The human body is often described as a well-oiled machine, where each part has a specialized function that contributes to the overall function of the machine. But when one part is damaged, the entire machine can stop working – and it’s often the smallest piece that has the biggest impact.
As we have changed the clocks to let the morning light shine a little earlier, we now have more darkness in the evening which, in my opinion, is better for the circadian rhythm. Our ancestors, when no electricity existed, rose with the sun and retired by the moon. In today’s
This month, at SAS Institute, we are celebrating and providing education on the topic of menopause! Last week, I had the honor of presenting a seminar on movement, especially as it relates to maintaining and building stronger bones. This week, I offered a yoga workshop which was a calm, restorative
Menopause is often looked at as a time of dread, losing femininity and coming face to face with aging. I like to think of it as a time of finding the goddess within. I have personally considered it as a time of self-discovery, feeling comfortable in my own skin, letting
I can bet we have all experienced nights where we lay in bed and find ourselves unable to fall asleep. By watching this six-minute video with Psychiatrist Dr. Duke-Sui, you can learn one technique to help you get to sleep. Listen and then try it tonight! Wishing you a restorative
Exercise...what a wonderful practice of self-care that can alter energy, relieve stress, provide a sense of well-being and many other health benefits. Have you ever wondered if exercising at a certain time of day is more beneficial? You’re not the only one. This question has been floating around since I’ve
The summer months are approaching rapidly and that might mean it's time to reassess and cement plans for warmer days, travel, and barbecues. This might include optimizing lifestyle habits and even hormonal health. Yes, that's right...hormonal health. It's often openly discussed in women's health but over the last several years,
Red light therapy (RLT) is pretty amazing! Although it may seem like a new technology in recent years due to more mainstream articles, it’s not. I’ve been using it for a couple of years and have found it beneficial on many levels. Over 25 years ago astronauts discovered that red
Sleep...we all require it. While some say they don't need lots or they don't have time for it, I challenge them to reconsider. Sleep, quality sleep that is, is critical for optimal health. It allows the body to recover and repair, helps boost immunity as well as memory filing and
Since I was a teenager, I’ve had trouble sleeping. From hypnotherapy to melatonin, I've tried all kinds of lifestyle changes and strategies to get better sleep. No matter what helps, I am never immune to those nights at 3 AM where my mind won’t seem to shut off. No surprise
Sleep is the ultimate way to recover and it now has well-deserved research showing its importance to health and longevity. Discover 16 tips that will assist you in getting quality sleep. 1. Recognize the Importance of Sleep - We all know how we feel when we are sleep deprived. The consequences
My sons were amazing sleepers...as babies. Around age 2.5, mutiny ensued. My eldest endured the wild combination of potty training, a new baby brother, transitioning into a "big boy" bed, and a beautiful developing imagination. While the youngest didn’t have the new baby to taunt his sleep, he did get
According to a study published in May 2017, people who don’t get enough sleep eat, on average, 385 MORE calories than usual with significantly less protein and more fat. They also experience a heightened motivation to seek food for reward (i.e. that donut and sweet coffee drink in the morning look
Many of us struggle with getting enough good quality sleep. I have a 9 month old daughter, so I am well aware of the struggles and the consequences of not getting enough sleep. Winding down from the day is one of the top reasons why it takes many of us
Last month I vowed to take time off from watching TV. I worried I was wasting time that could be spent in better ways. I entered that commitment with optimism for what I could achieve during the time off. As it turned out instead, my body was waiting to teach me
There’s nothing like a funny race sign to keep you entertained during a race. Post chuckle, this one got me thinking. It’s true, making a lifestyle change - like adding 15-20 hours a week to train for long distance triathlon – definitely rocks the relationship boat. In our 8 years
I’m a productivity junkie! Living in a culture where productivity is highly valued, cutting corners on sleep is often a life survival skill. We’ve been trained to function this way (at least in the US) for over 50 years. As a result, being tired and fatigued is the status quo
I jumped down the rabbit hole of essential oils (EOs) and aromatherapy ~18 years ago and never looked back. Smell is one of the strongest connections we have to memory. My first experience with essential oil occurred during a massage when the therapist used Lilac. I immediately thought of my
Oh, man! What's happening? I just can't figure out what's going on. I'm tired. Exhausted actually. I don't feel well. I just want my energy back! We've all been there. Sometimes more often that we'd like. Sounds like it's time for a reboot. How do we reboot the human body?
Next week, Work/Life, HCC, and RFC will hold the first ever Sleep Transformation challenge for SAS employees and their adult family members. As part of a series of blogs on sleep by the Work/Life staff, today’s topic is Children and Sleep. Like adults, many children do not get enough
As you may know, Work/Life is partnering with RFC and HCC to launch a Sleep Transformation next month, so I thought I would focus this month’s blog on the importance of sleep for older adults with dementia. We are all aware of the importance of a good night’s sleep,
In her book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert paraphrases a famous quote by Richard Bach when she writes, "Argue for your limitations and you get to keep them". That saying is now on a sticky note at my desk and a reminder to reflect on the excuses I make for myself.
Sleep has never been my forté. Even as I child, I dreamt of a world where the sun would never set and I could play ad infinitum. When Dr. Gupta opened her "Importance of Sleep" seminar in May with an observation that many people disdain sleep and equate it with
With Turkey Day coming up in a couple days, one thing I know I'm looking forward to is help from my parents, so my husband and I can catch up on some much needed sleep....oh the joys of being parents of little guys! This week, I'm pleased to
Like many strong relationships, Yoga and I did not hit it off right away. I was in college enjoying strenuous exercise. I’d run, take step, and get in some abs all in one day. I was cardio crazy. There was nothing better than heading out on the trails for a
