We are living through some of the most stressful times in recent history. With the global pandemic raging on, many of us are still worried about our own health and the health of our loved ones, especially our older friends and family members. Many of…
People use different coping strategies when dealing with stress and other overwhelming emotions. Some people use substances such as drugs and alcohol, some smoke cigarettes, and some charge a lot of money to their credit card. And then there are those people who take comfort…
Most people know that a healthy diet is important in managing weight and aging well. But what many people don’t realize is that the foods we eat can significantly alter our mood. While eating foods rich in protein, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help…
At times it doesn’t take much to lure us off our path of healthy eating. Maybe a stressful or busy week at work, a vacation, or a big holiday… But those things are over now and all of the excuses are out the window. It’s…
Our brains are magnificent machines: while the brain controls rudimentary yet complex functions like your heartbeat, breathing and motor functions, it also controls a multitude of other complicated tasks such as creating your thoughts and feelings. A machine this advanced, that runs 24/7, clearly requires…
Our gut cells rapidly and directly communicate with our brain stem. The Second Brain in our gut highlights the importance of eating well and how mental health is inextricably linked to diet. Read the Science article here.
What can zebra fish tell us about our brains and the function of sleep? Check out this segment from CBC’s Quirks and Quarks that aired on March 8, 2019: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/quirks-and-quarks/segment/15676409 Happy listening!
Have you been thinking about making a change? Maybe you’ve already tried to change a behaviour, job, relationship, habit, thinking style? Making change and sticking to our goals is really difficult. There are a number of things that commonly make the process of change challenging. Factors such as: Thinking: what…
Food for Thought, a recent article in Canadian Living Magazine (December 2018 issue) discussed eating certain foods to improve brain function, stabilize your mood state, and increase your general well-being. We thought their shopping list was worth sharing, so here it is: Beans (black, chickpeas) Berries Cold-water fish…
Have you been thinking about sleep lately? I have. Maybe you’ve noticed that it takes a lot of tossing and turning to get to sleep? Perhaps you’re waking up so many times in the night you lose count? Do you feel refreshed when you wake up?…
Information about our bodies and how they function and interact with our environment is becoming more widely available. Further to my posts on 6 August 2018, here is another take on the gut/brain connection. Check out this CBC podcast for an interesting discussion about our…
Janet Echelman adapted as an artist to her environment. Many times our problems in life can seem polar: I have no paint, so therefore I cannot paint. But the adoption of a creative approach and flexibility in thinking can present new opportunities. Think outside of…