For the vast majority of us, daylight hours are spent at our desks, either at a workplace or at a home office.
I often hear from patients at my Park Avenue Center for Wellbeing and from coaching clients that time clocked at our desks feels somehow disconnected from the rest of our lives--and ... Views: 1409
We've heard often that fear of failure is why many plans--business, lifestyle, wellness, personal relationships--fall through. Fear of failure is a significant problem. But fear of failure is not always what lies at the heart of disappointment and lack of results. The more deeply hidden hurdle ... Views: 1224
In today's hectic world, heightened stress--and the physical and mental detriment it brings--is so common, some wellness experts call it epidemic. Remember the "fight or flight" response? Even after there is no longer any real threat to survival (you have outrun that bear, for example), the body ... Views: 1391
The trees are budding, the temperature is rising (at least in the East), and--
Ahh-choo!
Seasonal allergies have arrived. But I'm here today to tell you it is entirely possible to tackle spring's irritants head-on--and feel much more comfortable this season.
You really can put severe ... Views: 2130
As a college student, I fell prey to a cigarette addiction. Many years later, I'm still not certain how the habit took hold, though it probably involved stress, friends who smoked, and lack of information about the dangers. Regardless, I soon realized this behavior's power over me. My efforts to ... Views: 1237
There are six stages that a person typically passes through in order to make lasting changes that eliminate harmful habitual, obsessive, or addictive behavior.
Before you think, "Harmful behavior? That doesn't apply to me," reflect for just another moment. Nicotine, prescription drugs, ... Views: 1184
Stuck. Frustrated. Guilty. Restless. Lethargic. Sedentary. Disappointed.
These are some of the words many of us use to describe how we feel when we are in a rut and don't take action--or don't even want to--although we know we should. And one area that all too often suffers is exercising for ... Views: 1198
"Jane Doe wants to be your friend on Facebook." Well, that wasn't the actual name, but it was the message that greeted me in my inbox this morning.
I don't remember who Jane is. Hmmm...
Did I ever have an actual conversation with Jane, or did she find me online? Did she fill out a detox ... Views: 933
Are you a healthy, fit individual who takes steps to stay that way? Or do you take your good health for granted? If you ever imagine that you'll live forever in the same body, feeling exactly the same way you do now, those rose-colored glasses may not be a good thing. You may be entertaining the ... Views: 724
All too often I hear, "If it's not broken, why fix it?" When you're referring to an old refrigerator or an outdated computer, it's a valid decision to avoid investing more time and repair than the item is worth. Maybe you'll be able to squeak by until it breaks down. Then, at that time, you can ... Views: 589
Pop quiz time! Take a look in your kitchen. Which of these foods do you have in your fridge right now?
- whole-grain bread
- yogurt with fruit
- reduced-fat peanut butter
How many points do you get for each item? Well, I'm afraid the answer is zero. All of these products are common ... Views: 1170
Ah, spring. The grass is greening up, the pear and cherry trees are blooming, everything looks fresh and vibrant...except your head. You're feeling cranky and irritated by all the sneezing and that puffy, stuffy sensation that won't go away.
Many spring allergies are caused by trees which ... Views: 1012
Happy New Year! We are entering the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Snake officially began on February 10th. Celebrations across the country and the world have ushered in both a new era and the special qualities its banner animal brings.
In the Chinese tradition, each year is dedicated to ... Views: 1085
Food manufacturers advertise, imply, or otherwise lead you to believe that what you are buying is good for you--whether it really is or not.
I want you to have all the facts at your fingertips so you can make wise choices the next time you fuel your body, whether you're eating out or ... Views: 1167
As a licensed, nationally board-certified acupuncturist, I love that 5000-year-old healing practices have an important role in so many modern lives. Another valuable nugget based in ancient Chinese medicine? The idea that everything important begins with one force: qi.
Qi (pronounced "chee"), ... Views: 1214
We all have a hard time getting ourselves into the exercise mindset sometimes. (Yes, I admit, there are days I'm so busy I'm tempted to skip it, too.) And when life gets complicated, it's even easier to think of reasons we just "can't" afford to take time out for exercise.
If you're in a ... Views: 915
Sometimes I find myself saying "Did I forget to tell you about this?" And I know it's entirely possible that I might have." But I also know I have a lot of company.
Maybe you, too, sometimes forget where you put the cell phone, whom you were going to email, or what your waiter's name is. Have ... Views: 2033
Stress, a cascade of physical reactions to an overload of the hormone cortisol, can wreak all manner of damage on the human body. Your best defense? Understanding what causes it (and there are many triggers) so you can take steps to prevent those negative effects.
Perhaps the most well-known ... Views: 1092
The most well-adjusted, happiest, healthiest individuals are those who carry good habits through their work and personal lives alike--and the habit of self-care is among the most important.
Guess what? Those same individuals are also more likely to be comfortable financially.
It wasn't ... Views: 1224
I'm excited about my new way of looking at eating. I've decided to totally eliminate the concept of "bad" foods. I refuse to feel guilty if and when I splurge. And so far I've resisted the impulse to buy every tabloid that highlights a new fad diet modeled by a svelte, bikini-clad starlet.
I ... Views: 1176
Who said you must lose weight to be healthy? They were dead wrong. It's time to realize that you must get healthy in order to lose weight, not the reverse. The diet mentality doesn't work, often using recommendations that are boring, restrictive, and unsatisfying, if not downright unhealthy. And ... Views: 1172
Do a little clever searching, and you'll find plenty of information on specific ingredients to add to your recipes for an extra boost of energy and nutrients. Likewise, it's not too hard to find recipes or even whole menus composed of nutrient-rich, healthful choices. That's all fine for ... Views: 1015
If you're a headache sufferer, you know that there are times when it's virtually impossible to look, feel, think, and live your best. Debilitating headaches can cripple your personal as well as professional life, often resulting in postponing activities, deadlines, and daily tasks for hours or ... Views: 1701
It's Monday morning, and you struggle to wake up. The week is just starting, but already you're feeling weary and bloated--like you need a vacation.
You thought you were getting a "weekend," but instead you are suffering from WEAK ENDS, departures from the routines that keep you feeling ... Views: 1154
You may be familiar with the six stages within the process of breaking addictions and other unhealthful habits. You may even be able to name them: Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination. Today, let's get down to some practical advice for putting it ... Views: 1132
When it comes to memory, congnitive function, and overall brain health, age is relative. Believe it or not, it is never too late to start to incorporate changes that can make long-standing differences in our cognitive functioning.
While we may not yet have a cure or even understand all the ... Views: 1302
Ever feel sore, swollen lumps the sides of your neck at the beginning of a cold? Those are lymph nodes. Because we tend to ignore it when we're not ill, many of us don't really know what the lymph system does--or why it is so crucial to human functioning and even survival.
Imagine an ... Views: 1587
There's no denying, the road to seizing a goal can be rough. And when the prize is something you've reached for before (perhaps even more than once) but not yet grasped, it can feel even harder. Past obstacles and underlying fears can sabotage our efforts, making the effort seem futile.
But ... Views: 1279
I hope you're feeling in tip-top mental and physical health today. No? Do you...
- feel exhausted in the morning even though you slept enough?
- seem nervous, lightheaded, or overwhelmed much of the time?
- crave salty or sweet foods and have extra weight, especially abdominal fat?
- ... Views: 1129
So you know to limit your sun exposure. You protect your skin from the toxins and irritants that come with smoking and harsh personal care products. You even feed your good skin with a healthful diet. Is there anything else a person can do to keep the glowing, supple skin of ... Views: 1331
Your skin is like every other part of the human body: It needs the right conditions to perform at its peak. To maintain youthful skin as we age, it's imperative to stay healthy and provide those cells with the nutrients they need to be strong and defend itself again changes and damage that come ... Views: 1244
I can remember the first time, in my 30s, I looked in the mirror and saw a few creases near my eyes. "Could those be signs of aging already?" I wondered. Some years later, I was dismayed to notice that those creases were turning into wrinkles. How did that happen?
Some may say these little ... Views: 1216
Do you dream? Good question, especially if you are wondering about the quality and quantity of your sleep. A "yes" answer is what we're looking for.
Remember the four stages of sleep? Phase One is the preparation stage during which your brainwaves and blood pressure slow and muscles relax. ... Views: 888
The fight-or-flight reaction is one way the body physically reacts to emotional stimuli. It's an entirely natural reaction that, in the wild, can literally mean the difference between surviving or falling victim to any number of threats. When your body reacts with fight-or-flight too often, ... Views: 769
Summer is well underway already. Particularly at this time of year, the sun--and both the damage and the benefits it can offer--is intense. Are you taking good care of your skin? Here are twelve must-know facts and guidelines about the sun and your health.
The difference between the rays: In ... Views: 775
Ever think that pain, discomfort, and other symptoms all feel worse when you're stressed? You're not alone...and you're right on the money!
In fact, various studies have shown that anxiety, stress, and other emotional conditions can actually decrease the body's immunity and leave us open to ... Views: 708
In one form or another, stress is all around us every day. (I know some of you right now are saying "No kidding! I live and breathe stress!") But what is stress, and what triggers it? Answer those questions, and you're on your way to regaining control over it.
Physiologically, stress is the ... Views: 995
Do you view the annual resolution challenge as a reason to move ahead--or a reason to punish yourself for being a serial nonachiever?
Please stop beating yourself up. Instead of attacking or blaming, turn your energy to action. How? You can break the cycle of anticipation and disappointment ... Views: 1121
There can be no question that Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any number of other social networking sites come with benefits. With countless users worldwide, and more joining daily, it's clear social media is a force to be reckoned with.
But are you getting more than you bargained for? ... Views: 1397
The gift of what, you ask? It's plasticity, and it's a characteristic whose discovery revolutionized the way we think about the brain.
Neural plasticity is the brain's ability to adapt to changing conditions. Years ago, we thought that after the earliest years of life were past, the human ... Views: 1288
How about a little holiday pop quiz? I'm thinking of a gift that has these qualities: It doesn't have to cost a dime, yet is priceless; you may not recognize that you already possess it until you, or someone close to you, loses it.
What is it? Drum roll, please. It's your health.
Good ... Views: 896
It's true that overexposure to the sun can lead to skin damage. But there's a flip side to that story: Not all sun exposure is excessive. Yes, you CAN have your sun and go burn-free, too. In fact, you should make a point of including a little sunshine in your routine every day.
According to ... Views: 884
Did you make New Year's resolutions? Or perhaps you know the process by other names...
- The Clean Slate
- My Chance to Get It Right This Time
- Oops, I Really Dropped the Ball Last Year
Sigh. We are an impatient population. We want immediate results, and if there is a glitch in the ... Views: 1006
Are you striving for a goal but not seeing results?
Racking up small successes but not getting the big payoff?
In my face-to-face patients and in my telecoaching clients across the country, I hear stressed, puzzled, and worn-out voices that reflect two opposing ideas: the continuing desire ... Views: 1166
Getting older? It's inevitable (but it sure beats the alternative). Looking and feeling older? Now that's optional. You can choose to be energetic, trim, and vital--at any age.
There's a lot of misinformation out there, though. Let's explore some common myths about aging and its relationship ... Views: 1175
Traffic jam? Stress. Family disagreements? Stress. New boss making waves? Stress, big time.
A decadent wedge of cheesecake and a little relaxation before the TV to put the mind at ease over it all...what? MORE stress?
Yes, indeed.
We're very aware that high-pressure, high-emotion ... Views: 1156
Stressed?
Feeling uneasy?
Bowel routine slightly off?
Experiencing digestive grumbling, "butterflies in your stomach," cramps, or heartburn?
Any of these common discomforts can be a sign of disturbance in your enteric nervous system (ENS). What? You've never heard of it? You're not alone. ... Views: 1490
Stressed?
Feeling uneasy?
Bowel routine slightly off?
Experiencing digestive grumbling, "butterflies in your stomach," cramps, or heartburn?
Any of these common discomforts can be a sign of disturbance in your enteric nervous system (ENS). What? You've never heard of it? You're not alone. ... Views: 1141
As the Chinese New Year--2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon--is upon us, I encourage you to take the celebration as a reminder of the wisdom that the principles of Chinese medicine can offer us.
The Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—form the foundation of traditional ... Views: 1557
In my work as a holistic practitioner and weight loss and wellness coach, as well as my personal life, I've seen that the right tools can turn resolutions into milestones that can ultimately work for you. But often, those goals must first be customized to fit your lifestyle and your ... Views: 1044