Archive for 'How-to' Category
Snap out of Depression [Part 2]
17 October 2006So with a recent financial situation entering the picture, and a loss of what could only be described as a family heirloom, I have been given the opportunity to write this article from personal experience, in real time.
I hit my low last night. Nothing near suicide or anything like that, just an overwhelming feeling of despair and absolute hopelessness. As I write this right now, just remembering it brings me down a bit.
However, the news is not all bad, as I have found a few tips so that you may avoid hitting lows like I have:
Steve Pavlina wrote back in June that depression doesn’t come from your circumstance, it comes from dwelling on your circumstance. He couldn’t have been more spot-on. Last night, the more I considered my situation, the worse it got. As I tried to reason my way out of it, it was as if the noose of angst was only getting tighter. I was in mental quick sand, the faster I thought, the more I sank.
Then an amazing thing happened. I fell asleep.
I know what you’re thinking, big deal. Yes, big deal. When I woke back up, I experienced what I’m sure many of you have had in the same situation. I felt fine, but had a feeling there was something I was forgetting. “Wasn’t I really upset, before I fell asleep?”, it was after asking myself this question that the reasons WHY I was upset came flooding back. It was then, at that very moment, that I realized the truth behind Mr. Pavlina’s statement.
So I spent the next few hours conquering small tasks and thinking ahead to how I’d like to see situations improve. I didn’t delude myself. I didn’t pretend that everything would be back to the way they were in the future. I instead just pictured things as I’d like them to turn out, from this point forward. I was *astonished* at how quickly I quite literally “snapped-out” of my depression.
So, from now on, when you feel the onset of hopelessness or despair. When you feel those negative thoughts flooding in, try to distract yourself and keep from putting any serious thought in to them. I’m not saying ignore situations that need your time, I’m just saying give them as little of your schedule and worry as you can and let go entirely of situations that you have no control over. I know, easier said than done, but take heart in the knowledge that I just did exactly that, and I’m no stronger a person than you.
Did my post help you? Buy me a coffee?How to get rid of a caffeine headache
8 September 2006I noticed quite a few search-engine keyword referrals coming to my article on getting rid of headaches looking for, specifically, “how to get rid of a caffeine headache”. I thought I would dedicate an entry to just that, as many a time I have found myself with a massive headache after my nineteenth, or twentieth cup of joe in as many hours. I have found that there are several ways to get rid of them, and hereeee they are:
Step 1.
If you recently drank coffee, as in within the past 30-45 minutes, eat a couple of pieces of bread. I’m not sure about the physiological effects, or if this actually “sops up” the coffee you drank, and perhaps one of my readers can let me know on this, but it definitely seems to help me.
If it has been longer, move on to
Step 2
Depending on how long you have had your headache, I have found different pain relievers work better for me. Ibuprofen (Advil) works well for me when my headache is relatively young, as in no more than an hour or two old.
When I’ve been nursing the headache longer, aspirin tends to help me faster, and do a better overall job eliminating it.
Step 3
I have just recently tried using peppermint, at the suggestion of a friend. I took several peppermint leaves, boiled them like a tea, and inhaled the steam. I was astounded at how well this worked. Give it a try yourself.
Other remedies I have heard of are squeezing your hand in between your thumb and forefinger, using an ace bandage on your head (I am not responsible if you try this one, and the top of your head pops off) and putting an ice cube on each temple.
I have had limited success with these remedies, and thus cannot wholeheartedly recommend them like I can the peppermint.
Step 4
Remove all light from the room you will be laying in. This includes VCRs, TV lights, outside lights, laptops, desktops, everything. I know this seems like the worst time to be unplugging stuff, but trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Step 5
Control the air temperature in the room. Contrary to what you would think, I have found an exceedingly cold room has actually made my headache worse. Make it comfortable, not too cold, not too hot. Cool enough to have a blanket.
Bring a glass of water in to the room you will be resting in.
Put the blanket on.
Lay down, face up with your eyes closed and your head at a slight incline. Concentrate on slowing your breathing, and reducing your blood pressure. Focus on your heart beat and the pressure in your head, mentally try to reduce it.
When I follow these tips, nine out of ten times my caffeine headache goes away. I hope it helps, if it does, feel free to leave a comment. If it doesn’t, do the same, if you have any tips of your own….yep.
Did my post help you? Buy me a coffee?Beating a path to success (Part 1)
7 September 2006What is success?
Before you can ever hope to succeed, you have to answer this question and answer it truthfully.
Success is something different for everyone, just like there is no universal path to self improvement. Success is an abstract concept of a state that has no real definition. Success, in the vast majority of cases, does refer to monetary wealth. Yet, you wouldn’t hear someone refer to a lottery winner as a “success”.
In my opinion, a successful person is a person who makes a living doing what they enjoy doing. A successful person is someone who’s life is right where they want it to be, regardless of what that means. So any guide that claims to show you the “path to success” has to first help you figure out your own definition of the word.
So, first ask yourself the question: What is the one goal that I would be willing to sacrifice everything for?
After you answer the question, re-evaluate your answer. Would you really sacrifice everything for this goal? If you answered “getting rich”, and you’re currently married, would you sacrifice your relationship to get rich? If you’re single, would you give up ever making a connection with another human being?
Avoiding Generalities
Goal-setting is a precise science. When you set a target weight, you don’t give a range of 20-30 lbs. You set a specific weight you want to reach, set that as your goal, and strive for it. The same is true for defining your ’success target’. Avoid generalities like “I just want to be happier” or “all I need is to be healthier”. In what ways specifically would you be happier? Would a better job make you happier? Furthering your education? What specific ailments or conditions do you want to remedy to reach your goal of being “healthier”.
Part 2 “All power to forward thrusters”
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