Since today is Global Forgiveness Day, it seems fitting to reflect on the healing power of words. The words “I’m sorry” and “I was wrong” (both of which my husband says I need to practice saying more often) are so powerful, as are “I love you,” “I’m here for you” or “I can help.”
(more…)
Archive for the ‘Stress and immune health’ Category
The Healing Power of the Written Word
Thursday, July 7th, 2011Health Tip of the Week: Forgive and Forget
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
As someone who can hold a grudge with the best of ‘em, this week’s health tip is a good one for me to practice what I preach. According to a recent study, there is a positive connection between forgiving someone and better health. Research done at Duke University with HIV patients showed that those who truly forgave someone who hurt them in the past experienced a positive change in their immune systems. Guess the old adage “forgive and forget” has benefits for more than just your mental frame of mind. So call that old friend who you’ve had a falling out with or “let it go” that your husband forgot to take out the garbage AGAIN and you’ll feel better for it.
To your health -
Xigo Mom
ellen@xigohealth.com
Health Tip of the Week: Get Out!
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Outside, that is. In case you needed an excuse to leave the dishes and hit the swings with the kids, here you go — researchers at the University of Illinois have determined that access to nature and green environments leads to better cognitive function and impulse control and greater mental health overall, while less access to nature leads to exacerbated ADHD symptoms and higher rates of anxiety disorders and clinical depression. Read more about the study here. And in the meantime, make some time for fresh air, sunshine and a romp in the park.
To your health -
Xigo Mom
ellen@xigohealth.com
Health Tip of the Week: Lose the ‘Mom’ Guilt
Monday, May 9th, 2011
When my children were babies, I often said that when you’re pregnant, what grows inside along with your baby is your sense of guilt about all the things you could possibly be doing wrong as a mom. I just came across an article this morning that says the same thing and advises why you should stop feeling guilty. We know stress impacts immune health; apparently guilt can do the same thing, with real physical affects in addition to the mental ones.
So coming off of Mother’s Day — hope you all had a great one — this is the perfect read for a Monday morning. Get rid of the “I should,” “I have to” and “I’m the worst mother” mantras and continue to bask in the joys of motherhood.
To your health -
Xigo Mom
ellen@xigohealth.com
Health Tip of the Week: Don’t Stress Out!
Monday, April 11th, 2011
It’s only fitting that during Stress Awareness Month another study has linked stress to immune health issues. As if you needed another reason to stop stressing out, researchers at Ohio State University recently published a study in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity that suggests that stress increases the harmful bacteria in your gut. Not only can this lead to increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease and asthma, it’s also pretty clear that the digestive system is the basis for your body’s overall health, so keeping bacteria in balance should certainly be a goal. So don’t give up — keep stress under control for your mental and physical health!
To your health -
Xigo Mom
ellen@xigohealth.com
