Let me share this

(Hard Punch column of Mr. Mario Serato)

AS we prepare to face this New Year, we always promise ourselves improvements, if not change, for the better. I’m sharing with you some of the articles I find useful in this world where we have to cope with a lot of toxic elements that are not of our own making but we are compelled to deal with. This would be my gift to the loyal followers of my column in this paper. This article, “Harnessing good stress,” is from MSNBC:

“Stress is not always a bad thing — it’s what you do with it that’s key. Here are some ways to avoid the pitfalls of pressure overload:
 

· Think of the glass as half full. We can’t make stress go away but we can change how our brains react to it. An optimistic look at life can give more of a feeling of personal control and help limit the elevation of stress hormones.
 

· Focus on the task at hand. An unexpected deadline at work or home can give a burst of hormone-related energy, but don’t feel you have to do everything at once. If you feel overwhelmed, say no to taking on more tasks.
 

· Fight the urge to be a superman or wonder woman. You’re not perfect, so don’t expect it from others. Prioritize and be realistic about work deadlines. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
 

· Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise helps make your body more resistant to the negative effects of psychological stress.
 

· Meditate. Try to think of pleasant moments or nothing at all. Just 10-20 minutes of quiet time can relax you and increase your tolerance to chronic stress.
 

· Be alert to stress clues. Frequent colds, cold sores, backaches, headaches, difficulty thinking clearly, irritability or insomnia are signals that your body and immune system are suffering from too much stress.”
 

To those who, like me, have so many things to do and so little time to do it, sleep is a luxury. This reminder to myself may be useful to others, too.
 

Six reasons you need a good night’s rest:
 

1. It maintains a strong immune system. Sleep deprivation compromises immune function and makes you more vulnerable to disease.
 

2. It slows aging. Too little sleep elevates levels of stress hormones and lowers levels of growth hormone necessary for cell repair. In one study, young, healthy sleep-deprived subjects had the hormonal profiles of much older people.
 

3. It prevents diabetes. Sleeplessness increases insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
 

4. It keeps you slim. When you’re sleep deprived, you have more of the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin in your blood and less appetite-curbing leptin, a combo that leaves you longing for junk food.
 

5. It helps maintain a sharp memory. Even one sleepless night impairs concentration and memory and can affect job performance.
 

6. It can make you happier. Insomniacs face a higher risk of depression, alcoholism and suicide.
May we be able to sleep better on 2011.

(WLWE Jan. 3-9, 2011)