By Deborah Dittner
There is definitely a time and place for Western medicine. However, there are many options you can utilize to assist you in caring for many conditions that may develop. Think creativity along with critical thinking to develop an environment that may change your health for the positive. These solutions may not happen overnight but will create a positive destination for one and all.
1. Get out in NATURE. During the winter months, many tend to spend a good portion of their time indoors. Yes, it’s cold outside. However, dressing in many layers will eliminate that “too cold to go out” feeling. Going outdoors is excellent for your mental health — both adults and children. Walking around your neighborhood inhaling the fresh air is very uplifting. Being outdoors moves you into another zone creating distractions and focus on another level than that of indoor activities. Exploring the outdoors improves mindfulness and your overall well-being.
2. Find your COMMUNITY. While you are out and about in nature, discover your social connections as well. Relationships with a variety of people matters when it comes to living a longer life. You can join a walking group, an art group, an herb group, a traveling group, a cooking group, an exercise group…just to name a few. What are your interests? Now look for groups with the same interest and enjoy the company and social interaction. You may even find a new best friend that you can share a variety of activities with.
3. While out in nature or community, reach out and VOLUNTEER. If you are an animal lover, volunteer at the local animal shelter or offer to walk a neighbor’s dog who has difficulty getting out in snowy weather. If you’re a foodie, volunteer at a local food kitchen or Meals on Wheels. If you’re heading to the store, ask a neighbor if they need anything while you’re out. By volunteering your time and services, your “feel good” hormones will escalate and you will feel better about you. Helping others provides a warm satisfaction and increased happiness.
4. Winter months can lead to less activity for some. Incorporating MOVEMENT into your everyday life will improve mental health, heart health and social connections. You may need to get out of your comfort zone by putting on those ice skates that have been collecting dust for years. Think of other activities you enjoyed as a child and explore the possibilities. If it’s snowing and you see some neighbor kids building a snowman…join in.
5. If you like to be creative, consider ART. There are many art classes held at community and senior centers, libraries and continuing education centers. Art therapy is helpful for anxiety, trauma, depression and overall health. This too can lead you to outdoor activities in nature building community on many levels. Art helps you to be mindful and express emotion through poetry, painting and drawing. Other possibilities are scrapbooking, home decorating, baking and dance either through ballet or ballroom. Or just turn on some tunes and dance your heart out in your own living room. There are so many artistic ways to express yourself on your personal journey.
Coffee shops or small cafes often host small groups of all kinds. Ask the owner of the shop what groups meet there and when. I saw a group of women at a coffee shop after I attended the local farmers’ market and now I meet with them on the first Saturday of the month. New relationships develop bringing more happiness into your life.
Incorporating a variety of arts into your life for healing is a prescription that needs to be written more frequently. The arts, whatever form or direction you decide to take, can improve mood, decrease blood pressure, improve sleep, decrease stress and anxiety, lubricate your joints for greater flexibility and connect you to long term health.
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www.debdittner.com