This month’s newsletter covers all sorts of different topics. I hope you will gain some insight from the subjects I’ll be discussing, so away we go!
LAUGHTER: try it, you’ll like it!
I am a big fan and long time user of LAUGHTER. It brings me great joy to laugh, and for those of you who have laughed with me you can attest to my ability to go deep in laughter.
Dr. William Fry from Stanford has done all kinds of research on laughter. Here are some of his findings:
1. Children laugh more than 400 times a day. Adults–fewer than a dozen times a day.
2. Get a great laugh workout—laughing for at least 10 minutes is equal to rowing for 100 strokes.
3. Laughing reduces stress hormones. It also increases beta-endorphins which relax you as well as help contain stress responses.
4. Laughing boosts your immune system by activating the production of key white blood cells.
I conclude: humor is a valuable tool so LAUGH on, my friends.
Sad statistics on obesity.
The most recent statistics indicate that 65% of the North American population is overweight or obese. 90% of those who are overweight and obese end up with type-2 diabetes. Also, at some point in life 90% of Americans will have hypertension.
Exercise and of course nutrition are two of the best ways to manage this. As a health and fitness professional I focus on these two areas when designing programs for my students and clients, so if these are areas of concern for you contact me and let’s get this handled. It’s never too late!!
Yoga on Ice.
Yes, Yoga is practiced off the mat as well. Yoga is practiced all day long, but that’s a topic for another newsletter. However, one of the most beautiful and moving expressions of Yoga (the alignment of body, mind and spirit) I have ever seen goes back to 1984—Winter Olympics ice dancing. Torvill and Dean ice dance their way to the Gold medal to Ravel’s Bolero.
Here is the link—-If you have never seen this you must, and if you saw it years ago please view it again. It always brings chills to my spine because of its artistry and elegance and gets my vote for one of my favorite Yoga moments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqBnaSjlBRE
Let me know what you think………
Want to stay mentally sharp? Exercise.
According to a Swedish study of women ages 44-66, for each 20% improvement in lung function through cardio exercise, the risk of Alzheimer’s fell 25%, very possibly because fit lungs deliver more oxygen to the brain.
What’s so great about Omega 3’s?
They provide many health benefits. They fight inflammation and lower “bad” cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which then reduces the risk of strokes.
They help reduce stiffness and soreness in your joints. They help decrease depression by keeping the brain running smoothly. Studies have shown they help control type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.
FOOD remains your best source of Omega 3’s. From the sea choose salmon, herring, mackerel, fresh tuna, sardines, oysters, trout, bass, mussels, clams and shrimp.
From land good choices are walnuts, flaxseed, tofu, soy beans, cloves, squash, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage. spinach, kale, green beans.
What’s so bad about High Fructose Corn Syrup—HFCS?
It is the leading sweetener in the United States today. It first appeared in 1996 and the average American takes in 62.6 pounds per year. Fructose is processed differently in the body than the more common sugar, glucose.
That’s the problem!
Glucose causes fat cells to release leptin, which makes you feel full so you eat less, and glucose also prevents the stomach from releasing ghrelin, which makes you hungry.
FRUCTOSE does exactly the OPPOSITE. Think about this for a moment.
Fructose increases hunger to make you eat more. Also, your liver converts fructose far more readily to body fat than it does glucose.
Large amounts of fructose cause havoc with your insulin and blood pressure. Many of the studies have been done on animals and researchers are starting to replicate these findings on humans as well.
HFCS is found in soft drinks and fruit beverages and a wide variety of processed foods so as I always recommend, please check the list of ingredients in the food you buy.
Nature is Nurturing.
Two University of Michigan professors, Stephen and Rachel Kaplan, are doing some very fascinating research into the psychological benefits of nature.
Many of us already embrace the link between nature and psychological nurturance, however, I find their work worth sharing.
Trees, grass, gardens, for instance, have a profound and positive impact on both mental and physical health.
Some of their findings:
> the psychological health of cancer patients improved dramatically after they spent 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week, doing restorative activities such as gardening or walking in the woods.
>a study of caregivers found that the single most powerful factor in avoiding stress-related burnout was “locomotion in nature”—walking, running, biking or canoeing. (the quickest way to burnout was watching television.)
>the natural setting doesn’t have to be big or pristine to have a positive effect.
Nature’s power comes down to brain function.
The source of much mental distress is the overuse of “directed attention”—concentration on work, for example. To sustain this attention is difficult and fatiguing and not just for the mind but for your body as well.
To escape the discomforts of mental fatigue people often turn to what the Kaplan’s call “hard fascination” events—–the internet and TV, for example. These activities are loud, bright and commanding.
They are engaging and fun but they DON’T allow for mental rest.
“Soft fascination” however, like a stroll on a beach or a walk in the woods, provides pleasure that compliments the gentle stimulation. The brain soaks up these pleasing images and it also can wander and reflect and recuperate.
Yes, we intuitively know this…….so remember to let nature nurture us if we feel frazzled or upset.
Thank you all for another month of support. You have continued to nudge me (and in some cases PUSH me) to greater levels of learning and serving and I appreciate it ALL. We are an amazing group of Movers and Shakers and I am proud to be called your friend.
shelli
p.s. Many thanks to all of you who asked about and picked up a copy of my newest ebook. Appreciate it!
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