Depression
Courage Grace & Compassion
March is the Month of Expectation.
~~Emily Dickinson
Greetings to all my precious people!
Just when you thought it was safe to put away your winter coat, the North wind blasted us with one more reminder that Nature is in charge of the environment. The month of March is mercurial, and perhaps that makes sense, since the name March is ultimately derived from the Latin word Martius, named after Mars, the Roman god of war. While we are in the midst of welcoming the Spring Equinox, Mercury has entered its “pre-retrograde” shadow and there is also a lunar eclipse on the horizon for March 25th. Change is constant, and the shifts in the season gently remind us that we, too, are part of the environment, contributing to the outside world as well as being affected by it. continue reading
Unlocking the Secrets of Sleep
Beyond a nightly ritual, sleep is an intricate dance our bodies and minds perform, playing a pivotal role in our overall health and well-being. Let’s delve into the profound importance of a good night’s rest:
💤 Restoration and Repair: During those peaceful hours of slumber, our bodies embark on a transformative journey. Cells undergo repair, muscles grow, and growth hormones are released. It’s a nightly reset button, allowing our bodies to heal and rejuvenate.
💤 Memory Consolidation: Ever wondered why a good night’s sleep enhances your ability to recall information? Sleep is the maestro orchestrating the consolidation of memories. It’s a crucial process for organizing and retaining the wealth of experiences and knowledge acquired throughout the day.
💤 Physical Health: The link between adequate sleep and physical well-being is profound. Sleep regulates hormones governing appetite, metabolism, and stress. Skimping on sleep can lead to weight gain, increased stress levels, and a compromised immune system. Your body’s way of saying, ‘I need my rest!’
💤 Mental Health: The mind, too, seeks solace in the realm of dreams. Sleep is intricately connected to mental well-being, influencing mood and emotional stability. Chronic sleep deprivation is a potential gateway to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
💤 Brain Function: Ever heard of the saying, ‘sleep on it’? There’s wisdom in those words. While we snooze, our brains oscillate through different stages, including deep sleep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. These stages are the VIP pass to cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving.
💤 Energy Conservation: Sleep isn’t just a time of rest; it’s an energy-saving strategy. By reducing our metabolic rate and overall energy expenditure, sleep ensures we wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the challenges of a new day. It’s the ultimate recharge.
💤 Dreams: As the night unfolds, our minds weave intricate tales in the realm of dreams, especially during REM sleep. These vivid experiences are more than just nocturnal adventures; they serve as a conduit for our brains to process emotions and thoughts, contributing to mental and emotional well-being.
So, the next time you’re tempted to sacrifice sleep for other endeavors, remember: it’s not just a break from reality but a vital component of a healthy, fulfilling life. Prioritize your sleep – your body and mind will thank you!
Winter Self Care Reminders
I pray this winter be gentle and kind
a season of rest from the wheel of the mind.
~~ John Geddes
Greetings to all my precious people!!!
The Winter season is filled with holiday celebration, always depicted with joyful gatherings highlighting family, friends and togetherness. We mark the calendars, counting the days ‘til the end of the year, as we check off items on our to-do lists, many times with equal measure of excitement and exhaustion. Advertisements on TV and social media highlight the “must-have” gift items and there are still cards to write, gifts to wrap, cookies to bake and dinners to plan. So much tradition! So much anticipation! Shiny happy people are everywhere! continue reading
Self-Care: The Radical Inside Journey
May you live every day of your life.
~~ Jonathan Swift
Blessings to all my precious people!!
We are in the time of distraction and celebration as we wind down the year of 2023. The feeling of “too much to do, not enough time” competes with our family, work and social commitments, and the constant juggling of priorities can leave us depleted. How can we replenish ourselves and restore balance? And what would that look like? continue reading
Prescription for Health: Hobbies and Play Time!!
“The best moments in our lives
are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times . . .
The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits
in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi continue reading
