Chronic stress is a major factor in most chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia, heart disease, arthritis, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, cancer and more. If we do not model self-care, how can we preach it? Sadly, healthcare professionals rarely preach life balance either. They aren't even aware it's missing, in their lives or in lives of others! Self-care is seen as selfish. Women especially feel guilty as long as there is one poor soul anywhere that might benefit from their help. These professionals end up with clients dancing just as fast as they are. They send their clients out of their office with same expectations, limitations, and frenzied lifestyle as they themselves have. They never even notice. They're too busy.

Health care professionals, wake up! People depend on you. People's lives depend on you. Until you prioritize, balance your life, reduce stress, relax, and get real, don't expect your clients to. Their denial parallels yours. As long as you stay on merry-go-round, they will stay. As long as you run around like a chicken with its head cut off, they will.

Many health practitioners and wellness experts are sorely lacking these days. All have their own agenda. Diet and exercise are main focus it seems, followed by a few candles and some yoga. Eat this food and avoid that and everything will be fine. Workout three times a week or more and you will be healthy. Add a yoga class to your already busy schedule and you will be ok. Few take whole person into consideration even though they say they do.

Let's face it, who do you think is healthier? A happy, laughing, stress-free person who eats cheese dogs in a white bun with chips on side, or someone who eats only organic foods, no dairy, meat or white bread, takes supplements daily, and is so stressed that they bite everyone's head off and have no time to enjoy their life? People in great shape drop dead every day due to stress.

Learn to solve problems that precipitate your stress. If you have trouble knowing where to start, hire a life coach.

Controlling Your Emotions - Mary's husband demeaned her again and then struck her in face. She told herself he was a good man and couldn't help doing that, and that it didn't really hurt. She “knew” there was nothing she could do about it, so she ignored her blinding headache and cramping stomach, and went on about her housework. KEY POINT

When you manage your emotions, you can 'get' important information they are bringing to you, and then decide whether to respond, and if so, how, when and where.

BENEFITS

When you can manage your emotions and develop your emotional intelligence, your life will work better.

RELATED DISTINCTIONS

Pulling gently on bit vs. Whipping horse and using spurs

Driving car vs. Riding gas pedal and brake

Leading elephant out of living roomvand back where it belongs vs. Pretending elephant in living room isn't there