Tuesday, November 29, 2011
What Does It Take To Be Happy?
At Stanford University, Fred Luskin teaches one of the most popular classes on campus. It's called Happiness 101. Each semester students line up for one of the few coveted spots in the class. They learn the elements of happiness (and good mental health) and how to make positive changes in their lives.
Here are five essential elements of happiness from Professor Luskin:
"The simplest definition of happiness is "wanting what you have." Conversely, the simplest definition of stress is "wanting something to be different."
Below are five techniques Luskin teaches for reducing stress and increasing happiness.
-- Keep a daily gratitude journal, listing items for which you feel grateful.
-- Perform a meditation practice, or simply a few minutes of deep breathing and quiet reflection on something that made you happy. Consider what you can do to achieve that happiness again.
-- Make a habit of sharing the highlights of your day with someone close to you.
-- Practice forgiveness routinely.
-- Construct a list of all activities and experiences that relax and rejuvenate you. Use items from this list to manage your daily stress.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/28/BA821M2BVL.DTL#ixzz1f6T0VqSB
Here are five essential elements of happiness from Professor Luskin:
"The simplest definition of happiness is "wanting what you have." Conversely, the simplest definition of stress is "wanting something to be different."
Below are five techniques Luskin teaches for reducing stress and increasing happiness.
-- Keep a daily gratitude journal, listing items for which you feel grateful.
-- Perform a meditation practice, or simply a few minutes of deep breathing and quiet reflection on something that made you happy. Consider what you can do to achieve that happiness again.
-- Make a habit of sharing the highlights of your day with someone close to you.
-- Practice forgiveness routinely.
-- Construct a list of all activities and experiences that relax and rejuvenate you. Use items from this list to manage your daily stress.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/28/BA821M2BVL.DTL#ixzz1f6T0VqSB
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Is It Depression or Something Else?
Sometimes the cause of depression is physical, rather than psychological. The New York Times has a great article of subclinical thyroid disease and chronic, low level depression: http://tinyurl.com/8a5o7oz
Many physicians I work with don't believe in "subclinical thyroid" levels and will routinely refuse to treat a patient with synthetic thyroid hormones. Thinking outside of the box is difficult for some physicians who are wedded to "evidence" that may be outdated. This article may help change minds. If you are curious whether your thyroid might be behind your depression, take the article to your doctor. There is very little to be lost by trying synthetic thyroid hormone replacements and much to be gained.
Sometimes you have to be bold and speak up!
Many physicians I work with don't believe in "subclinical thyroid" levels and will routinely refuse to treat a patient with synthetic thyroid hormones. Thinking outside of the box is difficult for some physicians who are wedded to "evidence" that may be outdated. This article may help change minds. If you are curious whether your thyroid might be behind your depression, take the article to your doctor. There is very little to be lost by trying synthetic thyroid hormone replacements and much to be gained.
Sometimes you have to be bold and speak up!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Using Exercise Training Apps for Motivation
By now, most people understand the relationship between good physical health and good mental health. Research shows that exercise can be as helpful as medication to some people who suffer from depression. Aerobic exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, a feel good neurotransmitter that can help to relieve depression and anxiety. Add that to a little psychotherapy and you are on your way to a life worth living!
The current medical guideline is to exercise at least 150 minutes each week. If you have difficulty with motivation or you are a person who likes technology, there are a plethora of apps to help you with your day to day fitness: http://tinyurl.com/85rfakb
The most important thing in weight loss or a new fitness program is finding other people to support your progress. Having to be accountable to someone else is the basis for Weight Watchers success. Some of the apps in the above NY Times article allow you to connect with a network of like-minded people pursuing goals similar to yours. What could be easier!
I just downloaded iMuscle and the Nike Fitness Trainer. I'm committed to getting my 150 minutes a week (and possibly more)! And you?
The current medical guideline is to exercise at least 150 minutes each week. If you have difficulty with motivation or you are a person who likes technology, there are a plethora of apps to help you with your day to day fitness: http://tinyurl.com/85rfakb
The most important thing in weight loss or a new fitness program is finding other people to support your progress. Having to be accountable to someone else is the basis for Weight Watchers success. Some of the apps in the above NY Times article allow you to connect with a network of like-minded people pursuing goals similar to yours. What could be easier!
I just downloaded iMuscle and the Nike Fitness Trainer. I'm committed to getting my 150 minutes a week (and possibly more)! And you?
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