10 minute read
Ask the Expert
READING WELLNESS for
Written by Delaney Daly of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library
Advertisement
When we consider wellness as a daily or weekly practice, the tendency might be for our brains to drum up images of us executing perfectly formed sit-ups or meditating our worries away or if you’re anything like me, maybe you too have one of those enormous 74 oz water bottles that encourages you to hydrate throughout the day. Yet, without even realizing it, as you continue to read the words I’ve written, you are fulfilling a vital and oftentimes overlooked wellness practice.
Numerous studies performed within the last 20 years, many of which by the likes of prominent universities and research institutes across the globe, have concluded that the act of reading not only reduces stress and slows cognitive decline but can actually lengthen our lifespan by a number of years. And for parents and caregivers with young children, adding a quick family story time to your daily wellness routine ultimately serves everyone involved.
I’ll be honest—the majority of the books I read on a daily basis as a children’s librarian are not 80,000 word novels throwing me into epic stories of love or loss or the inevitable life lessons we learn as we age but rather 30 or so page picture books wherein pigeons drive vehicles and dinosaurs act up at bedtime and crayons go on strike
(yes, you read that right). Nevertheless and no matter the book or reading material, I am still reaping the benefits of reading.
Beyond the more obvious wellness-related benefits, reading has the virtually insurmountable ability to expand our sense of empathy, specifically when we dive into pages featuring characters and written by authors whose life experiences differ greatly from our own. For example, I am unaware of what it is like to be an immigrant in the United States but when I read books like We Came to America by Faith Ringgold or The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, my capacity to imagine the lives and experiences of others suddenly broadens. Moreover, my ability to perceive others’ emotions and relate to them in respect to the human condition deepens. Basically, I increase my emotional intelligence which Daniel Goleman, renowned psychologist and inventor of the term, deems even more critical than intellectual intelligence, primarily in the workplace. And while your children may still be years away from earning a paycheck and regular performance evaluations and hopefully developing a meaningful and rewarding career, it is never too early to set them up for success.
Even more, if your children are especially young and reading is still a ways away, certain early literacy practices can prepare their brains for reading and for you, simply reinforce skills—a win, win. For starters, sing with your children often, as this is a surefire way to get them acquainted with the sounds that comprise words. Play with them, too, engaging with them and developing a consistent dialogue around where their imagination is taking them. This leads me to the next practice: talk. Talk with your children, paying special attention to asking them questions and responding to their comments. Finally, write and draw with your little ones. Paint pictures, invent silly stories, dream up outlandish characters, and most importantly, be present with your children as you witness their minds making sense of the world around them and, moment-by-moment, getting ready to read. w --------------------------------------------------------------------------Delaney Daly is the Children’s Librarian at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. In 2020, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Texas Woman’s University School of Library & Information Studies with a Master of Library Science degree. When she is not writing, reading or running around the library, she can be found doting on her adorable cat and serving on the Board of Directors for Kootenai County Young Professionals.
KINDER GYM
GYMNASTICS
NINJA CLASS
LITTLE NINJAS
TUMBLING
+ MORE
We build CONFIDENCE, encourage self-esteem and INSPIRE children to DREAM BIG! Our talented, caring sta seeks to connect with and empower each and every child who walks through our door, and inspire our Momentum families through sports, learning & fun! Call Today 208-966-4535 for a TOUR!
245 W Bosanko Ave. #1, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 WWW.MOMENTUMSPORTSANDPLAY.COM
BIRTHDAY PARTIES | STEAM CLASSES | DAY CAMPS | PLAYTIME
Introductory Offer $30 FOR 30 DAYS
WWW.TRUSSHOTYOGA.COM
resolved to be different
making realistic goals can lead to significant changes
Written by Marc Stewart of Heritage Health
Every year Americans make New Year Resolutions and every year, those resolutions are lost in a sea of self-loathing and shame.
A recent marketing study showed that only 1 in 10 people successfully achieved their resolutions in 2021. Most people give up by the end of January and the number of people making resolutions for 2022 continues to drop.
“The most common mistake people make is to have unrealistic goals,” said Erika Porter, a counseling supervisor with Heritage Health. “It’s easy to say, I am going to get a new job, I am going to lose 40 pounds and I am going to be healthier.”
The truth is, resolutions seldom have steps toward success. Instead, Porter suggests making smaller goals. “The first thing is being realistic,” she said. “Narrow down your goals to specific things. For example, if you’re going to get a new job, you need to update your resume and cover letter. Do that and the success builds on itself. Then you can start applying. You’ll be more confident and then you can tackle the next on your list.”
Ultimately, people who want to make lasting changes in their lives need to be motivated.
“Success is determined by how committed you are to the process,” said Porter. “We need their buy in.”
Porter’s years of experience with substance use disorder patients has taught her that all-or-nothing thinking is often a path toward failure. She says that people need to allow themselves leeway to have setbacks.
“Addiction is guilt-driven,” said Porter. “You have to monitor what is working and what isn’t. Don’t give up. Recovery isn’t a straight line. The key is to continue to be mindful of every moment and continue to work toward your goals.”
Do you know someone with mild to moderate COVID-19?
...they may be eligible for monoclonal antibodies therapy.
Ask your provider for a referral.
For more information about the Regeneron Clinic, scan QR Code or call: 208.292.0280
kara’s corner
On a journey to feed me & my family whole food and live a more natural lifestyle & inspire YOU too!
@kara_thewholemomma
A NEW YEARS FOCUS:
What we can what we take AWAY! add... not
HAPPY NEW YEAR, LOCAL WELLNESS FRIENDS!
Can I be honest? January is just a tricky time to think about offering up “wellness advice”. If you are anything like me and have had your fair share of health and weight struggles over the years, you most likely have tried quite a few different programs and protocols. I sure have. And while I have learned so much for most of them and been able to take positive things away, I still find myself looking for that perfect fit or next “thing”. Something that is a lifestyle, NOT a quick fix or restrictive program. While I do not plan on jumping into something completely new or complicated or restrictive this January, I would like to share with you what I AM planning to do as I look to become healthier for myself and my family.
Come January 2022, I plan to focus on the things that I can ADD to my day instead of what I need to restrict or take away. Because of what I have learned over the years with different programs and protocols I have tried, I have a really good idea of things that I KNOW will make feel better as well as the habits that help to encourage better choices. Keep in mind, I’m not just talking about food here. For example: I know that when I go to bed earlier I’m able to avoid getting the late night munchies. So instead of making it a goal to NOT eat after dinner or after 8pm, I would make it my goal to “add” an earlier bedtime to my day vs. taking away late night snacking.
Here is another example: I know that when I’m drinking way too much coffee in my day it leads to a snowball of bad results. I don’t eat enough. I’m more likely to have the afternoon sleepies. More likely to snack on sugary things. More likely to have trouble falling asleep. Which all leads to me being more likely to have late night munchies and get a terrible night’s sleep. Which ALL leaves me feeling the need for even MORE coffee the next day. Yikes, see how that snowballs!?! So here’s the plan. Instead of focusing on restricting my coffee intake, I’m going to focus on ADDING more water and tea to my day. I only have so much room for liquids in my day so when I am focused on water and tea, it just naturally leaves less room for coffee. See how that works?
So as we start this brand new year, full of new growth and possibilities, I’d love to know what YOU plan to ADD to your day that will lead you a healthier you! I’d love for you to share those things with me on my Instagram, @kara_thewholemomma and I will share them in my stories so that we can all be encouraged by the healthy habits that we are ADDING to 2022!
NorthNorth IdahoIdaho DirectDirect PrimaryPrimary CareCare
TheThe newnew wayway toto practicepractice oldold schoolschool FamilyFamily Medicine.Medicine.
Dr. Silakoski, owner of North Idaho Direct Primary Care is a board certified family physician, and prior to private practice she spent 7 years in the military where she served as medical director at the residency clinic of the largest military installation in the US. During this time she achieved the rank of Major and spent two years as the physician in a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive warfare unit. I’m addition to service in the CBRNE unit, Dr. Silakoski was also the Child, Adolescent, and Family Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor for the Department of Family Medicine which served 104,000 patients. She has a passion for mental wellness and offers counseling as part of the services in her innovative clinic.
The cost averages $70/month depending on age. Dr. Silakoski believes medical care should be affordable and easy to access for all. AcceptingAccepting newnew patientspatients thisthis fall!fall!
MEET OUR TRAINERS!
CAM ABEY,
SENIOR FITNESS SPECIALIST GOLF FITNESS SPECIALIST TPI CERTIFIED MADI BROWN,
SENIOR FITNESS SPECIALIST GOLF FITNESS SPECIALIST TPI CERTIFIED TY BREARLEY,
LONG DRIVE COMPETITOR TPI CERTIFIED
CAMFIT Golf Fitness & Personal Training is a specialized training facility that offers private personal training for golfers and non-golfers, recovery therapies, and seasonal golf lessons for athletes who want to take their ability to the next level.
