GRACE & HOPE CONSULTING, LLC
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    • Made to Overcome - Mental Health Edition #2 >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author- Hope Naysha
      • Author-Louis Bianco
      • Author-Donnel Brown
      • Author-Kirsten Marie Peterson
      • Author-Domonique Jackson-Rodriguez
      • Author-Jeanne Cesena
      • Author-Tracy Loken Weber
      • Author-Kristine Irwin
      • Author-Rhonda Cee
      • Author-Kate Adams
    • Made to Overcome - Single Parenting Edition >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author-Nichole Wilson
      • Author-Wendy Park
      • Author-JoAnna Gardner
      • Author-Kate Adams
      • Author-Jasmine Merill
      • Author-Catherine Hughes
      • Author-Erin Adams
      • Author-Debbi Stricler
      • Author- Dr. Leanne Montoya
      • Author- G
    • Made to Overcome - Mental Health Edition >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author- Dani Adams
      • Author-Justin Birckbichler
      • Author- Nikki Burgess
      • Author-Dan Esterly
      • Author-Catherine Hughes
      • Author- Dana Lambert Hodge
      • Author- Al Levin
      • Author-Holly Miller
      • Author- Karsten Penkacik
      • Author- Shawnee Penkacik
      • Author - Thomas Newman Powell
      • Author-Carrie Reichartz
      • Author- Cherie Faus Smith
      • Author- Carol Strang
      • Author- Karima Leslie
    • Made To Overcome - Chronic Illness Edition >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author-Christina Abernethy
      • Author-Lisa Baker
      • Author-Rhonda Clemmer
      • Author- Nikki Burgess
      • Author - L.A. Weems
      • Author - Shawnee Penkacik
      • Author- Dana Lambert Hodge
      • Author-Sara Mohr
      • Author- Karima Leslie
      • Author- Dr. Leanne Montoya
      • Author-Rafe Shearer
      • Author-LaShonn Edmunds
      • Author-Jennifer McPherson
      • Author-Julie P. Watson
    • We All Belong
    • Made to Overcome Caregivers Edition
    • I QUIT
    • Rising Above Sexual Abuse


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Doing Life Together

Natural Ways To Calm Everyday Anxiety

9/13/2019

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Anxiety is something many of us deal with on a daily basis. However, there are individuals who are debilitated by constant thoughts of anxiety; so much that the daily activities of life are impacted.
 
While medication is available to help with anxiety, it doesn’t have  to be the first line of treatment you seek out. Some medications come with lots of adverse effects and cause the user to build up a dependence.  If you are seeking out natural ways to calm your anxiety- those without lingering negative effects and which are likely to help you cope better in the long run, then let’s explore some options.
 
 
Sleep Enough At Night
 
Lack of sleep causes your brain to go haywire- playing all sorts of tricks on you and decreasing your emotional tolerance as a whole. You may find that following even just one night of sleep loss your performance will decrease, and you will be prone to anger and agitation. Strive for a minimum of 7 hours nightly to keep your brain chemistry on point.
In our house, we use Melatonin   and Lavender essential oil   to help us fall asleep and stay asleep.
 
Exercise
 
Exercise is one of the best medicines we have at our disposal, as there are few things that are comparable to the range of health benefits it offers. Exercise, similar to sleep, helps to naturally manage anxiety and depression, by increasing levels of feel good and stress busting chemicals known as endorphins.
 
Anxiety if partially worsened by high levels of adrenalin, and even though exercise does temporarily increase these levels, the endorphins temper its effects and leave your mood on a high for hours afterwards.
 
Earlier this year, I bought myself a full-body vibration platform and it has been one of the best investment I ever made. It’s perfect for me, especially due to my limited mobility, and get this: ​10 minutes on this thing equals to 1hr of jogging!!! I can’t jog but I can stand or sit on this thing for half an hr. I even have my walker around it for stability. You can check it out here.
 
Eat Dark Chocolate
 
Dark chocolate has numerous benefits on health, and is not your typical sugar laden variety. Dark chocolate is particularly effective in reducing the impact that the stress hormone cortisol has on our body, including precipitating anxiety.
 
Its mode of action is unique, as it relays relaxation from the stomach to the brain. Similar to the way that you feel nervousness in your stomach,  the vagus nerve gets activated when you eat dark chocolate.
 
Try To Get Sunlight Daily
 
People in colder climates have been observed to develop a condition known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which comes on during the winter months when sun exposure is limited.
 
Symptoms of SAD include depression, irritability and increased anxiety, all of which resolve upon exposure to sunlight. If you do live in such a climate, and are unable to get exposure to the sun when winter comes, artificial light therapy also helps improve symptoms.
 
Consume More Omega-3
 
Omega-3 fatty acids are strong anti-oxidants, and may help to stem the cause of your anxiety. Typically, the two hormones that are elevated during anxious moments are cortisol and adrenalin, both of which respond negatively to the influence of oxidation.
 
Omega-3 fats combat excessive oxidation and are anti-inflammatory, helping boost production of serotonin and dopamine, and helping keep your anxiety response normal. I like THIS brand of Omega-3 supplements.
 
 
These are just a few natural ways you can combat anxiety. Start with one or two of these and add more as you are able.
 
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How to Stop People-Pleasing

9/5/2019

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You don't have to say, "yes" to everyone and everything.  Work through the fears that lead to people-pleasing and build a strong self-construct. Here's a great resource to get you started: https://payhip.com/b/fWxt
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Fun With The Family

9/2/2019

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A couple days ago, my daughter and I did a Facebook Live and talked about many of the things that our family does for fun. We also discussed why it's important to be intentional about building and cultivating relationships within the family.

What does your family do for fun?
​How do you cultivate relationships within your family?"
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4 Simple Ways to Have a Better Work-Life Balance

9/1/2019

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There’s a growing number of people struggling with their work-life balance. A large percentage of American workers feel their job demands that they should be available 24/7 since they can check in from anywhere using their smartphone. This constant availability takes a toll on both a person’s mental and physical health. Humans need to socialize, relax, and care for themselves to stay happy and healthy.

Here are four simple ways to improve your work-life balance:


Unplug

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It’s easier said than done, but avoid checking your phone for work matters after hours. This constant checking may have become a habit you wish you’d never started, and if you are honest, practically all work-related matters can wait until the next day. It’s key to unplug from work when you get home each evening and on the weekends. Let your coworkers know you won’t be returning emails, calls, or texts regarding work after hours so that they can prepare for this change. 

Work Smarter

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If you can’t seem to get all of your work done within your working hours, you aren’t alone. An alarming number of Americans work more than 50 hours a week, every week. Before you go to your request a reduction in your workload, take a careful look at how you are spending your time. Track it for a few days and see what’s causing you to stay late each night and come in early each morning. You will be surprised by the ways you can change or eliminate distractions and other time-wasters.

Take A Stay-Cation

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Another vital way to establish a healthy work-life balance is to make use of all of your vacation days. A large number of US workers lose essential time with their family or with themselves because they don’t take all of their vacation days, or in worst cases, don’t have any vacation days at all. If you feel uncomfortable about using all your allotted holidays in one long vacation, schedule the occasional day off here and there to enjoy “stay-cations.”  Breaking it up like this will give you the mental health days you need while ensuring you don’t come back to an overwhelming mountain of work.

Train Your People

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Many of us grew up hearing, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” Unfortunately, this gets ingrained to the point where we feel we can’t delegate any tasks lest they end up back in our laps in worse shape than before. If you have employees you manage or freelancers you outsource to, take the time to train them well. Make sure they know exactly how to do things.  Of course, this will take time upfront. But, once they understand your requirements, you’ll be able to hand off more work and give yourself some slack.
Feeling out of balance?
Schedule a FREE consultation at Calendly.com/chou
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    Chou is a best-selling Author, a Transformational Speaker,  Certified Life Coach, Counselor and Consultant on a mission to inspire people to rise above their circumstances. She is passionate about helping others achieve emotional wellness, reach their full potential, and live fulfilling lives. You can contact Chou at chou@graceandhopeconsulting.com

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Pennsylvania
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20 South 36Th Street, 1st Floor
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6340 SECURITY BOULEVARD - SUITE 100
BALTIMORE (WOODLAWN), MD 21207

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TEL: 717-216-0230 (also available on Whatsapp)
​CHOU@GRACEANDHOPECONSULTING.COM

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​COPYRIGHT 2016-2020
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Our Founder - Chou Hallegra
    • Blog
    • CONTACT
    • COURSES
    • Recommended Reading
    • Resources
    • Testimonials
  • INDIVIDUALS
    • Christian Counseling
    • Group Counseling
    • Life Coaching
    • Stress RELIEF Coaching
    • Supports Broker Services
    • Person-Centered Parenting
    • Support For Caregivers
    • Women Achieving Mental and Emotional Wellness
    • Recommended Reading
  • ORGANIZATIONS
    • Inclusion Support
    • Mental Health Consultation
    • Person-Centered Thinking Training
    • Stress Management Training & Coaching
  • Churches
    • Christian Counseling
    • Inclusion Support for Churches
    • Women Conferences
  • SPEAKING
    • Seminars/Workshops
    • Women Conferences
  • WRITING
    • BOOKS BY CHOU
    • PUBLISHING
    • Made to Overcome - Mental Health Edition #2 >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author- Hope Naysha
      • Author-Louis Bianco
      • Author-Donnel Brown
      • Author-Kirsten Marie Peterson
      • Author-Domonique Jackson-Rodriguez
      • Author-Jeanne Cesena
      • Author-Tracy Loken Weber
      • Author-Kristine Irwin
      • Author-Rhonda Cee
      • Author-Kate Adams
    • Made to Overcome - Single Parenting Edition >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author-Nichole Wilson
      • Author-Wendy Park
      • Author-JoAnna Gardner
      • Author-Kate Adams
      • Author-Jasmine Merill
      • Author-Catherine Hughes
      • Author-Erin Adams
      • Author-Debbi Stricler
      • Author- Dr. Leanne Montoya
      • Author- G
    • Made to Overcome - Mental Health Edition >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author- Dani Adams
      • Author-Justin Birckbichler
      • Author- Nikki Burgess
      • Author-Dan Esterly
      • Author-Catherine Hughes
      • Author- Dana Lambert Hodge
      • Author- Al Levin
      • Author-Holly Miller
      • Author- Karsten Penkacik
      • Author- Shawnee Penkacik
      • Author - Thomas Newman Powell
      • Author-Carrie Reichartz
      • Author- Cherie Faus Smith
      • Author- Carol Strang
      • Author- Karima Leslie
    • Made To Overcome - Chronic Illness Edition >
      • Author- Chou Hallegra
      • Author-Christina Abernethy
      • Author-Lisa Baker
      • Author-Rhonda Clemmer
      • Author- Nikki Burgess
      • Author - L.A. Weems
      • Author - Shawnee Penkacik
      • Author- Dana Lambert Hodge
      • Author-Sara Mohr
      • Author- Karima Leslie
      • Author- Dr. Leanne Montoya
      • Author-Rafe Shearer
      • Author-LaShonn Edmunds
      • Author-Jennifer McPherson
      • Author-Julie P. Watson
    • We All Belong
    • Made to Overcome Caregivers Edition
    • I QUIT
    • Rising Above Sexual Abuse