As a Health and Wellness Coach, I'm constantly working with my clients to set goals and I hold them accountable to those goals. Many of us (especially us "Type A" folks) constantly strive for achievement but sometimes forget to take care of what should be our number one goal- ourselves.
So, it's not often you'll hear me say- don't set a goal, don't have a plan in place. But this past month, Noah and I got the chance to breakaway for a weekend in Sedona, Arizona. It reminded me of the "Mental and Emotional Fitness" aspect of WellCoaching that I constantly talk about. I truly feel that our time spent in the breathtaking mountains of Arizona was good for my soul. I felt alive, happy and at peace with myself.
Back to reality, a few days ago, I had the pleasure of listening to a panel of health experts (including my Hottie Registered Dietitian/Personal Trainer Husband, Noah- I think that's his official title) speak about a bunch of various topics----of which stress was brought up several times, and particularly its impact on health and wellness. Owner of Springfield based People Centric Consulting Group, Don Harkey, recommended a book called Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, by Richard Swenson. Now it's also not often I will recommend a book I haven't even read yet (or admit that I haven't even read it) but I totally plan to pick this one up. I have been personally and constantly affected by stress in my life- both from myself and from those I love.
And that's the point I'm trying to make- If you can find an activity that releases your mental and physical energy, doesn't have a goal, and gets you "in the flow" on a constant basis, this is where you want to be---it's a good goal to make for yourself. (Oh crap! Here I go again with the goal setting!) Hiking in nature, reading a good book, taking time to find yourself again---these are all vital components to total health and wellness.
Perhaps you've noticed how many times I've used the word, 'constant.' It was the inspiration for this article. You can take comfort in knowing you are never alone- Your breath, your heartbeat, are always with you as your constant companions. How tuned in are you with them?
Alyea Alldredge
afternoon slump is part of our Circadian Rhythm (the natural ebb and flow of our bodies hormones that wake us up and put us to sleep). When we get drowsy right before bedtime, it is because we've experienced a slight drop in body core temperature that stimulates the brain to release melatonin (the chemical responsible for our sleep). This happens naturally to a lesser degree from around 2pm - 4pm. This, however, is only a contributing factor. Our diet and daily regimen also takes part of the blame. 
