Winter Skincare

Wine & Wellness PLUS "My favorite things gift exchange"

The Women's Well~Being Circle had another successful event! This means more and more women are recognizing the need to set aside some well being time for themselves (also known as "me time).

This month we welcomed Roberta Wasserman from Juice Plus+ to come speak about wellness through diet. While nothing can take the place of eating a diet rich in whole foods, taking Juice Plus+ is a convenient way to get whole food nutrition from 17 fruits, vegetables and grains.  Juice Plus+ is a simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to your diet, every day. Taking Juice Plus+ is the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables. Of course, there is no substitute for eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. But because most people simply can't, don't, or won't, Juice Plus+ helps fill that gap.


Roberta with daughter, giving presentation.

Roberta is more than happy to answer any additional questions, or provide more information from her wealth of resources on Juice Plus+.

After the presentation, participants used our circle time to share ways they relax after a long day or week. Hot bubble baths and candles were the most agreed upon way to relax among attendees. About 50% agreed that shopping for purses or shoes was a great source of rejuvenation. And back in the high range was helping others. Isn't that the very nature of being a woman? We love to help others. That is why it is so important to take better and richer care of ourselves.

Use the comment section to share what it is you enjoy to bring on rest or relaxation after a busy day or week.

Holidays can be overhwelming, so take some time for yourself!

If you thought the stress of Thanksgiving dinner was over, brace yourself. It is just beginning. The stress of the holiday season can be overwhelming. In addition to the shorter days, less sun exposure, and holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and the additional stress of the season change added to your list of things to do, you still have regular "stuff" going on. How do you balance all the day to day routines with all the special events? And  do you have to attend every party invitation?

Time is in high demand but the Women's Well~Being Circle want to remind you, there is only one of you. You are a valuable and important part of many lives, especially your family and those you may support in work, business, and church. If you don't take care of you, who will?

The Women's Well~Being Circle have a great event planned for December. We hope you can drop through our upcoming events and share in some upcoming circle time. In the meantime, please read over these tips from the American Psychological Association for dealing with holiday stress.

Here are some tips to help deal with holiday stress:

Set expectations. Talk to your kids about expectations for gifts and holiday activities. Be open with them if money is an issue. Depending on a child's age, parents can use this as an opportunity to teach their kids about the value of money and responsible spending. And be realistic. Take small concrete steps to deal with holiday tasks instead of overwhelming yourself with goals that are too far reaching for a busy time.

Keep things in perspective. Try to consider stressful situations in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing events out of proportion. And teach your kids how to keep things in perspective, including what type of and the number of gifts they receive.

Make connections. Good relationships with family and friends are important. So, view the holidays as a time to reconnect with people. Additionally, accepting help and support from those who care about you can help alleviate stress. Even volunteering at a local charity with your kids is a good way to connect with others, assist someone in need and teach your kids about the value of helping others.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings during the holiday season. Engage in activities that you and your family enjoy and find relaxing. Taking care of yourself helps keep your mind and body healthy and primed to deal with stressful situations. Consider cutting back television viewing for kids and instead, get the family out together. It promotes activity and takes kids away from sedentary time and possible influence from advertisements.

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Use the comment section below to share how you take care of yourself. We may share your tips with women at an upcoming Women's Well~Being Circle event.

Are you STRESSED? Take a quiz to learn more.

Am I stressed?

More Than a Day, by Karl Fuchs

 

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,

It brings up some facts, quite profound.

We may think that we're poor,

Feel like bums, insecure,

But in truth, our riches astound.

We have friends and family we love;

We have guidance from heaven above.

We have so much more

Than they sell in a store,

We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.

So add up your blessings, I say;

Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.

Enjoy what you've got;

Realize it's a lot,

And you'll make all your cares go away.

The Margarita: How Exercise Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Did you know it takes 1 hour of exercies to work off a margarita?  Better yet, it takes just 1 margarita to work off any desire to exercise!

How Exercise Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Exercise essentially burns away the chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine that cause stress. At the same time, vigorous exercise releases endorphins into the system. Endorphins are morphine-like hormones that are responsible for the feeling of elation, or well being that distance runners get from running. Other chemicals like dopamine and serotonin are also released in the brain during exercise. Together, these give a feeling of safety and security that contributes to off-setting some of the "internal" causes of stress, such as uncertainty, pessimism and negative self-talk.

To benefit from exercise, it needs to be regular. Exercise needs to be part of a daily routine. Instead of working during lunch, why not take the time to go for a brisk walk, a run or work out at a gym? Exercise will reduce stress and reducing stress can increase productivity.

Since exercise reduces stress chemically, it can also have a meditative effect during sustained cardiovascular work outs. The rhythmic running on the open road or treadmill can relax and clear the mind. Clearing the mind allows for a fresh approach to perplexing and stressful problems.

Learn more:

http://www.naturalnews.com/028727_exercise_anxiety.html#ixzz23SB1cHTp

I don't know how she does it!

Girl's Movie Night Out!
With so much to juggle from day to day, week to week, and from family to career it is an honor to meet with you each month for our Women’s Well~Being Circle time. We are growing in sharing, conversation, and tips on how to take care of ourselves.

July’s event was no exception. We welcomed three new members to our circle, and they wasted no time in fitting in with our mission and contributed to conversations on the topic of the month, “I don’t know how she does it!”

 

Vino List

 

As promised, here is a partial list of the wine selections that was shared at July’s circle time. Thank you for your contributions. Cheers!

• Martinelli Sparkling Cider (non alcoholic)
• Patrizia 2010 Moscato d'Asti
• Kendall Jackson Riesling

Be sure to add others in the comment section.

 

  

Supporting our own: St. Mark's 170th Anniversary Gala

 

 

 

 

 

Managing your stress in tough economic times

Money is on the minds of most Americans. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2010 Stress in America survey, over three-quarters of Americans (76 percent) cite money as a significant cause of stress. And while the economy appears to be becoming healthier, personal financial problems still worry many Americans.

But, like most of our everyday stress, this extra tension can be managed. There are healthy strategies available for managing stress during any difficult financial time for you and your family.

The American Psychological Association offers these tips to help deal with your stress about money and the economy:

• Pause but don’t panic. There are many negative stories in newspapers and on television about the state of the economy. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, but refrain from getting caught up in doom-and-gloom hype, which can lead to high levels of anxiety and bad decision making. Avoid the tendency to overreact or to become passive. Remain calm and stay focused.
• Identify your financial stressors and make a plan. Take stock of your particular financial situation and what causes you stress. Write down specific ways you and your family can reduce expenses or manage your finances more efficiently. Then commit to a specific plan and review it regularly. Although this can be anxiety-provoking in the short term, putting things down on paper and committing to a plan can reduce stress. If you are having trouble paying bills or staying on top of debt, reach out for help by calling your bank, utilities or credit card company.
• Recognize how you deal with stress related to money. In tough economic times some people are more likely to relieve stress by turning to unhealthy activities like smoking, drinking, gambling or emotional eating. The strain can also lead to more conflict and arguments between partners. Be alert to these behaviors—if they are causing you trouble, consider seeking help from a psychologist or community mental health clinic before the problem gets worse.
• Turn these challenging times into opportunities for real growth and change. Times like this, while difficult, can offer opportunities to take stock of your current situation and make needed changes. Think of ways that these economic challenges can motivate you to find healthier ways to deal with stress. Try taking a walk—it’s an inexpensive way to get good exercise. Having dinner at home with your family may not only save you money, but help bring you closer together. Consider learning a new skill. Take a course through your employer or look into low-cost resources in your community that can lead to a better job. The key is to use this time to think outside the box and try new ways of managing your life.
• Ask for professional support. Credit counseling services and financial planners are available to help you take control over your money situation. If you continue to be overwhelmed by the stress, you may want to talk with a psychologist who can help you address the emotions behind your financial worries, manage stress, and change unhealthy behaviors.
  
  
  
                                                       (c) American Psychological Association

New social network launches!

You did it!
You made our first meeting, taking time for you! Thank you for coming out and sharing with other like-minded women who are making the move to their personal physical, mental, and financial well~being!

Future Topics
You said it! We took time to share to see what each participant’s expectations were. We’ll use these notes for speaking and discussion topics for future meetings. Have another idea, no problem. Just forward them to womenswellbeingcircle@gmail.com to add on the list!

·       Cultural education

·       Tea fusions
·       Yoga
·       Time for me
·       Health reasons for taking care of self
·       Women are sicker, younger....even with more information on health
·       Female bonding/sharing
·       Waiting to exhale
·       Getting together
·       Emotional health
·       Healing
·       Issues for single parenting

Meeting Format
Participants also agreed on the format of our meeting, agreeing to a once a month meeting on alternating Friday/Saturdays. Saturday meetings will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. Our next meeting will be:

Friday, July 20^th at 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
finger foods and fine wine “movie night”

Reflective Practice
Each participant received a journal to begin the practice of time with self through reflecting. There is a level of inspiration that you can give yourself through reflective practice. To see some of the daily challenges you have gone through yourself could only inspire you for the next test. Additionally, you can encourage those generations you have yet to meet by closing out each journal entry with a daily affirmation to someone in the future.

Participants were given some ways they could begin journaling through “homework.”

·       List 5 things you never see a man do or don't do
·       List 5 ways you can simplify your life
·       List 5 habits you would want to share with others


40 Day Surrender Fast

The guide for releasing your plan, renewing your mind, and restoring your life. This book, by local author Dr. Celeste Owens, was recommended as a companion to the journals.

Read along, share, and discover what it is you can surrender in order to make room for releasing your plan, renewing your mind, and restoring your life.

What are you watching
In trying to decide what movie to watch for our next meeting, members shared their all-time movie picks. Have you seen these movies? Are any of them your favorite?

·       Love Jones

·       The Wiz

·       Panthers

·       Stairways

·       Good Deeds

·       ATL

·       Jumping the Broom

·       Heart Like a Wheel

Be ready to share your favorite book on our blog (coming soon!)

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said:

Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.

A wonderful way to start the day is to bless it:

Blessings on this day, may I make it special in some way.
Blessing on my life, may I treat it with love and care.
Blessings on all people, may I see the goodness in everyone.
Blessings on nature, may I notice its beauty and wonder.
Blessings on the truth, may it be my constant companion.

-Finding Joy: 101 ways to free your spirit and dance with life. Dr. Kasl

  No matter what I have done, I deserve respect—always and forever. No matter whether I make mistakes, I am worthy of love. No matter what my looks or skills,
I am a worthwhile person.