Searching for a Leader in the World of Online CEUs

The internet has been a viable source for finding all kinds of "stuff". It can also be a great source for finding the right CEU provider. The problem lies in sifting through the number of search results generated by whatever search engine being used. Just because a website ranks high in the search engine results, doesn't necessarily mean it is the best option. Companies are constantly battling for rankings. So, here are some things to ask when drudging through the options found on the search engine results pages.

First, "Are they approved in my state for my license?" There are so many choices in the field of online continuing education; however, many are not approved across the United States. Some specialize in a few states that may be key for them. Others just haven't done the work to achieve approval in every state. Even if the provider is approved in your state, they may not be for your particular license. It is always crucial to read the fine print of each provider and make sure they provide an easy to view table with this information.

Second, "Do they offer all the courses I need to renew my license?" Great question to ask. Look thoroughly through their course listing and make sure they have the courses to fulfill the requirements of your particular license. Something else to consider is not only do they have the core courses you need but do they have enough of a selection outside of the core courses to meet your needs in the future as well.

Third, "Can I even find what I am looking for?" How many times have you pulled up a website from a search result and spent way too much time searching for what you were interested in only to end up backing out of that site and returning to the search results list? Sometimes this may be because the site was irrelevant, however, most of the time it was probably because the website was so poorly designed that it made it way too difficult to find anything. Make sure everything is straightforward and easy to find. No wasting time, which is critical in today's busy, fast-paced world.

Fourth, "Are their rates affordable and reasonable?" This is the brass tacks of the matter. What is the cost? It has been said "You get what you pay for." For the most part this is correct. That is why it is a good rule of thumb to never pay the highest amount and at the same time never pay the lowest amount. The highest amount is usually overpriced. The lowest amount is usually stripped of any value and may cost more in the long run in both time and money. Choosing a price more in the middle is usually the best bet.

Aspira works in the fields of online CEUs for MFT continuing education, online CEUs for Social Workers, online CEUs for Counselor continuing education, and online CEUs for Addiction Counselors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Hiltibran

Don't Invite Holiday Stress Into Your Home

(HealthDay News) -- Between hurrying to score the last parking spot at the mall and preparing your home for out-of-town guests, the holiday season can be mentally exhausting.

For women especially, emotions tend to run high as they put pressure on themselves to create picture-perfect gatherings, while holding down jobs and taking care of children.

"During the holidays, our lives become even more stressful as we try to juggle our usual responsibilities with extra holiday preparation and complicated family dynamics," Dr. Eric Marcus, a psychiatrist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, said in a news release from the hospital.

If your household resembles the idealized 1950s' television-version of a family, all of the craziness will culminate in your clan gathered at the hearth, merrily singing Christmas carols. If your family is closer to normal, some tension and conflict will arise during all that family togetherness.

To minimize stress, Dr. Margaret Altemus, a psychiatrist and director of the Payne Whitney Women's Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, suggests making some time for yourself during the holidays.

Being alone, even for a half hour or so, can help you feel calmer. If your in-laws have parked themselves on your sofa and show no signs of leaving until after New Year's, go out by yourself. Take a walk or get some exercise. Physical activity helps alleviate stress and the sunlight can help lift your mood, Altemus said.

Time for yourself may also mean taking time to be with your friends, who may not push those buttons in the same way your relatives can.

The holidays can also be difficult on those who feel isolated. If you are feeling alone, seek out the support of your community, religious or social services. Getting involved with volunteering can help you feel needed and connected.

When it comes to preparing for the holidays, lower your expectations and remember you will not be able to do all you'd like to do if you had unlimited time, energy and perhaps a household staff. Forget about trying to make handmade gifts for the neighbors, sewing a holiday pageant costume for your child, sending out your greeting cards and learning how to cook a crown roast all in the same week.

Prioritize what is most important for you and your loved ones. Talk with your family about what they value in the celebrations. You may find that your expectations are higher than everyone else's.

For many families, money is tighter than it was in previous years. When buying gifts, don't blow your budget then spend the next several months worried about paying your credit card bill and regretting the purchases.

If you are starting to feel stressed, ask for help. If it's too much to host the gathering this year, ask someone else to take a turn -- they may welcome the chance. If you run out of time to bake, buy dessert or ask guests to bring it.

And take some time to reflect on what the holiday means to you, the psychiatrists suggest. That may mean reminiscing about happy times with loved ones, focusing on religious observances or thinking about your best moments and accomplishments of the past year.
Social Work Continuing Education http://www.aspirace.comThe American Heart Association has advice for coping with stress.

-- Jennifer Thomas
SOURCE: New York-Presbyterian Hospital, news release, December 2009