Tag Archives: Health

Always go for the upgrade!

Upgrade! It seems to be a heavily used theme in today’s atmosphere. Doesn’t it? We are always to be upgrading our life, our gadgets, quite literally everything.

Please understand, I’m not writing about the most obvious upgrading or shall I be bold enough to state over-consumption? It’s not about tossing out something that functions perfectly for the latest and greatest thingy-ma-bob. In case you’re wondering the thingy-ma-bob is that one thing that promises to deliver way more ease and social status for the sum of what’s inside of your savings account.

So what on earth do I mean when I refer to upgrading?

Let’s first peek into what a quick Google search reveals. Upgrade is a verb which refers to raising (something) to a higher standard, in particular (equipment or machinery) by adding to or replacing components. Often, it’s about improving, updating, making better or bringing about reform.

So why am I focusing on this word? Am I about to pitch you the latest iPhone or software update? Nope.

I’m actually pitching the idea of adding VALUE to our lives through the concept of upgrading. Yes, upgrading but not in the most traditional sense as we humans are not a piece of equipment or machinery. To be clear, you are already enough.

As humans we often mistake believing that our worth comes from our performance.

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I believe we can help others upgrade their life by adding value to it. For example, if you are a health professional you can add value by helping increase one’s health through education. If you an educator you can increase value in your student’s lives by creating opportunities to grow in the direction that adds joy and contribution to their life experience. These are the types of upgrades we all desire.

As entrepreneurs how can we offer value to those we serve? If we have customers who are wanting to create better results, we’re listening intently to how we can improve the customer experience? Is there a way one of our products or services could make a greater impact? How do we express that? Are we engaging in a dialogue on how we can best serve them? Is there a transformational event we can suggest that a partner may engage to upgrade his or her life? You see, there are always ways to add value and create better business. The notion of always going for the upgrade has zero to do with competing against others. In reality it’s all about helping our fellow humans develop and grow into the greatest vision they hold for their selves.

Not an entrepreneur? No problem.

Let’s pretend you’re on a health journey, and, aren’t we all? How then, can you upgrade to make the adventure even more enjoyable? Take quick inventory. How do you sleep? Have you noticed what foods boost your energy? How about the foods that rob you from your energy? How can you upgrade your rest and nutrition? What about your physical fitness? Happiness and mental health? What about your water intake? These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how to upgrade your health, thus adding value to your everyday life. We can always go for the upgrade– not in the sense to create overwhelm or perfection but rather self-appreciation and self-care.

Dr. Paige Hunter

Chime In!

How will you upgrade your own life or the life of another? If so, what upgrades do you plan on making or offering others to create more value in the world?

 

It’s Time You Get a Massage!

When was the last time you actually slowed down enough to detox from overwhelm or simply relax? If you lead a busy life, have a health condition or have trouble winding down, it’s time you get a massage!

When it comes to well-being and health, massage therapy is a favorite. Sure it can be relaxing, but it also aids the body’s often taxed detoxification process. Being the loving person you are, why not support your body?

Why massage? Less toxins, less stress. Less stress, better health. Better health, more happiness.

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All legit reasons to set an appointment soon NOW.

Did you know there are over 200 modalities of massage therapy? Don’t let this overwhelm you, I’ll offer highlights on four styles, and you choose one.

Lymphatic Drainage

A gentle yet powerful therapy for aiding the lymphatic system is Lymphatic Drainage. Some folks say this isn’t really a “massage” at all because with lymphatic drainage a variety of nuerolymphatic reflex points are repeatedly pumped and gently kneaded to clear toxins and other unwanted substances from the body while increasing the flow of the lymph. It definitely doesn’t fit the bill of what we normally believe to be a massage, yet it serves a very important place.

Excuse me while I nerd out a bit. You see our lymphatic system is one of the main elimination systems that plays an integral part in the body’s detox process. It carries valuable hormones, proteins, and fat to the cells while eliminating all sorts of toxins from emotional residue, electromagnetic pollution, chemicals and stagnant flow. The lymphatic system carries responsibility for absorbing nutrients and regulating the waste disposal system in our body. Therefore a therapy supporting this incredible process is indeed a winner!

Swedish

Swedish massage is the most popular in the Western Hemisphere. The Swedish technique is meant to enhance our immune system and strengthen the muscles and connective tissue. If our muscles are relaxed, then our body is far more likely to detoxify, cleanse and feel rejuvenated.

The Swedish modality can simultaneously increase oxygen levels, while helping with relaxation. It logically reduces stress on our organs– including the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore encouraging better body performance.

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Chinese

Traditional Chinese massage can be likened to a detox massage. It’s closely related to acupuncture which focuses on channels or energy points intended to effectively transport and guide blood and energy throughout the body. The aim of the Chinese modality is to achieve balance to protect our bodies against different types of infection and maintain the optimum function of all organs.

When the channels are partially obstructed or blocked, we experience pain and are prone to health problems. In Chinese massage, the intention is to identify which pathways are impeded or blocked and require pressure to reintroduce flow back to our body and its systems. Often reflexology is included in the repertoire. The style is definitely therapeutic in nature and for some, the pressure is extremely firm.

Thai

Thai massage works our entire body. It’s a more invigorating than most as the therapist deliberately manipulates the body, moving it into yoga-like stretches. A Thai massage therapist uses every part of his or her body—hands, knees, legs, and feet—to not only stretch you but also apply pressure on your muscles and loosen your joints. Some even get walked on!

New to massage?

If you are new to massage or it has been a long time, begin with Lymphatic Drainage or Swedish. In the hands of a professional great strides toward wellness can happen. If you’re not clear where to go, ask among friends for referrals. Find out who they go to and what kind of massage it is. Also, you may find online reviews. Although I know some of us secretly wonder if only two positive reviews exist, they must be written by the  therapist’s mother and best friend. If this is you, you really do NEED a massage. (Wink, wink.) And of course, if in doubt, get a referral from a friend or someone you respect.

Know there can be some shady, unlicensed practitioners. If I am reading my audience correctly, you want a bonafide massage therapist, not a masseuse. Below is a picture of a sign I came across in search of a great massage. While it made me chuckle, I also cringed knowing that this profession isn’t always respected as it should be. Therapeutic massage is serious business, not monkey business. Meanwhile, laugh, love and live– and don’t forget to book yourself a massage for optimal health!

Massage

Chime In!

Will you take the challenge and book a massage? OR Have you already benefited from taking the challenge? If so, what is your favorite kind? Share in the comments below.

Want to read a little more on the subject? Here are some resources that I used in writing this article.

Miracle Touch: A Complete Guide to Hands-On Therapies That Have the Amazing Ability to Heal. (2003). Debra Fulghum Bruce. Three Rivers Press. New York.

Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body’s Energies for Optimal Health, Joy and Vitality. (2008) Donna Eden. Penguin Group. New York.

Want to go for some more healing therapies? Take a peek at Earthing!

Proper brainwashing and 3 Tips to transform your programming

Brainwashing may seem a bit strong. And, now that I have your attention, you and I are brainwashed. Seriously. Think of it as being programmed for success or failure much like a computer is programmed to run sequences. In the lighter sense and use of the word, brainwashing includes the changing or influence of our opinions, attitudes or behavior by specific methods. The brainwashing we have dictates much of WHAT we do, often times without the understanding of WHY we do it.

Here’s some examples of how brainwashing happens. Many of us hustle to get an education to get a job we don’t even love. Or, we find ourselves scarfing down a bag of potato chips. Replays of “no one can eat just one” has us well-trained. We may burst out singing perfect lyrics in a grocery store aisle to a well-worn ten-year old song. We’re moving through life as our culture, society and mass media suggests.We are performing on cue.

Do we stop to question. Do we wonder why we live the way we do?

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As an ambassador for health and entrepreneurship, I know first hand about resistance. I’ve been told that I need to go easy on Coca Cola and Nabisco. As much brainwashing that I had received about eating pre-packaged, canned goods, or fast food, it was my personal experience of poor health that forced me to question previous nutritional teachings- you know the ones I learned from the Jolly Green Giant, Ronald McDonald and Little Debbie.

My own mother (who was, and is still my biggest cheerleader) continually asked, “Honey, when are you going to get a real job?” Several close friends questioned why I would not go work for someone else. They’d ask, “Isn’t what you’re doing risky? Can you pay the bills? Aren’t you afraid you won’t be able to retire?” Then the revelation hit. As much as I had been brainwashed to get an education so I could get a good job, my personal experiences and yearning desires for freedom beckoned me into the entrepreneurial world. The reality I was seeing is that job security is only a perception. Experiences led me to the only decision I knew deep down that I must take. However, there was one problem. The brainwashing. Sure, I was strong, but I needed a plan to keep me moving in the direction of my dreams.

A Proper Brainwashing and 3 Tips to Transform Your Programming

Is it time to interrupt your personal programming to create a life you really want? Is it time to reconsider what others say you should be or do and step out in confidence? If so, I’d like to offer some advice that’s worked for me.

Decide

Your current results are a reflection of the total sum of decisions that you have consciously or unconsciously made. The same statement applies to me. However, something powerful can happen when we desire to forge a different path. Our ability to question the status quo or our current brain washing requires courage. We must decide to set the dial of our own programming, one that leads us to our desired result.

It’s a decision that has us much like salmon swimming upstream. Perhaps not the most comfortable decision to make, but the one that leads us to the most adventure of being alive.

A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it. ~ G.K. Chesterson

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We get to decide to take the better path– the one that brings more purpose, health, and satisfaction. We get to decide how and what we will program our powerful brains with every day. Instead of being a receptor of information thrown at us, we can discern which voices to listen to, what books and blogs to read and how we to act on the information we receive. I’m rooting for a proper brainwashing!

Laugh in the Face of Conformity

Tradition doesn’t always breed health or happiness. In fact, it can perpetuate stress and sadness. This is why I suggest we quit trying to be in the one-size-fits all and embrace what makes more sense.  We need to laugh in the face of conformity, reject archaic, non-serving practices that make us want to poke our eyes out.

It’s time to bust up the societal brainwashing that repeats, “this is the way it is, this is the way it will always be.” Heck NO! As the late business philosopher, Jim Rohn said, “don’t sign up for that class!” Transform previous programming with humor. If you’ve caught yourself uncomfortably conforming, it’s time to stop being the butt of the joke and try an alternative approach to life. Pun intended. 😉

Huddle Up

HuddleUp

As awkward as this advice may sound, form your own cult or join an existing one. Let me explain. I’m not urging you to join the type of cult that will get you in trouble, rather one that has goals similar to yours. One that cheers you on and vice versa. Are you forging a new health adventure to better wellness? Find a group of health-minded individuals. Are you an aspiring or seasoned entrepreneur? Connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Being part of a community that can huddle up, dialogue and exchange wins, challenges and inspiration is perhaps one of the most fruitful practices when it comes to “properly brainwashing” our self for transformative success. If you happen to be looking for a community that focuses on improving health or developing as an entrepreneur, let’s connect. Perhaps we should be huddling up so you can better create the life you desire.

Chime In!

What ways do you properly brainwash yourself? Any particular podcasts, blogs or social media you follow to help you transform your life for the better? Do share! I want to know.

 

10 Quick Mood Boosters to Brighten Your Day

Ever find yourself in a funk? Perhaps you snapped at the love of your life? The kids? Maybe it was even the clerk at the supermarket? It’s the odd feeling of funk. And by funk I mean you feel discombobulated, blue, upset or anxiousness and it seems for no plausible reason. Ugh! No worries though. Here’s 10 quick mood boosters to raise your spirits and brighten your day. Yay!

1. Go walking on sunshine, whoooooaaa.

You know Katrina and the Waves made the song popular because it’s true. It really resonates. And if by chance the sun is not out where you are at the moment a little exercise always lifts the spirits. Of course, if you have sunshine sneak in the vitamin D for extra mood-boosting powers. And if you have a broken leg, no worries, I have something for you. Link to song.

Sunshine Walk

2. Plant or buy for indoor enjoyment a brightly colored kalanchoe plant.

You get a variety of choices– yellow, red, magenta, orange, hot and light pink and white. Don’t have a green thumb? It’s okay. I assure you. I’m a bit challenged in the plant longevity department and I’ve managed to enjoy the cheery flowering plants for sometime. (True confession: I actually googled “hard to kill flowers/plants. So this research is legit.)

flower

3. Declutter a small space.

The focus here to accomplish something that will give instant gratification and thus a quick mood boost. If you are OCD and have everything perfectly in order already. I admire you. Simply skip over this suggestion or come help me. 😉 The rest of us can put things in order so we feel the benefit of clearing out papers, unpaired socks, or unfixed gadgets that don’t serve us leaving us a happy as a pig in mud.

4. Meet a friend or friends for tea time or a cup of java.

Even the most remote of introverts at their deepest levels crave connection. Having a nice conversation, sharing some ideas and laughter never hurt anyone. Whose to say that a little caffeine from some coffee or delicious green tea can’t add to boosting your mood and brightening your day?

 

Group of women talking over a cup of coffee

5. Send a positive text or email to an unsuspecting person.

Maybe it’s a client or someone you have done business with recently. Let them know what makes them valuable in the world or to you. Perhaps send a picture of something they helped bring value to you. I can assure you that on the receiving end it’s heartwarming. Just two quick shares. From a health coaching client I received two texts one was a before and after picture of her 22 pound weight loss. The other picture showcased some deliciously prepared food with a simple “Thanks! I haven’t eaten or felt this good since my 20s.”  Squeal! From a business client I received these words in an email “since we last worked together my monthly income has increased by $600.” Again, warm fuzzies and squeals of joy. I assure you that both sending and receiving feels great!

6. Call your most inspirational or funny friend.

See what’s new and good in their life. I have this friend Shelly. She seriously has the most wildly ridiculous circumstances that come up in her life that put me in stitches. She’s also a philanthropic ninja always defending the defenseless. If I want an immediate lift, I reach out and see what’s going on in the wacky and wonderful world of Shelly. She not only makes me laugh, she reminds me of how precious this life is and how we are here to serve and make a difference in this wonderful world.

call

7. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate.

Yes, I said that. A small piece of dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, it contains compounds that influence our levels of serotonin. So what do you need to know about serotonin? That this brain chemical is the feel good chemical. So go ahead and indulge a little. 🙂

Choco

8. Unwind in a hot bath.

A long time personal favorite. I like to set the stage. A little Jazz music from Miles Davis. Some lavender or vanilla essential oils added to the bath salts and a little slice of Heaven is created. Stress melts away and I’m so. good. to. go. I strongly recommend this for your personal self-care practice and mood boost repertoire.

Rubberducky

9. Elevate with gratitude.

Pull yourself away from a funk by focusing on giving thanks. Focus less on the problem, more on creating a solution and by all means count your blessings. There’s so much to be grateful for and placing this as a daily practice helps ensure that we don’t get sucked down the grouch rabbit-trail of funk. Drum up one thing you are thankful for and relish it! It’s a quick mood booster. Pinky promise.

Gratitude

10. Snuggle with four-legged friends.

While puppies and kittens are high on the chart grown critters and farm animals will also do! There’s lots of supporting evidence that petting animals reduces stress, anxiety or boosts our mood.

Puppies

Share with us!

In the comments below, tell us– Do you have any quick go to mood boosters? OR– what’s your next plan to defer to when you need to add a little sunshine to your life?

How taking one action can alter everything…

and 5 simple steps to uncover it

I’ll never forget the day I wanted to yank my hair out and ask for a refund. It seemed overly simplistic. We were teamed up and tasked to pinpoint the one action that can alter everything. Or rather, come face-to-face with, “what’s stopping me from being my best?” If I could capture this, then I could identify the one action that substantially creates progress in my life.

B-I-N-G-O!

She got it. She really got it. Me, not so much.

Allow me to explain. Ten years ago I was attending a leadership conference when Sally (not her real name of course) and I were paired up as each others’  “camp buddy.”

During an outside break, we were to share what the one action we’d take over the next 6 weeks to reach new goals. Sally’s eyes filled up with big crocodile tears. With deep conviction she said,  “I know what I’m supposed to do. From now on I’m going to set my alarm for 7:00 a.m. and that’s it. This will transform everything. It’s decided.”

I was surprised and queried, “So it’s decided?”

I thought,  “So an alarm for 7:00, huh? Why not 6:52 or 7:03?” Sally had clearly set her intention and I felt it my duty to support her. Still befuddled by her conclusion I wondered how setting an alarm clock could seriously be the one action that accelerates results.

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In spite of my disdain for annoying alarm clocks, something snapped and I understood what she meant. Of course, this epiphany happened when Sally explained a simple five-step strategy that uncovered the one action that we could take to power through to our goals.

1) Identify the lie/s.

2) Slam the door on excuses.

3) Poof! The one life-altering action appears!

4) Tell it, do it, and walk with accountability.

5) Celebrate the results.

This was not Sally’s first rodeo! (not literally, that’s Texan for she’s no novice) She was on a mission. I asked her to elaborate so I too could move past anything stopping me. Sally confided that she was re-auditing the leadership course because it had proven to be super beneficial. She explained where her mental condition had been a few years back as she walked me through the five steps that can propel us to that one trigger action that creates a lasting domino effect.

First, Sally exposed the lies. She believed she could never be a healthy size 8 again. She believed she didn’t have time to take care of herself by preparing nutritious meals or working out 3-4 times a week. Sally explained that the feeling of overwhelm and fitting into a size 16 left her stuck in the mud.

Letting go becomes easier when you see not what you lose, but all that you gain in creating space for something new.“ Renate Vullings

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Second, she decided to slam the door on the excuses and devise a plan instead. Sally realized she made choices based solely on convenience rather than substance. She took charge, reached out to a neighbor friend for support. Together they agreed to start walking 3 times a week for 45 minutes. Sally also chose to shop for groceries on Friday so she could plan out and prepare meals during the weekend. These two choices really helped her get after two of her biggest excuses.

Third, Sally took on her one big action she KNEW would change everything. She pinpointed where things had gone awry. She recognized that shortly after her best friend’s fatal car accident she fell victim to sugar and processed carbs. It was understandable. Sugar had become her solace and comfort. Sally shared that it too, had also be her “socially-acceptable crack”. A radical choice to cut out sugar from her diet all together ensued. She was convinced this one action would give her the freedom she wanted– and it did.

Fourth, Sally told her immediate family and close circle of friends what she was up to. She did so to receive support, and frankly, there were times that she was challenged by friendly sabotage. However, there were those who rallied around her efforts, inciting accountability.

Fifth, when Sally hit her goal she booked a weekend getaway to the beach with her husband. She commissioned him to help her pick out two great outfits; one for a special dinner and another for pictures that would be taken to celebrate their upcoming 10-year anniversary. She took this opportunity to whip out her cell phone and show me her favorite photos of that day.

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Sally’s one decision brought about desired results of health and confidence. What’s more is that this one decision to nix sugar and processed carbs brought about a tremendous friendship with her walking partner. The results didn’t stop there. She shared with me that her marriage had vastly improved because she no longer craved what made her body feel bad. Instead, she chose to work on the deeper issues and in time, new patterns of health, acceptance and joy took the once dark place.

One action possesses the power to become transformational.

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I’m about to reconnect with Sally on a monthly call. I look forward to hearing how setting an alarm at 7:00 a.m. continues to drastically transform her life.

While I’m still not a fan of alarm clocks, I did decide one the one action I’d take to change everything. I chose to give up my night owl status. Now my one action of hitting the hay earlier is making all the difference in the world. Who knew? Bedtime at 10:30 sets my world in motion, my mind at ease and my goals on the fast track.

Over to you!

Are you up to taking that one action that can create the remarkable results you crave as an entrepreneur or health adventurer? If so, tell us in the comments below. We’ll be happy to cheer you on as you pick up more lift!

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