An Overview of Problem-Solving Therapy Problem-solving therapy is a form of therapy that involves providing patients with tools to identify and solve problems that arise from life stressors, both big and small, to improve overall quality of life and reduce the negative impact of psychological and physical illness. History of Problem-Solving Therapy Problem-solving therapy was first developed in Great Britain in the primary care context. It was designed to be an evidence-based treatment that doctors could use in their practices with their patients. Types of Problems Treated The primary use of problem-solving therapy is to address issues related to life stress and finding solutions to concrete issues. Problem-solving therapy can be applied to life problems that are typically associated with various psychological and physiological symptoms. Problem-solving therapy is advised for the following issues: Therapy Framework Applying the Problem Solving Orientation Using Problem Solving Skills Format of Problem Solving Therapy
Stress, Illness and the Immune System By Saul McLeod updated 2010 The immune system is a collection of billions of cells that travel through the bloodstream. They move in and out of tissues and organs, defending the body against foreign bodies (antigens), such as bacteria, viruses and cancerous cells. There are two types of lymphocytes: B cells- produce antibodies which are released into the fluid surrounding the body’s cells to destroy the invading viruses and bacteria.T cells (see picture opposite) - if the invader gets inside a cell, these (T cells) lock on to the infected cell, multiply and destroy it. The main types of immune cells are white blood cells. When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes). Stress is linked to: headaches; infectious illness (e.g. Stress and Illness Stress responses have an effect on digestive system. Stress and Immune Function Procedure:
Stress: Why does it happen and how can we manage it? Stress is a natural feeling of not being able to cope with specific demands and events. However, stress can become a chronic condition if a person does not take steps to manage it. These demands can come from work, relationships, financial pressures, and other situations, but anything that poses a real or perceived challenge or threat to a person’s well-being can cause stress. Stress can be a motivator, and it can even be essential to survival. The body’s fight-or-flight mechanism tells a person when and how to respond to danger. Stress is the body’s natural defense against predators and danger. When humans face a challenge or threat, they have a partly physical response. The body produces larger quantities of the chemicals cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. increased blood pressureheightened muscle preparednesssweatingalertness These factors all improve a person’s ability to respond to a potentially hazardous or challenging situation. Acute stress Chronic stress Medicines
9 Simple Ways to Deal With Stress at Work According to research, the percentage of Americans who are stressed at work is high, and it’s only getting higher. According to the CDC’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, studies have found the number of Americans who are “extremely stressed at work” range between 29 percent to 40 percent.1 Unfortunately, work stress has significant health consequences that range from the relatively benign—more colds and flu—to the more serious, like heart disease and metabolic syndrome.2 But, because stress at work is so common, finding a low-stress job may be difficult or impossible for many people. A more realistic choice would be to simply adopt more effective strategies to reduce stress at work. Start Your Day off Right After scrambling to get the kids fed and off to school, dodging traffic and combating road rage, and gulping down coffee in lieu of something healthy, many people come in already stressed, and more reactive to stress at work. Be Clear on Requirements Walk at Lunch
In Tough Times, Spas Appeal to Stress Relief “No?” the pitch continues. “Then book your healthy, revitalizing getaway today and let us help you re-establish your balance. In times like these, nothing — nothing at all — is more important than taking care of yourself and on focusing on what really matters: Health, hope, love and a tranquil mind.” Image During past economic downturns, Mr. Of course, a little financial incentive also helps. Rancho La Puerta, just over the California border in Tecate, Mexico, explains its decision to keep prices at 2008 levels — starting at $2,795 a person for seven nights, double occupancy — this way on its Web site: “We feel that in these tumultuous times a destination spa vacation is more important than ever.” Miraval’s Authentic Remedy package, which starts at $399 a person a night — more than 40 percent off regular rates — includes extras like organic wine tastings and cooking classes.
*Additional resources* Chronic Stress Leading to Cholesterol Studies are showing that a combination of chronic stress and high cholesterol could lead to heart disease if not quickly addressed. For years, doctors have lectured that cutting stress has a positive impact on overall health. Now, growing research is proving that they are correct. Recurrent or daily stress can indeed affect cholesterol and eventually lead to heart disease. The Fight or Flight Response in Stress For all its unpleasant sensations, from sweaty palms to a pounding heart, fear is the body's way of protecting itself against danger. When this happens, the body jumps into action. The same chemical reaction occurs whether the threat is immediate physical harm or the potential loss of income and prestige. Stress Hormones and Cholesterol Both adrenaline and cortisol trigger the production of cholesterol, which is the waxy, fatty substance the liver makes to provide the body with energy and repair damaged cells. The Personality Factor in Stress Coping With Stress
Spa parlours often advertising stress relief as the... 16 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety are common experiences for most people. In fact, 70% of adults in the US say they feel stress or anxiety daily. Here are 16 simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. It might seem contradictory, but putting physical stress on your body through exercise can relieve mental stress. The benefits are strongest when you exercise regularly. There are a few reasons behind this: Stress hormones: Exercise lowers your body's stress hormones — such as cortisol — in the long run. Try to find an exercise routine or activity you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, rock climbing or yoga. Activities — such as walking or jogging — that involve repetitive movements of large muscle groups can be particularly stress relieving. Summary Regular exercise can help lower stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image. Several supplements promote stress and anxiety reduction.
All About Acute Stress There are several different types of stress, and not all of them are necessarily unhealthy. Acute stress is one of the least damaging types of stress, which is good because it is also the most common type. We experience acute stress multiple times throughout the day. Acute stress is experienced as an immediate perceived threat, either physical, emotional or psychological. These threats don't need to be intensely threatening—they can be mild stressors like an alarm clock going off, a new assignment at work, or even a phone call that needs to be answered when you're relaxing on the couch and your phone is across the room. Acute stress can also be more serious, like being pulled over for speeding, getting into an argument with a friend, or taking a test. Blood is shunted from the extremities to the big muscles, preparing the body to fight or run away. Acute stress can be easily managed because it occurs and then it's over. Eliminate Stress When Possible Adopt Resilience-Building Habits
After Work Stress Relief with 3 Unique Spa Treatments! Stress, your worst enemy that deteriorates both your emotional and physical condition. These stress triggers could be weather, work, society and the quality of life. One of the common stress relief method is a massage. A research study indicated several benefits of a massage such as stimulate blood circulation, rejuvenate, revive and energize the body. There are many massage techniques but we recommend these vibrant and non-traditional spas treatments. Head Spa Head spa treatment includes a head relaxation massage, scalp and neck massage and a hair wash with unique herbal shampoo. Onsen Spa Another unique spa treatment is Japanese style relaxation with private Onsen bath. Hot Sand Bath Spa The newest spa treatment of hot Japanese volcanic sand bath. For those who wish to rewind and relax, give these non-traditional spa treatments a try. Thank You - Images by: Nap Sleep SalonKashikiri Onsen and SpaThe One Sand Bath
20 Creative Ways To Deal With Stress Do you feel like you've reached a point in the year where you're just overwhelmed? April is Stress Awareness Month, which makes total sense because it seems to be the month when students hit their breaking point. It's so close to the end of the semester that you can feel the pressure of finals start to wash over you like a tidal wave. At this point in the year, knowing how to manage stress is crucial to your success and survival through these last few weeks. As a professional ball of stress, I know a thing or two about how to deal with it. 1. It's common knowledge that exercise releases endorphins and helps with stress, but when you're stressed out, the last thing you want to do is run on a treadmill or do push-ups. 2. I mean… chocolate… need I say more? 3. This sounds like a super weird way to reduce stress, but hear me out here: oatmeal is high in potassium and magnesium, which lower blood pressure, making you feel less stressed. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
The Main Causes of Stress Stress is normal and, to some extent, a necessary part of life. Despite it being something everyone experiences, what causes stress can differ from person to person. For instance, one person may become angry and overwhelmed by a serious traffic jam, while another might turn up their music and consider it a mild inconvenience. What's causing you stress may already be something you're abundantly aware of. Financial Problems According to the American Psychological Association (APA), money is the top cause of stress in the United States. Signs of financial stress may include: Worrying and feeling anxious about moneyArguing with loved ones about moneyFeeling guilty about spending money on non-essentialsBeing afraid to open mail or answer the phone Financial stress can take months or years to dig out from. Work According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans now spend 8% more time at work compared to 20 years ago, and about 13% of people work a second job. Parenting
Workplace Stress - The American Institute of Stress Although the Institute is often asked to construct lists of the “most” and “least” stressful occupations, such rankings have little importance for several reasons. It is not the job but the person-environment fit that matters. Some individuals thrive in the time urgent pressure cooker of life in the fast lane, having to perform several duties at the same time and a list of things to do that would overwhelm most of us — provided they perceive that they are in control. They would be severely stressed by dull, dead-end assembly line work enjoyed by others who shun responsibility and simply want to perform a task that is well within their capabilities. Stress is a highly personalized phenomenon and can vary widely even in identical situations for different reasons.