Article: Though at times the stress may feel like too much to handle, remember that you are in control of yourself and your emotions. Though you cannot control others, you can regulate your own responses. Practice self-soothing techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to combat stress. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose. Exhale through your mouth. Repeat until you feel calm. Use self talk by repeating phrases like "It will all be okay" to yourself when you begin to feel upset. Listen to music, take a walk, or have a snack. Get your mind off of the issue, if only temporarily. Though there are certain responsibilities that you may be unable to get out of, like work, there are many others that you do not necessarily have to attend to during this time. Let go of anything that is stressful for you that you do not need in your life. Work to alleviate any other stressors that you cannot get rid of. For example, if you volunteer each week and the experience is stressful or you feel like you don't have enough hours in the day, then consider dropping this for a while. Or if at home you are feeling stressed because it is your primary responsibility to care for the dog, ask a relative or friend to care for your animal for a while, if possible. Plan a vacation, either for yourself or with family or friends, even if it's only for one day. A trip is a great way to provide some respite for yourself from the crisis. It is also a great way to experience some positivity in spite of your troubles. If your personal crisis is financial, then you might want to consider a 'staycation,' instead. This entails planning activities at home that will provide enjoyment and fun. Remember also that a vacation will not solve your issues and that you will have to face them when you return. When facing a crisis, it can be tempting to turn to certain substances that will take your mind off things completely and allow you a temporary escape. Be mindful that increased drug and alcohol use will only intensify your crisis and may even lead to addiction, which will be an entirely new battle. Try to have less alcohol during this time so that you don't make decisions rashly. Avoid being around others who are using drugs or alcohol. Make sure that during this time you do not forget to take care of your body. Make sure that you are eating well and regularly, exercising two to three times per week, and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night (preferably eight to 10). Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and decrease sugar intake. Join a gym or do some workouts from home. Set a sleep schedule and adhere to it. Sometimes, a crisis may be too much for you to cope with alone. If you are feeling very overwhelmed or like your situation is worsening, consider seeing a therapist. Feelings of anxiety, depression, nervousness, or panic may be helped by some sessions with a counselor. Remember that there is no stigma in supporting your mental health. A counselor will help you work through your issues constructively. In some cases, a medication such as an antidepressant might be appropriate. Talk to your primary practitioner or a psychiatrist about whether or not this is a good option to help you through this difficult time.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Practice self-soothing techniques. Release as many stressors as possible. Get away for a bit. Avoid alcohol or drugs. Maintain your health. See a counselor.
Article: Halibut prefer to remain near the bottom of the ocean, usually at depths of around 4080 feet (1224m); rarely will they be found below 120 feet (36.6m) (36 m). They also prefer to hang out in "hydraulic relief zones" current-calming obstructions like depressions, valleys, rock formations, and the like at the bottom of the sea. You can utilize sonar and other electronic equipment to map out the depths and contours of the ocean below and identify good fishing spots. It never hurts to pair this with firsthand advice on prime fishing spots from successful halibut anglers, of course. Experts on catching halibut often advise the use of bait such as live squid or octopus, or mackerel heads or guts. Artificial bait such as plastic fish colored like a sardine or anchovy can also be used in halibut fishing. Add attracting scents to your bait and line as well, and chum liberally and regularly to lure halibut in. Luminescence and movement help draw halibut in, although jerking movements of the bait can have the opposite effect. The size and strength of halibut mean that they can snap weak or low-quality lines. At the same time, though, lines that are too heavy-duty or offer too much stretch may make the reeling process too difficult. Aim for a low stretch, high quality Kevlar or Spectra line at 80 - 120 pound test strength. Use a light fishing line to prevent you from tiring too quickly when you reel the halibut in. A California halibut can weigh around 50 lbs. (23 kg), while a Pacific halibut can be over 500 lbs. (230 kg). It's always nice to have some company while fishing, right? Also, this puts more bait in the water to draw fish. Yes, this also means more competition for your prize, but adding more chum and bait to your fishing area will still improve your odds of catching a halibut. If going halibut fishing alone or with a few people, create your own chum slick to draw fish to your boat.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Scout your location. Choose bait that attracts halibut. Choose a strong but lightweight fishing line. Fish with several other people.
Article: Are you trying to start a full-fledged career, or are you more interested in getting a short-term entry level job and seeing how things go? While there are thousands of crew positions available in Alaska during the summer and demand for hard-working people is high, you don't have a chance of getting hired if you can't set aside significant time in your schedule. Typically you will need a minimum of two months clear to land an entry level job in Alaska. Most entry-level jobs for those with little or no experience are on salmon boats called trollers, gill netters, and purse seiners. The salmon season begins in May and extends into the fall. The longer your availability is within this window, the more likely it is that you will find a job. All jobs in the Alaskan fishing industry, and especially entry level jobs, are strenuous and grueling. You will be placing yourself in a highly stressful and demanding environment. A fishing boat is not a place where you can work yourself into shape. You'll need to be fit in advance. When getting in shape for a fishing job, it is best to focus on building up functional strength. Being able to run ten miles or bench press 250 pounds won't do you as much good working 18 hour days on a fishing boat as core stability and overall functionality. Understand that your body won't be the only thing that will be tired at the end of an 18-hour day. Your mind will be worn out and your emotions frayed. As is frequently illustrated on TV shows that deal with the Alaskan fishing industry, the captain and rest of the crew can be particularly hard on green hands. Learn to deal with stress accordingly. Different people prepare themselves in different ways mentally and emotionally. Find a way that works for you. Focus on developing both a learning attitude and a thick skin when it comes to criticism. As the old saying goes, sometimes it takes money to make money. As you'll discover on your job search, it can be very difficult to land a guaranteed job in advance prior to going to Alaska. Many job seekers have to move to a fishing hub first, and look for a job in person. You'll need to have the financial wherewithal to secure yourself housing and cover basic expenses if you opt for this route. Even if you don't move to Alaska without a job, planning to get a job in Alaska could compromise your ability to take a local job, possibly leaving you stuck at home without a summer job at all. Don't put all your eggs into one basket unless you can afford to have them broken.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Establish your objectives and set your schedule accordingly. Build muscle and endurance. Develop mental and emotional strength. Assess your financial situation.