Tips to a Happier You in 2012~Acts of Kindness & Altruism

4 February, 2012 by 2 Comments


Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
 (Romans 15:1-2 Msg)

The definition of altruism in the New American Oxford Dictionary reads as follows: 

altruism |ˈaltroōˌizəm|
noun
the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others 


One of the foundational truths repeated time and time again throughout the Bible is that we should practice altruism:
You shall love your neighbor
as yourself.
(Mark 12:31 ESV)

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law of the Prophets.
(Matthew 7:12 ESV)

We are to care for and have compassion for our fellow man.

Much scientific research has been done on the effects of altruism, and it has been proven time and time again it benefits both the giver and the receiver. Acts of kindness and altruism have shown to actually increase serotonin production in both parties involved.

When we are depressed, we tend to maintain the “poor, pitiful me” status. You can only remain miserable by continuing to look inward. When we begin to help someone else, we take our focus off ourselves and begin looking outward.

In doing some research on altruism, I did find a few studies that support findings that altruism can contribute to depression. The giver can get wrapped up in the problems of the receiver and become depressed. I do understand that way of thinking, and that’s where our faith must come into play. There will always be sad situations that are ultimately out of our control. But that’s where God comes in. We are only commanded to help others, not to solve all of their problems. God has a plan and as Christians, we must trust him to carry out that plan. We are only to carry out the part of that plan as he presents it to us.


And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 ESV)
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
(Ephesians 1:11 ESV)
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
(Matthew 19:26 ESV)
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
(Proverbs 19:21 ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
(Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)

Serving others is always an adventure. To begin an act of service is to open yourself up to blessings you never know existed.

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’(Matthew 25:40 ESV)



Matthew 6:19-21 tells us not to collect treasures here on earth, but to lay up our treasures in Heaven. Have you ever wondered what that really means? Every single person on the earth has eternal significance—they all have souls worth saving—and will be our treasures in Heaven. 

I challenge you this week to look outward into the world around you and see what you can do for someone else.

From my heart,

Celeste


Filed Under: Beating Depression, Brain Functions, How to be Happy, Tips to a Happier You Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Make-a-change Monday~Just drink water!

30 January, 2012 by 2 Comments

Since New Year’s Day, our local YMCA has been packed. No parking spaces, no machines available, and classes full. It’s January 30th. I give it two more weeks. 
We love to make big promises to ourselves and start fresh, but in reality, it’s impossible to make big changes all at once. When I began writing, if I’d realized all that was involved, I never would have started. I’ve learned little bits of information at a time, and looking back on the last year, I’m blown away at how much I know now about writing, blogging, publishing, etc. 
It’s all about small changes. Let new habits begin to infuse into your life a little at a time. So I’m officially declaring every Monday to be “Make a Change Monday” so we can begin to make changes in our lifestyles to be more productive, healthier, and happier. 
Join me in introducing these small changes into your life, and see where you are a year from now. I’d like to be thirty pounds lighter, much less in debt, and have a book at the publisher! But those goals are overwhelming all at once, so I’ll take one little step at a time. 
This week, every time you reach for something to drink, choose water. When God created earth, He gave us water to drink. If you really want your tea or soda, at least make yourself drink a 12oz glass of water first. Water can help with so many problems: It can decrease or eradicate a headache, it will keep you fuller so you don’t want to eat as much, and it’s free!
Remember, it’s all about small changes…
From my heart, 
Celeste
If you liked this post, you will also enjoy Small Beginnings & New Habits
Filed Under: Beating Depression, Chronic Illness, Eating to Live, Make-a-change Mondays, Making Changes, Physical Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Tips to a Happier You in 2012~Get Real!

28 January, 2012 by 14 Comments

Facebook is an amazing phenomenon of our culture, but for the most part, it’s not real. I don’t know why I’m always amazed to see pictures of “happily ever after” posted only to hear through the grapevine they didn’t quite make it “til death do us part,” but there may be a death before it’s over. What people share on Facebook is limited, and often skewed to give a good impression. 
We must develop real relationships in our lives. God commands us to share our troubles with one another. To have compassion.
Why are we so worried about what other will think? Does it really matter? 
Think about one of your closest friends. Now think back to the first time you met them. Did you imagine that you would ever share with them what they now know about you? Probably not. 
When we can be transparent, relationships become real. 
We need other people in our lives. God knew it as soon as he created Adam. 
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; 
I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
Studies have shown repeatedly that relationships are beneficial to our psychological and physical health. One of Satan’s greatest tools is loneliness. If he can make us feel like we are alone in our struggles, it’s much easier for him to get a stronghold on us. Believe me. I know. Since I’ve been blogging, I’ve been amazed at the number of people who have shared similar struggles with me. What if I had been transparent sooner? 
I would urge you to nurture your relationships. Be forthcoming and honest with the precious friends in your life. Be real. Everyone struggles. Everyone goes through difficult times. I promise you will be surprised; when you think you are making yourself vulnerable by sharing your struggle, you will find strength. And when you share your battles, chances are they will too. At that point, you enter into a relationship of kindness and altruism with this friend, which has the added bonus of increasing serotonin! See how it all works together? 
This weekend, spend less time on Facebook and go have lunch with a friend. That’s what I’m doing in an hour. 
Gotta run! 
From my heart, 
Celeste

 

Filed Under: Real Relationships, Tips to a Happier You Tagged With: , , , , ,

Tips to a Happier You in 2012~Get Moving!

21 January, 2012 by 2 Comments

When God created man, He sent them out to work in the garden. He didn’t tell them to sit down at the computer and play Farmville on Facebook. 
We were created in His image. 
He created the intricately detailed system of nerves, glands, neurons, and neurotransmitters in our brain that controls our emotions. 
All that He created was good. 
But our world has changed.  
As I mentioned in a recent post on the benefits of being outdoors, (click here to read: “Do you have nature deficit disorder?”) our world has become more and more industrialized, and our jobs don’t consist of the hard labor they once did. 
Our bodies were made to move. Our brains crave movement to keep everything up there in balance. Exercise must be a priority in our lives to keep the chemicals in our brain working properly. 
Here comes the “sciency” part: 
Remember that cortisol is the “fight or flight” hormone? It’s the one released when we are in any type of stressful situation, emotional or physical. When we exercise, we put our bodies under stress, and cortisol is released. 

But wait, cortisol is bad isn’t it? 
Cortisol is necessary for those emergency situations when we must react quickly–the “fight or flight” situations. But we don’t want cortisol hanging around all the time. Exercise is always difficult when we start. We put our bodies under stress that we aren’t used to and our body reacts by releasing cortisol. As we increase the intensity and duration of exercise, our endurance gets better and our bodies don’t perceive stress nearly as quickly, so not as much cortisol will be released. The more we increase our endurance, the better our bodies respond to stress. And when cortisol is low, serotonin–our happy hormone–is high. 
As an added bonus, when we exercise, endorphins are released into our brains. The word “endorphin” comes from “endogenous + morphine.” Endorphins have always been known as the “feel good” substance in our brains. Here is an excerpt from an article on endorphins that explains them well:

“Although more research needs to be done, endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the bodymind: they enhance the immune system, they relieve pain, they reduce stress, and postpone the aging process. Scientists also have found that beta-endorphins can activate human NK (Natural Killer) cells and boost the immune system against diseases and kill cancer cells. In contrast to short-intensity workouts like sprinting or weightlifting, prolonged, continuous exercise like running, long-distance swimming, aerobics, cycling or cross-country skiing appears to contribute to an increased production and release of endorphins. This results in a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled the “runner’s high.” (To view the article in it’s entirety, click here:  “What are Endorphins?”)*

I’ve included a chart here that I found on the University of California Santa Cruz website on how cortisol and endorphins play a part in managing stress that explains it well if you’re interested: Managing Stress
I know it’s all very complex and confusing to us, but not to God. He made us in His image…perfection. Whether you care about the “sciency” stuff or not, I know you care about how you feel. We need to live the best lives we can with what God gave us. I started running a few months ago myself, and I’m up to three miles. I promise you if I can do it, you can too! 


So get moving!


From my heart,


Celeste



*www.roadtohealth.com by Bonnie O’Sullivan and Dale Maxwell “What are Endorphins?”




Filed Under: Beating Depression, Brain Functions, How to be Happy, Making Changes, Physical Wellness, Tips to a Happier You Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips for a Happier you in 2012~Do you have nature deficit disorder?

16 January, 2012 by 1 Comment

Since yesterday’s post was rather lengthy and also gave you tips to a happier you, I’ll make today’s tip simple and easy. 
Go outside! Just as in today’s prescription verse, there are many references in scripture to the calming power of nature–God’s creation. 
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
 Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)
But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10 (ESV)
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 
Matthew 6:28-30 (ESV)
I have found that when I am indoors working all day, just a few minutes walking outside will help me feel refreshed and will lift my mood. If I get a headache from looking at a computer screen too long, I can walk outside, take a breath of fresh air, and it will disappear. 
There haven’t been any specific studies that I could find linking Vitamin D (which our bodies produce when we are exposed to sunlight) to depression. There are, however, many implications that Vitamin D may be related to depression when we consider Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a depressive disorder that occurs often during cold, winter months that occurs because people don’t get enough sunlight and exposure to UVB rays. 
An article I read recently on MSN suggests one of the reasons Americans in history were not so affected by depression: 
“What it means: “For 300,000 generations, humans were hunter-gatherers and farmers,” says Pretty. “Yet for the last six to eight generations, we have been living in an increasingly industrialized world. The disconnection from nature is deeply felt.” Which is why a mere five minutes of nature can have such a profound impact, he says. “That small amount of time makes more sense when you see it in the context of where people are coming from—stepping outside from a stressful day, for example,” he says. In many cases, the effect can be almost immediate; your mood lifts as if by magic.” Here’s the link to read more: MSN article: Five Minutes Outside Can Boost Your Mood
Also, the number of people on antidepressants in the United States is staggering. One out of every ten Americans over the age of 12 years old is taking and antidepressant. What are we doing wrong that Americans are searching out prescriptions for depression? I recently read an international article alluding to the fact that other countries look at Americans as a bunch of psychos because of all of the psychotropic drugs that we take. Now that can make me SAD. Here is the link to the article if you’d like to see more statistics: CDC Statistics on Antidepressant Use
God gave us instruction in His word, and now without realizing it, scientists are proving that following these instructions are exactly what we need! 

From my heart,


Celeste
Filed Under: Beating Depression, Brain Functions, How to be Happy, Making Changes, Physical Wellness, Tips to a Happier You Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Are you on OVERLOAD?

16 January, 2012 by Leave a Comment



As usual, our pastor, Perry, was speaking directly to me this morning…in more ways than one.


I am, as we all are, on overload. I was strangely thankful that I didn’t get to sit beside David this morning in our service because my side would be bruised from all of the elbowing. My toes, however, are flat from Perry stepping all over them.

But as I listened to Perry preach this morning, I was amazed that every point he made from a biblical perspective directly corresponds to the blog series I’ve been posting on “Tips to a Happier You in 2012.”  I’ve attached a link to his sermon here so you can watch it if you’d like, but I’m going to give you the main points he made, and then show you how it’s not only destructive to us spiritually, but also emotionally and physically.


Perry’s sermon on OVERLOAD


Overload = Demands exceed Resources

Solution: Margin

Margin = Space between our Load and our Limits

Here are areas where we all need margin: 

1. Emotional Life 

I have no peace! I have no quiet! I have no rest! And trouble keeps coming! Job 3:26 (GW)

How many of us always feel stressed out or at a high level of frustration? Everything is okay as long as our day goes according to plan, but if one thing goes wrong, we lose it. There are so many things that play with our emotions, but we shouldn’t let them. We must determine the things, activities, and people in our life that are the most important and give our emotional energy to them. There are many conditions in life that we can control, and many that we cannot control. Those that we can control may deserve some of our emotional energy, but those we cannot control, we need to give over to God. We all know what the Bible says about worry; so don’t waste your emotional energy there. 

Now, what happens physically when we are stressed emotionally? Our cortisol level increases (the hormone that sends our body into “fight or flight” mode) and our serotonin level decreases (the hormone that keeps us happy…the Prozac hormone). So, being overloaded emotionally contributes to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Increased cortisol = frustration, stress, and insomnia
and
Increased cortisol = decreased serotonin = depression

2. Physical Energy

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in trouble; my eyes are tired from so much crying; I am completely worn out. Psalm 31:9 (GNT)

It sounds crazy, I know, but exercise will give you more energy. Have you ever lain around in your pajamas til noon and then you’re exhausted all day? I’ve done it enough for everyone. No matter how bad I sleep or how tired I feel when I wake up, I always have more energy if I get up in the morning and get out of the house. 

Exhaustion can seem like a viscous cycle. When you’re tired and sleep in, thinking that will help, you are just useless all day. Then, when you try to go to bed, you can’t sleep, because you didn’t do anything all day! I will explain further in an upcoming blog post, but in a nutshell, here’s why exercise is important: When you begin exercising, your body releases cortisol (the “fight or flight” hormone) because it perceives the exercise as stress. As you build up your endurance, it takes a much greater intensity of exercise (stress) to release the cortisol. 

Decreased cortisol = less stress = better sleep = increased serotonin = happy

3. Time

I had no time to care for myself. Song of Solomon 1:6 (GNT)

We must prioritize our time. When Perry asked the question, “What do you need more of?” The first answer shouted out was “time.” The amount of hours in a day is one thing that no one can change. Instead of get more time, we must spend our time wisely. We have to decide what is important to us and spend our time there. I can’t comment on time without bringing in the whole social media thing, but believe me; I’m stepping on my own toes there! 

Doing things with our time that brings us pleasure has been proven to increase serotonin levels. Playing music or knitting…doing things with our hands and repetitive actions with our brains…increases serotonin levels. Completing something gives us a sense of accomplishment which also increases…you guessed it…our serotonin levels. 


4. Finances

He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings happiness! The more you have, the more you spend, right up to the limits of your income. So what is the advantage of wealth–except perhaps to watch it as it runs through your fingers! Ecclesiastes 5:10 (TLB)

Wealth does not bring happiness. I can personally attest to that one. When I was so sick and depressed, our business was doing great and we even built a dream house. But happiness did not truly come until God showed me His infinite mercy and grace, and I realized that He is in control. 

Physically, money can affect your brain in several ways, though somewhat indirectly. When we strive so hard to make lots of money, we are usually stressed, and we end up buying more stuff to take care of.

stress = increased cortisol = decreased serotonin = depression

In another respect, however, we can use money to our advantage…by giving it away. It has been proven that doing things for other people has a direct effect our brains by increasing our serotonin level. 


Overload is not a good thing. God gives us much instruction and warning in His word that shows us exactly that. We must create wider margins so we are not in danger of overload, and therefore are not a step away from endangering ourselves to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. 

I hope you are enjoying my blog series “Tips to a Happier You in 2012.” If you are, be sure and sign up to have your prescriptions delivered to your inbox so you don’t miss any!
From my heart,
Celeste

 

Filed Under: Handling Stress, How to be Happy, Living with Purpose, Making Changes, Simplify Your Life Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Understanding the “Why” Behind Depression

12 January, 2012 by 2 Comments


     During the process of writing my “Tips to a Happier You” series, I’ve thought about how I felt in the midst of my depression. Would I have been receptive to small, practical tips to help my depression? I can tell you the answer is no. There are just some lessons we have to learn the hard way. If I could have put some of these things into practice, I’m sure I would not have had to endure the hell I went through…oh if I’d only listened to some of the instruction given to me! But honestly, I let myself fall into the “I need it NOW” trap.
 
I let myself get wrapped up in the desire for immediate gratification. I wanted a magic pill to solve all of my problems. And let me tell you, there are drug companies that advertise their drugs on television and promise to do just that. Just like any advertising, they tell you all the benefits and none of the risks. They tell you how good the drug is going to make you feel, but they neglect to tell you all of the risks associated with taking it. Sure they mention some of the more common side effects, but only after they have you totally hooked on the awesomeness of their miracle drug. And when they do list any side effects, it comes through your television  mimicking the voice of the teacher in Charlie Brown, and it’s in the last three seconds of the commercial. 
     Okay, now that I’ve bashed antidepressants, let me say this: There is a real need for antidepressants, and they are appropriate under the right circumstances.
I just don’t believe they need to be the first choice treatment. 
Often when someone is placed on an antidepressant, it is situational. They have become depressed as a result of some event in their life. Sadness is a natural first response to any type of trauma we might experience. We become self-absorbed. We tend to think “poor me.” The next step we take is critical, and is dependent on the condition of our brain. The person 
who will end up depressed doesn’t have the ability to think, “What do I do from here?” 
     Here’s why (sorry, I’m about to get a little “sciency” on you): We have a part of our brain called the pre-frontal cortex. It is the part of our brain that reacts to trauma. If there is enough serotonin in our brain to activate the pre-frontal cortex, we will be sad, but will be able to recover from the trauma and look forward. If our brain is low on serotonin, our pre-frontal cortex is essentially dead and that’s when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a physical abnormality, and it’s why people cannot typically “will” themselves out of depression. 
     Whether you are on an antidepressant or not, the tips I am giving here can be incorporated into your lifestyle. All of these tips are small, practical habits you can incorporate into your life and will benefit you whether you’re on an antidepressant or not. Once you have a few in place and are feeling better, you very well might be able to slowly come off of the antidepressant. You certainly don’t have incorporate all of these tips, just whichever ones strike your fancy! 

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Filed Under: Beating Depression, How to be Happy, Making Changes, Managing Prescription Drugs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Tips to a Happier You in 2012~Your Handiwork

9 January, 2012 by 1 Comment

Has anyone tried Laughter Aerobics, my first tip to a happier you? (Tips to a Happier You in 2012~Laughter Aerobics) Well, here’s my next tip to a happier you: 

Work with your hands…“Handiwork.”
I realize this really doesn’t make much sense, but it is another thing we can do that will naturally increase the serotonin in our brain. When we do repetitive, coordinating movement with our hands, the amount of serotonin in our brain will increase. The ideas are limitless–scrap booking, knitting, origami, playing guitar, pottery, jewelry making, carpentry–after all, Jesus was a carpenter.
Here’s why: 

Handiwork increases contentment~When you are working with your hands doing something that requires a little thought (but not stressful thought), your mind doesn’t have time to worry about the past or the future, but instead settles on the thoughts of the moment you are in helping you be content. 
Handiwork decreases pain~As a pharmacist, I’ve seen patient after patient who suffers from depression also be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. When serotonin is low, your threshold to pain is low. Any repetitive movement you do with your hands has been shown to directly increase the levels of serotonin in your brain, not only increasing your mood, but also increasing your threshold to pain. Also, pain is perceived in your brain. Your brain cannot concentrate on two things at the same time, so when you’re concentrating on what you’re doing with your hands, your brain literally cannot interpret pain signals and your pain will decrease. 
Handiwork may help overcome addiction~Have you ever known someone who has a knitting or crochet project in their hands every time they sit down to relax–every time their mind might be idle? Often these hobbies like knitting, crochet, or cross-stitching become addictive. But this is not necessarily a bad thing. Through research (and through my own learned personal experiences) it has been found that the tendency toward addiction has a genetic component. Being “addicted” to knitting may work to keep another addiction from surfacing. And in turn, addiction to knitting might help someone overcome another addiction by keeping that idle mind occupied so whatever addiction is will not be at the forefront of his or her mind. 
Handiwork increases productivity~Someone who is depressed typically lives in a hopeless state. They have a hard time setting goals, because they truly cannot motivate themselves enough to accomplish them. They feel unproductive and worthless. Picking up and easy “handiwork” hobby like knitting can be such an easy thing to do to begin to transform a depressed mind into one that wants to learn, set goals, and even do something for someone else. When I was so sick, in and out of the hospital, someone knitted me a prayer blanket. As she made the blanket, she prayed over it, blessing her and me both! 
Handiwork helps you relax~Remember I taught you about the hormone, cortisol, in the Laughter Aerobics Post? Well, it comes into play here as well. When you work with your hands in any movement that is repetitive and requires a little coordination, it causes relaxation and your cortisol level decreases, therefore allowing your serotonin levels to increase, therefore creating a happier you! 



Get those hands busy!


From my heart,

Celeste
Filed Under: Beating Depression, Brain Functions, Handling Stress, How to be Happy, Making Changes, Overcoming Addiction, Tips to a Happier You Tagged With: , ,

My One Word

4 January, 2012 by 1 Comment



I’ve been enjoying reading about all of the New Year “stuff” this week. The trend this year seems to be steering away from resolutions and more toward focus. We shouldn’t make an over-the-top resolution and set ourselves up to fail. How many times have we done that? 

What I’ve seen much ado about this year is “One Word.” Everywhere I turn online I see someone talking about his or her word for 2012. Well, with my newfound passion for writing, I began my word search. 
But there are so many words! 

Determination…that’s a great one. I’m determined to run a 5k. I’m determined to get my rough draft finished before May. 
Perspective...another good one for me. It seems that all I’ve learned in the last year has changed my perspective on things. I have a much more eternal perspective these days. And when we look at things from a different perspective, we can learn so much. 
Purpose…2012 will be a year to begin to fulfill my purpose. Last year I found it, this year I’m starting to fulfill it. 
These were three of my top choices, but there is one word that keeps coming to mind no matter what. I spent seven years trying to “fix” myself. I learned I could not do it. Last year was a year full of learning new things…blogging, writing, publishing…to begin to fulfill my purpose. My mind as whirled and twirled as I’d think “what if” this or “what if” that. I’d question whether or not I was doing the right thing–making the right choice. At every turn, I was reminded that I am not in control. 
Yes, I know it’s the standard church answer, but for 2012, the first year I’ve chose a word, my word is…simply…“God.”
Have you chosen your one word for 2012? 
From my heart, 
Celeste
P.s. Click the following link and see what word others have chosen.  



         One Word 365

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Your Relationship with God Tagged With:

Tips to a Happier You in 2012~Laughter Aerobics

2 January, 2012 by 10 Comments
As a pharmacist, a patient, and a child of God who’s had to be “parented” quite a lot over the last eight years, I have learned many practical solutions to insomnia, depression, anxiety, and addiction. I’ve also learned that these four issues often go hand in hand, and are directly related to the chemicals in our brain. The pharmacist in me sought a medical solution–pills. And as most of you know, pills just made things worse.
Throughout this year, I’m going to share small, easy changes you can make in your life that will make for a happier you. All of these tidbits of information are based in both scientific fact and scripture. Medicine and faith really can walk hand in hand when God is your first and foremost physician. I’ll try to keep it simple as far as the “sciency” stuff goes, but a little knowledge about the brain really helps understand why these solutions work.
Most of you have probably heard about the hormone we have called serotonin, right? It’s that almighty chemical the media flooded us with information about when Prozac was first introduced. There is another hormone in your brain called cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone that really kicks in we we are under high stress, afraid, in a hurry, etc. It’s the one that helps us with our “fight or flight” mechanism. Remember that term from high school biology? Well, these two hormones do not coexist well. When Cortisol is high, like when you are worried or stressed, Serotonin is low. And vice versa. 
I’m here to tell you that you don’t need Prozac or one of it’s relatives to help. There are numerous small changes you can make in your lifestyle that have been clinically proven to increase the serotonin levels in your brain. 
Today I want to tell you about laughter aerobics. “What?” Yes, laughter aerobics. This has got to be one of the silliest things I’d ever heard of, but it really exists. Laughter aerobics is a class where people basically sit in a circle and one person is appointed to begin laughing. Fake, real, goofy…it doesn’t matter. They just have to laugh. In turn, everyone else starts laughing too. The great thing is, you don’t have to go to an aerobics class! In the evening, after your work day is complete, do some laughter aerobics with your family. Your kids will think you’re nuts, but that’s all part of the fun! I promise you will end your day with a happy note, your cortisol levels will decrease, your serotonin levels will increase, and as a bonus, you will sleep better.
To top it off, science is not the only confirmation that laughter will make you happier. Read the prescription verse for today. From this verse comes the quote we’ve all heard, “laughter is the best medicine.” 
So tonight, begin your new year by making this small change. Spend just five minutes with your family playing laugh aerobics. I promise you won’t regret it and what do you have to lose?
From my heart, 
Celeste
Filed Under: Beating Depression, Brain Functions, Handling Stress, How to be Happy, Making Changes, Tips to a Happier You Tagged With: , , ,

Get ready for 2012!

31 December, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Today’s prescription verse is the first verse of the first chapter of the Gospel of John.


In the beginning was the word…


As we think about beginning a new year, we always contemplate resolutions for the upcoming year. A friend of mine shared this blog with me by Tami Heim from www.stickyjesus.com. Writing these verses on your heart (or on sticky notes as I like to do) will ensure a great beginning to 2012, so I wanted to share them with you. 


Review – Understand where you’ve been. List what you’ve learned and how it impacts where you feel called to go. Accept that God’s sovereign and that everything experienced in 2011 had a purpose that points to the future. Jeremiah 29:11~ “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”


Reflect – Think deeply about the defining moments from the past year. Wait on God to show you the before and after affect on your thinking, being, and doing. Let yourself be grateful for each of them and the way they altered the direction of your life. Psalm 37:7 ~ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Assess – Take a truthful inventory of your heart. Ask God to show you the pleasing and not so pleasing parts. Reconcile the misses and determine to go forward with the power of the Holy Spirit as your guide. Hebrews 12:10-11 ~ They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Evaluate – Map the key decisions you made this past year and list the outcomes realized because of them. Accept responsibility for them and own the ability to redirect them as Wisdom leads you. Ezekiel 36:25-27 ~ I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Resolve – Take a stand for what you want to continue to do and what you want to change. Exercise the power of your word and put into practice how you will daily honor it. Proverbs 16:3 ~ Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.
Study – Seek God’s Word, experts, or the counsel of wise leaders regarding the areas where you know you need to grow. Examine all the alternatives before putting plans into place. Investigate before you navigate. Ephesians 4:21-24 ~ if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man who grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man who was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Plan – Create an outline for the year. Identify benchmarks and timelines for key goals or accomplishments. Then surrender all of it to God for His shaping and perfecting. Proverbs 19:21 ~ There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
Organize – Bring order where it’s needed. Clean up and clear out the unnecessary things in your life. Simplify where possible and eliminate the clutter that’s prone to distract you. I Corinthians 5:7 ~ Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
Collaborate – Look to those you trust to hold you accountable. Ask them to collaborate with the intentions of your heart.  Look to support as well as be supported. Hebrews 10: 24-25 ~ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Activate – Define what beginning looks like as specifically as you can. Lean in and position for forward motion. Set the alarm for “GO” and be ready when it rings. Trust God to get you where He wants you to be. Ecclesiastes 3:11 ~ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Let Jesus be your resolution this year. With him as your foundation, all of the other resolutions will be easy. 


I can do all things through Christ…


From my heart,


Celeste
Filed Under: Living with Purpose, Your Relationship with God Tagged With: , , ,

Baby Jesus and the manager

25 December, 2011 by 1 Comment
Jesus and the Manager
Don’t you just hate typos? Or the auto-correct on your phone? At least on the computer you can use the backspace button. But what about when you get something printed and then find the typo? I know someone who sent Christmas cards with the intention of printing “Baby Jesus and the manger,” but instead printed, “Baby Jesus and the manager.” Wonder how many people noticed? That typo got me to thinking…
How often do we notice that we actually do try to “manage” Jesus? We try to manage Jesus just like we manage our bank account. When we need money, we go to the bank and make a withdrawal. When we need Jesus, we pray and read our Bible. When we don’t need money, we don’t even think about our bank account. When we don’t think we need Jesus, we keep him neatly tucked away in a box, just like our checkbook.
God didn’t send his son to be born to save the world for us to keep him tucked away to use when we need him. God announced Jesus’s birth to the world with a brilliant star for all to see. The world watched as he grew from a baby into a man, only to be brutally crucified on a cross to bear the burden of sin for all mankind. God gave his son as a gift, not something that must be worked for, paid for, or managed.
Accept the gift that God gave and let Jesus be Jesus. We need to quit making withdrawals only when we need him and deposits when we think we might need him. I’m here to tell you we do need him. Always. Just when life is going hunky dory, your life can change in an instant. Believe me, I know first hand. So remember, it’s not Jesus and the manager, but Jesus and the manger.
This year, when it’s time for the Christmas decorations to be put away, don’t put baby Jesus back in the box with the nativity scene. Put Him in your kitchen window sill, nightstand, or wherever you will see Him and celebrate the freedom we have in the gift of Jesus every day!
From my heart,

Celeste
Filed Under: Your Relationship with God Tagged With: , ,

Are you easily intimidated?

20 December, 2011 by 2 Comments

Have you ever felt intimidated—inferior somehow to those around you?
I spent my teen and young adult years as the youngest in every crowd. My birthday is in August, so I was the youngest in my class. I dated and married someone 4&1/2 years older than me, so I was the youngest among our friends. (When we dated his friends used to tease him about going up to ride tricycles with Celeste.) I graduated high school a year early and when to pharmacy school early, so I graduated and was a licensed pharmacist before I turned twenty-one years old. (My pharmacy school buddies thought it was funny that I could legally order narcotics before I was old enough to order alcohol.)
I was always the youngest, feeling like people looked down on me.
Once I began working as a pharmacist, got married, and started a family, my feelings of inferiority began to dissipate. I was in a profession where people constantly looked to me for guidance. My “little girl” status disappeared when I became a wife and mother. My age no longer mattered. I had “value.”
Then, feeling independent, respected, and appreciated, my world came crashing around me. In an instant, my position changed. With the first seizure, I lost the ability to drive or even take a bath alone and my independence was gone. Medication and subsequent addiction crushed any respect I had for myself let alone from anyone else. The resulting depression left me unavailable to do anything for anyone to appreciate.
But I was so accomplished! How could this happen?
So many of us, especially those of us raised in the Bible belt, received Christ as a child and we’ve been on autopilot ever since. We’ve worked hard, reaped the earthly rewards, and our significance has been determined. This is where we’ve messed up. There is nothing wrong with working hard, but our accomplishments should never be the deciding factor of our value.
…I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved. In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!” they’re calling you “God’s living children.” Romans 9:25-26 (Msg)
God’s living children. He wants us all to accept him as our Heavenly father and Savior. It is a gift. All we have to do is accept His gift. It is in the acceptance of this gift that we find our value, our importance, and our self-worth.
How changed would our world be if we could all see ourselves through the eyes of God? Intimidation is nothing but a trick of the devil (the “DEBIL” as Waterboy would say).
Read the “celestial prescription” for the day and take a dose of God’s love at least every four hours, whether you need it or not!
From my heart,
Celeste

Filed Under: Fighting Your Fears, Freedom in Christ, Your Relationship with God Tagged With: , , ,

What if the Bible didn’t exist?

7 December, 2011 by 1 Comment



Mary and Joseph had some hard times to endure when she was pregnant. Here she was, probably 15 years old, betrothed to be married, and found out she was pregnant. She had to convince Joseph that an angel had come to her to tell her the Holy Spirit impregnated her!
Joseph, as you can well imagine, was having second thoughts about marrying Mary. An angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, and confirmed that Mary was indeed still a virgin. But do you think anyone else believed him? I’m sure he received quite a bit of ridicule for believing something that just could not be possible!
In thinking about the faith God expected of Mary and Joseph, I wondered how in the world they did it. They lived before the Bible was written. They didn’t have the well-known verse, With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God (Matthew 10:27). And then there’s Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Mary and Joseph had the wisdom of prophets and other witnesses for Christ, but no collective “backup” to refer to and rely on.
Even if we don’t read our Bible on a daily basis, we do rely on it. How different would our lives be if the Bible did not exist? The government can try to take God out of schools all they want to, but truthfully, our nation was built around the one, true God. Our pledge of allegiance says, “One nation, under God.”
I used to think the Bible was full of a bunch of old stories, and it is. But they are real stories, full of rises and falls of great and not-so-great men. Miracles. Plagues. Wars. Not so different from today. I’m trying to read the Bible with this thought at the forefront of my mind. What if King David were our president? What if Mary was your teenage daughter? Or Joseph your son? Would your tell your son to stay with and support his pregnant teenage girlfriend who claims she’s a virgin? Or would you think she’s crazy? I read these old, familiar stories and try to think how it would play out today. And they didn’t have the Bible as a foundation! Can you imagine the faith that Mary and Joseph had to have? 
How often are we presented with situations that require just as much faith? And aren’t we grateful for that book full of old stories that we can depend on? 
I have a new friend who is beginning a ministry called “Read the Book Ministries”, and I’m trying to take her advice and READ THE BOOK!
…With an open mind and heart. 

 From my heart, 

Celeste

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