Tools For Healthier Lives

You absolutely must go to the Mayo Clinic website.
To use a popular cliché, it's a gold mine of information that will most certainly push you to take some kind of action, big or small.

Start by watching this 15-minute video (give or take a minute) on Art therapy for stress management. If you've never practiced art therapy before, you can't imagine how beneficial it can be to your mental and physical being. I took nine months of art therapy for sexual abuse a few years ago, and I can honestly say it was miraculous. And FUN, too.

So get your crayons and paper ready...you are about to doodle your way to total relaxation.

Once you've finished creating your masterpiece, check out the rest of the site. My other favourites are:

Coping with stress

Excerpt:

* Keep a stress journal. For one week, note which events and situations cause a negative physical, mental or emotional response. Record the day and time. Give a brief description of the situation. Where were you? Who was involved? What seemed to cause the stress? Also, describe your reaction. What were your physical symptoms? How did you feel? What did you say or do? Finally, on a scale of 1 (not very intense) to 5 (very intense), rate the intensity of your stress.

* Make a list of all the demands on your time and energy for one week. Some examples may include your job, volunteer work, driving kids to after-school activities or caring for an elderly parent. Then, on a scale of 1 (not very intense) to 5 (very intense), rate the intensity of stress that each demand causes.

Sit down and look at your stress recordings. Look closely at the events that you ranked as very stressful. Select one of them to work on using problem-solving techniques.

Overcoming denial

Excerpt:

So how can you make sure denial over something upsetting in your life isn't hurting you? It may be hard to see that you're in denial, especially if it's become extreme or long-term. If you feel stuck or if someone you trust suggests that you're in denial, try these strategies:

* Honestly ask yourself what you fear.
* Think about the potential negative consequences of not taking action.
* Allow yourself to express your fears and emotions.
* Try to identify the irrational beliefs about your situation.
* Journal about your experience.
* Open up to a trusted confidante.
* Find a support group.

Diseases and conditions

In this section, you'll find an elaborate list of conditions, from A to Z, with a sympton checker as well as a first-aid guide.

I bookmarked this site for future references.
It's a keeper!

Be well...be happy!