Psyche Yourself Out

Do you suffer from low energy or depression? In metropolitan, Phoenix Arizona, summertime can trigger inside “blues” as the  hot, desert, climate averages 110 degrees. Arizona’s scorching summer is equivalent to cold winters in the rest of the country, so “cabin fever” is quite common.We have to be inside air conditioning  much of the time to avoid the harsh sun. As a result, depression can easily set in and some medications can also become less effective. Heat stroke is also common, endangering children and the elderly alike. So what is a gal or guy to do? Psych yourself out by trying 10 strategies that are sure to help you beat the heat.

(1) get out of the house as much as possible.

(2) Utilize public air conditioned spaces such as the library, mall, or your local YMCA gym facilities.

(3) See a movie with friends or join a book club.

(4) Get physically active by walking inside the mall, rollerskating, or taking dance classes. Swimming is another great activity that can be enjoyed year round inside. When outdoors, use sunscreen however, and limit to an hour or less. Yes, adults need/deserve fun activities like the kids; this also helps immensely to boost endorphins, the body’s “feel good” chemicals.

(5) Do some kind of arts and crafts such as scrapbooking every day.  There’s something about this that is calming to the mind and body.

(6) Get into a healthy routine with varied activities that stimulate the mine and body. Manage your time wisely; clean out the closets or cabinets. Sitting and watching tv all day or sleeping a lot will only add to the blues and diminish energy.

(7) Think positively! Thoughts eventually become reality and really effect attitude as well as mood. Reciting affirmations daily, meditating, as well as focusing on gratitude, goes a long way to combat depression and put things in perspective.

(8) Turn on the lights. Spend time in well lit areas, such as by windows, under skylights, or near bright lights at work or home. For me, I’ve found that fluorescent only aggravates the eyes and can give the opposite effect.  Overall, light boosts serotonin; a neurotransmitter found in the brain that also tends to elevate mood.

(9) Eat smart! Enjoy plenty fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding or limiting sugar and processed food. Salads and lean meats can really boost your mood and actually feed your brain tons of great nutrients. I’ve noticed immediate effects just from eating a salad for lunch!

(10) Pick up the telephone. Isolating won’t solve anything and will actually make matters worse. Ensure you have have a healthy support system of people who can listen and uplift you when the doldrums appear. Never underestimate the power of caring friends and family who love you unconditionally and can cheer you up with humor.

I know depression is tough..ok, miserable; but you can’t let it ruin your life. You must fight it every day, with positivity and planning. Remember you’re not alone and will be ok… just don’t give into it and give these tips a try. Have hope. Seek help. Notice what works for you and create some other strategies of your own. Share them with other bloggers/friends and psych yourself out today!

Putting Your Body First!

 

What does putting your body first mean? Eating a balanced diet? Exercising? Drinking lots of water? Getting plenty of rest? Perhaps all of these things. Maybe even a few more. I’m learning that putting my body first means doing what my body needs to live a long and healthy life; not what ” I feel like doing”. It means being active and eating nourishing foods rich in vitamins and minerals. It means listening to my body’s signals and paying attention to it’s warning signs. It means making a personal commitment to my health and well-being. What does it mean to you?

We’re all different in this life; with different bodies and different lifestyles, yet we all have the same physical needs as human beings. We need oxygen to breathe and food to live. We need clean water and shelter to protect us from exposure. We need regular exercise/movement in order to maintain our muscles, flexibility, protect our bones and stay strong. These are the more primitive, physical requirements, of our species.

How often do we think about these basic requirements that our body needs to survive? For me, not enough. How about you? I know I’m not alone in body rejection, self-sabotage, and bad habits. Yet, I keep doing it… even when I “know better”.  After years of diet and exercise education I “know” what to do and yet mustering up the motivation…determination…and energy to do it ebbs and flows. I’ve gone through periods of being a health fanatic, exercising daily; sometimes twice or more a day and eating restrictively. I’ve also gone through periods of overeating, not eating enough, little to no exercise and eating all the “wrong foods”. Neither is a good place to be and both cry of self- rejection and hatred.  Being 36, I’m realizing this battle isn’t working for me and I’m fighting the clock. We all are, because life is short and to live it halfheartedly; disconnected from our bodies and rejecting its very needs. This only speeds up the aging process, causes dis-ease, health problems, and reduces energy as well as our life expectancy! It also causes great unhappiness, shame, and depression. Seeing the big picture now? Ask yourselves, “What things are you doing to self-sabotage your body?”. What messages are you sending it and thus yourself?

Putting your body first is about making a decision to make peace with yourself and make you a priority in your own life! Will you join me in this decision? Will you value your life enough to put your body first? Because the truth is, we can’t be on this physical plane without a body. It’s kind of a requirement for being human. Although we are Spiritual Beings, we are also human; with a body that needs focused attention and care. All those pesky preventative healthcare screenings and exams are to maintain our health and help us live longer. When we ignore them, we’re likely to miss signs of declining health. When we half-heartedly take care of ourselves with the bare minimum, we feel run-down, tired, confused, depressed, lethargic and physically weak. We get sick more often and have re-occurring illnesses. We miss work. Our moods are wild and unpredictable due to unstable blood sugar spikes. We can’t problem solve as well. Life gets overwhelming and sometimes too much altogether. I think this is why many people drink alcohol, use drugs, and even commit suicide. This cycle causes great upheaval and pain. It’s like the chicken and the egg scenario; which came first… the chicken or the egg? Does the emotional pain cause this body-rejection and self-hatred, or are poor habits or little to no self-care the culprit? I really don’t know. What I’ve learned for me, is that it doesn’t matter.

Putting your body first means taking a good look at your everyday habits and noticing all the little choices we make every day that add up over the months and years. I don’t think any of us want to have a heart attack or stroke as a wake up call before we begin to put our bodies first. Just like the instructions stewardesses give on airplanes about putting on your own oxygen mask first, then helping your child or another person;  we need to take care of ourselves first and foremost. This isn’t selfish; it’s survival. We can’t be of real service to anyone if we don’t attend to our physical needs first.

Will you join me in this choice? We can do it. We must do it. What’s the alternative? How well are you living now? Trust me, life has a way of catching up to our habits and actions sooner or later. My mother was a work-a-holic all her life and suffered 2 strokes at age 54 that made her disabled forever. She lost her ability to talk, read, write, and use her right hand. What have you lost? What are you willing to lose in order to stay on your current path? I’m done. I surrender and I choose to put my body/health first. Join me today.

Write your comments or questions.  I’d love to hear your story/journey and especially your pledge to put your body first in whatever way suits you.

Blessings,

Lisa

 

 

Body Wisdom

The human body is such a complex and wonderfully unique structure. Just look at all its systems, organs, nerves and cells that make up our physical shells. Today, let’s take a moment to honor our body with appreciation and love for allowing us to experience this human reality. The body knows our every thought, feeling, past history and belief. We can’t hide from it although we try with a myriad of antiquated methods. In the end, our body is wise and patient; indifferent to outer trappings with a far deeper intelligence. It knows how to regulate our heartbeat, temperature and breathing without any conscious effort on our part. The body has great defense mechanisms for fighting infection as well as resilience to the most challenging of environments. However, the body is still vulnerable and needs our cooperation, attention, and love.

Although this body of ours, is wise beyond comprehension, it needs adequate nutrition and exercise. Our body requires pure water, rest and relaxation. It can only do for us what we allow it to do through us. Body wisdom goes deeper than merely skin and bones. This kind of wisdom is inherent in our DNA as well as consciousness. When we adhere to our body’s natural wisdom, miraculous occurances unfold. Your body is always giving you messages to aid in its survival. Are you listening?

When we become ill, we often feel betrayed by our body yet we fail to recognize our part in cultivating the illness. Continual pushing past our physical limits creates unbearable stress that wears on our internal organs and systems. This subtle breakdown builds over time and manifests in disease that ultimately gets our attention. Why does this have to happen in order for us to plug into our body’s wisdom? The truth is, that all of this is completely avoidable. Taking heed from our body’s signals for rest, movement, water, specific nutrients, and relaxation is paramount to our longevity. I have spent the majority of my life ignorant of these signals and despite my mistreatment of this body, it still functions fairly well. It is patiently inviting me to connect with its innate wisdom. Finally, I am beginning to heed this call. Gratefully, I am starting to listen and pay attention to my body’s needs. The result is greater health, vitality, and joy. What are you waiting for?

We are each three dimensional beings, comprised of a body, mind, and soul. Each dimension is inextricably connected, operating in unison for the perfect functioning of the whole. When one area is out of balance, the other two suffer. This is easily noticed with mental or physical illness yet the soul or spirit are often overlooked. Our Spirit is the deep essence that makes us who we are. A person’s Soul is the evolution of many lifetimes; unity with God’s Intelligence and love. This individualized expression is what makes all of us unique and beautiful. (not the outer physical packaging) Our Spirit carries all the wisdom of the ages and beyond. This wisdom is eternal and everlasting. This wisdom governs the mind and body. Understanding these truths allow us all to recognize the power and wonder of ourselves and each other. Aligning with our body’s natural wisdom is really aligning with Universal Wisdom.

Release and Let Go!

Sometimes we forget to breathe. I have become increasingly aware of this in  myself lately. Why? Perhaps we’re carrying tension from the anxiety of others or within ourselves from a lack of forgiveness or acceptance. Pent up negative emotions take the breathe of life away from us only allowing a fraction of what is truly needed to embrace the fullness of life. Yet, we can take our power back through mind body practices like yoga or Tai Chi and defy that which takes our breath away by breathing deeply regardless of how we feel or think.

This weekend I learned of such an amazing practice called Sign Chi Do; The Art of Moving Prayer. Utilizing American Sign Language, prayer, and some Tai Chi basics, this practice helps to facilitate deep breathing, increased focus, centering, and a release of emotions. It helps the student come into the present moment with ease and grace while moving the body gracefully and purposefully. The various prayerful routines invoke deep feelings that otherwise lay quietly beneath the surface. While practicing this intimate routine with others for about two hours, I felt an incredible release of emotions thru my tears early on that grew into peace, joy, and serenity. Afterwards, I was fully aligned in mind, body, and Spirit. It is something one must truly, experience for themselves as words cannot adequately do justice.

Go to the website, http://www.signchido.com/ , and get the special book and DVD offer with Healthy, Happy, Holy routine and music for just $19.95. I am ordering mine this week and look forward to adding this to my daily Spiritual practices. I am not an instructor or paid for my testimony, nor do I have anything to gain. I merely feel called to spread the word about this sacred practice that I shall enjoy for the rest of my life. This really will help you to release and let go of whatever may be blocking your energy, enthusiasm, or passion for life. What have you got to lose?

Claim Your Voice!

The spoken word has power. When we claim our voice, we stand behind the words we speak and thus stand in our truth! This authentic action, takes courage and is well worth the risk because it harnesses our creative energy allowing our words to be made manifest and breeds confidence as well as self-esteem. Reduce stress by simply being yourself in every situation. Come home to your body by recognizing and honoring your voice today.

Assert your boundaries! Tell others how to treat and support you. Communicate your needs and identify your desires open and honestly. Say no, when others ideas or desires don’t resonate with you. Never be afraid to voice your opinions, thoughts, or beliefs. Using your voice in these ways ensure that you will remain in alignment; body, mind, and Spirit forever.

In what ways have you perhaps not utilized your authentic voice to the fullest? When we don’t, we suffer the consequences in a myriad of ways that effect the body negatively. For example, have you ever eaten a meal when you were upset? I know I have, and the result was a painful case of heartburn afterwards. Instead, release these negative emotions before eating and then you’ll be able to enjoy your food as well as avoid indigestion.

Here are some simple ways you can claim your voice today!

1) Say yes, only when you really mean yes! Don’t allow yourself to be “talked into” things and only do what feels right for you.

2) Set clear boundaries with loved ones, friends, dates, co-workers, the boss, and anyone else you come into contact with. This will eliminate resentment, hurt feelings, frustration, and guilt from your life; making life simpler and drama free.

3) Don’t react! Instead; Stop, Breathe, and then Respond. Follow this formula when faced with unexpected situations or challenges to avoid saying things you’ll most likely regret later.

4) Speak affirmatively about yourself and others. Focusing on the positive versus complaining, is an energy booster that automatically aligns you with your highest and best good.

5) Make your needs and requests known! None of us are mind readers, but we tend to forget this and make assumptions that our friends and family “know” what we need by osmosis. Unless we use our voice to communicate our needs and wants, we will continually be disappointed.

Remember that if for any reason you are in a relationship that doesn’t allow for your voice to be heard, then perhaps its time to leave. Real friends and lovers don’t try and squelch your authentic voice in lieu of their own insecurities; they relish in it as your ideas and opinions make you, you! Never allow another to silence your voice as this is abusive and can lead to physical acts of violence.

For more information and resources, check out the following links…

http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics/relationships/relatn.html

http://www.rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-prevention

http://stress.about.com/od/settingboundaries/Setting_Boundaries_and_Saying_No.htm

http://zenamoon.typepad.com/womenatrest/2007/08/the-importance-.html

Love your Inner-Child!

This is me at Disneyland in California Adventure with Mickey Mouse (one of my childhood favorites). We’re never too old to get our picture taken with an old friend!

Remember the time when we didn’t care about what others thought and we just played all day? Well, I’m here to tell you that we still can. It’s all mind-set.  Even though Mickey is over 50 years old, he still hasn’t aged a bit 🙂

Seeing life through the eyes of a child are some of the clearest and joyous moments of our lives because they aren’t encumbered by years of baggage or social conditioning. Back then, we said what we felt, looked for adventure everywhere, and enjoyed the present moment in awe and wonderment.  As we love our children, so must we love our inner-child from long ago that has never grown up and doesn’t want to. That playful part of us has so many gifts to give us; if only we would let her/him out!

Loving your inner-child is similar to the way a parent loves their children; with 100% unconditional love and appreciation. Allowing ourselves to tap into that youthful energy, joy, and wonder is vital to leading a happy & satisfying life. Giving yourself permission to be silly, fly a kite, dance in the living room, or draw with crayons, can actually add more years to your life by reducing stress levels. Going out to play every day after work with your kids or the family pet, will actually improve energy and ensure a good night’s sleep. Speaking softly and gently to yourself and allowing afternoon naps on days off from work are other great ways to honor this part of ourselves and thus our bodies. Eating PB and J cut into triangles with celery and milk are just some of the simple pleasures we may have forgotten.  Children are so much more connected to themselves (and their bodies) than adults; we should take heed from the lessons they have to share.

So, what will you do today to love YOUR inner-child. Invite him or her to come out and play.