Debunking Common Misconceptions About Gout

(Family Features) When many people think of gout, they often picture swelling and pain in the big toe. However, gout – an extremely painful form of inflammatory arthritis – can occur in any joint when high levels of uric acid in the blood lead to the formation of urate crystals.

If your body creates too much uric acid or cannot clear uric acid properly, you may experience sudden and sometimes severe gout attacks, called flare-ups, that include pain, swelling, or redness in your joints. The condition can disrupt many aspects of daily living, including work and leisure or family activities.

“I was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2009 and it wasn’t too long after that I started dealing with gout issues,” said registered nurse Theresa Caldron. “Gout affects your quality of life in a lot of different ways. You’re going through days of pain and no one knows it because you don’t look sick.”

Because the kidneys filter and release uric acid, people with kidney disease are more likely to experience a buildup of urate crystals and, therefore, gout. In fact, 1 out of 10 people with chronic kidney disease have gout, and an even higher percentage of people with gout have kidney disease.

To help debunk some myths around the condition, the American Kidney Fund, in partnership with Horizon Therapeutics, created the “Goutful” education campaign, which aims to educate and empower patients with gout to help them live easier and prevent further health complications, especially relating to their kidneys. Consider these common myths:

Myth: Gout is rare.
Gout is a relatively common condition. More than 8 million Americans have gout, and it is the most common form of arthritis in men over 40.

Myth: Gout is a man’s disease.
Anyone can get gout, but it’s more common in men than women. Though men are 10 times more likely to develop gout, rates of gout even out after age 60 since gout tends to develop for women after menopause.

Myth: Only people who are obese get gout.
People of all sizes can develop gout. Though people who are obese are at higher risk, gout is more common in people who have other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or kidney disease. Others more at-risk for gout are males 30-50 years old, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Black people, people with a family history of gout, people with organ transplants, and people exposed to lead.

Myth: Gout eventually goes away on its own.
Symptoms of gout attacks often go away within a few days, but that doesn’t mean gout is gone. Even if you don’t feel symptoms, urate crystals can build up beneath the surface, which can cause long-term health problems like joint and kidney damage.

Myth: There are things you can eat to prevent or cure gout.
Certain foods may help decrease the level of uric acid in your body, but diet alone is not a cure for gout. People with gout who follow healthy diets may still need medicine to prevent flare-ups and lower uric acid levels. Alcohol and foods rich in purines, especially red meat and seafood, should be avoided if you are prone to gout.

If you think you might have gout, talk with your doctor or a gout specialist about your symptoms. Visit kidneyfund.org/gout to learn more about gout and kidney disease.

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

 

SOURCE:
American Kidney Fund

How to Make the Holidays Less Stressful for the Whole Family

(Family Features) Between changes in the routine and visiting family (or having them visit you), the holidays can be emotionally overwhelming for children and adults alike, even in “normal times.” Add in inclement weather, the desire for a perfect holiday, and parents still working, and you have a perfect cocktail for emotional meltdowns.

“The key to enjoying whatever this holiday season brings is to acknowledge the range of emotions the entire family may be feeling and hold space for those feelings,” said Ariel Acosta from KinderCare’s Inclusion Services team. “By working on a few key things now before the heightened expectations and busyness set in, families can build a toolbox of skills that will help make the season less stressful for everyone.”

Consider these tips to help families prepare for a less stressful holiday season.

Find ways to destress as a family – Throw on some music and have a dance party. Incorporate some simple yoga moves or stretches into your day to create mindful moments. Help your children create a list of calm-down techniques to choose from when they start to become overwhelmed or as a way to reset after an outburst, such as taking a deep breath.

www.pexels.com/@fauxels

Set expectations for greetings – Talk with your children about your family’s expectations around greetings and help them think of and practice different ways to say hello, such as a hug, handshake, high-five, wave, or verbal greeting. Giving your children options ahead of time allows them to choose the greeting that feels most comfortable in the moment. To lessen the pressure, make sure family members and friends understand what you and your children are comfortable with. For example, “It looks like Zazil doesn’t want a hug right now, Auntie Mei. Perhaps a high-five would be better.”

Give your children (and yourself) grace – Talk with your children about the range of emotions you feel throughout the day. This can help them learn emotional literacy and flexible thinking. It also normalizes feelings. When a big feeling does happen, remember to connect before you correct by labeling and validating your child’s emotions: “I can see that you’re really sad we have to leave the party. Leaving makes me feel sad, too. What would help you feel better?”

If your child is engaged in unsafe behaviors, like hitting, wait until after everyone is calm before talking about what could be done differently next time.

“How you handle your mistakes can be a powerful example for your children,” Acosta said. “Once you’re calm, explain what happened to your children. Start by naming your emotion, apologize if you didn’t handle your feelings well, and let your children know what you plan to do differently next time. ‘I was really mad you two were arguing and I yelled. I shouldn’t have done that. Next time, I’m going to try to remember to take some deep breaths to help me speak more kindly.’”

For more tips to help your children with social and emotional development, visit kindercare.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
KinderCare

Managing Complications of Lupus

 

(Family Features) Many people may recognize the term “lupus” and think of it as an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and swelling, but you may not be aware lupus impacts an estimated 1.5 million Americans and can affect many parts of the body.

The disease that causes the immune system to attack its own tissues mainly impacts women, who make up 9 out of 10 lupus patients. Genetics also play a role in lupus; if you have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease, you are at greater risk.

Some racial and ethnic groups are also at elevated risk, including those of Black, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander heritage. Additionally, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian American lupus patients are more likely to develop complications, including kidney damage, also known as lupus nephritis, and these patients tend to have worse outcomes than white patients.

Lupus nephritis – kidney swelling and irritation caused by lupus – affects up to 60% of patients with lupus, according to the American Kidney Fund. It can cause permanent kidney damage, called chronic kidney disease, which can affect your quality of life. People with lupus nephritis also have a higher chance of heart problems, blood vessel problems, and developing certain types of cancer.

Symptoms of lupus nephritis include weight gain, fatigue, joint pain or swelling, muscle pain, fever, high blood pressure, and frequent urination. Because some of the symptoms of lupus nephritis can also look like symptoms of other diseases, it’s important for lupus patients to talk to their doctors about testing their kidney function regularly. Testing your kidney function involves a urine test to look for protein and a blood test to check for waste products in your blood.

If you are diagnosed with lupus nephritis, it is important you see a kidney doctor, called a nephrologist. Treatment for lupus nephritis focuses on preventing additional kidney damage. It’s also important to recognize lupus nephritis can impact your mental health, too. These tips from the American Kidney Fund can help you navigate your care and cope with lupus nephritis:

• Ensure your kidney function is tested regularly and you are referred to a nephrologist.
• Keep records of your symptoms, tests, and test results so you can share them with your doctors in detail.
• Consider medication to lower your blood pressure, if directed by your health care provider, which can help lower the amount protein in your urine.
• Write down questions you have for your doctor and bring them to your next visit.
• Take notes on what your doctor says during your visits.
• Find healthy ways to cope, such as meditating, journaling, or exercising.
• Take a diuretic, or water pill, if directed by your health care provider, to help rid your body of extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure and cause strain on your heart.
• Talk to a professional, such as a mental health therapist, counselor, or social worker, to help understand and process emotions, improve coping skills and advocate for your needs.
• Join a support group to connect with others who have similar experiences.
• Ask your doctor for handouts or suggestions for where you can go for more information.
• Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously.

To learn more and find resources to help cope with lupus nephritis, visit KidneyFund.org/lupus.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
American Kidney Fund

Reclaim Your Health

Take charge of risk factors affecting your heart health

(Family Features) Cholesterol – a waxy substance created by the liver or consumed from meat, poultry and dairy products – isn’t inherently “bad” for you. In fact, your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. However, too much “bad” LDL cholesterol, or not enough “good” HDL cholesterol, can pose problems.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Because it typically has no symptoms, you may not know you have high cholesterol until it’s already causing problems.

Knowing key health numbers like your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and working closely with your doctor to manage them, are keys to preventing heart disease and stroke.

Those who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke or have a family history of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory disease, or kidney disease may need to have their cholesterol and other risk factors checked more often and may need medication to manage their conditions to prevent another event. According to the American Heart Association, as many as 1 in 4 survivors will have another heart attack or stroke.

Along with taking your medication as prescribed, some lifestyle habits can help manage your risk and help you live a longer, healthier life like watching what you eat, getting more exercise, and managing stress.

Make Healthy Menu Choices

A healthy eating plan is a well-rounded diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables (at least 4-5 servings each day). In fact, researchers at the University of Columbia found each daily serving of fruits or vegetables was associated with a 4% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 5% lower risk of stroke.

Other smart choices for your menu include nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean proteins and fish. Limit sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and fatty or processed meats.

Get Moving

You likely know exercise is good for you, but an Oxford University study revealed simply swapping 30 minutes of sitting with low-intensity physical activity can reduce your risk of death by 17%. Mortality aside, in its Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted physical activity offers numerous benefits to improve health, including a lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function, and lower risk of depression.

The greatest impacts come from getting the recommended amount of activity: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of those activities per week. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which activities may be best for you.
If you’re having trouble getting motivated, small steps like walking your dog can lead to big changes over time. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association on pets and heart health showed dog parents are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions.

Reduce Stress

Constant or chronic stress can have real consequences on both emotional and physical health. In fact, research shows chronic stressors like long work hours, financial stress and work-life conflict may be as risky for health as secondhand smoke, according to a report by the Behavior Science and Policy Association.

Aside from the direct toll on your body – including elevated risk for heart disease and stroke from high blood pressure, depression or anxiety – stress can lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, physical inactivity and smoking.

Exercise is an effective way to keep your body healthy and release stress. You might also consider incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices into your day to allow yourself a few minutes to distance yourself from daily stress.

Research compiled by the American Heart Association suggests meditation can reduce blood pressure, improve sleep, support the immune system and increase your ability to process information.

Another powerful tool to fight depression, anxiety and poor sleep, according to researchers at the University of California-San Diego, is practicing gratitude or thankfulness. Start by simply writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.

Learn more about managing your cholesterol and habits to protect your heart health at heart.org/cholesterol.

How a Major Health Event Can Reveal Unknown Risks

Before his stroke, Lee Stroy, a father of five, considered himself to be a healthy person.

“My gauge of being ‘healthy’ was my ability to wake up in the morning, get to work, take care of my family and live another day to do it again,” Stroy said. “That is, until I couldn’t.”

In December 2014, Stroy woke up disoriented and scared after suffering a stroke at just 38 years old. He quickly discovered he had undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.

“It surprised me to learn there are often no visible symptoms for high cholesterol until a heart or stroke event,” Stroy said. “Unfortunately, I was not diligent about my annual check-ups, so my health setbacks provided me with a huge wake-up call.”

Stroy decided to take control of his health and this marked the beginning of a major lifestyle transformation.

The first change was quitting smoking. Next, he began incorporating exercise into his daily routine, initially with simple exercises from occupational therapy. Eventually, he worked up to walking several miles a day. Stroy also gradually made changes to his diet and went from being a meat-eater to a vegan. He also attends regular doctor’s visits to keep tabs on his progress.

“While it was no easy feat to make such drastic lifestyle changes, they are now second nature,” Stroy said. “Don’t put off or be afraid to go to the doctor. You could catch something early and be able to make changes that save your life.”

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Strength and Beauty While Living with Alopecia Areata

(Family Features) Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face and other areas of the body. Nearly 7 million people in the United States are affected by the condition that has no cure, effective treatments or standard of care. Alopecia areata can affect anyone at any age and may be temporary or a life-long condition.

Thirty-year-old Ebony Jean was diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 4 when she started losing clumps of hair, which left patches on her scalp. By the fifth grade, she was living with total permanent hair loss, or alopecia universalis.

Living with alopecia areata is not easy for many - and especially those who are diagnosed at a young age. The condition is plagued with stigma, which can wreak havoc on mental health and well-being. In Jean’s case, not only did she have to deal with the uncertainty and unpredictability of the condition, but she also dealt with traumatizing mistreatment and bullying by her peers, and in some cases, teachers.

“Kids used to ask me questions like, ‘What did you do to your hair?’ and ‘Why is it like that?’” in reference to her wigs, she said. “There were rumors that I was a cancer patient. I experienced a lot of rejection despite trying really hard to fit in.”

The mental health toll she experienced was real and still stings her today. However, she never gave up – she focused on herself, her studies and did what she could to stay social.

Enter fashion. Jean always had a passion for fashion and felt its head-to-toe magic for as long as she can remember. It’s a personal way to express herself.

In college, she began dabbling in photography and was able to bring her love for fashion and beauty to life. For many years, she tried altering her appearance to look like others, but something shifted when she turned 25. Jean embraced her inner and outer beauty and started a pageant career. In fact, she was the first African American living with alopecia areata to take the stage in Miss Michigan USA.

In 2016, Jean attended the National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s (NAAF) annual conference – which was a life-changing event for her. She was able to connect with people like herself living with alopecia areata who had embraced their condition. It was the first time Jean publicly shared her story – and struggles – with 500 people in attendance, which she described as “the most freeing and beautiful moment.”

Jean continues to be actively involved in NAAF and uses her voice to advocate for change. Through social media, she helps others who may be going through the same struggle to help educate, empower and motivate – while embracing fashion and beauty.

To learn more about alopecia areata, visit NAAF.org.

Developed with financial support from Pfizer.

SOURCE:
National Alopecia Areata Foundation

Check Your Skin, Save Your Life

6 simple steps to perform a skin self-exam

(Family Features) While it might not be the first thing on your to-do list, prioritizing regular skin checks could save your life.

Though a trip to the gym wasn’t uncommon for John Ahern, the bruising he noticed after a particularly strenuous workout was unusual. Ahern’s board-certified dermatologist, Lindsay S. Ackerman, MD, FAAD, made a life-saving observation: the bruises indicated a severe blood issue. After testing, Ahern was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

National Healthy Skin Month in November offers an important reminder to pay attention to the body’s largest organ. Ahern’s story is one of many examples that show how the skin is a window to overall health.

“While bruising can be common, when it appears in unusual areas or in the absence of trauma, it can represent problems with other organ systems,” Ackerman said.

Performing regular self-exams can familiarize people with their skin and help identify areas of concern. For example, Yvonne Basil noticed changes to a mole on her toe and quickly scheduled an appointment with her board-certified dermatologist. After a same-day surgical biopsy, Basil’s dermatologist, Dr. Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, confirmed it was melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Because of the early diagnosis and treatment, doctors stopped the spread and Basil is now cancer-free.

“While Yvonne’s melanoma was very serious, it could have been much worse had she not found the mole and quickly made an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist,” Desai said.

Regularly checking your skin from head to toe can help catch skin cancer and other conditions early when they are most treatable. These simple steps recommended by the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology to perform a skin exam could help you detect a condition early:

• Examine your body in a full-length mirror
• Look at your underarms, forearms, and palms
• Look at your legs and soles of your feet and between your toes
• Use a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp
• Use a hand mirror to check your back and buttocks
• Take note of all the spots on your body, including moles, freckles, and age spots

People of all skin tones should perform skin self-checks. When skin cancer develops in melanated people, it is often diagnosed in its later stages, making it more difficult to treat. If you notice any new or suspicious spots on your skin, or any spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

To learn more, visit SpotSkinCancer.org.

ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, when detected early, it is highly treatable. These warning signs can help you identify melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
• Border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
• Color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next.
• Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
• Evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or changes in size, shape or color.

Did You Know?
Dermatologists are trained to diagnose, treat and manage more than 3,000 conditions of the skin, hair and nails.

 

SOURCE:
American Academy of Dermatology

Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Pexels.com

The Power of The First Bond

While a soul tie will develop between any two people who are open to one another, the strength of those soul ties depends upon how deeply involved you become with another person. You can become soul tied to family, friends, co-workers, and the leadership you are under. 

The Power of The First Bond can be positive energy or negative energy! 

We all want to be loved in return for our willingness to love others.
Emotional connections and physical ones are both important. However, the physical is not just sex. It's a hug, massage, little kiss, reassurance of the emotional bond without having to take your clothes off.
Healthy sex life is important too if it can be had. If not then the rest of the relationship should be bound by the stronger bonds. When we connect with someone our minds, heart, and spirit has a way interlocking with the other person’s thoughts, heart, and mind on a spiritual level.
Not all soul ties are ungodly, however, and soul ties can be formed without sexual intercourse. Soul ties can be formed in relationships where two people are just close friends as was the case with David and Jonathan.
Jonathan Befriends David
1After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself.-1 Samuel 18:1-Berean Study Bible

Food For Thought….

There is a communication of soul to soul and spirit to spirit.

The stronger the bonding or soul ties between friends the deeper and more lasting the relationship is. The emotional and mental strengths of one sustain the other in times of adversity. (Difficulties or misfortune) and allows them to rejoice with the other in the time of triumph.

Emotional Intimacy….

There are times when we seek an emotional bond - We crave closeness, warmth, and comfort from another human being. We want and seek to have a special connection with another person on a deep emotional level. (Wolf, 2014)

Sexual Intimacy….

Wolf (2014), states that sexual intimacy involves a degree of vulnerability and trust - for some more than others, and in some scenarios more than others. (Have you ever considered why a "quickie" with your clothes on maybe "hot" but less intimate than slowly undressing with your partner? Think about it. It's a matter of exposure and vulnerability.

Food For Thought….

Keeping in mind that intimacy isn't a "destination" but rather, an experience or set of feelings.

Indeed sexual relationships form extremely strong soul ties, even as strong as blood relationships (your mother, brothers, father, and then grandparents), followed by friendship with people who are not your relatives. If you have children, the soul ties to them will probably be the strongest of all.

Food For Thought….
Sex creates a “soul-tie” between two people forming the most intimate of all human relationships.

Maybe soul ties are one of the reasons why in the West most families are dysfunctional and there are so many divorces. The husband feels that the wife does not give her entire love to him, and the wife feels in the same way about her husband (Rich, 2011). 

They are together but they seem distant, unavailable to each other. They don’t understand each other fully and they don’t know why this is so. Well, this happens because both of their souls are tied to other peoples’, so they can’t be fully together (Rich, 2011).

The bottom line is -The fewer soul ties you have, the freer and happier you feel, so make sure that if you ever do have them, they are made with the people who are truly special.

References:

Wolf, D. A. (2014, August 20). Sexual vs. Emotional Intimacy: Do You Know The Difference? Retrieved from divorcedmoms.com/articles/sexual-vs-emotional-intimacy-do-you-know-the-difference

Rich, S. (2011, November 11). Soul Ties: What You Should Know About Them. Retrieved from http://simonarich.com/soul-ties

http://www.b4prayer.org/index10.html

Finding Freedom in Any Moment

One of our deepest desire is for freedom: to be free of stress, anxiety, a frustrating person, a difficult situation, financial struggles, health problems, the daily grind, distractions, feeling inadequate. So many books, products, and other paid solutions offer a version of this freedom. Escape. Peace. Mindfulness. Simplicity. Self-esteem. A better relationship. Health and fitness. Freedom, for a price. 

One of the great discoveries of my life is that this freedom is always available to us. In any moment. 

That might sound obvious to some of you, but you’d be surprised at how often we forget this, even after we discover it. 

The Obstacle to Our Freedom

If freedom is always available to us, why is it so difficult to find? It’s important to bring awareness to the obstacle before we look at solutions.  

Let’s imagine you’re in a situation with someone who is absolutely frustrating you… you just want to get away from them, to a place with peace and quiet, to freedom from this frustrating person.

      What in this moment is preventing you from feeling freedom?

 It might seem like it’s the other person … but it’s never really something external. They might be the trigger for how you feel, but in reality, we are the ones who create the feeling of frustration, through how we’re viewing the situation or other person.

Let me emphasize that: how we view the other person, or the situation, creates our feeling of stress, frustration, anger, disappointment. It doesn’t really matter what the external situation is: some frustrating person, politics, a sporting event, our own behavior. If a feeling of lack of freedom gets created, it’s because of our view. This isn’t to blame ourselves — we’re not doing anything wrong. It’s simply to bring awareness to the cause of this obstacle. The liberating thing is that if our views are responsible for this difficulty … we have the power to change the situation! Always.

Creating Freedom in Any Moment

So let’s go back to that moment when someone is acting in a frustrating way, and we just want to get away from them, to peace and freedom …

In this situation, we can absolutely create freedom for ourselves by getting out of the situation, going for a walk, finding the freedom of nature. And in fact, I highly recommend it in most cases.

But I want to use this scenario to show that freedom can be had even without walking away. Simply an illustration of the principle, not a recommendation to stay in a frustrating situation.

So how can we find freedom? Here’s a simple method that can be practiced:

1.                             Recognize that you’re frustrated (or stressed, disappointed, lonely, etc). Let yourself feel the feelings, as sensations in your body. There’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling. Then bring awareness to your view. The view that is causing the frustration: “They shouldn’t act this way” or “They always criticize me, I don’t know why they have to be so critical” or “I shouldn’t be such a procrastinator, I suck!” We’re not criticizing the view, not even saying it’s wrong … we’re just bringing awareness to the view that’s causing the lack of freedom.

3.                             Ask if the view is helping you or serving you. If you’re feeling frustrated or hurt, it’s probably not. Ask whether you’re committed to staying this way, or if you’d like to change. If you’d like to change, move on to the next step.

4.                             Loosen your grip on the view. For example: Do you really know someone shouldn’t act the way they should? Have you walked in their shoes? Do you know how everyone should act? I personally don’t even know how I should act; let alone how others should act. This kind of inquiry is not to tell ourselves that our view is wrong — it’s simply to loosen our attachment to the view, to show that there might be other possibilities. Is it possible there are other perspectives? Other things you don’t know?

5.                             Experience the world free of views. In any moment, we can simply let go of our views and see the world just as it is. See the objects, the light, the colors and textures, the space of the world around us. See the other person simply as a collection of matter and energy. Just experience the moment as direct experience, not as part of a narrative that we have in our heads. This is true freedom, and it’s simply being in the moment free of views, just experiencing. It’s like when you’ve been out in nature, fully immersed in the experience without really thinking anything, lazily lying in the grass staring up at the trees and sky, floating in the ocean feeling one with the water, on vacation in a hammock fully relaxed and without any worries. This is the freedom available to us at any moment.

6.                             Bonus: Bring in a new, helpful perspective. First of all, you don’t need a new perspective — freedom is experiencing the moment without views. That said, sometimes it can be helpful to try out new perspectives! For example … can we find gratitude for this person, or for ourselves? Can we see the gift that they are, or that we are? Can we feel a connection to them, or find compassion for the fear and pain they’re feeling? Could we bring curiosity or a sense of exploration to the situation? This kind of thing isn’t always helpful (for example, if you’re in danger or in an abusive situation, get away!), but can very often be worth trying out.

This all takes practice, obviously. You can’t do the last few steps until you start practicing the first few steps. The last few steps can be a struggle when we’re really strongly holding our views. Don’t worry too much about that, just keep practicing!

The Power of Finding This Freedom

If we learn to practice this kind of freedom in any moment, we start to have much more choice.

For example:

·                                 If we were thinking about breaking up with someone because we’re tired of being in frustrating conflicts with them, we might be able to let go of the frustration and find peace, even when they’re upset. This might allow us to be more compassionate with them and could shift the entire relationship. Not necessarily, but there is a possibility here.

·                                 If we’re frustrated with ourselves, it can be the start of a kinder relationship with ourselves.

·                                 If we’re avoiding something, like doing our taxes or budget, instead of avoiding it to be free of the stress … we could actually find freedom doing the task. This allows us to find freedom in any activity: exercise, cleaning, decluttering, writing, being in a meeting.

·                                 We can eventually be free to do anything: launch a business, write and publish a book, put our creations on social media, connect with people online, be on a stage, create a movement. Because the things that were limiting us before are no longer limitations — we can be free doing all of these things.

What would that be like?

Improving your Emotional Health

Calm your mind and body. 
Relaxation methods, such as meditation, are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching, or breathing deeply. 

Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising to relieve pent-up tension. 

Taking care of yourself includes pursuing activities that naturally release endorphins and contribute to feeling good. In addition to physical exercise, endorphins are also naturally released when we:

• Do things that positively impact others. Being useful to others and being valued for what you do can help build self-esteem.
• Practice self-discipline. Self-control naturally leads to a sense of hopefulness and can help you overcome despair, helplessness, and other negative thoughts.
• Learn or discover new things. Try taking an adult education class, join a book club, visit a museum, learn a new language, or simply travel somewhere new.

• Enjoy the beauty of nature or art. Studies show that simply walking through a garden can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. The same goes for strolling through a park or an art gallery, hiking, admiring architecture, or sitting on a beach.
• Manage your stress levels. Stress takes a heavy toll on mental and emotional health, so it’s important to keep it under control. While not all stressors can be avoided, stress management strategies can help you bring things back into balance.
• Limit unhealthy mental habits like worrying. Try to avoid becoming absorbed by repetitive mental habits—negative thoughts about yourself and the world that suck up time, drain your energy, and trigger feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.

References:

Improving Emotional Health: Strategies and Tips for Good Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2021, from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/improving-emotional-health.htm

 Finally catching up on some therapeutic writing and blogging……

#PenandPaper: Stop trying to prove to somebody that You Can Be Somebody!  #LoveLifeAndRelationships 

 

The First Two Steps to Creating Resilience

  

When life is shaking us up and we’re feeling stressed … it can be tough to feel resilient. Resilience helps us to deal with the chaos and moments of frustration, but how do we create it when we feel like we’re underwater? 

The first step is to remove things that are adding unnecessary stress. The second step is to do things that help us feel replenished. 

Those two steps won’t get us all the way to full resilience, but they’re a huge huge start.

Remove Extra Stress

Some stress is inevitable — wishing for a life where we feel zero stress is just going to add more stress. But if we are flooded with stress, removing some of it can help us to clear the space to create even more resilience. If we don’t remove the extra stress, we’ll never do the things we need to take care of ourselves or to train our minds to be more resilient.

So removing unnecessary stress is the first step. Some examples:

• If you’re working late into the night, creating a stopping point earlier would be a big help, if possible.
• Cut back on your workload a bit, if you’re able to.
• Stop saying yes to everything, and take fewer meetings.
• If you’re fighting a lot with someone, refrain for a bit. Take a breather and let yourself settle.
• If you’re watching things or playing games late into the night and getting little sleep, cut back on that.
• If you’re watching the news or reading things online that really get you angry, stop that for a while.
• Cut out social media if that gets you anxious.

And so on. Removing these stressors will help you catch your breath.

Then Replenish Yourself

I don’t mean that you have to take a spa weekend (though that would be great!) … I mean doing little things that help you feel more recharged and settled.

These things fill you up so that you can better take on the world.

For example:

• Go for walks out in nature.
• Create space for reading, having tea, taking a bath, journaling.
• Talk with someone regularly, in person, or over the phone.
• Take naps.
• Get better sleep.
• Take a weekend off.
• Get some sunshine, if there’s anywhere you are.
• Take moments of stillness and deep breathing during your day.

These little things can make a huge difference.

You won’t get all the way to resilience with these two steps — but you’ll have given yourself what you need to take the further steps of shifting your thinking patterns and practicing resilience.

10 Questions with Cancer Survivor and Small Business Owner of Natasha’s Teas

What is your Education and Work Experience? I graduated Highschool. I have about 10 years of retail experience, 5 years of call center/administrative experience. 

What are your favorite quotes?  

“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” -Bruce Lee 

“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.”

-Elenora Roosevelt  

“Tea is the only simple pleasure left to us.”

-Oscar Wilde 

 

Can you tell us a little bit about your business or the work you do? 

Natasha's Teas provides healing tea blends, Hair rinses, and tea baths to help you reach your health goals. I have a multitude of healing blends.  I also do one-on-one consultation to create a personal blend to assist with a health goal or a tasty blend you want to create for pleasure.  It's important to understand that some do not have access to healthcare, I  have partnered with several food kitchens and nonprofits organizations that will donate my healing blends to the communities in need.

What ignited the spark in starting a business venture or make any significant changes to an existing business? I was diagnosed with cancer and once it was removed from my body my doctor at the time advised me to continue to take my herbs, continue to do my yoga, and stay stress-free. I wanted to share the blessing tea has changed my life. 

What brings you the greatest joy? When I am able to assist a client with reaching a health goal and when I have an inventory of the herb needed for a client. 

What is the best advice you've been given? Allow yourself to rest. Sometimes we become so engulfed with work that we forget that we are to take care of ourselves. It is vital that we rest and take care of ourselves as well. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? Starting NaTasha’s Tea. When I was diagnosed with cancer, the company I employee with wouldn't allow me to have time off to have my surgery to remove my cancer. I was forced to quit. As I was recovering, I decided that I could do it! I could open my own business as I have always wanted. It was a time where I could have given up or become depressed, but it helped drive my passion to start this business, to help others.  

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger? I wish I knew to have the confidence I have now, knowing I can do anything I put my mind to. Whether it be to start a business, heal myself, or believe in the healing of my clients, I can do anything. I’m blessed to have the support of my community. 

What is on your bookshelf? Oh, which one? Lol, I currently have about 5 bookshelves. I am a nerd from way back. My genres range from fiction, Biographies, Textbooks, Medical studies, Healing herbs, Classic Titles, Encyclopedias, Spiritual Texts, and more. 

If you could talk to three people, who would they be and why?  

Erykah Badu – Because when I met her years ago, I was in awe to the point I couldn’t speak, and I wanted to ask what her fav tea and honey are.  

Alice Walker – to discuss anything with the person who created Temple of My Familiar and The Secret of Joy would be bliss. 

My Grandmother Frankie who passed. We shared a birthday, I would love to know her and know if we were alike in any way. I wish I could have known her better, I would love to hold her hand again, to hug her. 

Do you have any advice you would like to leave with the reader? Make sure to discuss new herbs with your medical advisor. And, never waste food and water. 

 Email Natasha directly at NaTashas411tea@gmail.com to schedule a consultation for a personal blend!

 

Where else can you find The Tea?

Shop Natasha's Tea at Ledhealthy.com

Shop Natasha's Tea locally at Thyme and Bloom in Tampa Florida

4202 W. Waters Ave Suite 5 Tampa Fla Thymeandbloom.com

Shop a community of Holistic Healers at Madame-Sirena.com

Website: NaTasha's Teas 

Twitter:  NaTasha's Tea (@tea_natasha)