Alternative Information

Anxiety Warning Signs


How do you know when you are suffering from background anxiety? It's important to be aware of the warning signs, because excessive levels of anxiety can disrupt your performance, stifle joy and lead to depression and illness.

A good test of a person's physical fitness lies in their ability to do the things our ancestors did, routinely. So you're physically fit if you can run slowly for several miles without getting out of breath, climb, hunt wild animals . . . you get the picture.

Perhaps you've stopped reading already, daunted by this test of physical fitness, but we know, deep down, that we're built for that kind of activity. It's what your human frame was designed for.

So what about anxiety? What is the equivalent test of 'normality' which we should apply when deciding whether we are over-stressed? I would propose the following list. I don't claim that it's scientific, but I would defend it as a pragmatic and practical list of qualities. These are the conditions which each one of us can aspire to.

A reasonably relaxed person :

· Doesn't procrastinate

· Is open to spontaneous suggestions

· Looks forward to the weekend . . . and looks forward to the working week

· Feels that they have plenty of time

· Moves gracefully

· Enjoys their food

· Sleeps well

· Good balance of time between family, personal and working lives

· Fit

· Efficient

· Looks forward to challenges

· Not readily affected by criticism

· Not particularly susceptible to vices such as overeating, smoking, heavy drinking

· Open and courteous

How did you do? Don't worry too much if you struggled. It isn't unusual for people to struggle with half of the items on this list. Turn this around for a moment and think about the gains to be achieved when you do learn to relax. Think how pleasant it would be to feel more optimism. To take greater pleasure in your animal nature (eg exercise, sex, food, sleep). To enjoy greater control over your own destiny. And, of course, the career benefits to be enjoyed from greater efficiency and effectiveness.

We can all benefit from increased relaxation. Perhaps surprisingly, this isn't hard to come by. As a hypnotherapist I treat people for a range of conditions, and the consistent response from my clients is "yes, you helped me with my condition, and I've also discovered again how much fun life can be". Stress reduction is a side effect, a by-product, for many hypnotherapy clients. If you wish, it could also be the main event.

Look after yourself. It's a short life and it's here to be enjoyed. Consider hypnotherapy. Consider meditation. Above all, look honestly within yourself to identify sources of anxiety. Don't be embarrassed, or feel guilty, simply because you feel anxious. It's normal. Doing something positive about our background anxiety is possibly the most positive step any of us can make towards enjoying life more.

Jim Sullivan is a hypnotherapist specialising in confidence, self esteem and stress management. He may be contacted via Confidence Club http://www.confidenceclub.net


MORE RESOURCES:

WELT ONLINE

Europe Looks to Alternative Sources for Energy
Wall Street Journal - 9 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: Ukraine leaves Europe without gas - Gazprom RussiaToday
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk
Canada.com - Los Angeles Times
all 6,089 news articles


CNET News

Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos
CNET News, CA - 13 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...


Destructoid

The Wand: Nyko announces a high-tech Wii remote alternative
CNET News, CA - 11 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
all 6 news articles


Scientific American

Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Air Algae: US Biofuel Flight Relies on Weeds and Pond Scum Scientific American
Algae-Powered Jet Proves Biofuel in Continental Test Bloomberg
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution
all 232 news articles


Sunrise Solar tapped for alternative energy project in Brazil
Bizjournals.com, NC - 22 hours ago
The project is part of a multimillion-dollar alternative energy development initiative by Brazil which is making a big push to become energy self-sufficient ...
Sunrise Solar to Provide Solar to Brazilian Hospitals istockAnalyst.com (press release)
all 18 news articles


Treasury Bond Alternative
Boston Globe, United States - 23 hours ago
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...


Fuel Systems Solutions to Launch US Automotive Alternative Fuel ...
MSNBC - 18 hours ago
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...


MTA to consider alternatives for Eastisde Transit Corridor
Los Angeles Wave Newspapers, CA - 10 hours ago
LOS ANGELES — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will consider the adoption of the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase Two Alternatives Analysis study ...


TopNews

Hybrids, alternative fuel cars showcased
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 7, 2009
The EcoXperience exhibit will feature about a dozen hybrid vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels. It will be supported by General Motors ...
Michigan Economic Development Corporation and North American ... PR Newswire (press release)
Detroit's North American International Auto Show changes subject ... MLive.com
Try hybrid vehicles at auto show exhibit Detroit Free Press
all 86 news articles


S. Fla. Companies Look To Creative Layoff Alternatives
MSNBC - 22 hours ago
Though it may not sound so good at first, many say having a shorter work week or taking unpaid vacation is better than the alternative. ...

Alternative - Google News

home | site map
© 2006