Tag: health and wellness

CBD Oil as a Mental Health Tool

CBD Oil as a Mental Health Tool

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Mental health is increasingly on everyone’s mind. Professionals, the health industry, and nations are waking up to staggering statistics. According to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), one in five adults has mental illness, the same numbers are found for teens. Reports of newly released are showing those numbers are rising. Addressing, managing, and healing our mental state is crucial to our overall health. How we treat others and understand mental illness as a whole is vital. We do have a range of options for us and others to boost our mental well-being. Counseling, psychiatry, medications, supplements, massages, and energy work are a few resources we can access right now. As our family recently discovered, CBD oil is a supplement choice that makes the most of our healing and coping practices.

For years, we have struggled with anxiety with my daughter. At seven, she would vomit during the night from anxiety and was unable to express the cause. Every tool and resource we could find was pulled and pushed until we got answers. Three years ago, after tons of evaluations, back and forth, we discovered she has processing disorders and executive functioning disorder. At the least. More come out in further evaluations. Two years, four therapists, and lifestyle changes made, we needed more to help her. Two conversations brought us to consider CBD oil as a supplement. My daughter was struggling to move past goals due to her anxiety and her Speech-Language Pathologist suggested CBD as an option. However, there are lots of concerns and unknowns. After a couple of meetings at 502 Hemp, the concerns were answered. CBD oil became our missing puzzle piece. Since adding the CBD oil to her well routine, we are able to tear into blocked therapy goals and overcome tasks that anxiety shut down. Mornings are better, and she is expressing that focus is less of a problem. My husband is on board too with better sleep. We are going to try our anxious dog next. Yes, CBD oil can be made for them too.

Why is this .25 mL oil the turn around for her?

Simple. It’s in her head.

Seriously, it’s Endocannabinoid system in her brain and throughout her body. Within everyone’s endocannabinoid system there are two known major receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are in other organs, mostly ones dealing with the immune system. Our mental wellness or not so well permeates through our whole body. A thought, chemical imbalance, trauma, and anything else starts in the brain, affects the nervous system, and possibly impact other organs. Vomiting during the night was one physical manifestation of my daughter’s anxiety. I am all too familiar with this clash of anxiety on my body. Inability to speak, headaches, and sleeplessness are a few other physical impacts we feel. Additionally, long term anxiety affects body long term. As the CB1 and CB2 receptors work with the whole body, this means from head to toe we reap the rewards.

* resource bottom of this page

“The high factor” and Types of Cannabinoids

The hemp plant as a full spectrum CBD oil has 10 known cannabinoids in them. As research continues, more known cannabinoids and benefits could be found. The major difference in CBD oil versus marijuana is which cannabidoils are more present. The THC cannabinoids have psychoactive properties that can get you the “high” associated with using cannabis or marijuana. However, in low doses it has incredible benefits without the psychoactive side effects. THC oils are anti-inflammatory, aids in memory, and calm the entire body. It may be worth one’s piece of mind to take full spectrum CBD oil with THC. Recently in a conversation with the owner of 502 Hemp, Dee Dee Taylor shared that the industry standards is .3% of THC in full spectrum oil. 502 Hemp aims and achieves lower than that for their products. The customer reaps the mental health rewards without the worry if they don’t need or want the “high.” Some companies, like 502 Hemp, offer CBD oil without the THC as well. CBD oils relieve anxiety and depression plus are a sleep aid, muscle relaxant, and digestive aid. When I was working with a spiritual coach, she noticed that I was pulling my shoulders up. This is a sign and unconscious coping habit to trauma and anxiety. Even after years of working through my whole body to heal trauma, I still had this habit. The muscle relaxant property in CBD oil with conscious behavior changes assist in eliminating this habit. This means it’s not just your mind it helps, CBD oil aids with other biological systems as well.

** resource at the bottom of this page

CBD and THC oils are plant derivatives that interact with biological process in our bodies. It supports healing naturally. When you discover positive ways to care for your mind, it filters to your body. In partnership with therapies, breathing techniques, and nutrition, CBD has made the difference for us. By simply asking what is in a product and not shying from detailed questions is a tremendous asset. We need to be picky for our health and safety in our wellness choices. Don’t be afraid to ask and get research. Be strong in your mental wellness endeavors.

A big thank you to 502 Hemp for open information and sharing incredible wellness products!

Namaste

Juls

* Project CBD
https://www.projectcbd.org/science/endocannabinoid-system-0

**502 Hemp online store and Facebook page

http://502hemp.com

https://www.facebook.com/502hemp/

NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness)

https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers

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Working Out Without Working Over time

Working Out Without Working Over time

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recently, I was in a beginners workshop with Daisy Lee concerning the practice Qi Gong. Side trail, I love learning new things. As she was going through the benefits of Qi Gong, two concepts struck out at me. One is the need for physical activity, for all areas of health. The second hit the hardest: the need for rest and restful practices. As this topic sat in my queue of “what to say that has impact,” it came down to an understanding. It’s unlocking the balance of removing rust and creating healing.

The first key you hold in your hand is permission to discover true rest.

We need rest practices as our bodies crave time and habits to heal from our daily living or more. Make sleep top priority. Without the proper amount and quality sleep, workouts can only go so far in your well of self. Ah there are the “but”, “but”,”but”- I still have lingering ones too. Sleep is the supporting step to other habits. If getting sleep is challenging: diet, changing routines, supplements/medications, medical conditions (including mental) are all areas to seek professional help. Put work, phones, and whatever down to chip away at those non sleep walls. Naps are a beautiful thing when those gaps needs to be filled. Nature sounds, white noise, binaural beats, or (my fav) water could help. Play around with that. Speak with a certified aromatherapist about oils that encourage sleep or rest. Lavender is incredible, but there is so much more out there. Rest needs to be added on to a sleep practice. Rest is putting our bodies into practice of stillness, getting present minded, and discovering a refreshed spirit. Alone or with others. Read, get creative, pamper, mini show binge, play board games, or what ever you decide. Set work and tasks aside, daily, to play intentionally.

Other keys you hold are all about you

Almost every health and wellness publication I see is some ripped human being with a running practice and weight routine. They work for it and it works for them. However, that healthy lifestyle isn’t for everyone. These people to know something we all need: to be active and some type of strengthening is hugely beneficial. The key for your individual exercise routine that works for you is considering your taste, daily living, and abilities. If you move a lot during the day, then a not as strenuous activity may be best consistently. Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Qong, simple stretches, or a slow walk. These can also work with chronic illness, sleep deprivation, or any situation where your health may be compromised. Unstructured activities count too. Dancing, cleaning, or some hobbies are active enough for that need of activity. When those happen, consider your exercised fulfilled for the day. If you have moderate or almost no movement then something more activity could be needed. Watch for restraints of illness or injury. Lack of sleep counts as illness or injury. Running, kick boxing, dancing are a few more active ideas. Strenuously active and mildly active exercises are not an “either or.” There isn’t a magic number for when each should be done. They can be combined and different seasons of life call for more active or slow. Listen to your body. Exercise should create energy eventually, if not at first. Over time, you may need to tweak your choices. Embrace what works for you.

The last key is your ability to keep balance

Not enough activity and too much activity are as equally damaging to your over all health. To maintain best health means balance. Listen to you. It may mean effort for creating new physical routines while saying no to other opportunities. It might mean a “no thank you” to run but support that person while enjoying your own exercise community. When you don’t engage is exercise at all contributes to diminished health and lower mental function. When you tip that balance and work out too much, the same exact results can occur. Allow yourself to pay attention to you and realize when yes is appropriate and no is appropriate. It’s okay to recognize and voice what is not for you or what is for you. Seek help with a coach, doctor, or other professional if you are struggling to recognize the best physical activity you need.

We have our basics down: rest and get moving. You have knowledge of where to go inside you. Listen to discover the right person, community, or more that will partner with you. Encourage the well in you.

Namaste

Juls

Click YES on the side for well with ease to you.

The Stress Factor. How Your Mind Can Sabatoge Your Body.

The Stress Factor. How Your Mind Can Sabatoge Your Body.

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

When looking at what healthy “is” often it’s purely physical. How much and what do we eat? Exercise? Sleep? There is a factor when making health habits we dismiss while it is ever present in our life. Stress. It has the most impact on your life and is integrated with all your wellness. It is with whole heart belief that if stress or head space is not a part of your health routine, much of what you do will be sabotaged. It flips the other way around too, the physical well being of you sabotages your head space too. Mental and physical wellness matters equally.

That Healthy Throat Clearing Habit

I don’t mean spitting. I mean if you must, do. I’m talking about talking. Healthy word vomit, clear the air talking. Not in a social media group. Unless it is a closed and trusted group, release with a trusted human or furry friend or mental wellness professional. Dogs are excellent confidants. Yes, public airings need to happen from time to time. However, clearing first with a close friend is best. The reasoning is you are putting yourself in a strong space after processing what you’re feeling and going through. Social media is too wide open loves. It leaves you wide open for all kinds of negativity. Again, I’m not saying hold it in. Release in a safe place then use social media to advocate and educate. If you’re not sure talking to a human being is safe at first, write it! Furry friend! Speak it into a jar! Moon talk! Sun is not recommended. She can be a bit much to keep eye contact. Seriously, start flexing those throat muscles to let go of what is clogging up your entire body.

Lung Exercise

Breathing or Pranayama practice is an incredible physical habit you can use to control your nerves and emotional well being. It is a preventative tool in the best and a reactive tool when needed. There are breathing or “calm” app you can download to guide you through. A Youtube video on breathing practices may help. Find a yogi or yogini and they may be able to help you or a meditation teacher. Pranayama or intentional breathing is essential to their practices. When you learn to control your breath, it levels your nerve activity, oxygen levels, and ultimately stops the survival mode. The more you practice the more potent your breathing practice gets.

Core Beliefs

What you believe about yourself and your abilities infiltrates everything. Growth is always needed but knowing your value is crucial. Daily short phrases, or affirmations, is one way to re-train your brain. List what you like about you and what you can do. When mistakes are made, invite in grace and be graceful with yourself. We all make mistakes, need to fix mistakes, but we are not the mistakes we make.

While working on these, keep up activity and move towards more nutritional eating. Physical activity increases blow and oxygen flow benefiting your nerve system and brain. When my nerves are tested, its walk or clean time. Maybe a quick yoga. Your food relationship can inflame your head space negatively. Truly limit sugars and processed foods. The more whole or natural, the more likely it will not only NOT INFLAME but REDUCE inflammation. Look at the whole you when being well. Head, heart, and body.

Invest in the best you, it starts in your head

Namaste

Juls

A Bowl of WTH: The Why & May be Not in Shakes & Juicing

A Bowl of WTH: The Why & May be Not in Shakes & Juicing

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Lightly mention you want to get healthy and you will receive about a dozen recommendations for a shake. Seriously, I’ve lost count. I do find value in my protein shake and juicing. While it is helpful, it does not need to be a constant in your wellness routine. I buy and switch around to see what is out there. I don’t sell and warning: I never want too. Don’t even try. Honestly, there are some aggressive shake fans out there. That said, the following is pure sharing info for you to factor when deciding what works best in your health routine.

The first issue I want to address is the “fans of whatever shake you’re on.” Love it and share it while respecting people’s space and “no.” Can your shakes or juices do wonderful things? Absolutely! I have my favs and love the boosts with ease I get. It’s irritating when constantly having products being shoved in my face the moment I mention anything health nut related. So. Annoying. I once went to a business womens meeting, started talking to a health coach and immediately had an clear MLM product shoved in my face. I wanted to know more about what she did. So health professionals and healers, put you and your services out first. If it comes up you have this amazing product then share. You have so much to offer and your shake/juice is part.

The non-protein-nutrition-greens-shake-juice people, let me tell you. You may want to adopt a shake in your food relationship. There is a reason why we are so passionate about our routines. If we get out of hand, forgive us and a firm “chill” may be warranted. Next time you hear about someone’s shake/juice routine or see one on the shelf, consider this:

Drawbacks

  • Expense
    • This can be an expensive habit to adopt. There is this misconception that health food cost more. It’s not true. However, your shake or diet enhancements should not put you into debt. Look around every where, especially places that offer no condition refunds cause this next reason…
  • Taste
    • There are protein shakes and juice options that do taste good. Yet, too many taste buds have been harmed in the making of this habit. I tried, I mean TRIED, to go vegan protein shake. I can still taste the ground up ancient clay pots. Seriously, five different brands. If you have one please don’t share with me as I’m still scarred, but comment for someone’s benefit. Ask for recommendations and do not be afraid to return it back.
  • Food relationship
    • Shakes and juicing is hard to sustain on, especially if you are switching from a high processed or high calorie diet. Even now, it’s a snack or part of a meal. AM is juice a veggie/protein for me. Sweet potato toast with Nutella is pretty freaking awesome. Well anything with Nutella is. My PM is a protein shake with fruit or veggie snack. Just caution if you are told it’s filling. It’s all on perspective and where you are in your food relationship journey.
  • Physical cautions
    • If you have medical conditions, check with your doc before trying anything. High protein can clog up your adrenal system, possibly creating kidney stones. Too much meat or whey protein is not a good thing for anyone. Keep it all in balance.

The Why to Your Yes

  • Nutrition
    • Most protein shakes are known for, well, protein. They offer much more and many now carry a lot of other amazing nutritional punches. Juicing and its additions do the same. Shakes and juicing is an excellent way to get a TON of power in your food relationship in one cup. My protein is the brain and muscle boost I desperately need. While an occasional habit, I am on a new juicing habit to liver cleanse. Another benefit is adding a greens mix, especially if veggies are a struggle for you.
  • Simplicity
    • Shakes and nutritional juices make attaining nutritional goals easy and great to have on hand when out an about. I always have a leak proof bottle and some powder in case. I need my food.
  • Recipe enhancement
    • Many powders go well with various recipes and enhance its nutritional value. Waffles, pancakes, muffins, protein balls, oatmeal, and more. It makes more out of that food encounter.
  • Physical benefits
    • More than likely, the American diet does not reach enough appropriate protein or nutriition. Shakes and Juicing packs more vitamins and more your body needs to be optimal. Its more than waist line. Much of what we eat impacts brain, nerves, mood ability, and more.

Shakes and juices are versatile and customizable. It takes a quick Pinterest or Social Media recommendation for tons of ideas. Chocolate protein mix + almond milk = Nutella Love. Yes I have a theme. There are so many ways you can utilize this wellness tool and it not kill the joy of your food relationship. Power the optimal you within your reason.

Namaste & Love

Juls

A Bowl of WTH: Get on Track

A Bowl of WTH: Get on Track

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Food journals. Fitness Apps. Calendars. These are a few ways health conscious people track their habits. What are they tracking? Their food relationships activity, types of activity, water, weight, and more. Why are they tracking? Fitness OCD? Thrill of goal achievement? Mostly, it’s accountability and discipline. I do get excited about those Fitbit badges. I do have specific recommendations and high suggestions as far as how and what to track in a small setting. However, one on one or reading this post, I am not in charge of your life, you are. That is a powerful authority you need to claim. This is your grab the bull by the horns moment tool to create your success and maintain it.

Simplicity & Commitment

This needs to become an almost every day investment; however, don’t over think what to use. I like Apps for the multitask that they do with minimal input from me. Quick App store search and you’ve got options. Play around with a few. There are some major players. Apple provides a health app. FitBit looks at food, activity, sleep, water, and even your menstrual cycle. Unless your manstrating- maybe a suggestion to the developers? Every one should be able to keep up with hormonal flows is my personal belief. My fav is MyFitnessPal. If inputting to an app takes away from keeping it simple, then keeping journal or calendar works too. It’s what appeals to you without over thinking it.  A factor in your tracking choice may be what helps you maintain commitment- accountability partners. It could be a physical presence of spirit, human or a virtual presence. Think beyond your front door for support. Most Apps provide communities, there are health lifestyle groups on Facebook or other social media. Create your own group/community! Even if you just spectate in these groups, seeing and having support makes making changes stick easier. Once your reach goals, use this tracking and support tool to maintain. So weight loss was my initial goal. As my food relationship shifted, my goals are now about addressing health issues and maximizing that relationship. Just participated in a group Sugar Fast. I love these transparent and empowering women! Now I am holding my water count accountable. Slipped off that wagon. I have my favorite account-abilities and connections, find yours. Join me on Fitbit, MyFitnessPal,or invite me to your Facebook/Social media group!

Head Game

Where the overwhelm may hit is: it’s new, so many goals to tackle, and comparison to others. It’s crucial to check in with your head when you develop this lifestyle habit. Defeat, self doubt, and mistrust in you can over ride any good. Your precious soul is worth more than a beat up. A new habit takes grace and when the wheels fall off, putting them back on. I will say this again and again, baby steps are steps. Creating a new habit and tackling those goals may require more time in smaller steps. When I set the goal to “loose baby weight” what made me successful this time over any others is honoring my time and one step at a time. My first focus was to drop 200 calories a day over two to three months and get active. This allowed my to focus on my how to do it and less on scale. Once I got that, then I hit my next goal. Then the next. My how became as important as what I was doing. My food relationship focus was on health not dieting. Activity exploration led to enjoyment and passion. My baby steps affected my head game in ability to create focus and see victories along the way. There was one huge stumbling block that hit. HARD. Looking at others and doing the comparing check list. Your physical body is not the same as mine. Mine isn’t the same as some one else’s. What I love about Ayurveda is the recognizing of different body types, they can all be different, and each has it’s own healthy form. This was the first enlightening of why I was struggling SO BAD. We are all so gloriously different. I had to stop, even unconsciously, aiming for an image. Stop hating for others looking a certain way and honor the image of me. Your head game needs to focus on your achievements, all of them, along the way. Your head game needs to respect and honor others along the way. Your journey from another is separate in what it looks like and common in humanity. The ability to grasp this concept is life altering. Gracefully Honor your – baby – steps and your journey cause head game is everything to your success.

Small add on. Be transparent in challenges, uplifting in words. Being authentic and honest when you struggle allows freedom in you and empowerment for others to love where they are. At the same time, I watch over and over again in some groups where we spur others to continue in harmful habits and spur on spiral. Don’t give advice or place judgement. You can honor and acknowledge a feeling or condition plus offer a nonadvice, nonjudgement uplift. “Hey I understand your struggling, we are hanging in there with you. You can do this.” This is trans-formative for you and the other soul, even if it may take a while to sink in.

Invest in your goals even when accountability seems frightening. Your changes will happen and you will find more you. I’m here to help. Follow my transparent journey of life, parenting, and wellness on Instagram. Follow Me on Pinterest for ideas, inspiration, and my love of memes. See you there!

Namaste

Juls

A Bowl of WTH: Why Health Professionals Say & Do Those Weird Things. Why We Need to Adopt Those Habits

A Bowl of WTH: Why Health Professionals Say & Do Those Weird Things. Why We Need to Adopt Those Habits

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Part of my new year goal resets was to take my own advice and … reset. Everyone needs to take a moment to step back and check in to your healing. I bundle-blanket-binged on some random shows then spent this past week invested in the study of myself and my passions. I am a health nut. Sort of. I just made a homemade peanut butter and (dark) chocolate cup for a snack. I put protein power in it, so it’s okay. I am passionate about “wellness” and a healthy lifestyle as the Aha moments roll in on how I am finally maintaining a healthy weight, conquering long term mental health issues, and addressing health issues that had a “good luck” diagnosis. I am learning to accept my whole self in progress and enjoy where I am. I am not super skinny, or even “skinny,” nor ever will be. I am 165 ish pounds, size 8-12 (depending on how much a sadist the designer is), love chocolate, not a gym fan, yoga addict, and completely okay with doritos on an occasional basis. I may or may not have eaten a whole bag this weekend. It’s been months, so health nuts- chill. I also kept up my egg whites with herbs, greens, low carb yogurt, and oatmeal. I love the more I am learning the more I expand in being able to help others.

However, the more I find myself in the health and wellness world, I am finding myself saying WTH a lot. A. Lot. Most health-nut habits have real world applications that you may be missing out on or it could be the life altering change you have been needing for years. In getting this wheel spinning again I want to produce a transparent series on “A Bowl of WTH” looking at why health nuts suggestions can be an Aha moment for you and how to be practical with it. The title inspiration comes from countless photo stalking of health nuts in what they eat. It is (1) always in a bowl and (2) most of the time I’m “WTH,” either it’s unrecognizable or unappetizing. TBH. However, much of the photos shared is extremely useful to us and we need to take note. I am not going to offer a “one and done” deal or you can only do this, don’t do that. While there are common threads, we are individuals. The common threads will be pointed out so you can’t miss them. Yet, I will share what works for me and why. What works for others in order for you to have options that work for you. Beyond the what, is the why. Why you need to consider doing what health nuts are doing. We are made to thrive and those health nuts hold some of those keys.

The first of the issues I want to address is a weighty one. It’s our weight and our relationship with the weight scale. Nothing will hold you accountable with dread then stepping on a scale. As far as weight goes. You can’t deny the number. You and, yes even I, need to remember that the scale is a thing. If it actually taunts you, then you or the scale needs to be check out. Otherwise, its a thing. A tool. As far as what you should weigh comes between BMI, a trusted doctor, and a trusted health professional. BMI by weight and height only is a guideline and not everything. Your frame size, muscle density, and other factors needs to be considered in what you should weigh. A trusted doctor and health professional can measure around your body for inches of fat, take in other weight issues.

Do. NOT. Stand on a scale to get skinny.

Use a scale to get in a healthy weight range.

J.Riley

Weight can also fluctuate due to hormones and water weight by a few pounds. Most of the time it evens out but may be an indicator to watch your salt levels or address hormone problems. For me it was salt and managing stress, which impacts everything down to hormones. Squirrel trail, those with menstrual cycles, you can be so stressed out you miss a cycle. I had no idea until my early twenties and final exams. Stress affects us in powerful ways.

Back to scales and weight. Muscle weighs more than fat. If you take up strengthening, then you may put pounds back on. I lost 90 pounds and gained 10 back while my measurements changed for the better. Muscle is a positive weight outcome on the scale. This is why measurements are important. Other things that may change your weight: different time of day scaling, scaling wet opposed to dry, scaling in different locations, or your children/dog/cat decide to join you. I can have a range of 35 pounds to 90 pounds attached to my side. Every once and a while I remember to lock the door. So what do you do if you change your lifestyle for the better and nothing changes? See a health professional. It may be an adjustment needed, health issue, or you’re just lovely the weigh you are.

Using a weight scale to check in is a tool for weight loss, maintenance, and accountability. It is not the final judge of your healthy lifestyle. Please keep it once a week habit and no more. Purely, it’s a step to keep the food relationship and active relationship from serious denial.

I am ready to take on more! From this jumping off point, in no particular order, we will hit…

  • food relationship fads: what you truly should consider
  • diet idols
  • what workout for who
  • the deal with shakes and vitamins
  • what is detox, cleanse
  • the body/mind connection
  • why health nuts are addicted to leggings
  • the stress factor
  • why a water bottle should be your third arm
  • recipes and food ideas
  • More!

Look for “A Bowl of WTH” with the topic listed after. Easier is to click “YES” to get it directly to you. No spam promise.

Namaste and See You Soon!

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The Problematic Resolution

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

There is a personal matter with one specific resolution. My goal in wellness coaching is to work with individuals towards their unique dreams while tacking specific hurdles to that person. However, I hear and see this resolution everywhere and with clarity: dieting and body perceptions. It’s the time of newness we are inundated with images of gyms, diets, shakes, scales, plans, and images. A lot is valuable and can be an asset, the danger lies in your why and body perception.

My own journey back to well after having my son started with weight loss then snowballed into aha moments of tackling mental wellness and all kinds of curve balls along the way. One simple resolve to set a goal in losing baby weight was what I needed. That all said. I didn’t diet. I changed it. I did shakes for nutrition but also love my chocolate and pizza. OMG olives and bacon. I work out but found being gentle is more important for my particular body capabilities. I “listened” with filters, figured out what works for me, found grace, and made permanent changes along the way. In the mix, was a real fight to address body perceptions. At first my victories were not happy. Because I wasn’t skinny. As my mental health rose with my physical health, I realized how unbelievably dumb this is. Then the step of anger came. It’s so frustrating being in an industry that bombards you with images of perfection and “how tos.” The most pinned recipes I had for a long time had the word “skinny.” I had to step away and get perspective. Thankfully, changes in how health and wellness looks are happening. Its imperative you understand that healthy looks different. Resentment for those who are “skinny” isn’t acceptable and those who may be slightly over weight or not have a certain look can be health too and it’s not your judgement call. Healthy has different forms and its an internal affair. As you navigate what is your highest wellness, please keep these few things in mind.

It’s an Internal Affair

Its how you love on your self and accept your creation. Its finding your value in your gifts and talents. It’s what you eat to healing and promote physical function. It’s discovering your favorite ways or may be tolerable ways to move to gear up your body and brain. It about you.

Fight the Expectation of Extremes, Un-realities, and Fads.

Dieting sucks. It rarely works. It’s often harmful. While there are common threads in nutrition, there are differences that work for everyone. If you want to lose weight- professionals and common sense eating. Nutritionist, health coach, wellness coach, doctors, or take a nutrition course yourself – I don’t care how. Just please, do not put your body, mind, and soul on that yo-yo or in potential harm. Look for meaningful change in your lifestyle. There are plans, points, and programs out there that can help. Know that what ever change you make, its a long term change. Then keep the scale in perspective. Your weight fluctuates naturally and it can stall out for a time being. Trust your process and listen when things aren’t working in over an extended period of time. A professional can help you guide this. In all this scale talk, muscle weighs more than fat. After I lost weight, I gained some back and still doing a little. My waistline and measurements are not going in a negative direction. I am strengthening and seeing those results. Scale, overall feeling, and all measurements should be taken into account. Make those changes stick. Stopping the yo-yo means cutting the cord to go back.

Work It Out For You

Rarely do I find going to the gym enjoyable. I am love my personal yoga studio and going to yoga studios. I love being outside. I love joining others in their active passions every once and while. Wonderful people own and go to gyms. It’s their thing. Some it’s kick boxing. Just a walk. Refit. Zumba. Pilates. Be open to anything and get to know you. Someone’s passion may become a shared passion. Or it may be love from a distance. Do not feel you have to run or do extremes. I love challenging myself and working within limitations, aerial yoga is for me. Work it for you.

Have grace in those pitfalls and don’t let it stop you getting back on your path. Love yourself while you create a greater you.

Namaste, Juls