Category: Addiction/Recovery

3 Ways To Gain Self-Esteem

The mind is at the root of most of our issues and problems, especially low self-esteem. Whenever you attempt to move forward in your life, it is the mind that sends the message of critical, judgmental and self-destructive thoughts. 
You are not your thoughts so no need to be afraid of upsetting your own mind. 

Daily meditation gives you a chance to witness how your mind pulls you here and there during your daily activities and in order to develop a relationship with your mind is becoming a witness to your thoughts and refusing to react or act until you are clear.

Trust. You have been given your own inner authority, your own inner compass that is guiding you through time and space. 

love, #krishna 

Intuitive Eating: Food Journal

Nutrition therapy is about making changes that improve your relationship with food and your health. Food journals are one of a variety of therapeutic tools used during treatment for an eating disorder. Food journals or logs are also referred to as food records which can take many forms. Some people prefer to write things down free form in a personal notebook while others do best filling out the prepared charts provided by their nutritionist. Many others have gone tech-friendly by using an app on their phone to track info and share it. Regardless of the form it takes, a food journal does much more than track your food. A helpful format for food journals that include the time of day, a description of the snack or meal, the food and beverage intake, setting of the meal and, most importantly, the individual’s thoughts and feelings before, during and after eating.

 

Completing food logs and reviewing them can be a pretty powerful part of the recovery process. Not surprisingly, and perhaps because they can be so powerful, many individuals also experience some resistance to using them. If you’ve ever been encouraged to complete food logs as part of your treatment for an eating disorder but had trouble starting or committing to the process, we thought it might help to know why a nutritionist would recommend doing them and the specific ways in which they can assist in the recovery process.

 

Keeping a food journal provide insights into your bigger picture and provide a way to monitor progress. The journal communicates specific details from each meal, but they also show trends and patterns over the course of the week related to meal times, location, situational triggers and thoughts. Small weekly goals that create momentum towards overarching goals and bigger changes over time takes the pressure off of you to recall from memory the details of your food and symptom use from the past month.

 

Returning to a normal and healthy relationship with food means appropriately responding to hunger and fullness signals. It’s impossible to do that when your signals are broken from chaotic or disordered eating. The best thing to get your digestive system and metabolism back on track is structured eating which means adequate amounts of food with adequate frequency. Food journals aid in structured eating accountability, and structured eating over time sharpens your signals and helps you get to a place of intuitive eating.

love, #krishna

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Lake Tahoe – Squaw Valley

Lake Tahoe, the psychic, clear, aqua blue lake tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Our adventures to Tahoe has been an unforgettable journey in the summer and winter time. A place to call home as it is a place that welcomes the, adventurers and travelers to its laid back, and pine-scented atmosphere. Lake Tahoe keeps everyone’s interests awakened and holiday vacations active throughout the year.

The nation’s second deeper lake, is Lake Tahoe, California and shares with the other half of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Attracting travelers from around the world mesmerized by the lake’s beauty and wealth of activities. This area keeps blossoming and embodies the American Dream’s concept of “having it all” Tahoe has it all. Mountain trail hiking in stunning Tahoe City, and to bask on sunny beach in South Lake Tahoe. In winter, shred out on snow-covered slopes of Squaw Valley. In summer, check out the mindful triathlon and yoga festival in Squaw Valley Wanderlust  Festival

 

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Explore the boutiques in Truckee. Try out different gourmet cuisines as you watch the setting sun into the lake in Incline Village… beautiful… we could go on for hours about Tahoe’s offerings. Every place to stay, every vacation rental company, tahoe real estate, attraction, entertainment, restaurant, casino, and native american magic.

love, #krishna

Intuitive Eating: Baking Ballerina 

Baking, I’ve discovered over the years that it brings me joy and the sweetest kind of healing. 

The notion that baking could provide a form of therapy has been around for years, and growing up as being a professional ballerina for the NYC Ballet at age 14 brought upon a very strict food regime. Baked goods was such a “no-no” and have been restricted all my life from these foods. Until recently, it has become even more important to dive into baking and eating foods I naturally enjoy. 

Baking demands exact measurements and ingredients, and doing things at a slower pace can help you feel calmer. Baking also provides a sense of aromatherapy,  the smell of baked goods.. these kinds of scents tend to boost positivity and relaxation. 

Following a recipe is wonderful, but one of the best parts of baking comes with the decorating portion of the project where creativity comes into play. The opportunity to express yourself (yes, even if it’s just with icing) can improve well-being as well as your ability to communicate. 

To baking, 

love, #krishna  

Watermelon Way 

Watermelon is known as a body-healing fruit, it is full of amazing health benefits, especially during the summer season. 

The fruit is incredibly hydrating, it is the best time to indulge in this fresh, melon, as it has to offer an array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. 

It makes a great gift on a hot day. If you eat watermelon on a daily basis, it can improve your cardiovascular health and protect your eyes and immune system.

Thankfully, watermelon is one of those fruits we can all agree on. It’s refreshing and delicious, and it’s the perfect addition to backyard barbeques, pool parties and 4th of July celebrations. 

 

Watermelon can also boost your mood and improve your focus because of the presence of vitamin B6–which is a crucial nutrient that is responsible for calming the nerves. 

love #krishna 

Affirmation of The Day

For daily affirmations visit us @intuitiveaffirmations or @intuitivemagazine on Instagram. 

love, #krishna 

Tips to Living With a Recovering Alcoholic or Addict 

By understanding what is involved in living with a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, you can be better prepared to assist with recovery and offer support to decrease the chance of relapse.

If you’ve lived with a drug addict or alcoholic, you know that addiction doesn’t just affect the addict – it affects friends and family as well. The same goes for recovery. 

One of the most important things that a family needs to be aware of when living with a recovering alcoholic or addict is the importance of maintaining an alcohol- or drug-free environment. Instead of going to the bar all day together replace drinking times with new suggestions such as 

Going to the beach or Play a sport together.

Ride bikes.

Go to the movies. 

Work on a garden.

Take a yoga class.

Go kayaking or for a hike. 

Make a bonfire.

Try out a new restaurant.

Visit a museum.

Staying sober does get easier and there may come a time when you feel safe being in the presence of those who are engaging in activities that once felt natural to you, but are no longer part of your paradigm. Be gentle and patient with yourself in the process. Reframe what alcohol and other substances mean to you. They are not necessary to have a life that is filled with laughter and joy, family and friends.

Guidance for Loved Ones

A person in recovery can’t have “just one.” One drink, hit, or pill could very well lead to relapse. 
Accept your beloved without judgment – Since many recovering addicts feel judged by their families and friends, try to refrain from criticism and negativity as much as you can. Instead, express love for your loved one and stay positive to their decision to maintain sobriety.

Actively listen – Some recovering addicts need people to listen to them, so be available to listen to your loved one’s victories and challenges.

Be patient – Recovery is a complex process. People often make mistakes in recovery, so it’s important for your loved one to know that their family and friends still support them even when they mess up.

A Damaged Neurotransmitter System Needs Time to Heal. 

The damage addiction has done to neural pathways involved in reward, pain relief, stress management, learning and memory can have effects that last long after quitting the substance of abuse. 

Among the challenges addicts in recovery experience is an increased sensitivity and reactivity to stress and addiction triggers the people, places and things that reminds the mind of drinking and using, causing to crave their substance of abuse. Their emotional reactivity can manifest as heightened anxiety and confusion. All of these symptoms can be correlated to the internal shift that is occurring in the brain’s reward center and the  neurotransmitter system, as many problem drinkers and substance abusers block glutamate. 

A number of scientific studies have revealed the complex workings of our brain’s motivation and reward center and how neurotransmitters, often referred to as the brain’s “feel-good chemicals,” are released when we desire something or experience pleasure. Our brains produce numerous natural neurotransmitters that play crucial  roles in our health and how we feel. The brain also changes its production of these neurotransmitters in response to certain substances or stimuli, and this is why many experts now recognize the role neurotransmitters play in addiction.  
What Happens When Alcohol or Other Drugs Enter the Scene?

For people who have a predisposition for addiction, the circuitry in the brain’s reward center changes in response to certain substances or stimuli, triggering a seek-and-reward mechanism. Over time and with repeated exposure, the person begins to crave more of the substance or activity that produces the positive feelings or relief from negative feelings. Additionally, engaging in spiritual activities has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which may explain the success of some 12-step programs that emphasize the spiritual aspect of the recovery journey.

love, #krishna

Stand Up For Yourself Gracefully 

Intuition is knowing when to say no, and when you can move your limits.

Learn to feel it in your body – are there any situations where your body tells you to stand up for yourself more? Doing it all with grace will make it feel so much better. You probably do this already, but getting aware of the process can make it all feel more meaningful. 

love, #krishna 

Twin Flame Runner Eventually Returns 

Our Twin Flames, are known to be our vibrational match in this world. We unite with our Twin Flame to experience soulful transformation and the fulfillment of our pure potentials this lifetime.  

However, connecting with our Twin Flame is an intense, overwhelming and sometimes excruciating experience. This is because it triggers and pulls up old fears, wounds and ego blockages. As a result, every Twin Flame relationship eventually experiences what we refer to as the “runner and chaser” dynamic. This period of life is both complex and extremely distressing for both partners who, deep down, simply desire Union. 

Eventually as individual healing takes place, the Twin who is known for “running” finds that it is time to return to their Twin Flame for a reunion. The message now is to surrender to the love and light that is within us. It is a call to allow the love between you and your Twin Flame to flow freely, and to fully align with the divine plan. 

Surrender empowers us to get closer to our True nature, which is that of our eternal soul, it is the final step before fully understanding and knowing ourselves. Our twin flame is the one who by just being themselves calls us to return to the Divine. 

love, #krishna