Paleo Pals - Health, Weight Loss & Support

Mornin' Cave Peepers! Coffee on the go here....I love my morning coffee, don't you?

Vamp - You were in my thoughts last night. Brought back memories of losing my dad, and the emotions we go through...it really is a process. I was the same, when my grandmother passed it was easier to handle, she was 101 and had lived a very full life....it was expected. My father got cancer and passed relatively quick, didn't seem natural. Thought I'd have him for many more years so I was devastated. Your tears are a healthy release, so let them flow. If you need to go to work for peace of mind then do so. You can always leave work if it gets overwhelming...your clients will understand I'm sure. If you need to stay home and mourn, do it. Just roll with what you're feeling and don't expect too much of yourself, you've suffered a big blow (not to mention your DX a short time ago). So much on your plate.

It's your time right now, take it and be greedy about it. 2 drinks and a banana? lol, not exactly Vegas all things considered. Besides, a bananas pack a good nutritional punch, taste like heaven, and the drinks, well, if they give you peace of mind it's all good. There's a time and place, that time is now. As for the genetic testing, same went for me and I took it as a positive too. I hope you find some peace today....we're here for you with big supportive hugs! Keep us in the loop, we're here anytime.

TUTORIAL THURSDAY – A few hippy-dippy anti-stress coping methods (aka gimme a break!)

We've had some stressful blows on the thread this week, a few with illness and notably Vampeyes, who is mourning a great loss. All of us have such different lives, but we share in one thing – stress.

We all carry some form of it, in varying degrees. Heck we're doing the cancer battle on a daily basis along with anything else we may have to cope with. Get your zen on and check these hippy-dippy anti-stress tips:

• SEEK MEANING, NOT HAPPINESS: Happiness is a goal we all reach for, but it is fleeting in most forms. The happiness gained from goals you achieved in the gym/work/life today, aren't going to stick with you and stay there providing a constant state of happiness, it's momentary. You may find yourself endlessly chasing this 'happiness high', and stress when it doesn't hit. Instead, try delving into the meaning of your efforts and how they have given you purpose, a fuller life and moments of exhilarating happiness. Find joy in the meaning of your goals and the chase is done, stress reduces. How very zen! Match all this with some patchouli perfume and a peace sign and you'll mentally have gone to San Francisco….wearing some flowers in your hair.

• STAY UNINFORMED: Unplug that device. Break the habit of constant news feed reading. Get off the 'net. Some peeps continually batter the senses with the gory details of every accident & outrageous tragedy in the world. A politician's every social media post? Every dismal statistic/horror story on BCO? Every horrific image of war? One of the most common triggers for stress in a recent survey came back as constant news consumption. I'm not suggesting anyone put their head in the sand, but unplug daily and pick up a book, play the piano, pluck your eyebrows….make time for something that has absolutely nothing to do with negative media. Your psyche will thank you.

• CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF STRESS: One recent study suggests that although high amounts of stress increase the risk of dying, it does so only in individuals who perceive stress to be harmful. In people who don't see stress as a health threat, stress does not appear to increase mortality. Our stress response is preparing you to do battle, to act, to perform. So how you view and verbalize stress can make a big difference in your daily existence. Exercising a 'mind over matter' mantra as much as possible. I imagine this will take practice, won't always be do-able,but worth a try if you can fit this more positive stress perspective into your life. Lastly, stop saying 'oh I'm so stressed' out loud as often....you're confirming it to the deep recesses of your brain.

• TAKE LUNCH, NO REALLY TAKE LUNCH!: Lunch around the world has become this: people scuttle off to buy food, heat their food, rush back to the desk, or even wolf it down while working through lunch. According to a new study, taking an actual lunch break outdoors that includes a short walk or a 15-minute relaxation exercise session reduces workplace stress, improves fatigue, and increases well-being. I am a staunch 'luncher' now. I work hard but don't need to give my soul to it. Its MY time! It's truly made a diff in my day.

• LIVE & LOVE YOUR FULL PERSONALITY: Know yourself and embrace it. Live comfortable in your own skin…you count! Whether it's following your passion, your introversion/extroversion, your personal values, or other identity-based facets, living who you are fully and authentically matters in the grand scheme of thing. Feeling like you have to fake a different personality (in order to be accepted or popular)throughout your day will suck the joy out of life. Obviously there are boundaries. Don't wear jammies to work, nor tell Suzie that she's an annoying putz, but be yourself, it has health benefits.

• SHOCK THERAPY : Step outside into the bracing cold. Splash cold water on your face or hop in a cold shower. Do as many bodyweight squats and pushups as you can manage. Drop and give me 20 burpees! These acts shock you into focusing on the present moment. They take you out of your mind and away from whatever stress might be currently occupying it. You can't ignore cold water on your skin. The stress may still be there after the shock, but having that break can give you a foothold back in reality, and perhaps coping.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25370545 - Meaning/happiness study

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/07/10/323355132/binging-on-bad-news-can-fuel-daily-stress - Staying uninformed study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22201278 - Stress perspective study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28358570- lunch study

https://www.thecut.com/2015/04/cost-of-faking-your-personality-at-work.html - personality article

Pixi - I ditto our Paleo Unicorn...that salad pic should be on the wall of a gallery!! I know what'sfor din-din tomorrow....Tikka masala! Paleo style...your salad got me craving lol btw, pine nuts are paleo, beans, well, you know they're out for me, no prob. Still, gotta luv Indian food no matter what regime! Glad to read your cold has cleared...the worst in the summer.

TwoH - *high 5* on squeaky clean! Keep us posted on any weight changes....I'm sure you will see results. As for stress, oh yeah, cancer makes you stronger in a lot of ways, but the mental residue can make coping a difficult job. You've taken 2 hits, it's got to have made stressing that much more difficult for you to cope with! Your coping methods are solid though and I hope they bring you peace. Of all the methods listed, I think 'accepting stress as non threatening' to be key...but admit that staying that line is a tough one for me. Uphill battle.

Warrior TPU - cauliflower steaks! I've yet to try those...but will now, sound yummy! Hope you took a pic! Post for foodie Friday if you can, snack as well! You're towing the clean line with class girlfriend and rockin' it!! WTG!! *high 5*

Inna (godda davida, I never get tired of that, bet you do )) You win the prize! I saw your reply and it made me (and my caveman) LOL. Your Paleo Princess Crown and cricket sceptor will be delivered tomorrow, it's yours for the weekend!

Vamp - if you’re reading...hugs n’ luv. We’re thinking of you