When we get enough sleep, the benefits ripple outward, improving other areas of our health. Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, and children may need as many as 13 hours per night. But studies show that one-third of Americans fall short of those recommendations. And it increases our risk for chronic conditions: anxiety and depression increased pain lowered immune … [Read more...] about Get Enough Sleep for a Healthier You
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Got a Cold? Boost your Immune System this Winter
What’s your plan of action when you feel a cold or other illness brewing? In our home, we take a multi-faceted approach to boost our immune system. First, we have a mantra that we’ve said for years. It sounds a little hokey, but we use it whenever one of us is feeling run down and susceptible to illness: I am healthy, and I will remain healthy. This mindset shift works as a code to ourselves. … [Read more...] about Got a Cold? Boost your Immune System this Winter
Worn Down and Out? On the Importance of the Sabbath
In my youth, Sabbath meant attending church in the morning, sharing a meal with extended family later in the day, and not having a to-do list otherwise. Sometimes, my grandfather would take us to G.C. Murphy's, the five-and-dime down the road, since the mall was further away and many stores there were shut on Sundays. I would pick out a new book or Barbie doll clothes. After working all week at … [Read more...] about Worn Down and Out? On the Importance of the Sabbath
Heavy Load to Carry? Consider the Seashells
Are you carrying a heavy load? Does your heavy load mean a full calendar, non-stop activity, and no margin? Perhaps it's time to consider the seashells. Have you ever walked on a beach, picking up seashells as you go, discerning the most beautiful among them to add to your collection? The larger ones stand out as you approach, begging further investigation. The unusual ones beckon. The … [Read more...] about Heavy Load to Carry? Consider the Seashells
How to Wreck Your Life in 5 Hours or Less
Do you get enough sleep? A long time ago for an area business journal, I wrote a profile about a high-ranking executive who moved through her life at warp speed. I no longer recall her name and company, but I still remember her motto: I’ll sleep when I die. Even if we don’t come out and say it so directly, many of us act as if that’s our motto, too. I sure did. Until several years … [Read more...] about How to Wreck Your Life in 5 Hours or Less
Self Care vs. Self Sacrifice: Which Do You Choose?
One of the most difficult concepts I ever had to learn – and that I still sometimes struggle with - was the importance of putting me first. As Moms, our lives revolve around other people, especially if we take care of little people. We make sure they get where they need to be. We put meals on the table. We help with homework, volunteer at schools, assist with extracurricular activities, give … [Read more...] about Self Care vs. Self Sacrifice: Which Do You Choose?
