The process of problem solving is way to constructively engage your defense mechanisms to more effectively manage feelings of Stress/anxiety. One effective way for managing stress is to replace thoughts of worry and anxiety with problem solving. While most people are not aware of their own thoughts, it�s our very thoughts that affect our physiological response i.e. adrenaline, blood pressure, muscle tension, respiration, otherwise referred to as our fight or flight responses. However, rather than letting that inner voice run it�s mouth with negative messages, such as� what�s going to happen to�� �How will I ever deal with��, �I�ll never be able to� �, I don�t have enough time/energy/money�, become wholly aware of those messages. Then turn them around into defining the problem and think of as many options as possible, that you have control of, to solve the problem. Weigh the benefits and risks of each option, gather more information if you have time, then pick one option and proceed. This cognitive process is a way of turning the �racing negative thoughts� into constructive thinking, then action. Truth is, the only thing we can control, is ourselves. We can learn to choose between several reactions to stimuli in each and every moment. The operant word here being �choose�. Thinking is a behavior. The development of cognitive behavioral therapy is based on this premise. The inner voice becomes very apparent for those who have ventured to meditate.

We are told to be alert yet relaxed by our national media in the US. These two states of being are typically thought of as opposite to one another. So the problem to solve is �how can I be alert and relaxed at the same time?

Alertness: �Be, Here, Now�. As very young children, we could probably do this very easily but as adults we spend much of our time thinking about what was, or what is to be, to the exclusion of the present. NOW is all there is. Any less than that is the past, any more than that is the future. Being consciously in the present, is being alert.

Relaxation: It would be presumptions again to be prescriptive about how to relax, but in addition to the Aromatherapy, consider activities such as Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga, Meditation, Self-Massage, Reiki, and Belly Dancing, not only for these trying times, but for overall coping and wellness. These types of activities tend to teach the alert but relaxed state of mind.

Before we move on to the aromatherapy applications, may I interject some additional considerations? I am not at all an advocate of denying our emotions. But we can learn not to be slaves to them either. Give yourself permission to laugh deeply and have a sense of humor, as well as learn to �cry well� to shed your pain like the rain showers that cleanse the air. Both of these reduce tension. Laughing and Crying are the same release. Be willing to both talk to others and be supported, as well as to listen to others and understand.

Summary:

All you�ve ever had is NOW, all you ever controlled IS YOURSELF, the answers ALWAYS come from yourself, ALL your decisions are based on the limited information, and the only constant in all of our lives is CHANGE. With that in mind, I hope you�ll explore the use of Aromatherapy as a compliment for this journey. On the next page are some possible applications.

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