Six Kinds of Stress -- and How to Reduce Them Naturally

Adapted from their new book, "Fit Soul, Fit Body" 

The common denominator in reducing stress, regardless of which type it is, is a balanced workout program. Moderate exercise, such as walking, is the key to overcoming the negativity and fatigue that so often accompany every type of stress. Here are the six kinds of stress and some additional prescriptions for reducing each of them. 

What Your Food Cravings Mean and How to Overcome Them

Publisher's Description:

Do you crave chocolate, bread, cheese, fries, or other foods? If so, there's a reason why, as Doreen Virtue's breakthrough book explains. Each food craving actually corresponds to a specific underlying emotion; so once you understand the meaning behind your particular craving and apply the information and affirmations within these pages, you'll be able to heal your cycle of emotional overeating. 

In addition, you'll read scientific studies about the mood- and energy-altering properties of each food, which will help you see how your appetite perfectly mirrors your emotions. This comprehensive and empowering guide will also show you how to give "food readings" to yourself and others, allowing you to accurately interpret the meaning behind many cravings. 

Empaths require private downtime to prevent emotional overload.

Loneliness gets to some more than others. But why it hangs on isn’t always apparent when read by traditional medical eyes.

Excerpted from the newly released "Practical Conscious Creation: Daily Techniques to Manifest Your Desires" (Findhorn Press, Fall 2011)

When most people think of fear, they conjure pictures of screaming women in slasher movies, horrible mindless villains, or heroes chased by zombies. But, for most of us, fear feels more like an insidious virus that our minds and emotions create to stop us from moving forward.

Fear is the mind/ego's way of saying "I'm not going there! I like being right where I am. I'm familiar with my current state. If I plunk myself right down here, nothing can hurt me because I already know this territory. I'm not worthy and if I stretch myself, I might get rejected."

During an overnight airplane flight I perused the entertainment selections and discovered the audio book Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. I liked what I heard and found Ms. LaPorte to be an articulate, poetic exponent of living a juicy, authentic life. She had my attention.

One of the ways to recognize your talent and passion, LaPorte suggests, is to consider what other people have criticized you for.  I had heard, “What you thought was wrong with you may be what’s right with you,” but the idea of using criticism as a compass to greatness takes the lesson to a whole new level.

Positive Focus
Practice one or two of these tips for a few nights. If they resonate with you, include them in your Restful Insomnia program. They’ll change your nights and days.

Inner Smile
Most people have heard that emotions influence the body and that the body influences emotions. Much came to light with the research of Paul Ekman and a colleague when they created a photo collection of facial expressions, they found that their expressions influenced their moods. After a day of angry grimaces, Dr. Ekman and his cohort felt grumpy for hours and had matching bodily responses—increased pulse rate, blood pressure, and body tension.