|
|
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...
I'll admit it: I have been called - more than once - a "control freak." I know, I know, for those of you who see me for massage or for health counseling that may come as a surprise! I'm often told by clients that my demeanor is peaceful, laid back, and hardly anxious or stressed out.
Have you too cringed at the hiss of being called a control freak? Take heed - there's nothing to be ashamed of! It's a personality trait that can be very beneficial. In fact, my mind's tenacious grip on being in control of my time and my environment is a big part of remaining cool and collected. My sensitive personality is served well by planning my schedule and knowing what to expect. The control room of your brain is a very crucial component of discipline, whether you're striving to reach a professional goal, maintaining patience with your family, or meditating.
However, what happens when the best laid plans fall apart? If you're like me, a last-minute change of plans can derail my calm mind and make me feel anxious and out of control. It's as if, when in control, my mind is a car traveling over the smooth road of life; change is a slick of ice that leaves my mind skittering for traction and searching for the comfort zone.
Ah... the comfort zone - that downy, warm couch of a place where everything is status quo. For the adrenaline addicts of you, those words are like a slow drip of poison. For many of us, however, the comfort zone can be heavenly.
And yet, think about it: hasn't it been outside of the comfort zone that some of the most amazing and magical things in your life have happened? Hurtling through the unexplored space, not knowing when or if you'll hit the ground safely, you can become stronger than you ever imagined.
And I'm not necessarily talking about an extreme cathartic experience, like jumping out of an airplane. For me, it's often just facing simple fears on a daily basis - letting go of my grip on my agenda when the unexpected comes up, and remaining in control by deciding to face the unknown instead of fighting it. That's the shift: knowing that I still can be in control of me when things around me are falling to pieces. Being in control doesn't mean you have to be rigid. When you decide to stop clinging to the way you want things to go and purposefully become flexible, anxiety fizzles away. Fear becomes excitement. The unknown isn't as scary anymore. It might actually turn out to be fun!
I have a feeling there's a control freak inside of all of us. Observe yours, and recognize when it is serving you well, and when it is holding you (and those around you) back. If you too would like to experience some time outside of your comfort zone, read on for ideas and inspiration!
All the best in life and health,
Jen
|
Try Something New for a Change
When Fear Becomes Excitement
"The man who does things makes many mistakes, but he never
makes the biggest mistake of all - doing nothing." -Benjamin Franklin
S ummer is finally in full
force, and the living is easy! Do
you notice how during summertime everything seems promising? The plants are in
full bloom, the sun feels glorious on your skin and the longer days give you
boundless energy, making you feel like it's possible to achieve all your
desires and dreams. Why not harness this energy, ride the wave of summer and
try something new?
Throughout the year we are conditioned to run our lives at an intense pace (physically,
emotionally and mentally), and we often get stuck in routine, either for the
sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory. The lack of variety
in doing the same things over and over not only stagnates our minds, but our
bodies and hearts as well. A fantastic and hilarious example of this is the movie "Yes Man," with Jim Carrey. Jim plays a rigid and distrustful loan officer who never strays from routine, and his life is dull and lonely. Inspired by very persuasive motivational speaker, Jim pledges to say "YES" to every opportunity that comes up. As the story unwinds, Jim goes from painfully agreeing to do things he desperately does not want to do, to embracing the concept and placing himself in sometimes scary, sometimes ridiculous, and always funny situations that change his life.
Hesitant to break your routine? It is interesting to
note that fear and excitement have the same physiological expression in our
bodies; it is our minds that classify the feeling as either positive or
negative. So the next time you consider a change in routine and your mind says,
"scary!" see if you can re-frame it as, "exciting!"
What is something you have never done before, or that you
have wanted to do for a long time? Choose your own adventure: organizing a
kayak trip, taking a dance class, doing some exotic travel or setting a goal
for a new personal challenge. Something new doesn't have to extreme. You can try something simple, like playing flashlight
tag with your kids and neighbors, taking up a friend's offer for lunch when you feel swamped, or reading in the sunshine. Maybe it's time to discover a new vegetable
dish or to visit a new town, restaurant or beach.
Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it
happen and enjoy the life you came here for. Increasing new experiences and
excitement in your life can decrease your need for and dependence on artificial
stimulants like caffeine and sugar, leading to more vibrant health. Watch out
for massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation, plus
a full portfolio of fun.
|
|
Food Focus: Cooling Salads
 Why is it that in the summer we naturally crave more fresh and raw foods? These
foods have a cooling effect on the body. Their lightness and high water, fiber
and vitamin content work together to act as our internal air conditioning
during these warm months. At this time of year we also need less dense,
high-energy food, because we get so much energy from being outside in the fresh
air and sunshine.
There
is no better season to have fun creating your own fresh, tasty, creative salad
combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw veggies,
naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer's day.
Try
your favorite leafy lettuce with different sliced, diced or grated veggies. The
possible combinations are endless. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix
in, as they are packed full of flavor. Experiment with adding different forms
of protein to your salads, such as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry.
Pick up a light and healthy dressing at your local health food store; two of my personal favorites are Bragg's Ginger and Sesame and Annie's Naturals Organic Goddess Dressing. Or be spontaneous and mix up
something easy, like lemon juice, black pepper and olive oil.
This
is a great opportunity to try a new vegetable from your market. What are some
creative flavors you've never tried before? Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and
arugula? Summer squash with watercress? Whatever you choose, have fun with your
food and stay cool. Happy summer! |
| Recipe of the Month #1
Bok Choy Apple Slaw
PREP TIME: 7 minutes
SERVES: 2-4
Ingredients:
-
6
stalks of bok choy (about 1/2 a head), thinly sliced
-
1/2
a small red onion, thinly sliced
-
1
granny smith apple, sliced
- 1/2
cup toasted sunflower seeds
Dressing:-
1
teaspoon ground coriander
-
1
teaspoon dijon
mustard
-
2
tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
-
1/4
cup olive oil
-
2
teaspoon honey or brown rice syrup
-
salt
and black pepper to taste
Directions:
- First make
the dressing by combining all the ingredients and whisk well.
- Chop all the
salad ingredients, leaving the apples until last, and mix in a salad bowl.
-
Toss salad
with half the dressing. Add additional dressing if so desired.
-
Either eat
immediately or chill for up to one hour and then add the apples just before
eating.
|
| Recipe of the Month #1
Leftover Chicken Corn Salad
PREP TIME: 7 minutes
SERVES: 1-2
Ingredients: -
1 cup cooked brown rice
-
1 cup chopped bok choy (or substitute cucumbers)
- 1/4 cup chopped red peppers
-
corn scraped from 2 cooked cobs
-
medium cooked chicken breast, pulled into bite-sized pieces
-
1-2 T olive oil
- juice of one lime
- salt to taste
Directions:
-
Mix together all ingredients and enjoy!
Helpful Hint:
Plan for this easy meal ahead of time by cooking extra chicken, corn, and rice the day, or a few days, before
|
HEALTHY HOME COOKED MEALS
Back by Popular Demand and Coming this Fall
Are you busy? Do you wish you had more time to cook healthy, homecooked meals for your family? Are you unhappy with how much you rely on convenience foods and takeout? Do you find putting meals on the table stressful and rushed? Then this cooking class is for you! In this class you will learn not only how to make one delicious family-friendly dinner, but how to turn it into easy, healthy, and very yummy meals for days! Plus, this class will be "peppered" with expert tips on healthy eating and fun, stress-free cooking. Take just two hours out of your busy schedule to attend this class, and I guarantee you will save many more hours in the kitchen, as well as dollars on convenience foods.
COMING THIS FALL
See our August Newsletter for date and time
|
|
HOST YOUR OWN COOKING PARTY
For Kids or Adults!
Cooking Classes are FUN!
Our cooking classes are all about teaching quick and easy ways to prepare yummy and healthy meals with whole ingredients. Do you have friends, neighbors, or family who are interested in discovering delicious new recipes and cooking techniques that nourish better health? Do you have kids that love playing in the kitchen, and you want to nurture healthy habits? Have your own cooking party with 5-10 people!
FOR ADULTS:
- Home Cooked Meals Quick and Easy
- Cookie Bake with Whole Grains and NO Refined Sugars
- Sweet Treats w/o the Sugar
- Whole Grains
- Eating to Boost Athletic Performance
- Breaking the Breakfast Rut
FOR KIDS:
- Superpackers -Fun and Yummy Lunches
- Sweet Treats w/o the Sugar
- Breakfast of Champions - Tasty Morning Meals
$300 for a 2 1/2 hour adult class; max. 10 people
$200 for a 2 hour kids class; max. 10 children
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE; EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS
CALL TO TALK ABOUT HOSTING YOUR PARTY! | |
|
|
|
Rediscover Your Best Self
At Vital Touch Wellness we are committed to your life-long health and vitality. Our mission is to help our clients live their lives to the fullest, offering holistic health counseling, therapeutic massage, cooking classes, and nutrition workshops.
We have highly experienced and intuitive massage therapists on staff whose goal is to free your body from pain and tension and clear your mind of stress... so you feel uplifted and better able to take on your life with joy... long after you walk out our door!
As a holistic health counselor, I offer an individualized program to guide my clients through the confusing flood of information and research about nutrition. I help you discover which foods and lifestyle choices work best for you and your body to help you reach and maintain your goals. My mission is to inspire and empower you to nourish yourself from the inside out by integrating the best of traditional, eastern and western approaches to health! Come in for a free initial consultation with the coupon below, or forward this newsletter to a friend who could use some support improving their health. See my website for more details.
All the best,
|
Jennifer McLamb, CMT, CHHC
Founder and Director,
Vital Touch Wellness |
|
|
