THE Jog Blog – 55

January 26, 2012 By Tina Moore 1 Comment

If you have changing seasons, you may be experiencing dark, long, often dreary days. After a few months it can play a role in your overall mood and energy levels.

Seasonal Affective Disorder , otherwise known as SAD, is a mood disorder triggered by the changing seasons. Often it is brought on by fall and winter seasons but people can also suffer in spring and summer. I am not a doctor; however, I did some research to give you information on this form of depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some symptoms for the winter disorder:

  • Depression
  • Hopelessness
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of energy
  • Heavy, “leaden” feeling in the arms or legs
  • Social withdrawal
  • Oversleeping
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty concentrating

Women are more likely to suffer although when men are diagnosed often their symptoms are more severe. Genetics, family history, age and your body chemistry all play a role. If you already have depression, you may find that your symptoms increase during specific months.

How do you know you have SAD?

If you generally feel good and only notice that you suffer with the symptoms during certain months, you may have SAD. There are many factors to consider so write down your symptoms in detail preferably going back over a two year period and go to your doctor.

DO NOT DIAGNOSE YOURSELF.

Once you’ve gone to your doctor and you are properly diagnosed, is there anything else you can do?

Your doctor may prescribe medication and / or psychotherapy. Light therapy is also a very common treatment. Is there anything else you can do to be proactive with your mental health? YES.

I love where I live; however, the heavy rain and dark, low cloud ceiling in Vancouver can get extremely depressing during this time. Because I’ve suffered with clinical depression and anxiety in the past, I am more susceptible to SAD.

I use EXERCISE, VITAMIN D, OMEGA 3-6-9 and FORMS OF MEDITATION.

There seems to be mixed reviews on the supplements (I notice a difference when I take them, among others) but the EXERCISE and MEDITATION (Yoga and martial arts included) seem to have consistent positive reviews.

Just twenty minutes of cardio can give you the happy ENDORPHINS. These make you feel joyful, light and energetic. Having FITNESS GOALS (Walking, running or cycling in an organized event) also boosts your confidence, gives you a social outlet and you get to celebrate when you cross that finish line! It’s the best feeling!

Exercising in the morning is also an important factor. Although it may not be sunshine, any morning light you can get is helpful because your melatonin and serotonin levels get out of balance with SAD.

Bottom line: If you are unsure if you are depressed or have SAD, go to your doctor and get properly diagnosed.

EXERCISE AND HAVING FITNESS GOALS MAKES ME A HAPPIER, HOPEFUL, GRATEFUL, LOVING AND MORE CONFIDENT PERSON.

I want you to feel that too.

I know how painful it is. Please don’t suffer; get some help.

Big hugs, much love and support to you.

With a smile,

Tina

PS. If you would like to read more on how I changed my life from depression and anxiety to JOY and LAUGHTER, click HERE or go to the side bar to get the first chapter of my book for FREE!

Life is Precious

January 24, 2012 By Tina Moore Leave a Comment

“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.” ~ Tuesdays with Morrie

I love that quote and believe it to be true. Over the last year, particularly the last six months I’ve had a large number of people I love and care about lose their loved ones to illnesses. They are missing their parent, grandparent, spouse, child, sibling or friend. My heart aches for their breaking hearts. Although I am a writer, I seem lost for words.

I haven’t found the words to accurately describe the LOVE a parent has for their child and the depth of grief they feel when they are forced to say goodbye. I have not found the words to offer comfort to the ones who no longer can hold their father’s hand, hear his laughter or give him a hug because his battle with cancer ended. I turn to other authors to find wisdom and grace.

“Death is not death but a recycling of energy, a remodulation of the cells according to higher assignments in a soul’s progression. The spirit doesn’t die, but rather enters new channels of life…our relationships are not severed at death, but refocused beyond physical connection.” ~ Marianne Williamson from Illuminata

It is a comforting thought but not everyone who is grieving will feel that way.

There is no comparing grief because everyone is different.

Processing the pain, sadness, loss, longing, anger, loneliness and devastation will be as individual as we are people. Sometimes words aren’t enough because the pain is too deep.

When words fail me, I offer to LISTEN.

According to Being There for Someone in Grief by Marianna Cacciatore, LISTENING is one of the most important things you can give someone: Allowing them the space and freedom to cry, figure out their feelings and talk about their loved ones without interruption.

LISTENING and TRUSTING they have the ability to HEAL is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It is an enormous expression of LOVE to allow another to just “be” wherever they are in their grief. Our reaction is to try and ‘fix’ them but grief isn’t a scratch we can kiss better, it takes TIME, PATIENCE and LOVE.

It’s not comfortable, it’s awkward and the feeling of helplessness is one we have to deal with in order to help them heal.

“Sometimes the purpose of a day is to merely feel our sadness, knowing that as we do we allow whole layers of grief, like old skin cells, to drop off us.” ~ Marianne Williamson from Everyday Grace

GIVE THEM ROOM TO HONOUR THEIR EMOTIONS.

DON’T CROWD THEM WITH YOUR EXPERIENCES, ADVICE OR EXPECTATIONS.

ALLOW THEM TO ‘BE’ WHEREVER THEY ARE IN THEIR GRIEF, WITHOUT TRYING TO FIX THEM.

Reach out and hold their hand, give them a hug, touch their face. Look into their eyes and really LISTEN to what they are saying.

LIFE IS PRECIOUS.

PEOPLE ARE PRECIOUS.

TIME IS PRECIOUS.

Today’s post is dedicated to those who have fought a courageous battle against illness and disease and who have touched our lives with love, laughter and joy. It is also dedicated to those who are grieving and yearning for one more conversation, hug or giggle from those they miss. You are in my heart.

With a warm, loving hug,

Tina

PS. If you found this post to be helpful, please pass it along by clicking on the buttons below. If you have suggested reading material, other sources of information or personal experience, your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

THE Jog Blog – 54

January 19, 2012 By Tina Moore Leave a Comment

Run.

Stop.

When you are sick, it’s important to know which one of those two choices you should be doing.

For me, it started the second week of December. I was feeling a little tired so I went to bed early.

That tiredness was the only warning I had to the sore throat and incredible headache that followed. Since then, I’ve been battling a very persistent cold. It left my throat and crawled into my chest where it’s been hiding out ever since.

Run.

Stop.

So, how has this affected my jogging? Well, I’ve been frustrated, that’s for sure. Normally I jog 3 – 4 times a week. Since this cold, my jogging has been sporadic depending on how I’m feeling.

I’m frustrated that I’m not yet healthy. I’m a jogger! I ran a marathon in October! I should be bouncing back with energy and recovering much faster than this! What’s going on?

Run.

Stop.

Should I run with a cold? I’ll answer that in a minute.

First, I did some research to get some advice on running with a cold. This is what I learned:

  • As a general rule, doctors, trainers and researchers suggest exercise is fine if your symptoms are above the neck: stuffy or runny nose, sore throat or sneezing. They suggest you don’t overdo it, being mindful of what your body is telling you. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
  • If your symptoms are below the neck such as deep coughs, congested chest, wheezing, aching muscles, fatigue or upset stomach they strongly urge you NOT to exercise. If you exercise with these symptoms they say you risk compromising your immune system. It’s trying to bring you back to health and you are stressing it out by pushing your body when it is fighting off a bug. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. GIVE IT PLENTY OF REST, PROPER NUTRITION AND LOTS OF FLUIDS.

So where did I go wrong? I over did it. I pushed myself and jogged when I should have been resting. I took an entire week off and thought that was enough. Honestly, I was scared that if I left it longer, I’d lose my level of fitness. I also missed my endorphins! Because my performance was well below normal I pushed myself to try harder. My body was begging me to rest but my ego was so scared that I didn’t LISTEN.

Run.

STOP.

This is now going on four weeks. I’m not getting my regular dose of endorphins, my energy is really low and I’m feeling less than productive. That’s fertile ground for negativity to plant mean and fearful thoughts in my brain. I need to do the following:

HONOUR my body by LISTENING to my body.

RESPECT my body by allowing it time to HEAL.

NOURISH my body with plenty of fruits and vegetables and lots of SLEEP.

Be KIND and GENTLE with mySELF.

If you are sick, please pay careful attention to your body. Every body is different so just be mindful that you don’t push your way through exercise if your body is asking for a chance to heal. Learn from my mistake and make sure you LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and not ego or fear.

Run.

Stop.

Wishing you a lovely, healthy and restful weekend.

With a smile,

Tina

 

 

Just Say “NO”

January 17, 2012 By Tina Moore Leave a Comment

I hate disappointing people.

My stress and anxiety rise when someone I care about asks me to do something and I have to say, “NO”.

I understand that saying “NO” is another form of SELF CARE, but it is one of the harder ones for me to do. I don’t want to disappoint people, or hurt their feelings. I want to be a support system or a source of love and nurturing but sometimes if I am loving, nurturing and supporting them I am neglecting my own needs.

If I neglect my own needs that’s fertile ground for the seed of resentment to grow. Resentments are an ugly, negative and dark energy that I don’t want poisoning my body, mind or spirit. By saying, “NO”, I am actually nurturing the relationship between the other person and mySELF because I am HONORING MY INSTINCT and respecting the other person by being HONEST with my intentions.

Intellectually, this is very clear in my mind. It makes sense.

INSTINCT is our inner guide which sole purpose is to protect us and keep us from harm both physically and emotionally.

If my INSTINCT says to say “NO”, I should listen.

So, why is it so hard sometimes? Why do I feel so guilty?

I think it’s a combination of things:

  • I don’t want to disappoint people. I want to be able to provide whatever they need.
  • I don’t want people mad at me. I hate conflict so I always want to maintain peace.
  • I want people to love me and fear if I say “NO” they won’t like me anymore.
  • I genuinely want to do for others because it brings me JOY and HAPPINESS.

In the past I’ve said, “YES” knowing full well it was going to be difficult for me to follow through. I knew how badly the person wanted me to help so I said “YES”. In this situation no one is happy because I couldn’t honor my word to them due to time or other commitments and ultimately I didn’t honor my INSTINCT when it told me to say “NO” in the first place! By saying ”YES” I just created a more complicated and awkward situation.

It is best to say “NO” in the beginning when your INSTINCT quietly says what is right and wrong for you. It can be uncomfortable in the moment but will ultimately save you and the other person from negative feelings in the long run.

REMEMBER:

YOU ARE HONORING YOUR RELATIONSHIP BY BEING HONEST.

SPEAK WITH INTEGRITY.

SPEAK FROM A PLACE OF LOVE.

If you aren’t accustomed to saying “NO” it will be difficult for you in the beginning.

By saying “NO” to them, you are saying “YES” to yourSELF.

People may not like this new you because they are used to you always saying ”YES”. They’ll get over it. If they don’t perhaps that is a relationship you need to evaluate. Although they may be disappointed in your answer, they are also given the opportunity to be supportive towards YOU and your decisions.

Take the time to LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCT. It is your guardian, parent, guide, teacher, protector and source of infinite wisdom.

Honor.

Respect.

Listen.

With a smile,

Tina

 

THE Jog Blog – 53

January 12, 2012 By Tina Moore Leave a Comment

I have to thank you, thank you, and thank you again Tina… from the bottom of my heart… for writing such an inspiring book, and allowing me to explore the tools to help me through this HUGE change this year! Cheers! Terri K

I received that message a couple days ago from someone I’ve never met in person but whom I’ve been in touch with through Facebook. (I love Facebook!)

Terri Kemp from TailorMade Music is a voice teacher in Kamloops, BC. She is also a runner training for her first marathon in October. She had been thinking about running a marathon for a few years and then she won flight, hotel and race fees to run in the Niagra International Marathon in October.

I am very passionate about my book, “The Decision” but that’s because I wrote the book. I lived the book. I know it works but I also know I’m emotionally attached to the book. I decided to ask Terri some questions that might help you decide if this book is right for you.

I asked Terri to be completely HONEST, even if she felt I wouldn’t like her answer. (Thank you Terri for your truthful answers!)

1. What made you decide to purchase “The Decision”?

I was in search of a motivational read to keep me in check with some goals I set out for myself this year.

2. Do you think it was priced fairly at $9.95?

The price was exceptionally reasonable. I did not have to get into my car and go out and source the book. A single CLICK and you download the e-book to your computer, or you have the option for an audio book which I think is fabulous as I may need the inspirational words being whispered in my ear during my first Marathon!

3. Do you think someone who isn’t interested in jogging would be interested in the book…why or why not?

This book is NOT just for joggers. There were many messages that I received through this book that I have been applying to everyday life both at work and at home.

4. Someone recently said they liked that I also included the mental or emotional journey and not just the physical…could you relate to that as well?

I love that you included your mental and emotional journey, as it simply makes you REAL and I certainly was able to relate to a lot of it. Vulnerability simply shows who we really are as people.

5. Why is that important?

ACHIEVING GOALS is not just a physical act. I personally think it is more mental and emotional. “The Decision” taught me that our minds are our own powerful weapon, and unless we take ownership and control, our goals can take much longer to achieve.“The Decision” taught me how to win the battle of the mind.

6. You are running a marathon in October, how will this book help you with your goal?

This book has given me some valuable tools to start applying to my training regime. Each day I look forward to logging my progress, and knowing that I have “The Decision” to read when I need that constant reminder.

7. Do you think “The Decision” will help you in life even if you don’t have a running goal? Why?

I have a strong connection to this book as a guide to my marathon goal, but I also went away feeling so much better about mySELF. Even my students noticed a new recharged ME. I have “The Decision” to thank for that!

8. What would you want others to know about this book?

THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE!

9. Have I paid you or in any way compensated you to comment on this book?

No payment needed! The truth my friend, the truth!

10. Would you recommend this book? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I want others to experience the same feeling I got after reading it!

11. Who do you think this book will benefit?

Personally I think EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT from reading it. We all in some way or other can relate to this book.

12. How did you relate to the book? Do you think others will relate as well…if so, why or why not?

I relate to this book because I am training for my first marathon which has been on my bucket list for the past few years, and I have been procrastinating. After reading this book, I have now committed to mySELF to achieve this goal!

I want YOU to be the BEST YOU that YOU can be! If my book can help you do that, I would love to be a part of YOUR JOURNEY!

“THE DECISION” is not just about jogging, it’s about living your BEST LIFE, living YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE and ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS.

Happy Thursday my friends. Wishing you a JOY-full weekend full of many BLESSINGS.

With a smile,

Tina

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