Peaceful Tips for Abundant Body and Mind Health

Do you know those people who are always on the move? Rushing off to their next appointment, cell phone at their ear or between their thumbs? They don’t see the beginning of a new season or the smile of the cute baby in the stroller at the red light. I know because, I used to be one of them.  I used to live my life with the false belief that if I had a full schedule, with a “don’t stop, don’t relax” attitude I was somehow living a more virtuous life than all those “lazy, relaxed types”. Then a year ago, after realizing I needed a more peaceful approach, I enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and many of my unhealthy beliefs shifted. The healthy, calm lifestyle changes I have implemented since graduating as a Health Coach, have allowed me to live a much more harmonious life, ironically allowing for more productivity, and best of all giving me a true sense of purpose every day.

For some of you doubters out there, who are about to stop reading, (I know, this is where I used to put down the article and convince myself I was wasting time and had more important things to address) …read on.

Our bodies and our minds are complex systems that require downtime for maintenance, tune-ups and recharge.  Like any complex piece of equipment if it is “powered on high” all of the time without a reboot, it will eventually slow down and start to wear down leading to a system failure. Try this simple advice I created, and share with my clients, using the acronym P-E-A-C-E to prevent a system failure in your body and mind.

P – PRACTICE STILLNESS – Find time every day to be still. Some call it meditating, journaling, stretching…whatever you call it, just allow your body and mind to be still for a few minutes every day. I like to do it early in the morning, but anytime will work as long as you can be relatively free from noise and interruptions. Close your eyes, quiet your thoughts and be appreciative; or journal your thoughts and worries on paper in order to quiet your mind, or stretch and appreciate your body.  Over time your practice of stillness will become easier and you will develop a deep sense of gratitude.

E- EAT MINDFULLY – you are not saving time if you quickly inhale your lunch to jump right back into work. You will only be left feeling unsatisfied one hour later, searching frantically for something to refuel yourself. Pay attention to what and how you are eating. When you take the time to chew your food slowly you will begin to notice that your food not only tastes better, but it leaves you feeling fuller and satisfied longer.  This also helps with digestion, because your body does not have to work so hard, which in turn gives you more energy to do the things you love to do.

A-AIR – Breathe in fresh air, you will be surprised how great you feel. I used to laugh at this, until I got called out in my Pilates class for not breathing properly. Try to get outdoors everyday if you can and breathe in the fresh outdoor air.  Deep breathing helps your mind and body relax by releasing tension, it helps rid your body of toxins and helps with the digestion of your food by massaging your internal organs.  Try this about five times, breathe in for 4, hold the breath for 7 and exhale for 8. Notice the calm and peacefulness you feel.

 C-Chose Consciously – Pay close attention to the food choices you are making and be grateful for your food. Thinking about the source from where it came, who grew it, is it in season? This appreciation for your food helps foster a feeling of gratitude that will divert your attention from your current stress, allowing you to put it aside for a few moments while you enjoy your meal.

E-Engage Others – a strong predictor of longevity is the health of the people you hang out with. Seek out positive people who enjoy hobbies your love, schedule time with them.  Find an active accountability partner to reinforce your good intentions. Be a leader among your friends and family, model happy healthy behaviors so you will all be around for many years to enjoy one another.

Important Messages Your Digestive System is Sending You About Your Health

Do you want to feel more confident with the food choices you make? Do you want more energy and clearer thinking? Do you want to walk into your closet knowing you can wear anything and it will look and feel great?

We need to create time to take care of our health, the time will not just appear. I am motivated to help people whenever they call me after receiving a scary diagnosis from their doctor, wanting to improve their health habits. I always wish people could be motivated to make changes before they receive a diagnosis. It seems many of us run on auto-pilot, not paying attention to signs our body is giving us that something is not right.

Clients are often shocked when I tell them that a healthy digestive system should include 1-3 bowel movements a day. A poor digestive system is an indication that something is not right in your body and can lead to lower immunity, inflammation and a host of chronic illnesses. If you are experiencing recurring bloating, constipation, reflux, gas these are all signs that your digestive system may need help.

I have a 4-part System that takes busy men & women struggling to eat well and manage stress to find simple strategies and habits that allow them to feel great and accomplish more in their lives in six months. My clients experience improved energy levels, leading to more productivity at work, time to socialize with friends and family, and pursue their passions.

As a Health Coach I am on my client's side providing them with support, walking them through their problems and toward their goals. To learn more about working with me, sign up for a complimentary health consultation where we can meet in person or on the phone. My coaching program will give you results in a way you can manage and not feel overwhelmed. Visit my website and contact me here or call me at 214-293-7768.

Harmoniously yours,
Suzy

Keeping Your Computer Healthy Will Help Your Health

Recently when my email was hacked, (and apologies to any of you who were affected), I realized that not taking care of the security of your computer will wreak havoc on your stress levels when you encounter trouble. My phone rang non-stop that day with wonderful friends concerned about my trip to the Ukraine, the trouble I was in, and asking if they could help. Realizing the stress this caused to myself and those recipients of the hacked email, and in an effort to find as many ways as possible to live healthy and reduce stress I wanted to try to help others avoid this situation. A huge shout out to the awesome tech guys over at HBR Technologies and CEO Jeff Romick for helping clean up my computer. Jeff was kind enough to put these quick security tips together for my Harmonious Health followers: 

1) Don't have one password for everything. The password on your phone is easy for someone to watch you enter so it should not be used for banking or home alarms.

2) Passwords should be 8 or more characters that include letters, numbers and a special character, i.e.  %, *,..The password should not include names or pet names. Change your passwords quarterly.

3) If you receive an email request from an unknown source, do not click on anything inside the message. If you wish to unsubscribe from future emails, respond with "unsubscribe" in the subject. Make sure you remove your signature information before sending. 

4) Make sure you have active and updated anti-virus and anti-malware software on your devices.

5) Do not use public computers or wireless connectivity when accessing accounts or using passwords. If you can avoid them completely, even better. 

6) Do not leave your phone or computer unattended in public places. Make sure you lock the screen if you walk away and that a password is required to login.

7) Do not put account numbers and passwords in your phone.

8) Do not list your home address as your Home on your GPS.

9) Predators look for the easiest, weakest targets; don't help them hurt you.