taking medications prescribed to help you cope with stress. If you take this type of medication and are noticing acne symptoms, such as pimples, zits, or pustules, consult with your physician to determine if the medication might be contributing to your skin condition. One word of caution: although stress will not cause acne, it can make the condition worse if you already have it.

Myth: Acne is purely cosmetic

Fact: Acne does change your looks but it can also pose a threat to your mental health. Serious acne problems, often characterized by cystic nodules and persistent eruptions, can lead to severe acne, causing permanent scars to form.

This sometimes affects people psychologically by altering the image they have of themselves. Many people develop problems with their self-esteem and become frustrated and depressed.

Myth: Acne is incurable

Fact: Acne can be completely cleared up by using the many products available and finding the correct treatment specific to your needs.

Your dermatologist can help you find the best method to treat your acne and will be able to determine which type of acne you have, whether it is acne vulgaris, cystic acne, nodular acne, or even rosacea. There are good, effective treatments and medications available (including Accutane, Retin-A, & many others) to help clear up even the most persistent problems. Before you know it, you will reveal the beautiful skin you were always meant to have.

Episodes of anxiety attacks can be uncomfortable, unpleasant and unhealthy. Because of this, most people head to the medicine cabinet for quick relief. While some may find medications as an effective way to battle anxiety, there are more natural and equally effective ways of dealing with your excessive emotions without subjecting the body to different negative side-effects.

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The Attitude Of Gratitude

Yes, it might feel great to win the lottery. Money, houses, travel - these are wonderful, but not enough by themselves. You need the right frame of mind to fully enjoy life. You need the attitude of gratitude.

Be Grateful

Life is better when you feel blessed, when you can look around and say "Thank you, God." Religious or not, when you see life as a wonderful gift, your experience is a richer one than any amount of money can provide. Imagine going through life like you're a child, and every morning is Christmas.

It's tempting to think gratitude comes from having what you want. You see yourself giving thanks if you had money, a loving family, and maybe a house on the beach. Still, you know there are ungrateful, unhappy people with these things, and poor people full of gratitude for what little they have. Where does this feeling come from?

Creating Gratitude

Gratitude arises from how you look at things. It is the natural feeling that comes from truly appreciating the people and things in your life. It is also something you can learn.

First, you have to stop and smell the roses. You can't be thankful for something you don't notice or enjoy. Roses really do smell great, by the way.

Then, you need to make this appreciative approach to roses and life a habit. There's no need to ignore the ugliness in the world, but you have to habitually see the beautiful things.

Start writing down every positive thing that happens to you, and all the things you like. Do this until you start automatically seeing the good things in life. If you've ever bought a white car, and started seeing white cars all over, you know how awareness can alter your perception of reality. To see wonderful things all over, train yourself to look for them.

When you are in the habit of "counting your blessings," a much richer experience of life is the natural result.

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same. The most important among these principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

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