Well Being

Keeping a Clear Head

A lot can be said for keeping your mind clear and free from clutter. In life we are bombarded everyday by circumstances and issues that can clog up our thinking and other cognitive processes.

By simply taking time to relieve our minds of all this extraneous “junk” can help in reducing stress and making our minds work better. Much like a computer’s memory works more efficiently when we do a clean up or delete some unused program and files.

There are several methods one can use to accomplish this task which are very easy and well worth doing.

Meditation – There are many methods, so you are bound to find one that works for you and it can be done in a matter of minutes. You basically just need a quiet place to start.

Mindfulness – Similar to meditation, this study can be beneficial to those who are extremely busy. It calls for one to slow down rather than stop completely. Clearing out a room or organizing some books would be considered effective mindful exercises.

Expressive Writing – Putting to pen to paper and just letting your thoughts flow out can be a very good mind clearing process. Keeping a diary on hand or a journal can be a helpful way of examining your problems and assist in overcoming them.

Distraction – By allowing your mind to change its focus, from negative issues, you can give it time to address the situation and reduce the magnitude of the dilemma. Try tai chi or judo. Both activities will clear the mind and allow you to refresh and refocus in on the difficult task ahead.

By utilizing these tactics you will give your mind healthy boost of energy and allow it to become stronger and work more efficiently.

Relaxation

I have always felt that my personality leaned towards being bundled up with rubber bands. So tightly wound that the muscles in my shoulders would be all knotty and the vertebrae in my neck and back scrunched down one on top of the other. My chest sometimes felt so closed in, I was afraid that my heart would just burst through to escape the pressure.

In this week’s anecdote blog, I want to explore the various ways one can relax and by doing so, create a more zen-like existence.

For me just going for a brisk walk does wonders for my inner spirit and general persona. During these walks, I am able to clear my mind and therefore enabling a more logical thinking process to take the place of confusion and stress. Also, the physical exertion helps alleviate the pain in my back and shoulders. I can also release the tension in these areas by gently stretching before my walk.

Let me know your thoughts on this anecdote and if you have any other ways to relax and create a more calm existence.

Birthday Anecdote

I have never been one to celebrate birthdays, in fact my family didn’t celebrate them at all. Once I left home however, I began to appreciate them more.

As each year passes and another birthday comes around, the importance of time and its consequences becomes crystal clear. It’s up to us to determine how we use each and every birthday year.

So on the anniversary of each and every birthday, I try to account for and analyze the validity and success of the previous twelve months. I’m not always pleased with the results but it has helped me develop good goals and make constructive changes.

Instead of looking at a birthday as just another year passing with a few more gray hairs, I look at it as a time to review the years anecdotes and create better and exciting ones in the new year approaching.

Achieving Your Goals Anecdote

Some of you may know, I had a problem with my blood pressure being quite high. Well after several weeks of eating a low sodium diet and walking every day I have managed to lower it to a number that is considered normal, 121 over 72.

On a personal anecdote note this achievement has made me feel extremely proud. It has given me the confidence to make plans and follow through, something that has been a weakness of mine in the past…

As a bonus I am also a few pounds lighter and a bit trimmer and it seems as if I accomplished all of this without trying too hard. It takes determination and dedication to keeping to your regimen, but, by god, it is worth it!

An Anecdote About Sneezing

I happen to be one of those unfortunate human beings who suffers miserably from hayfever. I usually end up sneezing uncontrollably with tears streaming down my face.

It does seem be hereditary with me because I can relate many personal anecdotes about my mother having sneezing fits all Summer long when I was younger and still living in the UK.

I have been referred to so many remedies that I am somewhat confused. However I really don’t want to try any chemical solutions unless they are natural ones.

This Summer I planned on trying out a natural remedy called Butterbur but the side effects have made me very wary. So I’m just going to eat well, stay away from caffeine and other products known to worsen hayfever.

Unfortunately I have already started sniffling and Spring has barely started. Wish me luck!

An Anecdote About A Not So Ordinary Seed

This is a personal anecdote about my new friend, the flax seed. I’ve been trying to increase my overall health. So, the other day I decided to look for heart healthy foods and stumbled upon, flax seeds.

When I asked the store clerk if there was a difference between brown and yellow flax seeds she replied, “there is absolutely no difference between the two.” I found this amusing because upon first glance I actually liked the look of the brown ones better and thought, “How could she say that? The brown ones look so much better!”

I wanted to give them a little home, so I used an old wonton soup container to store them, because if I want to be healthier I won’t need it. Wow they look so cool and healthy in that container. They actually look a little lonely, so I’ve been finding ways to use these little seeds to the fullest. I now sprinkle them on cereal. I dip bananas into them as well.

I’ve grown to like them even though I don’t know if they have any taste. Here’s what I have heard about them. Nutritionists say that flax seeds help lower cholesterol and also are good for people who have diabetes.

Flax is high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, which helps people with rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve also heard that if you grind them up they’re better for you, but as for now I’m afraid to crush them in fear that my new little friends, the flax seed, may get mad at me!