january 2012 essential wellness

26
january 2012 • resources for inner peace, health and healing

Upload: essential-wellness-magazine

Post on 08-Apr-2016

222 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

DESCRIPTION

holistic magazine

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 • resources for inner peace, health and healing

Page 2: January 2012 Essential Wellness

2 www.esswellness.com

The Meta Institute Presents:Therapeutic Coaching® Certification Program, an intensive 15 month, weekend program that brings together the best and most

effective aspects of life coaching and therapy. Learn the newest cutting edge skills and techniques to assist people in achieving their goals This program will offer you skills from a wide variety of fields such as:

If you are interested in adding to your present skills or considering a career change, call for an information package and application.Financing is available. Early payment discounts available!

Applications being accepted for February 2012 ClassFree Information Session, Thurs., Jan. 12th

(6:30-8:30) please call to register

Therapeutic Coaching® Certification Program

Reiki Trainings & Other Workshops

NEW NUMBER (763) 533-6527 E-Mail: [email protected] or visit our website www.metainstitute.com

Emotional Intelligence Hypnosis

Quantum Physics, Business Management &

Consulting

Systems Theory Experiential Learning

Past Life Therapy NLP

Team Building & Leadership

Family Therapy Developmental & Life Cycle Stages

Motivational Counseling, & so much more!

Reiki I Jan. 28, 2012 (Sat. 10am-6pm) $75

Reiki II Jan. 29, 2012 (Sun. 10am-6pm) $150

Demystifying The TarotJan. 14, & 15, 2012 (3 day class: 10-6pm each day)

$295.00, 3rd day to be scheduled

Intuitive Readings by Mary Beth Tracy 30, 45, 60 minute readings by appointment only

The Meta Institute is now in its new home in New Hope

5121 Winnetka Ave., Suite 200New Hope, MN 55428

Individual, Couples, & Family Coaching Available

Page 3: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 3

612.823.5093 [email protected]

www.carolehyder.com

Wind & Water School of Feng ShuiNew certification program begins February 2012 When books aren't enough... we're here to fill in the missing pages.Looking for a business opportunity? Searching for a way

to connect with your home? Become a certified Feng Shui practitioner. Email [email protected] to register. For more information on the Wind & Water

School, visit www.windwaterschool.com.

Discovery Feng Shui: A Personal Journey A 3-part introduction to Feng Shui through Normandale Community College

Sessions will be January 28, 9–Noon; a teleseminar February 4, 9–10 a.m.; and February 11, 9–Noon.

Register for the course here. Check out the entire 2012 Feng Shui program at Normandale Community College, normandale.augusoft.net.

A K A S H I C R E C O R D SLEvEL 1 WORKSHOpJAnuARy 28 & 29tH, 2012

WELCOmE DAHnA FOx, Certified Akashic Records Teacher, as she returnsspecifically to teach YOU how to CONSCIOUSLY Access Your Akashic Records!

The Akashic Records are the energetic recording of your Soul’s journey over every lifetime – including your Soul’s intention for this lifetime! Consider having the tools to utilize the information stored in your Soul’s Records available at your fingertips. Imagine the impact access to this wisdom could have in every area of your life!

Begin 2012 with a greater understanding of who you are and why you are here.

In this workshop you will learn and experience how to:

> Consciously enter your Akashic Records to better understand your purpose/ Soul’s intention.

> Use your Akashic Records to gain clarity in every area of your life.

> Access greater levels of creativity using your Akashic Records.

> Expand your heart energy and open your heart to yourself and others.

By the end of this profoundly expansive weekend you will have the tools to access your Akashic Records to gain insight on relationships, money, life lessons, career path, creative arts, and any scenario you can think of!

January 28th & 29th, 2012Saturday & Sunday – 1:00 PM – 6:00 PMBoth Days Required - Includes a 1 Hour Telephone Consultation prior to the Workshop (A $135.00 Value)

Call today about the early registration disCount For more information, to register & receive directions to

the workshop: Call dahna Fox at 216-392-5490Free Introductory TeleConferences: email [email protected]

aKaShIC rECOrdS IntrOduCtIOn LECturE at lake harriet spiritual Community7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, January 27th$10 prepay to Dahna or $15 at the door

Walking on Sunshine–NRG, was written with gratitude. Find promise and soothe grief as author Sheryl Hill tells the journey of her son Tyler. His is a story of life after death, evidence that love never dies, that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed.

“I simply could not put it down! This book changed my world.”

“This book is a gift of hope to all parents, siblings, and loved ones in our world community who grieve

the passing of a loved one.

“This is a courageous and beautifully written story. Regardless of whether you have experienced the devasting passing of a loved one, this book is a provoking account that will change the way you view the universe; and leave you with goose bumps, in the very best way.”

Order copies for you and your loved ones at

www.walkingonsunshine.org The Light! The Hope!

The Love! The Everafter!

Every ending is a new beginning

soothe grief with this book...

Page 4: January 2012 Essential Wellness

4 www.esswellness.com

staff

essential wellness digital magazine

Twin Cities Wellness

aka Essential Wellness4270 Honey Tree PassDanbury, WI 54830

PublIsHErsDee & lynn laFroth

ADVErTIsINGDee [email protected]

EDITOrlynn [email protected]

ArT DIrECTOrsunshine sevigny

WrITING subMIssIONsClick here for guidelines

rECEIVE EssENTIAl WEllNEss bY EMAIl!send us your email to receive twice-monthly Celebrate Wellness e-news and Monthly digital Essential [email protected]

6-9Breathe your way through stressBY LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG

12–13 Conquer stress with acupunctureBY STEVEN SONMORE

16–18 Eliminate financial stress with Emotional Freedom TechniquesBY VALERIE LIS

22–25 You have control over stress; consciously choose relaxationBY SUE INGEBRETSON

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR AdVERTISERS!

inside

january 2012

Page 5: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 5

6-9Breathe your way through stressBY LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG

12–13 Conquer stress with acupunctureBY STEVEN SONMORE

16–18 Eliminate financial stress with Emotional Freedom TechniquesBY VALERIE LIS

22–25 You have control over stress; consciously choose relaxationBY SUE INGEBRETSON

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR AdVERTISERS!

inside

january 2012

Page 6: January 2012 Essential Wellness

6 www.esswellness.com

BY LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG

CENARIO I: Jessica was late again. Willing the traffic to speed up had no re-sult except to make

her feel more tense and helpless. She sat in the motionless car, her mind going a 100 miles an hour, ruminating about everything she had to do—shopping, cleaning, laundry, pick up the kids, visit the nursing home, call the dentist, deadlines at work, etc. Her breath came out in shallow, rapid gasps and an urge to scream, cry or beat the dashboard rose up out of chest. Stress! A magazine article popped into her mind detailing how 90 percent of all illnesses are stress related. “It’s hopeless. I might as well book my hospi-tal room now.” Jessica bemoaned.

SCENARIO II: Jessica was late again. Accepting the reality of the traffic jam caused her to take a deep breath and let out a long sigh. She sat in the mo-

tionless car with her mind focused on slowing her breathing, and pac-ifying her racing mind’s obsession with its “to do” list by repeating the mantra “peace.” As her deepening breath moved low into her belly the anxiety continued to dissolve. Equanimity! The knowledge that she had the ability to coun-teract the negative effects of stress was ever present in her mind. “No matter what the circum-stances may be, I have it in my power to stay calm and peaceful, maintaining and even enhancing my well-being.” Jessica rejoiced.

CHANGING YOUR REACTION

THROUGH BREATH

Is it really possible that expe-riences similar to Scenario I could metamorphose so easily into Sce-nario II? Can we so quickly turn an out of hand, stressful situa-tion into one of calm and con-trol? The answer is unequivocally: Yes! The simple but powerful act of changing the way we breathe

regulates our physical bodies and our emotional and mental states. The key is in knowing how to change our breath before anxi-ety arises in order to avoid the stress reaction commonly known as the “flight or fight” response. When this response occurs, one’s breathing becomes very shal-low in the upper chest and the body’s chemistry changes, pro-ducing tension throughout. Fortunately, since the respira-tory system is both involuntary and voluntary, by consciously en-gaging the diaphragm to allow the belly to expand on the inhalation, the parasympathetic nervous sys-tem begins triggering a relaxation response. It is physiologically im-possible to be in a state of panic. If one is breathing deeply in the belly. Simply and powerfully, stress-free living can be a belly breath away.

S

MANAGING STRESS

Breathe your way through stress

8CONTINUEd PAGE 8...

Page 7: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 7

LAURIE MEdITATING AT SUNRISE IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARk, UTAH

© 2008 Nancy Chakrin Photography

Page 8: January 2012 Essential Wellness

8 www.esswellness.com

MANAGING STRESSBreathe Your Way Through Stress Continued...

dIAPHRAGMATIC,

BELLY BREATHING

Lay comfortably on your back, with both hands on your belly, eyes closed and focusing inwards on feeling the physical movement of your breath. Begin first by exhaling while contracting the belly towards the spine. The inhalation will result in a natural extension outwards of the belly. By first allowing, and then gently increasing this expansion the diaphragm presses down-wards, aiding in the movements.

This area of the body is known as the “hara,” a Japanese word that means “seat of life force.” Besides producing a soothing ac-tion, breathing in the hara access-es a source of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stamina.

Laurie Ellis Young, MTC, CYT,

founder & director of Breathe The

Change LLC, is a pioneer in breath-

work as an empowering and healing

modality. Laurie has been practic-

ing and studying yoga, breathwork,

mind/body therapies and well-

being techniques from both ancient

and contemporary traditions for

over 35 years. Between 1985 and

1998 many treks in the Himalayan

& Andes mountains impassioned

her with the “power of breath”

leading her to profound studies of

the science of breath. Laurie is co-

author with photographer, Nancy

Chakrin, of Friendship: The Art of the Practice (TRISTAN Publish-

ing). She resides with her husband

in KAUST, Saudi Arabia. FFI:

www.BreatheTheChange.com

Page 9: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 9

LAURIE PERfORMING THE QIGONG SUNBREATH IN THE COLORAdO ROCkIES

© 2008 Nancy Chakrin Photography

Page 11: January 2012 Essential Wellness

Holistic Health Studies Program• Earn a Master of Arts degree or one-year Graduate Certificate

• Explore discoveries about health, healing and wholeness

• In-depth study of complementary and integrative therapies

• Enriching experiences for professional and personal development

• Supportive and diverse learning community

• Convenient evening classes open to women and men

To learn more, call 651-690-6933 or visit stkate.edu/holistic

Henrietta Schmoll School of Health

St. Catherine University — Holistic Health ad 2012Essential Wellness7.25 x 4.5” 4c

LEAD.INFLUENCE. Heal mind, body, spirit.

Page 12: January 2012 Essential Wellness

12 www.esswellness.com

HAT HAPPENS when you’re re-ally stressed out? Your body is keyed into

your sympathetic nervous sys-tem or “fight or flight syndrome.” Your adrenals are pumping, your breathing is shallow, heart beat is rapid, and digestion is incomplete. With acupuncture your body tunes into your parasympathet-

ic nervous system. So your heart beat is more regular, breathing is deeper, smooth muscles are relax-ing and digestion is more complete.

EMOTIONS RELATE TO ORGANS

Western medicine attributes only one organ to our emotions: The brain. But Chinese medicine discov-ered early on of the link between the organs and emotions. And the qual-ity of our thoughts is determined by the status of our organs. Specific

emotions relate to certain organs. For example, joy (or lack of joy) re-lates to the heart. Anger and frus-

tration relates to the liver. Fear and procrastination relates to the kid-neys. Worry relates to the stomach and spleen. Remember that saying: “My stomach is tied up in knots?” Acupuncture reinstates balance to the organ so then the correspond-ing emotion balances, too. Acupunc-ture sends nutrition to the organ.

LIVER STAGNATION CONNECTS TO ANGER

Anger, irritability, and frustra-tion are all signs that our liver is imbalanced. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of emotions. Liver stagnation is one of the most common problems seen in acupuncture clinics. Symptoms can include irritability, pain in the area below the ribs, sighing, bloat-

ing, nausea, feeling of a lump in the throat. And for women: Ir-regular periods, painful periods, and distention of the breasts pri-or to periods. Liver stagnation is commonly associated with PMS. In a healthy body, the liver should be spreading energy to all the other organs evenly in a 360 degree pattern. If it is dysfunc-tional, it can shoot energy straight upwards and cause neck and shoulder tension, headaches, mi-graines, even high blood pressure.

ACUPUNCTURE RESTORES BALANCE

When you get upset the muscles around the liver get tight. Then the blood flow through the liver be-comes restricted, especially through

the portal vein. Then the function of the liver is impeded. Restriction of the bile duct results in bile not get-ting properly distributed in the duo-

MANAGING STRESS

Conquer stress with acupuncture

W

Page 13: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 13

denum. Then there are digestive problems. If there is poor circulation in the liver there will be emotional ups and downs. If the liver is fatty there will be depres-sion, anxiety, and/or frustration. With acupuncture, we can get the musculature around the liver to relax. This will increase blood flow to this organ, help the liver detoxify and then the patient will begin to feel better. As acupuncturists we are obsessed with im-proving the circulation of blood. We are the plumbers of medicine. All the anti-inflammato-ry agents, nutrients, antibiotics are in the blood.The function of blood circulation is what heals us. That function is at 100 percent when you are a baby. Remember the saying “in the pink?” As a person ages, the vascular system declines. There is not enough blood circulating to heal the problem areas. The beautiful thing about acupuncture is that it pushes the blood into the sick area to heal it. In Western medicine they run tests to see if the patient is sick. But often, patients feel terrible, but the tests come out normal. So they are sick, but not sick enough to show up on their tests. Acupuncture was developed for your every-day citizen—to make him/her healthy, to in-crease energy and vitality. We can make the stress and pain go away. And we create a situa-tion so the stress and pain does not come back.

For more than 24 years Steven Sonmore, licensed acupuncturist, has helped people transform health problems into solutions for attaining better health. He is owner of Complete Oriental Medical Care in Minneapolis. For more information call 612-866-4000 or visit www.orientalmedcare.com

Conquer stress with acupunctureBY STEVEN SONMORE

Shamanism Training Program

Contact Mary Stoffel 763-444-8146mlstoffel@innovatord.comwww.humanimal.comwww.practicalshamanism.com

Introduction to Journeying Class January 15, Isanti, 9:00am-5:00pm

Advanced Shamanism Training begins January 27

Drum Making Workshop February 19, Isanti

Headaches?Minneapolis, MN — A free report has been released and available to headache and migraine suffers that reveals what causes many types of headaches. According to Licensed Acupuncturist Steven Sonmore, many doctors are unaware of the drugless approach to headache relief. That’s why we decided to make this information available free to headache victims.

Order your Free Report by calling 612-866-4000.

www.orientalmedcare.com

Headaches?Minneapolis, MN — A free report has been released and available to headache and migraine suffers that reveals what causes many types of headaches. According to Licensed Acupuncturist Steven Sonmore, many doctors are unaware of the drugless approach to headache relief. That’s why we decided to make this information available free to headache victims.

Order your Free Report by calling 612-866-4000.

www.orientalmedcare.com

Page 15: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 15

ServicesSpiritual Mentoring Life and Wellness Coaching John of God Crystal Healing BedMeditation Energetic Healing Massage TherapyWorkshops

Nona Trealoff Bock, MS, [email protected]

Be the Light. Be the Love. Be the Peace.

Writing • Editing • Proofing

promotional consulting

together we can shift your website and/or promotional materials’ content

from bland to sparkling with life!

Hourly or project rates.

for more information: [email protected]

Page 16: January 2012 Essential Wellness

16 www.esswellness.com

IT’S A common theme in January. Just as interest wanes in New Years’ reso-lutions, a mass of holiday bills arrive. And this brings

increased stress and overwhelm. If this describes your situation, you can try the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) exercise found in this article. Although EFT doesn’t “pay the bills,” it reduces the in-tensity of the stress response. This supports clearer thinking, and pro-motes health and well-being. As Hans Selye states, “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

TAP YOUR WAY TO HEALING

EFT is a self-tool, created in the 1990s by Stanford engineer Gary Craig. It involves tapping with fingertips on specified points of the face and upper body while mentally focusing on a distressful memory or thought. Based on acu-puncture principles, it often works in minutes. While relaxation meth-ods are usually temporary, EFT of-fers a more permanent solution. Understanding a few basic con-cepts will help you to be more ef-

fective in your use of EFT. First, the more intense the reaction, the better and faster it works. So, it is important to exaggerate your stress response. Second, EFT often works in layers, so stop every few rounds of tapping to re-evaluate. If a new emo-tion or another memory captures your attention, shift your focus and tap again. Continue tapping until your stress is completely gone. Note that there does not need to be truth to the tapping phrase; our purpose is to neutralize the emotional charge.

THE METHOd: ENVISION WORST CASE SCENARIO

For financial stress, here are a few phrases to try in envision-ing the “worst case scenario.” Focus on the worst thing that could possibly happen and then tap. This may mean borrowing money from your parents, or fore-closing on your mortgage, or, be-ing homeless. After this, everything else will seem mild in comparison.

BEING POOR, BEING RICH

Focus on feelings about be-ing poor and then tap. In-

clude fear, helplessness, hope-lessness, pity, sadness, etc. Focus on feelings about rich people and then tap. Include fear, anger, frustration, jealousy, sadness.

fEAR Of fAILURE/ fEAR Of SUCCESS

Say, “I am a failure” and tap on related emotions. Say, “I am a suc-cess” and tap on related emotions.

NOT WORTHY/ NOT GOOd ENOUGH

Say, “I am not worthy” or “I am not good enough.” Have a pity party and exaggerate the words. Continue to tap until the phrase is neutral.

EfT EXERCISE

This exercise has been included to take you through the simple—yet powerful—process of EFT. Begin by focusing on a spe-cific bothersome memory. No-tice how much stress you feel and where you feel it in your body.

MANAGING STRESS

18CONTINUEd PAGE 18...

Eliminate financial stress with Emotional Freedom Techniques

Page 17: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 17

Eliminate financial stress with Emotional Freedom Techniques

Page 18: January 2012 Essential Wellness

18 www.esswellness.com

While continuing to focus on the memory, gently tap with your fingertips 4-5 times on each of the following locations: Top of the head, inside of the eye-brow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, on the chin, on the collarbone, 4-5” below the armpit. Repeat (tap again). Now evaluate your stress level. If you notice a shift, adjust your focus and start over. For ex-ample, if your emotion changes from stress to fear, now focus on fear and tap again. If the craving

moves from your stomach to your throat, now focus on your throat and tap again. Continue to tap, re-adjusting your focus as symptoms change, until your distress is gone. This short exercise allows you the opportunity to experience and understand the process of EFT. You will find the standard version substantially more effec-tive. You may also want to work with an experienced practitioner.

Valerie Lis, MA, EFT-Expert2 Prac-titioner & Trainer, national present-

er, conducts seminars and w o r k s h o p s on hol i s t i c health topics. In addition to teaching college students and health professionals, she is also a frequent radio and TV guest. She can be reached for a one-on-one or phone session at 763-315-0086. http: / /www.course s forl i fe .com ha s f re e on l in e v id e o s w i th tapp ing po in t s t o gu ide you t h r o u g h t h e E F T p r o c e s s .

EFT CERTIFICATION WORKSHOPS

Courses for LIFE

~ Neutralize emotional pain~ Abolish cravings~ Reduce chronic pain~ Get rid of allergy symptoms~ Promote physical health~ Improve sports & physical performance

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES (EFT)with Valerie Lis, MA

Find out more at 763-315-0086 orCoursesForLife.Com

~ Level 1: January 28 & 29~ Level 2: February 4 & 5

Self Improvement Seminars & Events

~ Try EFT- Free Video on the website~ Permanent solution to emotional stress~ Most experienced practitioner in the area

at Normandale College

THE ULTIMATE STRESS-BUSTER

BY VALERIE LIS MANAGING STRESSEliminate Financial Stress Continued...

2012 Essential Wellness Writers Guidelines

now available!

click here for more info

Page 19: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 19

Writing • Editing • Pr00fingpr0m0ti0nal c0nsulting

together we can shift your website and/or promotional materials’ content from bland to sparkling with life!

Let’s imagine & envision new energy for your business that communicates clearly, concisely, effectively!

Hourly or project rates.

For more information: [email protected]

Page 20: January 2012 Essential Wellness

20 www.esswellness.com

COLONICSDETOXIFICATION

OXYGEN BARand so much more!

612.824.4041 | calhounnaturalmedicine.com3033 Excelsior Blvd, Ste 585, Minneapolis, MN 55416

WrITE IN 2012 FOr EssWEllNEss.COM

click here for the guidelines

Page 21: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 21

Couples IntensivesRevitalize and renew your relationship. We review principals for staying on the same side in conflict and practice exercises for listening, empathy and communication. Couples receive private coaching. Limited to 2 couples for maximum benefit and attention. Call for reservations.About one Sat. or Sun. morning monthly 10am-2pm3507 Lyndale Avenue S., MinneapolisCall Rebecca at 612-877-1081 to register$200 per couple - Attend one or more.

see also rebeccaconnor.com(612) 877-1081

Rebecca Connor LMFT, assisted by Terry Pate

FabulousSummer Guatemalan Retreatwith Laurie Ellis-Young & Kathy Flaminio

July 13–22, 2012$1,800+ airfare

Early Bird by Jan 31

www.BreatheTheChange.com

651 373 1352 Kathy@1000–petals.com

Page 22: January 2012 Essential Wellness

T

You have control over stress; consciously choose relaxation

MANAGING STRESS

HE BODY performs a delicate balancing act every day. It gener-ates a miraculous as-sortment of intricate

signals and transmissions as it searches for healing and wellness. Neurotransmitters play a star-ring role in this complicated com-munication system. Endorphins act as neurotransmitters resulting from both physical and emotional experiences. On the physical side,

endorphins result from exercise, pain, and even eating certain spicy foods. Endorphins from emotions result from desirable feelings such as excitement, romance, and love.

ENdORPHINS BALANCE STRESS

Endorphins are generally cred-ited for creating a balancing effect to stress as well as helping to de-velop a sense of well-being. Neu-rotransmitters communicate to the body the existence of pain as

well as both negative and positive emotions. It’s important to under-stand that these powerfully impor-tant neurotransmitters exist in the brain and in the digestive system. Therefore, the highly sensitive digestive system is just as vulnerable to thoughts and emotions as the brain. When we feel stressed or anx-ious we also feel nauseous, bloated, or experience an upset stomach. Stress impacts the entire body. It increases blood pressure, heart rate, and respi-

22 www.esswellness.com

Page 23: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 23

BY SUE INGEBRETSON

ratory rate while decreasing di-gestive function. This is the sym-pathetic nervous system at work, which is sometimes referred to as the “fight or flight” response. Chronic health challenges result from staying in this unhealthy state for long periods of time. Stress is everywhere and impacts us in numerous ways … so, what’s the good news?

You have control over stress; consciously choose relaxation

24CONTINUEd PAGE 24...

Page 24: January 2012 Essential Wellness

24 www.esswellness.com

CHOOSE TO REACT TO STRESS

IN A NEW WAY

While we may not be able to eliminate stress, we can change how we react to it. We can imple-ment strategies geared to tackle this problem head on—in healthy ways. Remember that the body is an intricate system of balance. While the sympathetic nervous system re-sponse prepares the body for dan-ger, the natural counterbalance is the parasympathetic nervous sys-tem response. This system induces a healing state. The true antidote to stress is to practice relaxation modalities that encourage healing. When the body is relaxed, the para-

sympathetic nervous system calms the body by lowering blood pres-sure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, while allowing healthy digestion. Try simple but powerful heal-ing practices such as prayer, medi-tation, deep breathing, cognitive behavior therapy, gentle exercise, imagery, and humor. These funda-mental healing modalities don’t re-quire special training or significant financial investments. Learn more about any or all of these practices online or at your local library. A variety of relaxation books, CDs, and DVDs are widely available.

CONSCIOUSLY SEEk

RELAXATION

Looking for relaxation in life means seeking a state of balance. Pay attention to the effects of stress on your body. Do you feel achy, fatigued, and/or anxious? No-tice how unsettled you may feel. Make a point to create an action plan to counteract this stressed out feeling. Implement regular deep breathing exercises. Lose yourself in prayer or meditation. Take a nature walk with your family, or listen to a guided imagery CD.

Even petting your furry friends or laughing at a funny movie can bring you to a state of relaxation. When the body feels the ben-efits of relaxation activities, neu-rotransmitters are generated to prolong that sense of well-being. The calming effects of a walk, for example, are long-lasting and lead you into a healthier frame of mind throughout the rest of your day. The opposite states of stress and relaxation cannot exist at the same time, just as darkness cannot exist where there’s light. So flip on the light and apply the relaxation tech-niques that work for you!

Sue Ingebretson is an author, speak-

er, certified holistic health counselor,

and the director of program devel-

opment for the Fibromyalgia and

Chronic Pain Research and Edu-

cation Center at California State

University, Fullerton. Her book,

FibroWHYalgia: Why Rebuilding the Ten Root Causes of Chronic Illness Restores Chronic Wellness, details her own healing journey from

chronic illness to chronic wellness.

www.RebuildingWellness.com/blog

MANAGING STRESSYou Have Control Over Stress Continued...

Page 25: January 2012 Essential Wellness

january 2012 25

Page 26: January 2012 Essential Wellness

s d f s d f s d f

A

TOPIC

headline

Live Well.