Warm Up Those Cold Hands and Feet

While we will enjoy warmer temperatures in a couple of months, there's nothing like cold hands and feet to damper a mood!

If you are stuck indoors, there's a tendency to start feeling down.  I was thinking about my last post about The Weather Affecting Your Mood and thought of some more ways to help you keep your spirits up why the weather is funky outdoors.

If you live in a place where you have no control over your own heat, there's a chance you won't get satisfactory heat when you want it.  Even if you live in your own house, there could be times where you don't want to crank up the heat due to the rising costs of fuel.  In either event, the first thing that's affected is your hands and feet and if you are anything like me, you hate having cold hands and feet!

So, how can you warm up those cold hands and feet?

Here are a couple of ways:

* Microwave 2 clean pair of socks on high for 10 seconds.  Run hands and feet under warm (not hot) water and then moisturize with a thick cream to seal in moisture.  Immediately after, put one pair of the warmed socks and one pair on your feet. Toasty!

* Don't want to go the "creative" route, then a portable TDP Lamp offers a great solution.  TDP Lamps are useful for reducing inflammation and soreness and are popularly sold throughout the winter months. BUT, they are also great for simply heating up your cold limbs

Don't suffer for one minute with cold hands and feet.  I've just given you two ways to heat them and neither of them will break your budget

About the author: Michelle Howard Smith is the founder of AntiStressandPain.com.  She writes about ways to reduce and prevent stress and pain.  At the heart of her service is the belief that stress and pain are connected.  If you focus on reducing stress, you will reduce your instance of pain.  If you enjoyed this post, sign up for the Stress Less newsletter to received additional methods for managing the stress in your life.

Leaving Blogger

Not sure if you saw some of my previous notes but I'm leaving blogger for a bigger, brighter world out there :)
I'm moving on to Wordpress in just a few weeks but I wanted to give you a heads up.  Once I have it set up and running, I will give you the new blog address and feed address.

In the meantime, I have some great posts for you in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned.

Weather Affecting Your Mood?

With all of the nasty weather we've been having here in New York, it's easy to get "under the weather" and stay there for a bit. However, the weather doesn't have to affect your mood unless you allow it to.

It doesn't matter if you are in the snowy, cold New York City area or in a town that's normally got great weather but has fallen prey to a dismal climate.  There are things you can do to keep yourself or get yourself out of a funk:

Organizing Wrap Up

As we wrap up February, I'm going to wrap up the topic of Getting Organized for the month.  For the month of May I will focus on helping you prevent and reduce stress by focusing on Strategies for Stress Reduction.

In the meantime, to wrap up our discussions on organizing, I wanted to share with you two popular ways of organizing.  There's so much to be organized:

• Clothes, Shoes, Accessories
• Important papers
• Cabinets
• Closets
• Drawers
• Toys
• Coupons
• Photos
• Music & TV CDs, DVD's etc.
• the list goes on...

With all of the things that need to be organized in your life, it's no wonder things can spiral out of control, eventually causing stress and anxiety.  Fortunately, there's help and there are a lot of professional organizers out there willing to help you get a hold of yourself.

Sometimes, the personal services of a professional organizer can be a little costly so I wanted to share with you a couple of methods for organizing that you can incorporate into your life.  Ultimately, it's up to you to determine if you need additional help but these should get you started:

* Using Lists (Electronic or handwritten)
* Using Planners (ie Franklin Covey)

The reason these two methods are popular is because everyone is using them and they don't require much though. However, they don't get to the root of how to organize the specific things in your life in detail (the list I mentioned above) nor do they provide for cost cutting and time saving ways to organize.

Clutterbugs is an Organizing System that I discovered a while ago that has some great down to earth (some free) ways to organize without breaking your budget.  This program has been highlighted in The Ultimate Guide for Professional Organizers 2009 Edition, Real Simple, Business Watch, Scrapbooks etc, and more. Check out the affordable solutions offered by Getting Clutterbugs to Get Organized.

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Choosing to visit the Clutterbugs link above may result in an affiliate commission on my behalf should you make a purchase. However, in no way will I ever promote a product or service to you that I am not satisfied with myself.   Additionally, any purchase you decide to make will not result in the release of any of your personal information to me or anyone I am affiliated with nor will it increase your cost in any way.

Blog ReDesign

Figured it would be a good idea to match this blog with the Stress & Alternative Pain Relief Online Shop.  Hence the redesign.

Resolving to Stay Organized - Here's Your Reinforcement

Hi there boys and girls (hey we all want to feel younger!)

I wanted to continue with the subject of organizing for the rest of this month.  Many people have given up on their resolve to get organized and work towards keeping things organized. (Remember, it's not a one time thing)  That's because a lack of organization is a major cause of stress in many people's lives.

So, I put together a little something that will help you to Get More Organized and Find a New or Renewed Sense of Freedom.  Yes, click that link for a free tips sheet.  It's not just about organizing your stuff. It starts with YOU.

Enjoy and Pass It On...

Running On $5

Who wants to earn $5 a day? Certainly, we all want to earn more than that.  As a home business owner and entrepreneur, I just read a book that completely changed my business life as I know it.

It's changed how I will run my business going forward.  This book has helped provide me with the FOCUS I need to be more successful and I invite you to join me...

Tips to Help You Clear Clutter

Have you ever heard of the term, "stuck on stupid?"  It basically means a state of being where a person is totally clueless.  Well, I think we have all been there. Especially when it comes to organizing our lives and clearing out the clutter that keeps us from being productive.  What other term could you call yourself other than "stuck on stupid" when you continue to do the same things to relieve the stress of disorganization but continue to get the same results?

Below are some tips for helping you to clear clutter. Some are based on tips provided by the two organizing systems I shared with you in my post, "What Organizing System Is Right For You?"  Others are my own.

What Organizing System Is Right For You?

Part of the chaos we as humans find ourselves in when trying to get organized is trying to do things the way everyone else does them.  Well, it's a fact that what works for one person does not work for another.

There a bunch of different systems and techniques available to help you get organized but you should decide on hot to organize and which organizing system to use based on your personality.  Some of the organizing systems are very methodical and may be a bit too "anal" for some.

Here are 2 of organizing systems that I have come across and recommend based on the ease of use and the quality information given by the program creators:

Clutter Bugs - Get organized with almost no spending.

Clutter Diet - Offers a free Report, "30 Ways to Get Organized"

Check one or both of these systems out and share your experience.  What's nice is they both offer free information and affordable solutions.

Note that if you choose to purchase any of the systems above or related products, I will receive an affiliate commission.  HOWEVER, I will never recommend crap.  I like these organizing systems for their simplicity and the fact that they make organizing kind of fun!  I have not received any compensation for recommending the products to you.
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Michelle Howard Smith is a stress management professional.  Michelle offers a wealth of wisdom in her complimentary monthly Stress Less Newsletter.   Subscribe today and receive a free health report along with access to special deals on stress relief products.

Organizing Your Life for Sanity

You've heard it before and you will hear it again and again.  At least until you tell me, "Michelle, stop!  I'm there. I'm organized and loving it!"  Ok, the chances of that happening for EVERY subscriber and follower of this blog is slim right? Sooooo, I will keep on sharing and providing information that helps you to reduce stress in your life and a big one is Disorganization.

It doesn't matter if you work inside or outside of the home, organizing your life will help you in every area.  At work and at home.  So consider the month of February here at the Stress and Alternative Pain Relief Blog, your "Guide to Organizing"  That will be our focus.

Massage Stone Sale!

Save 10% Off All Hot and Cold Massage Stones when you use discount code: EASE to shop online at www.stressreliefbyrv.com

Remember the benefits of Massage Stones I shared from my recent posts: Hot Stones Improve Energy and Improve Pain and Contrasting Cold and Hot Stones and How They Can Help You

Now you can pick up the Hot or Cold Stone of your choice at a 10% savings. 

5 Days Only.  Counting Down now..........

Have a Happy and Safe Weekend,

Contrasting Cold & Hot Stones and How They Can Help You

The reason I started this blog was not just to sell products. On the contrary, it is my goal to also educate people on the importance of how to care for the body once it has encountered illness or injury. With that, the other day I wrote a post about Hot Stones and how they can benefit you.  Did you see it?  I hope so because at some time or another in your life, you will experience pain and popping pills is not the safe way to go.

Today I want to share with you the benefits of cold stones.

Hot Stones Improve Energy and Ease Pain

A little over a week ago, I introduced a new line of massage stones offered at www.stressreliefbyrv.com
What I provide you with was an overview of sorts but now I'd like to break down the two types of massage stone therapy that are offered: Hot and Cold Stones

Let's look specifically at hot stones and how they can help a number of painful conditions.

Stress and Pain All Wrapped Into One

I never thought I'd be sharing a personal stress and pain story but this is one outlet where I can share my story and not have to worry about somebody making a "decision" on it.

I won't get into all the details but the last few days have been stressful and also painful emotionally.

3 years ago my husband was viciously beaten by 6 police officers.  Some may think, "Well what did he do?"  Other than have a flip mouth toward the police nothing.  And the last time I checked, that wasn't a crime.

Well today we had our day in court. Yes we sued the police department and the City of Yonkers.  To sit and listen to the lies was very painful.  My daughter and I both gave an account of exactly what happened and those lying cops gave their account.

Our one consolation is that we know the truth and God is on our side.  Also, our attorney proved that the cops were lying.  How is it that they lie to Internal Affairs and say they didn't hit my husband and then admit on the stand after being pushed that they stomped him in the face?  That's a very big deal. On top of that for the cops to say that they didn't see any of their fellow officers hit him yet he was all beat up and they had no marks or injuries yet they say he fought them.

That's very stressful and painful.  Cops took an oath to serve and protect.  Now, I know all cops are not bad but this really has us on the defense against them.

Through this stressful ordeal over the past 3 years, I've learned the only way we have survived and maintained some peace is to keep our trust and faith in God.

The jury will continual deliberating tomorrow and I expect a positive outcome.  I will let you all know.  The evidence speaks.

Knock Out The Kinks with Massage Stones

You know that getting a massage is the (thee for emphasis!) way to go when you need some good old fashion stress relief.  If you don't know then you should try it if even just a mini massage at one of those kiosks at the mall.

Adding massage stones increases the effectiveness of a massage.  The massage stones allow for a deep tissue manipulation that a regular massage can not match.

Massage therapists are well versed on the effectiveness of massage stones. However, getting a professional hot or cold stone massage can be a little pricey.  Also, massage stones can be used for a number of treatments other than massage.

There are a number of at home treatments you can experience with massage stones that go beyond the typical massage:

* Palm/Manicure treatments
* Tension release in the neck
* Easing of menstrual cramps
* Reduction of swollen eyes
* Relaxation of the thighs and buttocks

The type of home treatment you are interested in will determine the type of stone you will use. Basalt stones.  Marble stones are used for hot stone treatments and are used for cold stone treatments.

Examples:

Hot Basalt stones are used to release rigid tight muscles in the palms of the hands just before getting a manicure

Cold Marble stones can be used therapeutically to reduce swelling and wrinkles around the eye area

Click the link to view an assortment of Hot and Cold Massage stones.
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Michelle Howard Smith is a stress and management professional.  Stepping out of the traditional way of addressing physical and mental challenges, Michelle offers a wealth of wisdom in her complimentary monthly Stress Less Newsletter.   Subscribe today and receive a free health report along with access to special deals on alternative health products.

Being Alone Doesn't Have To Mean Being Lonely

Well 2010 is here and while it's a new year, if you have issues with loneliness, the new year won't be any different unless you change your outlook.

The most lonely day of the year for many is Valentine's Day.  February 14th is a day where sweethearts everywhere express their love in a variety of ways....giving of gifts, going out on special dates etc.  But what if you don't have a sweetheart?  What if on the most romantic day of the year, you are alone?

Free 2010 New Year Stress Less Guide

2009 is almost behind us.  I hope you've been preparing for 2010 but not to worry if you haven't done anything to get ready for the new year yet.  You should however do something different to enter 2010 than you did when you entered 2009.  That is unless you want to stay the same.

Preparing for a new year is especially important if you are going to proactively reduce or prevent stress...emotional, physical, and mental.

I put together a little resource that I hope you will find helpful. It's the 2010 New Year, New You Stress Less Guide.  Read it, follow the advice in it and share it with friends and family!

Happy New Year !

Merry Christmas

Here's wishing you a Very Merry Christmas...

May the Love of Christ Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes...

Forgiveness Freebie Tools

After all of the talk about forgiveness, the importance of forgiveness, why to forgive and ways to forgive, I compiled a nice couple of reminder sheets that you can print out, post up (for a reminder) and share with others.

Grab your Forgiveness Tools today!

Here's go entering 2010 with a clean slate...

Forgiveness with Aromatherapy

For the last week or so, the focus has been placed on forgiveness and learning to forgive people who have offended you.  The reason this subject is so important is because we are about to enter a new year shortly. Do you want to bring old baggage with you into a new season of your life? I know I don't.  That's why it's my goal to help anyone with problems "letting things go" to find as many ways possible to forgive.

While forgiving can sometimes be difficult and daunting, it's not impossible. I wanted to share something with you that I believe with prove beneficial if you are having trouble getting in the right frame of mind to forgive.

It's called Forgiveness Essential Oil. Let me explain...

Forgiveness is a proprietary blend of therapeutic grade essential oils offered by Young Living, the leader in aromatherapy oils.

Forgiveness essential oil blend is a soothing and uplifting mix of essential oils that may enhance your ability to release traumatic and hurtful memories. These oils allow for the release of negative emotions and promotes a willingness to move forward.

While you may have doubts, there is no doubt that people (including myself) have been using aromatherapy therapeutically for years with much success. If you are having difficult forgiving others or even yourself then trying Forgiveness is worth a try.

Forgiveness Essential Oil contains the following blend of essential oils: Melissa, Geranium, Frankincense, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Angelica, Lavender, Lemon, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, Ylan ylang, Palmarosa, Helichrysum and Rose in a base of sesame seed oil.

Simply apply "Forgiveness" topically around the navel area on the belly or on the neck and forearms.  This precious oil can also be diffused into the air.

To obtain the Forgiveness Essential Oil Blend, visit Young Living, sign up to purchase and use distributor # 1066504 to obtain your product.  Discover the power of Aromatherapy to heal emotional wounds.

In a few days I have a special treat for you to help you leave unforgiveness in 2009 and be prepared to enter 2010 with a forgiving attitude and a fresh new outlook on life.