An Epidemic of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence are behaviors in an intimate relationship in which one partner uses physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic threats or actions to gain or maintain power and control over their significant other. It is a social problem which does not discriminate against age, sex, race, culture, education, religion, sexuality, marital status, social class, or employment status.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in her lifetime; approximately 4 million women a year. Although the vast majority of recorded incidents of domestic violence are women, men also suffer from domestic violence. According to a national study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Justice released in December, 2011, an estimated 5.4 million men were victims of intimate partner violence. Approximately 2.3 million were victims of serious physical violence.

What are some signs of being abused or in an abusive relationship?

·  Physical abuse is any unwanted aggressive physical behavior such as hitting, biting, choking, kicking or restraining you.

·  Emotional abuse is name-calling, insults, threatens to hurt you or loved ones, humiliation or criticism.

·  Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, rape, pressured sexual situations, forced prostitution and being hurt during sex.

·  Psychological abuse is when someone threatens you or someone you care about, stalking, destroying personal property and use of fear.

·  Economic abuse is controlling the finances, refusing to share money, interfering with education or financial obligations.

Traumatic experiences such as domestic violence can lead to a variety of emotional and psychological symptoms. Many survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, trust issues, substance abuse and anxiety.  If you or someone you have recently left an abusive relationship, counseling and/or support groups can help you heal, feel empowered and regain control. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

Our Summer Newsletter!

http://www.journeytowellnessandbalance.com/Summer%20Newsletter%202013.pdf

Reduce Stress and Revise Your Schedule!

“Half my life is an act of revision.” – John Irving

The word revise is an interesting term, not in the sense that it has many definitions but the complexity of what is said in 6-letters. According to definition, to revise something is to somehow alter to update, improve or make a correction to an item.The month of May is known as Revise Your Work Schedule Month, which hopes to provide the greatest sense of optimal wellness and balance and maximize personal potential. This is extremely important to reducing stress and frustration not only at work but also in your home life.

Stress, which is a physiological response to a threat, has been linked to a variety of issues such as, obesity, heart disease, depression and anxiety. There are plenty of ways to reduce stress in your life, without making big changes.            

Organize Your Space. Look at your desk or counter-tops. Are the covered in papers, pens, notes or other clutter? If so, take a moment to organize what you have and throw away what is not important. Creating a organized environment at work and home can provide you with satisfaction but also help you gain some control.  

Choose Your Hours.   It may not be possible for you to choose your work schedule but it is possible for you to organize your time. Make a list of what has to be accomplished and prioritize the tasks based on importance. When your day is finished, you will have all of the critical tasks addressed.        
                                                                           
Keep Personal Issues Separate. Try not to bring your personal issues to work and your work issues home. It cannot be stressed enough how damaging this can be to your performance and emotional health/wellness. Your work hours should focus on work. As much as possible try to avoid checking your phone or email during your personal time. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting down to dinner with your significant other and they continue to check their phone.

Make Time For You. Whether at home or work, it is not a crime to want a few minutes for you. So the next time you’re thinking of checking your Blackberry before bed, don’t. Self-care can create energy, drive and motivation. Most importantly it is essential to your emotional and physical health.

At the end of the day, there are a hundred ways to revise your work life and home life schedule. You are the most important factor; your health makes or breaks how well you perform and how your body responds. The more stressed you are, the easier it is for you to get sick. When you’re sick, you’re unable to effectively function or accomplish what needs to be done. Remember to get proper sleep, eat healthy and incorporate self-care into your life. Taking care of yourself and setting limits at work does not suggest you are lazy. It means that you recognize how important you are.