August 12, 2010 in Coaching, Wellness by empoweringwellness

Rewarding (not so) bad behavior

Every day, we are bombarded with endless advice about how to live our lives, what to eat, what not to eat, how much we should exercise, and more. As an Intrinsic Coach, people come to me asking for help and advice on a myriad of topics, such as,

- I need to find time to exercise more
- I want to improve my diet
- I want to achieve greater balance in my life

All of these things are good. We should try to exercise and eat the “right” things. and we definitely need balance in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. But sometimes, I want to pull a “Steven Slater” if I receive just one more “self-help” tip from some guru or coach.

So, I was really encouraged when I saw this article that highlights new research that shows that these 6 “naughty” habits may actually be good for you!

1. Getting pissed off can keep stress in check – Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that anger — as opposed to fear or anxiety — can prompt your brain to release less cortisol, the powerful stress hormone linked to problems like obesity, bone loss, and heart disease.

2. Downing coffee could cut your cancer risk – Studies show that drinking daily joe may minimize your risk for Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

3. Being a slob may help you breathe easier – Environmental and internal medicine expert Kenneth Rosenman, M.D., says you should focus on keeping your home reasonably clean, not entirely pristine.

4. Drinking beer may benefit your heart and bones – Go ahead, crack open that brewski: Research indicates that beer could be an even better heart-disease fighter than red wine, says Charles Bamforth, Ph.D.

5. Surfing the Internet might tune up your brain – A new study at the University of California at Los Angeles found that just one week of frequent Web browsing can fire up your brain’s complex-reasoning hubs.

6. Chewing gum can keep you trim – Recent research shows that chomping on gum — ever so politely, of course — can improve both short- and long-term memory (scientists are still figuring out exactly why).

So, go ahead. Have a beer. Eat some chocolate, Don’t make your bed today, and spend time on Facebook chatting with your friends. As your mom or grandmother might have said, most things are ok for you as long as you practice a little moderation!

Peace.

June 18, 2010 in Emotional Healing, featured by empoweringwellness

Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse

I am republishing a section of an article I wrote last year titled Reclaiming Your Body and Spirit – Loving Touch and Trauma Recovery. This is very important information if you are a victim.

Where to turn for help:

You’re scared. You’re frightened. You feel alone and feel that you have no place to go.
But, you are not alone and you can get help. Most major metropolitan areas have rape crisis centers. There are also resources for domestic violence.

In an emergency: Call 911 if you need immediate assistance of if you’ve already been hurt.

For advice and support: If you or someone you know is frightened about something in your relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. Help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services.

For rape or sexual assault: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. At any given moment, more than 1,100 trained volunteers are on duty and available to help victims at RAINN-affiliated crisis centers across the country.

To reach a qualified counselor for help, call 1-800-656-HOPE.

For a safe place to stay: Contact your state’s branch of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or another local organization. For contact information, visit their site.

If you are being abused please remember:

• You are not to blame for being battered or mistreated.
• You are not the cause of your partner’s abusive behavior.
• You deserve to be treated with respect.
• You deserve a safe and happy life.
• Your children deserve a safe and happy life.
• You are not alone. There are people waiting to help.

If you are a survivor, it is indeed possible to reclaim your body and reconnect to your spirit. It takes courage, and it can be done.