healthmindandbody.tips
Open in
urlscan Pro
99.192.204.52
Public Scan
URL:
https://healthmindandbody.tips/category/mind/?utm_source=HealthMindBody&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9_10
Submission: On September 10 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Submission: On September 10 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis
3 forms found in the DOMGET https://healthmindandbody.tips/
<form method="get" class="td-search-form" action="https://healthmindandbody.tips/">
<!-- close button -->
<div class="td-search-close">
<a href="#"><i class="td-icon-close-mobile"></i></a>
</div>
<div role="search" class="td-search-input">
<span>Search</span>
<input id="td-header-search-mob" type="text" value="" name="s" autocomplete="off">
</div>
</form>
GET https://healthmindandbody.tips/
<form method="get" class="td-search-form" action="https://healthmindandbody.tips/">
<div role="search" class="td-head-form-search-wrap">
<input id="td-header-search" type="text" value="" name="s" autocomplete="off"><input class="wpb_button wpb_btn-inverse btn" type="submit" id="td-header-search-top" value="Search">
</div>
</form>
Name: nvform — POST https://healthmindandbody.tips/mailer//subscriber/optIn.php
<form onsubmit="return formvalidation(this)" method="post" target="_self" name="nvform" id="nvform" action="https://healthmindandbody.tips/mailer//subscriber/optIn.php" autocomplete="off">
<input type="hidden" name="idGroup" value="1">
<input type="hidden" name="nvFormTracker" value="#nvFormTracker#">
<div class="row py-1">
<div class="col-md-5 col-lg-2 py-1"><label style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top">Email:</label></div>
<div class="col-md-6 col-lg-4 py-1"><input type="email" class="form-control" name="email" value="" onchange="emailvalidation(this,'Invalid Email');"></div>
</div>
<input type="hidden" name="idList[]" value="2">
<div class="row py-1">
<div class="col text-center" style="display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;padding:7px 0;text-align: center"><span id="Error" style="color:red;display:none;"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="row py-1">
<div class="col text-center"><input type="submit" class="btn btn-success nv_submit" id="nv_submit" value="Subscribe"></div>
</div>
</form>
Text Content
* Home * Body * Mind * Spirit * Subscribe! Search healthmindandbody.tips * Home * Body * Mind * Spirit * Subscribe! Home Mind MIND Latest * Latest * Featured posts * Most popular * 7 days popular * By review score * Random Mind 15 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH – AND AVOID DEMENTIA Health - September 10, 2021 Mind HOW TO HARNESS THE HEALTHY SIDE OF ANXIETY, FROM A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Health - September 8, 2021 HOW MUSIC HELPS TO RELAX THE HUMAN MIND Mind Health - September 7, 2021 0 Relaxing music “https://heatfeed.com/relaxing-music/” affects the human psychologically and it becomes the most important part of human life. Listening to relaxing music is an entertaining process. It makes the mind active and gives energy to the body. It also helps to improve the routine work and tasks. However, music improves the cognitive ability of the human. Rhythm and tracks in the music work with the brain. These rhythmic tracks relax the brain. Some tracks are directly related to health. If the track relaxes the mind it is surely related to health. Some mentally disable persons learn through music or rhythms. We the humans show our emotions and moods by gesturing differently. Sometimes we clap, sometimes whistle, and make random music. These gestures show different human emotions. Human brains have a special ability to draw the difference between music and noise. And they react differently. This difference and reaction are responded to by the nervous system. Ways to relax the human mind through music – Soft rhythmic sounds affect the nervous system. – Nervous system deals with the whole human body. – A relaxed mind sends a relaxed, positive, and energetic message to the whole body. – Through this process antibodies are produced in the body which help in the prevention of germs. – Relaxing the nervous system also helps to relax other body nerves and a person can fight different diseases. Benefits to relax the human mind through music Pain and stress reduction Music causes relaxation for the human, mentally and physically. Pain in the body creates a disturbance in body cells. Through this music, the immune system gets better. Researchers found that music causes relaxation which results in an increase in the defensive level of the body like increases in the antibodies which results in saving the body cells from germs or viruses. As the body cells relax and increase the working of the immune system it boosts up the hormonal regulation which leads to a healthy life. Cure ability According to the research, sounds have the power to cure or treat the body. Some diseases like depression and anxiety can be cured by sounds. These sounds consist of rhythm or vibration. To treat these kinds of diseases vibrational therapy can be used. In the treatment, special vibrations directly interact with the body which relaxes the nervous system. It cures the body because the body and brain are directly proportional to each other. Build up the mood and focus When a person enjoys a relaxed and strong mind it leads to positive vibes. These positive vibes uplift the mood and encourage the person for a positive day. When the mood of a person is energized it increases the focus of the person. A person can do their tasks energetically and peacefully. Increases the motivation Vibrations create positive feelings. These feelings empower the human mind and encourage the person to do different tasks of human life. It also activates the body posture and stimulates the energy of the body. On the other hand, fast and loud music can be known as noise has negative effects on the human body. Conclusion From the literature above, we concluded music is a central part of human life and it is also approved from medical and psychological theories through research. Listening to music calms the body and relaxes the human mind which leads to a better and healthy life. However, hard sound can also affect the mood and health of the human. Read more THE #1 BEST DIET FOR YOUR BRAIN Mind Health - September 1, 2021 0 It's never too early to start caring for your brain health. Although genetics may play a large part in the health of your brain over time, researchers are finding that what we eat matters as well. © Provided by Eat This, Not That! pouring extra virgin olive oil on a veggie salad For example, according to Advances in Nutrition, there is a definite connection between what you eat and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, although researchers are still looking into the specifics of why this connection occurs. With information like this, we can focus on eating food that will help cognitive function in the long run, regardless of age.But what foods are truly best for brain health, and is there a specific diet we can follow? When we asked Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, and a new member of our medical expert board, she said hands down the best diet for the brain is the MIND diet.What is the MIND Diet? © Provided by Eat This, Not That! olive oil on salad "The MIND diet is an absolute win for your brain," says Goodson. Evidently, the research agrees with her completely. This fairly new eating plan was created by Martha Clare Morris as a result of a research study she led that observed elderly participants between the ages of 58 and 93. Since then, the MIND diet has been continually showing positive results with prolonging cognitive decline and lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease."Known as the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, MIND combines the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains with the DASH diet, which is designed to help stop hypertension (high blood pressure) and is loaded with fruits and vegetables," says Goodson.According to Rush University Medical Center, Morris' findings revealed that the participants who "rigorously'" followed the diet decreased their risk of Alzheimer's Disease by 53%, and those who followed it "moderately" lowered it by 35%.The focus of the MIND diet is simply to eat foods that keep your brain healthy, and limit or stay away from the foods that don't."MIND is designed to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, which can ultimately have negative effects on the brain," says Goodson.RELATED: Best Supplements For Your Brain, According to DietitiansHow to follow the MIND dietAccording to Goodson, The MIND diet recommends including the following foods in your diet on a regular basis or as much as you can:BerriesGreen leafy vegetablesAll other vegetablesNutsFishOlive oilWhole grainsBeansPoultryWine (Yes, wine! In moderation, of course.)According to Harvard Health, the foods that help your brain health are the same foods that are healthy for your heart, which is why we see a lot of the foods under the MIND diet consisting of healthy fats. For example, fatty fish like salmon and tuna are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. For the MIND diet, it is recommended to get at least one serving of fish per week.Nuts are another nutritious snack known to help the brain. According to a research study published in The Journal of Nutrition, daily intake of walnuts can help improve cognitive function.The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lays out some specifics for how often to eat these items if you're following the MIND diet rigorously. You should stick to about three servings of whole grains each day, with at least one salad and another serving of veggies. They also recommend having chicken at least two times a week, and yep, a glass of red wine each day made the list! Get even more healthy tips straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter! After, read these next:5 Ways to Improve Your Memory Now, Say ExpertsOne Major Side Effect of Eating Oranges, New Study SaysSurprising Effects Coffee Has On Your Brain, New Study SaysRead the original article on Eat This, Not That! 100 Unhealthiest Foods On the Planet Read more 4 TIPS TO HELP EASE KIDS’ BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY Mind Health - August 25, 2021 0 Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, one in five kids in the U.S. has experienced anxiety, according to data published this month in JAMA Pediatrics, a medical journal.Now with most kids returning to school in-person this year amid the delta variant and as mask mandate debates continue throughout the country, it is to be expected that anxiety and stress levels may again be on the rise, experts say.“We need to make space for the fact that kids may be experiencing very new things," said Dave Anderson, Ph.D., vice president of school and community programs at the Child Mind Institute, an organization dedicated to mental health work with children and families. "It's really important to say, 'Just because we're excited to be returning to some sense of normalcy, what do I need to support you around? What might you be nervous about?'"Editor's PicksLeena and Sunil Saini, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, said they are in the midst of anxiety-inducing change as they send their daughters, Kirina and Ela, to school after socially isolating together for the past 18 months."We've been in this protective bubble until now and now we’re sending them out into the world," said Leena Saini, whose husband, Sunil, is also returning to work in-person. "Sending them back to school now, it's kind of anxiety-provoking, and what's hard is we as parents are anxious, but don't want to transfer that anxiety to our kids."Leena and Sunil Saini, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, pose with their daughters Kirina and Ela in this undated family photo.Here are four tips from Anderson to help the anxiety families like the Sainis are experiencing in this time of big changes.1. Stay calm and open with your child.While parents like the Sainis' may be worried about pushing their own anxiety onto their children, Anderson said it is okay for parents to talk to a certain extent with their kids about how they're feeling.“The answer is always something in moderation," said Anderson. "We don't want a parent to fully suppress everything that they're feeling."When talking with their kids about school, parents should try not to ask leading questions, like, "Are you nervous about going back to school?" according to the Child Mind Institute's back to school guide.Anderson recommends parents listen to and validate their child's feelings by telling them, "We know you're going to have feelings. Those feelings are very valid. Let's focus on the things that might you might be optimistic about this particular change, and then beyond that, we're just going to take it as it comes.”And parents themselves can help to ease their own anxiety by, first, taking a deep breath, according to Anderson. He noted that parents may also find it helpful to review the procedures their child's school has put in place to help ease their worries.2. Reassure your child you'll still have time with them.For many families, the pandemic lockdown meant more time together than they were used to spending. For some children, adjusting back to the routine of being apart during the day may prove difficult, according to Anderson.“We can say to kids, 'Even as I go back to the office, maybe those days where you see me less, know that I have valued this time where we've been able to see each other, and there will still be days when that rhythm is still kind of there,'" he said. "And I think kids get comforted by that.”VIDEO: 1 in 5 kids experienced anxiety during the pandemic: Study3. Talk to your child about things to do to stay safe.Wearing face masks and taking other safety measures against COVID-19 may be anxiety-inducing for some students who are being asked by their parents to do so when their peers are not.Especially when it comes to masks, which have become a heated debate in some school districts, parents should have conversations with their child ahead of time, according to Anderson."It's going back and saying to the child, 'Well, look, we've made the decision that you're going to wear a mask. We're going to find you a good fitting one,'" said Anderson, who added that parents can also talk to their child about when they can take mask breaks and the fact that some classmates may be unmasked. "And the reality is that any child who's in a mixed-mask environment is going to feel comfortable fairly quickly with that norm, likely even more quickly than adults."4. Focus on sleep, diet and movement.In addition to focusing on kids' feelings, parents should also pay attention to what their kids are eating and how much sleep and movement they're getting, according to Anderson.Those elements of an overall healthy lifestyle can help children, and parents, cope with stress."It's going back to basic wellness habits. Get some sleep, make sure you're feeding yourself, make sure you're moving your body in some way and that you're getting some sort of social support," said Anderson. "If you can check off those boxes a bit, you're going to be better able to confront the challenges.”Bonus tips:Encourage flexibility.A lesson from the pandemic is that anything can change at any time, so parents should prepare their children to be flexible and prepared for potential changes with school, according to the Child Mind Institute's back to school guide."It’s helpful for kids to know that you’re prepared for changes that may occur. Let your child know that the whole family is going to have to be flexible," the guide recommends.Know when to seek help.Parents can look for several behavior changes in their child that signal it is time to seek professional mental health help.Those changes include having severe meltdowns at drop-off time for more than two or three weeks, and being unable to recover or to even stay at school, for more than three or four weeks, or having school-related worries that cause repeated headaches and stomachaches, constant visits to the school nurse, or refusal to go to school, according to the Child Mind Institute. Read more HOW TO START A HEALTHY MORNING ROUTINE — AND STICK WITH IT Mind Health - August 24, 2021 0 Too many people wake up each day to a barrage of responsibilities that end up dictating the flow of their mornings. If you have kids or pets, you need to care for them. Most people have morning chores, need to make breakfast, get ready for work, and so on. I am not suggesting you shirk your responsibilities. But the truth is, you will be better prepared to handle everything on your plate each morning, if you start with a healthy self-care routine.Below, I share some of my own healthy morning habits, as well as tips and tricks for creating a routine that sticks — and what to do when you falter. Some of the habits in my routine will resonate with you, while others may not. As you read on, keep in mind your own lifestyle and health goals, so you can create a morning routine that will work best for you.1. Set your alarm to work for you — not against youThe first step to kicking your day off right is adjusting your sleep schedule to ensure you have enough time in the morning for yourself and your responsibilities. If your kids get up at 6:30 a.m., this means getting up before them. Or, even if you don't have kids or pets to care for, if you usually get up at 7 a.m. to scramble out the door by 7:30, it's time for you to start your days earlier.That said, sleep is important. When you adjust your alarm to wake up sooner, you also need to adjust your bedtime to turn in earlier. There is nothing healthy about being sleep deprived, so aim to get at least seven hours of sleep. 2. Breathe in the new dayWhat's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Unfortunately, for many people, the answer is "reaching for my phone." If that's you, how many minutes do you spend each morning scrolling and potentially letting stress build due to what you find on the news, social media or checking messages?What if you made a rule that — before reaching for you phone — you took six long, deep breaths to focus your attention on the power and blessing of your own life force? Because the diaphragm acts as both a respiratory and core postural muscle, diaphragmatic breathing not only helps you positively focus your mind, it primes your body to support movement and good posture.3. Drink water before coffeeBecause we lose water through our breath and sweat while we sleep, we usually wake up thirsty. Considering that the adult human body is comprised of up to 60% water, hydration is essential for good health. Drinking water first thing in the morning will not only help rehydrate you but can also jump-start your metabolism, boosting it by up to 30%, according to research.4. Move your body in all directionsThere is a reason we instinctively stretch when we first wake up. Our bodies crave movement after being sedentary. Why not direct that instinct to be as productive as possible? Rather than only doing a quick stretch in bed and then going about your day, favoring your dominant side, set your body right and prepare it for daily activity by taking it through all planes of motion, evenly using both sides of our bodies. You can accomplish this with a quick yoga flow or this 10-minute body-weight workout:5. Make time to exerciseMaybe you can't fit in a full workout in the morning. That's OK. You can sneak in exercise by stacking it onto some of your existing morning habits. For years now, I've been doing push-ups before I get into the shower and squats while I brush my teeth. It's called habit stacking, a concept James Clear references in his book, "Atomic Habits." By stacking a new exercise habit onto a morning habit that is already ingrained, it makes it easier to sustain.6. Set your mind rightGive yourself a clean slate to start the day with just a few minutes of mindfulness meditation.There are numerous apps that offer free guided meditations under 10 minutes. Or you can set a timer on your phone to whatever length and sit quietly focused on the sensations of your breath or quietly repeating a positive affirmation, mantra or intention you want to set for your day. 7. Cultivate an attitude of gratitudeResearch shows that practicing gratitude can decrease pain, enhance empathy and reduce aggression — which is a great way to start your day, especially if you have a morning commute in traffic. You can practice gratitude in the morning by waking each day to watch the sunrise, writing things you are grateful for in a journal, or incorporating a gratitude focus into your meditation. Personally, I share a gratitude white board with my husband, and we each write three things on it nightly. It's technically a nighttime habit, but because of its location in our master bathroom, it's one of the first things we see every morning. We've done it for many years now, and I still love waking up to see what he wrote and being reminded of what I was grateful for from the day before.8. Make your bedBy making your bed every morning, you demonstrate to yourself that you take personal responsibility for your tasks and commit to keeping your personal space comfortable and tidy. It sets a precedent that reinforces the foundation of your ability to follow through.For more on this, check out Adm. William H. McRaven's book "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life ... and Maybe the World."9. Repeat your routineThis is the hardest part. Establishing a routine is not easy. It's understandable, if you start out strong but then falter. If you sleep in one morning or forget some new habits, don't be too hard on yourself ... but also don't give up. Start again the next morning and try some of the suggestions below to help keep you on track.10. Set yourself up for successTo make it easier for you to accomplish your healthy morning self-care routine, take steps the night before to lessen your load and make the things you need to do more convenient. For instance, set your clothes out for the next morning. If you have children, put their out clothes, too (or have them do it). Another option is preparing breakfast in advance. I make a big pot of oatmeal that I can just warm up in the morning. If you take lunch to work or need to pack lunch for kids, do that ahead as well. Getting up earlier can be one of the biggest challenges to overcome. Leverage technology to help. Maybe you need a more gradual alarm tone to wake you. Or you might require a louder, more startling sound. Test out the different options on your phone. Because I struggled with always hitting snooze, I invested $30 in a clock with a warm light that gradually brightens the room before the alarm goes off — and it worked for me. Figure out what works for you.Are you ready to start a new healthier morning routine?Tomorrow morning is your opportunity!Life is hectic for all of us, but we can always make time for things that we deem worthy. Trust me — your overall health and daily perspective are worth it. Read more ADVICE FOR PARENTS TO HELP FAMILIES RETURN TO SCHOOL IN A HEALTHY STATE OF MIND Mind Health - August 21, 2021 0 Sometimes, going back to school is daunting enough for students. New classes, new teachers, subject matters. The sometimes-stress of what to wear. Add in a pandemic, and now the stress falls not on the students, but parents. Do you send your child to school? Do you ask your child to wear a mask, and trust they will?How do parents handle this in a way that does not jeopardize their child’s education? How do they ensure – and know – they’re doing the right thing? And how do they help their children’s feelings about returning during so much uncertainty? Here are some tp[s to help parents cope:1.Take your cues from your child: Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions. Your goal is to avoid encouraging frightening fantasies. (Child Mind Institute)2.Understand that the decision you make for your family and child is the best for your family and child. Stick to that. If you have a child in preschool or Kindergarten and within the first week of class they’re sent home for a week because of a COVID case, and you decide to keep them home longer than the school says you need to, it is your decision. Be at peace with it.3.Focus on what you’re doing to stay safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions that you, and others around you, are taking. Jamie Howard, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, said, “Kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.” Remind kids that washing their hands is actually helping everyone by stopping the spread of the virus. Involve them in your family’s ongoing safety plan. That could mean letting them choose masks for the family, or coming up with a new 20-second song — we’re all a little tired of Happy Birthday! — to sing while you wash your hands. (Child Mind Institute)4.Observe your child's behavior: Whether you anticipate your student will thrive in the classroom or you worry about a tough reentry, pay attention to their behaviors. While some kids will be excited to meet their peers and teachers, other young children who've adjusted to isolation may feel overwhelmed in a new social environment. (Cedars Sinai)5.Watch for signs of depression: Children may become withdrawn, develop eating disorders or anxiety around food, and their stress might manifest in abdominal or other physical pain. Kids who have been cyberbullied during virtual learning, especially, will undergo emotional strain in social settings. (Cedars Sinai)6.Parents should validate the stress kids may be feeling and to be compassionate about the worries they express. Using language like “Let’s talk about what you’re feeling, these are big feelings, this is stressful, and, we can get through this together,” can be really helpful, said Aaron Jeckell, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Broward Health Coral Springs. (Local 10 News in South Florida)7.Parents need to be honest with kids, but at the same time, empower them. Masks are important, but if they aren’t “cool,” brainstorm how you could make them cool. Can you customize it in some way? Add a touch of your personality? Anxiety really comes from a lack of control for both the parents and the kids. But if we empower them and ourselves, we’re all more willing and likely to comply. When it comes to washing hands, for example, ask them about their favorite soap scent. What kind of sanitizer do you like? Make it fun and interesting, and use creative thinking. (Glenis Sundberg, licensed clinical therapist specializing in family therapy, for Parkview Health)8.Just have a plan and work the plan. A lot of anxiety comes from the unknown, and if we can outline hand washing, mask-wearing and social distancing, that really helps. Keep it simple. Even little kids can understand that if you’re going to be around a lot of people, you have to put your mask on ,or that you have to wash your hands before you eat, drink or touch your face. Get them involved and let them have their own hand sanitizer on their book bag or purse. Have a plan, and if you work that plan, you’re going to be fine. (Duane Hougendobler, pediatrician, for Parkview Health I)9.Trust your gut.10.Be informed about the real risks and benefits of a return to in-person school during an ongoing pandemic. Consult reputable sources about how the virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted, and the requirements for schools to reopen safely. Be prepared for increased caution over kids' health, especially younger students. Children with runny noses, coughs and fevers, despite the cause, will be required to stay home until they're well. If a peer tests positive for the virus that causes COVID, schools may need to shut down for a period in the hopes of avoiding an outbreak. (Cedars Sinai) Read more SELF-CARE IN HEALTHCARE Mind Health - August 18, 2021 0 Source: Irina Bort, Adobe Stock When you’re on a plane, the preflight safety instructions include a directive to place your oxygen mask over your face before helping others. The idea is that you must first address your own health and safety so you are better equipped to aid others. The same wisdom should apply to your health. In previous posts, we have explored the stress and responsibilities associated with caring for your family and aging parents. But what about caring for yourself? It is as imperative that you advocate for your own health as it is to plan and manage your family’s health needs. As the head of the family, you are constantly in a position of having to plan ahead. The playdates, soccer practices, and time for schoolwork—it’s a lot to manage. And on top of that, you have your own responsibilities—work, household duties, and your own medical needs. The experience of living through a pandemic has underscored the importance of maintaining healthy habits that impact mind, body, and spirit. This year has been stressful for all of us. Finding a balance between telework, Zoom school, and day-to-day tasks is a juggling act. So often when we become overwhelmed, our unique needs end up falling off the to-do list. It’s time to reach for our own oxygen masks and reestablish a health routine for ourselves so that we can continue to provide care for our families and aging parents. Integrative meets conventional care Let’s start with establishing a baseline for your conventional medical care. It’s always important to maintain annual appointments with your primary care physician, as well as any specialists you may see, such as your gynecologist, dentist, or optometrist. These regular check-ins with your medical providers are important preventative health actions. Routine preventive care such as mammograms, Pap smears, and yearly flu shots are proven methods to maintain health. But in addition to conventional treatments, consider incorporating complementary methods of care into your healthcare routine. Here are some common maladies that parents might experience and some suggestions on how to manage them: Back pain. A lot of new parents experience back pain, especially in their baby’s first year. Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or chiropractic care. Relaxing yoga or a massage might be in order—you’ve earned it! Tiredness. As parents, we often feel tired. Whether we’re up all night with a teething baby or are struggling to keep up with the fast-paced toddler lifestyle, all the coffee in the world isn’t going to help. Find some time to exercise, eat protein-enriched snacks throughout the day, and drink plenty of water. Headaches. Kids have a lot to say. And all that talking might lead to a headache (lack of sleep can also contribute). In addition to an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, drinking plenty of water and finding some quiet time will also help. Give your child some books to read and insist on a nap or some quiet time—you and your child will benefit. Depression. Parenthood can be isolating and lonely. Your children may bring you joy, but the act of constantly putting someone else before yourself can lead to low feelings. It’s important to talk about how you are feeling—whether to a friend, family member, or professional, such as a social worker or therapist. Self-care The day-to-day pressures and challenges involved in raising kids and managing a family and household responsibilities can trickle down and affect a person’s mind, body, and spirit. And after so much time away from our family and friends, we’re all in need of a little self-care. We’ve explored conventional and complementary care, but another critical aspect of integrative, whole-person care is self-care. Here are some ways to explore self-care: Journaling is a positive and effective way to help manage complicated emotions and set goals for yourself. Get moving. Just a half-hour a day can do wonders not only for your body but also for your mind. Take time to yourself. Whether you are craving a quiet hour to read, garden, or just be alone, carve out some time for yourself. The healing power of relationships It’s so important to connect with other parents who are going through the same thing as you. Child-rearing on its own is challenging, but this last year has added another layer to the chaos that is raising children. Connecting with others and sharing experiences may help ease some stress. Tapping into a community that just “gets it” can be like a breath of fresh air. Here are some suggestions on where/how to meet other parents: Social media. Local community groups, such as local parent groups, are a great way to meet other parents. Classes/sports for parents. Explore your hobbies while getting some time off from parenting and housework. Classes/sports for kids. Whatever your kid is into—dance classes, music lessons, or sports—chances are other parents will be there as well. Giving back. Whether it’s local clean-ups or bringing meals to seniors, giving back to the community is a great way to meet other parents who want to invest in your local community. The healing power of relationships is an important aspect of self-care. Having a confidant goes beyond simply having someone to talk to; it actually can be a strong predictor of long-term health. One of the most successful treatments for our individual health doesn’t come from a prescription: it comes from our environment—specifically how we connect to our community. Much like the care we provide to our family and aging parents, we need to have the same thought and care when it comes to our own health. Striking a balance between a healthy mind, body, and spirit is critical to activating the healing process. As is true in air travel, so it is in life—your ability to aid others will be much stronger if your needs are first met. Source: Jenny Leyh *Co-authored by Jenny Leyh, a mother, freelance writer, cancer survivor, and integrative health advocate living in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Read more FIVE EASY FITNESS ACTIVITIES FOR A HEALTHIER SELF Mind Health - August 17, 2021 0 New Delhi: We know that exercising is the best way to keep the body and mind fit and healthy. But exercise does more than that! It also acts as an immunity booster. The good news is that you do not have to do heavy exercises for long hours to strengthen your immune system.Here are five simple exercises recommended by InterMiles that can get the job done. Check out these impactful immunity-boosting exercises to do at home: Walking If you find it difficult to fit an hour-long workout in your schedule, but want to keep active, add this simple exercise to your daily routine. Walking has several health benefits — the heart stays fit, muscle endurance is improved, bones get stronger, body fat is reduced, high cholesterol can be managed and the body’s defense mechanism gets better. People of any age can participate in this without any difficulty. Opt for power walking to reduce fat, a casual stroll for a more relaxed feel or marathon walking for high-impact results. With so many health benefits, walking undoubtedly ranks high on the immunity boosting workout checklist. Jumping Jacks Jumping jacks are an amazing workout to boost immune system. It is one of the easiest workouts to do from the comfort of your home. All you need to do is add a bit of variation to this immunity power exercise to boost up your fitness regime. Doing so will not only promote stability but also strengthen your immune system. Here are some variations for you to include in your fitness plan: step jack, basic jumping jack, press jack, squat jack, plyo jack, crossover jack, skier jack and seal jack. Adding 20 minutes of this session to your routine will be enough. Squats Squats are one of the most popular exercises among fitness enthusiasts. When done regularly, this exercise can tone your legs and strengthen your glutes and muscles. There is no better exercise to work your lower body than squats. In addition, this activity also boosts blood circulation in the body. All you have to do is get the posture correct. Once you excel in the form, you will never skip a leg again. Switch it up with some variations to have a lasting impact. Overhead squat, landmine squat, front squat, split squat and jump squat are some of the more popular ones that you can try. Add some weights to your squats and you will burn calories quicker than ever. Pilates Any list of exercises for the immune system is incomplete without Pilates. They are great for building flexibility, strength and immunity. Pilates promotes muscle development, flexibility, core strength, energy, weight loss and increases joint motions. That is not all! It also improves body posture. A pilates workout can generally take anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour to perform. But you can also perform the shorter ones when you are short on time. Although optional, you can get hold of a yoga mat for better comfort. Plank Not many workouts engage so many muscles at the same time as a plank does! It is also the best exercise to tone your abs. Beginners or experts, this simple exercise is for all of us to strengthen our arms, shoulders and backs. This activity can be completed within a minute or two. Just balance your body and hold it in position for a minute. If you are someone who can do it longer, go for it! Or you can take breaks and start afresh. Although a bit challenging, with practice you can do it in one go. Include its variations for a fun routine. Side star plank, reverse plank, extended plank and low plank arm reach can be the best ones to begin with. Now that you have a list, try taking out some time for these exercises from your daily schedule and do them at home. For an even more comfortable and fun time, you can shop online and invest in some workout equipment. Read more IMPROVE MIND-BODY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THROUGH TIME IN NATURE Mind Health - August 15, 2021 0 Source: Dan Mager Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. ~ John Muir The complexities and demands of life in the 21st century, exacerbated by the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic, seem to render more and more people vulnerable to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, in addition to a range of health problems specific to Covid-19. Caught up in and carried away by the current of this river of challenges, they drift further away from conscious contact with present moment awareness and, in turn, from the experience of any semblance of feeling centered, anchored, or grounded. Since long before the emergence of Covid human beings have become increasingly disconnected from nature, especially in the US. Surveys indicate that Americans spend over 90% of their time indoors–most in buildings, with a smaller portion in vehicles. Yet, an unanticipated effect of the isolation and withdrawal required by quarantining during the height of the pandemic has been the substantial increase (sometimes to the point of straining capacity) in the desire of people to spend time in nature, notably America’s national parks. An increasing body of scientific research demonstrates the breadth of benefits of contact with nature—ranging from urban parks to wilderness areas—on human health and well-being. These include but are far from limited to: Reduced stress Improved sleep Decreased anxiety Decreased depression Improvement in ADD/DHD symptoms Greater contentment and happiness Increased prosocial behavior Lowered blood pressure Improved pain control Improved immune system functioning When we go for a walk or hike, the heart pumps faster, circulating more blood and oxygen not just to the muscles but to all the organs—including the brain. Walking regularly also promotes new neural connections. Moreover, these activities are a protective factor against the usual atrophying of brain matter that comes with age, increases the volume of the hippocampus (a brain region crucial for memory), and elevates molecules' levels that stimulate the growth of new neurons and transmit messages between them. In addition to all of these health-enhancing advantages, hiking in wilderness areas is a powerful metaphor for the process of negotiating uncertainty and accompanying self-doubt that characterizes finding one’s way through the mental-emotional-spiritual wilderness of these unsettled and highly variable times. Hiking is an activity that necessitates and promotes mindfulness. Following a trail in the mountains, forest, or desert provides valuable opportunities to learn and practice skills that involve being present with and moving through uncertainty and ambiguity that can easily be emotionally dysregulating—provoking anxiety, self-doubt, frustration, and/or fear. When the trail is wide and well defined, we can see what lies ahead for a considerable distance. It is impossible to know what’s around the next bend when the route is fraught with twists and turns. Sometimes a trail starts easy to identify and follow. Still, later, the very same trail becomes difficult to discern, seeming to disappear altogether or present several potential—and equally plausible—options. Under such circumstances, it’s best to pause and become still physically and mentally. When we become more mindful in observing and quieting the internal chatter that drives anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt, we’re able to pay closer and more attuned attention, locate the trail, and continue. Occasionally our assessment of where the trail picks up is mistaken, and we may have to backtrack to find the correct path. Sometimes the terrain is nice and level, has mild uphills and downhills, and is easy to traverse. At other times it’s brutally steep, necessitating significant ascents and subsequent descents, making the trek arduous and wearying. The steep inclines are often slow, require tremendous energy, while steep downhills necessitate continuous adjustments to maintain balance. Sometimes, the trail is smooth and relatively free of obstacles, or it’s covered with large rocks or loose rock known as scree, tree roots, or deep sand, making it challenging to negotiate, and a misplaced step can lead to falls and injuries. Some trails can seem routine and prosaic, their inherent beauty more commonplace and subtle, and we have to look harder and deeper to see it. Other trails traverse such remarkable landscapes that their beauty is immediate and instills a sense of awe. From the perspective of an avid hiker, some days on the trail are a slog. My body is heavy and lethargic, and each step seems difficult. Progress is slow and halting as I plod forward, narrowing my focus to placing one foot in front of the other, literally taking everything one step at a time. Other days, my mind and body are in tune, and my spirit is open wide, synced with the wind caressing stands of Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and (above 9,000 feet in elevation in select areas of southern Nevada) Bristlecone Pines, along with the faces of granite, sandstone, and limestone rock formations. Hiking in the wilderness necessitates careful and conscious preparation, as well as a tremendous amount of work. The tradeoff? Being able to see and experience wondrous, transcendent places—geographically and spiritually—that can open our hearts and are accessible in no other way. Copyright 2021 Dan Mager, MSW Read more PUZZLES CAN HELP PREVENT BRAIN DRAIN Mind Health - August 12, 2021 0 Use it or lose it. That is a concern many Baby Boomers have in regard to their brains.As we grow older, many of us are searching for ways to keep our minds alert and help stave off severe memory loss and dementia.That’s where the puzzles and games in the Johnson City Press can help.While it may be difficult to avoid some of the effects of getting old (declining appetite, loss of hair or poor eyesight), doctors say engaging in activities to stimulate the brain could be helpful for maintaining a healthy mind.That’s particularly important in addressing illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, which is often hard to diagnose in its early stages. It’s no wonder forgetfulness and the occasional inability to recall the name of a friend or loved one frightens many Americans over the age of 50.A new industry of brain health products, such as supplements like coenzyme Q10, ginseng and bacopa, seeks to address these concerns.Some boomers are turning to high-tech gadgets to help exercise their brains. These digital brain exercisers can be pricey, with some cognitive training software costing $400 or more.This newspaper offers readers a cheaper and a much more portable means of exercising their brains on the Fun/Games page.Puzzles like Sudoku and Jumble are excellent ways for people of all ages to keep their minds active. Of course the crossword puzzle remains a great way to keep a mind fit and alert.The best part is all it takes is a pencil and a few quiet minutes to enjoy these brain teasers. And completing the crossword or Jumble before breakfast is a great way to start your day.Indeed, mental exercise is good for brain health and to bolster one’s self confidence.Recommended Videos Read more TAKING LONGER BREAKS CAN BOOST MEMORY AND STRENGTHEN THE MIND Mind Health - July 30, 2021 0 Beautiful young Asian woman drinking coffee and relaxing on balcony on a fresh bright morningd3sign / Getty Images Whether you are taking a short break for lunch or a walk outdoors, it can pay dividends for your brain health, according to new research from scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology. Their recent study published in the journal Current Biology found that this small action can help your brain remember your most recent activities—specifically by strengthening the connections between brain neurons.Neurobiologists Annet Glas and Pieter Goltstein explored this theory by observing a group of mice as their test subjects while they ran through a maze three times. Each time, the animals needed to remember the place where the scientists placed a piece of chocolate. "Mice that were trained with the longer intervals between learning phases were not able to remember the position of the chocolate as quickly," Glas said in a university release. "But on the next day, the longer the pauses, the better was the mice's memory."Related: How to Keep Your Brain Happy and HealthyTo get a proper grasp on the mice's neurons, they measured the brain activity in their prefrontal cortex, which is associated with learning. After the experiment, the scientists found that the less quick turnaround activity the better in this brain region. "If three learning phases follow each other very quickly, we intuitively expected the same neurons to be activated," Goltstein said. "After all, it is the same experiment with the same information. However, after a long break, it would be conceivable that the brain interprets the following learning phase as a new event and processes it with different neurons."In comparison, the scientists noted that short breaks going through the maze led to the activation of multiple neurons in the mice, which didn't allow strong memory of the task at hand. On the other hand, longer breaks allowed the animals to use the same brain neutrons to strengthen memory and learn. "That's why we believe that memory benefits from longer breaks," Goltstein said. Read more 12Page 1 of 2 SUBSCRIBE NOW Subscribe! Email: * Contact Us * Cookie Policy * Do Not Sell My Personal Information * Terms of Use * Privacy Policy All rights reserved © 2021 healthmindandbody.tips