emotional well-being – Jenna Jamieson, Author

Conquer your stress…solutions for the holidays!

By Jenna Jamieson | December 13, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Today, I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that impacts everyone, especially during the holiday season, yet something that I and many others are guilty of not keeping under control. It is something that tends to increase during the holidays and is something we, ourselves, can typically control. What in the world do you think it is? If you guessed stress then you are right. Stress is something that we can control based on our response to things that are said, things that happen, and by how we choose to deal with daily trials and tribulations, successes and failures. It is something that can impact your health greatly if it is not managed and dealt with properly. Further, it can cause digestive problems, cramps, headaches, anxiety, exhaustion, and multiple other major and minor health concerns.

It is important to channel within yourself the proper tools that will help you control and conquer stress. Tools that are up to YOU to find, determine, and explore, because while I will provide suggestions and help, we all deal with stress differently. You have to find what fits for you (this is continuously echoed in my posts). Like everyone, I still deal with stress everyday, BUT the difference is I now know how important and helpful it is to have solutions to counteracting stressful situations.

So here’s a few pointers that I have been given and learned over time: 1) First, meditation can help even if it seems like an odd way to deal with stress. Trust me, I thought it seemed unfitting for me, but meditation can be as easy as sitting with your eyes closed and counting to ten, taking deep breaths to control your breathing. It allows you to cool off, release some steam, AND best of all, allows your heart rate to slowly begin to return to normal. Other great options include 2) drinking camomile tea (or other hot beverage) which has a calming effect, 3) removing yourself from the area that is causing the frustration and stress for 5-10 minutes, 4) taking a hot bath with sea salts (ease aching muscles) or peppermint oils (calming and relaxing effect). Of course, my ultimate way to de-stress is to 5) workout–run, stretch, weight lift, interval train. Exercising and working out is one of the most effective yet underutilized ways to take away stress. So, while the holidays, work, relationships, etc. can be the subject of great stress, REMEMBER that it’s how YOU choose to respond to the stress that makes it impact your life.

~jj

Using quotes for health inspiration :)

By Jenna Jamieson | December 8, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

My inspiration this week comes from watching, listening, and absorbing the hardships, difficulties, stress, compassion (lack of) from those around me. I work retail so I hear a lot of scenarios, parenting, stress evoked responses, etc. throughout my day as well as from my own family, friends, and boyfriend. It is the holiday season, a joyous time, but also a time that typically includes heightened stress, chaos, and even sometimes frustration and disappointment. I completely understand the mixed emotions and feelings, but part of being healthy is maintaining a healthy view on life that allows you to succeed and be emotionally healthy.

Stress greatly impacts your health and if you don’t believe that, take the time to read some of the things stress can cause to your digestive health such as stomach pain. I can speak on this firsthand, as someone with digestive problems, it has been very important for me to learn to control my stress level each minute throughout the day to ensure I don’t further worsen my symptoms and health. Rather than going on and on about my own life learning experiences surrounding emotional stability, I want to use the following quotes to help show why exercise, compassion, and realizing that each person is facing an unforeseen battle for which we may not know is important to remember.

Quote 1: “Exercise is not a chore. It is a luxury to take time out of your busy schedule to take care of your mind and body.”

Quote 2: “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”

Quote 3: Wise words from Mother Teresa:

-People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

-If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

-If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

-If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

-When you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

Create anyway.

-If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

-The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

-Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

-In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

~jj

Tis the season to help others, donate, & give!

By Jenna Jamieson | November 29, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Since it’s the holiday season, I deemed it appropriate to throw in an entry that is very, very, very (shall I say VERY again to emphasize my passion) dear to my heart. While the holiday season is a great time of year, it can quickly become a very self-indulgent, over the top, season that is filled with buying the next best phone, computer, or tablet, more toys for children that have an overflowing toy box and toy room, and presents for friends that have everything they could possibly want and more. We want to buy the perfect presents for our moms and dads, brothers and sisters, cousins and children. I was as equally guilty of this at earlier times in my life, but I have come to realize that I would rather reach out to those that are less fortunate than me. The holiday season is the perfect time to reach beyond yourself and your family to touch the lives and hearts of others. This may sound silly and may not seem like a fitness tip, but when you help others it gives you that “feel good” feeling deep down that is great for your mind and body. So, while helping others, donating, and giving to those who are less fortunate may not be physical fitness and exercise, it is a wellness tip that will do a lot for your mind, heart, and emotional well-being.

The holiday season is a time of celebration and joyous occasions for most people, but there are also lots of people in the world that are less fortunate or need help. As a young adult, it is very, very, very (and yes, I shall say VERY) hard for me to watch people give thanks and appreciate their blessings on Thanksgiving Day only to become greedy, materialistic, and crabby human beings on Black Friday. I am headed into working my 4th Black Friday in retail so I do have the experience to say this! While I am not judging those around me, I am rather hoping to encourage and light a spark in others to reach out and help those around them.

I wish for others to reach within their heart and think about the kids that will wake up with no presents under the Christmas tree, cancer patients that are dying and suffering during the holidays, and soldiers, airport employees, and first responders (police officers, firefighters, hospital personnel) who are working so that everyone else can have a joyful holiday season. This seems to quickly and easily be taken for granted by everyone, including myself at times. My pledge, wish, and challenge to you is to send a care package or box to solders in need, visit http://www.anysoldier.com, which is a reliable website to send care packages to soldiers who are serving overseas. Find an Angel tree and fill shoe boxes for children who otherwise will have no Christmas presents under the tree this holiday season or take freshly baked cookies, pies, and other treats to your local first responders to show them how much you appreciate their hard work during a season that is filled with chaos and stress for them. Or even consider donating your hair if you don’t have the money to spend toward children and soldiers. You can visit http://www.facebook.com/Beautifullengths8 for more information.

So, when you leave your house today, remember that one small thing to help others may actually be something that helps you as well! Cheers to donating, giving, helping, and changing the lives of others. And from me to you, I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

~jj