Staying Mentally Strong and Focused Through a Crisis

Posted on March 25, 2020March 24, 2020 by tracy

Our mental strength has been tested quite a bit these last few years, and now with the COVID-19 pandemic, our mental strength, along with our physical strength, is stretched thin and put to the test. Living in a world where we can calculate and predict every aspect of our daily lives, we are at a loss right now because we are no longer able to predict and calculate this virus with accuracy. What then will our minds do to compensate this discrepancy in relinquishing us from the data-driven mindset we are so accustomed to? This mindset is when our “imagination” takes flight, conjuring farfetched things, trying to grasp reality, and yet somehow distorting it at the same time. How then can we quiet our imagination, so it does not take us down the rabbit hole of insanity of obsessing over the fear of not having enough of our moratorium and concern of missing out on important information? We create for ourselves an infopandemic that can be worse than the viral pandemic itself. This infopandemic is the beginning of losing our focus and weakening our mental strength leading to despair, hopelessness, doubt and anger, unrest, and blame.

To stay mentally healthy and focused during these unprecedented times requires us to start focusing inward, in ourselves. We have the power within us to be mentally healthy. We have to find good and contentment in ourselves to start seeing and spreading positivity and joy in the world. Things are ever-changing, and we feel the loss of control. To create a sense of constancy, have a ritual or routine in place every day. Begin by finding time in the early morning before anyone in your house is awake to schedule “Quiet time” and make it non-negotiable time.

At least 15 minutes to 1 hour, however your schedule permits. During this quiet time, pray, read, and reflect on things that will grow you mentally, start giving thanks every morning and do some physical activity to get your blood flowing. By creating this “Quiet time” and space in the morning hours, your mind will be calmed and relaxed, releasing endorphins that will produce positive and joyous feelings of euphoria (Healthline.net) and further increase dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. By creating this sacred time, you are designing a constant routine in your day, focusing on the unchanging truth, which you can look forward to and will counteract the ever-changing world you live in, reducing stress, anxiety, and the way your body manages pain. Designing this morning, “Quiet time” is necessary to shift your perspective and mindset to better mental health.

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Back To Basics

Posted on January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 by admin

With the new decade ushered in a few weeks ago, we look back on a decade of wellness fads and trends that have come and gone. What will this new decade bring to restore our wellness that will truly stick and not be tossed out like yesterday’s bathwater? First, we must start by getting back to basics. The 3 letter acronym that is so essential that is never outdated. It is the basic elements of H20, water. Its property is very basic yet, it is the building block to so many things in our body and the natural world we live in. Water’s ability to transform from a liquid to gas, to solid, is remarkable. It’s maneuverability through corner and crevices in streams, rivers, and man-made pipes are undoubtedly an advantage to our irrigation system. Without this H2O, you can say life is not alive and living. Basic water is enough for us to thrive but as in a consumer world, water has been upgraded and become a sort of “Super Food” Liquid. With the introduction of Mountain Spring Water, Glacier Water, Coconut Water, Smart Water, Ionized Water, Hydrogen Infused Water and Alkaline Water. The basic H2O has been treated with a bit of Extra goodness that is suppose to be better for your health, your community, and the environment. Mindful hydration is this decade’s key to restoring health and wellness in our bodies, our environment and in our Spirit and Soul.

Mindful hydration is being aware of the living water that flows through this simple liquid, be intentional about hydrating your body with more than 8 ounces of water each day and keeping your mind clear, focused. Emerge in a relaxed state by taking water breaks to replenish your body and mind with the much-needed hydration and minerals to inspire and jump-start productivity while reducing the number of carbon footprints.

Inspired to start your mindful hydration routine? Here are a few water bottles that are a clear choice, merging modern style with basic practicality.

Start a 30 Day water challenge, see the results of what increasing your water intake can do to your body and mind. Designate a water bottle for the challenge, post your before and after results. #30dayswaterchallenge.

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Would you like to be my neighbor?

Posted on November 20, 2019November 20, 2019 by tracy

Where one or more gather, life will flourish and give rise to communities. Our human nature is wired to have a natural urge to find common grounds among those we associate in our day to day interaction. The need to build communities is stronger than ever in our culture today. By bringing people of different backgrounds together and using groups as a vehicle to help and encourage one another gives a sense of cohesiveness and peace that can transcend to other aspects of our lives. Reaching the ultimate goal of belonging and being loved makes life worth living and sharing.

The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile.
Fred Rogers

Finding ways to be part of a community is easier than you think. It is choosing a community that will flourish you physically, spiritually, and mentally is the challenging part. A social group that values all three aspects is worth investing your time and effort. Once we start to flourish by engaging our mind, optimizing our body, and feeding our soul, we will begin to become stewards for one another. Our perspective of thinking just thinking of “Me” will change to “We.”

As Thanksgiving is approaching next week, being gracious, showing hospitality, and loving your neighbor are the ingredients to being thankful. This holiday is a season to dust off our own need for attention and refocus it towards others. A great example of showing hospitality and loving your neighbor is exemplified by the so loved TV personality, Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers). The life work of Fred Rogers was devoted to giving thanks to others. He showed appreciation, from the smallest acts of merely saying hi to being engaged and listening to a person. Whether that person is speaking, playing, dancing, building, sing, or painting, if we care, we can listen (The World According to Mr. Rogers).

It is in the small acts that big things can get accomplished. When you are planning out your invitation list, your meal preparation, and all the to do’s that are needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal, just remember not to stress and overcomplicate things. Less is more. Keep in mind that putting love into the details will always result in a great meal, even if things don’t go as planned.

Ease into the giving season by taking your family and friends to watch “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” in most theaters this coming Friday, November 22nd. It is a beautiful way to jump-start your heart and open your eyes to the world of Mr. Rogers. A lesson from a man who’s unhurried manner and keen way of sharing simple acts around the neighborhood brings lasting joy and happiness.

World According to Mister Rogers
by Fred Rogers

In the next few weeks, we will get the opportunity to play Hostess to everyone that comes through our door. Will you answer the knock to be a neighbor to those that enter your door? Show your hospitality with these tips.