mm Have you ever had a cell phone call dropped, whether it is a Boulder to Boulder call or a Boulder to Mexico or to Iceland call? If that has not happened to you, you have never used a cell phone! Is it possible to ease any of the stress and annoyance associated with simple cell phoning? Are there things we do that make our life harder and not easier in how we use our cell phones? Specifically, can we avoid the frustration when a call is dropped, and both parties are trying to call each other back? Consider that the reality is that we do NOT know why a call was dropped. We might think we do, but... Read More

Stress is inevitable. This is especially true for the 50% of the Boulder population who are college students dealing with exams, assignments, deadlines, and – this week – midterms. While some stress can be beneficial and motivating, too much can have negative impacts on physical and mental health. With mid-terms upon us, it can be tempting to compromise physical and mental health practices in exchange for some extra time in the library. However, research finds that students who take the time for self-care perform better on examinations, overall course grades, and physical and mental... Read More

You’ve probably heard of cold plunging, the wellness trend that involves jumping into ice water for a few minutes. Sounds crazy, right? Well, not so fast. There’s actually some science behind this practice, and it might have some surprising benefits for your health and well-being. But before you grab your swimsuit and head to the Boulder Creek, here are some things you should know. Take the Plunge into Type-2 Fun Type II Fun refers to experiences that are hard or difficult in the moment but beneficial (and fun) in the long-run or in retrospect. While cold plunging may be uncomfortable (excruciating?)... Read More

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Most people feel a mix of joy and anxiety right before and during the holidays. Statistics show that up to 69 percent of people are stressed by lack of time, 69 percent are stressed by a lack of money, and 51 percent are stressed out about the pressure to give or get gifts. A British study examined people’s stress levels and other behavior during the holiday season. For anyone feeling less than on top of things, the turning point from mild to severe stress comes on December 18 and peaks on Christmas Day. According to respondents in the study, the most stressful parts of the holidays are gift... Read More

Studies have shown that hormones play a role in elevating the desire to eat foods containing carbohydrates during prolonged periods of stress. When our brains are notified that we are experiencing stress, they respond by releasing cortisol, a hormone whose primary function is to raise blood sugar and promote the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat. In response to higher blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases extra insulin, which has the effect of lowering blood sugar rather quickly, causing a craving for foods rich in carbohydrates. Cortisol is considered a catabolic hormone, which... Read More

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 40 million adults—18% of the population—struggle with anxiety. Anxiety is normal; job interviews, public speaking and other everyday occurrences can cause anxiety.  It only becomes a problem when it extends beyond worry in an unreasonable, uncontrollable way. Anxiety can be a symptom of another mental illness, such as panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  Anxiety and anxiety disorders are the most common behavioral health issues in the U.S. There are some important health habits... Read More

Introduction: Welcome back to the eighth week of our EmpowerGen column! As we continue our journey, we shift our focus to a pressing issue affecting youth in both Boulder and Baja: mental health. The rise in suicide rates, school shootings, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the urgency to address mental health challenges among young individuals. In this article, we will explore the transformative potential of connecting youth to nature and purpose, backed by studies and articles that showcase the healing power of these experiences.  Read last week’s EmpowerGen Article... Read More

You’ve seen it lurking on the studio schedule. You’ve heard it’s relaxing and can help relieve stress. So why are you avoiding it? Restorative yoga is an ultra-relaxing, “sleepover”-style of yoga that can include lots of props like blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps, and pillows, making it feel like a sleepy slumber party. I’ve heard students say they don’t want to go to restorative yoga classes because they want to go to yoga to workout. True, restorative yoga isn’t much in terms of a workout for your body. However, restorative yoga offers something most of our Western-culture... Read More

Summer is marching on and many families are trying to squeeze in a family trip before school starts. According to experts, parents are better off spending their money on vacations than they are spending it on toys. Why? Family holidays are valued by children, both in the moment and as a memory. It’s all about spending time during which a child’s interests are genuinely taken into account. Travelling with your kids improves their brain development. “[The vacation] environment offers new experiences that are strong in combined social, physical, cognitive, and sensory interaction,”... Read More