by admin | Feb 16, 2020 | health |
Have you ever felt not good about yourself, or depressed, especially after comparing yourself to others on Facebook? đ I have. And itâs very easy to go down that negative rabbit hole. Yesterday, I woke up feeling that way. Then I realized, that if I changed how I looked at things, to a more positive outlook, I might feel better. And I did. I got up, looked outside my window, did yoga and meditated, ate breakfast, and got on with my day, peppering my thoughts with optimism and hope. I also added gratitude to the mix, being grateful that I am alive and well. I have lost several friends in the last year, and I am savoring the sanctity of life. Recently, I have been reading about oneâs âMindset.â The term Mindset has been popularized by Stanford researcher, Carol Dweck, PhD,who initially focused on Fixed vs. Growth mindsets with regards to intelligence in children.² Ellen Langer, PhD the Harvard psychologist, has written about Mindlessness, Mindfulness, and Aging as a Mindset. In a landmark study, Dr. Langer used a âcounterclockwise psychological interventionâ to see if peopleâs mindsets could positively affect their health. In this fascinating study in 1979, she took 70-80 year old men to a one week retreat living as if it were 20 years earlier with movies and props, etc. as if it were 1959. The men were told to âact as if it was this earlier time,â when they felt vital, and the results were amazing, according to Dr. Langer. Photos taken of the men after the retreat showed that they looked younger, and...
by admin | Jan 21, 2020 | health |
A dear and wise woman friend, Fiamma, encouraged me to welcome and acknowledge my fears and feelings, and then disengage and be in and enjoy the present moment as that is all we have. In addition, reading compelling research showing the health benefits of giving, enabled me to turn my attention to helping others. According to Stephen G. Post, Phd, in the 2014 Biennial Scientific Report on Health, Happiness, Longevity, and Helping Others, âThe key solution to the problem of unhappiness in 2014 remains the same â contribute to the lives of others and as a by-product or side-effect, you are very likely to experience happiness, health, and live a bit longer.â When I changed my focus from one of despair, frustration, and fear to contributing to others, I felt better. How can we feel better and build resilience during these challenging times this holiday season especially when we may eat and drink too much, and not get enough exercise or sleep? A. Try and follow the Donât Mess with Stress!áľá´š core principles: DâDietâto help buffer the holiday eating, add an extra green or other non-startchy vegetable each day. Drink more water to prevent dehydration in these drier winter months. M–Meditate and reflect W–Walk, Exercise, Move S–Sleepâaim for at least 7 to 8 hours per night and bedtime before midnight. Becoming more mindful and aware of our thoughts and our actions may help us eat one less sweet or have one less drink. And if you overdo it, accept it, enjoy it, donât punish yourself, and tell yourself you will do better next time. B. Think Contribution, Kindness, Gratitude...
by admin | Dec 15, 2019 | health |
Laughter affects both the mind and the body. It loosens you up and picks up your mood. Physiologically, laughter: Increases blood flow and circulation Decreases stress hormones Improves immunity Increase endorphins and neurotransmitters, Serotonin and Dopamine. Enhances mental functioning Psychologically, laughter: Reduces stress, anxiety, and tension, and counteracts symptoms of depression Elevates mood, self-esteem, hope, energy, and vigor Enhances memory and creative thinking Improves interpersonal relationships Increases friendliness and helpfulness Promotes psychological well-being Is Contagious! I love to laugh! Reading a funny passage, or seeing a comedian, or hearing a joke, can make me laugh out loud. And reliving these funny moments is good for the body. Even faking or inducing laughter, can produce therapeutic effects. If you have trouble laughing on your own, try a Laughter Club in person or online or Laughter Yoga. Check this out and start laughing now! It may tickle yourself funny! Here is an excellent resource to help you laugh! Help Guide And here are two quotes to inspire you to laugh and have more fun during these trying times: And from Lisa Wessan, my dear friend, colleague, and Therapeutic Laughter Expertâ âLaughing at the insanity of life is very worthwhile. Strong people laugh early, laugh often and laugh deeply.â Lisa Wessan, LICSW, CLYL, RM Have a great month! To Your Health, Dr....
by admin | Sep 19, 2019 | health |
I hope you had a wonderful summer. I canât believe we are already into fall. I wanted to share with you some extraordinary insights I gleaned this past weekend. I moderated a panel, entitled, “The Consequences for Human HealthâIs our treatment of other animals making us sick?â at the âRethinking Animals United Summitâ in New York City, which featured talks and panels with eminent researchers, policy experts, and conservation entrepreneurs, who spoke about the “treatment of other species and the consequences to ourselves and the planet,” as well as solutions to these problems. š Check out the link here to see the speakers and offerings. If you are interested, you can view the recorded Livestream. What I learned this weekend, truly affected me, and what I will tell you below can impact your health and well-being and ultimately, the planet’s. Taking action, even small steps, can make a difference for yourself and the planet. We CAN change the course of things for the better! 3 Major Takeaways: By the year 2050, more people will die from antibiotic resistant infections than from cancer if current agricultural practices and factory farming that feed animals antibiotics continue. Currently 80% of antibiotics produced are used in animals. When we eat these animals, we can develop resistance to antibiotics and potentially alter our gut flora. If you eat meat, try and choose pasture raised, wild, and organic varieties. ² âOne Healthââis a concept that is re-emerging. âOne Healthâ means that the âhealth of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment.â ³ Because of deforestation, farming practices that disrupt animal habitats, and humans moving into animal territories,...
by admin | Aug 7, 2019 | Newsletter |
I hope you are enjoying the start of your summer! This monthâs newsletter is dedicated to what to do in the moment when you are really stressed out. I have written previously about âholding your centerâ when things are falling apart or where you are having a major life stressor(s). (Please see my March 8th e-Newsletter). Acute stress such as worrying about deadlines, being late, performance anxiety, or dealing with frustrating customer service, can unfortunately be very harmful, and therefore is critical for you to interrupt and halt the stress response and ideally prevent it from occurring. I want to point out that all stress is not bad, as we need some positive stress to energize and motivate us, and increase our focus and performance. This is called EUSTRESS. We also need the stress response in emergent situations. You see, when you get stressed, your body pumps out adrenaline (also called epinephrine), and cortisol, hormones that work to get your body and mind ready to âfight or flee.â Your heart rate increases to pump blood around the body, your pupils dilate so you can see better, your respirations get faster and shallower, blood is directed away from the stomach and sexual organs to the large muscles of the arms and legs, so you are ready for action. But many of us, including myself, have gotten aggravated and stressed, out of proportion to situations that are not life threatening. We catastrophize. This excessive stress reaction can damage our minds and bodies. For these Acute Stressful Situations, I recommend the following: Notice that you are stressedâyou might feel sensations of tightness...
