Health is Wealth

Last time, we talked about the basics of how to know which website/news source you can trust. We reviewed some key questions that you should watch for when deciding what to believe or follow. Continuing in the series on 'Information Overload' - this post will discuss how to know when to 'call it quits'  - or turn if OFF - when reading the news/social media or following stories/information. It is, of course, important to be informed. After all, if we did not hear the news or latest developments, how would we know what is happening in the world around us? How could we ensure that we are doing what has been 'proven' or 'found' to be important for our bodies, minds, health, populations, etc.? (within limits, of course. As an example, your body knows how much food it needs without the news telling you how much to eat. You know without science that washing your hands is important, etc). But there comes a time when we start to feel overwhelmed with the ...

We are in a state of information overload - we are surrounded by various sources, telling us a whole lot of stuff! Some of this information may be accurate, some of it might not, and some of it might be a mix of the two. Which leads us to the topic of this blog - and a series I hope to continue: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THERE IS TOO MUCH INFORMATION? Or...how do you know what and who to trust? Now more than ever - during COVID19 - there is a LOT of 'news' and 'research' or opinions being spread around. Turn of the radio or the TV - I can almost guarantee that there will be some sort of talk on COVID19. What is the right mask to wear? How do you socially distance? Which herbal treatment fights of the virus? How much water should you drink to stay well? And the list goes on and on... This is not something new to our society. There is a lot of information - whether accurate or not - surrounding us. But in a time of a pandemic - or something that breads uncertainty or novel...

We are still in the COVID-19 pandemic, and practicing social distancing. And this is tough on all of us. For some, it means working from home. For others, it means not working at all. This can be difficult financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Looking at how this pandemic has been positive can be a really useful tool. But it can also be really hard. On one hand, look at how many opportunities this pandemic has opened for us to learn new things, spend time with God, work on ourselves, etc. On the other hand, we may be more tired, lonely, bored, and frustrated. So, instead of forcing yourself to focus on a positive OR the negative, focus on the now. What is happening now? We are in a pandemic and life is very, very different right now. How do you feel NOW? Practice this skill. Don’t think about what happened yesterday and how that made you feel. Don’t focus on your worries about what is happening tomorrow, and what you are fearful about....

Right now more than ever, we need to be compassionate with ourselves. We need to understand that this is a great time of uncertainty, changes, and challenges. During this pandemic, we can get caught up in anxiety, stress, and frustration. So as a gentle reminder, let us remember to be compassionate with ourselves. Remember that: 1) No one is perfect 2) Struggles and challenges - and even mistakes - do not define us 3) We are not valuable or loved because of our appearances or accomplishments. While looking 'good' and being successful are important, we are worthy regardless of these 4) Being gentle and kind to ourselves means understanding that we are enough. But it also means that we can always grow and improve As we practice compassion to ourselves, it is helpful to have some coping statements to keep us focused on our values, goals, and dreams. There are different coping statements you can repeat at various times in your life. You can even make your own! Now,...