Stress Relief Project

Hi! My name is Emily and I am under a lot of stress. Because of this, I decided to create a blog chronicling my stressful life and how I am trying to fix it. Part of this project has been an exploration in meditation techniques. I've hit a lot of ups and downs, but I think I've managed to keep myself afloat! Look around on the links and see what you can learn!

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The final video! Stress Relief Project

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Stress Relief Project Part 7

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Stress Relief Project part 6b

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Stress Relief Project part 6a

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Stress Relief Project Part 5b

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Stress Relief Project Part 5 a

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[blazeberg]

I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.

Tracee Ellis Ross (via fuckoff-mondays)

[stressreliefproject]

Different Forms of Meditation 8 - Group Meditation

Group meditation is not particular to any religion or group. Anyone who practices meditation of any kind can practice in a group. The atmosphere in group meditation is unlike any other. Most people claim a sense of empowerment or community or that they feel like something bigger than themselves. Humans are social creatures, and as the saying goes, there is strength in numbers. "Meditating together also lets us come together in shared intentions for change. On a global scale, we have witnessed many times how a small handful of people strongly unified by a common intent can profoundly influence a larger group of people. Great global movements for peace, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Gandhi, have always begun with a coming together of people who want peace for the greater good (1)." In a group, all people are working toward a common goal and each has his own experience that is multiplied by the experiences of others (2). The Maharishi effect in 1978 in which over 7000 individuals meditated together for 3 weeks showed a transformation in the surrounding area - so much so, that crime, violence, and casualties were all reduced by 16% (3).

How to do it:

This one is easy. Just get a bunch of people together for a set amount of time to sit and meditate (1, 2). You can use any form you want, and decide if everyone will do the same form or their own. It is so easy, and provides very unique experiences for everyone.

1. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-power-of-group-meditation.html

2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-smalley/ritual-outside-religion-t_b_151957.html

3. http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/proof-that-group-meditation-can-change-the-world/

[mrsjonie]

These 7 tips will help you make your fitness routine part of your lifestyle so you never have to start all over again. Because, let’s face it- those first few days back always make us feel extra sore.

PLAN, SCHEDULE, AND PREPARE: Commit to making your health a priority. We all have the same amount of hours in our days. As we prioritize, we decide where they go. Reading these 7 Mind-Blowing Benefits of Exercise will remind you that exercising is not just about getting fit and strong. A consistent physical routine will add light to so many other areas of your life! Plan to fit in 3-4 hours of exercise into your week, however that looks for you. Stick to a schedule and if you can, sign-up for classes online before hand (this will help you commit to your plan). Prepare your fitness bag and fill up your water bottle the night before. Make it easy for yourself- this is your personal time.

FIND A WORKOUT THAT YOU LOVE: It seems like everyday there’s a new type of workout out there. Your task is to find the one that keeps you coming back from more. Do some research online and see what your neighborhood has to offer. Most gyms and studios give customers a trial period. Take advantage of this and find your perfect fit.

FUEL YOUR APPETITE: You’ll find that your most rewarding workouts are the ones where you’re fully present, and nobody can stay focused with a grumbling stomach. Fuel up prior to your workouts, but allow atleast 2 hours for digestion before you get moving.

DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECTION: We strive for perfection in so many areas of our lives… Health shouldn’t be one of them. Leave all judgements at the door. Give it your best shot and never compare yourself to anyone else.

SET REALISTIC GOALS: Instead of setting idealistic goals, try setting short-term realistic ones. Constant gratification will keep you motivated and eager to stay on the right track.

BE A STUDENT: Let your curiosity show you how to take your fitness routine to the next level. If it ever starts to feel stale or boring, go online and read up on how to get into a deeper version a specific exercise or find new trends so you can mix-it-up from time to time.

CONSIDER YOUR FITNESS STYLE:  Buying some cute and stylish workout gear is a great motivator and will make you feel good about the body you live in. Start a fitness drawer and keep all your fitness duds neat and tidy.

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hey followers!

My project is due tomorrow! I'm posting the last few vlogs tonight - my computer has been really bugging lately....but if anyone could do me a favor and ask me some questions you want to know about meditation before midnight tonight? It can be anonymous! I would really appreciate it! Thank you!

[stressreliefproject]

I hear they are trying to incorporate meditation on prisons. Is it proving to be helpful?

There are several very small studies looking at whether meditation has any statistically significant benefits to prison inmates. Unfortunately, all the studies have very small sample sizes (as little as five (1)), and most data cannot be considered significant anyway. This does not mean the results should necessarily be disregarded. Most studies have suggested that prisoners (both youth and adults) who participated in meditation programs showed improvement in mindfulness, stress, impulsivity control, and other critical areas. Both a 1973 and a 2013 study of prison youth found significant improvement in self-regulation (1,2). Self-regulation is the ability to control impulsivity physically, cognitively, and emotionally (3). It is a critical stage in childhood development, but can be improved. A Massachusetts study that was actually rather involved found that inmates who participated in meditation programs showed significant positive changes in the areas of hostility, self-esteem, and mood disturbance. They said that women improved more than men. This study is much more promising (4). The David Lynch Foundation For Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace brings meditation to 'at-risk populations', including prisons. They seem to have relatively positive results, including improved behavior, decreased anxiety, and increased optimism. The inmates really enjoy the sessions, as well (5). While there isn't as much objective data as I'd like, the subjective data suggests that meditation programs in prisons can help improve morale and self-regulation while decreasing misconduct. I think it is definitely helpful.

1. Childs, JP. (1973). Use of the Transcendental Meditation Program as a Therapy with Juvenile Offenders. Scientific Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program - Collected Papers 1, 90.

2. Barnert, ES. et. al. (2013). Exploring an intensive meditation intervention for incarcerated youth. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 19, 69-73.

3. http://www.toolsofthemind.org/philosophy/self-regulation/

4. Samuelson, M. et. al. (2007). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Massachusetts Correctional Facilities. The Prison Journal 87, 254-268.

5. http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/prisons.html

[banneria-blog]

[kacidiane]

I love the person I’ve become, because I fought to become her.

Kaci Diane  (via angelicarayy)

[feel-better-yoga]

[girlsmotivation]

[stressreliefproject]

Eating healthier and sleeping more - appreciating the little things

I like to appreciate the days when I treat my body right. I eat unhealthy all the time and eat myself sick - which only worsens all the problems I have caused by stress. Don't get me wrong, EVERYONE should eat WHATEVER they want, regardless of its calorie, fat, or sugar content. However, I don't get satisfaction out of unhealthy foods. I don't like the taste of a lot of the ones I gorge myself with. So part of my stress relief that I have been doing (sporadically o.o) is eating healthier. I wish I had better control to stick with it, but I think chronicling how good I feel when I eat healthy might help me stay motivated. I'm so thankful to Produce Junction for selling bulk fruit. It gives me a lot of options for only a small price. In terms of sleep - I really need to fall in love with my bed soon. Not sleeping is so bad for me, but I can never justify sleeping. So I'm going to talk about that today, too.

I didn't get home until 3 am because I was visiting old friends in New Jersey and I live an hour and a half away. I skipped Chemistry (unfortunately) in favor of an extra hour's sleep. I woke up feeling refreshed. I had a bowl of corn flakes and a banana. I went to my other class, then took a nice, long nap. I woke up feeling awesome. I had pbj on a bagel and an apple for lunch and then later an orange for a snack. I love all these foods and I don't know why I don't eat them more.

Now I'm off to take a walk and relax for a little bit. I want to feel awesome all the time.

[mybodyneedschangeandineedcash]

[militaryfit-bombshell-deactivat]

[resolutionrevolution90]

Ignore the numbers on your clothes and wear the size that makes you comfortable.

[obliteratingmyfat]

I saw this this morning and wanted it to be rebloggable SO BAD.

[gwenlightened-blog]

love this.