As we are at the end of this semester looking back to where I started with my health aspect goals to where I am now, I am beyond happy. I am so happy with the amount of knowledge I have learned in all aspects of health and especially the ones closer to my own health goals. I have been eating cleaner a lot more consistently where it has become my norm and even working out almost every day and loving it. I would never have thought that I would be able to stick to running to the point where I now wake up and immediately put my shoes on ready for a run. Combining eating clean and working out has helped me achieve both goals. Every time I work out I feel good and want to fuel my body with foods that it needs and I can use as tools, and then this allows my body to feel good and I have so much energy that working out is exciting for me. I loved being able to take this opportunity to focus back on my health and achieve these goals.
Now for Chapter 15, all these topics felt like the finishing touch for my health aspect and this course. I loved learning more about mind and body practices and going back into learning about mindfulness meditation, I also enjoyed learning about the different therapies there are and how they range from so many and so many different types of styles. These are the ones that I emphasized on the most because they were new topics and fun to learn and maybe even to add to my health changes.
Movement therapies were cool and loved that this approach can benefit the posture, increase physical, mental, and emotional well being, while also reducing limitations in the body. This was one I immediately wrote down to look into for myself because I do prefer these types of therapies rather than medications. The two methods for this are, the Alexander technique and the Feldenkrais method, which both have amazing benefits and something I am excited to look into for myself.
Another thing was Qigong, I have never heard of this before but sounded interesting as an energy therapy and what that can do for you. This technique uses mediation and regulation of breathing to help increase the flow in your body to enhance blood circulation and to improve the function of the immune system. This was another one I also wanted to look into and give it a try for myself.
Lastly, learning the different natural products and dietary supplements risks and benefits was one of my favorite topics. I do love finding anything natural to help with any condition rather than taking something that can be more harmful. Flaxseeds and green tea are two of my favorite things that I have added in my diet since high school and I can say for myself it has been amazing for me. Flaxseed I learned a little bit about nutrition classes and has helped me with increasing my fiber intake. Green tea I have at least 2 times a week and is my favorite tea. I have luckily not experienced insomnia or anxiety when taking it, but have noticed that it has helped with weightless and even keeping me from snacking. These are all great ways to help incorporate healthy and natural alternatives to help with any problems or conditions.
Samantha Lundrigan - Health & Wellness 