Many health conditions and psychological symptoms originate in your gut. Your enteric nervous system, or “second brain,” is home to an abundance of neurons and produces an array of neurotransmitters. It is also where trillions of microorganisms (collectively known as your gut microbiome) reside. You are, in fact, only 10% human as each of these…
Category: Psychology and Wellness (Page 5 of 8)
If you experience bouts of anxiety, worry and depression or you obsess with unproductive and painful thoughts, you’ll likely benefit by learning to cultivate and externalize your awareness. You may believe that suppressing what your mind tells you or replacing your mind’s stories with better thoughts or self-affirmations will lead you to live your life…
If you’re like many people who are trying to lose weight or improve your health, you may think that you have to follow a restrictive diet and exercise to burn the excess calories. While this approach may work for some people in the short term, the reality is that most people who diet end up…
If you’re like the average American, you are probably sleep deprived. Inadequate sleep reduces your concentration, alertness, creativity and performance at work.1,2 It also makes you more prone to make mistakes, feel tired, grouchy, and increases your cravings for sweet and fatty foods.3,4 As a nation, we value doing more and place little emphasis on…
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing your attention to your here and now experiences with an attitude of curiosity, openness and non-judgment. Many studies have shown that mindfulness practices can help you to reduce stress, worry, symptoms of binge eating, many anxiety disorders and ADHD.1, 2 Mindfulness practices, including yoga, yoga breathing exercises and qi…
If you experience bouts of anxiety, worry and depression or you obsess with unproductive and painful thoughts because you’ve experienced trauma (e.g., PTSD), you’ll likely benefit by learning to cultivate and externalize your awareness. You may believe that suppressing what your mind tells you or replacing your mind’s stories with better thoughts or self-affirmations will…
Several chronic diseases are mediated by your body’s inflammatory response. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, arthritis, obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and even obesity are mediated by chronic inflammation.1, 2,3 When you experience an acute infection or sustain an injury to your body, your immune system mobilizes an inflammatory response to neutralize the…
You may eat very healthfully, exercise consistently, sleep like a baby, spend time outdoors with nature getting sunlight everyday, take some supplements and yet still be experiencing various health challenges. While all of these behaviors ARE health promoting, you may underestimate the power and importance of having social contact and community involvement. Research in several…
You may face situations that are challenging and perhaps even overwhelming each day. You may be “tested” at the expense of your inner peace and personal resources. Illness, the loss of loved ones and simple everyday experiences like bumper to bumper traffic can provoke feelings of pain, sadness, frustration and anger. Such experiences not only…
Everywhere you go, it’s nearby. Sometimes, it’s in your face (literally), or very close by. When you go to your local gym (E.g., La. Fitness, You Fit), buy groceries (E.g., Whole Foods Market, Publix, Trader Joe’s), eat out at restaurants, and even go to your local park (e.g., Tropical Park, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden). It…
