Recommended Programs
Follow Along As I Get Back In Shape
It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog. I can’t believe that I started this site over 4 years ago now. Believe it or not, this site is seen by something like 600 people every single day! I’ve let a huge resource and a massive source of accountability completely go to waste. Oh well… No better time than now to jump back in to it.
I’ve actually become somewhat fanatical about health again recently. So why not get this blog up and running again and let everyone else share my journey.
This post will act as a bit of an intro to what my goals are and my next few posts will dive in deeper as to the exact action steps that I’m taking to achieve my goals.
My current stats:
202 lbs – as of today 7/11/2011 (Free slurpee day but I’ll resist!)
Right Bicep – 14.5″
Left Bicep – 14″
Waistline – 39″
Hips – 40″
Right Thigh – 21″
Left Thigh – 21″
So that’s where I stand right now. I’m going on vacation in New Zealand in October. My goal is to get down to 180 lbs and about a 35″ waistline by October 1st. I figured that publicly announcing this on a blog that gets seen by 600 people a day should be pretty good motivation to make it happen.
My current diet follows the 4 hour body diet from Tim Ferriss’s latest book (future post to come about this diet).
My current workout routine consists of mostly kettlebell workouts and cardio. I’m trying to shrink right now. After my vacation, I’ll put my focus heavily on muscle building.
That’s where I stand right now. Please sure your thoughts, comments, and encouragement in the comments section below.
Deep Relaxation: How Self Hypnosis Can Make Relaxation Deep
J Seymour asked:
You may be able to exercise some relaxation in your daily routine but it order to get the deepest relaxation possible, it is necessary to use some form of hypnosis as a guide. This added support helps you achieve a higher state of calmness and many believe that this is the true path to inner peace. You can achieve a deeper state of calm than you ever thought possible.
Relaxation Self-Help
Your ultra-relaxed state is dependant on your mind. You may try to relax on a conscious level but this approach can be counterproductive. The subconscious mind is vast and it has great influence on your ability to stay focused enough to fall into a deeply relaxed state.
You know that you require additional attention if your find that your body is remarkably tense. The feelings of tensions may get worse when you are around certain noises and situations. For example, you may feel the tension leave your body when you turn off your television. The sounds from the TV have an effect on your body that you are not aware of and when you remove this element, your muscles relax.
This tension works on a subconscious level. You had no conscious realization that the loud noises from the television were having such a profound impact on your physical body until you removed this element. You were not consciously making yourself tense. Your subconscious mind was tensing your muscles in response to the noise without your awareness.
Deep Relaxation Help
You may feel a bit relaxed after you turn off the loud noises but this is not effective relaxation. There are many different levels of calmness. Self-hypnosis helps you achieve a deeper level than conscious exercises like deep breathing techniques.
Consider the breathing exercises. They can be effective and they can help you calm yourself but you have to put forth considerable effort to achieve this. When you use hypnosis, you are allowing your subconscious mind to automatically respond with calmness just as it responds with tension when it is processing the loud noise.
You can find guidance in Duncan McColl’s outstanding recording found here – Deep Relaxation Hypnosis. This composition helps you achieve a deeply relaxed state with ease. This relaxed feeling spills into your daily life.
The talented hypnotherapist, Kathy Welter-Nichols and Harry Nichols offer their expertise in a fantastic recording found here – Find Inner Calm. “Circles Upon Circles” is a masterful recording that provides the support and guidance you need for peacefulness and calm. Other wonderful selections are available here – Relaxation Self Help. Simply follow the links for more information.
End Anxiety And Panic Attacks
You may be able to exercise some relaxation in your daily routine but it order to get the deepest relaxation possible, it is necessary to use some form of hypnosis as a guide. This added support helps you achieve a higher state of calmness and many believe that this is the true path to inner peace. You can achieve a deeper state of calm than you ever thought possible.
Relaxation Self-Help
Your ultra-relaxed state is dependant on your mind. You may try to relax on a conscious level but this approach can be counterproductive. The subconscious mind is vast and it has great influence on your ability to stay focused enough to fall into a deeply relaxed state.
You know that you require additional attention if your find that your body is remarkably tense. The feelings of tensions may get worse when you are around certain noises and situations. For example, you may feel the tension leave your body when you turn off your television. The sounds from the TV have an effect on your body that you are not aware of and when you remove this element, your muscles relax.
This tension works on a subconscious level. You had no conscious realization that the loud noises from the television were having such a profound impact on your physical body until you removed this element. You were not consciously making yourself tense. Your subconscious mind was tensing your muscles in response to the noise without your awareness.
Deep Relaxation Help
You may feel a bit relaxed after you turn off the loud noises but this is not effective relaxation. There are many different levels of calmness. Self-hypnosis helps you achieve a deeper level than conscious exercises like deep breathing techniques.
Consider the breathing exercises. They can be effective and they can help you calm yourself but you have to put forth considerable effort to achieve this. When you use hypnosis, you are allowing your subconscious mind to automatically respond with calmness just as it responds with tension when it is processing the loud noise.
You can find guidance in Duncan McColl’s outstanding recording found here – Deep Relaxation Hypnosis. This composition helps you achieve a deeply relaxed state with ease. This relaxed feeling spills into your daily life.
The talented hypnotherapist, Kathy Welter-Nichols and Harry Nichols offer their expertise in a fantastic recording found here – Find Inner Calm. “Circles Upon Circles” is a masterful recording that provides the support and guidance you need for peacefulness and calm. Other wonderful selections are available here – Relaxation Self Help. Simply follow the links for more information.
End Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Essential Oils for Effective Relaxation
Regi Ross asked:
Relaxation is an important part of a daily regimen. Most people focus on daily work schedules, exercise, home care, taking care of children, and other personal chores for daily living. Relaxation should always have a part of your day, but most people ignore the importance of relaxation and rest. Resting the mind and body helps refresh energy and brings back a balance of body strength and fortitude.
Relaxation essential oils also induce a mindful state of calm that helps you forget of the day’s stressful events or what daily chores are needed for the next day. Relaxation does not necessarily mean that you are required to sleep. Relaxation includes meditation and drawing your mind away from the stress and into a complete peaceful state. A total relaxation state soothes your whole body and reduces the tiring effects of stress and sleepless nights.
Most people have a busy and hectic life going to work, taking care of children, and finding the time to clean the home. Essential oils for relaxation can help you relax and stay calm during hard times that would otherwise cause you to lose control from high levels of stress. They can be used at the end of the day to help you unwind and calm your nerves.
You can also use essential oils in aromatherapy within your office. Although the goal for relaxation methods is to calm and create a sense of peace, they do not make you tired. Using essential oils in the office will give you peace throughout the day and help you maintain your temper during high stress moments. Used in the office, the oils will calm your mind during the work day so that you do not feel overwhelmed by stress or deadlines.
There are several essential oils that can help you relax in your home or in the office. Essential oils such as ylang ylang, chamomile, and neroli will help you relax throughout the day without making you tired. Each have their own unique effects, but when they are used together they are a powerful aromatherapy to ultimately make you feel at peach.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is an extremely potent essential oil that is sensual and relaxing. The balancing effects from the exotic aroma leaves your whole body and spirit feeling relaxed. It is also a romantic aroma and it is perfect for date night or cuddling up with a loved one at night.
Chamomile Maroc
Chamomile Maroc is probably one of the most popular soothing aromas. This essential oil soothes your mind while relaxing your body. It will help you emotionally to combat the irritability and anger that can happen from a day of high levels of stress. If you are a person who has a hard time withholding strong emotions such as anger, chamomile is a great essential oil to help you calm your anger.
Neroli
Neroli has a combination of relaxation effects that restore your level of peace while rejuvenating your overall energy and body strength. The essential oil is distilled from blossoms of the bitter orange tree. It is an exotic plant that has deep effects on the emotional aspects of your mind. The fragrance can restore your mind to lower levels of stress and disperse the anger left in your body. Irritability will be lessened when this essential oil is used within the office.
All of these oils will help you throughout your day even if used individually. Used together and they will remove the heavy emotional effects of stress and tension. Removing the negative effects of the day can help you maintain your balance, and it is a major factor of dealing with anger management. You will find yourself more productive, and you will have a better customer service friendly attitude. Use these essential oils in combination with other stress relieving oils and you will find your whole presence to be more positive.
The Fat Burning Furnace
Relaxation is an important part of a daily regimen. Most people focus on daily work schedules, exercise, home care, taking care of children, and other personal chores for daily living. Relaxation should always have a part of your day, but most people ignore the importance of relaxation and rest. Resting the mind and body helps refresh energy and brings back a balance of body strength and fortitude.
Relaxation essential oils also induce a mindful state of calm that helps you forget of the day’s stressful events or what daily chores are needed for the next day. Relaxation does not necessarily mean that you are required to sleep. Relaxation includes meditation and drawing your mind away from the stress and into a complete peaceful state. A total relaxation state soothes your whole body and reduces the tiring effects of stress and sleepless nights.
Most people have a busy and hectic life going to work, taking care of children, and finding the time to clean the home. Essential oils for relaxation can help you relax and stay calm during hard times that would otherwise cause you to lose control from high levels of stress. They can be used at the end of the day to help you unwind and calm your nerves.
You can also use essential oils in aromatherapy within your office. Although the goal for relaxation methods is to calm and create a sense of peace, they do not make you tired. Using essential oils in the office will give you peace throughout the day and help you maintain your temper during high stress moments. Used in the office, the oils will calm your mind during the work day so that you do not feel overwhelmed by stress or deadlines.
There are several essential oils that can help you relax in your home or in the office. Essential oils such as ylang ylang, chamomile, and neroli will help you relax throughout the day without making you tired. Each have their own unique effects, but when they are used together they are a powerful aromatherapy to ultimately make you feel at peach.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is an extremely potent essential oil that is sensual and relaxing. The balancing effects from the exotic aroma leaves your whole body and spirit feeling relaxed. It is also a romantic aroma and it is perfect for date night or cuddling up with a loved one at night.
Chamomile Maroc
Chamomile Maroc is probably one of the most popular soothing aromas. This essential oil soothes your mind while relaxing your body. It will help you emotionally to combat the irritability and anger that can happen from a day of high levels of stress. If you are a person who has a hard time withholding strong emotions such as anger, chamomile is a great essential oil to help you calm your anger.
Neroli
Neroli has a combination of relaxation effects that restore your level of peace while rejuvenating your overall energy and body strength. The essential oil is distilled from blossoms of the bitter orange tree. It is an exotic plant that has deep effects on the emotional aspects of your mind. The fragrance can restore your mind to lower levels of stress and disperse the anger left in your body. Irritability will be lessened when this essential oil is used within the office.
All of these oils will help you throughout your day even if used individually. Used together and they will remove the heavy emotional effects of stress and tension. Removing the negative effects of the day can help you maintain your balance, and it is a major factor of dealing with anger management. You will find yourself more productive, and you will have a better customer service friendly attitude. Use these essential oils in combination with other stress relieving oils and you will find your whole presence to be more positive.
The Fat Burning Furnace
Relaxation Techniques Using Candles
Stephanie Davies asked:
So you are tired and stressed out day after day. You’ve had thoughts of yoga, meditation, and soothing spa experiences, but you either don’t have the time to do those things, or it is beyond your reach right now. Let me show you a few very simple, simple relaxation techniques that you can use at any time, without any effort or previous knowledge to accomplish – using candles! That’s right, using candles. Almost everyone has a candle in the house, most of us have several, and if you don’t have one, the nearest store is sure to have a grand selection. To begin, you don’t need to have any certain type of candle. Almost any candle will work, big or small, soy candles, paraffin candles, beeswax candles, scented or unscented! Of course, scents will help with the relaxation, so I will give you a few ideas on which fragrances to use to help you to fully enjoy the benefits of candle relaxation.
Lavender is the fragrance most renowned for it’s relaxation benefits in aromatherapy. It’s a common ingredient in products aimed at relaxation and stress relief, such as pillows, bath oils, soaps and lotions. However it may not be the right fragrance for you. Some people find particular scents relaxing while others do not. For instance, the fragrance of warm cinnamon buns may smell like heaven to me, but may make you want to run to higher ground! Other fragrances may have bad memories attached to them in your own mind. For that reason, I recommend that you take into account your own personal preferences in choosing the scented products that are right for you. Other fragrances that have a strong reputation for relaxation are: chamomile, vanilla, ylang ylang, clary sage, bergamot, frankincense, and sandalwood. Although if you have strong allergies or are highly sensitive to scented items, we recommend going with an unscented candle for your own relaxation.
The color of the candle you use is very important when you are using candles for relaxation purposes. Use calming, muted colors to relax, such as pale blues, greens, white, or violet. Bright colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows can be stimulating to the mind and might make it harder to fully relax. I personally recommend candles of a blue color to relax, but if you personally really hate the color blue, you may use any light color that pleases your eye.
The first way to use candles in relaxation and stress relief is a very simple, yet utterly effective method. Simply take a deep breath, and stare at the flame of the candle while it is lit. Focus in on the area at the base of the wick where the flames color is blue. Watch how the colors subtly change as you stare into the flame. Take deep, calming breaths while relaxing and simply focusing on the candle flame. It helps if this is done in a darkened room, however the exercise is effective even while in a brightly lit space.
Another simple method for candle relaxation is to take your candle and a small pin or other object to “write” on the candle, and write the word “Relax” vertically on the surface of the candle. As the candle burns, on each letter, meditate on a single thought. It can be anything you want as long as it is a positive thought. As the candle burns to a new letter, change to a different meditative thought. This is a way of meditating while having a “timer” (the candle) to set a slow but relaxing pace while giving you a focus for your meditation.
Finally, candles and water can be an extremely effective combination. I recommend using floating candles in a combination with the first technique, or alternatively to place a candle in a bowl and place small attractive rocks or crystals around the base to anchor it, then placing a small amount of water in the bottom of the bowl. This is not only helpful for relaxation, but is also very decorative and in itself holds many ideas for decorating your home.
Of course, the act of simply having lit candles is very relaxing in itself. Whether simply around the house, in the bathtub, or during intimate moments, candles can enhance and bring peacefulness to our hectic lives. So the next time you are looking for a quick way to de-stress and ground yourself, look no further than the wax and wick!
Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
So you are tired and stressed out day after day. You’ve had thoughts of yoga, meditation, and soothing spa experiences, but you either don’t have the time to do those things, or it is beyond your reach right now. Let me show you a few very simple, simple relaxation techniques that you can use at any time, without any effort or previous knowledge to accomplish – using candles! That’s right, using candles. Almost everyone has a candle in the house, most of us have several, and if you don’t have one, the nearest store is sure to have a grand selection. To begin, you don’t need to have any certain type of candle. Almost any candle will work, big or small, soy candles, paraffin candles, beeswax candles, scented or unscented! Of course, scents will help with the relaxation, so I will give you a few ideas on which fragrances to use to help you to fully enjoy the benefits of candle relaxation.
Lavender is the fragrance most renowned for it’s relaxation benefits in aromatherapy. It’s a common ingredient in products aimed at relaxation and stress relief, such as pillows, bath oils, soaps and lotions. However it may not be the right fragrance for you. Some people find particular scents relaxing while others do not. For instance, the fragrance of warm cinnamon buns may smell like heaven to me, but may make you want to run to higher ground! Other fragrances may have bad memories attached to them in your own mind. For that reason, I recommend that you take into account your own personal preferences in choosing the scented products that are right for you. Other fragrances that have a strong reputation for relaxation are: chamomile, vanilla, ylang ylang, clary sage, bergamot, frankincense, and sandalwood. Although if you have strong allergies or are highly sensitive to scented items, we recommend going with an unscented candle for your own relaxation.
The color of the candle you use is very important when you are using candles for relaxation purposes. Use calming, muted colors to relax, such as pale blues, greens, white, or violet. Bright colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows can be stimulating to the mind and might make it harder to fully relax. I personally recommend candles of a blue color to relax, but if you personally really hate the color blue, you may use any light color that pleases your eye.
The first way to use candles in relaxation and stress relief is a very simple, yet utterly effective method. Simply take a deep breath, and stare at the flame of the candle while it is lit. Focus in on the area at the base of the wick where the flames color is blue. Watch how the colors subtly change as you stare into the flame. Take deep, calming breaths while relaxing and simply focusing on the candle flame. It helps if this is done in a darkened room, however the exercise is effective even while in a brightly lit space.
Another simple method for candle relaxation is to take your candle and a small pin or other object to “write” on the candle, and write the word “Relax” vertically on the surface of the candle. As the candle burns, on each letter, meditate on a single thought. It can be anything you want as long as it is a positive thought. As the candle burns to a new letter, change to a different meditative thought. This is a way of meditating while having a “timer” (the candle) to set a slow but relaxing pace while giving you a focus for your meditation.
Finally, candles and water can be an extremely effective combination. I recommend using floating candles in a combination with the first technique, or alternatively to place a candle in a bowl and place small attractive rocks or crystals around the base to anchor it, then placing a small amount of water in the bottom of the bowl. This is not only helpful for relaxation, but is also very decorative and in itself holds many ideas for decorating your home.
Of course, the act of simply having lit candles is very relaxing in itself. Whether simply around the house, in the bathtub, or during intimate moments, candles can enhance and bring peacefulness to our hectic lives. So the next time you are looking for a quick way to de-stress and ground yourself, look no further than the wax and wick!
Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
Relaxation Hypnosis
Christine Woolfenden asked:
Life is busy, filled with deadlines, commitments and must-dos. Even if we thrive on living at such a fast pace of life, the constant state of physical and mental high alert that results can take its toll on our minds and bodies, influencing how we feel, what we think and, ultimately, how we behave.
By simply relaxing, we can go a long way towards counteracting the negative side effects of our hectic lives. Whether feeling stressed, tired or just in need of a bit of luxury, we could all benefit from allowing ourselves to relax more.
Relaxation hypnosis is a fast, effective and enduring way of achieving all the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of deep relaxation.
Generally speaking, hypnosis, as used within clinical hypnotherapy, involves the induction of a deeply relaxed physical and mental state, a state in which the critical faculties of the mind are temporarily suspended. But relaxation hypnosis goes that little bit further. It focuses exclusively on counteracting those negative physical, emotional and cognitive side effects of worry, stress and tension.
Relaxation hypnosis uses suggestion to progressively relax the physical body, encouraging waves of warm comfort to flow through the body, soothing, smoothing, releasing and relieving tired, tight muscles; relaxing the body from head to toe.
Direct positive suggestions guide the body’s internal mechanisms to effortlessly slow and regulate breathing and heart rate, to allow stress hormones to subside, body organs to work effectively, and to stimulate the body’s natural immune system.
Visual imagery is a vital part of the relaxation process. It encourages and deepens relaxation, using the power and creativity of the imagination to divert attention away from negative thinking, providing tranquil rest and sanctuary for the mind.
Beneficial post-hypnotic suggestions (constructive, often therapeutic suggestions given to a person whilst in a state of hypnosis, that are carried out post hypnosis) are also made, for remaining calm, peaceful and relaxed even after the relaxation hypnosis session is over.
Christine Woolfenden, DCH DHP reg. GHR, clinical hypnotherapist at Echelon Associates Hypnotherapy Practice, Charlbury, Oxfordshire | Oxford, offers single 45 minute relaxation hypnosis sessions / ‘massages for the mind’, priced at £35.00 per session. Bookings can be made by phone, 07980 183 939, via email cw@echelonassociates.co.uk, or through the ‘contact us’ page at www.echelonassociates.co.uk
If you’re looking for that perfect present for someone special, then why not buy a gift voucher and treat them to a wonderfully relaxing ‘mind massage’; affordable, enjoyable and enduringly effective relaxation hypnosis.
The Fat Loss Secret
Life is busy, filled with deadlines, commitments and must-dos. Even if we thrive on living at such a fast pace of life, the constant state of physical and mental high alert that results can take its toll on our minds and bodies, influencing how we feel, what we think and, ultimately, how we behave.
By simply relaxing, we can go a long way towards counteracting the negative side effects of our hectic lives. Whether feeling stressed, tired or just in need of a bit of luxury, we could all benefit from allowing ourselves to relax more.
Relaxation hypnosis is a fast, effective and enduring way of achieving all the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of deep relaxation.
Generally speaking, hypnosis, as used within clinical hypnotherapy, involves the induction of a deeply relaxed physical and mental state, a state in which the critical faculties of the mind are temporarily suspended. But relaxation hypnosis goes that little bit further. It focuses exclusively on counteracting those negative physical, emotional and cognitive side effects of worry, stress and tension.
Relaxation hypnosis uses suggestion to progressively relax the physical body, encouraging waves of warm comfort to flow through the body, soothing, smoothing, releasing and relieving tired, tight muscles; relaxing the body from head to toe.
Direct positive suggestions guide the body’s internal mechanisms to effortlessly slow and regulate breathing and heart rate, to allow stress hormones to subside, body organs to work effectively, and to stimulate the body’s natural immune system.
Visual imagery is a vital part of the relaxation process. It encourages and deepens relaxation, using the power and creativity of the imagination to divert attention away from negative thinking, providing tranquil rest and sanctuary for the mind.
Beneficial post-hypnotic suggestions (constructive, often therapeutic suggestions given to a person whilst in a state of hypnosis, that are carried out post hypnosis) are also made, for remaining calm, peaceful and relaxed even after the relaxation hypnosis session is over.
Christine Woolfenden, DCH DHP reg. GHR, clinical hypnotherapist at Echelon Associates Hypnotherapy Practice, Charlbury, Oxfordshire | Oxford, offers single 45 minute relaxation hypnosis sessions / ‘massages for the mind’, priced at £35.00 per session. Bookings can be made by phone, 07980 183 939, via email cw@echelonassociates.co.uk, or through the ‘contact us’ page at www.echelonassociates.co.uk
If you’re looking for that perfect present for someone special, then why not buy a gift voucher and treat them to a wonderfully relaxing ‘mind massage’; affordable, enjoyable and enduringly effective relaxation hypnosis.
The Fat Loss Secret
Favorite Diet Solution
