We know, this may seem like a funny blog to post during the giving season, but hear us out... In a world that often emphasizes selflessness and altruism, it's crucial to understand that taking care of yourself is not only acceptable but essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. Especially during the holiday season, when we're often pulled into 500 different directions. So let's talk about "Healthy Selfishness".

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, substances known for their mind-altering properties and profound effects on consciousness. While the topic of psychedelics is often surrounded by controversy and misconceptions, there is a growing body of research suggesting their therapeutic potential and ability to catalyze transformative experiences.

In today’s world, stress and fatigue often dominate our daily lives, and the quest for natural remedies that can help combat these symptoms, has gained significant attention. Among these solutions, adaptogens have emerged as offering potential benefits for our overall well-being. So, let's delve into the world of adaptogens to uncover what they are, how they work, and their potential impact on our health.

As humans, we often find solace and security within the confines of our comfort zones. These cozy spaces shield us from uncertainty, fear, and the unknown. However, there is a world of growth, learning, and exhilaration that awaits us beyond those familiar boundaries. This world is known as "edgework" – the practice of intentionally pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones to explore new frontiers and reach our full potential. Let's delve into the significance of edgework, the benefits it offers, and how to embrace this transformative journey.

We've all experienced those moments when we let out a deep sigh, a momentary relief from the stress and anxiety that's built up within us. But what if there was a way to harness that relief and experience it throughout the day? That's where breathwork comes in. In a recent clinical trial conducted by the Dr. Huberman's Stanford Medical Center, different brief protocols involving deliberate breathwork or mindfulness meditation were compared. The results were fascinating and showed that a simple five-minute breathwork technique could significantly reduce stress and enhance mood throughout the day.

In our quest for personal growth and self-improvement, we often overlook the significance of small, consistent actions. Weekly micro habits, which are simple habits performed regularly, have the power to create lasting change in our lives. By incorporating a new micro habit into our weekly routine, we can build positive momentum, develop new skills, and achieve long-term goals. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of weekly micro habits and provide tips for incorporating them into your life. 

Each week we'll be introducing a new micro habit for consideration.

One way to characterize brain fog is slow or sluggish thinking. Another might be
the feeling of being spaced out or a lack of focus. There are many different reasons why someone may experience brain fog. It could be from a high amount of stress, a poor night of sleep, or side effects from various medicines. Most of the time brain fog gets better on its own and is not a long-term challenge. In contrast, there are times where it may last longer and influence various parts of the brain including your attention and memory.

After the cookies, the Christmas cocktails and cheesy potatoes, mixed with little sleep and out-of-routine exercise, we’re more than excited to recover this January. We’re not looking to drastically change our lives in this new year, but instead focus on small habits that will sustainably make our wellness better. 

Economic trends have a major impact on the change in interest rates. HELLO Covid! In an emergency response to the 2020 global pandemic, the Federal Reserve cut rates to historic lows to encourage spending and keep our economy afloat. Think lower mortgage rates, lower car loans, lower credit card APR rate, zero interest offers etc. – this translates to more money in consumers’ pockets to spend! All of this spending, translated to higher demand. Higher demand ultimately kicks prices up – that’s economics, baby!

When life doesn’t quite make sense, where do you turn for inspiration? For some it’s scripture, for others it’s literature or motivational quotes. For me, it’s music. There isn’t anything quite as satisfying to me as hearing a lyric that completely nails how I’m feeling in a moment or shifts my perspective to help me see things more clearly.

What happened to the stock market this year? Why?

Relationship conflict, just like internal conflict, is a sign that we are growing and developing. It may be a sign that we are out of alignment, in need of change, or our voice needs to be heard. However, many of us avoid conflict, leading to a plethora of other issues.

Have you ever called someone in a time of need, asking for help, and left the conversation feeling worse? Thinking that they really weren't listening, and sensing that they just didn't see you? When we reach out in moments of shame, grief, or hurt, we need empathy to help us return to wholeness. But what exactly is empathy?

When you think of your closest friends, most intimate relationships, or most supportive colleague, what do they have in common? At the top of your list is likely their ability to support you. One of the most important interpersonal skills we can develop in all relationships, including the one we have with ourselves, is empathy.

“It’s not timing the market, but TIME IN the market,” says Bre Bovara, Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Fifth Third Private Bank.

In a recent Well Within 10 podcast, we learned why recent economic uncertainty is happening and how we can best be prepared. This coupled with new information regarding women’s investing habits, leaves us with a few guideposts – all advised by Fifth Third Bank.

There are so many reasons to ask for help, along with many benefits. But for some reason, our culture and our minds often get in our way and dictate the story that we must do it alone, or figure it out ourselves. Whether it’s at work, at home, in motherhood, or in a new season of personal, mental health, asking for help should always be the way, should always be the standard.

WISe Wellness Guild is fortunate to collaborate with Alliance Integrative Medicine (AIM), a functional medicine clinic located in Cincinnati, OH, that helps patients improve their overall wellness and health. And even more fortunate for us, they have three guide posts for us to follow as we connect ourselves to nature this spring and summer.

In this week's Well Within 10 Podcast (available anywhere you get your podcasts), we are chatting with Adria Hall, Owner of Koko, a Columbus-based sustainable living shop with big dreams to create a world with less waste + more fun!

Time management, unforeseen weather, a positive COVID-19 test, low bank account, canceled flights - these are things that WE KNOW are stressful. They smack us in the face when we are - it seems - least prepared, and cause our cortisol levels to rise. 

But there might be other stressors in your life that are also causing your cortisol levels to increase, without you even knowing. Like a third party stress vendor, if you will. Let’s identify them below to see if they might be affecting your own mental wellness. 

Especially in the month of January, we are told to make & do. Make the lists, and then do what’s on them. And if we keep completing our to-do lists, can we add on a few more tasks to be even more productive? 

Can we go to work and be on carpool duty? Can we scale a business and put away the laundry, and pick up groceries? Can we remember the birthday, purchase the birthday gift and remember to mail it? In time?