Tag Archive for obesity

5 Consequences of Chronic Boredom

 
Medical experts call boredom the ‘disease of our time”. This is especially true during times of pandemic and quarantine.
 
microphone for lifting boredom
 
It can manifest into serious problems so GenuLines looks at some ways that can happen.
 
 

 

5 Consequences of Chronic Boredom

It’s not just for children anymore. Everyone suffers from it.
 
It used to be temporary for the most part. You couldn’t wait for the lecture to be over.
 
Or for your turn to see the doctor. It’s boredom, and it can turn serious.
 
banner to counter boredom
 
Boredom is a chronic disease, and why not? You’re bombarded with an endless array of stimuli every waking moment.
 
We’re used to constant information flow when we awake. We’re expected to take it all in, Television Boredomand we do.
 
We’ve stopped interacting and engaging. So, we get bored.  
 
 
 
 
German psychologist, Theodor Lipps, described boredom as ” a feeling of unpleasant arising out of a conflict between a need for intense mental activity and lack of incitement to it, or inability to be incited.”
 
This can mean different things to different people. An introvert, might find pleasure between the pages of a book or any other type of solitary activity.
 
But an extrovert may want more excitement as well as more social encounters.
 

You Do You

No matter the personality type, there’s a correlation between boredom and self-awareness. Let’s say you have a clear idea of your strengths, weaknesses, motivations and beliefs.
 
And you’re comfortable in your own skin. You’re now better prepared with the tools required to make yourself less bored.
 
You can gauge your moods and feelings, and understand what it is you want out of life. It also better prepares you to deal with others, and respond accordingly.
 
But having a clear understanding of your personality can be a real problem. The world is at our fingertips 24/7.
 
The idea that we can turn off the noise for a few seconds is now a foreign concept.
 
No one wants to sit there and do nothing! Adults fixate on playing games or browsing through their social media.

Downtime can be scary!

 
But it’s in those moments where we really feel our presence, tune in to our thoughts, and get in touch with our feelings. It’s also when we are at our most imaginative and creative.
 
It’s how we evolve, discover and invent.
 
Chronic boredom can make it easy to leave you in a rut of negative habits. You feel powerless to finish tasks.
 
This puts a damper on the quality of your life, and exacerbates physical pain. It comes with a slew of negative ramifications, the 5 most common are:
 

• Obesity

 
Constant snacking minus real hunger could be a case of boredom. This often involves foods high in processed fats and sugars.
 
These make you feel calmer and happier. Dieticians refer to this as emotional eating, which is often brought on by boredom.
 

• Depression

 
Boredom can be a symptom of depression, and it can also trigger it.
Working long hours. Stressful work or home environments. Less than challenging jobs.
 
These can ramp up stress and lead to deep bouts of depression.
 
 

• Stress and anxiety

 
Living day to day in an environment that doesn’t give you what you need can lead to emotional exhaustion. Top that with a helping of work responsibilities and financial strain.
 
This is the perfect recipe for chronic stress triggered by boredom and redundancy.
 

• Alcohol and drug abuse

 
In an attempt to break through the boredom spells, it’s common to find people reaching for alcohol and drugs. Of course these can have an addictive effect.
 
But in the moment, all people see is how they allow them to forget. They’re forgetting the aggravating effects boredom has on their lives.
 

• Heart disease

 
When boredom is the rule, your brain releases toxic hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones create problems for your heart.
 
Moreover, chronic boredom sufferers tend to skip exercise and eating right. In fact, they’re more likely to turn to bad habits, like smoking and drinking.
 
These can take their toll on the cardiovascular system, resulting in premature death.
 
A great way to break the boredom cycle is to step back and look at the big picture. Make lists of all the good in your life. as well as all the things you’ve wanted to try but never found the time and start from there.
 
Take control of your life and try to work your way around the things you cannot change. Form new, healthier habits.
 
Try something different each day. Volunteer your time to helping others who are in need.
 
And, above all, find something that piques your interest.
 
JohnK 5-27-2020
 

Stick figure hears about boredomOverheard: “The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom”

                                ~Arthur Schopenhauer
 
 
 
 

 

 

disclaimer for bordom

A Plant-Based Diet: Is It For You?

The Plant-Based Diet is getting a good bit of attention lately. People want to be pro-active in their health, and what they put into their bodies is a good place to start. 
 
GenuLines takes a look at the Plant-Based Diet and whether it might a good fit in your life. To your health!
 
Banner helps with plant based dierts

A Plant-Based Diet: Is It For You?

picture of plant based dietThe phrase “Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Diet” is flexible. It can apply to any number of different eating styles.
 
The main difference? WFPB is characterized by what it includes rather than what it excludes.
 
There are lots of studies showing the benefits that come from eating a WFPB diet.
 
 
 
Those benefits start with a baseline of better nutrition. This is a given, but better nutrition is where a healthier body always starts.
 
It fuels our bodies. And it’s our defense against long-term chronic and avoidable lifestyle diseases.
 
Better nutrition
Most of us know that fruits and vegetables are healthy sources of nutrition. Yet we don’t eat anywhere near enough of them, let alone eat the recommended amounts.
 

Why not?

After all, they’re nutrient-dense edibles rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Plus, they’re delicious.
 
Disliking or avoiding a specific fruit or vegetable is fine. Same with fruits that you have to clean, cut, or carve.
 
Children often get finicky with things like broccoli, and that’s okay, too.
 
Still, science tells us that better nutrition comes from a nutrient-dense diet. The kind that’s filled with fruits and vegetables rather than processed meats. (Tuso, Ismail, Ha, & Bartolotto, 2013)
 
The same is true even for refined grains.
 
So, if you don’t like to carve your honeydews ask your produce department to carve it for you. Most grocery stores offer that service, but you have to ask.
 
And be persistent with children who like to avoid broccoli. Keep offering it.
 
In time your 5-year-old may surprise you and try something new after all.
 

Better health for your heart

A plant-based diet significantly reduces the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. WFPB diets can lower blood pressure, enhancing blood sugar control, and lowering cholesterol.
 
Choosing a WFPB diet is one of the best natural ways to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases on the whole.
 
Increased longevity
A WFPB diet might help you live longer. It reduces your risk of premature death due to untreated chronic lifestyle illnesses.
 
These include high blood pressure, CVD, obesity, and some cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists red meat consumption as a “likely carcinogen.” (Harvard Medical School, 201)
 
That’s not to say that consuming red meat is inherently dangerous. Occasional consumption of meats, including red meat, is allowable by some WFPB diets. (Think Mediterranean diet)
 
It’s a higher consumption of red meat that’s the culprit. That’s linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers like colorectal.
 
A plant-based diet will not only help your body become healthier but also help you live longer.
 

Lower cancer risk

Research also turns thumbs down on too much processed or red meat in the diet. The connection here is colorectal cancer. (Harvard Medical School, 2018).
 
But something good happens when we eat fruits, legumes, grains, and veggies on a regular basis. The risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses goes down.
 
This is because plants contain disease-fighting phytochemicals that can thwart cancer.
 

Lower rates of obesity

One of the main challenges of our modern lifestyle is obesity (Tuso, Ismail, Ha, & Bartolotto, 2013). We have plenty of ways to counter obesity at our disposal.
 
But the most effective is the diet.
 
Choosing to stick to a WFPB is an effective weight-loss strategy. Obesity is a risk factor for all the chronic and lifestyle illnesses listed above.
 
A nutritional approach to diabetes kick starts your process to better health.
 
The results? A healthier BMI, and the stunting of chronic illness like high blood pressure and CVD.
 
There’s no shortage of studies that factor in WFPB diets in relation to health and longevity.
This body of evidence seems to support WFPB diets.
 
And their many health benefits.
 
JohnK 1-15-2020
 
stick figure talking about plant based dietsOverheard: “Gluttony is not a secret vice”
                                      ~Orson Welles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about plant based derts
 
 
 
 
 

Childhood Obesity: Its Causes And What We Can Do

childhood obesity example
 
Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in our culture. Many children are so overweight that they almost stop being children.
 
They can’t play and enjoy their lives the way children usually do.
 
 
 
Of course, childhood obesity causes health issues too. Overweight kids tend to be sick more often.
 
And they’re at risk of developing long-term health problems. Understanding childhood obesity helps parents make decisions and prevent obesity in their children.
 
 
 
 
 
 
What Is Childhood Obesity?
 
Childhood obesity is a health condition. The diagnosis is generally based on a child’s BMI or Body Mass Index.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has obesity guidelines for kids. The CDC defines it as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender.
 
Your pediatrician records your child’s height and weight. Then the numbers are compared to the average child across the country.
 
What causes Childhood Obesity?
 
There are actually many causes of childhood obesity:
 
Hereditary factors
 
In some cases, genetics plays a role. A child may inherit a thyroid problem or another hormonal problem.
 
If parents and other family members are obese, then their children are more likely to be obese as well.
 
But, other environmental factors that may have a bigger impact on a child’s health. Things like diet and lack of activity.
 
Poor eating habits and lack of activity
 
The biggest causes of childhood obesity are poor eating habits and inactivity. Many obese children live on a regular diet of starchy carbohydrates and high-fat foods.
 
A fast-food diet is a major contributor
 
Let’s look at the common diet that’s high in sugar, white flour, and fat. These foods cause children to have blood sugar imbalances.
 
The highs and lows lead to cravings. Cravings then lead to more poor food choices and the cycle can quickly get out of hand.
 
The problem worsens when parents don’t or are unable to provide healthy options.
 
Cupboards stocked with junk food are tempting. Kids almost always choose the junk over a healthy snack.
 
Add inactivity to poor food choices and you have the makings of childhood obesity.
 
More and more children are left home to fend for themselves after school. When they’re home, they sit on the couch and watch television.
 
They play video or computer games instead of being active and playing outside. Obesity results when children are consuming way more calories than they burn.
 
Also, the calories they do consume are empty, not providing them with the nutrients they need.
 
What are some problems associated with obesity?
 
Overweight and obese children often face a life of ridicule from their peers. They suffer health challenges most adults cannot imagine.
 
The result can be a shorter lifespan.
 
The good news is that childhood obesity can be reversed. Children are incredibly adaptable.
 
They can learn new habits. But they can’t do it alone. They need support. They need adults who can help them make responsible and healthy decisions.
 
That’s where their parents or guardians are so important in helping them.
 
JohnK 9-5-2018
 
 
 
 
childhood obesity to manOverheard: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”
Mahatma Gandhi
 

Next CHI FOR YOURSELF: The Ins and Outs of the Outer Child

 

 

Picture of Susan AndersonA quick heads-up to alert you to our next episode of CHI FOR YOURSELF. We’ll hear from psychotherapist and author Susan Anderson, who says that self-sabotaging behaviors come from an aspect of our personalities that most people aren’t consciously aware of — their Outer Child. Susan’s the author of Taming Your Outer Child: Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Healing from Abandonment.

Join us on the call next Thursday April 16th at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific time. Look for the screen on the Start page of chiforyourself.com.

 

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Joy and Roy MartinaOn last week’s CHI FOR YOURSELF we took on the issue of weight loss with out guests, Joy and Roy Martina, co-authors of Sleep Your Fat Away. I like that they stay away from the traditional methods of losing the pounds- things like diets and possibly dangerous pills.

 

 

Here’s a look at some of the talking points from that show:

  • Weight issues in their earlier lives
  • How their system works with natural sleep cycles
  • Comparing sleep programming with hypnosis
  • The virtual gastric band
  • Why is weight hard to take off and then keep off?
  • Intelligence as a whole-body system
  • Diet “truisms”- true or false?
  • Some practical tips on keeping pounds off

 

If you didn’t hear the show you can listen to it by clicking on this player

 

OverheardClipArtImageOverheard:

“Food cannot cause you to put on weight, unless you think it can.”

                   ∼ Rhonda Byrne, The Secret

 

 

 

 

JohnK 4-7-2015

chiforyourself.com home

 

Joy and Roy Martina Today on CHI FOR YOURSELF

DrsMartinaBigPicJoin us as we welcome Joy and Roy Martina to CHI FOR YOURSELF. They’re the authors of Sleep Your Fat Away. The book outlines a system intended to help you re-train your unconscious mind to overcome addictions and change your lifestyle habits, so you can attain your optimum weight and become the healthiest YOU possible.

Be with us on the call today at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific time at chiforyourself.com!

 

JohnK 4-2-2015

chiforyourself.com home

Weight Loss on the CHI FOR YOURSELF Menu- and Congrats to Matthew Fox!

As promised, a look at our next CHI FOR YOURSELF guests..

DrsMartinaBigPicJOY AND ROY MARTINA are amongst the world’s leaders in helping people get back into their power. Joy Martina is a Rapid Change Coach, the creator of the Christallin Oracle Training, a master hypnotist, a trainer of trainers and a co-author of six books. World-renowned holistic medical doctor and European thought leader Roy Martina M.D. is the creator of the Omega Healing Method and author of over 70 books (currently translated into more than 10 languages)

One of those books is an international #1 bestseller Emotional Balance. Roy was with us several years ago to talk about the launch of that book. This time Joy and Roy have teamed up to produce Sleep Your Fat Away. They’ll be talking about their method of becoming naturally slim by retraining your unconsciousness mind to overcome addictions and change lifestyle habits in order to attain optimum weight and become the healthiest YOU possible.

Be with us on the call Thursday April 2nd at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific time at www.chiforyourself.com.

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Watkins’ Mind Body Spirit is out with it’s list of The 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People in 2015. On the list is twice-visiting CHI FOR YOURSELF guest Matthew Fox

picture of Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox, author of Meister Eckhart, Christian Mystics, and The Hidden Spirituality of Men, is a preeminent scholar and popularizer of Western mysticism. He became an Episcopal priest after being expelled from the Catholic Church by Cardinal Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XV.

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On another April episode of CHI FOR YOURSELF we’ll learn about the Outer Child. You may be familiar with the Inner Child concept but our guest will tell us that the Outer Child works in harmony with the Inner Child in self-defeating ways. That’s next month on CHI FOR YOURSELF. Details to come..

Be Well

JohnK 3-24-2015

chiforyourself.com home

 

OverheardClipArtImage Overheard

“A diet is the penalty we pay for exceeding the feed limit.”

~Unknown