Eat, Pray, Love: A Book Review

Have you ever found yourself at a point in your life where you felt more trapped than a feral lion at the zoo? Nothing brings you the happiness that it used to. Many of your close relationships with friends and family have drifted farther and farther away from your heart. Where is your out? You have responsibilities to take ownership of: finances, maybe a spouse and/or children, your career, spirituality, etc. Another huge responsibility many Americans forget to take ownership of is THEMSELVES! I would like to invite you on a journey through author of Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert’s life as she transformed her life from a depressed, trapped housewife to a culturally rich and recharged spiritual guru.

As readers of Eat, Pray, Love are first introduced to Liz, she is a sad Manhattan woman, trapped in her recent marriage, literally crying on the bathroom floor night after night, weeping over the circumstances life has currently abandoned her with. At this point in time, Liz does not know God, nor does she really even know herself. Finally, after another night of ritualistic sobbing in the bathroom, Liz decides to try something she has never done before. Pray. After that night of releasing many confessions, pleads, and tears, Liz writes a dramatic new schedule for the next year of her life.

To some, dropping a lifestyle one has spent his/her entire life to make can be nothing less than utterly terrifying. To Liz, it was the perfect prescription. In a matter of days, Liz filed for a divorce, told her job she was leaving (to return with a promised novel about her adventures), and rented a new apartment where she would begin living in Italy. Eat, Pray, Love takes the reader through three different experiences in three very different countries: Italy, India, and Indonesia. I will not spoil the entire book for you, but I will tell you that the difficult and heart-wrenching situations Liz triumphs over in the next 365 days will warm your heart. For many, it will hit a spot close to home. This book personally taught me how to be brave and take ownership of my life. I laughed; I cried; and I carried the book with me everywhere I went, just in case I had any chance to pick it back up and continue to prevail through my own challenging life vicariously through Liz’s story. Ms. Elizabeth Gilbert brilliantly hits a nerve her American audience sometimes desperately needs to feel.

If you are looking for some personal and professional words of encouragement without having to spill the beans to another individual, I strongly encourage you to take a wild chance on this book. The stories of soul-searching by stepping out of one’s comfort zone reflect that of Man’s Search for Meaning with a twist of The Stranger’s existentialism. Feel your soul rejuvenate as you eat, pray, and fall in love with Liz Gilbert.

The Big Move-In Day! College-bound: What Not to Forget When Packing.

If you are like the thousands of students across America beginning their journey as a college student, there are a few things you will not want to forget to pack! Many do not realize the importance of tools. As a young adult not too far out from college, I cannot tell you how many times I needed a screwdriver! Things may unexpectedly break or get a little loose, and you may need a quick fix to tighten your desk drawer or a screw in your chair. Another handy tool to have is a flashlight. The weather is unpredictable, and so can be the power lining, so it may be helpful to have a flashlight if the power ever goes out, or even if you may have a dark corner you need to look at to find where you dropped last night’s M&M’s between the bed.

Another useful tool to have on-hand is a set of jumper cables. If you are feeling ambitious, learn how to use these cables before you go to college too! Again, the unexpected happens, and you want to be prepared to take care of yourself. First aid kits can also be extremely helpful to store in the trunk of the car for those occasional bumps and bruises.

The freshman dorms are probably one of the most anticipated and decorated places student will live in. For many, it is the primal opportunity for a room makeover. So, if you have a little extra to spend, go ahead and splurge on some fun posters, curtains, picture frames, or new bed sheets. One fun gift I was given after my high school graduation was a box of stationary, complete with a book of stamps, return address labels, and envelopes. I never thought I would write as much mail as I did throughout my four years of college. Mail is fun! Scheduling can be difficult with classes, campus clubs, part-time jobs, social life, etc., so mailing can help parents and students keep in touch if phone time cannot be fitted into a regular schedule. Planners/calendars are also a smart idea to bring to college. They help students keep track of assignments, log future exam dates, and even remember special peoples’ birthdays. They are also fun to look back at later and remember all of the great things you were a part of in college.

The last and most important thing to remember to bring to college is your own unique YOU! Moving away from home and adapting to a new and foreign lifestyle can be incredibly horrifying, yet extremely exciting at the same time. It is normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions the first few weeks or even months before and during freshman year. Freshmen are going to come from all parts of the country, with various backgrounds. Some will be bilingual, some will be the first of their family to enter a university, and some may be an avid athlete, scholar, or musician. The best part of college is that everyone is different, but are coming together to learn and excel. Bring what you have to offer, and be proud that YOU are going to a school where there will be an abundance of resources to help you excel in any way you desire. Just remember to seek, and you shall receive.

Foods that BOOST your Mood! We're not joking!

Be HAPPY with what you eat this summer! No…literally…you will be happy after eating any of these foods!

Did you know that eating certain foods can actually make us feel happier? Dark chocolate is a well-known advocate for boosting positive mood. The ingredients in chocolate contain tryptophan, which acts like serotonin, a hormone that plays as a chemical messenger in the brain. Many refer to serotonin as the natural “feel-good” element because of the way they experience a positive mood boost when their serotonin levels are elevated. This is why many anti-depressant medications work to increase serotonin levels when they are considered too low. When people consume chocolate, their brain turns the tryptophan into serotonin, thus creating a sense of relaxation and elevation in mood.

Another great mood-boosting food is the sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are high in low-fat carbohydrates. Just like the tryptophan in chocolate, low-fat carbohydrates allow serotonin to be produced in the brain. Other foods high in low-fat carbohydrates (and happiness) include pastas, breads, peas, beans, whole grains, and other starches.

Are you a fan of spicy foods? Chili peppers and other hot sauces have been found to lift your mood as well. In addition to the increased serotonin levels, chili peppers also boost the level of endorphins, a neurotransmitter chemical, in the brain. Endorphins function like that of the drug morphine on the brain because they dull the brain’s perception of pain, thus causing a feeling of well-being. So not only will your taste buds be happy with what you are eating, but you will be too!

Eating certain types of foods, as mentioned above, can serve many health benefits. They can provide nourishment to our bodies, flavor to our taste buds, and can help boost our moods to a more euphoric state! So next time you are at the grocery store, what will you buy?

For Those Who Have Trouble Sleeping - Strategies for Healthy Sleep

Sleep Your Way to a Happier, Healthier, Skinnier You!
by Jackie Kelly, Lifechanging Counseling Marketing Assistant

In today’s day and age, many Americans think sleep is over-rated. When there are deadlines to be met, parties to attend, and late-night TV shows to catch up on, sleep is simply placed on the bottom of the to-do list. While sleep is seen as a way to re-charge for the next day’s busy schedule, making time for the recommended 7 to 9 hours of Zs can be very beneficial to one’s health.

Researchers at the University of Washington found that people who slept a consistent 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night had a trimmer waistline than those who slept less than 7 hours. You read this correctly: sleep can help you be slimmer! Not enough sleep may throw-off hormones in the brain that regulate a person’s appetite. It can change the levels of the hormones that regulate hunger, thus causing an increase in appetite. In addition, higher levels of stress hormones that consequently raise blood pressure have also been associated with lack of sleep.

Another common effect of sleep deprivation is getting sick! Ever notice when your children go back to school, they usually get sick after the first few weeks? They are probably getting less sleep than they did over the summer break. When a person does not have enough sleep, the immune system (the Superman of the body) cannot fight-off disease as easily. When Popeye does not get enough spinach, he simply cannot beat the bad guys. So, feed your body with sleep so it can be your personal superhero and fight off the sniffles.

Now that you are completely motivated to get more sleep, here are four great ways to do just that:

1) Gradually go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.

2) Do not go to bed with the television or computer on—this may distract you from your main focus, which is to fall asleep.

3) Put your pajamas on and dim the lights in your house about one hour before you plan to sleep. This will tell you and your body that it is time to settle down for bed.

4) Meditate or do light stretching. People who relax in the evening fall asleep 30 minutes sooner than those who do not.

So, ladies and gentlemen, break out the pillows and bed sheets and go to sleep already!

15 Ways to Manage Stress

15 Ways to Manage Stress

Do you feel like you never have enough time in your day? Are you always feeling stressed? Do you wish you could learn how to relax? According to the American Psychological Association, two thirds of Americans say they are likely to seek medical help for stress. Common signs and symptoms of stress include headaches, body pain, concentration problems, difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, overreaction, stomachache, anxiety, isolation, fatigue, and weight gain or loss.
Stress can also cause physical illnesses in addition to mental and emotional problems. Stress can contribute to hair loss, personality changes, ulcers, muscle spasms, nervous tics, high blood pressure, asthma, stomach problems and skin problems. If you suspect that any of your symptoms may be stress related, please visit your family physician.

We all lead very busy lives. Family responsibilities, work demands, time commuting or running errands. But we all have 24 hours in each day. How can we make the most of those 24 hours? What can we do to manage our stress in a healthy way?

1. Examine and evaluate your activities. Prioritize them by importance, and consider dropping any that are not bringing you joy or those that are contributing to your stress.

2. Take time to play. Unleash your inner child and have fun. Join a sports team, organize a game night, plan time with friends, blow bubbles, read the comics.

3. Laugh – watch a funny movie or television show. Laughter is good medicine.

4. Take time to rest. Take a 15 minute break during the day and rest. Meditate, pray, or nap. Make sure you get enough sleep each night.

5. Make lists. Plan ahead and prioritize your commitments. Cross them off the list when completed.

6. Take one step at a time. Make your tasks small and manageable.

7. Develop healthy eating habits.

8. Exercise daily.

9. Practice deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxation.

10. Daydream. Visualize yourself in your favorite place.

11. Relax. Set aside 15-30 minutes every day for relaxation. Take a bath, pray, take a nap, draw a picture, write in a journal, read a book, talk to a friend, pet your cat or dog.

12. Listen to music.

13. Draw, paint, or sculpt. Be creative.

14. Journal – write down your thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes.

15. Talk to friends.

Learning how to properly manage your stress will help you be more relaxed, confident, stronger, and more content. You will have improved concentration, and a greater sense of peace and direction. You will have more energy, and will be able to accomplish more with less.

Preparing for College – 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in Day

Preparing for College – 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in Day

By: Crystal May, Lifechanging Counseling

Are you a parent or a new college freshman? You can make your move-in day successful and stress-free with a few simple steps. No one can warn an incoming freshman of the do’s and don’ts of campus life better than an upperclassman who was in his or her shoes not long ago. High school students dream about leaving home, gaining freedom, and having that unforgettable college experience balanced with the perfect combination of making memories with lifelong friends, a little partying and a few classes along the way. Everyone tells you what to expect, but no one tells you how to prepare yourself to be propelled into a totally foreign environment where every decision you make can change your life (for better or for worse).

It’s been my experience that move-in day is pivotal to how the rest of your semester will pan out. If you’re a wreck at move-in, your semester will be just as chaotic. Move-in day is also important because you get to meet the people you’ll be living with for the rest of the semester. This can go smoothly or become a complete disaster, depending on how you choose to handle things. When deciding what to bring to school, and on the actual move-in day, it’s important to remember 5 key points:

1. Contact the University’s Housing Office AND get in touch with your roommates before moving in so you don’t end up with 4 mini-fridges, 4 full-length mirrors, and no floor lamps or cleaning products. Also find out how much space will be available to you so you can decide before you leave home if the extra futon is really practical.

2. Be conscientious of your roommates. Your mom might insist on you bringing your full drum set and X-Box gaming system to keep you busy between classes, but take your roommates into account and ask yourself if you have enough space for all that in your room, and will that be a distraction to them and their studies. You don’t want to be the roommate who is a distraction to the rest of the suite.

3. To make the move-in process run more smoothly, take into consideration how far from home you’ll be living. If you live in state and your parents’ house is closer than your roommate’s hometown, don’t bring as much stuff on the first day. You’ll have the opportunity to go home in a few weeks and grab some more stuff if you need it, but your roommate won’t get a chance to go home until the holidays and might need to bring more supplies. If you’re going to school locally, all you really need to bring are your clothes, bedding, school supplies, and toiletries. Anything else can be brought in later. This will cut down on how much time Mom and Dad spend in your room helping you move. The swifter your move, the easier it is for the next person.

4. Prepare your parents prior to arrival. Nothing can slow the move-in process down more than Mom crying hysterically and Dad trying desperately to connect your Internet before they get back on the road. You should say your last goodbyes before getting to school, so when move-in day arrives, it won’t be this huge dramatic scene in the parking lot while another family is waiting to unload their kid. Also, Dad should be properly briefed on all electronics before attempting to hook everything up in your room so things don’t get broken or misplaced out of frustration. Lastly, don’t make move-in a family affair. Random relatives and little brothers and sisters only get in the way and slow things down. You should say your goodbyes to them the night before and only those who are pivotal to the move should be in the car heading to campus. They can all come back and see your room and meet your roommates on Family Weekend!

5. Finally, bring more necessities than fun ways to past the time. It’s ok to bring your movie collection or some video games to share with your roommates, but don’t bring things that can become a distraction to your roommates or yourself. There are student run organizations on campus for a reason. The more things you bring to play with in your room, the less of campus life you’ll get to experience.

College is supposed to be a fun new experience for the next four years of your life. You can’t enjoy anything new if you bring everything from home with you. This not only includes material items, but also old attitudes, close-minded ideals and overall baggage that will keep you from enjoying anything different that you come up against. You can be whomever you want when you get to school, and move-in day is the day to start fresh. Make it worthwhile…

Crystal worked as a summer intern for Lifechanging Counseling, a counseling agency providing counseling for teens and adults who are stressed, depressed, and anxious. She can be reached at cmay1130@gmail.com. For more information on Lifechanging Counseling, or to join our mailing list, please visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com.

April is Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month - how is your stress level?

http://psychology.about.com/b/2010/04/09/april-is-stress-awareness-month.htm