4 minute read
THE MAGNITUDE OF A “POWER DISCIPLINE”
Photo by Simon Migaj on Unsplash
By Dr. Candice Staniek
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Over the past few weeks, I’ve been asked what has made the most IMPACT on my mental health. I cannot pin down just one thing as it’s been many. So I’ll take this opportunity to share with you.
The reason I feel called to share this information with you is because I used to struggle with SAD (i.e. Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is depression that is worse in the winter months. It occurred year after year for such a long time and I couldn't remember when it had first started. Over the years, I tried a number of different tactics such as: Vitamin D, rhodiola, exercise, tanning, 5-HTP, B complex, adrenal support and mental health support. Did any of these have an effect? Yes, to some extent but nothing lasted long enough to prevent SAD from reoccurring the next winter. In desperation to find a ONCE AND FOR ALL SOLUTION, I decided to make a commitment to myself. This wasn’t just one commitment rather it was several little commitments, which I’ll share below. With my skeptical nature, I was hesitant to trust that the commitment would have a lasting IMPACT; however, to my surprise I can say it worked.
Why didn’t I choose just one activity? Well, I had already implemented a nutrition protocol with myself so that was somewhat irrelevant to make further changes. Additionally, the people who I knew were succeeding in their life, living a life on purpose and generally happy had more than one activity that they implemented each day as support tools.
So here’s the deal… I made the commitment to myself to DO a daily POWER DISCIPLINE. Firstly, I’m using a term I heard used by Bob Proctor although I believe there are others that use the same term.
My daily POWER DISCIPLINE includes the following activities:
Morning:
• 20-30 minutes of yoga • 500mL water first thing in the morning
• chakra cleansing practice • mantras • reading material with high frequency and vibration • avoid being on the cell phone during the first hour after waking • daily gratitude • connecting with the Divine
Evening:
• daily affirmations • avoid being on the cell phone at least one hour before bed
Why do we call it a Power Discipline?
This is a very powerful exercise because the results start to create permanent change. For the first little bit, there was a lot of doubt and nonsense chatter in the mind and then it began to quiet. Now, I look forward to all the practices and feel sad if there is a chance I may miss something. On another note, having a discipline creates structure, which the body actually likes. It also enhances the time period in which the activity is performed, especially if it’s done at the same time each day. There is a lot of research suggesting that studying the same topic daily enhances memory and recall of that topic.
So what is the result of doing this Power Discipline:
• better mood
• more energy • increased flexibility in body and mind • less emotionality • less reactivity to surrounding situations • grace and ease in life events
I highly encourage anyone that is struggling with mindset, changing certain habits, looking to improve overall well being in all areas of life to give this a try. Please don’t judge the experience until at least 3 months have passed. I look forward to hearing from you.
Love,
Dr. Candice
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Health and wellness have always been a part of my life whether it was visits to the farm, whole food meals, playing sports and dancing in high school and university. Eventually, I was inspired to pursue a career in Naturopathic Medicine.
One of the most impactful statements in clinical training was, “Doctor Heal Thyself”. For me this meant being courageous and willing to work through my challenges and difficulties in order to be more empathic and helpful to my patients. Through my personal work, I’ve gained an understanding of the mind, ways we sabotage ourselves, and how to shift mindset.
I graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA with an interest in depression, chronic fatigue and infections. I’m what you might call a ‘free-style’ Naturopathic Doctor. I integrate science and energy medicine leading the “health conscious” movement in proactive care.
Some of my joys in life include: nature, meditation, quality time with family, friends and cats or researching health topics.
I believe in the healing power of your body called the VIS. I also believe it’s your right to feel joyous and happy. Your health shouldn’t stand in the way of your overall wellness, your passion or your life.
Dr. Staniek can be contacted by Phone: 403-588-3544
