February Newsletter - Happy Lunar New Year!
Hello Reader,
— Marc Parent
Reflections & Musings
Ah, change. At times so easy; at other times, so elusive.
I find I do best with a bit of inspired action, but the follow through and maintenance are much harder for me. That's where systems and accountability really come into play - mainly to save me from myself.
If you're in need of some lasting change, perhaps you're ready for some coaching. We can build systems and follow through on your goals. You can reply to this email to learn more.
Word of the Year
I've heard the concept of choosing a "word of the year" floating around self help circles for quite some time now. I'd never really bought into it. One word for the whole year? It seemed both cheesy and unrealistic. Yet this year, almost unbeknownst to me, I've latched on to the concept.
"Beauty" has emerged as my word for 2022 and I can't shake it.
It probably originated when I heard the quote, "Beauty will save the world" (Dostoyevsky) last fall. It seems so appropriate for our times. We no longer need heroics, nor can we reasonably expect that things will dramatically change. We just need something nice to look at, listen to, experience; to remind ourselves that there is good and we are safe.
How can you connect with beauty today?
What word is emerging for you this year?
If you want a little extra support in planning your year, please click here for a guided visioning exercise.
Celebration
This month I'm celebrating rest and asking for help - what a concept!
Going on vacation was such a treat. It's amazing how disconnecting helps me to reconnect with what I care about the most.
February is Heart Month!
All month long, Elder Health Connection will feature topics related to heart health. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode! Now available on YouTube too.
My signature course, How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally, is also on sale this month. I'm passionate (obsessive?) about blood pressure. It is such a fundamental component of health and so responsive to lifestyle changes.
Listen to Your Heart
Heart rate (HR):
- Measured in beats per minute (bpm)
-
Changes in resting heart rate can tell you a lot
- If it's higher than usual, you're body is usually under stress from something that requires more of your body than usual, like an illness, injury, bad reaction, emotional stressor, etc.
- If it's lower than usual, it often means that you are healthier and fitter - your body isn't working so hard at rest. However, sometimes it can be too low and indicate a heart condition. A quick screen is to ask yourself if you actually feel fitter/healthier (good) or if you're tired all the time, lightheaded, fainting, etc. (bad). Of course, always talk with your physician when concerned.
Heart rate variability (HRV):
- The beat to beat variation in heart rate. Actual measurement and units varies based on the technology you are using.
- It turns out a more variable heart rate indicates that you are less stressed, whereas a less variable heart rate indicates that your body is more stressed. Fascinating stuff.
- I love this measurement, because it is a real time window into the the stress your body is experiencing.
New Beginnings
There's always an opportunity to start anew. Today is quite a day!
- Feb 1: new month, lunar new year (Water Tiger), new moon
- Feb 7: new week
- Feb 14: new week
- Feb 18: new zodiac sign (Pisces)
- Feb 21: new week
- Feb 28: new week
Go forth as a Water Tiger. Happy Lunar New Year!
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Caroline Morris, PT, DPT, GCS
703-362-5316
Morris Clinic
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