and airline pilots and surgeons who have complex decisions to make in limited amounts of time.

The point is that stress management techniques can be used just about anywhere by anybody to reduce stress.

Some of these techniques include:

Relaxation exercises. At the physiological level relaxation exercises counter the stress response. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxation exercises such as various breathing exercises, autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation can clear the mind and relax the body.

Guided imagery. Imagery involves re-creating a relaxing scene (if relaxation is what you want?) with all your body’s senses. For me a relaxing scene usually involves a beach, where I can smell the salt air, feel the sand between my toes, the sun on my face and can hear the waves lapping the shore.

Having a scene that you can go to, that is familiar and serene, can be a very useful tool to manage stress or facilitate performance.

Time management skills. If you have a to-do list as long as your arm and you are feeling pressured by a lack of time then you are not alone. Planning and prioritizing may be a way to deal with this increasingly common cause of stress.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies is to draw up a to-do list the night before for next day’s activities and start with your most important activity first.

Exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and the incidence of depression. But exercise also promotes good health and well being. In terms of stress, one of the benefits of exercise is that it relaxes the muscles and rids your body of the excess stress products that can accumulate. Exercise is basically making use of the fight or flight response that is activated during stress.

These are just some of the many strategies that you can use to take control of stress.

Kell is a registered psychologist who works with elite athletes, students and business professionals in the area of stress management for peak performance.

Stress is becoming a significant problem that affects all areas of life – in fact the World Health Organization called stress a "global epidemic".

The following relaxation techniques can help you to take control of stress and relax your mind and body.

Don’t be passive to the effects of stress. Choose to take control of stress today by using these stress management tips in your life.

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A person goes to the psychologist and says, "Doc, I am having a problem. One day, I think I am a teepee. The next day, I think I am a wigwam. And then it is back to teepee the following day. This just keeps having over and over. Teepee, wigwam, teepee, wigwam. What’s wrong with me?

The doctor says, "It is actually quite simple. Too tents."

HAHA! Get it? You can probably imagine why this is one I remember, since being ‘too tense’ has appeared maybe once or twice in my life and kept me from being positive and productive. Maybe you’ve been too tense a time or two as well. Just sayin’….

From the time we were little kids, my youngest brother would sometimes warn my other brother and me that he was feeling ‘tensey,’ i.e., "too tense/tents." We knew when he said this that we needed to settle down, back off, or otherwise keep from adding to his tension. I would love to tell you that we were all such loving children that we always did that, but in general, we did. John and I knew that when David said this, it was a warning and a statement that thoughtful people would heed.

What do you need to say when you’ve gotten too tense? Frankly, I use the word "tensey" with my husband to let him know (in case he hasn’t already figured it out) that I’m feeling a bit over the top. What do you say (or do you even notice?) And what does your tension come from? May I suggest that you

Distinguish whether your tension is coming from an expectation about yourself that is distant from who you really are.

There’s a Chinese Proverb that states,

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."

Many people’s tension at the "holiday" time of the year comes from ridiculous and irrational expectations about food, gifts, appearance, attendance, accomplishment, priorities, and pretty much everything else. It’s nuts, I say!

Now, this is not to say that you shouldn’t travel during the holidays, that you shouldn’t get together with family or friends, or that you shouldn’t give gifts. But here’s the question:

Are you doing what leads to calm, positive interactions or are you doing what leads to insane, inauthentic get-togethers, with the thought of lots of re-gifting afterwards? You’re the only person who can make that determination. I’m not Scrooge. I just listen to people who bemoan ‘having to go here,’ ‘having to do that,’ stressing about this, and so forth. If you’re getting together with friends for the holidays, then they are your friends when you’re relaxed. If they aren’t and they’re only friends with you when you’re tense and being someone else, then….hmmm…think about it.

I encourage you to truly distinguish whether you are being YOU or are being someone else. If it’s been so long since you were yourself without tension, then this could take awhile to find yourself. Take that time… You might really like what you find.

And if you are well aware that you – or those around you – are a bit freaked-out (to one degree or another) and you can see that it is taking a toll, then you’re invited to join the Staying Positive Society where you can access tools for yourself or your team. Here’s where you can find out all about it:

** http://www.StayingPositiveinaFreakedoutWorld.com

We have a positive group and would love to have you join us.

(c) 2010 Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. | The Ph.D. of Productivity(tm) | http://www.meggin.com

Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. works with smart people who want to consistently keep their emphasis on excellence.

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Stressful situations are not something that you can avoid at work; however, there are many helpful techniques that can help you to reduce work stress. Many work related stress situations cannot be avoided. However, there are also many that can be. Here are some tips to help you deal with stress at work.

1. If your workload is too heavy, is it possible for you to delegate some of your tasks to another coworker? Many times by just having somebody else do a few of your daily tasks; you can lesson the pressure on yourself.

2. While you are sitting at your desk, try doing some simple breathing exercises or stretches to relieve muscle tension and stress.

3. If your boss is getting on your nerves, when he or she walks away, take a minute to calm your nerves. Why not picture your boss naked, falling down, getting yelled at by their boss or anything else that could give you a little chuckle. Sometimes just by picturing your boss in embarrassing situations, you start to realize that they are just as human as you are and this can help you to reduce work stress.

4. Try to calm down. Take a few minutes to go in the restroom and splash cool water onto your face. Try listening to some quiet relaxing music. Spend a few minutes talking to a friend on the phone to help you get your nerves under control.

5. Exercise during your lunch break. Maybe going for a walk through the park could help you release some stress. Another great stress reliever could be to go play a game of handball or racquetball to help get some frustration out. Why not take up kickboxing and every time you kick or punch imagine your boss or somebody at work that is getting on your nerves and causing you stress. By simply taking time during your lunch break this will help reduce work stress so, you can get back to work feeling calm and ready to handle the rest of the day.

Follow the tips above and see if this helps you to reduce work stress. The more you practice stress-reducing techniques, the easier it will get each time. Remember that stress can cause many health problems so it is well worth your time to pay attention to these symptoms of stress and to deal with them as quickly as you can.

Visit the Official Website for: 48 Hour Stress Relief
Having Problems with Anxiety? Visit: How to Stop Worrying

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One simple form of meditation, requires you to sit in a quiet room, either on a pillow, or cross-legged on the floor, or in a comfortable chair, making sure your spine is straight. It is advised that you use the same place every day. It is also suggested that you personalize your spot, by beautifying it with candles, flowers, and pictures of the people that you love.

The idea is to sit quietly, with your eyes closed, and focus on a point inside of your forehead. Try not to think of anything in particular, but don’t try ‘not’ to think either, allowing your mind to become calm, and peaceful. If you find that your mind is ‘chattering’, don’t try to control it, just let it finish what it is that it is working on, it will eventually quiet down. It is also recommended for beginners to begin with ten to twenty minute sessions, each day. After awhile of doing this, you will start to feel deep relaxation and joy during these sessions.

The first step to this self-hypnosis is to sit in a quiet, comfortable spot, making sure you are facing a wall about eight feet away from you. Pick a spot or object on that wall, and make that spot or object your focal point. Looking at your focal point, begin counting backwards from 100, one number for each breath you exhale. As you do this, imagine yourself floating, and feeling very relaxed. You will begin to  feel your eyelids getting heavy, and may begin to blink. Let your eyes slowly close, and as you continue to count backwards, imagine yourself as limp as a ragdoll, totally relaxed, and floating in a safe and comfprtable place. Stop counting, and just float in your space. If any disturbing thoughts should come while in your space, just let them flow out again, and allow yourself to continue to feel safe and relaxed. This technique can help you to cope with stress, and discharge the tension that accumulates during stressful situations.

When you are ready to come out of this self-hypnosis, you can either let yourself drift off to sleep, or you can count from one to three and exit. First, count one, and get yourself ready to exit. At two, take a deep breath, and hold for a few seconds. At three, exhale and open your eyes slowly. As you open your eyes, continue to hold on to that relaxed and comfortable feeling.

You may then want to increase the length of your sessions to thirty minutes, or maybe even an hour. In our highly active lifestyles of today, it is imperative that we include a brief time for meditation in our daily schedule.

When A colleague’s idea is chosen over yours, do you:
a. Dismiss her as the boss’ favourite.
b. Assess the merits of her plan and learn from it.
c. Debate with her after the meeting is over on why your idea is better.

When making holiday plans, do you:
a. Let your husband decide – it’s his turn anyway.
b. Hold a family pow-wow to decide on a destination that everyone likes.
c. Do the research, ticket and room bookings as well as plan the itinerary.

Your child cannot read very well at age two. Do you?
a. Blame the maid for letting him watch too much TV.
b. Ask around for advice from friends about their experiences.
c. Arrive at the child development clinic with a detailed report of your own assessment.

When your child talks to you about a composition problem, do you:
a. Tell him that it’s nothing he can’t handle on his own.
b. Talk over ideas and leave him to write his piece.
c. Write the essay for him

When you’re down in the dumps, your philosophy is:
a. Retail therapy is sooo great!
b. Thank goodness for friends I can call.
c. Checking my bank balances will make me feel better.

When it comes to money, your philosophy is:
a. Terrorism makes life uncertain – spend while I can.
b. Credit card bills should not be too shocking – spend within my means
c. Current money – manager software is inadequate – I should build my own tracking analyses tools.

Score.
Mostly As.
You’re laid – back. Watch that you’re not burying your head in the sand about some problems though, as you may have the tendency to brush things off.

Mostly Bs.
Keep it up, team player. But don’t be afraid to voice your opinions and assert your views because people welcome them.

Mostly Cs.
Control freak alert. If you spread yourself too thin, you’ll stress out – and probably burn out. Read the section on “Lighten Up – Without Giving Up” for tips on how to relax and let go a little!

Juggle Bungle – that’s just what you want to avoid. The kids have tests coming up, you need to train the new maid, there’s a pile of office assignments to complete. And next month’s holiday air – tickets haven’t been booked, the boss wants ideas for the new account, you need to pick up the dry – cleaning…
What’s a woman to do? Manage everything, of course!
So you issue lists to your husband, call your kids, email your colleagues, take notes, make more lists, trying to do it all… and then you find out that they’ve been calling you a micro – manager – bossy, demanding, interfering, or worst of all, a “control freak”!
What’s more, all this organising can be very stressful. You may find yourself grinding your teeth, not sleeping well, and even developing a fast heartbeat. There’s also the risk of developing hypertension, heart attacks and peptic ulcers.
Emotionally, you become uptight. And because you are unable to take a break from taking charge, you feel mentally spent and burnt out.
Worst of all, you worry that if you let up for a second, all hell will break loose and you will have failed, as a wife, woman and mother.

Are you too controlling?
“Over – controllers are usually “preoccupied with orderliness, rules and perfectionism”, says Dr Adrian Wang, consultant psychiatrist at the Anxiety and Mood Clinic at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
He points out that some degree of perfectionism or attention to detail is necessary in life – the key is getting the balance right. “For example, I would want my dentist or pilot to be exacting in doing his or her tasks,” explains Dr Wang. “But control becomes a little to much when you must be in control all the time for everything.”

Are you afraid of being hurt?
“People who have been hurt before are another major group of over – controllers. It’s almost as if they’re trying to avoid being hurt again by aiming to be in total control,” adds Dr Ung, who is a consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist at Adam Road Hospital.
Dr Les Parrott, author of The Control Freak, says, “The more anxious a person feels, the more likely she will try to manage it through controlling behaviour. The more in control she feels, the less anxiety she experiences.”
But the irony is, the more you try to control, the more out of control and anxious you can feel. So how can you handle all the responsibilities you have today, yet also relax a little?

Lighten Up – Without Giving Up.
- Decide you want to let go.
“The problem is that most control freaks don’t want to let go of control or perceived power,” says Dr Ung.
- Realise you can.
“Ask yourself honestly, ‘What’s the worst thing that could happen if I don’t do X or Y? Is it that important?’ ” says Dr Wang.
- Do it in small chunks.
“Think about how you could be ‘more balanced’ in a specific area for a start, and try it for a month,” says Dr Ung.
- Allow alternatives.
“Acknowledge that even if things are done another way, they’re not necessarily wrong. It doesn’t make you less or unimportant in any way,” says Dr Wang.
- Listen for a change.
“Listen to the feedback from those who are around you,” says Dr Wang.
- Go one step further.
“If you are over – controlling someone, seek their understanding and forgiveness to help you change,” says Dr Ung.
- Keep a journal.
Review your commitment to track your progress. And reward yourself when you do manage to relax!

The Micro – Managed Office.
- Don’t “hover around your employee’s shoulder” or take back an assigment before she’s had a chance to complete it, advises Sukhvinder Kaur, marketing communications specialist at Kelly Service, a global staffing services company.
- If you are the “victim” or a control freak, don’t simply ignore the problem. But don’t take controller head – on either – especially if she is your boss. Emily Foo, managing director of E. L. Consult Singapore, a Sidney – based HR firm, says, “Head – on confrontation may provoke even more lack of trust. “Instead, clearly list how you’re going to tackle the project, in what steps, and by what time. This may allow her to relax enough to let you get on with it.

to be continued in part 2