5.10.2010

goals

I have felt lately that my life is out of balance. As a result, I have been feeling low on energy, unable to concentrate, slight feelings of depression and basically just an overall yucky feeling. Here is my remedy which I have already put into action, starting this morning-

♥ one small cup of coffee a day (I know coffee has a big effect on me. I have quit drinking it many times and know that I feel MUCH better without it, but I do love it so, that's why I've limited myself to one cup.)

♥ drink a green smoothie everyday

♥ eat raw foods (I aim for 80% of my diet)

♥ exercise at least 4 times a week. This another thing I have not been doing :( I like the rebounder and other exercises using your own body weight.

♥ journaling at least once a week. There's something about getting your thoughts out on paper that really helps you feel better.

♥ Daily prayer. I already do this, but I need to make more of an effort in this area considering it is the most important to me.

♥ limit computer time

♥ make a schedule and stick to it! I know there is time for everything I want to do, but right now I feel like I'm wasting the days away and not getting anything done in the process.


This morning I was reading this article about depression and felt compelled to post this section of it-

Address your stress -- Depression is a very serious condition, however it is not a “disease.” Rather, it’s a sign that your body and your life are out of balance.

This is so important to remember, because as soon as you start to view depression as an “illness,” you think you need to take a drug to fix it. In reality, all you need to do is return balance to your life, and one of the key ways to doing this is addressing stress.

Meditation or yoga can help. Sometimes all you need to do is get outside for a walk. But in addition to that, I also recommend using a system that can help you address emotional issues that you may not even be consciously aware of. For this, my favorite is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). However, if you have depression or serious stress, I believe it would be best to consult with a mental health professional who is also an EFT practitioner to guide you.

Eat a healthy diet -- Another factor that cannot be overlooked is your diet. Foods have an immense impact on your mood and ability to cope and be happy, and eating whole foods as described in my nutrition plan will best support your mental health. Avoiding sugar and grains will help normalize your insulin and leptin levels, which is another powerful tool in addressing depression.

Support optimal brain functioning with essential fats -- I also strongly recommend supplementing your diet with a high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fat, like krill oil. This may be the single most important nutrient to battle depression.

Get plenty of sunshine – Making sure you’re getting enough sunlight exposure to have healthy vitamin D levels is also a crucial factor in treating depression or keeping it at bay. One previous study found that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D were 11 times more prone to be depressed than those who had normal levels. Vitamin D deficiency is actually more the norm than the exception, and has previously been implicated in both psychiatric and neurological disorders.


I don't know if anyone will be interested in all this. I know I don't usually talk about these sorts of things, but I'm posting it regardless :D We all aren't rays of sunshine everyday and I think our diets and habits have such a big impact on our lives and I want mine to be the best it can be (and I'm sure you do to). So, these are my thoughts on the subject. If you read this post I'd love to hear what you think :D

Hope all you Mama's had a lovely Mother's Day! I certainly did!

♥ anne

p.s. I think this is the first time I've posted with no pictures! Sorry, I know that's boring. I promise to have something to look at in my next post :D

14 comments :

  1. I can totally relate to how you're feeling. For me, spending too much time on the Internet is the main factor that makes me feel yucky. But I think I should try green smoothies :)

    Hope you feel better soon x

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  2. i can't wait to share this with my mama. she battled some depression earlier this year and figured out that sunshine was a big part of it. hooray for vitamin d...this is something i instinctually knew since i was very young and people always thought i was crazy going out in the sun so much without sunscreen (of course, balance is always the key...) but i just LOVED the pure radiant bliss it brings straight into my soul. anyway these are all very good goals and so good to keep in mind; the coffee thing i am working on too. down to two cups a day which is pretty good for me. i just want to feel more productive. the scheduled lists are very helpful too, but journaling and prayer are probably two of the most important! blogs are great but a real journal can't be beat.

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  3. something I need to do is LIMIT my computer time - I don't get on at all during the weekends but on the week, I'm on the computer practically 8 hours a day :/
    http://meganbarkley.blogspot.com/

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  4. These all sound like really great ways to restore balance and I wish you all the willpower and determination it takes to carry them out. I haven't been feeling depressed but I think I could definitely benefit from quite a few of these myself, there are areas where I could use a bit more balance for sure. Thanks for sharing your inspiring goals Anne and I'm glad to hear you had a lovely Mother's Day :)

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  5. Wow, I've never thought of depression as a result of a lack of balance in your life. Thanks for posting this.

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  6. low-moods are just the worst, may this hard period of life pass quickly for you! I know you live in Cali, so maybe you're already doing this but be sure to get a lot of sunshine on your skin every day, no sunscreen, for the best assimilated vitamin d. otherwise take a supplement. i live in mn so i have to supplement, i take about 2000 iu a day.

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  7. journaling is something that i also feel to be very important, but have a hard time staying steady with...i used to journal every day, at least something, and i think it's been 6 months since my last entry! oh no! anyway i think this is a wonderful list!
    xo,
    claire
    m a m u s h k a m a r i e

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  8. Love your goals and cheers to prayer and journaling. Less computer time would make my whole family more happy too! (you know how that goes) haha

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  9. I used to go to a studio and do yoga almost daily at a studio. No that I don't I definitely notice more mood swings. I am working on increasing my home practice right now.Sunshine is another one I really notice if I don't get enough. That is amazing that you eat that much raw!

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  10. Great post! I've actually been trying to refresh my own lifestyle the past few months, using a lot of the techniques here. I loved the article too. It made some great points that I don't think we always consider. Great goals!

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  11. how about that bluelight/light lamp? i'm not sure what's your needs, but here not enoug of sunlight and my friend recommends it.

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  12. I totally get you, I've been through difficult times too. It is really admirable how you take it, that list is so awesome, I'm gonna take some of those advices for myself :) Hope you are feeling better :)

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  13. This sums up the last couple of months for me! It is truly amazing what a change in diet can do for your energy and mental health! Flax seed oil is a good vegan alternative for your omegas if you are that way inclined...I feel like making my own list now. Loving your blog and I wish you happiness and peace :)

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  14. I know this is a very old post and it really does have some great advice especially the tips regarding the treatment of depression but I must highlight what I feel about the issue. The idea that depression is just 'your life being out of balance' and 'not an illness' to me are highly dangerous, yes it is an illness a mental illness which is why it as classified as so and why food or sunshine or exercise, while helpful, are not as effective on severe clinical, post-partum or bipolar depression. I have a chemical imbalance in my brain a physiological fact not the subjective idea of my life being'out of balance'. Please be careful what you write and understand to be true especially since you admit yourself that you have had 'feelings' of depression not I presume depressed episodes where you cannot even get out of bed or want to die. Im sorry for the rant and if it seems like I have been too severe or attacked you but I do feel very strongly about this. thank you

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thank you so much for stopping by. please feel free to leave a comment! i love reading them :)


anne