5 Simple Tips to a Healthier You

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I recently responded to a HARO (help a reporter out) query seeking tips for an article 30 Days to a Healthier You. Below are the tips I shared for a healthier you!

  • Take a few deep breaths. Deep breaths can help feel less overwhelmed, stressed, and give you a clear thinking slate for positive action. Inhale and exhale…
  • Set personal boundaries. Lack of time and an inability to say no (at least for now) often results in missed exercise, over or even under eating and other stress-related responses. Not to mention the personal interest activities you may be pushing aside because you have too much to do. Learning to communicate clearly, effectively and confidently is a critical component to healthy living. (Note: This is harder than it sounds. Practice, practice, practice and it will get easier)
  • Notice Your Posture. With so many folks tied to a desk all day or even chasing after children, poor posture can result in aches and pains. Taking a moment during the day to notice whether you are hunched over or sitting and modifying your stance appropriately can make a difference in how you feel. (I once had a woman in a stress management program suffering from shoulder pain. She sits at a computer all day and is often on the phone. After the relaxation exercise her pain disappeared. Sometimes we just need to relax. Sitting hunched over is tension.)
  • Go for a walk. You can walk from your front door. It really doesn’t get any easier than that.

What are your quick tips for feeling better and staying healthy during the day?

Filed Under: Confidence, Food, Fitness and Cooking, Stress Management and Relaxation

Do You Work While On Vacation?

June 7, 2011 By 1 Comment

I’m just back from a few days away in sunny southern Florida visiting my dad.

Florida beach Fort Lauderdale

Although a time to relax, hit the beach and visit, I brought my computer and spent a couple of hours each morning writing, preparing for upcoming presentations and responding to emails.

I actually found that I was more productive and focused with my work and my writing than when I’m at home working.

Given the book I’m currently reading, The Break-Out Principle, by Herbert Benson, I’m not entirely surprised. Taking myself out of my typical environment breaks certain mental patterns, not to mention I don’t have the typical distractions – cats who crave my attention (food, really), a house that needs cleaning, and a desk that needs to be tidied.

I tweeted about this focus and how much I was accomplishing. A friend and colleague tweeted back:

What’s this? Work on Vacation? Shame on you; of all peeps you should know better! ;-)

I chuckled at her response. True, as someone who teaches stress management strategies perhaps I “should know better.”

I thought about her tweet for a moment and caught myself thinking “Maybe I shouldn’t be working”. Then I realized I WANTED to do the work. I felt excited and energized to work on my new book and accompanying workbook. I wanted to get started setting up a new blog to accompany the book and workbook.

I WANTED to do a few hours of work – it felt good to me.

I didn’t feel like I SHOULD do the work.

And that, I think, makes a big difference.

I don’t feel like I missed out on anything and now that I’m home I’m still energized to complete my projects and get back to work.

So of course I’m curious to know what you think. Do you work while on vacation? Do you disconnect from everything? Do you do it depending on the vacation? Curious to know what works for you and if you do work, is it because you want to or think you should?

Filed Under: Feel Good About Your Work, Miscellaneous Inspiration, Stress Management and Relaxation

Dealing with “Head Trash” aka Negative Self-Talk

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I answered a question recently on LinkedIn asking about strategies for dealing with “head trash”. You know, those negative thoughts that might keep you from doing things that really matter like spending time with family, having a conversation with your boss, looking for a new job, taking a risk, exercising for example.

I realized, why not share the list here.

Below are 6 tips to help you turn negative self-talk into more positive thought and action. I use these strategies personally and often share them with others during workshops and speaking programs.

  • Notice the thoughts – awareness has to be the first step.
  • Deep breathing or meditation to quiet the thoughts and stay more present
  • Get curious and ask “is this true?”
  • Writing it down or talking it through with a trusted friend/advisor
  • Remembering “Why” – values, interests and what you’re trying to achieve
  • Take action – action builds confidence, and confidence helps decrease the head trash and negative self-talk. (an activity in mind vs body)

What do you think? How do you handle negative thought patterns?

Filed Under: Stress Management and Relaxation, Yoga & Meditation

Will it Bother You Tomorrow?

May 9, 2011 By 1 Comment

keyIs “forget about it” the key to a happy marriage or any relationship?

I recently attended the funeral of a 99 year old woman. I remember Tillie for her vibrant personality, her smile that filled a room, her red, short, tight curly hair and gold bangle bracelets. When you entered the room she was the first to greet you with a hug and a kiss.

During the eulogy, my cousin Debbie (Tillie’s granddaughter) shared some touching stories and memories. One story in particular peaked my interest. With my cousin’s permission, I share that story with you below.  A conversation between my cousin and Tillie about the key to a happy marriage.

…We were talking about the wedding plans and marriage in general, and she said she had some advice for me.  Her advice was always good and simple, so I leaned forward attentively.

She said, “Always kiss goodnight.  You will get mad at each other and not want to, but always kiss good night.  And when you wake up, say Good Morning and make him coffee.  Don’t stay mad – it’s not worth it.

When something makes you angry think, ‘will that upset me tomorrow?’ and if the answer is no, forget about it.  If the answer is yes, think, ‘will that bother me in a week?’ If the answer is no, forget about it.  If you think it will still bother you in a week, ask, ‘will it bother me next year?’ and I know the answer will be no.  So if it’s not something that will make you mad for a long time, let it go.  That’s the key to a happy marriage.  Let it go.”

Tata’s advice was always simple and true.  She lived a healthy fulfilled life.  She loved everyone, everyday. She didn’t sweat the small stuff.  She didn’t get angry. She forgave any misgivings. She focused on the good, and she remembered to thank God for all the blessings in her life.

(Note: Tata is Arabic for grandmother)

When I first heard the eulogy and even now, it sounds so simple. Of course some situations may require further conversation and clarification and closure. When referring to the small stuff, though, is it really as easy as letting go?

A big part of “feel good living” is being able to forgive and let go. To not hold on too long, in this case, to things that won’t upset you in the long run. Deal with what needs to be dealt with, forgive, heal, grow and then let it go.

Challenging as it may be, forgiving, healing and letting go feels good.

Your thoughts? Do you think letting go is the key to a healthy relationship – marriage or otherwise? Is there something you could let go of in order to enjoy a more fulfilling relationship?

Thank you to my cousin Debbie for allowing me to share this touching passage. In memory of her grandmother, Tillie.

Filed Under: Stress Management and Relaxation

Real Stories: Interview with Gwen Morgan on the Benefits of Meditation

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

New! At the end of each week (Friday/Saturday) I’ll share an interview or personal story about “real people” who have benefited from practices like yoga, meditation and other alternative healing methods. Why? As a way to raise awareness about these practices and hopefully get more people interested in using them to feel better. Have a story you want to share? Send me an email. I’d love to share your story here.

Gwen MorganGwen Morgan, a friend, colleague and creator of the What if Workbook, shares her experience with the 21-day Chopra meditation program.

What prompted you to participate in a meditation program?

A friend of mine sent me an invitation to the Chopra Center 21 day meditation program. I was feeling unbalanced, and knew I needed something to ground me. I was ready.

Had you considered such a practice before?

I try to meditate as much as possible, but admittedly not regularly. I was attracted to this 21 Day Challenge because they were guided meditations. I thought these would be easier than my usual meditation. Typically I sit in silence and try to be still/quiet the mind … which can be so hard! I’ve heard so many great things about the Deepak Chopra Center that I knew they would be good quality.

What challenges did you face with the practice and how did you overcome them?

When the program started I didn’t feel ‘quite ready’. I started 3 days late! People were posting responses to the daily meditations, and I wasn’t ‘on schedule’ with them. I regretted the decision to start late. It was pretty cool thinking there were thousands of people all over the world listening to the same meditations as me!

One of the best suggestions they made – the RPM method: Rise, Pee, Meditate, to be sure nothing got in the way of getting to it. I am a ‘have to have my coffee before anything in the morning’ kind of girl, so I thought this would be really difficult. But it felt right the first morning I tried it. I purchased the 21 Days of Meditation when the free program was over, and still try to RPM. I love it!

(Note from Stacey: I started the RPM method myself and it really helps keep me consistent with my daily practice. No excuses!)

What benefits have you realized (how it’s helped your personal/professional life)

Oh my … HUGE benefits. These meditations are actually little lessons about life, they are not ‘sitting in silence’ for the whole time. They were only about 10-15 minutes long, but really got to the heart of the subject of the day. For example, you were asked, “Who are you, really?”, or “What is your life’s purpose?”, or they brought up opening your heart, forgiveness, being gentle with yourself … things of this nature. I found that the calmness and groundedness I felt each morning extended well into my day. I can honestly say it benefited me as a person, which improved both my personal and professional lives. If I have a lot on my plate, I tend to get in a real tizzy. When I am doing these meditations, I find I really settle down and take care of one thing at a time, instead of being frenzied.

What would you recommend others who might be curious and/or afraid of the practice?

Give it a try! What have you got to lose? When do we give ourselves 15 minutes to just ‘be’, to learn, to be in touch with our inner selves? And it’s free!! My advice is not to be hard on yourself. If you miss a day (or 2, or 3), jump right back in. I found that the meditations stayed on the website for over a month after the 21 days, so you can always get right back in. There were some I really enjoyed, so I just kept going back to those after I finished the 21 days.

More about Gwen

Gwen Morgan is the Founder/Director of The Lydia Group, based in Scituate, MA. Gwen wrote the What if …Workbook© after years of working in Hospice and Elder Care, and drawing from her own personal experience. WHAT IF something unexpected were to happen to you … a fire, a flood, a death? The What if…Workbook includes financial information, contacts, document storage, last wishes, family medical history, and much more! Procrastinate no more! Give the Gift of Preparedness to Your Loved Ones!

 

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Inspiration, Stress Management and Relaxation, Yoga & Meditation
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