Life Accelerated | Diane Randall

Love Yourself

Diane Randall — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:00:15 +0000

Valentine’s Day is approaching and love is in the air. However, the most important love of your life should be you. Do you love who you are on the inside and outside?

Loving yourself is about taking a realistic look in the mirror and accepting the person that you see there. None of us are perfect, but we need to learn to accept and cherish who we are. It is often our flaws that make us unique and special.

This Valentine’s Day, regardless of what you are doing with the other loved ones in your life, take a moment and do something for yourself as well. Do something that will make you smile. Be good to your body by eating something healthy. Pamper yourself and make sure that you truly appreciate who you are and what you have done in your life.

Happy Valentines Day!

Asleep at the Wheel of Life

Diane Randall — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:30:58 +0000

Have you ever been driving your car and suddenly realized you’ve been driving for miles, maybe even reached your destination, but didn’t remember doing the driving? This is the common phenomenon of unconscious driving. Some call it automatic pilot. It may also be called unconscious competence – engaging in an activity without realizing how you are doing it or that you’re doing it.

The ability to drive a car without realizing you’re actually driving it can be used as a metaphor for life. Many of us go about our lives half-awake, half-conscious, or with our eyes half open not even realizing we’re doing it. We pay attention to the bare minimum, and ignore the things that create discomfort, conflict, pain, or boredom. We rely on our automatic pilot to get us through our day-to-day activities, falling further asleep at the wheel of life.

We sit in front of the television in a daze for hours at a time. We don’t really listen to our friends and family when they are sharing stories about their day. We read the words in a book, but don’t fully pay attention to what the author is saying. We fill our lives with activities that create stress and anxiety, and we ignore the pain in our backs that indicate that our well being is at risk.

We grow accustomed to ignoring the warning signs that say “Hazard Ahead” or “Slow Down.” We do our best to “get through” life’s circumstances, but don’t put energy into making things better. We numb ourselves to the world around us and to our internal world of thoughts, feelings, and sensations until the discomfort becomes so extreme that we can’t ignore it any longer.

Unconscious competence serves an important purpose that we may have grown accustomed to using far too often. It would be exhausting and stressful if we had to pay attention to every detail, stimulus, or input that we encountered every moment of the day. That’s why our brains and bodies are capable of processing information at an unconscious level – thankfully. Unconscious competence allows us to put our attention selectively on matters that require greater focus. This has many benefits, but the ability to rely on unconscious competence can negatively impact how we live our lives.

Over reliance on unconscious competence teaches us to not pay attention to the warning signs that change is needed. This is one of the reasons that it is difficult for most people to find life balance. We get in the habit of being out of balance, of enduring the discomfort that we’ve created in our lives, and not being motivated enough to make necessary changes until we cannot ignore the warning signs any longer – physical pain, obesity, divorce, financial problems, over-working, substance abuse, and so on.

Finding fulfillment and satisfaction in how we spend our time and making conscious choices that create a happier life is what finding life balance is all about. This is when we no longer rely on unconscious competence, but instead live a life of complete awareness, intention and fulfillment.

Cut Back on Meat and Eat More Protein Rich Vegetables

Diane Randall — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:57:48 +0000

Cutting back on meat reduces the risks of cancer and heart disease. Try adding some protein rich vegetables to your meals everyday to create better health. Choose from the list of vegetables and their protein percentages.

Alfalfa sprouts = 40%

Artichoke =29%
Asparagus = 25%

Avocado = 22%

Bamboo shoots = 26%

Beet Greens = 22%
Broccoli = 49%
Brussel sprouts = 49%

Cabbage, Red = 20%

Cauliflower = 27%

Celery = 10%
Chard, Swiss = 24%
Chives = 18%
Collards (leaves) = 48%
Collard (stems) = 36%
Cress = 26%
Cucumber = 10%
Dandelion Greens = 27%
Eggplant = 12%
Fennel = 28%
Garlic = 20%
Kale (leaves) = 60%
Leek = 22%
Lettuce, Boston = 12%
Lettuce, green-leaf = 42%
Lettuce, iceberg = 27%

Lettuce, loose-leaf = 13%

Lentil = 30%

Mustard greens = 22%

Okra = 24%

Onion (green) = 15%

Parsley = 36%

Pepper, green = 12%

Pepper, red = 14%
Pepper, red hot = 13%
Radish = 10%
Rhubarb = 11%

Seaweed, Dulce = 25%

Spinach = 49%

Turnip greens = 30%

Watercress = 22%
Wheat grass = 25%
Zucchini = 26%

Adapted from Get Naked Fast by Diana Stobo

Remote Health Coaching as Effective as Face-To-Face Contact

Diane Randall — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:50:50 +0000

Research shows that health coaching can help people improve their health, happiness, and quality of life. Online or or phone coaching is equally effective as programs requiring face-to-face interaction. Read the findings of a new study presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting.

Energize!

Diane Randall — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:13 +0000

Find yourself dragging by the midday? Here are some tips to help you rev up and energize:

Get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
Eat balanced, nutritious meals and healthy snacks and remember that a good breakfast is a great way to “jump-start” your day.
Take mini breaks to stand up, stretch and move around to get your blood flowing.
Do some deep breathing.
Go for a short walk to get some fresh air.
Drink enough water so you don’t get dehydrated.
Laugh and have some fun. Humor increases energy and is good for mental health.
Manage and reduce your stress. Stress can really zap your energy.

What you do to rev up and energize during your day?

The Holidays: How to Have More Joy, Less Stress

Diane Randall — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:49:54 +0000

The holidays are upon us again! Each year it seems like they sneak up faster than the year before; but I assure you, there is exactly the same number of weeks each year! One of the reasons we feel like the holidays are so sneaky is because we haven’t planned for them. Thanksgiving and Christmas comprise the busiest time of the year for most people; but with a little planning, you’ll find yourself actually enjoying this time with family and friends instead of running around like a turkey with its head cut off.

Planning Ahead

It’s important to start planning ahead for the holidays–months or even a year ahead. At some holiday gatherings the date is set for next year’s party; and while some may think it’s overkill, this is something you can get taken care of and get out of the way without any fuss. You don’t have to run around and check with everyone’s calendars if you’ve already selected the date; and by choosing the date a year ahead, you are more likely to pick a day when everyone will be there. Ask everyone to “save the date” for next year’s holiday gathering.

Another part of planning ahead is simply making sure you know how you want to celebrate the holidays. It really does not matter who you spend your holidays with; it’s how you want to celebrate. You can create a happy, healthy holiday with anyone you decide. If you don’t have family, you can create what that means to you. What’s important is that you spend the time with people you love being around. Family doesn’t necessarily mean blood relatives. The holidays can be a lonely time for some people because they don’t feel like they have anyone to spend them with, but you can make the choice of who you want to be with. The holidays are a time to spend with others, even if you aren’t close to your blood relatives.

The Food: To Eat, or Not to Eat

Of course food makes up a big part of most celebrations, and we all talk about gorging ourselves on special meals and feasts we never see at any other time of the year. Some people even feel compelled to eat at every stop if you visit more than one person on the same holiday, so they end up packing on the pounds by eating two huge feasts in one day. So this Thanksgiving why not make some changes that will help to trim that waistline? Then you do not have to make another resolution that you know you will not keep long term. This is the best reason to choose one set of family or friends to see on each holiday. If you are going to more than one gathering on the same day, then make it clear that you’re eating with the Smiths but not with the Joneses. You will probably have to alternate your eating habits so that no one group you spend the holidays with feels left out because you’re not eating with them. If you’re the one planning the meal, then the burden of the calories is on you (in more ways than one). While you probably feel compelled to have all the foods everyone wants to see during the holidays, there are some simple ways to control the calories and offer some healthier versions of everyone’s favorite feast foods.

Turkey by itself isn’t too bad in the calories department. It offers plenty of protein and very little fat, so it isn’t a bad choice as long as you limit how much you eat. When you’re planning dessert, pumpkin pie makes a great choice because pumpkin is very healthy for you. Opt for a healthy homemade version of the dessert made with natural sweeteners, such as agave, stevia or honey, for added bonuses in the health department.

While it may be tempting to forget about vegetables with all the other food around, add lots of green leafy vegetables as a big part of the meal. This way if you put a lot of veggies on your plate, you crowd out a lot of the not so healthy food choices and you get full at the same time. You also enable your family and friends to get some green into their diets and cut down on calories at the same time. And don’t forget the cranberries! They’re full of antioxidants, which are needed for cellular function at the most basic level. Cranberries pack a healthy punch amidst all those other holiday choices.

Make Time for Exercise

As if you needed something else to add to your to-do list, exercising is also vital to staying healthy and balanced during the holidays. Everyone should exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day if possible, and that regular exercise should continue during the holidays. Don’t skimp on your workouts just because your time feels stretched even more than usual. Believe it or not, you’ll get more done if you take a break and exercise daily. Make this a habit, not just for Thanksgiving or a New Year’s resolution. Exercise is necessary to keep you healthy and alive.

Exercising gets your adrenaline flowing and actually gives you energy, especially if you do it first thing in the morning. It also will help you keep the weight gain to a minimum if you are enjoying all those holiday feasts a little bit too much.

Everyone needs a little more balance in their life, especially if you’re a professional woman. Constantly feeling pulled in every direction takes its toll on you. If you tend to be the one go-to person for making holiday plans, don’t forget to make time for your regular daily activities of relaxation and renewal. Read your devotions, do practices that nurture your spirit, and take care of your bodily temple, even if you have to get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning. You’ll find that somehow these other activities just fall into place, especially when you’ve taken the time to plan well in advance for them.

Have fun and create some healthy habits during this holiday season that will reduce your stress and bring balance to your life. Create more joy and trim your waist size during the holiday season. You won’t even think about New Year’s resolutions because you have formed some good habits before the holiday season that will make you healthier and happier for a lifetime.

Lighten Up Before You Burn Out!

Diane Randall — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:00:47 +0000

Stress is an unavoidable part of life for everyone. In order to minimize stress pay attention to the cause or circumstances of stress — where you were or your physical and emotional state. Life events such as traffic, work and family increase stress. Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Recognize that stress depletes energy but your reaction to it helps you minimize the impact.

What are some of the ways you minimize your stress?

Is Self-Confidence Important to Well-being?

Diane Randall — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:00:16 +0000

Do you exude grace and self-confidence when you walk into a room? Do you command attention without asking for it? Self-confidence is so important to our well-being, women that have it, know it and if you want it. How can you become more self-confident? Do you know a woman who exudes confidence? What is it about her that commands attention?

Share your ideas about being self-confident here

20 Reasons Why Sugar Ruins Your Health

Diane Randall — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:43:13 +0000

1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.

2. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

3. Sugar can weaken eyesight.

4. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.

5. Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children.

6. Sugar contributes to obesity.

7. Sugar can cause arthritis.

8. Sugar can cause heart disease and emphysema.

9. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.

10. Sugar can increase cholesterol.

11. Sugar can lead to both prostrate cancer and ovarian cancer.

12. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.

13. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.

14. Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.

15. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

16. Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.

17. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.

18. Sugar can cause depression.

19. Sugar can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

20. In intensive care units, limiting sugar saves lives.

Adapted from 146 Reasons Why Sugar Is Ruining Your Health by Nancy Appleton, Ph.D.

Deep breathing can help you relax

Diane Randall — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:00:15 +0000

Deep breathing is a good way to relax. Try it a couple of times every day. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sit in a chair or lie down.

2. Rest your hands on your abdomen.

3. Slowly count to four and inhale through your nose. Feel your abdomen rise. Hold it for a second.

4. Slowly count to four as you exhale through your mouth. Your abdomen will slowly fall.

5. Repeat 5 to 10 times.