Posts in Wellness
Embracing the Darkness

Leaning into the darkness starts with embracing the season and finding joy in what you can do - even if the days are shorter and the weather colder. Often times we focus on what we can’t do during the colder, darker months and that can lead to a lot of resistance and mental health problems.

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Should We Be Counting Calories?

One of the most common questions I get asked as a nutritionist is - should I be counting calories? And my simple answer is no. Although I think counting calories can help create awareness around eating, I don’t think it is advisable for most people. Calorie counting and calorie restriction can lead to disordered eating in some people. Additionally, calorie counting isn’t synonymous with a healthy diet.

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Nutrition, WellnessFront Desk
Top Tips for Better Sleep

We all know just how important sleep is for our overall health, but many of us have trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep without any clear reason why. One of the best ways to improve sleep quality is to create and stick to a routine around sleep. When it comes to health, consistency is key. Our bodies thrive off of routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day - even on the weekends. Target getting as much good quality sleep before 2:00AM as possible. This is when sleeps is most restorative. When possible, keep napping to a minimum (20 minutes) to prevent disruption of your sleep cycle (ie. circadian rhythm).

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Deep Relaxation - Stimulating the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It acts as a two-way information super highway between he brain to the rest of the body. The vagus nerve is responsible for a variety internal organ functions including: digestion, heart rate, breathing, and reflexes such as coughing and sneezing. It also forms a link between the gut and brain. This may explain why anxious thoughts may cause you to feel butterflies in your stomach. 🦋

The vagus nerve can promote relaxation. People with strong vagal tone may find it easier to relax and are less likely to suffer from chronic stress.

Here’s easy five ways to stimulate your vagus nerve:

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