IN THIS ISSUE:

I. Simplify With Good Health
II. Five Quick Tips For Flu Prevention
III. References
IV. Compatible Products and Programs

I. Simplify With Good Health

I originally planned to write this as my October newsletter. My idea was to focus on the media's doom, gloom and panic reports about the lack of the flu vaccine in the United States. I was going to give you tips on staying healthy and how to be an active participant in your own wellness rather than worry that you are destined to get the flu this season if you didn't get the vaccine.

However as October turned to November, and before I got the newsletter written, my Dad ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. With other health complications, the road to recovery is going to be a long one for my father and it has certainly both attracted and distracted my attention.

There aren't a lot of ways to keep things simple when you or a loved one is struggling with health issues. These problems are generally complicated and time consuming. Hopefully you will have previously set up your own support systems and be in the best of health yourself. (Even if you do get sick, the better care you've taken of yourself previously will help you both mentally and physically in your own recovery.)

When you are trying to help care for another, your own routine and support system is critical. While I haven't gone to the gym to workout as I was, I still maintain my morning yoga, meditation, healthy eating, and try to take a walk in the afternoon. The thing I have to come to terms with the most is that his care and attention does take a lot of my time and energy. And I make this a conscious choice to spend that time and energy in his care.

In choosing this, it also means that there are some things that I'm not able to get done. I don't have the energy or hours in the day to do everything I need for my businesses, especially if I'm going to make sure I'm taking care of my own needs and manage my own stress. I have to be OK with letting some things go. Some people try not to pick and choose and do it all. However, then they put their own physical and mental health at risk. I keep in mind the airlines' safety message, “put your own oxygen mask on first before helping those around you.”

For instance, do you get enough sleep and do you have a nice bedtime routine? Do you give your body healthy foods? Do you actually remember to eat?! Is your overall surrounding environment a nurturing one?

We never know when an illness or other crisis will present itself. So whatever you can you do now to make sure you are living a healthy life will make your life simpler in general, and help you simplify when something unexpected comes your way.

Here are 5 LIFESTYLE CHANGES that will help protect your immune system:

• washing your hands often,
• getting enough sleep,
• working plenty of physical activity into your day,
• reducing stress, and
• eating a healthy diet.

Care-giving is both challenging and rewarding. It may wear you out, it may change your life, but it is an important experience that can teach you a lot about how you have - or haven't yet - simplified your own life!

Warmly,
Linda

II. FIVE QUICK TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE FLU OR A COLD.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS
Hands are the primary method of transporting the germs, which can live for an hour. So wash your hands often, before eating or handling food, touching your eyes, mouth or nose and after using the bathroom. If no sink is available, rub your hands together very hard for a minute or so. That also helps break up most of the cold germs.

2. Get adequate rest, Eat nutritiously and drink Extra liquids
We are better able to resist getting sick by fighting off germs and infections when we take good physical and mental care of ourselves. Eat food containing photochemicals - those dark, green, and yellow vegetables and fruits. Some studies have shown that eating a daily cup of low-fat yogurt can reduce your susceptibility to colds by 25% as the beneficial bacteria in yogurt many stimulate production of immune system substances.

3. Be respectful of others and of yourself
Reduce the spread of germs. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissues are available, sneeze into your shirtsleeve at the inner bend of your elbow or turn your head away from people near you and cough into the air. And hey, wash your hands, again!

4. Use affirmations. RELAX AND Think healthy thoughts."My body is healthy and strong. Every cell in my body is functioning properly. My immune system is healthy and strong. I am healthy in all areas of my life. I sleep relaxed and I awaken healthy and refreshed." If you can teach yourself to relax, you can activate your immune system on demand. Keep in mind, relaxation is a learnable skill, but it is not doing nothing. Train yourself to picture an image you find pleasant or calming, listen to a guided meditation, or practice diaphragmatic breathing.

5. Stay home if OR when you are sick
It's all about honoring yourself, protecting yourself from others that are ill, and preventing the spread of illness. If you do become ill, set a clear intention for becoming well.

"What is always speaking silently is the body." - Norman Brown

Source: Alexandra Stoddard's Book of Days by Alexandra Stoddard

"It may be most helpful if you assume there will be extra-difficult times and prepare in advance. Then, when you hit a rough period, you will be in a better position to make a choice. And you are almost certain to hit such rough periods. Modern life (perhaps all life) is complex and unpredictable. The best laid plans of mice and men often fail at the last moment. Life is often difficult, uncertain, and painful. - Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D.

Source: Meditating to Attain a Healthy Body Weight by Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D.

   

III. REFERENCES

IV. COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS AND PROGRAMS FROM VRSELFHELP.COM NEWS

"141 Tips for Healing When Life Throws You a Stress Curve Ball" eBook
by Mary C. Kraemer, R.N., RMT
http://www.vrselfhelp.com/shopping/shoppingDetail.asp?detail=1&pid=1072

"Resisting Exercise - Want to Know Why?" Class by Telephone on January 10.
by Stephanie Wood, Certified Wellness Coach
http://www.vrselfhelp.com/programs/programsDetail.asp?detail=1&catid=9&pid=316

"Winning Over Stress" Online Class
by Thomas Cobb, M.A., MFT
http://www.vrselfhelp.com/programs/programsDetail.asp?detail=1&catid=9&pid=316

"Magic Wellness 7: A Wellness Course For Women Over 40" Class
by email by Jennifer Wright-Brugman, M.S. O.T.R. C.C.
http://www.vrselfhelp.com/programs/programsDetail.asp?detail=1&catid=6&pid=459

For more compatible products and programs and health education information, visit http://www.vrselfhelp.com. You don't have to be a member to enjoy our many offerings. However, there are a lot of added value benefits for members including many FREE member products and programs.

MORE ABOUT "MAKING LIVES SIMPLER"

Linda Manassee Buell is a full-time Personal and Business Coach, and author of the tips eBooklet, "Simplify Your Life, 101 Ways to Create the Life You Love," the audiotape, "Simplify Your Life, 7 Simple Strategies for Doing What You Love to Do," the revised edition of the workbook, "Simplify Your Life: A Journey of Personal Discovery," and her latest book, "Panic and Anxiety Disorder, 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More." She is also the President and Executive Director of The Virtual Reality Self-Help Center, vrselfhelp.com, an Internet- based resource center for mental well-being.

To order your personal copy of any of the above by check or credit card, just go to http://simplifylife.com and click on "Shop the Store."

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The contents herein are solely the opinions of Simplify Life and Linda Manassee Buell.

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