Lifestyle Management Blog

Lifestyle Management Blog
Making space for a healthy lifestyle

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Happy Thanksgivukkah

Retailers coined the term "Thanksgivukkah" as a new holiday combining Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, and this year, we have shopping on this day, not just the following day.  This Thursday is indeed a rare occurrence: the last time Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fell on the same day was nearly 100 years ago, next time is thousands of years from now. 
What matters is that this Thursday is a day of celebration, a day to give thanks. 
In the 10 years of my practice, I think Thanksgiving is the most difficult holiday for folks with eating disorders.  Whether you eat too much, or not enough, the massive quantities of food can be overwhelming.
I am not going to write to you about helpful hints for making it through the day, you can find them on your own.  What I ask of each of you is that you set an intention to be present for the day, delay shopping until Friday,  and give thanks, even when you think you cannot find a single thing to be thankful for.  Thanks for this day, thanks for this life, thanks for your family (even if you don't like them today), friends, school or job, the birds, the sun (even when it is hidden); and the list goes on.  Because really, don't we all feel better when we show thanks?  Be kind to yourself and others this holiday season.
I would appreciate your comments.
A big thank you to all of you for your reading my comments. 
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Thanksgiving!
Ann

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

"WILD"

While this is not Oprah's book club, I am going to recommend a wonderful read:  WILD by Cheryl Strayed.  It was a NY Times bestseller this year and well worth reading.  I heard Cheryl speak about her book tonight at Playhouse Square, and she is all I expected.
WILD is about Cheryl's 1100 mile, 2 month journey across the Pacific Crest Trail.  Her memoir is about  her journey to heal from the death of her mother when Cheryl was 24.  On the PCT, she learns that healing involves "solitude, physical pain and suffering."  She write about these with pure honesty and wit, and you cannot help but relate to her struggles. 
Oprah recommends it too!
I hope you read it and I'd appreciate your comments about it.
Thanks
Ann Hull
The Hull Institute

Monday, November 11, 2013

Welcome Winter


Winter is upon us!  Welcome snowmen, icicles, snow covered trees, and slippery roads.  Winter can be tough for those folks with low body weight.  It can get darn cold out there.  And here in Cleveland, it can get rather dreary.   Here are a few suggestions to help you stay warm this season:

Thermal reflective lining jacket

A new pair of fun mittens

Electric blanket

Personal heater

Warm baths

A mug of hot cocoa or decaf tea

A bowl of hot soup

Cuddle with a person or furry friend

Stop commenting on the weather (What’s the point?)

Notice the beauty of the season

If you find yourself suffering from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, consider a light box.  There is now even a light box that is mounted to the underside of a baseball cap.  You will need at least 30 minutes/day, preferable in the morning.  Then go change all your yellow light bulbs to white.  It helps, really!

Try one or all of these suggestions.  They won’t change the temperature outside or make the sun come out, and they will make your day a little brighter and warmer.  Much of your present condition is dictated by our state of mind.  And you can change your state of mind.

Stay present and enjoy!

Ann

Sunday, November 3, 2013

time change

Don't forget to change your clocks.  Change is good:  let the light shine in!
Ann