MINDSET MATTERS

Cultivating Calm Out of Chaos

First, let’s address the chaos. 

It can come when we least expect it or even when it is anticipated. We find ourselves in the midst of caregiving without warning or without the necessary skills for the task at hand. Whether your caregiving started early in life or in your later years, often that one, really big and significant caregiver role comes along. And in our already busy lives it adds to the daily stressors we are combating from our jobs, our environment, and other relationships. 

The human body’s response to stress is to produce adrenaline to give you extra energy in demanding situations. Stress occurs when the body doesn’t have a chance to return to a resting state. Chronic stress creates what is known as oxidative stress which is like rust on your cells and weakens the immune system. It’s important to be aware of your body’s response to stressors, such as increased heart rate, changes in breathing and digestion, or even blood pressure. Other signs could be headaches, exhaustion, changes in sleep patterns, or loss of concentration. 

Stress is your body’s natural response to change. It has both physical and emotional effects, and is a very individual experience. A situation that one person finds stressful may not bother someone else. For example, one person may become tense when driving while another person will find that experience a source of relaxation. Something that causes fear in some, such as rock climbing may be exhilarating for others. There is no way to say that one thing is bad or stressful because our individual responses are different. Life would be dull without some stress; the key is to manage the stress properly so that it doesn’t become harmful to our health. Outside events such as problems at work, preparing to move, or preparing for a wedding can be stressful events, but it is important to remember that it is how we react to those stressors. We can’t control the events but we can control and choose our response. 

One way to find the calm in all that chaos is to begin to change our outlook and mindset and the Zen philosophy can be a helpful starting point. The following quotes from some well-known philosophers, can help encourage you to open your mind and think differently about the difficulties that you face, and even find the inner strength and focus to keep your anxious mind at ease.

“Each morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” ― Buddha

“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” – Jack Kornfield 

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” ― Dalai Lama

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” ― Dalai Lama

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” ― Lao Tzu

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh 

So, now you have some inspirational quotes to reference, but how do you use them to your advantage? We recommend putting your favorite quotes up somewhere you can see them everyday, or writing a different quote in your planner for every day or every week, or add them as a morning or evening reminder on your phone.

The key is consistency with exposing yourself to these quotes and to constantly make sure you are not only reading these quotes, but really thinking about and journaling about what they mean to you. 

If you are looking for more guidance on finding calm in the chaos of caregiving and starting a new path to wellness, Alaka’i Associates is here to be your guide. Contact us for a free 30 consultation at https://alakaiassociates.com/contact/  and download this reminder for  Cultivating Calm out of Chaos.

If you are a caregiver looking for support please log on to Gimme A Break and see how they can help.

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WELLNESS MATTERS 

Defining Wellness

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.

There are two important aspects to this definition. First, wellness is not a passive or static state but rather an “active pursuit” that is associated with intentions, choices and actions as we work toward an optimal state of health and wellbeing. Second, wellness is linked to holistic health—that is, it extends beyond physical health and incorporates many different dimensions that should work in harmony.

Wellness is an Individual Pursuit

We have self-responsibility for our own choices, behaviors and lifestyles—but it is also significantly influenced by the physical, social and cultural environments in which we live. Wellness is often confused with terms such as health, wellbeing and happiness. While there are common elements among them, wellness is distinguished by not referring to a static state of being (i.e., being happy, in good health, or a state of wellbeing). Rather, wellness is associated with an active process of being aware and making choices that lead toward an outcome of optimal holistic health and wellbeing.

Wellness Is Multidimensional

Wellness is about more than just physical health. Most models of wellness include at least six dimensions (and sometimes up to 9 or 12):

• Physical: Nourishing a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.
• Mental: Engaging the world through learning, problem-solving, creativity, etc.
• Emotional: Being aware of, accepting and expressing our feelings, and understanding the feelings of others.
• Spiritual: Searching for meaning and higher purpose in human existence.
• Social: Connecting and engaging with others and our communities in meaningful ways.
• Environmental: Fostering positive interrelationships between planetary health and human actions, choices and wellbeing.

Let’s take this wellness journey together. Contact me for a free 30 minute Wellness Discovery Call to get started.

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YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Hydrate Your Way to a Healthier Day

Drinking more water is an important, integral part of daily healthy living. It contributes to your overall health from top to bottom. And the good news, it’s easy to start and stay hydrated.

Read more…Hydrate Your Way

And to support your hydration habits you can get this Alaka’i water bottle at FamilyRootsSD

First-time orders on Alaka’i wellness products will receive an additional thank you gift once the order is confirmed.

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THE ALAKA’I BOOKSHELF

This month I share with you an excerpt from Under a Full Moon and a Guiding Star. 

“Life Changes – Often in the midst of your transformation you aren’t even aware of what is taking place, and it isn’t until you are on the other side of it that you can truly see the benefits. The butterfly has long been seen as a symbol for transformation and seem mystical and magical. But if you really study the process of that change you will find that it resembles much of how we as humans experience major life changes….Unexpected change can take you from calm to chaos in an instant. Having an understanding of change and the ability to navigate through it became critically important in the next step of my life’s journey.”

“…gratefully and expectantly ask for one day’s portion of grace…”  ~ Unknown

Order your copy today and learn more about my transformation strategies.

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Subscribers ONLY

It’s my Birthday month! So, there will be 4 lucky winners who will receive the Subscriber Giveaway to help you on your wellness journey! In addition, any current subscriber who refers a new subscriber will receive an additional gift!

You can also contact me to schedule a free one-on-one Discovery Call to make a plan for your wellness.

#LiveAlohaLiveWell