Spiritual Health Archives - Page 8 of 8

Giving is Good For Your Soul

On January 4, 2019

In Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

Do you have any giving goals for the upcoming year?

Happy New Year to you! I hope you found a way to experience some joy and peace during the Holiday season. I am gearing up for a great year and will be sharing some cool stuff with you in this blog over the next few months. In the next 2 months, I will be sharing some info from my 6-week premium Stress Solution program. You don’t want to miss this! Get a private peek into some of the stress management topics I explore with my clients during private coaching sessions.

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Spread the Love by Giving to Others

What’s on your agenda this year? Do you make resolutions and set goals for yourself or your business? To be honest, I do not like making New Years’ resolutions. I never found them to work for me. Instead, I make small realistic goals for myself and my business so that I don’t feel too overwhelmed. I started back in September focusing on eating healthier and working out.

This time of year a lot of people focus on themselves and their health goals. There’s nothing wrong with that and it is good to take an honest look at what you need to do in order to be healthier. As you know, I am all for consistent SELF CARE! But for today’s post, I want to talk about focusing on what others need and how giving is good for your soul.

I truly believe one of the keys to happiness and good health is making a positive impact on others.

Giving is Good For Your Health

One of my favorite ways to remain positive is by helping others. Whether it’s volunteering for a good cause, making a meal for someone in need of spending a day giving your time to those less fortunate.

Spending your time serving others is a beautiful way to live a more positive life.

You can give to those around you without spending a dime. Offer a smile to someone on the street, stay back a few extra seconds to hold the door for the person behind you, and so on. There are so many ways to give daily!

Here are some good questions to ask yourself…

What talents do you have that you could share with others?
What are some ways you can make a more positive impact on those around you, near and far?
How often will you commit to serving others with your time, and who will you do this with (family, friends, or solo)?

What’s Your Commitment?

I promise that if you commit to giving to others, even if it is only for a brief period of time, you will feel uplifted and forget about your own stuff. Why not make that a goal for yourself in this new year!

“You can create value from anything that happens to you with a positive attitude.” – A.D.Mohla

xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage Stress, Chronic Pain, and Anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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How to Forgive & Forget

By Jill Ciampi

On December 21, 2018

In Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

Let’s face it, we all have anger towards one another at different times in life. Forgive and forget. Not so easy especially when you have been wronged. The Holiday season can bring up all sorts of past hurts and also be a source of pain for many who don’t have loving families and friends to share them with. Honestly, every family has issues at one time or another. Let’s talk about forgiveness. This is a tough one but we need to talk about it because it could have a significant impact on your health.

Forgiveness

Do you find it hard to forgive someone who has hurt you? And what about forgiving yourself? I believe this is one of the most difficult actions to take. But guess what- forgiving is more for you than it is for the other person. As you can imagine, holding onto anger and resentment is detrimental to your health.

Remember that for every negative thought or emotion we have, our body experiences a physiological reaction as well. This constant stress will eventually lead to a disruption in health and show up in all sorts of ways.

It is so easy to say forgive and forget about it. Confession– I may be able to forgive after a while of stewing about something that upset me but I have not been so successful with forgetting. Who knows, maybe it has something to do with being Sicilian!

Forgiveness doesn’t equate to forgetting what has pained you, and it doesn’t even promise a change in the person who caused you that pain.

Choosing to forgive is crucial and becomes a place where healing begins.

Practice Compassion

True forgiveness takes time and commitment. Make a commitment to let go. It will take time and constant effort. Compassion must exist to practice forgiveness. What is a practical way you can find compassion for those who have wronged you?

Practicing forgiveness lessens anxiety and stress levels. We are responsible for our own happiness when we release the hold that others have on us through anger.

Let It Go

Learning to let go is not easy but it will free you from the pain residing inside of you that is weighing you down. Focus on the present and move on from what has hurt you because it is not helping your cause or your health.

Are there a few things you could let go of and move forward from?
Are there some things you are holding onto that you need to free yourself from?

Write a letter to yourself expressing all of your feelings that surround whatever you’re holding onto. I found journaling to be an extremely helpful tool in forgiveness and overcoming anger.

“Don’t hang with negative people. They will pull you down with them. Instead, invite them into your light and together you will both shine strong.”
– L.F. Young

xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage Stress, Chronic Pain, and Anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

Subscribe to my Lifestyle Blog!

10 Favorite Self-Care Practices

By Jill Ciampi

On December 10, 2018

In Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

What is Self-Care? The official definition is the care of the self without medical or other professional consultation. Do you have a list of self-care practices? I have noticed over the years, being in the healthcare industry, that most people do not practice much self-care or even self-love. We just plug along each day and forget to take care of ourselves. I am guilty of this too! Being a healthcare practitioner and caregiver, I feel like I need even more time to unwind and renew my energy so I can be there for all who depend on me. However, it is not always easy to fit in.

Self-Care is NOT Selfish

Why do some of us take care of others and ignore ourselves? Do we think we are being selfish if we enjoy some pampering or time alone? Guess what… self-care is allowed and well deserved. I know a lot of parents reading this may not agree but taking time for yourself is necessary! Although I don’t have biological children, I am helping to raise my 2 stepkids and it can be challenging at times so rest is needed to show up for them and give them my best.

Schedule Time for Yourself

Schedule some regular time with no distractions – just you even if it is only 20 minutes. For instance, pick the same time of day or night to fit it in. Think about it – we have been taught when we do something substantial (get a raise, buy a house, etc) that we have earned some pampering. We then go get a massage, enjoy a pedicure, or feel we have an excuse to watch a movie or read a book for hours. It is time for things to change. In other words, you are allowed to pamper yourself on an ongoing basis. And you need to. You are worthy. At all times.

My Top 10 Self-Care Practices

What are your favorite ways to kick back and enjoy some free time? Here are some of my favorite self-care practices I enjoy…

1. Pray and read daily devotionals

2. Connect with family and friends

3. Take a vacation or staycation (beaches are my favorite!)

4. Listen to music and dance

5. Enjoy a hot bath or sauna

6. Workout at home or ride my bike

7. Keep a Gratitude Journal

8. Watch my favorite Netflix show

9. Play board games

10. Get a Massage

It’s important to take some downtime and take care of YOU. Therefore, you not only deserve it but when you’re feeling rested, you can accomplish more and support others better. Above all, making time for your own needs is not selfish because you’ll have more of you to give.

“Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.” –Unknown

xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage Stress, Chronic Pain, and Anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

Subscribe to my Lifestyle Blog!

4 Easy Ways to Connect in Your Relationships

By Jill Ciampi

On November 28, 2018

In Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

Relationships are one of the joys of life. The Holiday season is upon us and that means lots of family time, parties, and events. Do you like spending time alone or do you enjoy being surrounded by a lot of people? Introverts LOVE time alone to renew their energy and unwind. Although I am an introvert, I also love being around family and friends as well as my clients because that gives me joy. It feels great to give love and to help others feel joy.

Connecting With Others

We are not meant to be alone in this world. We all need connection and support from others. Life is better when you have someone to share it with whether it is a loved one, friend, or pet. Pets are amazing companions and give unconditional love! Giving and accepting love is one of the most beautiful gifts in life. Part of living a healthy life includes fostering loving relationships and being present with your loved ones.

Family at Christmas

In this busy world, personal connections are slowly dying off thanks to electronics. The difference between a conversation and connecting hinges on deeply and truly understanding what the other person means when they speak. What are they really expressing? Show interest, and dig deeper with them. The values the speaker holds is evident in the words they choose to share with you, and practicing this will help you truly connect and build a meaningful relationship!

Staying focused, living on purpose, and practicing the following tips can help keep your relationships connected and develop some new, healthy ones, too!

College Besties

4 Ways to Maintain Loving Relationships

• Lessen distractions while you’re engaged in conversation.

• Try not to actively think about what you’d like to say next while the other person is talking — clear your mind and listen. (This takes practice!)

• Be genuine and show authenticity.

• Truly listen to what others mean when they speak. What they offer to you in conversation shows what they value — learn what they value! You can connect wonderfully this way.

Carmine & Jill at the NY Air Show

How To Develop Better Relationships

Think about the following questions.

What are the 3 ways I can better connect with people?

How can I connect with someone regarding something they value when I do not hold the same value?

How will learn to connect better with others better me as an individual?

Go out and make a connection today with someone. Smile at a stranger and say hello. You never know how you change someone’s life by just taking an interest. Be present. It is good for your health and will boost those happy hormones 🙂

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – WINSTON CHURCHILL

xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage Stress, Chronic Pain, and Anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

Subscribe to my Lifestyle Blog!

Don’t Stop Believing

By Jill Ciampi

On November 19, 2018

In Chronic Pain, Emotional Health, Lifestyle Blog, Spiritual Health, Stress Management

What Do you Believe In?

We all believe in something. Have you ever pondered these 3 questions?

“Why am I here?”
“What is the meaning of my life?”
Where do I go when I die?”

In this day and age, there is so much fear and sadness in the world. There seems to be a lack of morals and values. However, there are plenty of positive influences out there. We need a purpose and something to believe in to feel safe and secure. In addition, how we relate to the world typically develops in childhood and usually follows us into adulthood. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs and opinions.

What I Believe

My beliefs are rooted in the Christian faith as I am a practicing Catholic. Feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves is helpful in surviving in this world. I don’t know where I would be without my faith. Therefore, I believe that everything happens for a reason and there is always a purpose even in the worst of times.

Helping others in need is what drives me and is what I believe God calls all of us to do. For instance, my job as a massage therapist helps me fulfill my passion for helping others. What do you believe in?

The Spiritual Aspect of Health

Finding your purpose is not so easy but if you have faith and hope it is very likely you will find it eventually. In most religions throughout the world, there is a similar philosophy. It is the Golden Rule which is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’

The fifth aspect of health is the Spiritual component. This consists of our belief systems and relationships with others as well as to nature. The spiritual aspect has a great impact on our overall health. In other words, the relationships we have can either hurt or help us. We are not meant to be alone in life. Therefore, we need to connect with others for support. Similarly, we need to give and accept love as well.

Square of Common Good

The best way I can explain this is by sharing what I learned in one of my courses at the National Institute of Whole Health. My instructor, Dr. Donadio, explained the SQUARE OF THE COMMON GOOD which consists of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Justice.

“We accept others, and respect who they are. Acknowledge that they have value and that they matter. We all want to feel heard, feel seen, and be understood. Showing respect for ourselves, and others will give us a sense of belonging and feeling safe.

Integrity shows trust in ourselves, and that we can be trusted. It defines us as a constant; our constant is respect and compassion. We feel safe in ourselves, and in others. Often, we mirror what is shown and what is given.

Giving respect, integrity, and compassion in our relationships, will transform us, and those around us. We feel a sense of justice in the world, and in our relationships. It is a sense of justice in who we are, what we do, and how we feel with others; it is justice in being understood; we belong, and we feel safe. We practice we ultimately have a sense of peace, and wholeness develop. In other words, we matter and have meaning.

It is universal to want to be valued. Respect gives acceptance. When we feel valued, validated, seen, heard, and understood, we feel a sense of belonging, and safety.

UPHOLD WHAT WE VALUE… I TREAT YOU LIKE I TREAT MYSELF.”

(Source: Donadio, G., “Physics & Philosophy Part II” [DVD]. National Institute of Whole Health Lecture, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. www.niwh.org. 2011)

Which Road Will You Travel?

In conclusion, the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ – Physical, Emotional, Nutritional, Environmental, and Spiritual are very essential in determining the state of your health. Everything is affected by everything! Isn’t it fascinating! I will continue to refer to these aspects in my posts and how they contribute to health and disease.

Balancing these aspects will help accomplish the healthiest version of yourself. Above all, you have a lot of control over your health. In addition, the choices you make determine which road you will travel.

I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving. Think about all of the people and things that you are grateful for and contemplate what you believe in. Share your beliefs and let me know how you are connecting with your community. Be good to one other 🙂

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.