Dr. Jen & Friends Lovecast

Seasons are changing and we're getting to that time of the year where we can shed a few layers of clothing and embrace the warmer weather! (yesss!)  

Not only does it just feel so good to feel the sun on your face, but your body loves it too! Your body is ready for you to get up and get movin'! All month long I have been discussing the importance of being connected to nature and why moving your body is so beneficial to both your mental health AND your physical health. 

A little reminder of why nature is good for the soul: 

So, you're ready to get going. What now? 

Are you running low on out of the box ideas on what to do outside? Don't worry -- I've got you covered! 

Resources & Things I Talk About 📝:

50 Naturivities! : you asked and I delivered - ON TOP OF what I talk about in this podcast, I have 50 more out of the box ideas for how to be active and enjoy your time in nature! I bet there are ideas in here you neverrrr would have thought of! Enjoy! 

Were you on the move today? 

Finding the time in your busy schedule to move your body is hard! --and I'm not talking about running errands, cleaning, or chasing kids (even if you do rack up 10,000 steps while doing those and more!)

Just like Elle Woods said - "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy." She isn't wrong! (Legally Blonde)

Moving your body is a known stress reliever and a sure way to get your energy back.  When your body is moving and being active, you become happier and have the energy to do more. You feel refreshed -- almost like after a really good workout. During the workout you may be thinking "ohhh why am I doing this to myself!?!?" but after the work out you feel SOOO good, accomplished, AND motivated.

Long story short, moving your body will help you be healthier and feel happier. Sounds like a win-win to me! 

Are you running out of ideas on how to be active? Don't worry -- I've got you covered with a bunch of naturitivites that you can try! 🌳

Get out there, my friend!

Resources & Things I talk about 📝:

A surprise sneak peek at the first module for "Eight Ways to Happy" (reserve your spot now!) - This is a course, created by yours truly, that is aimed at helping you live a happier, more fulfilling life! It's time to live your best life and there is no time like right now to start!

50 Naturivities! - want to switch up your outside activities, but are running out of ideas? Here is an out of the box list for you. Get out there and soak up the sun!

Have you ever created a goal but then stumbled along the way and found it hard to keep going? 

I've been there  -- more than once! It's so hard to pick yourself up and dust yourself off when giving up altogether is so much easier. While an easier option, it is definitely not the best. If you gave up as soon as things became difficult, tricky, or you felt embarrassed, then your life wouldn't change for the better. You wouldn't be making moves towards a happier, more rewarding life!

Perseverance, my friend. It is such an important part of pursuing your life goals. Life will throw you curveballs, challenges, obstacles, and lemons. As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons -- make lemonade! Pushing through those bumps in the road will not only make accomplishing your goals sooo much sweeter, but you'll feel a heck of a lot stronger and happier. I know this from my own experiences of falling down. Once I got myself back up, I pushed forward, and ultimately ended up happier, stronger, and successful!

Passion and perseverance are the recipes for success!

When things get tough -- just continue to tell yourself, "Just keep swimming!" (Yep, just like Dory!) 

Resources & Things I Talked About 📝: 

Angela Lee Duckworth: Leaving her job as a high-flying consultant, Angela Lee Duckworth became a math teacher and seen realized that it wasn't just IQ scores that "defined" a student. She has studied how grit and determination help pave the way for both academic and professional success.

Developing a Growth Mindset:  Professor Carol Dweck is a leading expert in the field of motivation. Professor Dweck's research has shown how the mindset of a student has plays an active role in their achievements. It is common to praise high intelligence or talent, but are those praises good for motivation and learning? Dr. Dweck answers these questions and more!

How intentional are you when it comes to food? 🤔

Our bodies are SO good about telling us what it wants, but sometimes we aren't that great at listening. Alllllll month long we have been talking about really focusing on what our bodies are telling us and intuitive eating. 

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I actually don't like the term intuitive eating! My take is to be intentional, not intuitive because some people can’t trust their intuition. There, I said it! 

While I am NOT an intuitive eating coach, I do want to help you be more intentional and mindful about what you put into your body. The type of food we eat impacts our overall health -- both mentally AND physically. Did you know food was so powerful? 💪

Let's start nourishing our bodies! Here are 10 steps to get started:

Being more intentional will lead to a happier you. I'm here to help you live your best life!

Resources & Things I Talked About 📝:

Gut what!?

Have you ever felt just sluggish, without energy, or even have a stomach ache and you're not sure why? There is a reeeeally good chance your gut is trying to tell you something!

Your “gut” is everything in your digestive system, from your esophagus to your colon and intestines. The gut has been called by some researchers a “second brain.” Your gut informs your body how it needs to feel. 

Not only does your gut send you signals when it doesn't like the food you're consuming, but there is also a connection between your gut and your mood and health overall (yes, I'm totally serious!). 

An unhappy gut is linked to:

It may be time to pay attention to what your gut is telling you! If you're feeling less than great, the food you are consuming may be a factor in that. 

We're only half way through March, which means we have looooads more to talk about when it comes to gut health and providing your body with the right type of fuel to keep it going. 

Enriching your body with nourishing foods -- it's about time your gut gets a little TLC!

Resources & Things I talk about:

There are 8 Self Love Tools, and today we’re talking about the 8th one - Enrich Your Body with Food. Today I’m answering “How do I eat healthy when I’m pressed for time?” I’m going to share 4 ways to eat healthy plus 2 ideas for quick, healthy meals. 

Today I’m giving three ways to be mindful of your eating. I can’t wait to share allllll the great science behind food, nutrition, mental health, and happiness.

Show Resources:

Food is powerful and the more we understand how food affects our body, the more we can use it to live happier AND healthier!

According to the World Health Organization, a poor diet is a major factor contributing to depression, which is the top driver of disability in American?

Enriching your body with nourishing foods is a HUGE step in creating that healthier, happier, more fulfilling life we’re all craving. This month I am covering how food truly affects your mood, intuitive eating, gut health, AND so much more (oh yes, there is SO much to cover here!).

Plus, I give you a little background on my own mental health story in this episode. Have a listen!

Want to get a head start on enriching your body?! Check out these resources! (I LOVE these!)

Resources & Things I talk about  📝:

Want to know what it's like to join a bike club and where you're the only one who has a beach cruiser complete with a basket and a bell? (I don't know, I never got that far. Find out why...)

Close inner core friendships are the shiznit of life. When you have a few good compadres, the world just seems to click.  But how do we meet these people? 

On today's podcast, I'm answering the question: Where and How can I meet good A-friends?!

Children easily make friends on the playground or at school. At school dances groups of friends take over the dance floor -- but what about adults? With our busy schedules, jobs, and kids and that to-do list that never ends, where do we find inner-core friends we can feel close with?

I've got answers! 🎉

Friendships can be made at aaaaany age. It’s all about figuring out where to meet new people who share your interests. 

Remember, it isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who walked into your life, said “I’m here” and proved it.

Plus, at the end of this episode, I'm giving tips on how to be vulnerable. Big hint here: You won't have close friends without a little risk and self-disclosure.

Thanks for listening!

Resources & Things I talk about  📝:

....and so much more!

Your inner core consists of the people who you chose to be in your life who know the real you, who you confide in, and who you share a connection with.

More than 60% of lonely people are married. Surprising, isn’t it?! When married couples no longer share their deepest feelings, thoughts, and desires one or both people feel disconnected and lonely, even in the same room with the person they are married to. Feeling this way causes the flame to fizzle out and the relationship itself starts to feel meaningless. When relationships get to this point, you may feel like your spouse can not offer you the deep connection you need.

When you think about your inner core, do you include your spouse in that group of people?

Here is why you should:

(HINT: This is how your inner core should make you feel! We talked all about “The Hub” last week!)

ALLLL of this and more is why it is SO important to include your spouse in your inner core. They are your person! What do your spouse and your inner core have in common? They both allow you to feel vulnerable, safe, loved, and understood. These feelings are priceless.

Should your spouse be part of YOUR inner core? Yes! Now, let’s talk about why!

Have you ever been with a group of friends you enjoy being with, but you still felt lonely and disconnected?

I've been there too! You're at a social gathering and you just feel withdrawn -- almost like you're faking happy.

Over 40% of us will feel aches of loneliness and isolation at one point in our lives or another. Unfortunately, despite how common these feelings are, not many people are really 100% aware of how they impact our lives AND the lives around us.

Not only does loneliness, isolation, and feeling disconnected bring us down, but it can alter your mood and affect the way you treat the people you love the most.

There are 3 Types of Friends in YOUR life. Let’s break it down and talk about who you go to when:

You’re not alone, my friend!