All posts by wellconsulting

It’s that time of year … the marathon between Halloween and Christmas.

Take notice of the availability of holiday treats in all the places you go – dishes of candy at the office, gift-wrapped boxes of cookies, bottles of wine at parties and dinners out. Even in your own home, foods you don’t normally eat sneak into the fridge via well-meaning guests, gift baskets, etc.

Indeed, wining and dining and overindulging is expected this time of year, and even celebrated. For so many of us, the holiday season is ALL about food – from Halloween candy corn to Thanksgiving stuffing to champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on New Year’s Eve. It’s an integral part of our family traditions! It triggers and accompanies all the high and low emotions that arise this time of year – like being around family, or not being around family, or feeling lonely or feeling celebratory, etc.

And of course it’s okay to eat what you want to eat and enjoy your particular familiar holiday treats (mine is my recipe for “Meg-Nog!”) within reason. But even the most steadfast among us typically come off this season with a physical and emotional hangover, and a New Year’s resolution to get back on track. There’s a reason most gym membership specials start on January 2nd!

Now, Close your eyes and imagine a holiday season in which you didn’t get OFF track.

Staying on Track

Imagine if you wrote out a plan for the month of December that outlined exactly how you wanted to live your life, treat yourself, and nourish your body during these hectic, emotional weeks. Imagine if you made and kept a few simple promises about your diet, your meditation routine, your sleep schedule, X number of yoga or exercise classes per week …

How do you think you would feel on January 2nd?

I can tell you, because I have done this myself. I have actually seen the other side of a holiday season that isn’t designed around dinners and indulgences. I can tell you from personal experience that reaching that goal on January 2nd, you feel high as a kite. I mean it!  Spiritually, physically, emotionally … there is no greater high on earth than the feeling of being able to trust yourself.

Holiday Food Promises

The trick is to make and keep promises to yourself. Look at my list of holiday party promises:

1) Drink three tall glasses of water 30 minutes before each party/meal

2) Limit of one alcoholic drink

3) Limit of one serving of simple carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, sugar)

4) Have no desserts or keep it to only one bite of a dessert (trust me you will savor that one bite, and it will be just the right amount!)

5) Be in bed by 12:30, min eis actually 11:00pm, but that is just because my body NEEDS sleep

I double-dare you to choose one or all of the above promises for yourself! It takes commitment, and afterwards you’ll feel AMAZING, 100% guaranteed! Remember: It’s not about punishing yourself or playing victim to a strict set of rules. It’s about moderation, accountability, happiness and above all, authorship. You can even consciously decide to gain 5 pounds over the holidays and schedule a plan of action to undo the damage, if that’s what works for you. The real point is to connect with your heart, your deepest yearnings, YOUR highest ideals. Sounds awesome, right?

Amazingly, you can change your mind. You can learn how to control your thoughts, act in accordance with your beliefs, lose your vices, achieve your goals, and have the life you want. When you honor your word and actually DO the things you really want for yourself, you build a trust and a self-worth that moves mountains. Your dreams come true, literally. How is THAT for a holiday treat?

As always remember that Meg is here to support you on your personal quest towards wellness.  Keep fighting the WELLNESS REVOLUTION!

At Whole Energy Lifestyle Living, essentials oils are part of our daily routine. They keep us calm, rejuvenated, and shining! In other words, they are… essential!

You may see them being used during your session or in Meg’s office. Don’t be shy, they are free for you to test. We also have several scents for sale. But first, what exactly are essential oils? Read our Essential Oils 101 to find out more.

What is aromatherapy?

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants {aka essential oils} to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.

What are essential oils?

Pure essential oils are extracted directly form different parts of plants {peels, rinds, flowers, leaves, stems, berries, resin, or roots}. For it to be considered essential, it must be extracted from the plant by physical means only such as distillation (using water or steam) and expression (cold pressing citrus peels).

What are the benefits of essential oils?

The olfactory system is our sense of smell, which is an incredibly important factor when it comes to our moods. Studies link aromatherapy to improved mood, relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, better balance and well-being, and reduction in headaches and body aches and sinus/chest conditions to name a few.

The olfactory system is connected to many body systems. When we inhale airborne molecules through the nose, they immediately interact with the brain, specifically a variety of receptor sites in the limbic system, which is considered the ’emotional brain.’ The limbic system is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance. Furthermore, if we inhale through our mouth, odor molecules immediately pass through our lungs having an impact on the respiratory system.

So, by breathing in beautifully smelling essential oils, they affect the body on an physical and emotional level.

How can I integrate them into my life?

There are many ways to easily integrate essential oils into your life. At W.E.L.L. we sell the doTerra line in over 15 scents as well as beautiful diffusers. You will see diffusers on around the office for our patients to enjoy during their visits. Some of our favorites are Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Peppermint, and blends such as Breathe, Elevation, and On Guard.

How do I use them?

• Mix a few drops in water and place in a diffuser.
• Put them in your hot bath water.
• Soak a washcloth in warm water with a few drops of oil.
• Add a few drops to your lotion.
• Place on your temples and all the spots you put perfume like neck and wrists.

Next time you’re in, make sure you give our essential oil selection a try or meet with Meg for a personalized consult on the BEST oils for you and your family.  If you would like to replenish your supply or learn more about essential oils visit Meg’s online webstore at: www.wellconsulting.org

Wellness Your Way, A Tip for Today:

Rosemary has been called the herb of remembrance, even Shakespeare referred to in Hamlet.  Traditionally, rosemary has been used to improve memory and nervous disorders, as well as to reduce mental fatigue.  Scientific studies has found that rosemary may enhance the production of proteins essential for nerve growth and function.  One interesting feature of rosemary is that its essential oil positively affects short and long term memory when the scent is inhaled.  In a clinical study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, blood levels of rosemary oil’s active compound 1,8-cineole after inhalation corresponded to improvements in speed and accuracy of cognitive tasks.  You can bet this is something I am diffusing as I write this tip, as well as have my children inhale during homework time!  Inhaling deeply now!  A special note to teachers: I have seen many studies finding that this aids significantly when diffusing in the classroom.  A win for you and a win for your students!  Rosemary also has been associated with enhanced levels of contentment.

Do you have Rosemary oil and utilize it?  Leave comments on tips that other Wellness Warriors can take advantage of.  If you are looking for the most HEALING  Rosemary Oil, ask Meg or go to her link at: www.wellconsulting.org

In addition to the above by diffusing Rosemary oil in my office and during “homework hour”, I am also adding it to my turkey dinner this evening.  No fresh herbs needed, just therapeutic oil from Doterra and voila dinner that is rich in nutrients and flavor!

In addition if you have not yet gotten you INVITE: There’s a wellness revolution going on right now and there is so much we can do to grow it — join us and be a part of the change. Get informed, get involved and spread the word to your friends by joining my Facebook community at Whole Energy Lifestyle Living: https://www.facebook.com/wholeenergy?fref=ts&ref=br_tf   and following me at my blog at: www.wellconsulting.org   Just sign up and commit to the wellness path, and know that you have the support of a wellness tribe that is surrounding you and here for YOU!

Eczema patients beware: A recent study from Northwestern University showed that those who experienced the sensitive skin condition of eczema and psoriasis in the past year had a 53% higher chance of bone and joint injuries compared to those of non-sufferers.  Chronic inflammation leads to brittle bones (as can oral steroids) and also fatigue.  As Meg your best options for treating eczema and how to get to the ROOT of the condition so that you be your healthiest self!