Stress Management Archives - Page 13 of 16

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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Don’t miss out and please share with friends!

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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Mindful Eating Tips

By Jill Ciampi

On December 27, 2018

In Lifestyle Blog, Nutritional Health, Physical Health, Stress Management

Hoping the Holiday season was a joyful and happy time for all! I love this time of year but let’s be honest it is pretty stressful. Anyone else let themselves enjoy the food and drinks of the season? It is hard not to! I have been eating clean for a few months but I did go off my eating plan to enjoy some treats. There’s nothing wrong with letting yourself enjoy the occasional treat but this time of year people tend to get out of control. The average person gains between 5 and 10 pounds during the holiday season. Hey – I am over here just hoping I didn’t gain since it is incredibly hard for me to lose weight.

My saving grace just might be that I did stick to my regular workout schedule. I know that it is difficult to get back to normal eating after the holidays but this is crucial so you don’t get stuck in that bad eating pattern. Take it slowly and start to give sugar, gluten, and alcohol a break so your body can recover. Although having treats now and then is not too harmful, continuing a diet filled with this stuff is detrimental to your health and will catch up with you sooner or later.

How to Practice Mindful Eating

Thought it was a good time to talk about mindful eating. Creating your eating ritual to be one of mindfulness and honor is the key to a healthy relationship with food. Practicing mindful eating not only transforms your health but your relationship with the foods you ingest, as well. Honestly, I continue to struggle with my eating patterns so I know how difficult this can be. Here are some of my favorite tips I have learned over the years that I found to work for me.

Listen to Your Body While Eating

When you feel hunger approaching, stop, and ask yourself what your body is asking for. What does it need for nourishment? Ask what would give you energy; what would sustain you, what would make you feel satisfied, and well-nourished. When you get this tip under wraps, your eating experience will change tremendously. Your body knows what it needs deep within its core so listen to it.

Slow Down

In our busy lives, we sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy our meals. Slowing down helps you to become more aware of your experience, increasing the mindfulness of your task. Pay attention to your breathing throughout your meals. Deep breathing helps with combating stress, which is a crucial component of your overall health. Ingesting your food with mindfulness will aid in healthy digestion, which will in turn increase your eating experience. Be intentional about your presence. Place your fork down between bites and take your time.

Adjust Your Mindset

The state of your mindset while eating holds as much importance as the quality of food you put into your body. Eating with sadness and anxiety will have a different impact on your digestion and nourishment than eating the same meal with gratitude and love. Focus on the state of your mind each time you eat. Eat with love, gratitude, and excitement that you are nourishing your body.

Chew Your Food

A great way to cut down on digestive issues such as bloating & constipation is to chew your food thoroughly. This practice also aids in mindful eating and assists in appreciating every bite to the fullest extent. Chew each bite until it is completely broken down, allowing your digestive tract to not have to tackle the job. Focus on each flavor, texture, and color. Enjoy every bite as long as you can!

Forgive Yourself

At times, we all make choices with our meals that we may not be proud of. It is crucial for you to forgive yourself, and move on. It is time to ditch the mindset that is not serving you! Forgive yourself. Always. Ask yourself before every meal — will this serve my goal of optimal health?

“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention to. This is how we cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.” ― JON KABAT-ZINN

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!

Why I Love Massage Therapy

By Jill Ciampi

On December 7, 2018

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

What is your experience with massage therapy? What would life be like if you could just stop for a little while and let yourself relax? Do you find yourself looking for other ways to unwind and reduce pain without relying on drugs?

Massage Therapy is a Lifesaver

It is important to take time for yourself so that you can be healthy enough to cope with stress and handle the everyday challenges of life. There are so many ways to deal with stress and pain but today I will talk about one of my favorites…Massage Therapy. My life changed when I started going for massages. It really did! I was suffering from a back injury for a while in my late twenties. I was at the end of my rope with the medical community not being able to help me.

During my visits with a chiropractor, I was encouraged to go for massage therapy to help reduce the pain and increase my mobility. Feeling horrible most of the time, I also needed something to boost my mood and calm down my nerves. So this is when I started my journey with massage therapy and I would soon start to feel better both physically and emotionally.

Although the pain lasted a while, I can say that going for regular massages helped me tremendously. Besides putting me on the road to recovery, it helped me find my purpose and inspired me to look into massage therapy school. Here I am 15 years later and I absolutely love my job and enjoy having a successful business based on my purpose in life- helping others with stress and pain live life to the fullest.

I could go on and on about how great massage therapy is. I want to share my top reasons why I still go to this day and why I truly believe massage therapy is a must-have in everyone’s wellness plan.

The Amazing Benefits

Reduces Feelings of Anxiety & Eases Depression
Helps with chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain and headaches
Increases overall mobility and flexibility
Improves quality of Sleep and restores vitality
Relieves joint pain and tense muscles

There are many other benefits of massage so I am sure you can find at least one reason to go! It is best to consult with your doctor first since there are some conditions that could be affected by massage. To find a qualified Massage Therapist in your area, visit the American Massage Therapy Association website at www.amtamassage.org. And if you are in my neck of the woods which is in between New Haven and Hartford, CT, please feel free to call or book an appointment online at The Heart of Wellness in Rocky Hill. I would love to help with your journey! A good schedule to consider is every 4 weeks for wellness visits and every week or two if you have an injury or chronic condition.

Forget about the stress for an hour and go unwind on a cozy massage table. Believe me..it will help you reset and deal with whatever is coming next. Don’t wait until you have pain or are feeling overwhelmed. Get ahead of it so you can handle stress better.

Sticking to a regular wellness plan not only helps you avoid those nasty illnesses but also prevents injuries. And the best thing is… it helps curb the overwhelming stress we all feel every day in the life. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy life 🙂

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.