The Coaching Essential Wellness Weblog!

Tax Time Wellness

2008-02-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

Most of the time taxes evoke feelings of stress and frustration, not thoughts of peace and wellness. Here are some simple things you can do to make the most of this tax season:

1. Unless you are an accountant with lots of spare time, I strongly recommend using tax preparation software. There are many kinds available, both online and home use copies. And for those who really want the stress-free version, the half-hour spent talking to your local tax preparation company is well worth the fee.

2. If you are receiving a refund, put the money towards something that will make you feel better. See the list below of Top Ten Wellness Ideas for your refund.

3. If you owe taxes, adjust your W-4 so that next year the correct amount will be withheld.

Top Ten "Wellness" Ideas for Your Tax Refund:

Pay off some debts
Put some away for a rainy day
Sign up for a year membership at the gym
Hire a maid to help you with spring cleaning
Spend the day at the spa
Donate to a charity (it makes you feel better)
Buy something you have been wanting to by for you
Have some family portrait taken
Take one room in your house and decorate it
Take a continuing education course

DIS-EASE TO WELLNESS

2008-01-24T05:58:00.002-08:00

by: Mimi Williams
Oracle 20/20; September

My journey began in 1992; I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. That is when my health began to fail. My health had been declining for years and it was so difficult to gain control. I was facing obesity, early stage diabetes, and high blood pressure. As if things couldn't’ get worse I suffered a stroke. Facing multiple complications my doctors gave up on me and they told me there was nothing more they could do unless I was willing to undergo exploratory surgery. After reviewing all of my health conditions, I knew if I wasn’t going to accept the present prognosis, I would have to search in a new direction for a solution. I recognized that my journey would be difficult. Anyone could see that this was not going to be a quick cure but giving up was not an option.

In 2003, I moved to Atlanta it was a life changing decision. I had been out of work for years due to my illnesses. I decided that I would have to take a more active role in my recovery. It was my time for me to relish in the goodness of life and abandon my defeatist outlook. Another miracle occurred when I was presented with and then accepted a job with a wellness doctor in Atlanta and before I knew it my health begin to drastically improve. After more than a year into my healing process, I received a stunning blow…Breast Cancer. Instead of the traditional route of chemo or radiation, I accepted wellness into my mind and body. Everyday, I would affirm that my body is whole and I am healed.

My health crisis could have derailed me personally and professionally, but instead I used it as a wake-up call to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life. Creating productive health strategies in my own life has helped me regain my health. It is these strategies that I want to share with others. By combining my two passions, coaching on the inside and toning on the outside, I hope to create a setting for people to live out their health dreams.

By educating myself for what I needed for me to heal from the inside out, I received my greatest gift…my mission in life. It evolved into my calling to become a wellness coach.

Heart Attacks and drinking Warm Water

2008-01-24T05:58:00.001-08:00

We can protect or heart with warmth. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about heart attacks. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.

For those who like to drink cold water, take this in to concentration. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Keep a lovely heart!

Prevent Cancer with Sunshine

2007-09-08T02:35:00.000-07:00

By Al Sears, MD

Most of us know that sunlight gets a bad rap. Dermatologists and the sunscreen industry tell you to avoid sunlight at all costs, implying that even a little exposure will cause skin cancer.

In reality, not only is a little sunlight good for you, it can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer.

Two new studies revealed that, in moderate amounts, sunlight may reduce the risk of breast cancer by as much as 50 percent. Its effect on the incidence of colorectal cancer is even more dramatic, lowering the risk by 65 percent.

How is this possible?

Sunlight boosts levels of vitamin D in your blood. When its ultraviolet rays hit your skin, your body responds by spontaneously producing this essential nutrient. That's why vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine" vitamin.

Researchers at the University of San Diego noted that the cancer-reduction rates from vitamin D produced by sunlight vastly outperformed even the most popular cancer drugs, such as Herceptin. Best of all, you only need 10 to 20 minutes of sunlight a day to get the cancer protection.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Sears, a practicing physician, author, and expert on longevity, fitness, and heart health, is the author of The Doctor's Heart Cure. Learn more about the latest breakthroughs in alternative medicine, fitness, and nutrition, and get motivational guidance to help you achieve your health goals in ETR's natural health e-letter]

Some testimonials!

2007-05-24T01:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the change!

Just when I thought there was no help for me, then you were sent my way. I can't thank you enough for your work. You have truly inspired me to change my eating habits for the better, and I am very grateful to you for all your support. I can't really say why no one else was able to motivate me to change my eating habits and exercise the way you have... So thank you for your passion for teaching others to be healthy. I am just one of many I am sure, who will live a longer, healthier and happier life because of you support, thanks for your love!

Maria White

Who said I couldn't do it!

"Between osteoarthritis and a few other health challenges, I was becoming a walking pill factory (9 prescriptions a day!). It was wonderful to learn that I can change my lifestyle, eat differently and actually get BETTER!! In just a couple of months of your wellness coaching, I am now feeling better, have stopped taking 5 of my prescription medications and feel like I am the one in charge of my life instead of all the pills. I also quit smoking! “THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING MIMI!"

Ted Wales

Thanks for my Goji

I have suffered with migraine headaches for over 10 years. I would visit the emergency room often to get a pain injection. Between the medication and sleep I lost many days of my life. I have been headache free for over 3 months, I am so excited! The medications start affecting my digestive system and I was taking two prescription drugs to cope with that pain. I am happy to report that all medication is no longer part of my life! With Goji and Mimi’s coaching I now have my life back now. Thanks for you recommendations in every way. I am forever grateful for your love and support, you are the best!

Jamie Blackwell

Make a difference in someone’s life...

2007-05-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

Often all it takes is one person to make a difference. For me, that one person was my chiropractor. Not only did he make me feel welcome in my new position, but he gave me opportunity to work, heal and information to be able to help others. If each of us had someone like him that they could look to for advice and help, they might not feel so discouraged and overwhelmed.

We all need to make an effort to help others through formal or informal mentoring. Even if you only have time to eat lunch together, take a walk or just some fun conversation. This can help provide the encouragement that one might need. So, pass on your knowledge - I know you have a lot of it - and help someone prepare for a day to look forward to. Also, don't forget to keep your eyes open for someone who is looking to inspire you as well.

Please share with us who was it that made a difference for you.

Secrets to making a lasting change

2007-03-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

You can start wherever you are to make a lasting change; you just need to stretch a tiny bit more each time. If you fall off the wagon, or experience resistance, identify the cause or circumstances of where you were, who you were with, or your emotional state. The key is to get up and get back on the path again. You may go back and forward a few times because making a lasting change is hard. Your level of readiness to change will determine how successful you are, and how much time it will take. Just be sure to be ready willing and able to make a change happen.

What change will you make today?

Please share with us your secret of how you made a lasting change!

Set boundaries around your life!

2007-03-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

Say "no" to things that don't support your overall priorities. Only accept requests that support you at home and in the workplace. Learn your limits and pay attention to what you can and cannot do to reduce the stress of excessive demands on your life. Make the choice not to overload your schedule.

Take three actions this week to set a boundary. I would love to hear about your success, please email me at CoachingEssentialWellness@yahoo.com share with me what has worked for you.

Take care of your body!

2007-02-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Make yourself number one as a priority; spend your energy maximizing your health and wellness. Try mind-body exercises, such as breathing, meditation and stretching. Be physically active every day and get plenty of rest and lots of water. Take time to nourish your body with a brisk walk, which releases tension, revitalizes energy, and helps you increase vitality.

Take three actions this week to take care of your body. Please Email me at CoachingEssentialWellness@yahoo.com to share with me personally what has worked for you. I will enjoy your feed back.

Deep breathing can help you relax

2006-11-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

With the holidays still approaching us we have to still make time for relaxation. Deep breathing is a good way to relax.

Here are some helpful tips to help you with that:

Sit in a chair or lie down.
Rest your hands on your abdomen.
Slowly count to six and inhale through your nose.
Feel your abdomen rise. Hold it for a second.
Slowly count to six as you exhale through your mouth.
Your abdomen will slowly fall.
Repeat 5 to 10 times.

What are some of the things that you do to relax?

Ease Up Before You Burn Yourself Out!

2006-11-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Stress is an unavoidable part of life for everyone. Recognize that stress depletes energy but your reaction to it helps you reduce the impact. Life events such as bad news, traffic, work and family increase stress. We must find healthy ways to cope. To help minimize stress, pay attention to what might be causing these feelings.

What are some of the ways you minimize your stress?

INVIGORATE!

2006-10-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

When you reach midday do you find yourself dragging? Here are some helpful tips to help you to regain your energy:

Drink plenty of water so you don’t get dehydrated.
Take some deep breaths.
Get some fresh air by taking a short walk.
Eat a well balanced, nutritious meals and healthy snacks.
Stand up, stretch and move around to get your blood flowing.
Manage and decrease your stress.
Make sure you get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
Laugh and have some fun. Humor increases energy and is good for mental health.

What you do to invigorate yourself during the day?