Hello to One and All:

I hope that yall's week has been an enjoyable one. The Bad Azz Authors around this parts have been kicking azz fo'sho. If you all missed the launch this week you still have a chance to stop by and give your support and congradulate them on a job well done they can be found @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BadazzAuthors/ they had lots of contest and gave alot of prizes away and don't just pop in for the launch continue to visit chat it up and show your to these talented authors they have lots in store for you in the present and future. So again don't walk but run over and show them your support.

now for why I am here. Our Thumper could not be with us today but she thought of us and left use a tidbit for today. So without me babbling on I'm posting on Thumper's behalf.

Enjoy.

Relax your stress away

Stress is the wear and tear your body experiences as it reacts to changes in your environment.

With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion, a change of residence, or even

the thrill of a new relationship, you can go through many psychological and physiological changes

that result in stress.

Too much stress can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn

can lead to health problems such as headaches, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure,

heart disease and stroke.

As emphasized in many ancient cultures, centering yourself holistically through relaxation is a key

element in managing stress and building a greater quality of life.

The next time you're feeling stressed out, try a few of the following suggestions to help get

yourself back into the groove of things.

Relax your body

1. Deep breathing – Repeat ten times any time you feel tense. While sitting, standing or

lying down, close your eyes and inhale deeply. Exhale slowly over a count of 5–10 seconds.

2. Stretching – Simple stretches, such as the "neck stretch", can help relieve physical

tension. Starting on one side, gently roll your head in a half circle, and then drop your chin to

your chest. Repeat in reverse.

3. Exercise – Physical activity helps reduce both physical and emotional stress.

Walk, run, jump, bike, bowl, do yoga, etc., whenever you can.

4. Take a bath – Take conscious steps every day to deal with the stress in your life.

Allow yourself at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time in the tub to melt that stress away.

5. Get a massage – A massage is a wonderful way to get rid of physical tension.

A professional massage generally takes 30 minutes to an hour and can target specific areas

of tension, such as the lower back or the neck.

6. Eat well – A well-balanced diet will help reduce overall stress. Reduce your alcohol

and caffeine intake. Caffeine is found in foods and drinks such as coffee, black tea, soft

drinks and chocolate.

Relax your mind

7. Talk – Take the time to talk with a friend and express feelings you might have been holding in.

Listen carefully to your partner. Walking in a quiet neighborhood or a park can limit distractions.

8. Laugh – Go to a comedy club, watch a funny movie or spend time with a friend who

makes you laugh.

9. Cry – Studies show that stress-related hormones are released in tears. If you haven't cried in a

long time, try listening to sad music, watching a sad movie or writing about a sad experience.

10. Read – A good book can be a great escape. Reading both tearjerkers and comedies can

help release pent-up emotions.

11. Meditate – Take a moment to commune with a higher power, with nature or even with yourself.

12. Do something you love – When you enjoy yourself, whether it's gardening, going to

church or seeing friends, you relieve physical stress and relax your emotions.

For more information about Generations of WellnessSM program,

visit www.uhcgenerations.com