Athena Wellness Podcast - Reclaiming Our Warrior Spirit

#267  This is the second episode of the Strong & Vital Series, a well-being series focused on the importance of proactive wellness in midlife and beyond.

Today, we’ll explore:

• The difference between movement, exercise and training;
• Activity guidelines and examples of moderate and vigorous activities;
• What heart rate zones are and how to use them to monitor your exercise effectiveness;
• Things to consider to add more movement to your day; and
• How to create a sustainable fitness plan focused on activities you enjoy.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a greater awareness of how consistent activity can transform your health and well-being, not just by preventing disease, but by enhancing your overall quality of life.

Enjoy this healthy dose of the best medicine there is – movement! 

Athena Wellness links:

• Free PDF:  Action Plan Template
• YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel
• Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities
• Email Kathy:  [email protected]

Disclaimer:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Consult with your healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

#266  In this inaugural episode of the Strong & Vital Series, we explore the importance of proactive wellness in midlife and beyond.

Discover how to break free from the notion of inevitable decline and create an "upward spiral" of well-being by making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle.  We'll introduce the Holistic Wellness Spectrum – a framework for assessing your well-being in three key areas: Vitality, Flow, and Connection.  

This actionable episode lays the foundation for a journey toward a more vibrant, independent, and fulfilling future.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Wellness:  Understand the multifaceted nature of wellness, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
• The Power of Proactivity:  Learn why proactive wellness is crucial for maintaining independence, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• The Upward Spiral of Well-being:  Discover how small, consistent actions can create a positive feedback loop that fuels your wellness journey.
• Introducing the Holistic Wellness Spectrum:  Gain an overview of the three key areas of wellness: Vitality, Flow, and Connection.

Link:  Free PDF mentioned in video:  Holistic Wellness Spectrum

Additional Athena Wellness links:

YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities

Email Kathy:  [email protected]

Disclaimer:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Consult with your healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

#265  In this episode, we explore an alternative to traditional goal setting: the Future Self planning process.  This approach encourages you to connect with your deepest desires and envision the life you truly want.  This becomes the starting point for your action planning process.

We delve into the five key steps:

1. Envision the possibilities:  Explore your dreams, contributions, values, potential, and legacy;
2. Create an environment for growth:  Cultivate a supportive environment that fosters your goals;
3. Focus on your area of influence:  Shift your focus from outcomes to effort and controllable actions;
4. Create Future Self habits.  Develop daily habits that align with your vision and support your long-term intentions; and
5. Reflect and adjust:  Regularly review your progress, celebrate your wins, and make necessary adjustments to your plan.

Get ready to release the resolutions and embrace a more meaningful and sustainable approach to your well-being, growth and happiness.

Links:

• Athena Wellness Offering:  Future Self Planning Process

Links mentioned in the podcast:

• Farnam Street Blog:  Habits vs Goals
• Nourishing Minimalism:  2,025 in 2025

Additional Athena Wellness links:

• YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel
• Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities
• Email Kathy:  [email protected]

#264  In this episode, we dive into the concept of intuitive wellness, a holistic approach to health and well-being that emphasizes listening to your body and mind.  We discuss the benefits and challenges of this personalized approach, specific examples of how to apply intuitive wellness and how to create your own intuitive wellness protocols.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Intuitive Wellness:  Learn what intuitive wellness is and how it differs from traditional wellness approaches.
• The Power of Self-Awareness:  Discover the importance of letting go of perfectionism by tuning into your body's signals and making choices that support your overall well-being.
• Practical Tips for Implementing Intuitive Wellness:  Get actionable advice on how to incorporate intuitive wellness into your daily life.

Links:

YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities

Email Kathy:  [email protected]

#263  The holiday season is often a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also be a source of stress and overwhelm.  In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the art of simplifying the holiday season.

We discuss strategies for reducing stress, the benefits of a simpler holiday, navigating family dynamics and expectations, and practical tips for a more peaceful season.

By implementing these tips, you can create a more meaningful experience for yourself, family and friends. 

Links:

Joshua Becker:  BecomingMinimalist.com

YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities

Email Kathy:  [email protected]

#262  Tired of the traditional aging narrative? Join us as we redefine midlife and explore practical strategies to invest in your wellness that pay dividends in vibrancy and fulfillment.

Key Topics:

• What it means to live vibrantly in your 50s, 60s and beyond; 
• How you can change the aging paradigm; 
• Specific lifestyle investments you can make to increase life quality; and 
• How a positive mindset can act like compounding interest. 

Links:

YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities

Email Kathy:  [email protected]

#261  Are you ProLon curious?  Today’s episode will give you some insight into the five day fast-mimicking program.  Kathy shares her experiences completing the program 23 times and counting.

Key Takeaways:

• An overview of ProLon;
• The benefits of completing a five-day fast-mimicking program;
• Recollections from Kathy’s first ProLon fast;
• Lessons she learned from subsequent fasts; and
• Nine suggestions for your first ProLon fast.

Kathy also shares a link to a free PDF download for a ProLon fasting journal, the same one she uses when she fasts.  It includes a discount code for your ProLon purchases (links below).

Links:

Note:  A 15% off special ProLon offer for listeners of The Athena Wellness podcast, which can be used and shared.  Thank you for supporting Athena Wellness by using this affiliate link, where we earn a small commission at no cost to you. 
ProLon programs are HSA/FSA eligible.

• Free downloadable ProLon Fasting Journal/discount link:  athenawellness.com/prolon
• Direct ProLon discount link:  prolonlife.com/ATHENA
• YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

#260  If you’re feeling uncertain about your next life transition, today’s episode will provide some sage advice and actionable steps, including five things Kathy wished someone told her when she approached her latest life milestone.

Kathy shares the confusion she felt as her 60th birthday approached, how she reframed her perspective, and the advice that would have been helpful as she approached the milestone.  Kathy also shares three actions you can take when you approach your next life milestone, be it a personal or professional transition.

Key Takeaways:

• Shift from external validation to inner fulfillment.
• Let go of what no longer serves you to create space for what’s ahead.
• Trust your life experience and innate capabilities.
• Stay open to life’s mysteries.
• Embrace and enjoy each life milestone.
• Plus:  Three impactful actions to keep you heart-centered.

Links:

YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities

Email Kathy:  [email protected]

#259  Feeling overwhelmed by life's transitions?  In this episode, we explore practical strategies to help you stay grounded, resilient, and well during turbulent times.  

Assess your transition wellness toolkit and discover a simple practice to reduce stress, enhance your overall well-being and connect with your inner guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of wellness during life transitions
• The reasons behind stress and anxiety
• The role of wellness in building a strong body, healthy mind, and curious spirit
• The difference between wellness, well-being, and optimal well-being
• The concept of the wellness continuum
• The body’s natural ability to heal
• A practical strategy for managing stress
• A simple calming and connecting practice

Links:

YouTube:  The Athena Wellness Channel

Work with Kathy:  Coaching Opportunities

Email Kathy:  [email protected]

Podcast Episode Mentioned:  Vibrant Living with Dr. Leslie Kasanoff

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For episode materials, show notes or to submit a question for a future episode, visit:  https://athenawellness.com/podcast

#258  In this shortened episode, Kathy shares what’s on the horizon for Athena Wellness, including a video component to the podcast.

Kathy also announces a special giveaway for loyal listeners of the show.  Details included in the links below.

Links:

• Coaching package drawing:  To enter, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Coaching Giveaway.”  In the email, tell us a bit about yourself, what you’d like to focus on and why you think coaching with Kathy would be a good fit for you.  All emails must be submitted no later than May 24, 2024.
• Stay in touch:  Keep apprised on what’s happening with Athena Wellness by joining the mailing list @ athenawellness.com/subscribe.  We publish  a newsletter twice a month.
• Work with Kathy:  Coaching opportunities
• Referenced podcast episode:  Episode 231 – Creating a Life Roadmap