Category: Health

Raging over Politics is Not Healthy

If you are immersed in following politics on social media, radio talks shows, and cable news and you are feeling angry all the time, stop following politics on social media, radio talk shows, and cable news, unless, of course, you enjoy feeling angry. ~ Jay Wren

A constant stream of angry political content is pointless. If you are immersed in following politics on social media, radio talks shows, and cable news and you are feeling angry all the time, just stop following politics on social media, radio talk shows, and cable news, unless, of course, you enjoy feeling angry.

In America today, there is an inescapable flow of information about current events.  You don’t need to stay constantly plugged in to news sources to know what’s going on.  Absolutely, the constant flow of information can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you can stay informed without being constantly plugged in. Setting boundaries on how much news you consume and choosing reliable sources for periodic updates can help maintain a healthy balance.

Here are some solutions for escaping the anger loop.

Sign up for commitments that don’t involve political news. Take a foreign language or computer programming course. Join exercise classes. Exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout at the gym, can help release tension and clear your mind.

Read books on anything but politics.

Stand up and step away from political news sources. Go outside. Just sit on a park bench or a chair in your yard. Nature Breaks: Spending time in nature, even if it’s just a short walk in a park, can be very grounding and help quiet your mind.

Meditate to turn off the noise in your head. Consciously focusing on your breathing or the things around you.

Journaling or writing down your thoughts can help you process and release them. It can be a great way to clear your mind before bed or start your day with a clean slate.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The Doorway Effect: An Opportunity to Change the Way We Think and Feel

As we walk through every door we have an opportunity to change the way we see the world.  Jay Wren

Have you ever walked into a room only to forget why you went there in the first place? This common experience is known as the “doorway effect,” a fascinating psychological phenomenon that highlights the quirks of our memory.

The Power of Perspective: Embracing Change at Every Doorway

Every doorway we cross is more than just a passage from one place to another; it’s a symbol of transition and transformation. It’s an invitation to embrace change and a chance to view the world through a new lens. This is the essence of perspective – the unique way we perceive our surroundings and experiences.

Imagine if we approached every doorway with enthusiasm for the unknown, ready to learn and grow from what lies beyond. Each threshold could lead to a new adventure, a lesson to be learned, or a mystery to unravel. It’s a thrilling concept that encourages us to be present in the moment and open to the possibilities that each new environment holds.

The beauty of perspective is that it’s entirely within our control. We can choose to see an obstacle as a setback or as an opportunity to overcome and become stronger. We can view a change in our routine not as a disruption but as a refreshing break from the monotony. It’s all about mindset, and with the right one, every doorway becomes a gateway to a richer, more fulfilling life.

So, let’s walk through those doors with our heads held high and our hearts open to change. Let’s use these transitions as moments to reflect, adapt, and reinvent our outlook on life. After all, when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.

As we continue on our journey, let’s carry this message with us: every doorway is an opportunity, and it’s ours for the taking. What new perspectives will you discover today? Let’s step through the next doorway with anticipation and see the world in a whole new light. The adventure awaits!

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

The Power of Taking a Break to Breathe

The Power of Breathing: Techniques for a Healthier Life

Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives, often without giving it much thought. Yet, the way we breathe can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of proper breathing techniques and how they can enhance your overall health.

The Importance of Breathing

Breathing is essential for life. It supplies our bodies with oxygen, which is necessary for the functioning of every cell. Proper breathing helps to:

  • Improve oxygen delivery: Efficient breathing ensures that oxygen is delivered to all parts of the body, enhancing energy levels and overall vitality.
  • Reduce stress: Deep, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
  • Enhance mental clarity: Adequate oxygenation of the brain improves focus, concentration, and cognitive function.
  • Support physical health: Proper breathing can improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and aid in digestion.

Common Breathing Techniques

There are several breathing techniques that can help you harness the power of your breath. Here are a few to consider:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Also known as belly breathing, this technique involves breathing deeply into the diaphragm rather than shallowly into the chest. To practice:

  1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
  2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
  3. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise while keeping your chest relatively still.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall.
  5. Repeat for several minutes.

2. Box Breathing

Box breathing is a simple technique that can help calm the mind and reduce stress. To practice:

  1. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four.
  2. Hold your breath for a count of four.
  3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
  4. Hold your breath again for a count of four.
  5. Repeat the cycle for several minutes.

3. Alternate Nostril Breathing

This technique is often used in yoga to balance the mind and body. To practice:

  1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
  2. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril.
  3. Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
  4. Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release your right nostril.
  5. Exhale slowly through your right nostril.
  6. Inhale through your right nostril, then close it and exhale through your left nostril.
  7. Continue alternating for several minutes.

Incorporating Breathing Techniques into Daily Life

To reap the benefits of proper breathing, try incorporating these techniques into your daily routine:

  • Morning routine: Start your day with a few minutes of diaphragmatic breathing to energize your body and mind.
  • Work breaks: Practice box breathing during breaks to reduce stress and improve focus.
  • Evening relaxation: Use alternate nostril breathing to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Conclusion

Breathing is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your health and well-being. By practicing proper breathing techniques, you can improve your physical health, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath and experience the transformative effects it can have on your life.

10 Ways Winners Become Winners

All those things I learned as a child about healthy living are by coincidence the same things that adults do to become winners. ~ Jay Wren

10 Ways Winners Become Winners

There are countless ways to become a winner. Here are ten things I see winners doing that help me.

Winners own their mistakes.

They correct them. They move forward. They don’t let life’s little mistakes lie around and create problems and stress.

Winners don’t apologize all the time.

People who are apologizing all the time aren’t correcting mistakes. They are just trying to deal with the stress of insecurities without understanding why they feel insecure.

Winners talk to friends.

Just having friends helps us beat stress.  Talking to friends gets us out of my own head and into the present moment. Talking to friends helps me get my bearings. Talking to friends can also help me deal with the stress of insecurities that can cause me to apologize all the time.

Winners do it now.

Of course, we feel stressed when we keep putting off what we need to do. I win when I do the things I need to do.

Winners write it down.

When something is bothering me, I can write it down. Writing takes the sting out of stress. If I have something that I need to do but can’t do now, I can write it down. Having a list creates a plan of action. Having the plan helps me become more productive. When I become more productive, I have a sense of accomplishment. I feel less stress.

Winners eat healthy stuff first.

We must eat. Sometimes our cravings are going to make us eat junk. Winners don’t worry about it. But they eat the healthy stuff first.

Winners take breaks!

No one can run wind sprints all day long. Winners take breaks. Breaks make us more productive. People who work in virtual offices can easily forget to take breaks. I stand up. I walk away from my desk and walk around for five minutes. I lie down for a couple of minutes. I take breaks by getting away from my work. Not taking breaks creates fatigue, which screws up our perspective and stresses us out.

Winners get plenty of sleep.

Lack of sleep causes depression and anxiety. Lack of sleep creates stress. I get plenty of sleep and live with a clear, rested mind.

Winners get real!

It is so easy to believe that we have some kind of control over national or international event way beyond our control. Get real. We can’t police the universe! Being the police officer of the universe is completely fruitless and painfully stressful.

Winners get help!

Asking for help does remarkable things. Winners gain the advantage of getting help with their success. With one person rowing, you can power a small boat or a canoe. With dozens of people rowing, you can move a large ship.

Photo by Codioful (Formerly Gradienta) on Unsplash

 

Five Steps for Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

Six steps to reducing stress and increasing happiness.

Live in the Present Moment.

Living in the present moment means being fully aware of what is happening right now, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It is a state of mind that can bring many benefits, such as:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety
  • Enhancing happiness and gratitude
  • Improving focus and creativity
  • Strengthening relationships and empathy

Breathe deeply and consciously.

Breathing is the most basic and essential function of life, yet we often take it for granted. By paying attention to your breath, you can anchor yourself to the present moment and calm your mind. Try to breathe deeply and slowly, filling your lungs with air and exhaling fully. Notice how your chest and abdomen rise and fall, and how your body feels with each breath. You can also use a simple mantra, such as “I am here, I am now”, to focus your attention.

Observe your surroundings.

Another way to live in the present moment is to observe your surroundings with curiosity and openness. Use your senses to notice the details of your environment, such as the colors, shapes, sounds, smells, and textures. You can also try to find something new or interesting in familiar places, such as a flower, a painting, or a sign. By doing this, you can appreciate the beauty and diversity of life, and avoid getting stuck in your thoughts.

Do one thing at a time.

In today’s busy and multitasking world, it is easy to get distracted and lose focus. However, doing too many things at once can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed, and reduce the quality of your work and experience. To live in the present moment, try to do one thing at a time, and give it your full attention and energy. Whether it is reading a book, cooking a meal, or having a conversation, immerse yourself in the activity and enjoy the process.

Express gratitude.

You can express gratitude by writing a journal, saying thank you to someone, or simply reflecting on what you are grateful for. By doing this, you can boost your happiness and well-being, and foster a positive outlook on life.

Life Challenges

Life’s challenges create pressure. I cannot always eliminate these challenges, but I can be smart about how I respond to them.

Action

I feel stressed when I put things off.

To overcome procrastination, I simply agree to do one small thing. A common example is to go for a walk, I lace up my shoes. To do odd jobs around the house, I lay out my tools. Often, this one thing sets in motion my completing small tasks. To reduce stress, I break projects down into multiple, simple steps.

When I am stuck with writing an article, for example, I write a statement. From there I write the information to explain the statement. I might write one paragraph. I save what I have written as a draft. During the day, I may stop and leave my work. However, by coming back with a fresh mind and additional information through the day, I complete the article.

Write Things Down

When something is bothering me, I can write it down. Writing takes the sting out of stress. Further writing helps me process anxiety. Moreover, further writing often leads to solutions to solving problems that bother me.

From there, I have a plan of action that gives me the confidence to be more productive. I have a sense of accomplishment. I feel less stressed.

Eat Healthy Food First

When hunger makes me anxious between meals, a snack cuts my anxiety until mealtime.

Sugar snacks make me hungrier. The sugar demands insulin to burn the sugar. Somewhere in the lack of balance between sugar and insulin, I feel anxious.

Therefore, I try to keep more satisfying snacks handy. Cheese, nuts, peanut butter are calorically dense, but reduce cravings and quiet the anxious voices in my head.

Take Breaks

Being tired clutters my mind. I become less productive. My cluttered mind focuses on problems.

For me, a power nap or a walk help me recover from the fatigue of working on most projects. Simply taking a walk reduces my anxiety.

To remind myself to move each hour, I have notifications on my calendar to leave my desk and move around.

I Take Breaks and Sleep at Night

Not only do I take breaks. I try to get seven hours of sleep. Allowing my brain to rest enables me to make better decisions. Better decisions increase success and cut stress.

Lack of rest is one of the steps to burnout. We reach a point where overdoing our job cripples us in ways that we cannot perform at work.

Keep It Real

It is so easy for me to want to control national or international events. Thinking that I can control these things is completely fruitless and painfully stressful.

People in forums say things that annoy me. Correcting them is pointless. I cannot police the Internet!

Likewise, I can easily believe that I can change other people. There are things that I can do that affect how other people react. However, just changing my own behavior is not always easy. Believing that I can change other people is often impractical.

Frustration over the things I cannot change creates stress. I try to keep it real about the things that I can change and not change.

Talk with Friends

Just having friends helps me beat stress. Talking to friends gets me out of my own head and into the present moment.  Furthermore, in talking with friends, I get practical information on dealing with life’s challenges, thereby increasing success and stress reduction.

Stress Reduction

Reducing stress from life’s challenges clears our mind and increases our long-term success. The steps to stress reduction include steps to increase our health.

error: Content is protected !!