Dr. Jen & Friends Lovecast Dr. Jennifer Slingerland Ryan

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 Naturivities! : you asked and I delivered - ON TOP OF what I talk about in this podcast, I have 50 more out of the box ideas for how to be active and enjoy your time in nature! I bet there are ideas in here you neverrrr would have thought of! Enjoy! 

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 covered with a bunch of naturitivites that you can try! 🌳

Get out there, my friend!



Resources & Things I talk about 📝:

A surprise sneak peek at the first module for "Eight Ways to Happy" (reserve your spot now!) - This is a course, created by yours truly, that is aimed at helping you live a happier, more fulfilling life! It's time to live your best life and there is no time like right now to start!

50 Naturivities! - want to switch up your outside activities, but are running out of ideas? Here is an out of the box list for you. Get out there and soak up the sun!

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, and ultimately ended up happier, stronger, and successful!

Passion and perseverance are the recipes for success!

When things get tough -- just continue to tell yourself, "Just keep swimming!" (Yep, just like Dory!) 



Resources & Things I Talked About 📝: 

Angela Lee Duckworth: Leaving her job as a high-flying consultant, Angela Lee Duckworth became a math teacher and seen realized that it wasn't just IQ scores that "defined" a student. She has studied how grit and determination help pave the way for both academic and professional success.

Developing a Growth Mindset:  Professor Carol Dweck is a leading expert in the field of motivation. Professor Dweck's research has shown how the mindset of a student has plays an active role in their achievements. It is common to praise high intelligence or talent, but are those praises good for motivation and learning? Dr. Dweck answers these questions and more!

How intentional are you when it comes to food? 🤔

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. There, I said it! 

While I am NOT an intuitive eating coach, I do want to help you 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? 💪



Let's start nourishing our bodies! 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 police'.
Feel your fullness.
Discover the satisfaction factor.
Cope with your feelings without using food.
Respect your body.
Movement - feel the difference
Honor your health - gentle nutrition


Being more intentional will lead to a happier you. I'm here to help you live your best life!



Resources & Things I Talked About 📝:


10 Principles of Intuitive Eating 
Dr. Hyman 
10 Day Sugar Detox (I'm doing this RIGHT NOW!)

Gut what!?

Have you ever felt just sluggish, without energy, or even have a stomach ache and you're 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 that. 

We're only half way through March, which means we have looooads more to talk about when it comes to gut health and providing your body with the right type of fuel to keep it going. 

Enriching your body with nourishing foods -- it's about time your gut gets a little TLC!



Resources & Things I talk about:


Maggie Roney, LPC and Functional Medicine Practitioner 

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 healthy when I’m pressed for time?” I’m going to share 4 ways to eat healthy plus 2 ideas for quick, healthy meals. 

Today I’m giving three ways to be mindful of your eating. I can’t wait to share allllll the great science behind food, nutrition, mental health, and happiness.

Show Resources:


Crockpot Recipes
Buddha Bowl Recipes