Stress sometimes gets a bad rap. Most of the time, we think of stress as something negative, and it can be. Stress can lead to a host of health issues including heart disease and cognitive decline. But other types of stress can deliver benefits, including to your brain. Defined in part as a physical and mental reaction to life's experiences, stress affects all of us. But not in the same ways … [Read more...] about This is Your Brain On Stress
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6 Ways to Boost Your Winter Wellness
Winter wellness recommendations often include getting a flu shot, dressing appropriately for the weather, and washing hands frequently to avoid transmitting germs. But if you want to feel and be your best through this season and beyond, a few additions to your daily routine also can boost your winter wellness and take your health and well-being to the next level. Here are six areas worthy of … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Boost Your Winter Wellness
Chronic Stress: Recognizing and Mitigating It
If you're more tired than usual, find yourself overly irritable, and/or can't seem to concentrate, you may be suffering from low-level chronic stress. Chronic stress differs from acute stress, which comes from a sudden event such as the death of someone close or the loss of a job or relationship. But acute stress can lead to chronic stress. With COVID-19, we may encounter acute … [Read more...] about Chronic Stress: Recognizing and Mitigating It
Being Aware – and Taking Care – of Our Own Needs
The sun was setting on a full day, from a conference that had filled my mind yet prevented me from getting in my usual morning exercise, to a lengthy appointment and numerous conversations that all together had worn me down. As I began my drive home, I noticed my irritation when my cell phone buzzed three more times to announce incoming texts and another phone call. I started to replay the … [Read more...] about Being Aware – and Taking Care – of Our Own Needs
Is it Self-Care, or Is it Stewardship?
Self-care takes different forms, depending on the situation and person. Lighting a candle. Enjoying a slow coffee and breathing deeply. Taking a walk. Spending time with a friend. Choosing healthy foods. Each of those has its place. But when life feels like it's spiraling out of control, self-care may be the first thing to go. How do we stop that from happening, to make ourselves more … [Read more...] about Is it Self-Care, or Is it Stewardship?
Walk Away from Stress Eating
Stress eating can hit at any time. Faced with a challenge, or boredom, or discomfort, we find ourselves pawing in the pantry or digging in the fridge. And then we eat whatever might give us temporary pleasure, not because we're physically hungry. Most often, we reach for the high carbohydrate, high fat, high sugar foods. That's because when we're stressed, high levels from the hormone … [Read more...] about Walk Away from Stress Eating
