wellness | Silver Magazine

Mind

The science of being positive

There’s growing evidence that a positive outlook and feelings of thankfulness, also referred to as gratefulness, can have a beneficial effect on the brain and body. “If thankfulness were a drug, it would be the world’s best-selling product with a health maintenance indication for every major organ system,” said Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy, head of the division of biologic psychology at Duke University Medical Center. The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness and thankful. As 2021 unfolds and we look back on a bleak 2020, perhaps there are some things we can be thankful for, such as a vaccine arriving for COVID-19 and some major breakthroughs in healthcare. And that if you’re reading this article, you made it to 2021! Studies have shown measurable effects on multiple body and brain systems. Those include mood neurotransmitters, reproductive hormones, social bonding hormones, cognitive and pleasure related

Alex Hurst January 4, 2021

Mind

5 Pillars of Mindful Living

In these chaotic times it’s natural to seek a sense of calm. Learning to stay more in the present moment can help. Living in the pandemic era, we appear to be surrounded by constant change and uncertainty. It is natural to crave calm and to seek ease amid the chaos. We want to feel more grounded. Practicing mindfulness is an approach we can all adopt. It is free and accessible at any time. It is also a long-term strategy that helps build resilience to life’s ups and downs. According to research by the American Psychological Association, there are many health benefits to incorporating mindfulness in your daily activities. These include reduced stress and anxiety, improved empathy towards others and oneself; more acceptance, kindness and compassion; and improved self-control, concentration and mental clarity. Now who wouldn’t want to enjoy these benefits simply by being more aware while experiencing the everyday activities

Doris Ward November 16, 2020

Travel

Escape to The Southern Gulf Islands, B.C. with Five Tips

Thinking of taking a wellness Fall/Winter retreat to The Southern Gulf Islands, in B.C.? Before visiting one of the islands on the Salish Sea; Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Salt Spring and Saturna, careful planning is the key to a safe and healthy trip during the pandemic. In an interview, Jacqueline East, general manager of the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership Society describes her vision by sharing five “know before you go” tips inspired by doing a bit of research in advance. The Southern Gulf Islands, tucked between the mainland coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, is known for its unique ecosystems and also known for their wineries, local artists, farm stands, and popular outdoor activities. During the pandemic, Jacqueline noted, “Well, it’s been interesting, lots of our local small businesses have had to innovate and adapt. They don’t see themselves as a typical tourist destination. In some ways the pandemic

Christine Blanchette November 12, 2020

Mind

5 things mindful people do differently

Mindfulness has gained a lot of attention lately, and with good reason. Being more present in our lives and developing some other habits can have a huge impact on the quality of our lives and our relationships. Several things mindful people practice provide them with more clarity and tranquility in their lives. Focusing on the present moment without judgment, and rediscovering simple life blessings lead to more happiness and joy. Let’s discuss five little things these people do differently to help you work your way toward acceptance and inner peace. 1. They Accept and Appreciate Things Appreciation for the gifts of the present moment is an art that mindful people have mastered. It stimulates the release of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin that have a calming effect. And it is the first step toward gratitude. Mindful people know they can’t change reality, so they accept it and appreciate the people and things for what

Rebecca Brown July 24, 2020

Health

Yoga for managing chronic pain

Gentle movement, breathing techniques and meditation allow us to work with pain and create habits to improve our wellbeing on both good days and bad. This article is not about how you can heal your pain through yoga. I think one of the worst things we can tell people with chronic pain is, “I have the solution—I can fix you,” because you’ve heard it a million times. You’ve probably tried a million different things, too. Recommendations about diet, exer- cise, doctors and clinics. “My friend’s brother said this,” etc. What I can share with you is a tool you can use to help deal with pain. Gentle movement patterns for the good days to keep the blood flowing and your joints moving and mindfulness techniques for when the pain takes over and it seems to be all you can think about. Chronic pain, no matter where it is experienced, is

Lisa Greenbaum January 20, 2020

Health

The 5 pillars of wellness

lness is a journey, and we define it by the five pillars of health, lifestyle/adventure, nutrition, fitness, and mental wellbeing. We often hear the words health and wellness tagged together, but really, health is a part of wellness. We see more magazines, books, podcasts and blogs about wellness, but it can be confusing at times and defining it can be like tossing sand in the wind. At Silver, we believe that wellness is defined by five main pillars. Taken together, they comprise what it means to be well⁠—to be happy, and fulfilled. Wellness is about looking after oneself. When we look after ourselves, we can create our own best lives. And also help others, especially those who mean the most to us. The good news is, you don’t have to go to extreme efforts to live a life of wellness. Small changes in daily habits and thinking a little differently

Alex Hurst January 13, 2020

Health

When anti-depressants aren’t enough

Seventeen years ago, Dr. Stuart Eisendrath piloted research into the therapeutic effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on people experiencing clinical depression. Ever since, he has been helping those who struggle with depression dramatically improve their symptoms and quality of life by changing how they relate to their thoughts and feelings. In When Antidepressants Aren’t Enough: Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness to Alleviate Depression (New World Library, October 1, 2019), Dr. Eisendrath outlines an easy-to-implement MBCT program that has been scientifically proven in a U.S. National Institute of Health study to bring relief to chronic sufferers of depression by helping them realize that their thoughts are not their reality. We hope you’ll enjoy this Q and A with him about the book. Q: What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)? A: MBCT is a blend of some aspects of cognitive behavior therapy with mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is an ancient Buddhist technique that has been secularized

Alex Hurst January 9, 2020

Travel

Top travel tech for 2020

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of technology in our lives today and most of us have a smartphone and maybe a smartwatch too! If you’re heading out for some time away this year, check out our list of the best travel tech gear for 2020! Skyroam Portable WiFi HotSpot Want to share your awesome hiking adventure with your 40 year old kids still stuck at work in the big city back home? Try this portable WiFi hotspot device. Easy to use and usable almost anywhere in the world! Find it here. Aer Backpack 2 Super slim with safety lock features this backpack can be great for day adventures and keeping your mini tech like battery chargers and a WiFi hotspot as well. Folds nicely into a suitcase or as your carry-on. Find one here. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay 2 World renowned for their sound gear, this tiny little speaker

Alex Hurst January 2, 2020

Fitness

Top 5 Gym Etiquette Rules

These days there are more and more people in the gym. Of course, the biggest spike is in the New Year with many making fitness New Year resolutions. It can become frustrating sometimes trying to workout with so many others. Here are the TOP 5 Gym Etiquette Guidelines for you to remember: #1 Don’t Stare – Many people coming to the gym are uncomfortable with even being there. It can be really offsetting when someone is starring at you while you are trying to get your sweat on. Even if someone is attractive, it can be intrusive for some to have people starring at them while working out. So just try not to stare and focus on your own body and regime. #2 Wipe the Equipment – Nobody likes to eat off a dirty table and on the same token people don’t like to come to use a piece of gym equipment that is covered in

Max Brennan January 2, 2020