Stress
Total body detox - a few spots available!
04/04/12 14:52
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
There are still a few spots available at both clinics for my Total Body Detox Spring Program! Register by Friday, April 6th 2012. Call the practice location that best suits you.
The program offers a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported. Each patient receives a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support. On top of that, each week we provide an educational session on a different aspect of detox!
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
Package includes:
1. 3 naturopathic visits
2. 5 group sessions (Tuesdays
Package price:
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited. Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
There are still a few spots available at both clinics for my Total Body Detox Spring Program! Register by Friday, April 6th 2012. Call the practice location that best suits you.
The program offers a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported. Each patient receives a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support. On top of that, each week we provide an educational session on a different aspect of detox!
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
- Lose weight
- Improve energy and vitality
- Reduce and prevent seasonal allergies
- Address digestive issues
- Ease hormonal symptoms
- Heal skin issues
- Ease pain and inflammation
Package includes:
1. 3 naturopathic visits
2. 5 group sessions (Tuesdays
- Weekly focus on a different aspect of detox, including digestion, liver and kidney detox, skin health, lymphatic system, exercise, and stress management
- Group sessions Tuesdays 7 to 8pm, April 17 through May 15 held at Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
- Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
- Hypoallergenic protein source plus nutrients to support liver detoxification
- Biotherapeutic drainage remedies chosen specifically to address your health concerns and detox needs
Package price:
- $430 for new patients, $360 for existing patients (savings of 20% off regular price!)
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited. Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
Comments
Total body detox spring program 2012
07/03/12 09:35
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Spring is fast approaching and many people benefit from a cleanse or detox to shake off the winter sluggishness and get well for the warmer weather! With this in mind, I am organizing a spring detox program at both my practice locations!
Symptoms that may indicate the need for detoxification:
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
The program is designed to offer a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported through both individual visits and group sessions. Each patient will receive a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support.
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Package includes:
1. 3 individual naturopathic visits
Package price:
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited
Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment:
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment
Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
Spring is fast approaching and many people benefit from a cleanse or detox to shake off the winter sluggishness and get well for the warmer weather! With this in mind, I am organizing a spring detox program at both my practice locations!
Symptoms that may indicate the need for detoxification:
- Excessively dry or oily skin, or skin itching
- Allergic reactions
- Chronic digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, IBS, bloating, and gas
- Chronic fatigue (despite sufficient sleep)
- Chronic pain (not due to injury or overuse)
- Frequent infections
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
- Lose weight
- Improve overall energy and vitality
- Reduce and prevent seasonal allergies
- Address digestive issues
- Ease hormonal symptoms
- Heal skin issues
- Ease pain and inflammation
The program is designed to offer a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported through both individual visits and group sessions. Each patient will receive a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support.
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Package includes:
1. 3 individual naturopathic visits
- See below for specifics for each practice location
- Weekly focus on a different aspect of detox, including digestion, liver and kidney detox, skin health, lymphatic system, exercise, and stress management (mental/emotional detox)
- Coaching, support, and discussion for entire program duration
- Hypoallergenic protein source plus nutrients to support liver detoxification
- Biotherapeutic drainage remedies chosen specifically to address your health concerns and detox needs
Package price:
- $430 for new patients, $360 for existing patients (savings of 20% off regular price!)
- This is an amazing price for a complete, personalized, supported, and supervised detox program!
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited
Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment:
- New patients: initial visit (90 minutes) and two follow-up visits (45 and 30 minutes)
- Existing patients: three follow-up visits (two 45 and one 30 minutes)
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment
- New patients: initial visit (90 minutes) and two follow-up visits (30 minutes)
- Existing patients: three follow-up visits (one 45 and two 30 minutes)
Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
Kate's favourite things 2012: Personal care
02/02/12 16:18
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
For several years I’ve considered writing a “favourite things” blog (a la Oprah’s favourite things). These are all things I use myself (as evidenced by the photos of this stuff in my house!) and LOVE (not just like). This is NOT an endorsement or advertisement and I’m not getting paid by anyone to put a product in this blog.
Dr. Hauschka lip care stick
This is the “favourite thing” that inspired this whole blog! Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Care Stick is by far the most expensive lip balm I’ve ever bought but it is well worth it! From the first time a co-worker at Peaches and Green recommended it, I have not looked back. It is so superior to every other lip balm I’ve tried that I have (at time of writing) 6 tubes of it in my home. These tubes are in various stages of use, from brand new to “digging out the last little bit” stage:
Meditation as Medicine book
Meditation as Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa is a book I recommend to anyone interested in starting a meditation practice as well as anyone who wants to learn more about specific meditations for different healthy concerns. The author is an anesthesiologist who shares many different meditations for beginners and lists meditation treatments for a lot of medical concerns complete with diagrams and great step-by-step instruction.
David’s Tea
Last fall I did a brief stint working part-time at David’s Tea and while I am too busy to continue there, I do LOVE their products! Tea can be so fun and healthy, so why not enjoy this treat rather than high-calorie coffee drinks or junk food? My top 3 favourite teas are Vanilla Oolong, Secret Weapon (a white tea), and Jessie’s Tea (caffeine-free rooibos tea). I also highly recommend the perfect mug (I have a glass one at work and a ceramic one at home) - it truly is perfect for making a wonderful cup of tea!
Urban Spa silk eye pillow
I like to sleep in complete darkness, and by complete I mean no light through the window or from electronics (which is why my phone is in another room and I cover my clock). To help achieve this total darkness, I NEED my Urban Spa Silk Eye Pillow! I have tried many eye masks over the years, but I always come back to this one because it is so wonderful. It blocks light really well, it is soft on my face, it is adjustable (which is important as the elastic stretches out over time), and it smells of soothing lavender!
Derma E microdermabrasion scrub
I have very fair, delicate skin and I find that any breakout leaves pigment and too much sun exposure leaves sun spots. One of the products I find really helpful is Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. This scrub is fine and gentle and I find it helps get rid of rough skin and dark spots. I use it about once per week followed by either my Green tea face mask or Egg yolk face mask.
Pure and Natural shampoo and conditioner
We used to carry some Pure and Natural products at Peaches and Green and when I started using the Daily Moisturizing Shampoo and Daily Light Conditioner, I got several comments (sometimes for complete strangers, such as in the gym!) that my hair was looking really shiny and healthy! I really love these two products and now order them from Carina Organics in the large bottles!
For several years I’ve considered writing a “favourite things” blog (a la Oprah’s favourite things). These are all things I use myself (as evidenced by the photos of this stuff in my house!) and LOVE (not just like). This is NOT an endorsement or advertisement and I’m not getting paid by anyone to put a product in this blog.
Dr. Hauschka lip care stick
This is the “favourite thing” that inspired this whole blog! Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Care Stick is by far the most expensive lip balm I’ve ever bought but it is well worth it! From the first time a co-worker at Peaches and Green recommended it, I have not looked back. It is so superior to every other lip balm I’ve tried that I have (at time of writing) 6 tubes of it in my home. These tubes are in various stages of use, from brand new to “digging out the last little bit” stage:
Meditation as Medicine book
Meditation as Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa is a book I recommend to anyone interested in starting a meditation practice as well as anyone who wants to learn more about specific meditations for different healthy concerns. The author is an anesthesiologist who shares many different meditations for beginners and lists meditation treatments for a lot of medical concerns complete with diagrams and great step-by-step instruction.
David’s Tea
Last fall I did a brief stint working part-time at David’s Tea and while I am too busy to continue there, I do LOVE their products! Tea can be so fun and healthy, so why not enjoy this treat rather than high-calorie coffee drinks or junk food? My top 3 favourite teas are Vanilla Oolong, Secret Weapon (a white tea), and Jessie’s Tea (caffeine-free rooibos tea). I also highly recommend the perfect mug (I have a glass one at work and a ceramic one at home) - it truly is perfect for making a wonderful cup of tea!
Urban Spa silk eye pillow
I like to sleep in complete darkness, and by complete I mean no light through the window or from electronics (which is why my phone is in another room and I cover my clock). To help achieve this total darkness, I NEED my Urban Spa Silk Eye Pillow! I have tried many eye masks over the years, but I always come back to this one because it is so wonderful. It blocks light really well, it is soft on my face, it is adjustable (which is important as the elastic stretches out over time), and it smells of soothing lavender!
Derma E microdermabrasion scrub
I have very fair, delicate skin and I find that any breakout leaves pigment and too much sun exposure leaves sun spots. One of the products I find really helpful is Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. This scrub is fine and gentle and I find it helps get rid of rough skin and dark spots. I use it about once per week followed by either my Green tea face mask or Egg yolk face mask.
Pure and Natural shampoo and conditioner
We used to carry some Pure and Natural products at Peaches and Green and when I started using the Daily Moisturizing Shampoo and Daily Light Conditioner, I got several comments (sometimes for complete strangers, such as in the gym!) that my hair was looking really shiny and healthy! I really love these two products and now order them from Carina Organics in the large bottles!
Guest post: The scoop on fish oils
25/11/11 17:27
Guest post originally published by Negin Misaghi, ND
I’m not much into miracles especially where medicine is concerned. Fish oils however, are without question today’s miracle medicine! I should clarify however that fish oil is a miracle in the sense that it’s a very potent healer, and not a miracle as far as the definition of this word is concerned - with regards to it being supernatural or incomprehensible. Far from it! In fact, the mechanism of action of fish oils with regards to its therapeutic effects are very well understood.
Everything in our lifestyle from our standard diet to our hectic stress-filled day-to-day living, to our sedentary city life of drive-through’s and desk jobs, and machines of all functionalities has made us ‘inflammatory’ – in every sense of the word!
With our diet of highly refined grains and sugars, high consumption of inflammatory vegetable oils (omega 6’s) and animal products (meats & dairy) as a staple, our bodies have become pathologically inflammatory. Our sedentary lifestyle on the other hand only adds to the ordeal since exercise lowers inflammation. The stress hormone cortisol is then released as a result of inflammation as an attempt to bring some balance due to cortisol’s anti-inflammatory properties. This however only adds to the disorder as over time the elevated levels of cortisol not only add to your perceived stress but also result in a number of disease processes. Remember that cortisol is released as our fight or flight stress response resulting in changes in the cardiovascular system (increased blood pressure), causing release of sugars in the body (contributing to diabetes), disrupting thyroid hormone functioning, depressing the immune system, and, and, and… contributing to an endless list of syndromes!
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, our inflammatory and stress-filled lifestyle causes damage to the liver. Once the liver has reached its capacity, damages begin to affect the heart and kidneys also. Chinese Medicine among many traditional medical beliefs (like Ayurveda and others) links each organ system to an emotion. The liver when pathological causes feelings of anger - hence, inflammation in every sense of the word! When damages reach the heart, depression and anxiety set in, and once the kidneys begin to take the grunt of the insult and are damaged, fears and insecurities begin to surface (just to show how entwined our body systems are where an imbalance of one system puts pressure on others and if chronic, can upset the harmony of the whole body).
This is where fish oils can have a great impact on the health of an individual both physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Fish oils have demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties for conditions that are inflammatory in nature (arthritis, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and insulin insensitivity (diabetes)). As well, fish oils have been found to be effective for the treatment of depression (recent research has linked depression to chronic inflammation).
Although fish oils benefit almost every health condition of today as most result from chronic inflammation, it should also be noted that if there’s still gas feeding the fire of inflammation (i.e. the root cause of inflammation has not been removed), fish oils would only be a band-aid solution. To learn more about how inflammation can be controlled at its root, seek the advice of a licensed naturopathic doctor. In the meantime, consider supplementation with fish oils to keep inflammation in check!
I should also mention that the EPA component of fish oil is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties and NO vegetarian source of Omega 3’s contains EPA.
To be discussed in a later post: Why animal sources of omega 3′s are superior to vegetarian sources, why dietary sources of fish oils are not sufficient for some, and best(safe) fish to consume for their omega 3 content!
Guest post: Sex as medicine
27/10/11 11:44
Guest post originally published by Shelly Reitkop, ND
How many people think about the benefits of sex before they jump into the sack? Chances are, you don’t. Believe it or not, sex does more than just satisfy; it boosts your immune system, facilitates weight loss and even protects against cancer. I can easily give you 10 good reasons why you should maintain a healthy sex life.
1. Sex reduces stress
Sexual intercourse leads to the release of “happy hormones” called endorphins and a reduction in cortisol levels, the hormone released in response to stress. Prolonged elevation in cortisol levels lead to high blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, impaired cognitive performance, increased abdominal fat and lowered immune function. Sex enhance the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “happy hormone.” Endorphins act as opiods and work to reduce pain, improve mood and aid with sleep.
2. Sex supports immune functioning
Yup, you heard me! Sex helps to prevent cold’s and flu’s by increasing the production of IgA, an antibody known to fight off infections. Don’t get too excited though, studies found that the optimal number of times a couple should engage in sexual intercourse is 1-2x/week. Sex also increases body temperature creating a suboptimal environment for bacteria and viruses to survive and propagate. Yay to free natural treatments to preventing cold’s and flu’s!
3. Sex can be slimming
Did you know that 35 minutes of sex burns an average of 85 calories? Sex is also one form of exercise that can include both cardiovascular and strength training! Physical activity, especially endurance training, increases Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – the amount of calories your body burns at rest. It is an extra form of physical activity you can incorporate into your weight wellness program.
4. Sex saves the heart!
Being a form of physical activity, sex helps to increase blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body. It helps to exercise the heart muscle. Researchers found that engaging in sexual intercourse 2x +/week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by 50% for men.
5. Sex increases self-esteem
According to sex therapists, one of the reasons people have sex is to improve their self-esteem. One therapist found that people who already have a healthy self-esteem feel even better when engaging in regular sex with their partner. Great sex begins with self-esteem; if the sex is genuine, loving and with someone you feel connected with, a persons’ self-esteem will be further enhanced.
6. Sex enhances intimacy
The act of sex causes the release of a hormone called oxytocin. This naturally occurring chemical has been notoriously called “the love hormone” because it helps a person bond and build trust (it’s true – there are studies that prove this!!). The more physical contact a person has with another individual, the greater the level of oxytocin.
7. Sex subsides pain
Oxytocin is not the only chemical released during sex; intercourse results in the release of another substance: endorphins (refer to point 1!). Recall: Endorphins work to reduce pain while simultaneously improving mood.
8. Sex reduces prostate cancer risk
Frequent ejaculation (5+/week) during a male’s mid-20′s has been correlated with a reduced risk of developing hormone-related cancers such as prostate cancer. Who would have known, right?
9. Sex strengthens the pelvic floor
Many women have heard or even tried Kegel exercises to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles as a way to improve the sensations experienced during sex; however, if you exercise your pelvic floor muscles DURING sex you’ll both notice a difference. Strong pelvic floor muscles are important to prevent conditions such as incontinence in later years.
Don’t know what a kegal exercise is?!? TRY THIS: tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor as though you are trying to stop the flow of urine. Count to 3 and release.
10. Sex helps you sleep
Remember our friend oxytocin? I forgot to mention that rising oxytocin levels also promote sleep, according to the latest research. The body requires a minimum of 8 hours sleep per night and good quality sleep is known to also result in healthier food choices, healthier body weight and a reduced incidence of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure.
If you aren’t sold on the benefits of sex and are in a committed relationship, my best piece of advice is this: The proof is in the pudding – try it for yourself!
As easy as breathing
14/10/11 14:28
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
How often do you hear the expression “as easy as breathing”? Breathing is pretty easy, but breathing well is a skill that requires practice! While reading Chi Running this summer, I learned more about breathing and its importance not only for fitness but also stress management and focus.
Most people spend most of their time breathing shallowly. When you breathe from only the top of your lungs, you don’t get as much air as you can. Most oxygen exchange occurs in the lower lungs, so you must breathe deeply to get the most oxygen into your blood. This requires not only breathing in fully but also exhaling fully. Exhaling fully ensures that there is space for fresh air. When you breathe deeply, you activate your parasympathetic nervous systems, which is your “rest and digest” mode. You need to spend time in this state to properly absorb and store nutrients from your diet and regenerate your body. In this state, your body releases pleasure hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins, and your heart rate and blood pressure are reduced. This state is protective of your body and helps prevent disease.
Shallow, rapid breaths activate your sympathetic nervous system, which is your “fight or flight” mode. Most people spend most of their time in this mode! In fight or flight mode, you release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your blood sugar for fuel and also store fat (rather than burning it). These hormones also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, if you spend most of your time in this state, you will exhaust your adrenal glands, accumulate belly fat, and increase your risk of heart disease.
So how do you spend more time relaxed and breathing deeply? Practice makes perfect! Just like any skill, you need to practice it to become better at it. The more you practice, the easier it will be and the more you will practice...
My favourite breathing exercise is alternate nostril breathing! If you do this exercise nightly before bed, you will soon notice improved relaxation and sleep as well as improved mental focus during the day! You can do this exercise anywhere at anytime - use it liberally.
Caution, do not practice retention of your breath if you have high blood pressure or are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Benefits:
How to:
Take it to the next level:
How often do you hear the expression “as easy as breathing”? Breathing is pretty easy, but breathing well is a skill that requires practice! While reading Chi Running this summer, I learned more about breathing and its importance not only for fitness but also stress management and focus.
Most people spend most of their time breathing shallowly. When you breathe from only the top of your lungs, you don’t get as much air as you can. Most oxygen exchange occurs in the lower lungs, so you must breathe deeply to get the most oxygen into your blood. This requires not only breathing in fully but also exhaling fully. Exhaling fully ensures that there is space for fresh air. When you breathe deeply, you activate your parasympathetic nervous systems, which is your “rest and digest” mode. You need to spend time in this state to properly absorb and store nutrients from your diet and regenerate your body. In this state, your body releases pleasure hormones, such as serotonin and endorphins, and your heart rate and blood pressure are reduced. This state is protective of your body and helps prevent disease.
Shallow, rapid breaths activate your sympathetic nervous system, which is your “fight or flight” mode. Most people spend most of their time in this mode! In fight or flight mode, you release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your blood sugar for fuel and also store fat (rather than burning it). These hormones also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, if you spend most of your time in this state, you will exhaust your adrenal glands, accumulate belly fat, and increase your risk of heart disease.
So how do you spend more time relaxed and breathing deeply? Practice makes perfect! Just like any skill, you need to practice it to become better at it. The more you practice, the easier it will be and the more you will practice...
My favourite breathing exercise is alternate nostril breathing! If you do this exercise nightly before bed, you will soon notice improved relaxation and sleep as well as improved mental focus during the day! You can do this exercise anywhere at anytime - use it liberally.
Caution, do not practice retention of your breath if you have high blood pressure or are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Benefits:
- Energizing at the start of the day or relaxing before bed
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Improved ability to fall asleep and improved quality of sleep (including dreams!)
- Clears sinuses
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Balances left and right brain hemispheres
How to:
- Sit comfortably in a quiet place with your spine straight, crown of head raised toward the sky and buttocks rooted to the floor.
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and out.
- Close right nostril with thumb and inhale through left nostril to comfortable count of 4.
- Close the left nostril with ringer finger and hold the breath for a comfortable count of 4.
- Open the right nostril while keeping the left nostril closed and exhale through right nostril to comfortable count of 4.
- Hold the breath out for a comfortable count of 4.
- Repeat the procedure, this time inhaling through right nostril with left nostril closed and then exhaling through left nostril with right nostril closed.
- Once back to starting point (right nostril closed), you have completed 1 round.
- Begin with 3 rounds daily and work up to 6 rounds or more.
Take it to the next level:
- Create a mantra to repeat silently to lend a rhythm to your breathing. Choose a positive phrase to describe how you wish to feel or a goal you wish to achieve. Some examples: “I am rested and well”, “I am healthy and balanced”, or “I bow before my highest self”.
- End your practice by taking a deep breath in and chanting “Om”, ending with a long “mmm” sound that allows you to feel the vibration through your head.
Are you addicted to stress?
26/05/11 12:16
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I want to share a great blog called “Addicted to Stress” over at Crazy Sexy Life. The title of this blog immediately caught my attention both because I see this every day in my naturopathic practice but also because I too can get addicted to stress!
“Every idea that we have about life, every thought and emotion we feel has a chemical reaction in the mind and body.” I sometimes feel like a broken record explaining this idea to patients, but it is so true! Every thought and emotion you have sets off a cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones that quite literally change the way your body functions via your immune system, digestive system, hormonal balance, and many other systems.
“When we’re used to being or reacting in certain ways, we experience a chemical addiction to those ways of being.” When you form thoughts, you create a neural pathway, and the more you use it, the stronger it becomes until you have entire neural networks that are like well-worn paths in your brain. And the themes of those networks become very influential in your thinking! We like the familiar. It is easier to do what we are used to because it requires less effort. And therefore we become “addicted” to certain thought patterns, sometimes just because they are familiar and easy.
“No matter how many stressors there are in your life, you can still be present, authentic, calm and loving.” Do you believe this? I think many people would like to, but they also have a lot of excuses why NOT. Remember, you have the power of choice! No matter what happened yesterday, today you are still making choices every second and you are not stuck in your pattern.
“We literally change the chemistry in our mind into a more harmonious environment.” Remember that practice makes perfect. The more you change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, the easier it becomes.
I want to share a great blog called “Addicted to Stress” over at Crazy Sexy Life. The title of this blog immediately caught my attention both because I see this every day in my naturopathic practice but also because I too can get addicted to stress!
“Every idea that we have about life, every thought and emotion we feel has a chemical reaction in the mind and body.” I sometimes feel like a broken record explaining this idea to patients, but it is so true! Every thought and emotion you have sets off a cascade of neurotransmitters and hormones that quite literally change the way your body functions via your immune system, digestive system, hormonal balance, and many other systems.
“When we’re used to being or reacting in certain ways, we experience a chemical addiction to those ways of being.” When you form thoughts, you create a neural pathway, and the more you use it, the stronger it becomes until you have entire neural networks that are like well-worn paths in your brain. And the themes of those networks become very influential in your thinking! We like the familiar. It is easier to do what we are used to because it requires less effort. And therefore we become “addicted” to certain thought patterns, sometimes just because they are familiar and easy.
“No matter how many stressors there are in your life, you can still be present, authentic, calm and loving.” Do you believe this? I think many people would like to, but they also have a lot of excuses why NOT. Remember, you have the power of choice! No matter what happened yesterday, today you are still making choices every second and you are not stuck in your pattern.
“We literally change the chemistry in our mind into a more harmonious environment.” Remember that practice makes perfect. The more you change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, the easier it becomes.
