SELF HELP

DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....DR. FARRELL.....PSYCHOLOGIST.....

SELF-HELP

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How do you begin to handle a challenge given to you either by biology or your boss? The first place to turn is to the one authority who truly understands--you. Self-help isn't a way to avoid treatments or help from others, it's a starting point to seeing what the problem may be, what the solutions might be and how you should proceed.

Relaxation Breathing

A good way to help yourself is by using relaxation breathing. How do you do it? Here's a quick guide:

1. Take a full, deep breath through your nose and hold it for a count of 5.

2. As you hold your breath, think of the position of your shoulders and your arms.

3. Now, slowly release the air through your mouth in a "whooshing" sound, much like you would a sigh. In fact, a sigh may be the body's way of automatically trying to help us relieve stress.

4. Repeat this a few times, but not to the point where you feel either lightheaded or dizzy. No need to rush, no need to push yourself.

This can be done a few times throughout the day as a means to help relieve stress.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is one of the most pleasant few minutes you can give to yourself. A few tips for you:

1. Think of a place you've been, either in reality or some place you've seen in a film, on TV or read about in a magazine. Want to go there because it looks so magical, beautiful or interesting? You can.

2. Sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and allow yourself to sink into the chair as you do your relaxation breathing.

3. Now take yourself to that place and look around. Take a good look at the floor, or the walls, or the trees or whatever is in your special place. Look for the small details and see if there are things you didn't notice before. Don't rush, give yourself some time.

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Copyright 2008 Patricia A. Farrell, Ph.D.