Being Well

  1,000 Eyes Are on You An escape from the rat-race to becoming a prisoner in your own home Photo by  Apostolos Vamvouras  on  Unsplash As I was reading my newsfeed the other day, I came across an article about the work-from-home movement. Once the world was no longer held captive by the pandemic, many corporations requested and even mandated their associates to return to the office. It even became political, with states getting involved, going as far as delaying and aborting unemployment benefits, as well as refusing to pass along the additional $300 federal weekly benefit to those collecting unemployment. Those tactics were to coerce individuals to return to the workforce. Employees resisted, negotiated for hybrid work arrangements, petitioned for full-time permanent agreements, and some just resigned. Individuals who stayed on were at least able to work part-time from home. Some associates were able to convince their employers to allow them to work from home ...

  World Heart Day Isn’t Just Another Awareness Day for Me | It’s Personal! “ Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, with nearly 45% of women aged 20+ affected,” according to the American Heart Association . I am one of those statistics. Only about 22% of us survive this surgery . As a survivor of open-heart surgery to repair a descending aortic aneurysm , taking care of my heart keeps me in constant recovery. For me, recovery and heart health are practices I engage in daily. When taking care of my heart, “ whole-person healing ” is involved. This means treating the heart and the human. Although the main portion of my physical recovery was done during my hospital stay, and was measured in vitals , test results , and fitness levels , my emotional recovery is an integral part of maintaining my heart health. My daily recovery goes far beyond physical milestones . It’s not only about getting clearance from a doctor or hitting target numbers . It’s about lea...

  Red poster on healthy-heart tips and preventative measures to protect your heart.  A red heart-shaped symbol, a stalk of green broccoli, a red apple, and a stethoscope. 🩺 Advice from My Cardiologist You Need to Hear: When you think of heart health, diet and exercise often top the list. But here’s something my cardiologist told me that most people don’t think about: Avoid extreme temperatures — especially anything above 80°F or below 40°F. Why? Because your heart and blood vessels go into overdrive in both hot and cold weather. If you’re already managing cardiovascular issues or are at risk, that extra strain can turn dangerous. Let’s break down what actually happens to your body — and your heart — in these temperature extremes, and how you can protect yourself year-round. 🥶 What Happens to Your Heart in Cold Weather (Below 40°F) When you step into chilly air, your body tries to preserve core warmth by narrowing your blood vessels — a process called vasoconstricti...

  A confident woman of color walking, wearing a 2-piece beige pantsuit with a low-cut white top. Let's be clear: you are the table, the fine china, and the full-course meal. So why are you chasing someone who doesn't even know how to hold a fork? Gone are the days when women had to prove they were "worthy" of attention, affection, or a text back. When energy means stepping fully into your power, confident, grounded, and unbothered by anyone who doesn't recognize your value. You don't have to run after love. You don't have to perform or persuade. You simply attract what aligns. Let him come to you. In today's post, we'll explore how to embody this radiant, magnetic energy and why letting the right one pursue you isn't about games; it's about grace. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Step Into Your Power Here's how to embody queen energy and attract what's truly meant for you without e...

Calm Dog and Cat Lounging With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, pets are tortured by the  "booms" of fireworks. They can be terrifying for pets, especially dogs  and cats, because of their sensitive hearing and inability to understand  what's happening.  🐾 Non-Medication Methods ( can be used alone or in conjunction with medication): 1. Create a Safe Space Set up a quiet, interior room (basement, closet, or bathroom) with blankets, toys, and familiar smells. Close windows, blinds, and curtains to dampen sound and light flashes. 2. White Noise or Calming Music Turn on a fan, white noise machine, or calming music (like “Through a Dog’s Ear”). Some streaming platforms have pet-specific playlists . 3. Pressure Wraps (e.g., ThunderShirt) These snug-fitting vests help reduce anxiety by applying gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. 4. Distraction with Toys or Treats Puzzle toys or frozen peanut butter Kongs can help redirect focus. 5. Pheromone Spra...

           Golden Retriever Relaxing To help calm your pet, you can find or create pet-specific playlists on platforms like Spotify. These playlists feature calming music such as classical pieces, soft rock, or nature sounds, designed to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs and cats.  Here's a more detailed look, and w hat to include in a pet-calming playlist : Classical music : Many studies suggest classical music, especially with a low BPM (beats per minute), can be effective in reducing stress and heart rate in pets, according to a study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior , mentioned in an article posted by The Dog People .  Nature sounds: Sounds of rain, ocean waves, or gentle wind can create a soothing environment and mask other distracting noises.  Soft rock and reggae: These genres can also be effective in reducing stress and heart rate in some pets,   according to P...