By DEBORAH LOWERY
EBCI WIC PROGRAM
Did you know that energy is all around us? Everything gives off energy; humans, animals, rocks, air, water, earth… everything! Energy is not positive or negative until we make it that way. Humans and animals give off an aura or circle of energy that can be seen by the trained eye. This aura is constantly changing in color as our mood changes or with different emotions. The emotions of fear, anger, sadness, pain and happiness is all created by energy from your brain. Your brain also determines if the energy produced is going to be negative or positive.
Have you ever noticed that some people are more positive that others? Positive people are like magnets, they just seem to draw people to them. Their energy level is contagious. If you are feeling bad, these types of people can usually make you feel better. On the other hand, the pessimistic (negative) person is just the opposite. They always see something wrong with everything! They are never satisfied. You avoid these people at gatherings because no matter how good you feel- talking to them for any length of time will make you feel bad. Some people are considered moody because their energy levels change more frequently than others. They are happy one minute and down the next. Some people are more sensitive to energy levels than others. I know this personally; the girls at WIC can pick up on my energy levels in ” a hot New York minute”!! Pets are also very in tune to their master’s moods. They pick up on our emotions and react to them as well.
Your health can also be affected by your energy levels. Your brain has trillions of cells and chemical connectors that are affected by positive and negative energy. When you surround yourself with positive energy this can help you live longer, fight illness and heal quicker, whereas, negative energy will have just the opposite effect on your health. The key to optimal health is to have a good balance of energy daily. Here are some good tips to try.
Eat well: don’t skip meals. When you are hungry your blood sugars drop which causes serotonin levels in your brain to fluctuate and cause negative energy. Some “good mood” foods to try are sweet potatoes, bananas, eggs, cooked tomatoes and avocados.
Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising regularly helps to decrease stress levels and also decrease negative energy. Balance your diet with a good exercise routine.
Focus on things that irritate you and find ways to avoid them, if you can. For example, if you are rushed every morning and that puts you in a bad mood, plan to get as much done the night before so you’ll have more time, or set your clock to get up earlier to get more things done.
Redirect your negative energy by meditation, writing down your feelings and why you feel that way, change your scenery by going for a walk and try to avoid negative situations.
Plan your day. Plan a “happy habit” every day. Do something that makes you happy like dancing, stretching, meditating or listening to your favorite song. My favorite song is “Happy” by Pharrell.
Mix it up! If you are in a rut, doing the same routine everyday this can increase your negative energy. Do something “spur of the moment different.” Take a long drive, go for a hike, and get a massage. See a play or a movie. Do something you have not done in a long time to make you happy. Remember, only you can make you happy!
Here’s a good recipe to “mix it up” for dinner- why not have breakfast?
Skinny Crustless Quiche
Ingredients: 1 c. low-fat cottage cheese
2 c. liquid egg whites
½ c. broccoli cooked and chopped (or any other veggies you want to use)
½ c. extra lean ham diced (or any other meat you like)
½ c. reduced-fat, shredded cheddar cheese
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
Instuctions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Spray a 9 ½ inch pie dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour ingredients in. Bake for approximately 45 mins. or until center is just set.
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children and is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age or disability.
