Thursday, May 28, 2009

We're doing the Mediterranean


My close friend (and an amazing personal chef/caterer) and I are going on a trip to the Mediterranean - diet that is. Long touted by health gurus like Dr. Andrew Weil, it's simple to follow - for weight loss and maintenance, nutritional health and anti-inflammatory properties.

It's relatively low in meat products - except for healthy fish, free range chicken (and a bit of hormone free beef thrown in). Eat lots of fruits and vegetables from the rainbow (all colors), healthy fats (extra virgin olive oil, nuts, avocados) and whole grain, high fiber, non-refined carbohydrates.

What I'm discovering is that there's no contradiction between food that tastes good and food that's good for you. And what I used to think was willpower (how does she ignore that cheeseburger and fries on the menu in favor of a sesame salmon salad?) really isn't.

The better I feel from eating healthy and exercising in a variety of fun ways, the more I'm unwilling to give up that feeling for a junk food fest! By George I think I've got it.

And if this dyed in the wool junkaholic can do it - ANYONE can!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Creating Wellness in Your Home


Every aspect of your life — the place you live, the people you live with, your friends and acquaintances, the things you do or don't do, the things you own, your work, even things like pets, music, and color affect how you feel. If you are concerned about your mental health or the quality of your life, you can do many things and make changes in your life that will help you to feel much better.

The space where you live — your home — profoundly affects your wellbeing. Does your space reflect what you want in your life? the following questions may help you decide if you need to make some changes in living space.
Do you look forward to going home and do you feel comfortable in your home?
o If not, why not? For instance, you may not like your living space because it is cluttered and messy. Or it may be too noisy. What could you change about your home that would make you want to go there and feel comfortable there?

Do you feel safe and secure when you are at home?
o If not, why not? What could you do that would make you feel safe and secure when you are at home (for example, get new locks, move to a safer neighborhood)?
You deserve private space in your own home for your own things, a place where you can go and know you will not be disturbed. Do you have private space in your home that others respect?
o If not, why not? What could you do to have private space in your home that is respected by others (for example, collaborate with the people you live to arrange private space for everyone, divide off a section of a room with furniture and make it your space)?
The people you live with should treat you well and help you feel better. You should be supportive of each other. If you live with others, do they treat you well and help you to feel better?
o If not, why not? What could you do so the people you live with treat you well and help you feel better (for example, discuss it with them, telling them how you want and need to be treated, move out, ask others to move)?
Some homes require lots of upkeep while others practically take care of themselves. If your home requires lots of upkeep, it may be difficult for you to keep up when you are having a hard time. The stress of not taking care of things that need attention can cause or worsen difficult symptoms.
o Is your home easy to take care of? If not, why not? What could you do to resolve this problem (for example, move, hire someone to do some of the upkeep, ask for help from family members or friends, trade tasks with others)?

Thursday, May 14, 2009

What's Stopping You?

You’ve got the symptoms of C.H.A.O.S. (Can’t Handle All the Overload Syndrome)

 Spending too much money and time replacing items lost to clutter
 A cluttered, crowded space – too many possessions and no storage system
 Mountains of paper and no idea what to do with it
 Wasted time hunting for important documents (paper or electronic)
 Late or missed appointments or meetings
 Crunched time schedules, feeling rushed – never enough time
 Spending too much time on low priority items, not aligned with important goals
 Unfinished projects or tasks which keep resurfacing and cause frustration
 The feeling you are constantly working but never accomplishing anything meaningful
 You aren’t enjoying your life!

Don’t believe the myths. . .

Myth #1: Getting organized is too complex and time consuming.
Fact: It doesn’t have to be! Take baby steps. Consistency on even a small scale will give you momentum, motivation, and results. Start right where you are!

Myth #2: If you’re disorganized in one area; you’re disorganized everywhere.
Fact: No one is disorganized everywhere. The trick is to use the skills where
you are organized to apply to the areas where you aren’t.

Myth #3: Being organized will stifle creativity and spontaneity.
Fact: Wrong! Organization increases your self confidence and adds to your worth and value both at work and in your personal life. It helps you deal proactively instead of reactively with people and situations. You are less distracted and therefore able to be more creative.

Myth #4: You can’t get organized unless you have time to do it all at once.
Fact: Organizing even a tiny area of your space, schedule, or priorities can bring immediate and satisfying results. The point is to just get started.

If you feel shame or embarrassment. . .
Reality: Facing your situation and making a decision to change is the first step to breaking the bondage of clutter. Congratulate yourself – don’t beat yourself up!