Hot Flash Havoc Newsletter

Volume 4, Issue 12

December 2014

www.hotflashhavoc.com 

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PEACE ON EARTH AND JOY TO ALL
Dear Flashers,     

 

* * * REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON * * *

 

The power of Christmas lies in the power of relationships. Connecting with friends and family, and the people we love. 

 

It is also that time of year when if we don't take control it's easy to get out of control. I am including some of my tips on keeping some of the seasonal stresses like shopping smart and eating healthy under control by hugging and loving on friends and family and even those you may not know. 

 

So get out there ... deck the halls and make the memories you want to have!

 

With love and grateful thanks to all of you for your continuous strength and support.

 

Have the greatest of Holidays!   

  

 Heidi

 

Heidi HoustonHeidi Houston 

Hugging her horses and dogs!
Executive Producer Hot Flash Havoc
PO Box 1188
Aspen, CO 81612
970-920-4848 office
970-920-2260 fax

Buy Your DVD Now: Buy the DVD

 

DVDGet yours ordered today! In case you can't get to one of the Hot Flash Havoc screenings, you can order the DVD online at: www.hotflashhavoc.com.
 
Special Offer! Just $14.99 plus S&H.
 

Holidays are for Hugging and Loving!

 

 

Hugging is good medicine, it makes us feel good.  It transfers energy and gives the person hugged an emotional lift.  

 

You need four (4) hugs a day for survival, eight (8) for maintenance, and twelve (12) for growth. Scientists say that hugging is a form of communication because it can say things you don't have the words for.  


 

And the nicest thing about a hug is that you usually can't give one without getting one!

 

Have you ever had the kind of busy day that perhaps leaves you feeling a bit physically disconnected? I have, and I rarely notice this until someone comes up and places a hand on my back to get my attention, and my brain says, "Wow...that felt really good."

 

The simplest human touch when one isn't expecting it, or even when one is expecting it, can deliver such joy and contentment. A hug is so free and easy but something we sometimes hesitate to do so.

 

If you need a reason to get your Hug Quota going check this out:

 

1. Hugging induces oxytocin in the body.

 

 

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone, one that not only fortifies bonds with those we love but also has the capability to stimulate solidarity between total strangers.

 

 

 

 

2. Hugging builds stronger bonds with the people you see everyday.    

 


Hugging nurtures human relationships, cultivates trust, increases confidence, and frankly, makes us happier people.

 

 

 

 

3. Hugging lowers stress!  

 

 

A good hug literally decreases the levels of cortisol found in the body. Talk about a drug-free anti-anxiety treatment.

 

 

 

 

4. Hugging lowers blood pressure. 

 

 

Collecting hugs is excellent for your ticker, in more ways than one!

 

 

 

 

5. Hugging is a reciprocal good deed.

 

 

One never knows what is going on in another person's life. When a good, sincere hug is given, it has the potential to completely alter one's day. How simple of a good deed is that? Just wrap your arms around me, and hug!

 

 

 

 

6. Hugging feels incredible! 

 

  

Seriously, the power of human touch is profound, and our bodies are filled with nerves ready (sometimes aching) for stimulation. Most of us are probably craving human touch all day long and simply not aware of it. Why do we spend so much money on massage?  A good, long squeeze has the capacity to not only lift one's spirits, but also feel wonderful for the body.

 

 

 

7. Hugging can turn a bad mood upside down. 

 

 

If you're feeling grumpy and anti-social, just try crawling into a warm embrace. I pretty much guarantee you'll come out of it feeling a little, if not totally, better.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Hugging reconnects the mind with the body. 

 

 

Most of us try our best to live a balanced life.  But when chaos builds, which it does rapidly in the workplace, behind the wheel, while on the computer, a good hug can reconnect us to that idea of conscious existence. A good hug has the power to prompt us towards better posture, deeper breathing, and a more relaxed state of being. 

 

 

 

9. Hugging more makes us better huggers! 

 

That sounds silly, but I'm serious. Are you guilty of the non-committal, "I don't have time to slow down" one-armed hug? If so, don't expect to reap as many of these benefits. Those who take a moment to square up to another human being and wrap their arms around them for a good long breath are those who truly benefit from the power of hugging. Which brings me to benefit number ten...

 

 

10. Hugging cultivates patience. 

 

Connections are fostered when people take the time to appreciate and acknowledge one another. A hug is one of the easiest ways to show appreciation and acknowledgement of another person. 

 

The world is a busy, hustle-bustle place and we're constantly rushing to the next task. By slowing down and taking a moment to offer sincere hugs throughout the day, we're benefiting ourselves, others, and cultivating better patience within ourselves.

 

 



Upcoming HotFlashHavoc Events:hfh-poster-border

 

 

 

 

    

Upcoming: Chicago, Pennsylvania and more.

If you want to sponsor an event in your city, please call us at: 970-920-4848


Heart Healthy Tips for the Holidays    


 

STAY ACTIVE:  30 minutes a day, that's what the heart association recommends, but even 10-15 minutes a day can help.  A brisk walk or active chores around the house are great ways to keep your heart healthy and avoid extra holiday weight gain.


 

DON'T OVERDO IT:  Work and school schedules topped with holiday concerts, parties and family events can seem over-whelming.  Do your best to plan ahead and keep your holiday expectations within reason, and be willing to drop things from your list in order to reduce your stress.


 

EAT HEALTHY FIRST:  Unhealthy food temps us at every party and get-together.  Keep your health on track by eating a healthy snack before the party, or load your plate with veggies and hummus and any other healthy options.  

Better yet, offer to bring a healthy appetizer to share.  


 

DRINK WISELY:  Avoiding sugar is key when choosing cocktails so opt for anything with all-natural ingredients, or perhaps club soda with lemon or lime by itself or topped with your favorite liquor instead of sugary mixes.  You'll have fewer calories which makes this a healthier choice. Don't forget we need more water in the winter, get in at least 8 glasses of water a day.


 

TIME OUT:  To avoid the stress of the holidays, try to take 20 minutes out of the day just for yourself.  I know this seems impossible but it pays off with a big reenergizing reward.  Exercise, read a book, meditate, cook something you love, just do something that makes you happy.  This happy little break will increase your positive feelings and minimize stress for you and those around you. 

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How about some Speed Shopping Exercises?!    

 

Online shopping can save you time, but id doesn't do you any favors in the fitness department. 

 

So since we must shop ... let's speed through it.  


 


 

PARK FAR AWAY:  Before you even hit the first store, make your step count go up for the day.  Park your car as far away as possible and sneak in an extra five minutes of movement.  Plus, who needs the stress of circling and searching for the perfect spot?  Not us!

 

"POWER" SHOP:  Check off every item on your list by turning shopping into "power" shopping.  Since mall walking for three hours can burn up to 750 calories for a 150-pound person, zigzag your route instead of going up and down the row of stores.  And instead of taking the escalators and elevators, always look for the flight of stairs.  An easy gut workout, plus the additional calorie burn, is a bonus you can't pass up!

 

CURL YOUR BAGS:  Put your purchases to good use.  While you're waiting for your friend or standing in line, do bicep curls with your shopping bags.  Sets of 15 quickly turn into a sculpting session with no gym necessary!


 

 

AVOID THE FOOD COURT:  An afternoon of following the above mentioned tips can quickly be thwarted by a trip to the food court.  Instead of diving into the cinnamon rolls and Chinese food, eat a healthy lunch at home before hitting the mall. Feel free to toss in an apple or protein bar for a quick snack when the shopping gets long.  If you 're craving a treat, a small skim latte is only 100 calories.


Whatever is "Beautiful." 

Whatever is "Meaningful." 

Whatever brings you "Happiness." 

 

May it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming Year.


Heidi Houston
and your Hot Flash Havoc Team
Hot Flash Havoc