TEA!

This article was written by Dr. Andrew Weil

We know that green tea (and to a lesser extent black tea) provides healthy antioxidants - natural compounds linked to lower cancer risk and improved heart and brain health. New research now shows that some herbal teas (more correctly called infusions, since they're not from the tea plant Camellia sinensis) also have some health benefits. A study group from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University reviewed the scientific literature on three of the most popular herbal teas and concluded that they warrant further investigation. The researchers found that chamomile tea, known for its soothing effects, has antimicrobial activity and significant activity against the harmful clumping of platelets (cells that help stop bleeding). They also reported that peppermint tea has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities plus strong antioxidant and antitumor action, as well as anti-allergy potential. The investigators further reported that hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. The findings were published in the March, 2011, issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

Motivation

Motivation

1. The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way
   • - escape can be a strong motivation for travel
2. The general desire or willingness of someone to do something
   • - keep staff up to date and maintain interest and motivation
The above definition is just an example of  motivation, but what does it really mean to you?  As a holistic health coach one of "my jobs" is to motivate people into living a healthier lifestyle.  Whether it is to give up sugar, lose weight or just to have a diet of more "whole foods," motivating my clients during our sessions helps to create a desire or willingness to do something. However,  my clients need to determine "the  reason" for "acting or behaving" this way in order to live this way.  When they come up with reasons or we set obtainable goals it is so rewarding for me to see that they actually have aha moments during our sessions,  which motivates them to change.   Yes, it is part of my job to help them figure out what lifestyle of eating best fits them.  Everyone is an individual and everyone has different body types, dietary needs and reasons for changing their behavior,  so just putting everyone on the same diet usually does not work.  It takes some digging to figure out what will work best for each person, but it is so worth it.  People seem more motivated when they work towards something that makes sense to them.  So what are your reasons for acting or behaving in a way that produces a desire or willingness to do something that will help you achieve your personal healthy lifestyle goals?   

The Energy Bus

 The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon is all about POSITIVE ENERGY and how to incorporate this positive energy into our daily lives.  Ten (10) simple rules are mentioned in this book to help you obtain this positive energy. These rules are very simple and you might think they are just "common sense."  Nevertheless, the book was easy reading, (It can be read in a day) and it was also cute.  This book can be used to inspire someone in business, team leaders, coaches, or anyone wanting to enhance their personal life.   



The Ten Rules:

• You're the Driver of Your Bus.
• Desire, Vision, and Focus Move Your Bus it the Right Direction.
• Fuel Your Ride with Positive Energy.
• Invite People on Your Bus ans Share Your Vision for the Road Ahead.
• Don't Waste Your Energy on Those Who Don't Got on Your Bus.
• Post a Sign That Says NO ENERGY VAMPIRES ALLOWED on YOUR BUS.
• Enthusiasm Attracts More Passengers and Energizes Them During the Ride. 
• Love Your Passengers.
• Drive with Purpose.
• Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride.

Choice!

Life is full of choices.  What we chose to do and chose not to do can carry consequences.  I am not talking about what outfit you pick out to wear to work, although if you pick something that is not appropriate for work you could have consequences or I am not even talking about MAJOR life choices,  instead I am talking about the life choices that are the more simple ones.  Yes, this does sound old fashioned to say, but I am now from that generation where I believe "things" were different, more polite, more courteous and definitely not so "ME" orientated.   So, with this said, I am going to list some of life's simple decisions and you decide what CHOICE you would make.

• When entering a store, do you hold the door open for the person behind you and then say "Have a good day?"
• When driving, are you courteous driver?  This means not beeping the horn if the person in front of you does not go immediately when the light changes, tailgating, "pulling out" or cutting someone off (even if there is no one behind them) just to get ahead of them.
• When exercising on a track, boardwalk or at the gym and you have "eye contact" with another person do you say "hello", "good morning" or "how ya doing?"
• Do you say I Love You before hanging up the phone with your spouse, parents or children?, etc.
• Do you MAKE time for your family, even if you have a busy life?  Listen to the song, CATS IN THE CRADLE by Harry Chapin
• Do you take a few minutes each day to have gratitude and appreciation for what you have? DO you remember the people in your life that have always been there for you and loved you unconditionally?
• Do you take five minutes to call up someone you have been thinking about? An aging grandparent, a sick parent, a good friend you have not talked to in a while, a sibling that you have lost touch with, etc.?
• Do you make time to have "Sunday Dinner" with your family, no excuses?
• Do you take your kids to the park instead of cutting the grass?
• Do you ever do something that you really don't like to do with a loved one, but do it anyway because you know it would make them really happy?
• Do you take a few moments out each day to reach out to your parent(s) just to let them know they are not forgotten and always appreciated?  
• Do you call a loved one, just to tell them you arrived safely at your destination?
• Do you Say I Love You often to someone before it to late?
• Have you been the bigger person by saying,  "I'm Sorry" to someone you have offended? 
• Do you Forgive?

  Probably some of the "things" I listed might sound silly to some of you, but then again the choice is yours!

The Choice is Mine is something that I wrote in the sand recently. 

21 Day Meditation

I just complete the Chopra Center's 21-Day meditation series.  I really enjoyed it.  I am definitely getting into the routine of waking up in the morning and cleaning my tongue, brushing my teeth and showering.  Eating a nutritious breakfast and then meditating before going to work or starting my day.  It does bring about a sense of balance and purpose.  Exercise is also a part of my daily routine and with he weather getting nicer, it is not too hard to get out and walk for 45 minutes a day.  I actually am very luck because I have the pleasure of walking on the Ocean City Boardwalk and it is beautiful looking out over the ocean.  It is so calming and a great balance for me. So, in this world of "busy," find a routine that suits you, an activity to bring exercise to your life and you will most likely find a spirit in your heart!