Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Stress Relief - How Not to Get Worried Sick

"You are what you think. This statement and others like it can be found in the works of Shakespeare, Chekov, and Emerson, in the teachings of Lao-Tzu and Socrates, and even in the Bible. So, is there any current scientific proof or is this statement simply a wishful thought?

There is a great deal of evidence that shows that we really ARE what we think, in a genuine physiological fashion. the medical field of research is called Psychoneuroimmunology or PNI. It is the study of interactions between a persons perception of the world around them, their behavior, the way their brain functions, and their immune system. The field of PNI studies the measurable interaction between psychological and physiological processes. The psychological portion is the Psycho aspect, the central nervous system aspect is the Neuro aspect, and the body's defense against external infection and mutant cell division is the Immunology aspect. There is also an endocrine system portion of PNI involving the release of various hormones in coordination with the other three aspects.

UCLA has the leading research facility in the nation to explore the intricate relationships between how our thoughts directly affect the production of certain hormones that, in turn, causing identifiable reactions within our body. The overall concept is very simple. Positive thoughts lead to positive changes in the body while negative thinking results in negative changes. Basically, negative thinking can be viewed as placing stress on the body and its functions.

Studies have shown improvement or complete remission in various diseases from such things as laughter, positive imagery, and other similar therapies. Likewise, research demonstrates that individuals that focus on the negative aspects of their life tend to deteriorate more rapidly. Clearly, the body responds better to a positive mental message. Perhaps Norman Cousins, researcher at UCLA, said it best:

The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why the patient's hopes are the physician's secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription. The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why the patient's hopes are the physician's secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription.

How can you take advantage of this connection between your mind and your body? There are several methods and each one is simple to put into practice. Being persistent is the biggest task. Developing the habit of positive thinking does require some practice but wouldnt you rather spend your time thinking about good things instead of focusing on the downside of life? Here are a few things that might help you get control of the dark side of your thoughts.

Nutrition is a good first step. If youre eating foods with antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, and hormones in the food or on the food, then you are actually contributing to the imbalances and the negative thinking. You see, the channels are open both ways your mind affects your body and your body affects your mind. Take a look at your diet and see if you can eat more raw foods and less processed or pre-packaged items.

Stress places a drain on certain vitamins and minerals in your body. Deficiencies can lead to or contribute to a number of diseases. Take a high-quality multiple vitamin/mineral supplement to make certain that you are supplying your body the nutrients that it needs to repair the damage caused by stress and negative thoughts.

Exercise is another tool to good thinking. Its been said that every motion begins with a thought another indication of the connection between mind and body. Make an effort to move as much as you can; your attitude will reflect the difference that effort really makes. Exercise at any level has been shown to relieve tension and stress.

Meditation and other relaxation methods are key aids in clearing your mind of negative thoughts and alleviating stress in the body. Deep-breathing techniques, such as those practiced in yoga, are helpful and can be done anywhere at any time. The inward focus of the mind on the act of breathing in a slow, controlled manner quiets the complex web of thoughts that constantly erupt in a persons mind. Calming that bubbling fountain of thoughts allows you to focus on your connection to the higher power that we are all a part of. Keeping in touch with that higher power cleans up the negative thinking as you establish a pattern of positive thoughts and actions.

The information in this article is a small portion of my 8-week online class called The Answers Right Under Your Nose. Find out more about this life-changing course at www.JerryRyanPhD.com under the Personal Coaching heading.

Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information, his website is http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com

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What is a Controller?

Have you ever wondered just what the position of controller entails? The official definition of the controller position is a corporate officer responsible for the businesss accounting activities. Sometimes this position is referred to as the comptroller. This position is filled by an accountant and more often than not an accountant with a CPA designation and includes the responsibility of overseeing all financial matters for the company or in some cases a government department. We will discuss the some of the duties a controller might perform in a privately held business.

Some of the key elements that fall under the purview of the controllers responsibility are financial planning, budgeting, financial statements and their presentation to other members of the corporation, computer systems and internal controls. In a smaller company the controller may actual have hands on involvement in the every day financial activities even closely supervising the everyday bookkeeping functions. A controller may also be overseeing human resource decisions such as benefit packages. And also she/he may be directly involved in negotiations with insurance companies for these benefits and for general, liability and workmans compensation insurance policies. A controllers job is to oversee that every dollar spent is spent well, and every dollar coming in or going out is recorded correctly.

What you may not be aware of are the legal responsibilities and obligations that a controller assumes. A controller must have access to every meeting held within the company and must have access to all information that effects the companys business. The buck stops with the controller when it comes to fraud issues. This is not just a fancy title; it comes with real legal responsibilities which often exceed those of any other member of the corporation, including the CEO and members of the board. Dont take these responsibilities lightly.

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