Setting New Year’s resolutions remains relevant when approached correctly. Focus on “push goals” that require effort and “pull goals” that are enjoyable. Prioritize hydration, sleep, and nutrition to support your resolutions. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey, set manageable steps, and utilize rewards and accountability to maintain motivation. (AI-Generated excerpt)
Author: Ramona Levacy Billingslea
I am a 50-something Texan with a feisty cat and a supportive husband of 25+ years. With a Master's degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing, I have taught creative writing at Texas Tech, won awards for my writing and been blessed to be mentored by Horn Professor and poet Dr. Walt McDonald. I earn a living by helping my husband's family run a health food store, but my avocation is writing. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my triumphs and tragedies as I continue to work on figuring out what life is all about and on growing my ability to share my writing. May your own journey be a blessed one.
Find Ease This January
The holiday season and the beginning of a new year present challenges due to converging cultural celebrations, leading to competing demands and stress. To navigate this period effectively, individuals should understand themselves, prioritize activities, set boundaries, and employ stress-reduction techniques. Embracing the potential of the new year allows for reflection and self-care amidst the festivities. (AI-generated excerpt)
Color noise for focus and calm
Color noise, including pink, brown, and white noise, is beneficial for sleep, focus, and learning. Each type varies in frequency distribution, affecting how sound is perceived. Listening to color noise can help tune out distractions, but should be done safely at volumes below 70 decibels. Experimenting with different types may enhance daily activities. (AI-generated excerpt)
Rest: How to Slow Down
As the year ends, the importance of rest is emphasized for mental health. Clinical counselor Laura Henderson explains that rest is essential amid hustle culture. Seven types of rest—physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual—are vital for recovery. Individuals should seek personalized restful activities for better well-being. (AI-generated excerpt)
What You Can Do About Stress
Stress can have serious effects on health, often misperceived simply as negative. Understanding the body’s stress response is crucial for managing it. Techniques like reframing stressful situations, mindfulness, and healthy routines can help mitigate stress. Additionally, consulting with healthcare providers about stress-relief supplements is advisable for individual wellness. (Excerpt AI-generated)
The benefits of daily movement
Exercise, often overlooked in adulthood, offers numerous benefits, including improved brain health, weight management, better sleep, stress relief, enhanced mood, and lower cancer risk. It promotes insulin sensitivity, supports gut health, and boosts cardiovascular function. Regular physical activity is essential for overall well-being and resilience against stress as we age. (AI-generated excerpt)
Diabetes: Don’t overlook this common condition
Diabetes, a prevalent condition, has serious health implications. Types include type 1, dependent on insulin due to pancreatic damage, and type 2, characterized by insulin resistance. Effective management involves lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and specific treatments. Symptoms include increased thirst, hunger, and urination. Early detection is vital for reducing complications. (AI-generated excerpt)
Don’t Delay Happiness: Find joy and build strength, starting NOW
Sheila Nollert’s Instagram video exemplifies the message of living fully regardless of age. Dismissing ageist stereotypes, she encourages setting achievable long-term goals and appreciating daily moments. Her philosophy, “Every day is a vacation day,” highlights the importance of finding joy in routine activities and prioritizing personal growth and connection with others. (AI-generated excerpt)
Alternatives for safe, natural sleep
The article emphasizes the critical importance of sleep for overall health, highlighting the risks associated with chronic sleep deprivation and the dependency issues linked to common sleep medications, particularly benzodiazepines. It also discusses natural alternatives like melatonin, magnesium, and valerian as safer options for managing insomnia, reminding those seeking change to consult their medical providers to ensure they have no contraindications and to guide them through changes, if any, to prescription medications. (AI-generated excerpt.
Them Bones: Nutrients Support Bone Health
Osteoporosis weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, particularly in older women. A study showed that calcium, vitamin D, and collagen could improve bone density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Probiotics also enhance bone mineral density. Early calcium intake is crucial to prevent osteoporosis, especially in young adults. Vitamin K and D are essential for those with inflammatory bowel disease. (Excerpt AI-generated)
The less-shopping, more-savoring Thanksgiving dinner
This Thanksgiving guide features simple, nutritious recipes utilizing common pantry ingredients for a hassle-free holiday. Highlights include Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with a yogurt-pistachio topping, a Turkey Sausage Skillet with vegetables, and a flavorful Cranberry Almond Pilaf-Style Barley. These dishes blend convenience and flavor for festive meals. (Excerpt AI-generated)
Get Active This Fall
As summer ends and physical activity declines, wellness expert Sonia Jhas suggests embracing mini-workouts to maintain fitness. Small bouts of exercise, using minimal equipment, can be effective. Incorporating daily movements, outdoor activities, and engaging in family-friendly exercises can help sustain an active lifestyle during the cooler months. (Excerpt AI-generated)
Betsy's Health Foods: Always taking your health & your budget to heart 
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