Secret of Mental Health

It is a good sign when someone can laugh from the heart. This is not possible for everyone. That is why there is an advantage in knowing the background to emotional health.

Intro

Today's psychology clearly tells us that even when faced with setbacks and challenges, we all have the opportunity to maintain an optimistic attitude.

Many believe that their feelings and emotions are determined by their circumstances. That can be up to a point. But it is important to know that we can also have a say ourselves!

Our thoughts are controlled by ourselves, or rather they can be controlled by us if certain conditions are right. However, our emotions are not influenced by our thoughts alone.

The decisions we make every day based on our lifestyle have a very big influence on our emotional state.

Let's take a look at some of the factors that can help each of us gain the upper hand in a very important area of ​​mental health.

1. Role of nutrition

Using animal experiments, researchers have found that eating an unhealthy diet can seriously affect the brain's emotional circuits. This means the following factors:

Nutrient deficiency, excessive salt consumption, high-fat diet.

Tip:

Make sure you eat a low-salt diet that uses nutritious, wholesome plant products (preferably fruits, whole grain products, vegetables, nuts and seeds and that restricts or even completely excludes the use of animal products and fat additives. (Vegans live longer! See also BLOG-Link)

Make sure you eat a low-salt diet that uses nutritious, wholesome plant products (preferably fruits, whole grain products, vegetables, nuts and seeds and that restricts or even completely excludes the use of animal products and fat additives. (Vegans live longer! Why? See BLOG)

2. Avoidance of Addictive Substances

Those who drink alcohol more often tend to outbursts of anger, anger and the use of violence. Sure, because our control system - the frontal lobe (see LINK) - is numbed by it. Anyone who does this quickly tends, among other things. violence witnessed by millions of abused family members. These are short-term effects of alcohol.

Long-term consequences are even more serious. The brain cells are so severely impaired in their important control mechanism by other drugs that this can have major consequences for a person's everyday life and their environment. Even sugar has become an addictive substance for making. It's a shame for the quality of life that is lost as a result.

3. Exercise Makes it Possible

The positive influence of exercise is sensational. Exercise is highly responsible for our blood circulation, which, along with good blood quality, is one of the most important health factors.

Regular physical exercise outdoors should never be neglected!

Research shows that exercising well can lower stress levels and significantly improve emotional health. Depression and anxiety are less common. Strengthening the powerful hormone oxytocin alone is responsible for positive emotions and general health.

Many people are surprised at the positive impact exercise has on our body and psyche. Wonderful way to improve your quality of life! LINK

4. Relaxation with good music

The limbic brain region system is strongly influenced by music. This back part of the brain can be influenced both positively and negatively by means of music.

Direct measurements of the limbic structures have shown that harmonic piano music can evoke pleasant emotions, while dissonant, unpleasant music can evoke negative emotions.

When choosing music, it is important to consciously choose pleasant, non-aggressive music. It should be music that helps you develop and maintain emotional control and balance.

5. Watch out for media consumption!

"We become what we look at!"

Not only bad music, but also what we watch through the media (TV, Internet, etc.) has a great influence on our brain and thus our emotions. What we deal with on a regular basis is what will influence us the most.

Those interested in optimized emotional health will seriously and wisely consider what they are going to look at.

If you have difficulties with self-control and partial restraint, the thought that you were able to spend your vacation in a distant country some time ago without television, Internet and other media may help! It used to be possible, so it will still work today!

Let's keep in mind: Life works quite well even without entertainment media.

It has become quite normal for Terri and me to only use the television for valuable videos. Social media can also be very addicting. (LINK)

Sure, the media representatives want to ally with us. It takes a lot of social self-competence to keep its use within reasonable limits.

6. Quality Time with Family

In the course of my many years of teaching work, it has become clear to me that the quality of the family is of decisive importance for our social development. Those who rely on healthy and strong family ties will also be prepared to invest in them.

This means that family time does not primarily take place in front of the television, but with interactions that indicate a high-quality time.

This fills the child's love tank every time.

Joint activities with the family should have priority, do something together that is fun and promotes togetherness, mutual acceptance and appreciation, all of which contribute to a high-quality family. Mutual trust is promoted. This also creates the ability to make contact with a creator god, which offers great advantages.

Shared experiences in the wonderful nature make a deep impression on the children. If you need mountains - here in Eastern Switzerland are beautiful, not too high (up to 2500m) and easily accessible with route maps. You can find pictures on www.bergpension.ch.

7. Develop a Relationship with God

For young people who have experienced a positive father / mother figure, it is easy to get in touch with our Creator. If someone is interested in this vertical relationship, if they want to try it out, so to speak, then invest some time, for example, with reading the Bible, they will have interesting experiences.

It is fascinating that our Creator God actually wants to get in touch with us humans. He wants to communicate, assure us of his love and support us in our everyday challenges. Millions of people have already had this experience. A great offer.

If you don't want that, you won't be forced, because God is a God of love and not of fear and compulsion. David writes at Psalm 34: 9: “Try it and see for yourself how good the Lord is! Happy is he who seeks refuge with him! "

Matthew writes in 11: 28-29: “Come to me __ and learn from me __ and you will find peace for your souls.”

That's an offer! It is voluntary and available to everyone.

If you want to try this offer, I recommend reading the Gospel of Mark in the Bible. The more and deeper someone immerses himself in this peace of mind, the better one's own emotions can be controlled. Thanks be to God!

Part 3 - How to Prevent Stress - 7 Steps

Stressors are numerous, they come from inside and out and are often not recognized. Some stressors can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. It would be worth it to exercise a bit more self-awareness in this area. That´s our subject for today.

7 Steps to Better Quality of Life

Stress prevention is an important habit of people who enjoy a high quality of life. At times we reduce stress in some areas, but somehow before long, we fall right back into it. Almost automatically and unnoticeably, activities and responsibilities pile up until we find ourselves back in the stress mill. It is therefore a great strategy to practice systematic stress prevention !

Stress prevention is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. As you look around at others, you may notice that those who practice the following points in their lifestyles do not generally suffer with too much stress.

1. Rest and Relaxation

Consciously take time for breaks. We often underestimate the vital need for regular breaks. It´s not enough to just make an exception now and then like taking time for lunch instead of working through your lunch break. If we don’t give ourselves regular breaks, we will soon be suffering under achievement stress.

Implementing methods of relaxation is not only helpful when one is already stressed. We should learn to integrate techniques of relaxation into our everyday lives.

Instead of going out to eat with friends, stay in your office and do some systematic relaxation. Or you could even do it at other times, for example, every hour you could take a few minutes to rest and stretch and enjoy some relaxing music. If you don’t want to do it in public at the office, you could disappear into the restroom for a few minutes and relax there. After all, it IS the RESTROOM. More on this topic in the following BLOG.

Not every working space can be so comfortably furnished. We must learn to identify limits and not try to change things that cannot be changed!

2. Enough Good Sleep

It is said that 6-8 hours of sleep gives a person the highest life expectancy. More or less than that on a regular basis and over a prolonged period of time is a great stress on the body. When one’s quality of sleep is constantly poor, it can cause obesity and loss of muscle mass.

Melatonin and Free Radicals

The hormone melatonin is produced in the brain while we are sleeping. It is one of the antioxidants in the body and works like a magnet for the health-damaging molecules known as free radicals. These attack the genetic substance (genome) in the cell and can produce carcinogenic mutations. Melatonin is made from serotonin, the sunshine feel-good hormone, which means if you spend enough time in the sun, you’ll sleep better, healthier and more deeply. More on this topic in the following BLOG.

3. Healthy Nutrition

This is a subject that is often discussed but less often practiced. When appetite and reason disagree, appetite often wins. Most people know that natural products are healthy and refined products with innumerable ingredients can, sooner or later, bring about challenges to our health. Whole grain products, organic fruits and vegetables are beneficial, while meat and other animal products on today’s market can, unfortunately, be detrimental.

Be careful of dangerous substances: caffeine, theobromine (cacao), nicotine and alcohol, which influence the brain so negatively that with them successful stress management is nearly impossible. (See BLOG)

We also know that our bodies need a lot of water every day. Our brain functions best at 85% water, but many heads have to survive on much less! For this reason, we are recommended to drink enough pure, clean water to produce clear urine twice daily.  For more on that subject, see BLOG.

“You are what you eat.”

4. Exercise is the Answer

We all know that physical exercise is good for us, but very few are really clear on how absolutely vital it isfor our health. Exercise is a great stress preventer and not only that, but those who exercise a lot, live longer. Many people excuse themselves with, “I just don’t have time for that!” or „I’m too old!“ or „I’m too lazy,“ or "I’m alone." Don’t let these arguments stop you from exercising. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Lack of exercise can cause sickness and emotional disturbances, insomnia, constipation, cardiovascular disease, rheumatism, metabolic challenges and lack of oxygen, not to mention diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer and last, but not least, susceptibility to stress.

Benefits of Exercise

Exercise regulates blood pressure and protects and strengthens the heart and blood vessels. Better circulation means oxygen levels are higher, which facilitates clearer thought processes, sounder sleep and quicker recovery from sickness. Lower cholesterol levels are another perk appreciated by many. For more on that subject, see BLOG.

Hiking in the Alps of eastern Switzerland is a real treat! Surrounded by peaceful beauty, you will find strength and motivation to set new priorities and strive for important goals in life!

5. Test Goals and Decisions

Every decision we make influences our lives. Every person makes hundreds of decisions daily! Our decisions are about lifestyle, work, friends, environment, future and relationships. Smoking, drinking, taking drugs, having sex without the proper protection, exercising daily, drinking enough water, staying mentally fit and improving our knowledge are also all matters requiring decisions.

Every decision you make has an influence on your life & health.

The sum of all our decisions determines our quality of life.

For this reason, all our decisions, great or small, should be made thoughtfully, intelligently and consciously. Just as Paul Watzlawick said: "One cannot not communicate,“ we can also say, "We cannot not decide!“

Keep the Direction

If the meaning of life is to realize one’s values, we are challenged to think about what they actually are. For many people, enjoyment is the highest value in life. Gratification of desire is their daily goal. I’m not sure how valuable that is. On the other hand, there are many values worth working and fighting for, like our spouses, children, friends, work, people in need, love and truth.

Example: A Christian’s goal is to live forever when this earthly life is over.

This is a goal that requires thought. Namely, the question must be answered, "How do I get to heaven?" If you ask five people that question, you will surely receive seven answers. Very risky! How shall we know which is right? It seems the goal is too serious to flip a coin and let chance make the decision. In my humble opinion, the answer is found in the Bible, but unfortunately, most believers follow tradition, in the mindset of “It’s what my parents believed.” That is also very risky! Many opinions are either  partially or completely unbiblical! We have to study for ourselves and not depend on the opinions of others. It saddens me to think of all the people who have decided to take a wrong path because they haven’t discovered the Bible as the only infallible source of truth.  

A person who knows where he or she wants to go in life has the great advantage that he or she can align all decisions and priorities accordingly. Those who are driven by the moment (extrinsically motivated) will sooner or later fall prey to the system.

6. Set Priorities

Depending on the goals we choose, we can and must set priorities in order to reach them. Priorities can affect our choices in relationships, free time and employment.

Suggestions for Healthy Priorities:

Relationships are important, but they can also cause stress. When stressful situations arise in the family, it is important to find good solutions to improve the quality of our relationships. If there’s trouble on the job, it may also be possible to solve. However, if no solution can be found (some people just don’t want to change), a change of job may be the best option.

Lifestyle: As we saw above, lifestyle is a huge factor in our happiness. Prioritizing physical, emotional and mental health is paramount. Good nutrition, getting enough exercise in the out-of-doors, sunlight and rest are all factors that can help make this priority a reality.

The Meaning of Life: People who have found the meaning of life know where they are going. They have direction. A life without goals can be chaotic and even pointless. Those who recognize love for others and love for God as meaningful are generally highly motivated and positive toward life´s questions and challenges. They tend to improve themselves on all levels and progress in wisdom and maturity.

7. Making Knowledge Practical

After reading all these steps, we know quite a bit, don’t we? In our society, so much knowledge is at our fingertips, there should actually not be any unsolved problems. We have the solutions: we have the technology. The step we really need to take is that of putting our knowledge into practice and making it a reality in our lives. Knowledge without action is worthless.

From couch potato to exercise coach! Anyone who manages that paradigm shift deserves a medal, but much better than a medal are all the benefits to be reaped from such positive action!

To achieve that, you need quiet, clear moments to put your decisions and priorities into action. You need to make a plan and possibly set some sub-goals. Some people make notes and set dates for themselves, others tell their loved ones of their decisions and goals, or may invite a friend or spouse to help or join them in their activities. This may include doing sports or taking a class together.

Achtung: We all have a tendency to take the path of least resistance. Many are not motivated to take action because of the effort involved. However, if nothing changes, nothing changes. We need to find something we can change. On the other hand, we should not overdo it; too many sudden changes at once can be overwhelming.

The best way is not to OVER- or UNDER- challenge ourselves, but to give ourselves a reasonable challenge. That is my heart’s desire for you!

NEWSTART Plus® - JUMP-START Your Life - 2

Today we want to talk about START, which could mean a new beginning, or a JUMPSTART in a new, healthier direction. Have a look and the following five points and draw the best of the best out for yourself.

NEWSTART Plus®

Dear Reader, Since this is the second part of a three-part series, it would probably be a good idea to read the first part too, if not before, then hopefully after this one. J There is important information there. Here is the link:  NEW    Have fun!

These 12 components are unbeatable. They are the keys that can heal diseases that have not yet been diagnosed. If you integrate these 12 tips into your lifestyle, they will help you to enjoy all-round better health. What a deal!

If you speak German, check out the website for the magazine <Leben und Gesundheit>. Every month another of these 12 points is presented and publicized in more detail by physicians and other highly qualified individuals. The sole purpose of this magazine is to help society enjoy a more healthy life.

Here’s the homepage:  Leben-und-Gesundheit

Our health, happiness and wellbeing are not a product of chance, and are much less a product of our genetics than we might think. They are, rather, the result of various controllable factors and principles. The good news here is: You can actually significantly influence your own health!

NEWSTART Plus® is a modern, internationally known, scientifically proven, holistically based health concept. NEWSTART Plus® is an acronym, in which each of the 12 letters stands for a principle that has a decisive influence on our health, happiness and quality of life.

The most powerful results are achieved when all 12 principles are implemented together.

All the elements together give NEWSTART Plus® its holistic balance. It is an invitation for each of us to make a new start and discover a more positive life. You won’t want to miss it!

On average, we spend approximately 45 minutes per day out of doors. Since not all of that time is sunny, or we are not in the sun all that time, it works out to about 10 minutes of sunshine!! That’s not much. Wouldn’t you like to do a little more for your happy hormones? It could definitely pay off!

Sun for the Soul

Without sunshine there is no life. NONE. Many people suffer for the lack of sunshine. Sunshine is necessary for the production of vitamin D, which in turn has a regulatory influence on the body’s bone metabolism, immune system and psyche.

Ninety percent of our vitamin D is made in the skin when the sun’s rays shine on it. In winter there is less to be had, so we need to get an especially good helping of it in the summer. 

Sunshine promotes the production of the feel good hormone and neurotransmitter, SEROTONIN. When we have enough SEROTONIN, we are more likely to stay happy and active. It is also a good remedy for fatigue in general!

Link for more information (in German) :  LLG-Sonne

Would you like to live your life at the driver’s wheel? Or would you rather be pushed through life? What is your life worth? Do you want to be in control or be controlled? Are you interested in truth? - YES? Great! Because sooner or later, the truth will make you free!

Discipline, being able to wait, deep thoughts, acting on decisions; these all raise your self-worth. Have you read the blog on Emotional Intelligence ?

Coming into Balance

Staying in balance is not only of paramount importance for the health of our organism as a whole, but also for each individual organ and system within the organism. Self-control is becoming an ever-increasing challenge in our society.

Addictions to alcohol, nicotine, illegal drugs, work, pornography, gambling and Internet are the result. The physical, emotional, social and financial costs are immense.

Addictions can be broken, because behind every addiction there is an unfulfilled need, a desire for something better. It is possible to find meaning in life.

True freedom begins inside us and leads to self-control. People who have themselves under control always ask and answer important questions before they act. What? Where? When? How much? What would be good for me, and for others?

Contrary to what some have said, too much of a good thing is not wonderful! Too much is really too much. Too much is harmful. So, enjoy good things in moderation; avoid the harmful.  If you do that, you will get more out of life. This is a ground rule that also applies to every subject in NEWSTART Plus®.

Link to more information (in German) :  LLG-Mässigkeit

By the way, if you’re a smoker and would like to kick the habit, we offer the best-known method right here in Toggenburg at Sonnmatt: Stop-Smoking. (Stop Smoking Course)

Breath is Life

Breathing is the greatest human need. We can only survive a few minutes without oxygen. Every breath we take brings oxygen and life to the cells and cleanses the system of carbon dioxide.

City air is full of poisonous industrial and traffic fumes. Cigarette smoke alone has over 1000 harmful chemicals.

Make sure the air you breathe is as pure as possible. Consciously breathing deeply improves the oxygen content of the blood, cells and tissues, and helps one relax and overcome fear and panic attacks. The best quality air is found near waterfalls or at the ocean. The second best quality is in the forest. Spending time in those places is extremely beneficial.

Link to more information (German) :  LLG-Luft

In these hurried times, more and more people are losing sleep and sleep quality.  Don’t let yourself fall into that trap! Make sure you get good quality sleep without medication. A well-planned daily schedule, with regularity in eating, drinking, exercising and time to think can be very helpful. Good, sound sleep is the basis for high Emtional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is extremely important for the maintenance of quality relationships.

Less is Often More

Finding the Right Rhythm

Do you feel your life is becoming more and more hectic? Expectations and standards soar. Less and less time is allotted to achieve the same tasks. It’s only natural that stress levels are on the rise.

Good health requires balance between exertion and relaxation. Even our hearts need a short break to recover between beats. All our inner processes and organs work on specific schedules. Our daily schedule is important, because it influences every process and time pattern within us.

The best example around is the day of rest created by our Creator. History has proven this pattern of six work days and one day of rest to be absolutely necessary for our health.

It feels so good to relax! Discover your own special way of letting go!

Link to more information (German):     LLG-Ruhe

Faith and trust go hand in hand. Believers heal faster. The blog Spirituality in Post Modern Times goes deeper and analyzes this subject. Here’s the link:  Spirituality in Postmodernism

Hope & Trust

Without hope, people get sick and without hope, sick people die. When people lose hope, they can easily become depressed. Unfortunately, increasing numbers are affected by depression.

Hope deals with the future. Its anchor is faith in a divine power. God says, „I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26) Many people still experience that today. Many scientific studies show that a healthy faith strengthens hope. That’s why trust is possible.  Trust can be learned. Trust wins. "

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”   Ps. 118:8

My soul, wait in silence for God only,

For my hope is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Ps. 62:5,6,8

To trust is to love. So, trust is bound up tightly with the greatest gift of all, LOVE!

Link to more information (German) :  LLG-Vertrauen

In case you are interested in having one or more of these subjects presented at a location near you, don’t hesitate to contact me so we can work out the details.

Write me at: ernst.zwiker@yahoo.com

So, now we’ve had just a brief look at the components of NEWSTART. You wouldn’t believe the amount of power for healing there is in this simple, transparent system. Sometimes it seems almost impossible when we see modern day miracles happen right before our eyes at Sonnmatt by using this simple pill-free strategy.

The psychosocial components of health found in the <Plus> part will follow shortly!

Tip:  Choose TWO of these five points to work on for the improvement of your health.