Although not a very avid TV viewer, I stumbled upon an episode of the show “Hoarders”, a documentary-style series that depict the real-life struggles of people who suffer from compulsive hoarding. Of course, the cases of the people featured are extreme and do necessitate professional help, their stories made me think of a parallel that we may all more commonly struggle with. While watching the hoarders houses filled and overflowing with trash, material possessions no longer useful, broken furniture and piles of unworn clothes, an overwhelming feeling of sadness came over me. Although their behavior is overt and is expressed outwardly, many of us carry a similar burden covertly. How many negative, self-destructive, and plain useless thoughts do we carry in our minds on a daily basis? How do we engage in self -sabotaging behavior without necessarily being aware of it?
Spring is the perfect time for renewal, growth, and transitions. We spend much time taking care of our outward appearance, and I propose we also include an inner shower, a beauty ritual from the inside out! The 4 components of a healthy lifestyle mentally, physically and emotionally include SLEEP, FOOD, MOOD, and EXERCISE. Let’s dig a little deeper…
SLEEP: More than 2 out of 3 adults do not get their minimum daily requirements. Lack of sleep is a strong predictor of higher stress and anxiety, which can then lead to emotional eating and increased weight. As we know a rested brain is better able to remember information, stay on task, and concentrate! It also promotes a healthier and stronger immune system.
FOOD: A balanced and healthy diet keeps your energy high and constant all day without the ravages of blood sugar spiking and dipping, leaving you drained of energy and craving foods with high fat, high sugar content.
MOOD: Research shows that people who experience more positive emotions are more innovative and resilient. An interesting finding also shows that people with a more positive outlook tend to make higher annual incomes than their grumpier counterparts, which alone is a reason to smile!
EXERCISE: There is a clear and beneficial relationship between exercise and brainpower. Exercise builds the brain! Increased blood flow to the brain builds more and stronger connections resulting in improving memory, insight, and deductive reasoning. Not mentioning the endorphins released that invoke a sense of well-being and overall excitement.
Using a positive psychology approach, it is best to start working on what is already right in your life and building on success, versus dwelling on shortcomings and how to fix them! For example, if food is your biggest downfall, why not focus on sleep habits which will restore leptin levels, lower cholesterol and increase serotonin: all leading to better management of eating habits without tackling the food issue right of the top!
Sleep, food, mood, and exercise are all mutually supportive to your WHOLE health. They will all influence one another in order to achieve optimum physical, mental, and emotional health. For more information on this innovative approach and more please visit: www.moody-foody.com.
Happy spring! And let’s de-clutter mind, body….and closets!
Liza Jackson is a Master Esthetician + Waxing Specialist at Juut Salonspa in St. Paul. For more information of hitting restart this Spring, pay her a visit! It will be good for mind, body and soul!
Stop by JUUT for salon and spa services guaranteed to put some spring in your step. In Minnesota, come to a JUUT Salon Spa in downtown Minneapolis, Uptown Minneapolis, Edina, Roseville, Wayzata, St. Paul or Woodbury.
In the Phoenix area, you have two JUUT salons to choose from, one in downtown Tempe and one in Scottsdale – in the Shops at Hilton Village.
If you’re in Palo Alto, you can visit our salon at University & Ramona.