Journal

Stress Management & The Art Of Relaxation

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Relax and Stress

I had mentioned in a previous article about my desire to relieve stress from my world. I wanted to share some tools I have discovered that may be useful to others. I started off with my basic issue of sleep deprivation and discovered some great apps for my iPod Touch. These apps are mostly sound-based such as WhiteNoise which plays a variety of background noise such as wind chimes, rainfall, airplane travel and more. Another discovery and one that was a little awkward to get use to is iBrainWave which allows you to “tune your brain”. It is a binaural brain stimulator by playing constant tones at frequencies you choose, you can sleep, meditate, or relax. If you need energy, just simply raise the megahertz frequency.

I have even downloaded a few yoga and meditation apps to guide my breathing, posture, stretching and body/mind relaxation. I’ve even downloaded a few relaxation/meditation podcasts that incorporate verbal instruction as well as soothing music to help relieve stress.

Perhaps as a new year resolution to self I will pursue light yoga as a means to stretch and relax my body more. In the past I will admit I had had reservations about these techniques but when I hear of professional athletes using these as a means to stay healthy in addition to their workouts…well, it deserves consideration. I will avoid all references to Eastern spiritualism as I know it is not relevant in my world. Instead I will probably meditate on God’s Word just as the writers of Psalms instruct.

I’ll be honest when I say that this is an endeavor I will struggle with and could use some support and guidance. How do you manage your stress?

The Art of Relaxation

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I had mentioned in a previous article about my desire to relieve stress from my world. I wanted to share some tools I have discovered that may be useful to others. I started off with my basic issue of sleep deprivation and discovered some great apps for my iPod Touch. These apps are mostly sound-based such as WhiteNoise which plays a variety of background noise such as wind chimes, rainfall, airplane travel and more. Another discovery and one that was a little awkward to get use to is iBrainWave which allows you to “tune your brain”. It is a binaural brain stimulator by playing constant tones at frequencies you choose, you can sleep, meditate, or relax. If you need energy, just simply raise the megahertz frequency. 

I have even downloaded a few yoga and meditation apps to guide my breathing, posture, stretching and body/mind relaxation. I’ve even downloaded a few relaxation/meditation podcasts that incorporate verbal instruction as well as soothing music to help relieve stress. 

Perhaps as a new year resolution to self I will pursue light yoga as a means to stretch and relax my body more. In the past I will admit I had had reservations about these techniques but when I hear of professional athletes using these as a means to stay healthy in addition to their workouts…well, it deserves consideration. I will avoid all references to Eastern spiritualism as I know it is not relevant in my world. Instead I will probably meditate on God’s Word just as the writers of Psalms instruct.

I’ll be honest when I say that this is an endeavor I will struggle with and could use some support and guidance. How do you manage your stress?

Know & Tell 12.02.09

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Extra Action Bandleader

Every week I share links of interest in hopes you & I learn something new. Are you on Delicious too? Add me to the social bookmarking site here: http://delicious.com/denbow

Take Advantage Of Opportunity

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The Doors of Opportunity

Smart people plan ahead for whatever economic issues are going on. In times of plenty and poverty we should always be thinking of opportunities to generate more income. I am not talking about get rich quick schemes or programs to help you live the life of your dreams. No, what I am talking about will be just enough extra income to have your passion pay for itself. If what you love to do helps you make money and provide value to someone else, why not explore your options?

These are a few opportunities I am looking at as a means to generate income outside of a regular paying gig. By all means, take what you will and make it yours. Heck, feel free to share your ideas here as well. We’re all in this together, right?

  • freelance photography,
  • citizen journalism
  • stock photography
  • consulting services
  • personalized merchandise
  • fine art prints
  • ebooks are a big deal these days (if done right)
  • affiliate advertising on your website
  • downloads such as stock images, desktop wallpaper
  • Etsy, Deviant Art
  • online courses
  • tech support

Its a safe bet that if you use tools that you already own and the savvy to produce it, you can create something of value. Be willing to explore your options and even think outside of your niche for opportunities. I’ve witnessed a few friends earning extra cash just for a minimal investment.

Ask your immediate network of their interest to gauge the needs/wants and expand from there. Market yourself again, using all the tools at your disposal. Try not to be pushy or spammy. The content or service will speak for itself. Do ask for feedback and testimonials as this will go far in establishing yourself as someone who can deliver.

And remember what my mother always told me:

Be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity…

Again, I’d love to hear more ideas if you are keen on sharing them. I’d even consider a collaborative project too if we can swing it. Best regards and much success to you!

Wasted

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I cannot tell you how much time and energy have been wasted on things that do not matter. I can tell you that this will change starting now. I am tired of missing opportunities because I haven’t been prepared. Details to come as soon as I sort them out.

Missed the target...

Wasted

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I cannot tell you how much time and energy have been wasted on things that do not matter. I can tell you that this will change starting now. I am tired of missing opportunities because I haven’t been prepared. Details to come as soon as I sort them out.

Homeless

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I’ve got a roof over my head. My family is healthy and beautiful. I have so much to be thankful for. What I mean by homeless is that I feel like I’ve lost my way these past few years. Spiritually I am homeless as well as mentally. Do you ever feel like that? 

I want to go home now.

Homeless

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homeless sign

I’ve got a roof over my head. My family is healthy and beautiful. I have so much to be thankful for. What I mean by homeless is that I feel like I’ve lost my way these past few years. Spiritually I am homeless as well as mentally. Do you ever feel like that?

I want to go home now.

Pill Pushing

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23:365 - vitamin power?

The cold weather season is not as acute down here in Houston as it could be everywhere else in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean I will slack off in the preventive maintenance department. I’m stored up on my stash of supplements for the winter but I’ll go ahead and share what you need for yourself.

  • Multi-vitamins: Just in case you decide to skip veggies for freedom fries everyday.
  • Vitamin D: Colder weather means you’ll be staying inside more and missing out on the sun’s nutrients.
  • Zinc: It’s technical and makes my head hurt to explain it but it has to do with blood cells. I opt for healthier and more of them, thank you.
  • Fish oil: either eat more fish or take fish oil supplements. I do this anyway for my bad knees. Bonus!
  • Vodka: in moderation and for medicinal purposes only. One of the few things Russia can do right.

Throw in some exercises, a good night’s sleep and you’ll be way ahead of your sicko co-workers. Unless they give it to you anyway by not washing their hands after using the toilet or wiping their runny noses. Slackers. 

You Will Get Wet On This Ride (Google Wave)

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Florida wave study #1

I’ve mentioned Google’s newest communication tool, Google Wave here before and wanted to elaborate on it a bit more. Now that the initial thrill of waving has passed for me, it is time to start thinking of practical uses for it. For tips on how to surf these Waves, check out the big kahuna herself, Gina Trapani and her Complete Guide To Google Wave

Find That Killer Wave-

Now that you secured an invite and hit the beach come on in. Perform a search of Waves publically available by typing in with:public . I hope you can swim well because pretty soon, you will be in over your head. I would try to find a few select waves, or discussions of interest by expanding your search, i.e. with:public Texas photography . This will help stem the tide and help you get on the board and ride.

Smooth Ride-

Once you’ve established yourself, grab your contacts & colleagues to join you on your own wave. This is where the benefits are. Share, discuss, collaborate. Think of a Wave as glorified chat room, email and instant messenger barrel-rolled into one. The possibilities are almost as limitless as the tide. Create, edit documents in real time. Hold a meeting, cover a live event, whatever you need.

Make use of the tools available too. Save your desired searches, waves, contacts. It will not be so easy to locate them again due to too many waves. You’ll get lost in the surf.

Wipeout-

Keep in mind that Google Wave is in the early stages of development and trials. It may slow you down, you might experience a gnarly wipeout but you’ll do what everyone else does and hop back on. Google Wave will work on all browsers but those will flatten out too. I’d suggest running it on Google Chrome due to it’s increased stability and speed.

Making Waves-

I am in the process of building and hosting my own wave here on this website. As soon as I get work out the coding, I’ll post it here.

Want to hang 10 with me on Google Wave? Look for me there: chrisdenbow@googlewave.com