Empowered Pathways Newsletter

August 12, 2003

Gen Abrams, Publisher
Gen@empoweredpathways.com

..your link to better living
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Welcome!
.. to your "Empowered Pathways" newsletter!

It is my hope that through this newsletter, you will receive
information that will improve the quality of your life.
Included in each issue is information about health,
nutrition, herbals and supplements, simplifying life, living
more frugally, fun, faith, and joy!

It's all about empowerment, stuff that helps you be
in control of your life, your own pathway to better living!

Thanks for subscribing!

Gen (-:

In this Issue:

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Health, Nutrition and Supplements
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Optimal Stress for Optimal Health

Finding and Managing Your Optimal Stress Levels

All of us experience some level of stress all of the time.
For us to function optimally, we need to find our own
individual level of stress that we find comfortably stimulating.
Some people require high levels of stimulation and thrive on
adrenaline, while others prefer life to be steady and calm.
As with anything in life, we must find a balance in carrying
our own individual stress load.

To begin our balancing act, it is important that we have some
definitions to work with - we need to have a baseline of
sorts for our stress level and a clear idea of how we are
currently managing it. Keeping a stress diary is an effective
way of finding out what causes you stress, the level of stress
you prefer, and your effectiveness under pressure.

Your stress diary
A stress diary is simply a place to note your stress levels
and how you feel throughout your day. In particular, note
events you have found yourself feeling stressful . Record
the following information:

At a regular interval, for example every hour, record routine
stress. Note:

• the time
• the amount of stress that you feel (perhaps on a scale
  of 1 to 10)
• how happy you feel
• how efficiently you are working

• What the event was
• When and where did it occur?
• What important factors made the event stressful?
• How stressful was the event?
• How did you handle the event?
• Did you tackle the cause or the symptom?

Once you have discovered the stress level you are happiest
with, and understand what triggers unpleasant stress, make
an action plan to control it. Some elements of this action
plan will be actions you are going to take to contain, control
or eliminate problems that are causing you stress. Other
parts may be health related such as taking more exercise,
changing your diet, or improving the quality of your environ-
ment. It may also cover stress management techniques that
you will employ when stress levels begin to build.

Your Action Plan for Optimal Stress
Achieving your optimal stress level is as individualized as you
are! Here are some helpful tips you may want to include in
your own plan:
'Psyching Up' -
You may find that sometimes you need to raise your stress
levels to improve performance. When you are not feeling
motivated towards a task, either because you are bored by
it, or because you are tired increasing your arousal will
help you perform more effectively. Here are some quick
techniques:

• Focus on the importance or urgency of the task
• Challenge yourself - to do the job in a particular time
  or to do it to a particularly high standard
• Break job down into small parts, do each part between
  more enjoyable work, and take satisfaction from the
  successful completion of each element.
• Use suggestion: e.g. 'I can feel energy flowing into me'
• Get angry about something!

Imagery and relaxation-
Imagery is a potent method of stress reduction, especially
when combined with physical relaxation methods such as deep
breathing. The principle behind the use of imagery in stress
reduction is that you can use your imagination to recreate
a place or scene that is very relaxing. The more intensely
you imagine the place or situation, the stronger and more
realistic the experience will be.

You can also use imagery in rehearsal before a big event,
allowing you to run through it in your mind. It allows you to
practice in advance for anything unusual that might occur,
so that you are prepared and already practiced in handling
it. Imagery also allows you to pre-experience achievement
of your goals. This helps to give you the self-confidence you
need to do something well. Successful athletes use imagery
this way to prepare for important performances.

Other Techniques and Lifestyle Changes-

• Self hypnosis and meditation
• Get plenty of exercise
• Get adequate sleep
• Eat a balanced diet
• Eliminate coping methods that compound stress - tobacco,
  alcohol, drugs, caffeine, overeating
• Learn to more effectively manage your time
• Most of all, appreciate yourself and those in your life!

*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease.
This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

If you need further information, or want information about
my research, or sources, you can email me at:
Gen@empoweredpathways.com

Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends
or family who may benefit from this information!

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Tips for Frugal Living
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• Saving money when traveling on snacks and drinks--
  Rather than stopping along the way, bring along a small cooler
  when you travel for ice and beverages! You can also pack
  healthy snacks, veggies, or sandwiches for long trips and
  then avoid the fast food scene. It is also a fun family
  planning activity, as everyone can choose their favorite
  snacks or treats and help in preparation!
• Time is as valuable a resource as money, maybe even more
  so. Learning to manage your time effectively is a key to
  living a happier, simpler life! There are lots of resources
  available on the internet, one of my favorites is
  http://flylady.net/
  Geared towards women, it is fun, helpful, and free.
  Check it out!

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Gen's Soapbox
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The Splashes Of Life-
      A Sioux Indian story...

My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm when I
was about seven, and he told me to throw a stone into the
water. He told me to watch the circles created by the stone.

Then he asked me to think of myself as that stone person.
"You may create lots of splashes in your life but the waves
that come from those splashes will disturb the peace of all
your fellow creatures," he said.

"Remember that you are responsible for what you put in your
circle and that circle will also touch many other circles.
You will need to live in a way that allows the good that
comes from your circle to send the peace of that goodness
to others. The splash that comes from anger or jealousy will
send those feelings to other circles. You are responsible
for both."

That was the first time I realized each person creates the
inner peace or discord that flows out into the world. We
cannot create world peace if we are riddled with inner
conflict, hatred, doubt, or anger. We radiate the feelings
and thoughts that we hold inside, whether we speak them or
not. Whatever is splashing around inside of us is spilling
out into the world, creating beauty or discord with all other
circles of life.

Remember the eternal wisdom:
WHATEVER YOU FOCUS ON EXPANDS...

      ~Author Unknown~

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Bible Verse
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                I sought the LORD,
               and he heard me,
               and delivered me from all my fears.

                    Psalm 34:4

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Remarkable Quote
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Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.
    - Leon Bloy

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Reader Feedback
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Do you have a frugal tip to share with other
readers?
Have an opinion to share, or a question?
Feedback is terrific!
You can email me anytime at:
Gen@empoweredpathways.com
Please let me know if it is okay to share your
comments with other subscribers!

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Disclaimers:
*These statements have not been approved by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required
by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
The purpose of this newsletter is informational only, and
the publisher cannot be held responsible for actions taken
as a result of the information provided herein.
Although we believe our advertisers to be honest in their
business practices, we cannot be held liable for the products
or services promoted by our sponsors. Please take the time
to check out all business opportunities and offers.
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