Combating Stress and Anxiety through Support Groups

Studies reveal that people with good friends are more able to cope with stress and anxiety than people who dont have any companions whose shoulders they can cry on. 85% of people today are said to suffer from stress and anxiety problems one way or another and these people will be able to handle stress and anxiety better if they find the courage to talk about it and ask for help and support.

Talking about Your Problems is Not a Weakness
Many individuals are in the opinion that talking about their problems is almost akin to revealing their weaknesses or admitting to their inability to cope with their problems. They must understand that talking is completely different from whining; its a fact that the act of talking is a way of releasing our pent-up emotions. Youre just letting off steam, so to speak, and that shall not be construed in any way as begging for pity or attention. It is also not another form of complaining but simply your way of asking for empathy. We feel better when people empathize with our situations and thats why we shouldnt keep our emotions to ourselves. Its destructive rather than constructive.

Factors to Determine the Best Support Group for Your Needs
Since we are all unique individuals, its possible that our needs for a support group are unique as well. What may work for you may not be suitable for another so its best to base your decision on your preferences alone.

Individual or Group Support
As mentioned previously, some people find it extremely difficult to talk about their feelings and problems in life. If this is your case, it may be best to start out with individual consultations with your therapist. Once you get comfortable with talking openly to a stranger, you could then move on to the next level and join a small support group.

Focal Point of Support Group
There are hundreds of support group to choose from and each support group has its own focal point of interest. Obviously, Alcoholics Anonymous is for the rehabilitation of alcoholics while there are other support groups that concentrate on increasing the self-confidence of its members. Choose the support group that can truly help you cope with your problems and consequently, eliminate stress and anxiety from your life. If youre a workaholic and too much overtime is the main reason why youre too jumpy most of the time, find a support group thats specifically meant to treat workaholics like you.

Time and Location of Meetings
It is best that you choose to join a support group that holds its meetings at the time and place youre sure to be available. Choosing a support group, in spite of its great objectives and wonderful staff, thats located in the next state would be highly impractical as you may have to travel for hours every time theres a meeting.

Type of Communication
Most support groups hold meetings where members can meet each other in person. People who prefer anonymity however may opt for other means of communication like joining an online group or talking to a volunteer on the phone. While face-to-face meetings are generally more effective, the end choice belongs entirely to you so choose the type of support group that youre most comfortable and most likely to stick with for a long time.

Skin Care the Natural Way

Washing the face everyday is sometimes not enough. Some get facials done while others regularly visit their dermatologists for consultation. There are also some who are forever undergoing some kind of medication to help keep their face blemish free. This can eat up a lot of the money that they earn. Remember that facials and consultations are not cheap. They can be mightily expensive.

But why go with the medical when you can do it in the natural way? Below are some of the ways that you can take care of your skin without spending so much.

1. Exfoliation in the shower

Exfoliation is one of the things that help keep your skin, smooth and silky. The process removes the dead cells from the skin, thereby preventing the buildup of dead cells in the pores.

Exfoliation can actually be done before you take a bath everyday. You just need a dry brush. Make sure that it has soft bristles; otherwise, you will end up irritating the skin. Brush in circular movements to also help in the circulation of the skin. This process however can only be done in certain parts of the body. Sensitive areas like the face may only be irritated.

2. Use fruits and veggies

Clich as it is, fruits and vegetables really do have properties that help in keeping the skin healthy. What is more you dont have to eat them. There are fruits and veggies that you can put directly to your skin like the tomato and the cucumber.

Of course, eating an apple a day will definitely keep the dermatologists away as apple contains natural nutrients that are really good for the body, especially for the skin. High fiber fruits like bananas are also highly recommended as they are able to improve on digestion and metabolism.

3. Water

Not only will water help you in washing your face, drinking lots of it will also help you get rid of the toxins in the body. In fact, one of the secrets to having great skin is drinking lots of water. Experts recommend at least 8 glasses a day. For people who have digestive problems, about 10-15 glasses is already enough.

4. Exercise

Another way to get rid of the toxins in the skin is to regularly do physical activities whether they like working out in the gym or doing sports activities.

5. Avoid sugar

Do you know that sugar can actually make your skin sag and develop wrinkles? This happens when the excess sugar go to the bloodstream and sticks to the protein.

Title:

Title:
Invitro Fertilization – The Male Point Of View

Word Count:
514

Summary:
This article describes the process of Invitro Fertilization through the eyes of the male involved in the proces

Keywords:
Invitro, IVF, Artificial Fertilization

Article Body:
For many couples, the introduction of children into a relationship is the ultimate fulfillment and goal of the relationship. Unfortunately for some of the couples, medical conditions may exist that will prevent natural fertilization. In those cases, the affected couple may opt to conceive via Invitro Fertilization. For those couples of decide to pursue Invitro fertilization, the time leading up to the fertilization will be very process orientated – there will be consultations, evaluations, forms, literature and a lot of listening. At times it may seem overwhelming and frightening.

As the male participant in the process, your involvement will be largely in a support role, as most of the work that will need to be done will be with the female partner. To help make the process as easy for her, there are a number of facts to keep in mind and a number of actions you can take to help keep your partner’s spirits up and to help her in the necessary steps to achieve a successful fertilization.

– You and your partner may struggle with the fact that you are unable to conceive by natural means. However, keep in mind – although it may not be a natural form of conception, the end result and the end goal of the process is the same – a healthy child. The two of you are merely trying to maximize the possibility of a healthy & successful pregnancy. Talk through this point and be open to her feelings.

– There will be a lot of absorb about the process, so take notes and do your research.

– Some of the medications required for the process will need to be administered via injection. Offer to administer the shots if your partner is not comfortable doing so, and keep in mind that she will most likely be very sore in the injection spots because of repeated shots. A little tender loving care will help keep her confident and comfortable. Also, a heating pad may help during periods where her abdomen is very tender.

– Your partner will be asked to take very specific medications, at very specific times and she will

need to consult with the doctor on a somewhat frequent basis, often times on very short notice. Make sure to keep your schedule as free as possible so you can assist in transportation and medicine administration as needed.

– Your partner may experience emotional mood swing because of some of the meds. One minute she might be sitting at the table reading the newspaper, the next she is crying about something unrelated. Be prepared, be supportive and remember that her mood will return to normal in time.

– Always remember – you have the easy part of the process!

Invitro is not an easy process, especially compared to natural fertilization. But with care, cooperation and a willingness to help out where needed, you can be active and helpful throughout the fertilization period.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or medical services. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor promptly.