The Connections Warren Watchung Edition Feb-March 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 36 The Center for Intrapersonal Wellness and Health LLC in Warren opened in 2013 as a therapeutic group practice and is dedicated to a Mind-Body-Spirit (MBS) philosophy of mental and physical health. Purposely paying attention to things we ordinarily never give a moment’s thought to represents a moment- to-moment awareness that keeps us in the “here and now”. As we say goodbye to a stressful and chaotic 2020 and welcome a new, more hopeful 2021, we can focus on incorpo- rating healthy life-affirming habits into our personal lives in order to realize a more positive outlook for what lies ahead. The Center for Intrapersonal Wellness and Health LLC in Warren opened in 2013 as a therapeutic group practice and is dedicated to a Mind-Body-Spirit (MBS) philosophy of mental and physical health. Through the trinity of MBS, the Center utilizes a holistic approach to their clients’ well-being. During these challenging times when we often feel trapped, stressed, and over- whelmed by a lack of control over our lives and livelihood, it is more imperative than ever for us to modify patterns of behavior that impact our mood, burden our bodies, and demoralize our spirit. Here are the 3 principles of MBS we rec- ommend incorporating into your wellness plan not only during our current COVID crisis but throughout 2021 and beyond. The commitment to your own well-being will thank you! MIND - Focus is on “Motivation” 1. Practice Mindfulness techniques. Purposely paying attention to things we or- dinarily never give a moment’s thought to represents a moment-to-mo- ment awareness that keeps us in the “here and now”. Since anxiety and depression often have a habit of distract- ing us, a regular disciplined practice of mindfulness will guide you away from anxi- ety (your negative thoughts that generate worry of fu- ture events) and away from depression (your negative thoughts that generate frus- tration at not being able to change the past). When we realize that all we have is the present moment, we will be able to live those moments fully because we will be fully present. 2. Limit your media and news con- sumption. Accept the current situation without overloading yourself. 3. Don’t isolate. Stay connected to loved ones via technology. 4. Keep a regular daily routine. Be purposeful and productive with your daily tasks. 5. If you need help, schedule some re- mote sessions with a therapist. BODY - Focus is on ‘Movement” 1. Move your body during the day. If you are working remotely, take a 5-min- ute break every hour and walk around the house a few times, get a drink, stretch. 2. Give yourself tasks outside of work to keep busy – clean, rearrange, reorganize. 3. Get outside regularly for some exer- cise even if it is only a 30-minute walk. 4. Take a family hike or bike ride on the weekends. 5. Eat healthily! SPIRIT - Focus is on “Meaning” 1. Find ways to laugh. Watch funny movies and You- Tube videos, etc. 2. Put uplifting book choic- es on your reading list. 3. Practice your faith 4. Practice calming tech- niques ie: deep breathing, meditation, journaling, art, pet care, etc. 5. Listen to music that resonates with you and gives you joy. You can connect with us in person or via telehealth at our new lo- cation: 2 North Rd, Suite 3, in Warren NJ. Check out our website for more information at https://intrapersonalwellnessllc.com/. By Irene C. Lebbad, LCSW & Sonia Rodrigues-Marto, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS CENTER FOR INTRAPERSONAL WELLNESS, LLC 2 North Rd, Suite 3 Warren NJ 07059 908.834.8555 “MAINTAINING WELLNESS AND HEALTH DURING COVID”