So … What is Self-Care?

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The ultimate in self-care comes from the versatile field of Health Psychology which integrates findings from experts in a variety of scientific disciplines that can help you significantly improve your health and upgrade the quality of your life.

Whether you are facing a medical diagnosis or challenging personal circumstances, recent findings can help you take charge of your health and your life in important ways. Since chronic stress can dysregulate the immune system and cause a multitude of health problems–from autoimmunity to bone loss and even weight gain—practical and effective stress reducing techniques are essential. But that’s not all. The way we think and feel affects every physical and metabolic function in our bodies–controlling hormone secretion, nerve activity and even genetic expression–which either strengthen or weaken our immune system and affect how resilient we are when facing the demands and challenges of everyday life.

Check to see if you have any of these “early warning signs” that indicate stress might be endangering your health:  Cold hands and feet; Hair loss; Headaches or migraines; Heart-burn; Muscle aches and pains; Insomnia; Lack of “restful” sleep; Reduced sex drive; Allergies; Skin problems; Constant flu and colds; Irritability; Fatigue.

Happily, life-enhancing skills, techniques and technologies can restore the brain and improve immunity–as well as cardiac function–while boosting peace of mind. As a result, many of these techniques are being taught in advanced health care centers as a primary means of preventive medicine. As a testament to the effectiveness of these techniques, some insurers offer discounts to those trained in their use. So that you can quickly and easily take advantage of the latest thinking in health care, these methods have been combined and condensed into a practical six-week program.

Whether you attend the six-week class, read the book or we work together in private sessions, the purpose is to help you achieve your personal goals and enhance healing on every level. For many people, designing a personal health psychology program is an important step in the process of creating a healthy and satisfying life. I welcome you to that process!


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3 Responses to “So … What is Self-Care?”

  1. Margi Miler says:

    Do You have a 6 week class in the San Francisco Bay area coming up? I am working with cancer in my body and just read your book but would like more.

    Thanks in advance Margi Miller

  2. Brenda says:

    Hi Margi, I just discovered that Althea Parks facilitates a group at the El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA where the book is being read and discussed. I am thinking this might not be too far from you? Let me know how it goes! All the best to you, Brenda.

  3. Youngy says:

    That’s more than siesnble! That’s a great post!

Leave a Reply

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  • From the Blog:

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                  [post_content] => And the key question to ask if you find yourself obsessing! First published on Sprout Savvy.
      
       
      
      As a blog subscriber you already know the first secret ingredient is to Ditch the Spanx. 
      
      Dr. Andrew Weil and I were interviewed for an article  in Oprah magazine and we were each asked what best “one thing” someone could do for their health. We both answered, “Breathe correctly.” Our cultural heritage of whalebone corsets, girdles and now Spanx—not the mention the military posture—has created a nation of chest breathers. This pattern of breathing catapults us into “fight or flight” whether or not we are facing any particular problems or adversity. We can be perfectly content and happy but if we are breathing this way our body is surging with chemicals that hurt rather than heal. On the other hand, our world could be falling down around our ears and if we breathe in a healthy fashion (diaphragmatic breathing) we can protect our physiology.
      
      Autogencis
      
      A second tip is to practice something called “autogenics” –you can download the audio for free on my website. It’s only 5-minutes but can totally smooth out your day and retrain body and mind to respond differently to stress. The audio also features a technology of sound called psychoacoustics. If you use a headset you will hear a different beat each ear and the brain will create a phantom beat, called a binaural beat and nudge your brain into a more relaxed state, one associated with healing and repair.
      
      Pay Attention to the Words you Use
      
      And of course, the third tip is to pay attention to the words you use when you speak to yourself and ask if it is a message you want to receive. “Is this helping me now”? is a question we can train ourselves to ask and if the answer is no then we have the power in that moment to choose a frame of reference that is in our best interest. This simple question can redirect obsessive worry, self-criticism and channel precious energy into creating a new narrative, one rich with meaning that supports your goals and desires. It's so simple that it's power is often overlooked--all it takes is practice.
      
      Photo compliments of Getideaka
      
       
      
       
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