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  • Unstick Your Life: How a Life Coach Can Help You Overcome Stagnation

    Unstick Your Life: How a Life Coach Can Help You Overcome Stagnation

    Unstick Your Life: How a Life Coach Can Help You Overcome Stagnation

    Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, unable to move forward with your life? Are you feeling unfulfilled, restless, and dissatisfied with the status quo? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of stagnation, whether it’s due to a lack of direction, uncertainty about their life’s purpose, or simply feeling stuck in a job or situation that’s no longer serving them.

    Fortunately, there is hope. A life coach can provide the support, guidance, and tools you need to break free from the cycle of stagnation and start living the life you truly desire.

    What is a Life Coach?

    A life coach is a trained professional who helps individuals identify and achieve their personal and professional goals. They work with clients to identify areas of their life where they’re feeling stuck, and then help them develop strategies and actions to overcome those obstacles.

    How a Life Coach Can Help You Overcome Stagnation

    Life coaches are trained to help individuals overcome a range of challenges, including:

    • Lack of direction or purpose

    • Feeling stuck in a job or situation that’s no longer fulfilling

    • Struggling with self-doubt or low confidence

    • Procrastination or lack of motivation

    • Difficulty making decisions or setting boundaries

    Here are some specific ways a life coach can help you overcome stagnation:

    • Identify and challenge negative thought patterns: A life coach can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may be holding you back from moving forward. They can help you develop a more positive and empowering mindset, and learn how to reframe negative thoughts and beliefs.

    • Set and achieve goals: A life coach can help you set clear, specific, and achievable goals that align with your values and priorities. They can help you develop a plan of action to achieve those goals, and hold you accountable to your commitments.

    • Develop a sense of purpose: A life coach can help you identify your values, strengths, and passions, and help you align them with your goals and aspirations. This can give you a sense of direction and purpose that was previously missing.

    • Build confidence and self-esteem: A life coach can help you build confidence and self-esteem by helping you identify and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments. They can also help you develop coping strategies to overcome self-doubt and fear.

    The Benefits of Working with a Life Coach

    Working with a life coach can be a powerful way to overcome stagnation and start living the life you truly desire. Some of the benefits of working with a life coach include:

    • Increased clarity and direction: A life coach can help you gain clarity on your goals and priorities, and provide a roadmap for achieving them.

    • Increased motivation and confidence: A life coach can help you build confidence and motivation by helping you identify and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments.

    • Improved self-awareness: A life coach can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, including your values, strengths, and weaknesses.

    • Reduced stress and anxiety: A life coach can help you develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety, and provide support and guidance as you work through challenging situations.

    Getting Started with a Life Coach

    If you’re ready to break free from stagnation and start living the life you desire, here’s what you can do:

    • Research and find a life coach: Look for a life coach who has experience working with individuals in your area of need (e.g. career transition, relationship issues, etc.).

    • Schedule a consultation: Most life coaches offer a free consultation or coaching session to get started. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals and concerns, and get a sense of whether the coach is a good fit for you.

    • Be open and honest: Be open and honest with your life coach about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This will help them provide you with effective support and guidance.

    Conclusion

    Stagnation is a common experience that can hold us back from living the life we truly desire. But with the support and guidance of a life coach, it is possible to overcome stagnation and start moving forward with clarity, direction, and purpose. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, setting and achieving goals, developing a sense of purpose, and building confidence and self-esteem, a life coach can help you break free from the cycle of stagnation and start living the life you truly desire.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is the difference between a life coach and a therapist?
    A: While both life coaches and therapists provide support and guidance, a life coach focuses on helping individuals achieve specific goals and develop strategies for success, whereas a therapist focuses on treating mental health issues and providing emotional support.

    Q: How does a life coach work with clients?
    A: A life coach works one-on-one with clients, providing guidance, support, and accountability as clients work towards achieving their goals.

    Q: How long does it take to see results from working with a life coach?
    A: The amount of time it takes to see results from working with a life coach will depend on the individual and their specific goals. However, many clients report seeing significant progress and results within 3-6 months of working with a coach.

    Q: Is working with a life coach expensive?
    A: The cost of working with a life coach can vary depending on the coach, their experience, and the specific services they offer. However, many coaches offer packages and pricing options that can work within a variety of budgets.

    Q: How do I know if a life coach is right for me?
    A: If you’re feeling stuck, stagnant, or uncertain about your life’s direction, a life coach may be a good fit for you. Consider your goals, values, and priorities, and see if a life coach can provide the support and guidance you need to achieve them.

  • Diets with the Lowest Carbon Footprint 

    Diets with the Lowest Carbon Footprint 

    Why don’t environmental groups advocate for climate-friendlier diets?

    In what “was arguably the largest ever environmental protest in the world,” more than one million children in more than one hundred countries joined the “Global Climate March, demanding that governments act now to reduce climate change and global warming.” “The concerns of the young protesters are justified” and “supported by the best available science,” wrote a group of scientists and scholars. “The enormous mobilization of the Fridays for Future/Climate Strike movement shows that young people have understood the situation. As scientists and scholars, we strongly support their demand for rapid and forceful action.”

    In terms of our food supply, there are a number of little tweaks that may help, like feed additives that can reduce cattle belching, but if you put them all together, according to the prestigious EAT-Lancet Commission, we’re only talking about reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by about 10 percent in 2050. In contrast, if we instead switched to plant foods, “increased consumption of plant-based diets could reduce emissions by up to 80%.”

    As you can see below and at 1:02 in my video Which Diets Have the Lowest Carbon Footprint?, all those cow, sheep, and goat burps only represent a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture. 

    That’s why, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), becoming a so-called “climate carnivore” and just cutting down on ruminant products like beef wouldn’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as eating a healthier diet and limiting meat across the board. And the fewer animal products, the better, as seen below and at 1:32 in my video. 

    “Which diet has the least environmental impact on our planet?” A systematic review found that “the vegan diet”—eating completely plant-based—“is the optimal diet for the environment,” but it isn’t all or nothing, as you can see below and at 1:49 in my video. Even just cutting down on meat to less than an ounce or two a day could get you halfway there in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

    When it comes to land use, as you can see here and at 1:56, a healthier diet, like a Mediterranean diet, may decrease your footprint by about a quarter, whereas even more plant-based diets can drop land use by 50 percent or more. 

    In general, diets that include meat require about 3 times more water, 13 times more fertilizer, more than twice the energy, and 40 percent more pesticides than eating patterns that don’t. If you look even more broadly at the total environmental impact of omnivorous versus vegetarian versus vegan diets and consider not just global warming, but also ocean acidification, agricultural run-off, smog, the ecotoxicity of the water and soil, and direct human toxicity of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we grow our food from, eating eggs and dairy may be 9 times worse than plants and eating eggs, dairy, and meat may be 17 times worse than sticking to plant foods. As a bonus, “replacing all animal-based items in the US diet with plant-based alternatives will add enough food to feed, in full, 350 million additional people, well above the expected benefits of eliminating all supply chain food waste.” That’s more than the U.S. population and more than if we completely irradicated food waste.

    “Changing meat-eating habits may be seen as a relatively cheap and easy way to mitigate climate change, in contrast to many other climate mitigation behaviors,” factors outside our control. However, surveys suggest few “seem to recognize the option of eating less meat as a significant opportunity for helping the mitigation process.” Indeed, “research has shown that consumers often underestimate the impacts of meat consumption on the environment, in general, and on climate change, in particular…The outstanding effectiveness of the less meat option (as established by climate experts) was recognized by merely 12% of the Dutch and 6% of the American sample,” and that’s after they were prompted to assume climate change is actually happening.

    “There is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is real and that we’re driving it,” but only about half of U.S. adults believe it. This is not by coincidence. Just like the tobacco industry tried to subvert the “overwhelming evidence that smoking and secondhand smoke cause cancer and heart disease,” companies like “Exxon orchestrated a climate change denial campaign that stalled meaningful efforts to reduce greenhouse gases for decades.”

    Certainly, environmental groups should know better, though. “None of the highest profile NGOs examined…featured meat consumption and climate change among their primary climate change web campaigns.” They were all “aware of the scientific evidence connecting livestock production and meat consumption to climate change,” but, evidently, “scientific evidence alone was not sufficient to compel NGOs to adopt campaigns on the issue.” It’s like another form of denialism that can become “a negative feedback loop”; it’s an unpopular topic to discuss, so you don’t discuss it, so it remains unpopular to discuss. “This in turn deprives the issue of the attention that would be needed for it to increase in prominence” and break out.

    When environmental groups have messaged about it, they “have favored asking for moderate reductions in meat consumption,” which is “notable given research demonstrating the environmental benefits of totally or nearly meat-free diets.” It could be a much more powerful lever at the individual level to go even further, but they don’t want to be seen as telling people what to do. Instead, they advocate for small changes, like turning off your computer monitor at lunchtime or printing on both sides of a sheet of paper. However, the “cumulative impact of large numbers of individuals making marginal improvements in their environmental impact will be a marginal collective improvement in environmental impact. Yet, we live at a time when we need urgent and ambitious changes.”

    This is the last video in a three-part series. If you missed the first two, see Win-Win Dietary Solutions to the Climate Crisis and Which Foods Have the Lowest Carbon Footprint?.

    Also check out Friday Favorites: Which Foods and Diets Have the Lowest Carbon Footprint?.

    For more, I also have an older video, Diet and Climate Change: Cooking Up a Storm, and this digital download on using plant-based or cultivated meat as a climate (and pandemic) mitigation strategy. 



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  • Pediatrician’s Tips To Avoid Accidental Poisoning

    Pediatrician’s Tips To Avoid Accidental Poisoning

    The holiday season is all about festive cheer, family gatherings, and kids enjoying extra time with grandparents and extended family. But amidst the laughter and celebrations, there should be extra caution to avoid unexpected hazards.

    Dr. Meghan Martin, a Florida-based pediatric emergency physician known on TikTok as Beachgem10, is raising the alarm about an unexpected holiday hazard she calls “Granny’s purse syndrome.” This happens when curious young children get into their grandparents’ unsecured medications, often left on low shelves, in handbags, or non-child-resistant containers.

    “Around 20 percent of poisonings that happen in young kids are related to accidentally swallowing their grandparent’s medications,” Dr. Martin said in her video.



    “Grandparents are not used to having kids around, often their medications are on low shelves or in their purses or in medication containers that are not child resistant,” Dr. Martin said.

    “Some of these medications can be really dangerous, they can be pain pills, antidepressants, heart medications, blood pressure medications, or diabetes medications,” she added. The effects of these medications on children can be so severe that even a single pill might lead to toxic ingestion, posing serious health risks.

    To keep kids safe, Dr. Martin recommends storing medications in locked cabinets and avoiding leaving them in easily accessible places like backpacks or purses, which curious little hands can easily open. It is also important to avoid taking medication in front of kids who might imitate the act. “Never refer to medication as candy, medication is not okay to eat, candy is okay to eat,” she said.

    Every year around 49 kids below the age of 10 lose their lives to accidental poisoning, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates.

    “While the holiday season is a time of celebration, it is also a time of increased poisonings risks and hazards in the home,” a CDC newsletter cautioned. “Be sure to have guests keep all their personal items, such as purses and travel bags, out of reach of children and pets. Depending on the medication ingested, there can be a vast variety of symptoms and severity,” the CDC stated.

    Accidental poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, so it’s important not to wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help. If you suspect poisoning, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away for help.



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  • Relieve Muscle Soreness: 10 Effective Ways to Recover After a Tough Workout

    Relieve Muscle Soreness: 10 Effective Ways to Recover After a Tough Workout

    For many, hitting the gym can be an exhilarating experience, but for others, it can be a challenging and grueling ordeal. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or an athlete, the aftermath of a tough workout can leave you feeling drained, sore, and vulnerable. The dreaded muscle soreness, also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), can be a real downer, making it difficult to get back to your daily routine.

    In this article, we’ll be exploring the causes of muscle soreness and offering 10 effective ways to help you recover and alleviate the discomfort, allowing you to get back to your fitness regime with ease.

    Understanding Muscle Soreness: The Why Behind the Pain

    Muscle soreness, also known as DOMS, is a common phenomenon that occurs when the company of muscle fibers becomes damaged, leading to inflammation and a build-up of lactic acid and other waste products. This damage can be caused by various factors, including:

    • Micro-tearing of muscle fibers

    • Changes in the muscle’s structural integrity

    • Release of inflammatory mediators

    As the body repairs the damaged tissue, it can lead to a range of sensations, including stiffness, tenderness, and pain, making everyday activities challenging.

    The 10 Ways to Relieve Muscle Soreness

    1. Stretching and Foam Rolling: Gentle stretching and foam rolling can help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote the removal of waste products. Focus on the affected areas and hold each stretch for 15-20 seconds, releasing as you exhale.

    2. Warm Baths and Showers: A warm bath or shower can help to relax the muscles, reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow. Add one cup of Epsom salt or baking soda to the bath for an extra-deep relaxation experience.

    3. Massage and Self-Myofascial Release: Massage therapy or self-myofascial release techniques, such as using a tennis ball or lacrosse ball, can help to break down adhesions and scar tissue, promoting muscle relaxation and recovery.

    4. Proper Hydration: Adequate hydration is essential for flushing out toxins and replenishing lost electrolytes. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water per day, and consider incorporating electrolyte-rich beverages, such as coconut water.

    5. Protein-Rich Snacks: Consuming protein-rich snacks, like nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt, can help to promote muscle repair and recovery.

    6. Compression Garments: Wearing compression garments, such as tights or sleeves, can help to improve blood flow and reduce muscle swelling.

    7. Elevation: Elevating the affected area, such as the legs or feet, can help to reduce swelling and promote blood flow.

    8. Rest and Relaxation: Adequate rest and relaxation are crucial for the body to repair and recover. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep and take regular breaks throughout the day.

    9. Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs or heated compresses can help to reduce inflammation and relive pain, promoting recovery.

    10. Electrolyte-Rich Foods: Incorporating electrolyte-rich foods, such as bananas, dates, or leafy greens, can help to replenish lost electrolytes and promote muscle function.

    Conclusion

    Recovering from a tough workout doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these 10 effective ways to relieve muscle soreness, you can alleviate discomfort, promote recovery, and get back to your fitness regime with ease. Remember, muscle soreness is a natural part of the exercise process, but with the right strategies, you can take control and thrive.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How long does muscle soreness typically last?
    A: Muscle soreness can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the intensity and frequency of your workouts.

    Q: Can I still work out with muscle soreness?
    A: Yes, but it’s essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Introduce gentle exercises and gradually increase intensity as your body recovers.

    Q: Are there any supplements that can help with muscle soreness?
    A: Yes, supplements like turmeric, ginger, and protein powder can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting muscle recovery. Consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your regime.

    By incorporating these strategies into your post-workout routine, you’ll be well on your way to a faster and more effective recovery, allowing you to tackle your next intense workout with confidence and ease. Remember, the key to unlocking optimal fitness is to take care of your body, both during and after the exercise.

    relieve-muscle-soreness-10-effective-ways-to-recover-after-a-tough-workout

  • Greenstick Fractures (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

    Greenstick Fractures (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth



    What Is a Greenstick Fracture?

    A greenstick fracture is a type of broken bone. A bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone. It is called a “greenstick” fracture because it can look like a branch that has broken and splintered on one side.

    Who Gets Greenstick Fractures?

    Most greenstick fractures happen in kids younger than 10 years old because their bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones.

    In teens and adults, the injury may break the bone all the way through. But in children, the bone breaks on one side only.

    How Do Greenstick Fractures Happen?

    Greenstick fractures usually happen when a child reaches their hand out to break a fall.

    What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Greenstick Fracture?

    Someone with a greenstick fracture will have signs of a broken bone like:

    • pain
    • swelling
    • bruising
    • deformity  (the affected body part could look crooked or different after the injury)

    How Is a Greenstick Fracture Diagnosed?

    Doctors order X-rays if they think a bone is broken. In a greenstick fracture, the X-rays will show a crack in the broken bone that doesn’t go all the way through the bone.

    How Are Greenstick Fractures Treated?

    Usually, orthopedic specialists treat this type of fracture with a cast.

    If a fracture is very bent or curved, the doctor might first need to straighten it in a procedure called a reduction (or “setting the bone”). After giving medicine for pain and straightening the bone, the doctor might first place a splint or partial cast to allow room for the swelling. This is changed to a regular cast after a few days.

    Date reviewed: January 2024

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  • Nutrition trends set to define 2025

    Nutrition trends set to define 2025


    As 2024 wraps up, join Brooke Delfino and Kristin Houts from Dietitian Connection for a deep dive into the year’s biggest trends and a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025. This special episode recaps the standout moments that shaped the dietetic landscape in 2024 and explores the exciting opportunities ahead for nutrition professionals.

    Hosted by Brooke Delfino and Kristin Houts

    Biography

    Brooke Delfino is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and the Editor at Dietitian Connection. Brooke is a savvy media dietitian with ten years print and digital publishing experience at one of Australia’s leading health and food magazines. She’s an accomplished writer, editor and presenter, with a mission to make good health and nutrition anything but boring. Brooke is a proud mum of two, who, despite her knowledge, still struggles to get her toddler to eat veggies! She holds a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics – Honours) and Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) from The University of Sydney.

     

    Kristin Houts is a Chicago-based Registered Dietitian with a background in media. Kristin has extensive research, writing and editing experience from years in editorial and nutrition communication roles. She is the US marketing and communications lead for Dietitian Connection and coordinates the programming for all US-focused initiatives including e-newsletter, dedicated e-blasts, podcast, webinars and accredited webinar series, Dietitian to Dietitian, hosted by Joy Bauer. Kristin also runs a private practice where she counsels clients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other chronic GI issues with expertise in the Low FODMAP Diet.

     

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • How this year’s breakthroughs in nutrition science are shaping future practice
    • The impact of societal shifts, like cost-of-living pressures and food insecurity
    • Innovations in care, from aged care reforms to emerging research in women’s health and the gut microbiome
    • 2025 food and nutrition trends to help dietitians stay ahead of the curve

    Additional resources

     

    Click here to learn about the Olive Wellness Institute

    Podcast episode: ‘What every dietitian needs to know about Ozempic’

    Podcast episode: ‘How hormones influence women’s gut health’

    Paper: Nutrition considerations with antiobesity medications

    Paper: Priority nutrients to address malnutrition and diet-related diseases in Australia and New Zealand

    Information about the Aged Care Reform

    Click here for Dietitians Unite 2025 tickets in Melbourne on 30 May

    The content, products and/or services referred to in this podcast are intended for Health Care Professionals only and are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances. The content is for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgement before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. The reference to particular products and/or services in this episode does not constitute any form of endorsement. Please see  here  for terms and conditions.


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  • Strange ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ In Spain, Infants Resembling ‘Wookiees’ After Parents Use Hair Loss Remedy: Report

    Strange ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ In Spain, Infants Resembling ‘Wookiees’ After Parents Use Hair Loss Remedy: Report

    A strange condition known as “Werewolf Syndrome” has left nearly a dozen babies in Spain covered in hair, with extreme cases even resembling the iconic Wookiees from Star Wars. The rare disorder, officially called Hypertrichosis, is believed to be triggered by the parents’ use of a hair loss remedy, according to a recent report.

    Hypertrichosis occurs when individuals have excessive hair growth anywhere on the body. While some people are born with it due to genetic mutations (congenital hypertrichosis), others can develop it later in life (acquired hypertrichosis). The condition can be triggered by factors like certain medications, autoimmune disorders, or even malnutrition. Antibiotics such as streptomycin, anti-inflammatory drugs like benoxaprofen and corticosteroids, or the use of antiseptics with hexachlorobenzene are also known triggers.

    According to the report from El Economista, a Spanish news outlet, Navarra Pharmacovigilance Centre, detected 11 babies with Hypertrichosis or “Werewolf Syndrome,” after being exposed to minoxidil, a hair loss medication used by their parents. The drug is believed to have transferred from adults to infants through direct skin contact or by the babies sucking on contaminated surfaces, which may have affected their systems.

    “The skin of young children is more permeable due to the thinner layer of their stratum corneum, as they have a greater surface area/body weight ratio. For this reason, they are more easily able to absorb drugs administered topically systemically,” Navarra Pharmacovigilance Centre explained in the El Economista report as translated by Google.

    The patients were tested for exposure to other medications and investigated for other possible triggers. The symptoms reportedly subsided after stopping contact with the medication.

    Minoxidil, available in both solution and foam forms, is commonly used to promote hair growth, especially in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators, which work by improving blood flow to hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.

    Although generally safe, minoxidil can cause some side effects, including burning, stinging, or redness at the application site. In rare cases, the medication could be absorbed through the skin and may cause more serious effects such as unwanted facial or body hair, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling in the hands or feet, unusual weight gain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.

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  • InnaPeace™ – Official – Brainwave Research UK

    InnaPeace™ – Official – Brainwave Research UK

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  • 13 Life Lessons From Women Leading the Mindfulness Movement

    13 Life Lessons From Women Leading the Mindfulness Movement

    Earlier this year, the Mindful editorial team had the joy of interviewing 10 women leading the charge to make the world a more kind, connected place for our 2025 edition of the Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement feature article. With each conversation, we were inspired by these women’s stories, heartened by their dedication to true compassion, and puzzled over how we were going to fit so much wisdom into such short profiles. Spoiler alert: Despite our best efforts, a lot of great stuff ended up having to be cut. Here, we’re sharing some of their wise words and life lessons that didn’t make it into the feature, but deserve to be shared. 

    To learn more about The Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement: 2025, check out the feature article here, and guided meditations by the women here. 

    13 Quotes About Life From Women Leading the Mindfulness Movement

    1. “Oftentimes being the only woman in the room, working in the video game industry, I could really just drop into the moment because I do an open-eye meditation. No one knows what I’m doing. I can choose to not react to how I might be feeling in that moment in a way that could be self-destructive. And sometimes not speaking up can be self-destructive. So it’s really just learning how to insert that pause, and then make the choice that’s the right one for me in that moment.” – Nanea Reeves 

    2. “I didn’t start a mindfulness practice because I was interested in Zen Buddhism or enlightenment. I started a mindfulness practice because, to put it bluntly, I had this holy s*** moment of realizing that something had been running my life that I didn’t even know was running it.” – Caverly Morgan

    “It’s been awesome to honor the space that belongs to my son, because that piece of me has never left me. The love resides, and we occupy the same space.”

    Brenda K. Mitchell

    3. “I lost a son to gun violence, and there is an understanding that there will never be a new norm for you. Normal is not something that I look for. It will never happen. But what I did learn to do [through mindful practices] was to create a new narrative for myself that allowed space to be happy. It’s been awesome to honor the space that belongs to my son, because that piece of me has never left me. The love resides, and we occupy the same space.” – Brenda K. Mitchell

    4. “What I sometimes say these days is that the highest teaching of all is to relax the bum. Because if you like, you just try it right now. If you relax your bum, it’s very hard to be mentally and physically agitated with a soft bum. The other thing about that that makes it the highest teaching is it’s good humored, because that’s another thing about mindfulness: the more I practice it, the more I realize it’s innately associated with lightheartedness, which I find really interesting because we can think mindfulness would make you a very serious, kind of earnest person.” – Vidyamala Burch

    5. “Soul is not a noun, it’s a verb. Soul is experience—of inner aliveness, of being touched and moved and this depth of experience and this real sense of interconnectedness.” – Shelly Harrell

    6. “That was a really huge realization for me, that strength is kind of like a skill, like riding a bike or learning to drive a car or learning the steps of a dance, like you can actually learn it and then get competent at it and then it can become like second nature. When I heard that, for me it was like a beacon of hope.” – Melli O’Brien

    7. “There’s so much craving. Like when my husband [who has dementia] can speak a whole sentence, I go, ‘Oh wow, good!’ and then when he forgets and gets frustrated in expressing himself, my heart sinks. So all of this is happening and I’m very glad that I’ve got this practice of knowing that all this is human, and going, Can I create space to watch it come and go?” – S. Helen Ma

    8. “My late husband was a beautiful meditator, and very traditional. And I feel like our life together informed what I’m building now in a way that, you know, part of his energy is still continuing.” – Nanea Reeves

    9. “When the inner critic speaks, we meet that voice with an unconditionally loving reassurance. And it’s really important to acknowledge that reassurances are just a voice that says the opposite of the inner critic. So it’s not responding to the voice that says, You’re not smart enough with another voice that says, You’re the smartest person in the room! An unconditionally loving reassurance says, I love you no matter what. You’re going to have days where you feel like you nailed it and you’re going to have days where you feel like you flopped. And I’m here and worthy, no matter what. That’s where the real healing is.”  – Caverly Morgan

    “If you want to see me in my fullness, it’s not just on your terms or what makes you comfortable to only see part of me or some fragment of me, but to see the whole me.”

    Shelly Harrell

    10. “Someone actually told me my blackness was not invited into the meditation space. Like I should detach from that, that that would be a better thing to do, that we all should just not even see race, so to speak. That is not the message that is going to make mindfulness inclusive to a diverse population whose real lived experience says, This is what’s happening. If you want to see me in my fullness, it’s not just on your terms or what makes you comfortable to only see part of me or some fragment of me, but to see the whole me.” – Shelly Harrell

    11. “I was so broken, and the trauma changed everything about me. I didn’t want to see another mother go through that. But I’m so grateful to become this new person that I am. I’m still thriving, and I’m still learning. I’m happily on a mindfulness meditation journey and sharing that healing journey with other people.” – Brenda K. Mitchell

    12. “The reason I started this work, and the reason I continue this work, is thinking back to when I was a 25-year-old young woman lying in a hospital bed and being told there wasn’t anything medically that could be done to help me. My back was damaged in such ways that there was no medical solution and I had to figure it all out for myself, how to create a good life with this body. For, you know, a lot of that time it has been very lonely and difficult so I’ve always thought, If I can help one person have an easier time of it, then that is my life’s work. The fact is, it’s now hundreds of thousands of people who have learned this superpower where any given moment you have this choice: Do you crank your pain up or do you dial it down? It’s so accessible. It’s just amazing.” – Vidyamala Burch

    13. “Dance became a place, particularly when I started choreographing, that was a refuge. It was a place where I could connect deeply to my body and allow my body to be a mode of expression. It was a place I could come home to. I very much began to experience my body as home. Coming home to my somatic experience was part of what dance did. Coming home but also allowing expression of whatever that inner experience was, it came out through movement and so movement became meditation.” – Shelly Harrell



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  • Log Off, Unplug, and Recharge: The Importance of a Digital Detox

    Log Off, Unplug, and Recharge: The Importance of a Digital Detox

    Log Off, Unplug, and Recharge: The Importance of a Digital Detox

    In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant stream of notifications, updates, and distractions that come with being constantly connected to our devices. However, this constant connectivity has taken a significant toll on our mental and physical well-being, social skills, and overall quality of life. A digital detox, also known as a digital sabbath or digital clean, is a process of disconnecting from digital devices and technology for a period of time to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a digital detox, its importance, and how to make it a sustainable part of your daily routine.

    Breaking the Cycle of Addiction

    One of the main reasons people struggle with constant connectivity is the feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out). This fear can lead to an addiction to social media, email, and messaging apps, making it difficult to disconnect and relax. A digital detox can help break this cycle of addiction by providing a period of time away from the constant stream of notifications and updates. By doing so, individuals can reduce their stress levels, improve their mental clarity, and develop healthier habits.

    Recharging and Refreshing

    A digital detox is not only beneficial for our mental well-being but also for our physical health. Constantly being connected to devices can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and sleep disturbances. By taking a break from technology, we can recharge and refresh our bodies, improving our overall health and well-being.

    Improved Social Skills and Connection

    In today’s digital age, it’s easy to confuse social connection with social media engagement. However, true social connection requires face-to-face interaction and meaningful conversation. A digital detox can help individuals rediscover the importance of in-person connections, leading to stronger relationships and a greater sense of community.

    Specific Benefits of a Digital Detox

    There are numerous benefits to a digital detox, including:

    • Reduced stress levels: Taking a break from technology can significantly reduce stress levels, allowing individuals to relax and recharge.

    • Improved mental clarity: A digital detox can help individuals clear their minds, reducing mental fogginess and improving focus.

    • Increased productivity: By disconnecting from technology, individuals can focus on other aspects of their lives, leading to increased productivity and a sense of accomplishment.

    • Better sleep: A digital detox can help improve sleep quality, leading to better rest and recovery.

    • More meaningful relationships: By taking a break from technology, individuals can focus on building stronger, more meaningful relationships with others.

    How to Make a Digital Detox Sustainable

    Making a digital detox a sustainable part of your daily routine takes planning and discipline. Here are some tips to help you get started:

    • Schedule it in: Treat your digital detox as you would any other important appointment, scheduling it in your calendar and prioritizing it.

    • Find alternative activities: Replace technology with other activities, such as reading, exercise, or hobbies, to maintain a sense of normalcy and structure.

    • Set boundaries: Establish boundaries with friends and family, communicating your boundaries and needs clearly.

    • Start small: If you’re new to digital detox, start with small steps, such as taking a one-day break or turning off your devices an hour earlier each night.

    • Make it a routine: Incorporate digital detox into your daily routine, making it a habit to take breaks from technology on a regular basis.

    Conclusion

    A digital detox is not a luxury, but a necessity in today’s connected world. By taking a break from technology, individuals can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and experience the world in a more meaningful way. Remember, a digital detox is not about cutting technology out of your life completely, but about striking a healthy balance between technology use and self-care. By incorporating a digital detox into your daily routine, you can improve your overall well-being, strengthen relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.

    FAQs

    Q: How long should I take for a digital detox?
    A: The length of your digital detox depends on your goals and current needs. Start with a day or two and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.

    Q: What if I need to use my phone for an emergency?
    A: Set clear boundaries with your friends and family, and communicate your needs with them. If an emergency arises, it’s okay to use your phone, but try to keep it to a minimum.

    Q: What can I do during a digital detox?
    A: Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading, exercise, or hobbies. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to improve your mental clarity and relaxation.

    Q: Is a digital detox only for the tech-addicted?
    A: No, a digital detox can benefit anyone looking to improve their mental and physical well-being, increase productivity, or develop healthier habits.