CTOKOS Blog

Are you having trouble getting rid of your panic attacks and other anxiety related problems? It is not easy to manage your anxieties, however here are some techniques a person can use to help conquer their panic attacks and other anxiety related symptoms.

The first step is that you should talk to a professional who can get you started in the right path of getting better. Getting help from a counselor or other professional is very important and can provide you much help and insights in dealing with your current problem.

A good way to manage your anxiety is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

When overwhelmed with worry, a person may encounter a lot of scary thoughts coming at them all at once. Instead of getting upset, remember that these thoughts are exaggerated and are not based on reality. From my interviews with various professionals, I’ve learned that usually it is the fear behind the thoughts that gets us worked up. Ignore the fear behind these thoughts, and your worry should decrease.

Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. Instead of taking it out on someone else a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get your mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This mental timeout can help you refocus on your current situation.

Another thing to remember is that things change and events do not stay the same. For instance, you may feel overwhelmed today with your anxiety and feel that this is how you will feel the rest of the week or month. This isn’t correct. No one can predict the future with 100 Percent accuracy. Even if the thing that you feared does happen there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage.

As a Layman I realize that experiencing a panic attack is scary. The next time it happens remember to apply some of these techniques you recently learned. The key is to be patient and not to give up. In time, you will be able to cope with your panic attacks.

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” an easy to read book that presents a overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: www.managingfear.com

For those of you who face the task of choosing professional musicians to perform at your wedding, here’s some general information to make your selection easier. Your goal is to find someone who can cater to your exact needs; financially and professionally. Be selective! The wedding musicians you select must be able to provide the perfect ambience for your wedding festivities.

What’s the Difference Between Wedding Booking Agents and Self Managed Artists?

Who you hire should largely depend on the type of service you want for your wedding. It’s important to note that booking agents may not be musicians themselves; but instead may contract an individual or collection of artist(s). The financial sum you are quoted by a booking agent for your wedding is not the actual price the musician is getting paid. It’s very rare that a booking agent reveals what the artist(s) is actually getting paid. The fees quoted by a wedding booking agent are substantially higher than those of a self-managed wedding musician(s).

Self -Managed Wedding Musicians

If you’re on a semi-tight budget, you may opt for a self-managed artist/group to perform at your wedding. Basically, you’re cutting out the middle man. Booking Agents are business men/women. Theirs is a business which is competitive and expensive. Nevertheless, a higher price does not guarantee that the entertainment will be better. To find self managed artists in your area, try typing the name of your area and the words “wedding musician” or “wedding band” in your search engine. If you’re not satisfied with your results, check your phone book. If you have a friend or family member that can provide a recommendation even better. Just make sure that they have used this artist/band for a similar event. Otherwise, it isn’t a very strong recommendation.

Tips:

Always check a musicians credentials prior to signing a contract.
Ask if they have a sample recording from a previous client’s wedding
Make sure that your musician’s price coincides with a price quote given by at least two others
Make sure that all verbal agreements correspond with the written contract
Give an exact date and time for your musician’s services. Make sure this date and time are firm. Most musicians do not have flexible schedules.

Signing the Contract:

Terms of service should be agreed upon by both parties. If something seems unclear, always ask to have the phrasing clarified. Never sign a contract if it looks unprofessionally written. If you are having a theme wedding and require your band/musician to dress in theme attire make sure this is written into the contract.

Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planning guide about weddings. This article can be found in our wedding music category. You may publish our articles on your website only if you do not edit the article in any way, and include all html as direct links to our site.