Dr. Jen & Friends Lovecast

10 Naturivities to Nurture the Body and Brain

engage your body in nature Apr 26, 2021

Seasons are changing and we're getting to that time of the year where we can shed a few layers of clothing and embrace the warmer weather! (yesss!)

Not only does it just feel so good to feel the sun on your face, but your body loves it too! Your body is ready for you to get up and get movin'!

All month long I have been discussing the importance of being connected to nature and why moving your body is so beneficial to both your mental health AND your physical health.

A little reminder of why nature is good for the soul:

Reduction blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, AND the production of stress hormones
Improves sleep
Inspires creativity
Enhances short term memory
Increases HAPPINESS

So, you're ready to get going. What now?

Are you running low on out of the box ideas on what to do outside? Don't worry -- I've got you covered!

Resources & Things I Talk About :

50...

#019 - Moving Your Body Toward Happiness

engage your body in nature Apr 12, 2021

Were you on the move today?

Finding the time in your busy schedule to move your body is hard! --and I'm not talking about running errands, cleaning, or chasing kids (even if you do rack up 10,000 steps while doing those and more!)

Just like Elle Woods said - "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." She isn't wrong! (Legally Blonde)

Moving your body is a known stress reliever and a sure way to get your energy back. When your body is moving and being active, you become happier and have the energy to do more. You feel refreshed -- almost like after a really good workout. During the workout you may be thinking "ohhh why am I doing this to myself!?!?" but after the work out you feel SOOO good, accomplished, AND motivated.

Long story short, moving your body will help you be healthier and feel happier. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Are you running out of ideas on how to be active? Don't worry -- I've got you...

#018 - One Key Ingredient For Habit Change

Uncategorized Apr 05, 2021

Have you ever created a goal but then stumbled along the way and found it hard to keep going?

I've been there -- more than once! It's so hard to pick yourself up and dust yourself off when giving up altogether is so much easier. While an easier option, it is definitely not the best. If you gave up as soon as things became difficult, tricky, or you felt embarrassed, then your life wouldn't change for the better. You wouldn't be making moves towards a happier, more rewarding life!

Perseverance, my friend. It is such an important part of pursuing your life goals.

Life will throw you curveballs, challenges, obstacles, and lemons. As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons -- make lemonade! Pushing through those bumps in the road will not only make accomplishing your goals sooo much sweeter, but you'll feel a heck of a lot stronger and happier. I know this from my own experiences of falling down. Once I got myself back up, I pushed forward,...

#017- Intuitive Eating and Happiness: What's the Connection

enrich your body with nourishing food Mar 22, 2021

Our bodies are SO good about telling us what it wants, but sometimes we aren't that great at listening. Alllllll month long we have been talking about really focusing on what our bodies are telling us and intuitive eating.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I actually don't like the term intuitive eating. My take is to be intentional, not intuitive because some people can’t trust their intuition. Listen to this week’s podcast to know why I don’t love all the steps, and how I put my own spin on these steps.

I want you to be more intentional and mindful about what you put into your body. The type of food we eat impacts our overall health -- both mentally AND physically.

Did you know food was so powerful?

The goal here is nourishment for your body. Here are 10 steps to get started:

Reject the diet mentality. Stop dieting.
Recognize your hunger.
Eat when your body tells you that you're hungry and stop eating when you are full.
Make peace with food.
Challenge the 'food...

#016 - Gut Health + Happiness: What's the Connection?

enrich your body with nourishing food Mar 15, 2021

Gut what!?

Have you ever felt sluggish, without energy, or even have a stomach ache and you are not sure why? There is a reeeeally good chance your gut is trying to tell you something.

Your “gut” is everything in your digestive system, from your esophagus to your colon and intestines. The gut has been called by some researchers a “second brain." Your gut informs your body how it needs to feel.

Not only does your gut send you signals when it doesn't like the food you're consuming, but there is also a connection between your gut and your mood and health overall (yes, I'm totally serious!).

An unhappy gut is linked to:

Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Chronic pain
Brain dysfunction
Immune system dysregulation
...and even hormonal imbalances

It may be time to pay attention to what your gut is telling you! If you're feeling less than great, the food you are consuming may be a factor in...

#015 - Healthy, Happy Meals for Busy People

enrich your body with nourishing food Mar 08, 2021

One problem that I have ran into hundreds of times is wanting to make a meal that is good for my body, but feeling like there is NO time in the day. I know I'm not alone in feeling this, in fact, I've helped countless clients get back into fixing meals (while maintaining a busy, busy schedule) with THREE ingredients or less!

Food is the power tool in your self love tool box that can go from making you feel blah and unenergized, to feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!

We're busy people. Between work, to do lists, kids, and allllll of the other responsibilities that keep us on the go, who has time to stop and actually make a meal that is comforting AND enriches our body with all the good things?

Not only is it possible, but enriching your body with nutritious food is a nonnegotiable in self care! There are 8 Self Love Tools, and today we’re talking about the 8th one - Enrich Your Body with Food. Today I’m answering “How do I eat...

#014 - Food + Mood: What's the Connection?

enrich your body with nourishing food Mar 01, 2021

Hey friend!

Let’s all say “Hellllooooo March!”

I am SO excited for a new month with a new topic and all the new possibilities!

This month we’re talking FOOD! (I am definitely a foodie!) -- but, on a more serious note, do you know how food affects your body as a whole? I am talking mentally, emotionally, AND physically!

Food is powerful and the more we understand how food affects our body, the more we can use it to live happier AND healthier!

I want to be VERY, VERY clear -- we are NOT talking about dieting. So no worries -- no diet plan, nooo scale, and no feeling like YOU are your size. My friend, you are way more than a number!

So, I just said that food is powerful -- DID YOU KNOW...According to the World Health Organization, a poor diet is a major factor contributing to depression, which is the top driver of disability in American?

Enriching your body with nourishing foods is a...

#013 - How and Where to Find Good, Inner Core Friends

load up on love from your inner core Feb 22, 2021

Want to know what it's like to join a bike club and where you're the only one who has a beach cruiser complete with a basket and a bell? (I don't know, I never got that far. Find out why...)

Close inner core friendships are the shiznit of life. When you have a few good compadres, the world just seems to click. But how do we meet these people?

On today's podcast, I'm answering the question: Where and How can I meet good A-friends?!

Children easily make friends on the playground or at school. At school dances groups of friends take over the dance floor -- but what about adults? With our busy schedules, jobs, and kids and that to-do list that never ends, where do we find inner-core friends we can feel close with?

I've got answers!

Friendships can be made at aaaaany age. It’s all about figuring out where to meet new people who share your interests.

Remember, it isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who walked into your life, said...

#012 - Should My Spouse Be One of My Core Friends?

load up on love from your inner core Feb 15, 2021

Who do you feel safe with?

Who helps you feel like you matter?

Is this your partner? If not, let's talk...

Your inner core consists of the people who you chose to be in your life who know the real you, who you confide in, and who you share a connection with.

More than 60% of lonely people are married. Surprising isn’t it?!

When married couples no longer share their deepest feelings, thoughts, and desires one or both people feel disconnected and lonely, even in the same room with the person they are married to.

Yikes.

Feeling this way causes the flame to fizzle out. Your relationship starts to feel meaningless. When relationships get to this point, it can feel like emotional disconnection.

When you think about your inner core, do you include your spouse in that group of people?

Here is why you should:

When you feel safe and secure with his or her significant other, it's like wearing a...

#011 - The A,B,Cs of Friendships

load up on love from your inner core Feb 08, 2021

Have you ever been with a group of friends you enjoy being with, but you still felt lonely and disconnected?

I've been there too! You're at a social gathering and you just feel withdrawn -- almost like you're faking happy.

Over 40% of us will feel aches of loneliness and isolation at one point in our lives or another. Unfortunately, despite how common these feelings are, not many people are really 100% aware of how they impact our lives AND the lives around us.

Not only does loneliness, isolation, and feeling disconnected bring us down, but it can alter your mood and affect the way you treat the people you love the most.

On today's episode, we're talking about the 3 types of friends. They're all important, and they all should bring joy to your life:

You're feeling happy
You're feeling sad
You have something to celebrate
You need support
You're feeling stuck

Listen to today's episode to get the scoop!

Join the conversation at The...

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