Find Your Balance

WHEN LIFE GETS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, Find Y our Balance

If April showers bring May flowers, then with the hurricane of change that our world has experienced this spring, I believe that we have an unprecedented flood of growth and blossoming coming!

THE CIRCLE OF LIFE EXERCISE

What does YOUR life look like?

1. Place a dot on the line in each category to indicate your level of satisfaction (closer to the edge of the circle) or dissatisfaction (towards the center of the circle) within each area of your life. Most people fall somewhere in between (see example).

2. Connect the dots to see your Circle of Life.

3. Identify imbalances. Determine where to spend more time and energy to create balance in your life.

It is recommended to perform this exercise every 3-6 months to identify any changes and set personal wellness goals.

One of hidden gifts that lies in times of adversity is the idea that we are never more clear about what is desired, than when we are facing what is “unwanted.” It’s human nature to focus on what feels threatening; it’s a survival instinct, but it can be paralyzing. Our bodies have highly developed “safety” mechanisms that allow us to process & integrate large amounts of data & make quick decisions.

Unfortunately, these systems can fatigue when we find ourselves under chronic stress. Our brains are like computers. When the processor is on overdrive for too long, the whole system can crash. This can manifest as crippling anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, or physical illness. When stress hormones like adrenaline & cortisol flood the body, they affect perception and this distorts reality. The affected individual can be left feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

Even while on lockdown, support is available both in-person with trained professionals and via telehealth virtual visits. Please reach out if you need help.

TECHNIQUES TO TRY

One method that can be very helpful is called THE CIRCLE OF LIFE exercise. (Refer to the graphic on this page to try it now.)This is a coaching tool that builds awareness and can help restore balance to a life turned upside down. By assessing 12 areas of wellness (Health, Education, Career, Finances, Creativity, Spirituality, Joy, Social Life, Relationships, Home Environment, Home Cooking and Physical Activity) we can identify which areas are thriving and which areas could use support. Each person is unique. This approach not only identifies specific needs, it can

grow and change with the person as they move through life.

NEUROEMOTIONAL TECHNIQUE (NET) is another tool that can be used to help people gain clarity around where a person may be getting stuck in their growth and healing process. NET uses muscle testing to identify conscious/ subconscious patterns of unresolved emotional wounding/trauma. It incorporates acupressure, mindful awareness with self-compassion, and diaphragmatic breathing to help the person process and release emotions. It also can be used to deepen the person’s spiritual practice, intuitive awareness and flesh out aspects of spiritual identity that are specific to their belief system. The person often feels immediate relief and a greater sense of safety, stability and resilience. Spiritual identity practices help people create space around the body’s fight or flight “danger” response; this helps them respond to themselves and others with compassion and love.

The more we understand our minds, emotions and bodies, the easier it becomes to be our best selves, no matter what we encounter in life.

THIS IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION. ISN’T IT NICE TO KNOW THAT IT’S NOT A RACE, AND THAT WE DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL ALONE?

Jenny Opdycke, PA-C has been practicing medicine for more than 16 years. Her specialties include holistic wellness, anxiety/ depression, trauma recovery and intuitive, low carb eating strategies that promote self-awareness and healing. She loves spending time with her twin girls, friends, and fur babies. More info at www.integratedhealthmatters.com.

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Jenny Opdycke, PA-C

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