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Browse published articles attributed to Roberta Mittman, with full-archive search.
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.
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 stop proved to be ultimately successful (whew) but certainly very challenging.
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 with aging, pollution, and toxins.
My washing machine always gets a chuckle out of me (good thing when you're doing lots of laundry, right?). Take a look at the dial. There's a setting for "normal." Apparently the manufacturer assumes that we, as intelligent consumers, identify, understand, and collectively agree that a certain kind of dirty laundry is normal.
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"), in Chinese medicine, is the life energy driving the Universe--both that outside us and that within us. It is your essence, and it's responsible for your balance and health. Your happiness, peace of mind, and wellbeing all reflect the flow of qi throughout your body and life.
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.
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 is actually fear of success.
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?
"Health is wealth." You've heard the saying, but do you believe it? I absolutely do! Over and over again, I've seen my patients and coaching clients reap professional and financial benefits after adopting wise self-care practices. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Those who invest in their own wellbeing have the mental and physical energy it takes to catapult their careers to the top. On the other hand, those who neglect themselves often move through the workday feeling unfocused, sluggish, or achy and even show signs of mild depression. (Sound like anyone you know?)
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, repeatedly checking your phone for messages, obsessing over your weight--dependency takes many forms. Is there anything in your world that you feel compelled to think about, do, or consume regularly?
More often than you may realize, a negative mindset makes the difference between achieving a goal--whether related to health, career, personal relationships, or any other area--and failing to reach it.
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 healthful-food impostors.
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 health.
Have you slipped into the tired--pun intended--thinking that the last few weeks of the year must, inevitably, be the most exhausting and energy-draining of all? Don't beat yourself up if you have. It's true that what sets December apart are all the holiday commitments, visits, and special activities that add to the usual flurry of tasks and responsibilities. The unfortunate result: feeling off balance, burned out, and too fatigued to enjoy the traditions and benefits of the holiday season.
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 selecting food from your local grocery store. Here's a trio of health-food impostors to watch for, the kind of low-nutrition fakes that can trick you into thinking you are eating well. Health Food Impostor: Smoothiesr
Getting older? It's inevitable (but it sure beats the alte ative). 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 to mindset, fitness, and nutrition. Once you see through these fallacies, you're ready to take action. Kick unpleasant thoughts about getting older to the ground! Myth 1: It's too late.r
Chances are, you share a special quality with Gwyneth, Jennifer, Demi, and Julianne--or for you men, make that Hugh, George, Johnny, and Brad. You, these stars, and I all belong to The Over-40 Alliance. We're bound together in the age category. (Not the body category, darn.) Unfortunately, many people over 40 don't feel comfortable here. Moving uncertainly through this uncharted territory, you might find yourself downright lost.
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 to move ahead, and an expectation of no real gratification or reward at the end. Instead, it's a frustrating and defeating cycle of wanting – failing.
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 didn't always have such a healthy attitude toward food, though. I admit, at some point in my life, I may have made some of these familiar statements: - "I'm on a diet and shouldn't have any treats. Eating during the holidays is like navigating landmines."r
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 alert, sound, and fit during the week.
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 chances are, if you've been on diets before, you've lost and regained the same amount of weight over and over.
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 all together. In his book "Changing for Good," Dr. James Prochaska explains that reevaluating by identifying what we've learned from mistakes can strengthen the results of subsequent attempts to succeed. In other words, few of us are successful with the first try. Practice makes perfect.
Stressed? Feeling uneasy? Bowel routine slightly off? Experiencing digestive grumbling, "butterflies in your stomach," cramps, or heartbu ? 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. As important as this system is, it is often overlooked. Today I'd like to shed some much-needed light on what your ENS does.
Sniff! Itch! Wheeze! The evidence is all around us lately. Even people whose allergy symptoms are normally mild to nonexistent are showing signs of allergic reaction this spring. How are you holding up? If you're like many allergy sufferers, the 2012 season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging ever--sneeze!
The problem: Constant high-level stress and worry can trigger too much cortisol production, making us age faster, gain unwanted stomach fat, and feel too fatigued to enjoy life. The goal: Prevent adrenal burnout and all of these emotional and physical repercussions by reducing stress. You've probably heard tips about reducing stress before. Today, let's address some of the more unusual or surprising steps you can take to ease stress. As you'll see, good self-care is more than just another task to check off your endless to-do list--it can even be enjoyable. A nose for calm
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.
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 by identifying what went wrong and using that knowledge to forge a new plan. My 3Rs technique--Recognize, Reframe, Reclaim--can help you do that.
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?rn - seem nervous, lightheaded, or overwhelmed much of the time?rn - crave salty or sweet foods and have extra weight, especially abdominal fat?rn - feel achy or have a hard time bouncing back from an illness?rn - experience low moods and sex drive? If those symptoms sound familiar, you may be showing signs of adrenal fatigue.
Chances are you've heard about detoxification in the media, in health food stores, or from people you know. "Going on detox" is all the rage. Consumers are bombarded with information and product marketing that make detoxification seem like a radical process. Here's the truth: A healthful detox approach is neither extreme nor harsh. Ideally, detox merely optimizes working conditions for your internal systems, smoothing the way for your body to eliminate the wastes and irritants that have built up. After a successful detox program, my patients often report - increased energyr
Get healthier in one day. Sound impossible? While you can't totally make over your health in 24 hours, taking one step today will make a huge difference in attaining so many goals: energy, focus, less pain, feeling youthful, and reaching a healthy weight, to name a few. What's the catch? There's none. The key is to take a single, positive step today. Easy steps are good, too, because they are sustainable. Your one small choice opens the door to many results you might not have even expected, so be prepared to witness ripple effects.
How many times do you bend, stretch, lift, sit, stay up late, cut your exercise routine short (or skip it altogether), or worry in the average week? What a ridiculous question! Of course no one keeps track of such details. But the fact is, many uncomfortable, limiting health conditions are less about one single factor than we realize. Much of "how we feel" comes from the accumulated effect of thousands of small actions (or inactions). Now, at the threshold of a new year and a new perspective, get started moving in the direction of better wellness. Begin with these simple tips.
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 one of twelve specific animals: Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Rat, Boar, Rabbit, Dog, Rooster, Ox, Tiger, Snake, and Ram. Each of these animals is thought to bestow its characteristics specifically on the people born in that year but also on the year in general.
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.
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 health. How would you like a clean slate, a second chance at New Year's-style renewal with some gentle, me-focused resolution ideas? Tailor them to YOUR perfect fit. January might be nearly over, but you still have plenty of opportunity to claim greater health and contentment this year.
If my observations at coffee shops, airports, and checkout counters are accurate, many of us are wild about the flavor of chocolate. And yes, I'm one of them. If you are too, I have great news: You do not--do not!--have to swear off your favorite treat to remain committed to healthful eating.
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 start pollinating anytime from January to April, depending on the climate and location. Grasses are also important in the allergy picture, as are dampness and mold.
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.
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 preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you might be thinking, but what do I do when I just feel the need for a little something between meals?
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 Yearr Sigh. We are an impatient population. We want immediate results, and if there is a glitch in the process, we tend to beat ourselves up and feel "less than"--or abandon ship. A perfect example is the sharp rise in gym membership in January, followed by an empty workout room in March.
"I'll have what she's having!" Remember that famous order from "When Harry Met Sally"? Yes, I know nutritional supplements are not exactly what Meg Ryan's fellow diner was thinking of--wink--when she said "I'll have what she's having." Still, I think of that line and smile when my patients and coaching clients ask, "Roberta, you're always so energetic and healthy. What supplements do you take to prevent getting sick?"
"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 form at my table at the last event? Did she come into my office? Is she a "blast from my past"? Or was my name suggested to her automatically because we have some friends in common?
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 high-pressure job, an entrepreneur, or someone who works long or unusual hours, you might find it especially hard to take time out regularly for healthful activity. How do you justify carving out time and effort for exercise when your to-do list is longer than your day?
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.
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.
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. Phase Two is marked by further physical relaxation and increased brain activity including REM ("rapid eye movement"), which often leads to vivid dreams. Phases Three and Four are the revitalizing and healing deep sleep stages during which your brainwaves reach their slowest, most regular pattern.
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, though, the response can lead to tension and the damaging effects of stress. The 3Rs technique is a great solution to this type of stress. These steps can work right alongside therapies such as NET to help you maintain your gain control of an overactive fight-or-flight response:
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 terms of skin health, sunlight comes in two types: UVA rays(think "A" for aging) and UVB (think "B" for burning) rays. The UVBs can be the damaging ones you hear so much about.
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 fantasy (sorry, but it's true) that just because you feel well today, your self-care job is done. Here are some misguided wellness statements I hear from time to time, and why they are dangerous. "I'll worry about it later...when it really gets bad!"
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 illness, from the common cold to heart conditions.
Vacations are all about "R and R," rest and relaxation. During my recent vacation, though, I learned they can also give us another "r"--renewal that lasts even after returning home. The fresh thinking I gained from this trip is too good not to pass along. Here are two great ideas I picked up from the experts during my stay. Evaluate my week in a new way--with colors. The owner and director of the ranch gave a talk about her life and philosophy. She shared her strategy for keeping balanced with priorities mindfully in place. - Write your planning calendar in pencil.