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Embracing Wellness.

WebAdmin • Mar 11, 2021

“Here’s an article by Cheryl Conklin about good self care, generally, and especially during this pandemic.”

A Woman Wearing a Face Mask — Portsmouth, NH — Lager Susan R

Embrace Wellness Now for Better Confidence and Positivity


It’s not uncommon to reach the end of the winter months feeling a little down. Lack of sunlight and long hours indoors can be hard on one’s well-being. Add to that the stress of the pandemic and financial concerns, and it’s understandable if you’re not feeling especially chipper right now. You may be wondering what you can do to recapture a sense of positivity, whether you’re prepping for some socially distant mingling or staying in until you feel safe. Tune out the messaging that insists you need to change who you are to feel more positive. Positivity isn’t about buying pricey products to become some other person or forcing yourself to conform to mainstream standards for appearance or success. It’s about becoming the unique person you are meant to be — and loving it. The best part is, you can do exactly that in wallet-friendly ways.


Make healthy changes for holistic well-being.


A lot of people give up on healthy decisions because they don’t see an instant change in their appearance. What they miss is that a healthy lifestyle makes you feel good long before you see any physical alteration. Whatever your lifestyle, make healthy choices such as eating well, exercising more, and hydrating better — not for the sake of some future projected self but for you, right now. Good food will make you feel more vibrant and energized. Exercise and fresh air will give you strength and confidence. Evaluate whether you’ve picked up unhelpful coping mechanisms, and see if you can replace them with cost-effective routines that enhance wellness.


Indulge in foods that nourish your body, as well as satisfy your palate.


Eating well doesn’t have to be about sacrifice and self-denial. It can be pleasant — you just need to figure out which wholesome foods you happen to like. Some people love kale chips. Some enjoy smoothies. Others want something with more of a crunch. Whatever your preference, switch out less nutritious snacks and meals for better ones. Fruits that are high in antioxidants, dark leafy greens, and whole-grain bread are tasty additions to a menu and also happen to be great for you. And remember you can always treat yourself to your favorite comfort foods, on occasion. If natural food is hard for you to access or afford, think about starting your own home garden, in your backyard or even in pots.


Look for affordable exercise options that fit into your lifestyle.


It’s easy to give up on exercise when it involves pricey gym memberships, driving to fitness centers, or repeating routines that make one frustrated. So pick a fitness regimen that makes you feel great about yourself. This might be something as basic as taking a walk and enjoying the tranquility of nature (though be aware of any public health requirements regarding distancing or masking). If you can’t get out of the house, exercise is going to be especially important for your wellness, so find something that gets your body moving and that you enjoy. If dance is your thing, look for some fun Zumba video workouts — these are often free online. If you prefer strength training, research easy home exercises you can do with just your bodyweight or affordable equipment such as resistance bands.


Refresh your wardrobe.


If you’re thinking of heading out into the world again, being happy with your clothing can lend you confidence. Even something as simple as an attractive scarf or stylish jacket can accentuate your look. If you’re trying to economize, look for online discounts and promotional sales. Splurging on stylish workout clothes will not only help you feel good about your appearance — it can also be a great motivator, whether you’re pursuing fitness outside or indoors. For stylish, comfortable, and affordable workout garb, check out online stores such as Lululemon. Use Lululemon coupons for discounts on functional yet fashion-forward pieces.


If you’re worried that you’ve put on weight or let yourself go during the pandemic, don’t focus on that. Instead, think about accessible and affordable self-care that will support your physical and mental wellness and prepare you to re-engage with the world — when you are ready. If you’re feeling weighed down due to past trauma, or worried about sustaining healthy relationships, reach out to Susan Lager for advice or to book a session.


Image via Pixabay


Cheryl Conklin


Website: https://wellnesscentral.info/


Email: cheryl@wellnesscentral.info

Surprises

By Susan Lager • 31 Mar, 2024
This past month has been a whirlwind of initially trauma, then a series of sweet surprises and blessings. Following a serious car accident I've watched my body heal in unimaginable ways, consistent with the assurances of my doctors and nurses. I've learned about resilience, my own, but also other peoples'. My single sister came up to Maine to provide "nursemaid" services for two weeks, and graciously attended to me day and night. Her patience, diligence and compassion even surprised herself. My husband, who is limited physically, has done the same, also hauling my wheelchair in and out of the car, patiently fetching tons of thing I can't reach, and even walking Luca, our naughty dog, in the local park. This is all after "remodeling" our downstairs floor to be wheelchair-friendly, with all the supplies I need accessible - no easy feat! Our son and daughter-in-law have provided fabulous meals, visits, help with buying a new car, and new phones and watches so we can be more accessible. Our two granddaughters have visited and been loving, tender and attentive, surprisingly, at ages three and six! My other sister has provided funding for unlimited takeout meals, as her physical limitations prevent a late Winter visit up to Maine. Friends have provided dog walking, solicitous calls, and car trips to doctors while I'm unable to drive, with a broken right leg. Neighbors have provided the biggest surprises of all: multiple dog walks, pots of soup, ongoing offers of help, and continued concern about my status. I've been blown away by the compassion and generosity around me! These are people I would not previously have defined as "friends", but they sure will be, moving forward! Clients who previously insisted on live sessions, have been flexible and gracious in doing telehealth instead. One couple I've worked with for awhile sent me the largest, most beautiful bouquet of flowers I've ever seen in my life. I've also surprised myself with my resilience, mostly good cheer, adherence to the "Rules of Slow," and allowing others to help me, even asking for help when they can't read my mind. This has been virgin territory for me. So what's the lesson (besides trying to avoid avoidable car accidents)?: - Try not to shortchange either yourself or others with low expectations - see the possibilities. See the good in people. - Cultivate yourself as a Surpriser to others, particularly when they need it. Nurture community. Avoid self absorption. - Learn from adversity and grow. - Don't watch too much news, especially the traumatic stuff! It can distort your experience of life.... - Embrace the surprises that come your way, and let yourself feel deserving.

Acceptance

By Susan Lager • 23 Mar, 2024
I have recently had a hard lesson on this subject after having a serious car accident last month. It was a cold day with icy roads and blinding sun as I drove East toward a local park to run Barley, our son's dog. Unfortunately, I dropped my sunglasses and foolishly did a quick dive for them, then ended up in a deep gulley on the side of the road, and hit a tree. The car was demolished, I ended up with 16 broken bones, but luckily, Barley was unscathed! Thankfully, his pre-existing dementia has probably protected him from remembering the event! Here I am, 3 weeks later, after two hospitalizations, fortunately with no permanent injuries, and no needed surgeries. Most importantly, no brain damage, so I'm my usual feisty, engaged and passionate self, able to do my work remotely. The unfortunate part that I've had to accept is being wheelchair - bound for at least 6 weeks, and dependent on my tired husband and sister to be nursemaids to me. Ugh! No usual 20 year old energy, doing this and that each day, running Luca, our dog in local parks when he's not in daycare. No stairs, so no upstairs showers or bedroom amenities like sleeping in a normal bed. No speed at anything now, as the smallest of actions need to be intentional and SLOW to prevent further injuries. (Having to accept and embrace SLOW has been totally foreign for me, like being a 90 year old)! I've had to accept routinely asking for help without shame or guilt, and graciously accept the ways people provide it. My friends, family and neighbors have been amazingly generous with their time, offering meals, dog walks, and various services. And each day I'm miraculously getting stronger with less pain, and more functionality! What I can tell you about Acceptance is that it's multi-pronged: It requires staying present and not going into regrets or "woulda-shoulda coulda''s" It requires the ability to count your blessings and lean into gratitude rather than focus on self pity - (It's amazing I survived this particular wreck! and have been the recipient of so much love and care). It requires the willingness to learn from experiences and see them as sometimes difficult, but valuable tools. It requires self compassion, and being gentle with yourself. It requires patience and perspective. "This too shall pass. Nothing is forever." It requires quieting the possible noise in your head, the toxic narratives you may spin about causality or fate. And for me, it really requires a sense of humor - without laughing too much because that doesn't jive well with broken ribs...... :) Susan

Navigate Marriage and Life-building in Your Golden Years: A Comprehensive Guide for Senior Couple

By Susan Lager • 15 Jan, 2024
Here’s another piece by Cheryl Conklin about the joys and challenges facing senior couples, something very common in my work. Aging together gracefully requires intentionality around all these issues, in addition to being conscious and collaborative around parenting grown children and grandchildren. I recommend that couples build in check-ins regularly around all these tasks so […] The post Navigate Marriage and Life-building in Your Golden Years: A Comprehensive Guide for Senior Couple appeared first on Susan Lager.

Finding Each Other Again: Rediscover Love in Mid-Life

By Susan Lager • 03 Jan, 2024
Here’s another very astute piece by Cheryl Conklin of https://wellnesscentral.info addressing an issue which comes up frequently in my work with individuals and couples – how to nourish love at the “halfway” point, how to keep love and pleasure alive long after the original glow has worn off. And, contrary to popular myth that it’s […] The post Finding Each Other Again: Rediscover Love in Mid-Life appeared first on Susan Lager.

Stress Decoded: Personalized Strategies for a Calmer You

By WebAdmin • 12 Dec, 2023
Here is an article by the very wise and articulate Cheryl Conklin of Wellness Central, about a subject central to my work as a therapist: stress – what causes it, and how to manage it on various fronts, so it doesn’t manage you. Stress is a normal part of everyday life, especially in today’s world […] The post Stress Decoded: Personalized Strategies for a Calmer You appeared first on Susan Lager.

“The Amazing Impact of Being Intentional in Your Marriage” – don’t miss the podcast!

By Susan Lager • 17 Jun, 2023
Hello Reader, Earlier this week I did a BlogTalk Radio podcast about being intentional in your marriage, and in all your close relationships. This episode was about how when we live on purpose everything can change – our pleasure and happiness levels, our experience of connection with a partner and close friends, expectations can be adjusted more realistically, […] The post “The Amazing Impact of Being Intentional in Your Marriage” – don’t miss the podcast! appeared first on Susan Lager.

Boost Your Confidence and Live Life on Your Terms With This Guide

By WebAdmin • 29 May, 2023
“Once again, Cheryl Conklin from WellnessCentral.info has hit the mark with her latest insights about how confidence can be enhanced through specific attitudes and behaviors. (I like to tell my clients that it’s a myth to think that confidence is a born trait, or that you only have it if you were on the right […] The post Boost Your Confidence and Live Life on Your Terms With This Guide appeared first on Susan Lager.

5 Signs Your Coronavirus Anxiety Has Turned Serious, Threatening Your Mental Health, and What To Do About It

By Susan Lager • 15 Mar, 2023
CNN Health: “5 Signs Your Coronavirus Anxiety Has Turned Serious, Threatening Your Mental Health, and What to Do About It” Written by Susan Lager on May 12, 2020. Posted in Acceptance, Anxiety, Attitude, Balance, Change, Comfort, Connection, Courage, Depression, Gratitude, Grieving, Help, Humor, Life’s curveballs, Mindfulness, Perspective, Resilience, Resources, Rituals, Self care, Stress, Tools, Trauma […] The post 5 Signs Your Coronavirus Anxiety Has Turned Serious, Threatening Your Mental Health, and What To Do About It appeared first on Susan Lager.

Shifting Into Fall with Fun!

By Susan Lager • 01 Sep, 2022
I was about to post about managing transitions when I saw this post from the Gottman Institute, realizing how relevant it was to my subject. I’m sharing it with you, hoping you benefit from all the wonderful ideas in it. Having fun and being intentional can be a vital part of dealing with transitions. Stay […] The post Shifting Into Fall with Fun! appeared first on Susan Lager.

Stop Right There: Unhealthy Habits to Kick for a Better Personal Life

By WebAdmin • 30 Jun, 2022
Image Courtesy of Pexels Here’s an excellent guest article by Cheryl Conklin from wellnesscentral.info about tools for self nurture and for avoiding negative thoughts and behaviors. These tools are important for everyday life, and even more critical during the pandemic. Stop. No, really, stop. Those harmful habits of yours are hurting you! Not sure which […] The post Stop Right There: Unhealthy Habits to Kick for a Better Personal Life appeared first on Susan Lager.
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