!f o! This famous slogan is more than an advertising executive's quip. . .
#working r p
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Hard work, providing it is satisfying, is the zest of life. People are healthier when occupied by work. In Britain, over 20% higher death rates are recorded by unemployed men. Many American life insurance companies put 'the right occupation' high on the list of components leading to a long, productive life. Retirement, like unemployment, is another crisis time for many people.
No doubt fulfilling work is one of the secrets of perennial youth & that a person's work is their greatest monument. Through work we can gain success, status, happiness & self-esteem. But nothing worthwhile is achieved without toil & not if its sole aim is to earn money. The people at the top - captains of industry, are calm, in control of their lives & performing effectively.
#w resting p
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It is vital to interrupt work with regular rest periods, to prevent the onset of staleness & inefficiency (the work-rest cycle is natural to animals & children). Set aside 10 minutes every day to practise muscle relaxation. Sit in a comfortable chair & focus your mind on various {muscles} in your body. Start with your feet & work upwards.
In your mind, tell each muscle to relax. If you find certain {muscles} difficult, tense them & then relax slowly. This will come in very useful if you are in a traffic jam, or any other stressful situation. The old wife's tale, counting sheep when trying to sleep, is basically sound.
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!i! Preoccupation !n! of the mind is the !i! secret !n! to relaxation.
Think of pleasant, restful experiences, gaze into a glowing fire or candle, listen to restful music, fill the mind with tranquil thoughts. Using these exercises, it is possible to positively influence our moods, susceptibility to infection & even life expectation. Periods of relaxation, rest & sleep are vital times of bodily growth.
During this time the body undergoes its major maintenance & repair. Any form of vivid imaginative thought, (or escapism), can perform wonders on your current mood. Take 10mins just to try this experiment. After reading the following text, go to a quiet & warm place. Lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes & re-create in your imagination the following scene:
#utopia
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It is a summer's afternoon, you are lying down in a field, next to a stream on a warm tartan rug. The sweet smell of honeysuckle is in the air, the quietness is punctuated by rippling water, a distant sky lark & the gentle whistling wind through the trees. Your eyes are closed & you feel the warm summer sun against your face, which would be too hot, but for that cool breeze. . .
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Mental strain can be relieved by non-demanding physical work. Gardening, fishing, washing the car, can reduce excess preoccupation of the mind. People who have outside interests are generally happier. Vacations are crucial. Relaxation will allow you to return to work refreshed & far more effective.
Japan has an exceedingly high rate of stress illness, but the average worker only takes 60% of his vacation entitlement. Hobbies, a casual jog or long walk will achieve much to reduce your levels of {anxiety} & {stress}. An anxious baby is rocked to sleep in its mother's arms & similarly relaxation may be achieved by gentle massaging.
