The Self Improvement Blog » Financial Health

Change Your Attitude – Turning Adversity Into Opportunity

Guest Contributor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:46:04 +0000

Despite the doom and gloom of today’s economic downturn, smart leaders look to history for learning. History tells us that now is not the time to cut important foundational programs, but to leverage current conditions for competitive advantage so they emerge from this economic downturn better positioned for success.

One area that seems to be under pressure is workforce size and employee engagement. Many firms will cut back in this area; some will see this as an opportunity to strengthen their teams through strategic hiring, downsizing and internal communications.

In these times of uncertainty, it is especially important to go above and beyond to strengthen employee engagement. Leaders may set the direction, but employees make things happen, including building and maintaining competitive advantage. Happy, engaged employees aligned with your corporate values, goals and strategy produce amazing results. A culture of pride of ownership permeates the entire organization and results in better products, better customer service and better business results.

The first step (and arguably the most important) is communicate, communicate, communicate. Don’t sit in your office and send out e-mails; walk around and reach out to folks personally, and coach your managers to follow your lead. Really talk to employees about what is going on – and listen to what they say; it’s amazing what you can learn from them.

If you don’t already regularly survey your employees, it’s a good idea to have a confidential employee survey program to get the feedback you can’t get in person. These can be set up easily using free online survey tools.

However, to be effective, you must act on the results and communicate early and often that you plan to do so. And remember that this is not a once-and-done process.

Your customers and distributors also need reassurance in these difficult times. Making an effort to connect with them now will pay dividends over the long term. Brand loyalty leads to competitive advantage, and customer loyalty boils down to excellent customer service, which enables trust and confidence. Now is the time to reach out and communicate.

Leverage technology tools to enhance regular ongoing communication. Electronic newsletters, wikis and blogs are powerful ways to regularly update your employees, customers and distributors and get their feedback. Streaming video and podcast updates about how you are weathering the storm also are excellent tools.

Look for quick wins that will serve customers and stimulate sales in the current economy. Are there new products with lower pricing you could offer? Would a review of their current services to ensure they are maximizing any discounts or product combinations make sense? These initiatives demonstrate you appreciate their situation and the lower margin pain you feel now will be rewarded when customers come back for your products and services when things turn around. Plus they are a great opportunity to talk to your customers and potentially identify issues before they consider moving their business elsewhere.

Also, make sure you employees are ready to respond with a higher level of empathy and support for the customer. Now is not the time to offer bad customer service, as emotions are running high and customers will vote with their feet.

Times may be difficult, but regular, meaningful ongoing communication will ensure everyone is focused on the goals of the organization and working in the same direction.

Bill’s passion is improving business results by working with leadership teams to change employee behaviors. He does this by equipping leaders with the principles, processes and tools to cultivate and influence an engaged customer-focused culture that recognizes improved performance and productivity.

As well, he is a dynamic, results-oriented speaker on the importance of a customer-focused culture, either as a guest speaker or acting as a facilitator of a group discussion/workshop.

For additional information on consulting or speaking opportunities please visit online at http://www.billhogg.ca or
bill@billhogg.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Hogg
http://EzineArticles.com/?Change-Your-Attitude—Turning-Adversity-Into-Opportunity&id=2227605

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Laugh a Lot!

Guest Contributor — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:37:14 +0000

By Rob Adelphia -

Hey Friends, life is short. Laugh…a lot.

At what point was it decided to suppress laughter and leave it to the little people? We take us way too serious. Do you find yourself covering your mouth or stifling a laugh? Cut it out (you can’t cut it out!).

Afford yourself the luxury of hearty extended laughter at least twice a day and several short bursts throughout the day. This is one instance where letting it all hang out is permissible and legal. This is not only enjoyable but healthy also.

Here are just a few benefits of laughter:

An excellent means of fighting stress. Laughter decreases stress hormones and we know that stress is linked to all sorts of health woes.

Studies have shown the ability to use humor can raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies and boost levels of immune cells at the same time.

Laughter is able to trigger the releasing of endorphins (your body’s natural feel-good neurotransmitters). Endorphins can temporarily relieve pain and promote an overall sense of well-being.

Laughter can help protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems by increasing (and maintaining) blood flow. The endothelium (inner lining of the walls of your arteries) plays a vital role in blood flow maintenance by regulating the diameter of the blood vessels. Endothelium damage is a factor in cardiovascular diseases. Stress seems to narrow the endothelium while laughing expands it. Laughing helps keep your artery walls fit, helping to maintain good blood flow.

Laughter can be shared or done solo. Laughter is contagious and when shared can bind people, increasing happiness and intimacy (physical and emotional).

Laughter has a way of lifting spirits and making burdens a bit lighter, helping us to forget tensions in our busy daily lives.

It is a great way to workout! Now, it won’t replace the gym altogether, but, hearty laughter can burn calories equivalent to several minutes on a rowing machine or an exercise bike. Feel those burning abs!

Laughing can improve your social life. People are eager to share a joke or humorous story with someone they know will laugh. We are drawn to funny folks and those that enjoy a good laugh. Who wants to talk to a grumpy and have their day impaired? Maybe you could share one with a grumpy and improve their day instead.

Smiling increases your face value!

No, life is not all fun and games, but we need to afford ourselves the necessities (notice I didn’t write luxuries) that can be had. Laughter is easily attained even if you’re a grumpy who wants to change.

Here are some ideas for you to get abdominal hurting, red-faced blissful laughter:

My favorite place is the library (free, free, free). Movies, books, and especially audio tapes and cd’s. Most of us spend considerable time in our cars. It truly can be a university on wheels. I split time with educational, motivational, and hysterical. From some gifted speakers, you get all three. And, you can’t hardly take so-and-so seriously for cutting you off while laughing your head off. It doesn’t seem quite so serious an offense.

Take a loved one to a funny play, movie or to a comedy club.

Call a funny person you know that is sure to make you laugh.

Internet. This is one of my least favorites because of the many distractions. Implement discipline so that if you are only looking for a good laugh, you do not get sidetracked on some news story that will have the opposite effect. Stick with a winner to avoid surfing.

Go to a barbecue or party.

You deserve a good laugh today (and tomorrow). Indulge in laughter for your health, your spirit, for you.

Alas, this wouldn’t be complete without sharing one of my favorite jokes.

There was a young boy working in the produce section of a grocery store, while he was working an elderly lady walked up to him and said, “Hey sonny, could you get me a half of a head of lettuce?” The boy responded, “No ma’am, we don’t sell those.” The woman said, “Could you cut me half of a head of lettuce because I’m only going to use half of a head so I don’t want to waste the other half. So, please cut me half.” So the boy finally agreed realizing she wouldn’t take no for an answer. He went in the back and started cutting the head of lettuce in half when his manager walks in and asks, “What are you doing?” The boy said “There is a crazy old lady out there who only wants half of a head of lettuce.” The boy turned around and the old lady was standing right there behind him so the boy said quickly, “And this nice lady wants the other half!” The next day the boss calls the boy into his office and says, “Son, that was the quickest thinking I’ve ever seen! Where are you from?” The boy said, “Buffalo, New York home of ugly women and hockey players.” The boss said “I’ll have you know my wife is from Buffalo!” The boy said, “What hockey team did she play for?”

Share your laugh today with someone in need of a good one. Laugh today.

Rob is a motivational teacher. His goal is that you would live your life out loud! He is always looking for another adventure. He’s been skydiving, bungee jumping, triking, white water rafting, hiked Mt. Elbert and has dressed as a nun for Halloween.

His website is http://www.todayhaspower.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Adelphia
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laugh-a-Lot!&id=4799504

Is Your Job Making You Sick?

Guest Contributor — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:39:05 +0000

By Margaret Norton

The American Psychological Association reported in 2007 that work was the leading cause of stress for Americans. Three-quarters of those surveyed felt their stress was significant, an increase of 59% from 2006.

Having spent most of my adult life in corporate America, I am very aware of how jobs are breeding grounds for tension. Today we have so many things that are supposed to make our lives easier but it seems we are more over worked. Workers trying to balance work and family feel they are pulled in two directions and can not give their best to either.

Those of my generation grew up with strong work ethics. But I sometimes wonder if we didn’t pay a price for our long hours at work. Working hard and working long hours should be a choice. Just because I want to do it, doesn’t mean my team members want to do it. Often we are made to feel guilty for leaving after putting in a good full eight hours.

Vacation requests and time off is denied because it is not convenient for our jobs.

It is my belief that our life is more important than our jobs. A well rested, relaxed employee is a better employee. When we take care of ourselves we have more to give to our companies. The needs of family should come before the needs of work. Many workers are now part of the sandwich generation. Those still raising a family while also caring for an elderly parent. If there is a problem at home it does affect your work. What is really alarming is that employees have been fired for taking time off to handle family issues.

As a life coach I work with individuals in transition. This involves a lot of soul searching on their part. The answer to a stressful job situation is not always finding another job. The key is in discovering what it is that you really want to do. It is true that if you love your work it will not seem like work at all. Sometimes we stay in bad jobs or bad relationships just because we do not want to make a change. Why would someone stay in an unhappy, stressful situation when there are other options?

As you discover what it is you really want to do also examine your priorities. Do you want to work 60 hours a week or would you rather have more time to spend with your family? Sometimes we get stuck in jobs just to pay our bills. In an effort to keep up appearances and to acquire more stuff, we often accumulate so much debt that we are forced to stay on a job we do not like.

We spend a good portion of our waking hours at work. Studies show that many Americans do not like their jobs, which is obviously one of the reasons they are stressed. I ask again why would you stay somewhere that you did not like? Life is to be enjoyed not tolerated.

Prior to becoming a Life Coach, I worked for 14 years as a contractor in the mortgage business. I had no benefits, never knew how long my jobs would last and the industry was sometimes unstable. I accepted this because I loved the work I did. There were perks such as working in many interesting cities and having time off to spend with family. Most days I awoke up excited about going to work.

My husband, on the other hand, has worked as an automobile mechanic for 19 years with a union automobile dealership. He has hated every day of his job for 19 years. Yet he decided to stay because of the benefits, union retirement, and his child support payments. He probably hits the snooze button four or five time every morning because he hates the thought of having to get up and go to work.

If the stress of your job is making you sick, now might be the time to evaluate why you are doing that job. Is it what you really want to do or are you just settling? Review your priorities. Maybe it is time to fit your job around your life. We are living longer than ever and having to wait longer to draw social security, if it is still there. We need to do a better job of taking care of the one body we have. Stress leads to many illnesses which can reduce our life expectancy and quality of life. If jobs are the major cause of our stress, it is time for us to take a major look at our jobs.

Margaret is a personal life coach, writer, speaker, and Internet Radio Host.

As the owner of Life Transitions I specialize in helping others deal with the many changes of life. Most situations which requires change can be an opportunity to start over again.

I am passionate about women’s issues and especially enjoy helping them develop their full potential. Life gives us many chances to start over again, like a cat with nine lives.

For more information see my Web Site http://www.margaretnortonlifecoach.com

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Health Wealth and Happiness

Guest Contributor — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:52:43 +0000

By Zurieka Model

True wealth is about more than money. It is about achieving the life you desire. It includes keeping your family safe, loving your work, having the time to pursue your passions and having the means to help those less fortunate than you. Real success must be a measure of something more substantial than secular careers and the cost of one’s house, car or watch. Rather it should reflect what a person is as a whole, including the principles he lives by and the purpose he has in life. A person may be smart and powerful, for example, but be morally bankrupt and devoid of love and true friends. It is reasonable to conclude that truly successful people would have some depth to their lives, including sound principles to guide them. Such individuals would have inner peace, self-respect and the respect of others. They would also have a purpose in life that transcends self and gives meaning and satisfaction.

So is there a secret formula to health, wealth and happiness? Well it makes sense that in order to be happy and content enjoying financial freedom, an individual needs good physical and mental health. A person needs to invest in themselves by taking care of his or her physical and emotional health. A good family head may feel the need to purchase life, health, disability, or other forms of insurance to protect his loved ones. Considering your needs for the future may also involve planning for retirement. Saving, budgeting and planning are essential in financial education. A good budget can give you a sense of where your money goes, and it can help you to reach your financial goals. Know what your income is and spend less than you earn. If you are to live within your means without overspending it is important to learn the difference between needs and wants. Those who care more about people than money are much happier. Learning to care well for your loved ones and giving back to those in need create a true sense of health, wealth and well-being. This is the kind of lifestyle that ultimately leads to happiness.

In our fast paced society some people are learning to create a better work life balance in their lives. They are looking for a business lifestyle model that will help them to quit the rat race for good and trade in working for a boss in favour of working as entrepreneurs. You may love where you live but don’t enjoy your work. You may want to travel more or you may be searching for the best home based business ideas and solutions to the “9-5″ daily grind. Having the choice to work a business online that is portable and mobile from anywhere worldwide provided there is a good internet connection has instant appeal for people seeking to get up and go from their current lifestyle.

In creating good physical and mental health you need a healthy diet plan and a regular exercise routine. In creating good wealth health, you require sound financial education not typically found in the news or in magazines. In developing happiness you need to find a healthy balance in your work life and future goals. In starting your own online or small business you need to have the right tools, techniques and strategies to hand in order to make it successful.

For a sneak peek into the world of successful internet business take decisive action and check out this page now.

Zurieka lives with husband James in London England with their two furry four-legged friends. They enjoy a good quality of life thanks to a healthy work life balance. Both Zurieka and James enjoy charity work and helping their team of online entrepreneurs strengthen their motivation and their internet businesses. Visit Zurieka’s Website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zurieka_Model
http://EzineArticles.com/?Health-Wealth-and-Happiness&id=4096562

Holiday Health Concerns – What Should You Do, Stay Or Go?

Guest Contributor — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:23 +0000

By Nick Beesley -

With the global pandemic of Swine Flu only set to get worse, the number of people asking the holiday companies “if it is safe to go” is on the rise. We look at some of the key facts that could help you make up your mind about travelling on your summer holidays.

So am I more likely to catch Swine flu if I go on holiday? Well Swine Flu or Influenza A (H1N1) as it is also known, is currently at a global pandemic level, which means that it is either present or predicted to be present all around the world. However by taking some basic precautions, you should be at no greater risk of catching the virus, should you go on your holiday or if you remain at home. You should ensure however, that you are aware of some key facts should you choose to travel abroad so you know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

So what precautions should you take if you go on your planned vacation? When planning your holiday you should make sure that you are aware of several things whether the world is in the middle of a global pandemic or not. You should always know where you can find medical advice around where you are staying (the local doctor, a chemist etc…), so if you come down with anything, you know where you can obtain medical help.

To ensure you do not encounter any unplanned expenses you must make sure that you have taken out an adequate level of travel insurance. This insurance should cover you for any medical treatments you may incur while you are away. You can purchased travel insurance over the internet or from most high streets, however please make sure you read the terms and conditions before you purchase the insurance, so you are aware of exactly what your policy covers. Every supplier may have different coverage policies depending on your current circumstances or location that you are travelling to.

If you think that you have Swine flu or you are still recovering from Swine Flu then you should not travel. You should wait until you have the all clear or are fully recovered. If you do travel you will only be transferring the virus further to other holiday makers. Check your travel insurance, as you may be entitled for compensation if you cannot travel due to illness.

One thing to point out is that if you do not become in contact with large numbers of people, while you are holiday, then the chance of you contracting the virus is greatly reduced. So if you are planning on booking a last minute holiday, taking a relaxing holiday to a more tranquil location could be the perfect answer, relax and unwind without additional worry.

Lastly if you do travel and are unlucky enough to catch the virus, you should remember that in most cases the virus is only as bad as a bad case of the flu and with “over the counter” remedies you can help to reduce symptoms to a manageable level. In the worst cases of the virus, you should seek medical advice from local doctors or hospital to be safe.

For a great selection of holiday homes around the world, visit vacationrentalpeople.com, the vacation home rental specialists.

Posted by Nick Beesley from the Vacationrentalpeople.com, Finding the right vacation rental home for you.

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The Three Types of Health We All Need

Guest Contributor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:26:46 +0000

By Guy Blews -

When we hear the word health, we probably think first of our physical health… Our mental health and our financial health come second and third.

But, as with all things, we should look for balance in life; and although our physical health is the most important of the three, it is good to realize that one without the other two does not make for a great life. We have to maintain all three if we are going to have the optimum existence; we must work at all three if we are to find any sort of peace in our daily lives.

Our physical health is the basis to our daily ability of movement and general achievement. If we are not physically healthy, it will effect both our mental and our financial health; if we feel unwell or unable, then we are mentally challenged through each day to overcome the pain we endure and the lack of movement we battle against. Added to this, we are less likely to be on our game when it comes to earning money and we are more likely to spend our time in medical treatment centers which will cost us money.

When it comes to our mental health, we are dealing with emotions, the most notoriously difficult aspect of our existence, the hardest thing to overcome, the most powerful part of any human; if we can learn to control or come to terms with our emotions then we have the ability to achieve anything; our mind is our strongest ally when it works for us and our biggest enemy when it conspires against us, it is the one thing we have with us all the time, chattering away, telling us that we can (or cannot) do something; our mind has the ability to cause illness or avoid illness, it has the strength to give us the adrenaline to enact feats of heroism or collapse into moments of weakness and desperation. Positive mental health is imperative if we are to be happy.

Financial health is the least important of the three, yet it has the power to breed confidence. If we are financially stable we have the ability to enjoy many forms of freedom, to experience numerous ways of life, to devour unending types of pleasure. However, the imbalance of financial ‘success’ can also cause enormous amounts of stress, the responsibilities mount up with the assets, the inequalities with our mental and physical health can grow more acute with the financial burdens. The other end of the scale is no more attractive – financial poverty often leads to mental and physical poverty too. Balance is essential if we are to find what we truly desire.

To achieve the balance required, to come to a place of physical, mental and financial health is not easy. We are (as in so many things) ‘miseducated’ about what we truly need and what we can truly do without; we are not encouraged to find a balance in life, we are generally pushed towards one type of health or the other by those around us or that voice within us, given a specific life goal we have to achieve at the expense of finding a healthy balance in all three.

Physical health is very possible by doing a few simple things; drink water, lots of it – not sodas, fruit drinks, power drinks or alcoholic drinks; exercise regularly – and by that I mean do something for your body everyday, stretch, yoga, weights, walk, run, swim, whatever, but something that raises your temperature, that gets the blood flowing and the fat burning, you will be glad you did; eat small amounts but often, begin to change your 3 meal a day habit – snack on healthy foods, eat fruits, vegetables and proteins and vary your diet so it becomes a lifestyle not a fad. If you do these three things, then you can also splurge on the treats like alcohol once in a while, resting after exercise and candy every few days (not hours); once you begin to exercise properly and ingest food regularly your body’s metabolism will work constantly and will devour whatever you put into it so that even the ‘bad things’ disappear more quickly, and either way, you will notice an improvement in your energy levels and a rise in your self esteem. But, as I said, it has to become a way of life, not a momentary fad, and as it becomes a way of life it will become easier and easier to continue being healthy.

Mental health is achievable by being objective with your life. Humans are a very subjective species (meaning that we see a situation from our point of view without looking at it from the outside); and this subjectivity renders us helpless when it comes to overcoming our emotions; we must learn to see the bigger picture, and if we are able to do that we are able to see that we cannot control another human’s actions, we cannot force the world to bend to our will, we will always be confronted with obstacles and we will always have to avoid drama; that is just the way it is. So, knowing that, it suddenly becomes easier to accept change, to accept that each day we will have to keep our cool and work out a solution rather than trying to force life to be what we wish it was. It is imperative that we accept life for what it is, and then we can foresee most of the problems, issues and dramas that seem to blind side us so regularly. If we go forward hoping for the best but prepared for the worst then we go forth with a positive attitude and we are not horrified or defeated the moment something ‘unexpected’ comes our way because we were prepared to deal with whatever life throws at us. Simplifying a life is the best way to be at peace mentally; learning to eliminate unnecessary objects, people or occasions is the easiest way to find a life with balance which in turn will create mental stability and mental health.

Being financially independent is important; and we can all do it if we put our mind to it; no matter what socio-economic class you might come from it is possible to live in a home that is clean, efficient and attractive without having to go into debt, without having to stretch yourself to the limits. But it does come with the need for balance, and the self control to realize what you can and cannot afford at this time. For example there is no point having a television if you cannot pay your rent or afford a car; there is no point burdening yourself with the expense of cable if it means you cannot pay for gas or insurance on your car. And if you cannot afford a TV, then go to the library and read – you will learn more and you will grow more. Spend less and you don’t have to work so hard, learn to enjoy the simple pleasures again, realize that all of the best things in life are free and the all of a sudden you will come up with interesting ways to pass your time, more satisfying ways to spend your life, think outside the financial box, try to do things differently from the way you were taught, look at how the world really works and then question any choices you make to make sure they are right for you (not just what everyone else does), save a little and enjoy alot, be wise with your purchases, don’t buy something for the momentary buzz or screw someone over for the profit you think you gain, begin to re-work the way you employ yourself and try to work at a career you love, not just a job that makes you money – once you find financial balance you will feel a weight lifted off your mind. Financial freedom is possible with a little self discipline. On the other end of the scale, the need to be excessively wealthy will only impact your mental and physical health in the end, for your financial health will only be maintained if you spend an improper amount of time maintaining it at the expense of your physical activities and your mental capabilities. Being financially healthy requires balance, self discipline and the ability to see what you can and cannot afford to burden yourself with.

Your health is essential if you are to live with freedom; your physical health allows you the freedom to go wherever you may so desire; your mental health gives you the freedom to be alone or to surround yourself with positive energy; your financial health buys you the freedom of experience. Maintain each of these; decide to change the inbuilt ‘miseducation’ of the past and work out a new and easier way to exist.

Anything is possible if you choose health.

Guy Blews

Guy Blews is the author of ‘Marriage & How To Avoid It’ and is the instigator of Realistic Relationships. He has a blog at http://www.RealisticRelationships.com and his latest book, ‘Realistic Relationships’ is designed to help you find optimum balance and health in every aspect of life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_Blews

What is a Holistic Health Care Provider?

Guest Contributor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:41:12 +0000

By Ezra Drissman -

Holistic Medicine refers to the system of health care that fosters a cooperative relationship among those involved and leads toward optimal attainment of physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspect of health.

The career outlook for a holistic health care provider is good. They make on average $45-$55 thousand a year. Holistic care is a growing field in the green market.

Some other terms associated with Holistic medicine are alternative medicine which is widely used by the public and many health care practitioners, complementary medicine which refers to the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques by conventional medical practitioners to complement conventional medical treatments like surgery, and natural healing which refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical techniques to help the patient heal.

Alternative medicine is usually applied to the medical techniques that are not considered traditional forms of healing and medicine. This also includes the practice of herbalism, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Professional and Personal Qualities

Individuals interested in an alternative medicine career should be compassionate and willing to provide the necessary assistance to their patients. Since massage therapist usually work in health clubs, hospitals, corporate setting or in the field of education, a knowledge on basic holistic medical approach must also be considered and studied. Holistic health care providers should be able to look at the whole person, and analyze their physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, and spiritual and lifestyle values.

Educational Requirements and Training Certifications

To be accepted into a program for holistic studies or alternative healing, schools usually require at least a two-year degree or bachelor’s degree. Many other schools offer professional certification and licensing in different areas such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine.

Most holistic healers however are self-employed. Their salaries vary depending on the field they have chosen. Holistic healers in the public sector such as hospitals, clinics, and universities make more than those who are self-employed.

Holistic health care providers includes herbalists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. People interested in the field of herbal medicine may start their education by taking correspondence courses at their local community college. Professional groups provide certification to members who have attained a certain level of training as herbalist. A person interested in acupuncture may find many accredited schools in the US. On the average, an acupuncture program lasts for 2-4 years. There are also master’s degrees available for students and doctoral programs are being considered at many acupuncture schools. GreenCareersGuide.com is the #1 green careers website on Google. We have the most comprehensive database of articles on green jobs. Whatever your stage of life, we have you covered. Green careers, green training, and green entrepreneurship articles are only a small part of our exhaustive green career site. There are tremendous upsides to having a green career. http://www.GreenCareersGuide.com

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Your Holistic Health Pyramid

Guest Contributor — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:10:01 +0000

By Marie C. Barrett -

Holistic health embraces optimum functioning in five key areas of well-being. These are spiritual, emotional, relationships, health and fitness and finances/career. Depletion in any one area pulls down the holistic health of the entire person, because each area of our life relates and is interdependent on the others to some intrinsic extent.

Let’s have some fun now:

On an A4 size sheet of paper draw a three equal-sided pyramid. Now draw four equi-distant horizontal lines inside the pyramid. In the top section write ‘spiritual’. Underneath that, and filling each subsequent space, write emotional, relationships, health and fitness, and finally on the lowest level, put finances and career. Now you have a visual of your holistic health portfolio. You can set out to examine each level to see your present position of wellness or need. Where you find you would most like to adjust and upgrade, choose that level to work on first.

Ask simple questions to assess where you are in relation to each specific level. These are just some sample questions you can ask as you explore each level of your holistic health pyramid. The aim is to broaden your understanding and uplift your self-esteem and expertise at each level of your pyramid.

For spirituality you might ask: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here?

Is understanding my deeply spiritual aspects a priority for me now? Would expanding my experience and understanding of myself spiritually, empower me to move ahead in the other levels? Which specific spiritual experience will I pursue and try to understand more fully? How can I develop and expand my consciousness in this area of spirituality?

Move on to the emotional level. Do you pay heed to your intuition? Do you allow your feelings to show you your deepest desires? Do you suppress your emotions through fear of becoming vulnerable? How do you feel about who you think you are? Go even deeper and get real with your questions.

On to relationships. Who do you want to be, as you interact with other people? Do you seek personal validation through what others think of you? How empowered does this make you feel? Do you try to give rather than take in your relationships? Again, go deeper and get real with your questions.

With health and fitness, you will know more easily where you stand. Through your body you interact with this physical world. How important is it that you keep your body in optimum shape and fitness? Do you eat fresh and healthy foods that fuel your body for optimum vitality or do you choose heavy, lifeless foods that weigh you down?

Finally, finances and career. Explore what money and career mean to you in terms of self appreciation and self identity rather than in dollar amounts. Do you need money to feel valuable? How much do you charge for your services? Is this your true worth? Think deeply about the control money has over your life. You may choose to loosen its grip.

Life is fundamentally a game, and you are here to experience all the drama and excitement, the fun and challenges of that game. It’s about meeting each challenge as it comes along and enjoying the thrill of the game experience. Create your life for balance and true holistic health and therefore holistic wealth, and discover within, your own magnificent self.

Marie Barrett is an author and teacher of dynamic spirituality. Through her book, Holistic Wealth, A Guide to Creative and Joyful Living, and many other writings, she teaches how to integrate spirituality into every area of your life, to create a happy and joy-filled experience. http://www.holisticwealthcreation.com. See her blog at http://www.holisticwealthcreation.com/blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_C._Barrett

Health That Works is Holistic

Guest Contributor — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:43:02 +0000

By Juancho S Gaerlan -

Health is often pictured out as taking supplements and doing workouts. So health investments are usually channeled to them. However, physical condition and appearance are just one aspect of it. Other equally pressing health concerns should be given weight. Health that works is holistic.

Looking Good But Sick

To some extent, muscle workouts fight off stress. Especially when one’s environment and life situation are favorable. But in another sense, pumping iron and treadmills alone are no match to the ill effects of massive distress when the other aspects of holistic health are ignored. Physical workouts can sometimes even do more harm than good when other holistic health factors are not balanced. There are bodybuilders who register dismally during blood chemistry tests due mostly to over-stress.

Other Aspects of Holistic Health

1. Mental health. Mental stress alone is deadly. What more when partnered with emotional stress? Mental stress triggers chemical reactions that upset natural functions in our body systems, like the immune system. Thus, people with mental stress have their immune defenses down and easily get sick.

Worse, it can lead to overeating that, if unchecked, may cause the blood pressure to abnormally increase. Combine this with a stressful workout and the effect can be lethal. However, with the right attitude and program, workouts can stave off mental stress. Health that works gives due credence to mental strength.

2. Emotional health. Once the emotions take over a person, overeating may set in. Among the tough enemies of fitness is overeating, and among the most powerful fuel of overeating is emotional distress. A single miscalculated weight gain can sometimes ruin an entire slimming program and negate whatever gains one may have.

Lots of body builders can’t figure out their inability to reduce weight or flabby fat despite their ardent workouts. It is due to their non-holistic approach to fitness. They workout at the gym but never fix their emotional stress. Few realize this, but a broken marriage or family, for instance, has dire effects in overall health. Holistic health that works keeps emotions under control.

3. Financial health. The need to be financially able cannot be overstressed. Sustained quality health entails lots of expenses, simply put. Healthy food doesn’t come cheap, especially organic ones. All-natural health supplements cost a fortune when taken religiously. And they have to be taken thus to get their full benefits. Taking them now and then will not work. Even juicing alone costs plenty.

Furthermore, regular executive check ups are a must for both men and women. Thus, added income generation is crucial to support a quality program for health that works and lasts a lifetime. Moreover, a lack in the family income is another source of distress that can trigger harmful chemical reactions in the body.

4. Spiritual health. This is not about having a religion. It is about connecting to a higher spiritual Source to have peace within oneself. You can have all the religion you want and yet remain spiritually disquieted. The spiritual is really intertwined with the mental and emotional. The three cannot be separated in holistic health. Health that works is holistic.

Some attain gratification in this area by being one with nature. Some by immersing in mystical Eastern cultures. Generally, it is intimacy with God taken to a subliminal level that goes beyond religious rituals and boundaries. Spiritual health explains why tai-chi practitioners possess an incredible source of energy and power which are beyond scientific explanation. God-fearing men in the bible retained excellent health even in ripe old ages. Inner tranquility and composure begets a resilient spirit.

5. Social health. Even powerful animals, like lions, weaken when segregated from their kind. Fellowship is not only inherent in mankind; it is crucial for survival. Mental, emotional and spiritual sanity are hinged on a vigorous social life. Financial triumph is equally dependent on a network of contacts.

Hence, health that works is holistic. It invests equal time, effort, and resources on all its aspects.

Juancho S. Gaerlan has been in the holistic health field since he started taking up various eastern martial arts as a teenager in 1975 to keep fit. Since then to the present, he has maintained a fit body and disciplined eating. For years, he has developed a practical health system that really works. This has helped many of his students control their overeating and slim down.

Enjoying a health and fitness system is the first step to a program that really works. It is vital to find a system that you are comfortable with and which you enjoy. Then you make progress for life.

Keeping fit in practical terms, to Gaerlan’s mind, means having money to sustain it. Aside from this, a true health potential involves mind and spirit power, aside from being mature emotionally and socially. Later, he started All Power Health online.

All Power Health is a site for a holistic approach on quality health, touching on the physical, financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of it. It has specifics, articles, and features on practical holistic health tips that really work and can be enjoyed for life. http://www.allpowerhealth.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juancho_S_Gaerlan

Health That Works is Holistic

Guest Contributor — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:22:39 +0000

By Juancho S Gaerlan -

Looking Good But Sick

Other Aspects of Holistic Health

Hence, health that works is holistic. It invests equal time, effort, and resources on all its aspects.

Enjoying a health and fitness system is the first step to a program that really works. It is vital to find a system that you are comfortable with and which you enjoy. Then you make progress for life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juancho_S_Gaerlan

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