San Francisco Womens Journal » Health & Wellness

Astrology: 5 Ways Leo Stokes the Creative Fires

SFWJ — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:45:20 +0000

Jamie Kahl

Leo (July 22-Aug 21) is the most creative, expressive sign, there is, and that’s a gift! This can be hard to remember when your friendly neighborhood Leo is being loud and showing off.

by Jamie Kahl , SF Bay Area Astrologer

But the real purpose behind bad Leo behavior is to get in touch with one’s playful, innocent inner child, open up creativity and express one’s real self. Leos at their best are friendly, effusive, warm, welcoming and authentic. Here’s some advice for Leos (and the bit of Leo in the rest of us) on the path to self-discovery and creative expression:

1. Be appropriately self-centered.

This is a delicate balance. Love yourself without arrogance as a flawed-but-beautiful human being: one of many, all of equal importance, holding yourself as your own special charge. You are the shepherd of your own self, the guide of this body, this mind, this heart, this soul, this being. Cherish this person you were given to be.

2. Shine on everyone.

Leo knows a very special secret: that attention is the most valuable commodity in the world. Everybody wants some and almost everybody wants more than they are getting or a different quality of attention than they’re getting. When your Leo side is badly-behaved, it will pull you to grab attention—any attention at all. When your Leo side is healthy, you give attention as the Sun gives sunshine—naturally, because you cannot help it, and because you simply love to share.

3. Be a role model.

Be a leader. Stand up, be seen, be visible. Chief obstacles to this include embarrassment and fear of looking silly. But don’t let them stop you! If people don’t have other people to look to, how can they learn to live? If there’s something you’ve figured out about how to live an excellent life, model that, be that, show that to the world. I’ll betcha someone around you needed to see it in action.

4. Play.

Be a child. Have fun. Get so absorbed in what you are doing that you forget how others see you. Engage others in the fun you are having. Taking a playful approach to just about anything opens up creative channels and allows for relaxed, right-brain thinking.

5. Never underestimate the importance of your unique, authentic creativity.

Leo exists to remind us that the individual point of view is important. Modern physics tells us that the center is everywhere—and nowhere. This means the center of the universe resides in you just as powerfully as in anyone. Your point of view matters, and the creative flow that can come forth only from you and you alone is absolutely crucial to the workings of the whole.

Give Leo credit. It’s not easy to be your truest, most authentic self in front of God and everybody. That’s scary stuff. Occupy your whole social footprint—no more, no less, and the Leo in you will be happy.

* You don’t have to “be” a Leo to feel like one. Everybody’s got at least a little Leo inside (and sometimes a lot); even if their actual “sign”, (i.e. Sun sign) is something else.

Read more about Leo on Jamie’s Astrology and Personal Empowerment blog.

And if you’re not a Leo, check out Jamie’s other articles on Gemini, Taurus, Aries and Cancer!

Jamie Kahl is a professional astrologer with 30 years of study and 18 years of practice in Berkeley, CA. She specializes in showing women the power of feminine archetypes in everyday life. She does readings for individuals, couples and families. She also teaches classes in person in Berkeley and online.

Jamie believes that every human being contains the seeds of greatness, and that your astrology chart is the finest shortcut to accessing it. Using your chart as the “owner’s manual for being you,” Jamie can help you have satisfying relationships, enjoy career success, discover your life purpose and navigate your path in ways tailored to work uniquely for you. Learn more at Pandora Astrology.

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Increase Your Energy by Check’n Out to Check Back In!

SFWJ — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:09:16 +0000

Nikki Anderson

This past week was one of ‘those’ weeks. I had to get a lot done in a short amount of time with less energy than ‘normal’. During these times, there are always two voices that speak to me.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

The first goes something like this, “Just push through it- get another cup of extra strength decaf so you won’t have to feel so tired. After all you need to get this done if you want to be successful.”

The second voice sounds like this, “If you want to do quality work, you need to take a rest and honor your health. Everything will be fine, EVEN if you take a break.” At different times both voices sound incredibly compelling. However, as of late the later has been more prevalent albeit a bit scary to trust.

Listen to What Your Body is Telling You

Sometimes as women, our energy level dips. At least mine sure does. And, I always have the choice to try and mask what my body is telling me with preservatives, caffeine, extra doses of vitamins, and I’m sure I could come up with more ‘additives’ to keep me going.

The thing is do I really want to do this to myself? Is ‘success’ or my ‘image’ so important that I’m willing to sacrifice my health?

Good Health AND Success at Work

Or perhaps I could have both – success and conviction around honoring my health and energy. I forget that this doesn’t necessarily have to be an ‘or’ decision – it’s this way OR that. I can make this an ‘AND’ decision.

That said, I am clear that honoring my health AND my work is not always the easiest or the most convenient choice. Sometimes this means I need to get an extra nap in my day or not stay after a work meeting for the after-work-dinner. Or call it a day at 5PM EVEN when there are a million more things to do.

But in the end, to my surprise, I’m finding that taking the time out for me and my health lets me re-fuel my tank. And it helps me get clearer and more concise about where and with whom I’m spending my energy. The bottom line, I become more efficient when I take time to check out!

Here’s to a time out for both of us! After all, we deserve it and so do our bodies!

Nikki
Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.

Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

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Work/Life Balance: 3 Ways to Make More Time for Your Family!

SFWJ — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:25:41 +0000

Kristin Southwick

Part 3 of my series on “Work Life Balance, The Juggling Act” is a very critical one…How to create quality time with your family while also meeting work demands, finding time to rejuvenate yourself, and continuing to foster relationships.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I have found that many people I work with struggle to find time to spend with their loved ones. Busy family schedules add to the feeling of impossibility and stress of creating family time together.

However, I think what’s most important is not the quantity of time, but the “quality of time”.

Consider these 3 suggestions to help you create quality family time:

1. Family Dinner Nights

Although schedules can be tricky, make it a priority to have at least three dinners together a week. This will be a great way to catch up on each other’s day-to-day life. It is essential during this time to turn the cell phone and TV off, and put Facebook away!

Use this time to talk with each other and open the lines of communication between family members. Ask each person to discuss what’s important to him or her or something special about his or her week. This is a great time for parents to acknowledge their children and each other for their successes.

One way to engage the entire family is to have each person take a turn choosing his/ her favorite meal and help prepare it. If weekdays are a bit hard to get everyone around the dinner table, take advantage of free time during weekends. This will build a wonderful family tradition that your children will look back on and cherish. And who knows…one day they may even continue the tradition with their own families!

2. Family Trips

Traditional weeklong family vacations may be difficult to take during this economic downturn. However, family trips are a wonderful way to bond, create memories and are something all family members look forward to.

A simple, fun and less expensive alternative may be a weekend trip. Or consider less expensive outings, such as camping. You can always pitch a tent in a back yard or even your living room for a fun adventure!

Encourage everyone to participate in all the details from planning through execution so that they feel their suggestions are important and validated.

3. Family Nights

Planning a weekly evening with the family can be relaxing and enjoyable. Renting movies, playing games, going for bike rides or to the park, picnicking at the beach, attending local sporting events are just some ideas. Allow each member a chance to pick an activity so his or her interest is recognized. This insures that every family member feels included and equally important.

I hope these suggestions spark some creative ideas to help you easily plan and enjoy time with your family. With a little thought, family time can be fun and exciting, without spending a lot of money.

No matter how you decide to spend time with your loved ones, remember to talk, laugh, and turn off all the distractions around you.

Not only will this improve the “quality” of those precious moments, but it let’s all family members know that you cherish your time together!

Kristin Southwick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the CA Board of Behavioral Science and received her Master’s from John F. Kennedy University. She has a private practice in San Francisco and Burlingame.

Kristin believes therapy is a meaningful experience that offers a supportive and confidential space to explore aspects of one’s life and relationships. She provides brief and long term counseling services to children, adolescent, adults, couples, and families. For more information regarding Kristin’s practice, please visit her website, KristinSouthwick.com.

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4 Keys to Balance Your Hormones Naturally!

SFWJ — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:45:12 +0000

Daniela Frieda

Are you ruled by your cycles? Do you have intense mood swings before your period- from sadness to anger and irritability? Do you have bloating, weight gain, and uncontrollable sugar cravings before your period?

There is a solution.

by Daniela Frieda, CA Licensed Acupuncturist
Specializing in Women’s Health

Balance Your Hormones

Hormonal balance is key to experiencing healthier and more balanced menstrual cycles. How do you balance hormones? You start by being healthy in your everyday life.

These four recommendations will help you feel overall healthier and will support you to balance your hormones.

1. Eat Fresh, Whole foods

Packaged foods are heavily processed and devoid of the nutrients our body needs to heal and function optimally. To get the essential nutrients your body needs, I recommend eating fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, healthy fats, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy.

Be sure that you are not adding unhealthy hormones and chemicals into your body through your food.

I recommend choosing all organic foods, and choosing dairy, eggs, and meat that are hormone-free.

2. Move Your Body

Regular moderate exercise is vital to health. Exercise can relieve or prevent symptoms of PMS such as depression, mood swings, bloating and weight gain.

I recommend finding a form of exercise that is joyful and fun for you.

Some ideas include dancing, running, walking, resistance training, kickboxing or pilates. I especially recommend yoga at least once per week for whole body balance. Yoga is a powerful way to connect inward, decrease stress, and balance your mood.

3. Breathe Deeply

Have you ever delayed your period or even skipped a period due to stress? This shows that stress management is essential for healthy menstrual cycles. Breathing offers powerful relief.

Take slow, deep breaths into your belly whenever you find a moment in order to calm your spirit, relax your body, and ease tension.

For even greater benefits, schedule a regular breathing or meditation practice into your daily life.

4. Sleep Well

Getting good quality sleep is crucial for the balanced production of hormones. Sleep is key to maintain a healthy weight, curb carbohydrate and sugar cravings, and enjoy a balanced mood.

Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, and try to go to bed by 10:30PM.

To promote restful sleep, create a dark, quiet, comfortable bedroom environment.

Because this is not an overnight solution, these changes may take time to show significant results. But if you stick with it, you will feel healthier, happier, and experience more energy.

Daniela Freda is a California Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She holds a Master’s in Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In her private practice in San Francisco, Daniela integrates acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and nutrition to address women’s health concerns. She offers a natural approach for women’s health isssues including easing PMS and menstrual cramps, regulating cycles, preparing for pregnancy, and migraine. To learn more about Daniela’s practice, please visit DanielaFreda.com.

Healthy Living: How Much Water do You Need?

SFWJ — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:30:34 +0000

You’ve heard all the advice: Drink eight glasses of water a day. Stay properly hydrated while exercising. Sports drinks aren’t just for professional athletes.

Yet you’re still unsure whether you’re drinking the right amount for good health.
How much fluid should you really be taking in daily? Do you need to add extra when you’re physically active? And is too much water dangerous?

How Much Water Do You Need?

Everyone’s body needs water. We lose it by sweating, excretion, or simply not taking in enough through foods—like fruits and vegetables—and drinks. Mild dehydration (losing less than two percent of your body weight due to inadequate fluids) can cause health problems, including dizziness and headache.

To keep your body supplied with the fluid it needs, especially when exercising, follow these tips:

Get the basics. Most women need eight to nine cups of total fluids a day, including all beverages and the water in foods.

Increase according to the weather. High temperatures or humidity outside, heated indoor air and high altitudes all cause you to need more fluids.

Add when exercising. Drink one cup of fluids every 15 minutes during physical activity, advises Werner W.K. Hoeger, Ed.D., FACSM, professor of kinesiology and director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Boise State University. He recommends sports drinks over water when exercising because they contain electrolytes—important to provide the minerals necessary for proper cellular metabolism—which is disrupted during physical exertion. Electrolyte replacement also helps maintain proper muscle contraction and cardiac function.

Add more for big events. If you’re going to be in a race or charity walk, make sure you drink enough to be well-hydrated the day before, Hoeger adds. Also, drink a glass of fluids an hour before the event.

Drinking for two? Pregnant and nursing women need additional fluids. Talk with your health care professional about what’s best for you.

Still thirsty? If drinking fluids doesn’t relieve your thirst, you may have a health condition such as diabetes. See your health care professional right away.

Too much of a good thing. In very rare cases—chiefly among marathon runners—drinking too much fluid leads to a life-threatening illness, hyponatremia. This occurs when sodium levels in the blood fall too low. It happens chiefly to athletes who have run for more than four hours and gained a lot of weight during the race from drinking.

This article was contributed by our content partner- the National Women’s Health Resource Center. For more information on this topic please visit the HealthyWomen website!

Kick Your Smoking Habit with Hypnosis!

SFWJ — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:19:19 +0000

Jane Ransom

In February, a friend of a friend telephoned asking for help quitting cigarettes. Sheila had been smoking since age 16. The habit felt like such a part of her that she was willing to give it up only for one very good reason: She was pregnant.

byJane Ransom, Certified Hypnotherapist

Can Hypnosis Help You Quit Smoking?

Sheila wanted to know if hypnosis helps people to quit smoking. Numerous studies have found hypnotherapy to be the most effective way to kick the habit, the reason being that it works to change a client’s subconscious programming.

Like most smokers, Sheila felt that smoking relaxed her, and that she needed cigarettes to get through times of stress. “I know this sounds weird,” she added, “but I sort of feel like smoking is my friend. It’s just always been there for me.”

Nictoin IS Poison

I reassured her that many smokers see cigarettes as their “friend,” even though they know logically that nicotine is a poison (drinking even a thimbleful can kill you) and that a real friend doesn’t poison you!

Most smokers also feel smoking relaxes them, even though this is just as illogical: Nicotine is not only a neurotoxin, it is also a stimulant. Nicotine cannot relax anyone.

So why do smokers have the impression that their “friend” nicotine relaxes them? It is because throughout the years, they have created an association in the brain between cigarettes and moments of relaxation: smoking while taking work breaks, socializing with friends, relaxing after a meal, or with a drink, and so on.

Moreover, usually when a smoker first lights up, she inhales deeply and exhales slowly.

The truth is, anytime you inhale deeply and exhale slowly, you will relax your own physiology. (That is why so often you see public speakers and entertainers taking a moment to breathe before they perform, to calm their nerves.)

You Have Trained Your Brain to Believe that Smoking Relaxes You

Thus, over the years, a smoker’s brain learns to subconsciously associate smoking with relaxation. Once that neural association is created, then whenever the smoker reaches for a cigarette, the brain releases hormones and neurotransmitters connected with calmness.

So it is not that smokers are imagining the relaxation they experience when they smoke. It is just that it’s their brain, and not the cigarette, that is actually creating the calming effect.

Like most of my smoking-cessation clients, Sheila was able to quit during her first session. Through hypnosis, we dislodged her subconscious association between smoking and relaxation, and we created healthier tools she can use to calm herself in the future. The session lasted nearly three hours, because we took time to “desensitize” her to all the old triggers, all those times in the past when she used to reach for a cigarette: with coffee, after meals, having a drink, etc.

Hypnosis Helps You Quit Smoking

It has been more than four months now since Sheila quit. Her recent sonogram came out well. She and her husband Steve are thrilled to be expecting their first child, and they are both ecstatic that Sheila is smoke-free. She will be a wonderful mother, and she already has a great start.

Jane Ransom, MA, C.Ht., conducts hypnotherapy sessions in her downtown San Francisco office, as well as by phone and online web-cam. She helps clients with a multitude of health issues, including weight loss, chronic pain and smoking cessation, and she also leads clients to achieve career, sports and artistic success.

As a public speaker, Jane offers talks and workshops on how to boost self-confidence and motivation, improve relationships and invite inspiration. For more information, please visit Jane’s website, HypnotherapyThatWorks.

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Astrology: Cancer Excels in Emotional Intelligence

SFWJ — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:21:04 +0000

Jamie Kahl

Do you know why Cancers (June 21-July 21) are so lovable? Emotional intelligence, that’s why! This sensitive Water sign quickly learns that life is all about feelings. Here’s just some of the great stuff Cancers learn as they swim through life’s waters.

by Jamie Kahl , Astrologer

Know What You are Feeling

One of the first and best pieces of knowledge that a smart Cancer learns is how to tell the difference between an emotion, an intuition and a mood. An emotion is any feeling you have. An intuition is a feeling you should pay attention to, even if you don’t know why you are having it, because it’s trying to guide you. A mood is a passing feeling that you don’t want to act on, because such impulses lead to bad choices.

Smart Cancers know the difference!

Manage Your Emotions

Knowing how to manage your own emotions springs directly from knowing the differences between kinds of emotions. When you know why you feel what you feel, then it’s easy to know what you should do about that (or not).

Suppose you just met someone and you took an instant dislike to him. Is that because there’s something creepy about him or is that because you’re in a sensitive mood or is that because they remind you of somebody who was mean to you years ago?

Each situation calls for a different response and you need to know how to choose.

Sympathy and Empathy

An emotionally intelligent Cancer is adept at sympathizing and empathizing with the emotions of others. Cancers are naturally supportive and sympathetic, which gives them an edge when it comes to establishing rapport and connecting with others. Being able to feel-with and feel-for others binds them to you.

Cancers are great bonders.

Cancers Value Love

Cancers value love and the ability to love above being right or being strong. They are not usually stoic people. A Cancer would usually rather be connected to someone they love, even if that connection is painful, than be shut out. Cancers are not usually interested in superiority or in dominating (unless they’ve got a Leo streak).

Loving, connecting and bonding and feeling-with are high on their value scale.

Channel Emotions in Ways that Make a Difference

As a Cancer matures, she becomes able to channel emotions into life in ways that make a difference. As soon as she’s comfortably situated, or at least oriented (and sometimes even before!) she looks around for things that need nurturing and she begins pouring love, care and thoughtfulness into those things. And whether those things include babies, gardens, businesses, projects, people or pets, under the loving gentle rain of Cancerian care, they cannot help but blossom.

It’s not necessary to have your Sun, Moon or Rising in Cancer to develop intuitive ability. Every human being alive has Cancerian emotional intelligence. Cultivate yours and watch your world flower!

* You don’t have to be a Cancer to be a Cancer type. That’s because you could be a Leo (or any other sign) yet have a bunch of planets in your chart in Cancer—enough to tip the balance and leave you feeling more like Crab than Lion.

Read more about Cancer on Jamie’s Astrology and Personal Empowerment blog.

And if you’re not a Cancer, check out Jamie’s other articles on Gemini, Taurus and Aries!

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Organic vs Conventional Fruits and Vegetables: What Should You Buy?

SFWJ — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:50:43 +0000

Kristin Hoppe

Summer is here and produce is abundant! It is especially important at this time of year to monitor where you’re buying your produce as many of the seasonal treats of summer can be laden with pesticides.

By Kristin Hoppe
Certified Nutrition Consultant

Beware of Pesticides in Your Produce!

Synthetic pesticides are toxic and can attack our central nervous system. Studies have shown an even higher risk for pregnant women and children as pesticides can interfere with growth and development. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer).

The latest news is The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has proposed registering methyl iodide (a toxic carcinogen) as a pesticide in California to be used on strawberries and other crops. Now more than ever, it is important to know where your food is coming from. Your health depends on it.

Organic versus Conventionally-Grown: What to Buy?

To help you navigate organic versus conventionally-grown produce, The Environmental Working Group publishes a list of the “Dirty Dozen” or worst offenders when it comes to levels of pesticides detected. The list is based on studies conducted by the FDA and USDA from 2000-2008, and they re-publish this list once per year.

Produce with the Highest Level of Contamination:

The Dirty Dozen or Produce with the HIGHEST level of contamination from pesticides include: (i.e.: BUY these Organic!)

1)     Celery
2)     Peaches
3)     Strawberries
4)     Apples
5)     Blueberries
6)     Nectarines
7)     Bell Peppers
8)     Spinach
9)     Kale
10) Cherries
11) Potatoes
12) Grapes (Imported)

Produce with the Lowest Level of Contamination:

Produce with LOWEST level of contamination from pesticides include:

1)     Onions
2)     Avocados
3)     Sweet Corn (frozen)
4)     Pineapples
5)     Mango
6)     Sweet Peas (frozen)
7)     Asparagus
8)     Kiwi Fruit
9)     Cabbage
10) Eggplant
11) Cantaloupe
12) Watermelon
13) Grapefruit
14) Sweet Potato
15) Honeydew Melon

Tips for Buying Produce:

1) Shop Local Farmers Markets: Support your local farmers. Talk with them. Many times the farmer is not able to pay the hefty fee for the “USDA Organic” stamp of approval. Often times the farm follows organic (and sometimes better than organic) standards but is not able to label it as such.

2) Buy in Season: Again, by shopping the farmers market, you will only be able to buy in season. Buying in season ensures you get the maximum nutritional value out of your food, as it has not been sitting around, shipped half way around the world, or preserved. It will taste better too!

3) Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): There are many farms that will provide you fresh, local, seasonal produce delivered to your door or your neighborhood. Some farms even provide eggs from pasture-raised chickens. Not only are you supporting your local farmer, but you are also guaranteed to get great quality, freshly picked, seasonal produce at an inexpensive price.

4) Read Labels: If you shop in a supermarket, read the sticker or produce sign to see where the produce is coming from. Ask the produce manager. Fruits and vegetables lose nutritional value the longer they sit around. Produce sticker labels that start with the number 9 are organic, 4 are conventional, and 8 are GMO (Genetically Modified).

Get to know your food! The health of you and your family depends on it.
Kristin Hoppe, BS, NC, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, Educator, and Natural Chef. She received her nutrition and culinary training from Bauman College, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College.

Based in San Francisco, CA, her practice, Food Therapy, is dedicated to improving people’s health through an inspiring and comprehensive nutritional approach that celebrates food. Kristin takes a holistic approach to health, providing clients with coaching and nutrition programs designed to facilitate healing with lasting results. She specializes in weight management, food allergies, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression & anxiety, and detoxification & cleansing. Please visit FoodTherapySF to learn more.

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Life Balance: Making Time for YOU!

SFWJ — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:12:18 +0000

Every time you board a plane, you hear the stewardess instruct you to put your own air mask on before helping those seated around you. Many women feel an instinctual desire to help their children and others first.

However the words of the stewardess turn out to be vital…not only in the event of emergencies but also in your daily life.

by Kristin Southwick
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

You must help yourself first in order to be available and effective…
for those around you!

This is part 2 of a 4 part series on creating life balance. Last month we talked about the Juggling Act between work and home. In this article we’ll talk about an important part of life blance…finding time to nurture and care for yourself.

Consider this, when you are exhausted or overwhelmed, do you feel as though you have the same level of patience or desire to meet the needs of those around you?

Many women may feel guilty about taking care of themselves, or feel that they can’t spare any extra time to attend to their own needs. But if you take time to respect and listen to your body, you’ll have more energy, optimism, and patience for others. You’ll feel less depleted and will be able to create more balance in your life.

Following are 3 simple steps to help you make time to nurture yourself.

1. What’s Important to YOU

Think about what’s important to you…something you love that you don’t get enough of. Maybe you wish you had time to practice yoga, go to the gym, read a book, have a coffee date with friends, take a walk around your neighborhood, or indulge in warm bath with a glass of wine before bed.

These are all simple basic needs that are positive and healthy for the body, mind, and soul.

2. Consider Your Schedule

Once you discover what you would like to do to pamper yourself, consider your schedule.

How much time you would like to take to enjoy yourself so that you get a sense of fulfillment?

For example if it’s going to the gym, figure out what time of day would be best, morning before you get lost in the activities of the day, or maybe lunch time. Perhaps evenings or weekends would work better for you. Decide how long you want to stay, and how many times a week you feel you could participate. You might decide to take an hour right after work twice a week while your children are at day care.

3. Get the Support You Need

Now, talk to your partner about times during the week that each of you could plan something for yourself.

Brainstorm ways you can support each other without the guilt that sometimes comes with putting your needs first.

Perhaps your partner can watch the children so that you can pursue something that relaxes you. It’s so important to communicate with your partner as to what your needs are, and how taking time for yourself will help you and your relationship with those around you.

If you don’t have a partner, ask a family member, neighbor, or make arrangements to extend day care for an extra hour once week. Remember, if people offer to help you, take them up on their offers. They would not offer if they didn’t want to support you.

I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration to plan something for yourself that you love and are passionate about. Taking care of yourself helps you be a better partner, mother, friend, career women, and person.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like Part 3: Creating Quality Family Time!

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Shift to a Brighter Perspective by Taking the Bigger View!

SFWJ — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:55:17 +0000

Do you ever have those days where you had every intention of doing the ‘right’ thing yet nothing went as planned …. Or even worse, it went ‘wrong’.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

Today was ONE of Those Days!

Today was one of those days for me. First it was an exchange with my boyfriend that was meant to be warm and fuzzy and instead was cranky and disgruntled. Then I was told that something I did wasn’t satisfactory to someone else when I ‘know’ I went above and beyond to deliver excellence to this person.

Then I accidentally sent an email to the wrong person…. And, the icing on the cake was burning part of my dinner (that I was going to serve to my boyfriend too).

It truly was one of ‘those’ days. Thankfully, no one was hurt and nothing was life threatening to myself or anyone else involved. Yet, when I’m in the throws of a day like this, it can seem like everything is bad and all hope is lost…d-r-a-m-a! Yes, it can feel very emotional.

Shift into a Brighter Spot by Taking the Bigger View!

What I’ve learned over time is we ALL have days like this and sometimes even weeks …It’s life!

No matter who you are, how much money you have, how great your sweetie is or how much you love your job – we ALL have days we’d like to order a “do over!”

I’ve also learned that taking a bigger view on my life will shift things into a brighter perspective. For example, does burning a part of dinner for my boyfriend mean that we’re going to split up? NO. In fact, we laugh over it ….and as it turns out he prefers to cook for us.

And, do many of my clients enjoy and get great value from my services? YES. And, in fact, many refer me to others in their network. Most important, am I healthy with wonderful friends and family in my life? Yes, blessed beyond belief.

Focus on the Whole Truth…versus the Small Stuff

In other words, focus on the WHOLE truth. There’s a bigger picture to every situation.

Yes, it is easy it is to get side swiped and carried away with things that go wrong and turn the feelings into a global perspective making EVERYTHING in your life seem bad/wrong….which, of course, is never true.

In the end, all is fine as long as I can remember that it’s small stuff…it’s ALL small stuff. I’m ok, you’re ok … we’re all doing our best and some days are going to be ‘those’ kind of days.

Here’s to the EZ days,

Nikki

Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.
Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

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