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14 Simple Ways to Super Charge Your Brain Have you ever felt exasperated when you bumped into someone at the store but absolutelycouldn't remember their name? Sure, it happens to all of us.

Despite being the strongest computer on the planet, our brains do lapse. It's hard to blamethem really. As humans, we spend much of or existence stuffing our brains with stuff .Some stuff is worthless, some of it's meaningful, some of it, well, it's just stuff and there isan endless amount of it.

No matter how powerful our brains are, they need recuperation time, to be kept in shape,and even an occasional charge. Think of it as a tune up for your brain. Skipping brainmaintenance is as silly as the person wandering the parking garage because they forgotwhere they parked. Is that you? Are you that person? Sure. We all are at some point. Noworries, there is hope.

Now I am not a brain surgeon and I am not going to suggest you do anything surgical or

dangerous. I am however an astute student of human behavior, so I always look for simpleways to super charge my brain.

Here are some things you can begin doing as soon as today to begin the great brain tuneup.

1. Eat AlmondsAlmond are believed to improve memory. If a combination of almond oil and milk istaken together before going to bed or after getting up at morning, it strengthens ourmemory power. Almond milk is prepared by crushing the almonds without the outercover and adding water and sugar to it.

2. Drink Apple JuiceResearch from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) indicates that apple

juice increases the production of the essential neurotransmitter acetylcholine in thebrain, resulting in an increased memory power.

3. Sleep WellResearch indicates that the long-term memory is consolidated during sleep byreplaying the images of the experiences of the day. These repeated playbacksprogram the subconscious mind to store these images and other related information.

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/06/14-simple-ways-to-super-charge-your.html

http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=news_111405

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond_milk

http://www.uml.edu/Media/PressReleases/Research_Shows_Benefit_of_Appl.html

http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=news_111405

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond_milk

http://www.uml.edu/Media/PressReleases/Research_Shows_Benefit_of_Appl.html

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/06/14-simple-ways-to-super-charge-your.html





tension follows. All of these factors contribute significantly towards increases in ourbrainpower.

8. Reduce Sugar intakeSugar is a non-food. It’s a form of carbohydrate that offers illusionary energy, onlyto cause a downhill slump once the initial burst has been worn off. Excess intake of

sugar results in neurotic symptoms. Excess sugar is known to cause claustrophobia,memory loss and other neurotic disorders. Eat food without adding sugar. Stay awayfrom sweet drinks or excess consumption of caffeine with sugar.

9. Eat whole wheatThe whole wheat germs contain lecithin. Lecithin helps ease the problem of thehardening of the arteries, which often impairs brain functioning.

10. Eat a light meal in the nightA heavy meal at night causes tossing and turning and a prolonged emotional stresswhile at sleep. It’s wise to eat heavy meal during the day when our body is in motionto consume the heavy in-take. Eating a light meal with some fruits allows us to sleepwell. A good night sleep strengthens our brainpower.

11. Develop imaginationGreeks mastered the principle of imagination and association to memorizeeverything. This technique requires one to develop a vivid and colorful imaginationthat can be linked to a known object. If you involve all your senses - touching,feeling, smelling, hearing and seeing in the imagination process, you can remembergreater details of the event.

12. SexOur sexual imagination often empowers our ability to daydream, which strengthensour brainpower with greater imagination, visualization and association.



13. Control your temperBleached food, excess of starch or excess of white bread can lead to nerve gratingeffect. This results in a violent and some time depressive behavior. Eat freshvegetables. Drink lots of water and meditate or practice yoga to relieve these toxicemotions of temper and violent mood swings.

14. Take Vitamin B-complexVitamin B-complex strengthens memory power. Eat food and vegetables high inVitamin B-complex. Stay away from the starch food or white bread, which depletesthe Vitamin B-complex necessary for a healthy mind.

-Shilpan

Written on 6/25/2008 by Shilpan Patel of Success Soul .

15 Best Diet Tips Ever Experts share their top tips for weight loss success.By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LDWebMD Weight Loss Clinic-FeatureReviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Everyone knows the keys to losing weight : Eat less and exercise more.Sounds simple enough, but in the context of real life and its demands, it canbe anything but simple. So how do successful losers do it? To find out,

WebMD asked experts across the country for their best diet tips. Here's whatthey said:

http://www.successsoul.com/blog/

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http://www.webmd.com/louise-chang

http://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htm

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Best Diet Tip No. 1: Drink plenty of water or other calorie-freebeverages.

People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. So you can end up eating extracalories when an ice-cold glass of water is really what you need.

"If you don't like plain water, try adding citrus or a splash of juice, or brew infused

teas like mango or peach, which have lots of flavor but no calories," says Cynthia Sass, RD,a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

Best Diet Tip No. 2: Think about what you can add to your diet, notwhat you should take away.

Start by focusing on getting the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits andvegetables each day.

"It sounds like a lot, but it is well worth it, because at the same time you aremeeting your fiber goals and feeling more satisfied from the volume of food," says chef Laura Pansiero, RD.

You're also less likely to overeat because fruits and vegetables displace fat in thediet. And that's not to mention the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. More than 200studies have documented the disease-preventing qualities of phytochemicals found inproduce, says Pansiero.

Her suggestion for getting more: Work vegetables into meals instead of just servingthem as sides on a plate.

"I love to take seasonal vegetables and make stir-fries, frittatas, risotto, pilafs,soups, or layer on sandwiches," Pansiero says. "It is so easy to buy a variety of vegetablesand incorporate them into dishes."

Best Diet Tip No. 3: Consider whether you're really hungry.Whenever you feel like eating, look for physical signs of hunger, suggests Michelle

May, MD, author of Am I Hungry? "Hunger is your body's way of telling you that you need fuel, so when a craving

doesn't come from hunger, eating will never satisfy it," she says.When you're done eating, you should feel better -- not stuffed, bloated, or tired.

"Your stomach is only the size of your fist, so it takes just a handful of food to fill itcomfortably," says May.

Keeping your portions reasonable will help you get more in touch with your feelings

of hunger and fullness.

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/fruits-veggies-more-matters






Best Diet Tip No. 4: Be choosy about nighttime snacks.Mindless eating occurs most frequently after dinner, when you finally sit down and

relax."Sitting down with a bag of chips or cookies in front of the television is an example of

eating amnesia, where you mindlessly eat without being hungry, but out of habit," saysAmerican Dietetic Association spokesperson Malena Perdomo, RD.

Either close down the kitchen after a certain hour, or allow yourself a low-caloriesnack, like a 100-calorie pack of cookies or a half-cup scoop of low-fat ice cream. Once youfind that you're usually satisfied with the low-cal snack, try a cup of zero-calorie tea,suggests Perdomo.

Best Diet Tip No. 5: Enjoy your favorite foods."I think putting your favorite foods off limits leads to weight gain because it triggers

'rebound' overeating," says Sass.

Instead of cutting out your favorite foods altogether, be a slim shopper. Buy onefresh bakery cookie instead of a box, or a small portion of candy from the bulk bins insteadof a whole bag.

"You can enjoy your favorite foods, but you must do so in moderation," says Sass.

Best Diet Tip No. 6: Enjoy your treats away from home.When you need a treat, Ellie Krieger, RD, host of Food Network's Healthy Appetite, suggeststaking a walk to your local ice cream parlor or planning a family outing."By making it into an adventure, you don't have to worry about the temptation of havingtreats in the house, and it is a fun and pleasurable way to make it work when you are tryingto lose weight ," says Krieger.And for those times you just can't get out? Krieger stocks her kitchen with fresh fruit, whichshe thinks can be every bit as delicious as any other dessert.

Best Diet Tip No. 7: Eat several mini-meals during the day.If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. But when you're hungry all thetime, eating fewer calories can be challenging.

"Studies show people who eat 4-5 meals or snacks per day are better able to control theirappetite and weight," says obesity researcher Rebecca Reeves, DrPH, RD.She recommends dividing your daily calories into smaller meals or snacks and enjoying asmany of them as you can early in the day -- dinner should be the last time you eat.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/medical-reasons-obesity


http://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-obesity

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Best Diet Tip No. 8: Eat protein at every meal.Protein is more satisfying than carbohydrates or fats, and thus may be the new secretweapon in weight control." Diets higher in protein [and] moderate in carbs, along with a lifestyle of regular exercise,

have an excellent potential to help weight loss," says University of Illinois protein researcherDonald Layman, PhD.Getting enough protein helps preserve muscle mass and encourages fat burning whilekeeping you feeling full. So be sure to include healthy protein sources, like yogurt, cheese,nuts, or beans, at meals and snacks.

Best Diet Tip No. 9: Spice it up.Add spices or chiles to your food for a flavor boost that can help you feel satisfied."Food that is loaded with flavor will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying so youwon't eat as much," says Perdomo.When you need something sweet, suck on a red-hot fireball candy for a long-lasting burst of sweetness with just a few calories.

Best Diet Tip No. 10: Stock your kitchen with healthy conveniencefoods.

Having ready-to-eat snacks and meals-in-minutes staples on hand sets you up for success.You'll be less likely to hit the drive-through or call in a pizza order if you can make a healthy

meal in 5 or 10 minutes.Sass stocks her kitchen with:• 94% fat-free microwave popcorn (20-25 calories per cup, and you can make it in two

minutes or less)• Frozen vegetables• Bags of pre-washed greens• Canned diced tomatoes• Canned beans• Whole-grain wraps or pitas• Pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts• A few containers of pre-cooked brown rice

Within minutes, she can toss together a healthy medley.

Best Diet Tip No. 11: Order children's portions at restaurants."When you are eating out, order a child's pizza or a small sandwich as an easy way to trimcalories and get your portions under control," suggest Perdomo.Another trick is to use smaller plates. This helps the portions look like more, and if yourmind is satisfied, your stomach likely will be, too.





Best Diet Tip No. 12: Eat foods in season."If you don't love certain fruits or vegetables, it could be because you ate them out of season when they have little taste or flavor," says Pensiero. "When you eat seasonally,fruits and vegetables are more flavorful, at their best, and I promise you won't bedisappointed."At GiGi's Trattoria, her restaurant in Rhinebeck, N.Y., she serves simple fruit desserts, likenaturally sweet strawberries topped with aged balsamic vinegar, or low-fat yogurt or freshberries in a compote.

Best Diet Tip No. 13: Swap a cup of pasta for a cup of vegetables.Simply by eating less pasta or bread and more veggies, you could lose a dress or pants sizein a year."You can save from 100-200 calories if you reduce the portion of starch on your plate andincrease the amount of vegetables," says Sass.

Best Diet Tip No. 14: Use non-food alternatives to cope with stress.Sooner or later, you're going to be faced with a stressful situation. Instead of turning tofood for comfort, be prepared with some non-food tactics that work for you.Sass suggests reading a few chapters in a novel, listening to music, writing in a journal,practicing meditative deep breathing, or looking at a photo album of loved ones.

Best Diet Tip No. 15: Be physically active.Although it may seem counterintuitive, don't use exercise either to punish yourself foreating or to "earn" the right to eat more."When you do, it sets up a negative thought pattern, which is why so many people say theyhate to exercise," says May.Instead, focus on how great you feel, how much better you sleep and how much moreenergy you have when you exercise. Physical activity is good for you whether you are tryingto lose weight or not, so keep it positive and build a lifelong habit.

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Stres

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GoodQuotesRule 1. Don't sweat the small

stuff.

Rule 2. It's all small stuff.

Rule 3. If you can't fight orflee, then flow.

If you don't mind, it don'tmatter



- Author Unknown

Man's troubles are rooted inextreme attention to senses,thoughts, and imagination.

Attention should be focusedinternally to experience a quiet

body and a calm mind.

- Buddha

Every good thought you think

is contributing its share to theultimate result of your life.

- Grenville Kleiser

What happens is not asimportant as how you react towhat happens.



- Thaddeus Golas

No one can make you feelinferior without your consent.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

He who cannot change the veryfabric of his thought will never

be able to change reality.

- Anwar Sadat

Day by day in every way I amgetting better and better.

- Emile Coué



Everything has its beauty butnot everyone sees it.

- Confucius

An optimist may see a lightwhere there is none, but whymust the pessimist always run

to blow it out?

- Michel De Saint-Pierre

As a man thinketh in his heart,so is he.

- Proverbs 23:7 of the bible



The world is such-and-such orso-and-so only because we tell

ourselves that that is the wayit is.

- Carlos Castaneda

If we lose affection andkindliness from our life: welose all that gives it charm.

- Cicero

It’s not what you think you are- but what you think, you are.

- Author Unknown



The mind is its own place, andin itself, can make heaven of

Hell, and a hell of Heaven."-John Milton

I'm an old man and I've hadmany troubles, most of which

never happened.- Mark Twain

When it rains, I let it.

- 113 year old man in responseto a question about the secret

of his longevity

We are more often frightenedthan hurt; and we suffer more



from imagination than fromreality.

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

People see the world not as itis, but as they are. - Al Lee

Relaxation ProgramThis first lesson will take about one hour.(Your daily training and the following twolessons will take less than half this time).

In this first session you learn to tenseand relax muscle groups in a given order.First you simply go through the complete



sequence. Next you actually do your firsttraining.

Sit on a chair or on whatever you can situpright with both feet flat on the ground.Now just do the following exercises in aquick order to learn the sequence and how todo it.

1. Right hand and forearmmake a fistrelease

2. Right upper armbend the arm and "show off yourmuscles"release

3. Left hand and forearmmake a fistrelease



4. Left upper armbend the arm and tighten the muscles

release5. Foreheadraise your eyebrowsrelax your face

6. Eyes and cheekssqueeze the eyesrelax

7. Mouth and jawclench your teeth and pull the corners ofthe mouth backrelax

8. Shoulder and necka little pre-training first: lock your hands

behind the neck and push back the headagainst this resistance (the head does notalter its position) - got the idea? That'show this should feel:



pull up your shoulders and press yourhead back against their resistance

(horizontally - not like when you look up)let your shoulders hang, relax

9. Chest and backbreathe in deeply and hold your breathpressing the shoulders together at theback at the same timelet your shoulders hang, breathe normally

10. Bellytighten the abdominal muscles (or draw in

the belly)release

11. Right hand thighshovel the right foot forward againstresistance (while it keeps its position)release

12. Right hand calflift up the right heel (be careful not to



cramp)release

13. Right footcrook the toesrelease

14. Left hand thigh

shovel your left food forwardrelax

15. Left hand calflift up the left heelrelease

16. Left footcrook the toesokay: done

Repeat these exercises once in a quicksuccession so maybe you can do them byheart next.





The QuietingResponse

It is simple to understand andperform, combining both physicaland cognitive methodologies. Step one: Become aware of the

emotional and physical responseof stress.

It may seem obvious, but one cannot begin to make changes in thestress response unless they are aware

of the onset of psychological andphysical changes that accompanystress. Be aware of what your body is



feeling and what you are saying toyourself.

Step two: Take a deep bellybreath. (Pause after theinhalation then exhale veryslowly).

Diaphragmatic breathing is the keyto many forms of relaxation training.

Step three: Consciously let go of any muscular tension (let theshoulders drop, unclench fists, &let the jaw go loose as youexhale from the belly breath.

A natural reaction to stress is formuscles to contract (Bracing). Unlessyou plan on physically defendingyourself or running away from a threatthis is wasted energy that often leadsto physical complaints.



Step four: Smile inwardly. Smilewith your eyes and the inside of

your mouth. Those who are excellent atmanaging stress have the ability tomaintain their sense of humor underthe most difficult situations. Theyknow that it is not worth it to takethemselves too seriously. Many arenot able to laugh at themselves untillong after a situation has past.

The trick is to find some immediatehumor in your situation. It may be

that the only thing you can laugh at isthat you have allowed yourself to getemotionally and physically altered bythis situation. If you are able to smileinwardly you have essentially stoppedyour negative thought process andsubstituted something much morehealthy.

By the way it may not be helpful tosmile outwardly, especially if you are





RecognizingStressThe following are indicators that you

may be experiencing when stressed:• General irritability• Elevated heart rate•

Increased blood pressure• Increased accident proneness• Floating anxiety-anxious feelings• Trembling• Insomnia• Headaches



• Indigestion• Pain in neck and/or lower back• Changes in appetite or sleep pattern

Stress is a process that builds. It's more

effective to intervene early in theprocess rather than later. Try to becomeaware of the signs that suggest theprocess has begun.

STRESS TEST FOR QUESTIONS 1 THROUGH 27, USE THEFOLLOWING SCALE: 0 ALWAYS; 1 OFTEN; 2SOMETIMES; 3 ONCE IN A WHILE; 4 NEVER

1. Do you eat 3 meals at regular times each day? 00

2. Do you eat one hot balanced meal per day? 0



0

3. Do you do something to nurture yourself eachday?

00

4. Do you spend quiet, relaxed time daily(meditation, relaxation, yoga,music)?

00

5. Do you give daily hugs/affection to family,friends or pets?

00

6. Do you receive daily hugs/affection from family,friends or pets?

00

7. Do you take a multi-vitamin, anti-oxidant, orsupplement daily?

00

8. Do you feel calm and relaxed most days? 00

9. Do you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep at least 4 timesper week?

00

10. Do you sleep at the same time 4 times per week? 0

0

11.Do you raise your heart rate through exercise 20minutes 3 to 4 times a week?

00

12.

Are you rejuvenated from work stress by yourweekends?

00

13.

Can you meet your basic monthly financialexpenses?

00

14 Do you meet at least once a month in teamsports/hobbies/clubs?

00



15.

Have you developed a new acquaintance orfriendship this month?

00

16.

Do you create a fun, relaxed space with people you live with at least once a month?

00

17.

Do you have at least one dependable, close friendor relative who lives near you?

00

18. Are you at the correct body weight? 0

0

19.

Are you supported by your spiritual beliefs andspiritual community?

00

20. Do you have friends you share feelings with? 0

0

21. Are you in good physical health? 0

0

22.

Can you express anger, worry or other strongfeelings appropriately when upset?

00

23. Are you happy with your sex life? 0

0

24.

Do you have a private space in your own homewhere you can retreat?

00

25. Are you happy with your job or career?

00

26. Do you have clear personal and career goals? 0

0

27Do you enjoy where you live? 0



. 0

FOR QUESTIONS 28 THROUGH 42, USE THE FOLLOWING SCALE:

0 NEVER; 1 ONCE IN A WHILE; 2 SOMETIMES; 3OFTEN; 4 A LWAYS

28. Do you smoke cigarettes? 0

0

29.

Do you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day(including beer and wine)?

00

30. Do you watch TV more than one hour per day? 0

0

31.

Do you regularly (weekly) experience conflict witha boss/spouse/in-law, etc.?

00

32. Do you often feel lonely? 0

0

33. Have you had any hard liquor in the past month? 0

0

34.

Have you had a separation/loss/break-uprecently?

00



35.

Have you recently experienced the loss of aloved-one?

00

36. Have you had a recent illness/accident/injury?

00

37.

Have you experienced a major change in yourlifestyle (new baby, retirement, job change,move)?

00

38.

Have you had a major change in your financialsituation?

00

39.

Have you or a close relative or friend recentlyexperienced any legal conflict, (i.e. Being inprison, being sued, suing, etc.)

00

40. Do you have accumulated vacation time due you? 0

0

41.

Do you have frequent temper outbursts orarguments in the course of a week?

00

42. Do you feel overloaded by your daily schedule? 0

0

SCORING:

30 and under : Good body/mind/spirit balance, you'vescored well.

30 - 50: Well done, certain aspects still need work, do you know what they are?



50-70: Managing on the edge of balance - one majorupset could topple you. Pay attention.

70 - 100: Major aspects of stress in your life whichcould threaten your body/mind health.

100 and over: Close to burnout conditions, seriouscrash ahead. Be careful.

Stress ManagementStrategies

The following are tips on how to maintain a healthierlifestyle and to prepare you to cope with the stress of

everyday living.

1. Structure each day to include aminimum of 20 minutes of aerobicexercise.

2. Eat well balanced meals, more wholegrains, nuts, fruits and vegetables.Substitute fruits for desserts.



3. Avoid caffeine. The substance mayaggravate anxiety, insomnia, nervousnessand trembling.

4. Reduce refined sugars. Excess sugarscause frequent fluctuation in bloodglucose levels, adding stress to the body'sphysiological functioning.

5. Reduce alcohol and drugs. Thesesubstances may add to headaches andswelling, decrease coping mechanismsand add to depression.

6. Get at least7 hours of sleep nightly.

7. Spend time each day with at least onerelaxation technique - imagery,daydreaming, prayer, yoga or meditation.

8. Take a warm bath or shower.



9. Go for a walk.

10. Get in touch! Hug someone, holdhands, or pet an animal. Physical contactis a great way to relieve stress.



What is

stress?Stress is an adaptive response. It's the body's

reaction to an event that is seen as emotionallydisturbing, disquieting, or threatening. When weperceive such an event, we experience what one

stress researcher called the "fight or flight" response. To prepare for fighting or fleeing, the body increasesits heart rate and blood pressure; more blood is thensent to your heart and muscles, and your respirationrate increases. This response was probably beneficialto our cavemen ancestors who had to fight off wildanimals. But today, stress itself has become the "wildanimal." Untamed and allowed to run rampant in our

lives, it can destroy our health.

The modern male's response to psychologicalstress differs little from the way our primitiveforebears reacted to dangerous animals or othersources of potential physical harm (i.e., with surges



of adrenaline, a rise in blood pressure and heart rate,and a 4x increase in blood flow to the musclesneeded to fight or run away.)

But today, there are few wild animals to contendwith, unless you happen to work in a zoo or live outin the wilds somewhere. Our stress response is morelikely triggered by overwhelming responsibilities athome or work, by loneliness, or by the fear of losingour jobs.

Not only is uncontrolled stress harmful to ourbodies in and of itself, but it can also lead to unwisebehaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, whichplace us at even greater risk, health wise. It can also

jeopardize our relationships, by leading to emotionaloutbursts and, in some cases, physical violence.



Top 20 Stressors1. Death of a spouse

2. Divorce

3. Marital separation



4. Jail term

5. Death of close family member

6. Personal injury or illness

7. Marriage

8. Fired at work

9. Marital reconciliation

10. Retirement

11. Change in health of family member

12. Pregnancy

13. Sex difficulties

14. Gain of new family member

15. Business readjustment

16. Change in financial state

17. Death of close friend

18. Change to different line of work

19. Change in number of arguments with spouse



20. Mortgage or loan for a major purpose

The Positive Side of StressStress is not bad in and of itself. It may help to

make us more alert, energize us, or give us a motivationalkick in the pants. For years, actors, entertainers, publicspeakers, and athletes have known how to turn stressinto "high energy" performances. Properly harnessed,stress can indeed work to our advantage at times. Butchronic, big-time stress can make us big-timelosers...losers of health and wellness.

Aside from taxing the body, excess stress can alsotax the mind and lead to poor health decisions, such as

the abuse of alcohol or drugs or other self-destructivebehaviors.

Good & Bad StressWhat are the differences?



Good Stress is a balance of arousal andrelaxation that helps you concentrate,

focus, and achieve what you want.

Bad Stress is constant stress andconstant arousal that may lead to high

blood pressure, cardiovascular disease,and worse.

Taking Control of Stress throughRelaxation

If for no other reason than to make yourself feelbetter, it may be a good idea to lower your stress levels.Relaxation techniques can help, and there are a wide

range of these techniques available.What's important is finding one that works for you.

The menu of choices includes meditation, breathingexercises, yoga, creative visualization, progressive muscle



relaxation, stretching, and biofeedback. Good old regularexercise works well, too, and may be used separately or inconjunction with the preceding options.

You may also consider:

• Getting a pet. Interactions with pets arerelaxing and may therefore aid in stressmanagement.

• Getting a massage. Effective massage

therapy can relax muscles, ease muscle spasmsand pain, increase blood flow in the skin andmuscles, relieve mental and emotional stress,and induce relaxation. And, it just feels good.

• Listening to tunes. Music can indeed soothethe savage beast and help minimize the stress

response.• Reaching out for help. If you have troublemanaging stress on your own, remember...help isavailable. Don't be afraid to consult with yourprimary care physician or a qualified mentalhealth professional.

• Writing about your troubles. While writing isno substitute for professional consultation, itcan help you ventilate your feelings. A dailysession with pen and paper, or at the computerkeyboard, can serve as a good release for



stress-inducing problems or as an adjunct topsychotherapy. Some people have importantinsights, or discover solutions to their

problems, while writing.• Laughing. Feelings and attitudes appear toplay an important role in health. If you canmaintain perspective and laugh at life's events,rather than letting them rain on your parade,

you stand to gain health-wise.

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