Health

22 HE ALTH • Spring 2021 While the health care industry in our region is huge, there has never before been a single resource that delivers both industry news and analysis along with a consumer forum where industry experts can share their best advice and insights. Our regional HEALTH publication and E-newsletter is aimed not only at health care professionals, but at health-care consumers, both retail and business. If you're a player in the health care field looking to promote your service, or if your business is trying to reach medical professionals and practices with products or services - we can help you deliver your message to this highly targeted audience. REMAINING 2021 ISSUE DATES: DON'T MISS OUT! JUNE 14 Closing Date: June 2 Business of health care/ Mental health AUGUST 23 Closing Date: August 11 Pandemic preparedness/ Health information: Facts & Myths NOVEMBER 1 Closing Date: October 20 Health Care Resource Guide The Region's Quarterly Health Care Magazine HEALTH C E N T R A L M A S S A C H U S E T T S A shot of healthy marketing! For information contact Mark Murray, Associate Publisher at 508.755.8004 x227 or mmurray@wbjournal.com You'll want to see and be seen in this quarterly publication! M y mother was never one to relax much throughout her life, but what busy mother makes time for herself? It was to the point of her always having to be doing some- thing, even if that was simply pacing, fidgeting or tending to a never-ending task list. In her final days of her battle with cancer, she did embrace relaxation as a tool to lessen her pain and suffering. The truth is we can all enjoy the health benefits of deep relaxation. Relaxing should be a way of life! Relaxing does not mean sitting on the couch watching METV, cable news, or your favorite streaming service. We all need a small bit of that kind of down time. Relaxation is the state of being free from tension and anxiety, or being in a calm, mind- ful and recreative state. Relaxing hypnotically, for the our purposes here, does equal medi- tation, although it all seems one and the same. Relaxation does not mean sitting still in a chair. One can achieve deep relax- ation during normal everyday activities, or while walking, fishing, shopping, reading, writing, hot air ballooning or any other activity bringing you joy. In a state of deep relaxation the body enjoys certain benefits and the mind becomes uncluttered; able to focus with greater clarity. Greater clarity leads to better decisions which leads to great happiness, with less stress and anxiety. If there is one common denominator, one human behavioral pattern revealing itself in the client work I've done over the years, it's the inability or the refusal to learn how to relax the mind and body. Relaxation is viewed by most as a luxury, or dismissed as a waste of time. Many people were simply never really taught how to relax deeply, thus never having experienced the benefits of this wonderful mind-body experience. Relaxation is something everyone can enjoy. Did you know, like so many other mind states, relaxation is a choice? It is a great example of the mind and body more working together. When you set your intention to relax physically, men- tally, and emotionally, and with a few diaphragmatic (full belly) breaths, your body begins to gradually lengthen the inactive muscle fibers, allowing physical relaxation to begin, and your brain releases hormones to help you relax. Better relax with these steps: • Give yourself permission. Take control of your mind-state and treat your immune system to a little love. • Tension is the enemy. You can easi- ly release muscle tension using progres- sive muscle relaxation techniques. • Learn how to breathe to stimulate what Dr. Herbert Benson calls The Relaxation Response. Keep it simple: nice comfortable, diaphragmatic breath in through the nose, hold it brief ly, exhale through your mouth and go to that 'happy place' in your mind. • Live a relaxed, confident and pur- poseful life. Get off the sidelines. When you connect with your higher purpose, you share your gifts with the world. God wants all of us to be more joyful, abundant and prosperous and no matter our circum- stance we can choose to act in a way that enables more of this. • Live that new relaxed you with a zest for life, by changing bad habits that are really false relax- ation gimmicks. Focus on what needs to change in your life: thoughts, emo- tions, behaviors, or self-limiting beliefs. • Smile more. A great mind-body exercise: Your brain senses the muscle position of your smile and releases chemicals making you feel happy. Relaxing can save your life. When you master the skill of relaxation your body will enjoy a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and increased blood f low. You sleep better, awaken refreshed, and anxi- ety, depression and negativity leaves you. Bob Martel is a professional hypnotist, and a 'take back your life' coach working with individuals and business people to take themselves higher in life. Reach him at www.positiveresultshypnosis or via email at bob@bobmartel.com Learning to relax is a life skill By Bob Martel When you master the skill of relaxation your body will enjoy a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and increased blood flow. SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE H

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