This week's Loving Note: "Love yourself like you're not waiting for someone else to do it."

Leaky gut - picture microscopic food bits sneaking through the intestinal lining and putting your body on high alert.  An immune response is created which causes inflammation that leads to complete dis-ease throughout your entire body, including the endocrine system responsible for your mood.

What causes the leaking and how do you know if you have it? Can you prevent it from happening? Can it be reversed? Will eating properly really help reduce the symptoms of depression?  Jen the health coach is back to talk about leaky gut and how you can take action to reduce its symptoms in your body.

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Loving Note: When you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine.

Humanity has always been connected to nature. We have used it for food and shelter, medicine and religion, to time our daily tasks as well as our seasonal ones.   This week Richelle talks about how we are genetically programmed to benefit from being in nature - both physically and mentally.  And, if going out in the cold seems awful, learn how taking care of houseplants can help you just as much as going outside.  Houseplants are easy to take care of, don't cost a lot, and take up very little space. It is something that everyone should try. She even makes a few suggestions of plants to try!

00:00:01 - Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder
00:00:55 - The Importance of Nature
00:02:08 - Biophilia Hypothesis
00:02:41 - Disconnection from Nature and Its Consequences
00:03:58 - Stress and Its Impact on Health and Environment
00:05:03 - Individual Actions and Their Collective Impact
00:06:06 - Nature's Healing Effects on Stress
00:07:09 - Benefits of Soil Microbes and Grounding
00:08:04 - Indoor Plants as a Nature Substitute
00:09:41 - Meditative Aspects of Plant Care
00:10:22 - Choosing the Right Houseplants
00:11:47 - Benefits of Snake Plants and Peace Lilies
00:13:15 - Self-Care and Plant Care
00:15:22 - Looking Forward to Spring
00:16:06 - Plant Care Tips and Q&A Offer
00:16:49 - Conclusion and Personal Reflections
00:17:10 - Loving Note and Sign-off
00:17:51 - Support and Follow-Up Information

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LOVING NOTE: Choose FAITH over fear.

Richelle has been struggling to stay on the positive side of the fence lately. This week she talks through why she is feeling that way and learns a bit about herself in the process.  

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 LOVING NOTE: Every dream fulfilled begins with a simple wish.

Jenn: the Health Coach introduces us to the gut biome and its link to mental wellness. 

*****SIX THINGS TO NIX*****
Along with removing yourself from TOXIC situations and distancing yourself from TOXIC people, keep an eye out for these joy-stealing ingredients in your daily meals, beverages, and products.  

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup - Fructose, Fructose Syrup, Corn Syrup...many more names are listed here: New Names for High Fructose Corn Syrup
2. Artificial Color and  Flavor - Any color/number combination, Tartrazine in Canada: What are Artificial Colours?
3. Fried Foods, Processed Foods - Omega 6 oils:  peanut, Safflower, Sunflower, Grapeseed, Corn, Cottonseed, Soybean, Sesame
4.  Processed Meats - Deli meats, salami, fast foods, etc.: Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Foods
5. Aspartame - All artificial sweeteners: Artificial Sweeteners
6. MSG - Monosodium Glutamate and many more names listed here: The Truth in Labeling

*****SEXY SIX FOR SUCCESS*****
You are WORTHY!  Every small step towards better health adds up.  Incorporating these 6 in your life will make you smile: 

1. Leafy Green Vegetables - Spinach, Kale, Collards, Beet Greens, Dandelion, Broccoli: Foods For Better Brain Power 
2. Omega 3’s  - Spirulina, Walnuts, Seeds, Fish, Chia, Flax, Hemp, Natto, Egg: Omega3 Foods
3. Cacao  - Unsweetened, Raw: The Benefits of Cacao
4. Vitamin D - Sunshine (UV Rays), Cod Liver Oil, Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout, White Mushrooms: Vitamin D
5. Pre & Pro-Biotics -  Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Fermented foods, Onions, Garlic, Greens:  Infographic
6. MOVEMENT - Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes every day

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Cards and chocolates & flowers!   Oh my!

Find out the scientific evidence that shows why we should all get these gifts, not just on Valentine's Day, but on any day, for any reason!

THIS WEEK'S LOVING NOTE: Life is a gift. Go ahead and unwrap it.

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When we are exposed to UVB rays,  the good cholesterol in our skin makes vitamin D, but a  vitamin, by definition, comes from our diets.  Wait...what? And aren't UVB rays bad for us?
We take it to help with calcium absorption, but our bodies use it up in our cardiovascular and endocrine systems before the bones ever benefit from it.  Confused yet? Join Richelle to get a bit of clarity as to why Vitamin D is often used as a treatment to reduce the symptoms of SAD.

This week's loving note:  Make your heart the most beautiful thing about you.

***** DIETARY VITAMIN D SOURCES **** 

Daily Requirement  = 800IU - 1000 IU

COD LIVER OIL:  1 tbsp/10 ml cod liver oils = 210% DV

FISH: 1 serving = 3.5 oz/100g

•  salmon (wild) =  124% DV
•  salmon (farmed) =  32% DV
• atlantic herring (fresh) =  27% DV
• allantic  herring (pickled) = 14% DV (CAUTION: high in sodium)
•  mackerel or halibut = 48% DV
• tuna (canned in water) = 34% DV (-CAUTION methyl mercury - < 2 servings per week
•  3.8 oz can of sardines = 17% DV

EGGS:  1 whole egg (D is only found in yolk)

•  commerically produced = 5% DV
•  free range chicken = 15-20% DV
• chicken raised on D-enriched feed = 700% DV

MUSHROOMS: 1 serving = 3.5 oz/100g

•  wild mushrooms = 300% DV
•  Super-D/fortified mushroom = 25% DV
•  NOTE: commercially produced do not have any vitamin D

FORTIFIED BEVERAGES: 1 serving =1 cup/237 m
(see product labels for exact amounts)

•  cow's milk = 20% DV
•  soy milk = 15% DV
•  orange juice = 12% DV

FORTIFIED GRAINS: 1 serving = 1/2 cup/78g
 (see product labels for exact amounts) 

• breakfast cereal =15-17%
• instant oatmeal = 17% DV

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About 20% of the population are self-proclaimed procrastinators.
 Procrastination and depression go hand-in-hand. Find out why and learn ways to weaken the link between them.

LOVING NOTE: The things that we love tell us who we are.


*********** 10 STEPS TO OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION **********

1) Create a list and prioritize it

2) Schedule tasks allowing extra time for mishaps

3) Push through and get started
           - Use the Nike mindset:  "Just do it"
           - Use the 5-second rule

4) Be aware of the Zierganick effect: once started, your brain remains focused on a task until it is completed, even if you stop
 
5) Do the hard stuff first: Eat the live frog

6) Create the right environment and remove distractions

7) Be aware of when you start to stray and get back on track

8) Reduce anxiety:
               - Practice controlled breathing
               - Use the 5-sense grounding technique
               - Change your expectation: Perfect does not exist
                - Remember previous successes
                - Try a smaller task
                - Ask for help

9)  Plan a reward for when you are done

10)  Cross it off your list

********** CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT **********

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In this very special episode, Richelle talks about the Bell Let's Talk initiative to help Canadians talk about mental health issues

She provides practical information for starting conversations about mental health, promoting recovery from mental illness, and encouraging healthy relationships with others. Due to personal experience, she understands the stigma attached to mental illness and explains how we can use respect and dignity to break down the barriers that prevent open conversations about mental health.

LOVING NOTE: You are never too old to dream new dreams

*************RESOURCES********************
If you are in crisis,
- text WELLNESS to 741741
- go to your local hospital
- call 911 immediately
- locate a Crisis Centre in your region
***********************************************
Thinking of suicide?
- call toll free1-833-456-4566 toll free (In QC: 1-866-277-3553)
- visit  www.crisisservicescanada.ca.
***********************************************
For children and youth
Kids Help Phone  Call toll free:1-888-668-6868 or Text: 686868
Black Youth Helpline Call toll free 1-833-294-8650 (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Jack.org  Empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health initiatives
************************************************
Culturally specific resources
Hope For Wellness Immediate mental health counseling for indigenous peoples
- call 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
- for online live counseling, click here
Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre  Provides culturally specific and multilingual mental health care

For adults and families
Strongest Families Institute  Providing timely access to quality services
Canadian Mental Health Association Find national and provincial programs
Mood Disorders Society of Canada Provides a strong, cohesive voice at the national level
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Provides clinical care services
Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health Provides services for people ages 65-100+
Mental Health Commission of Canada Creating a better health system for Canadians

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There's no getting around it, Winter is here and we are all starting to feel the blah's.
The trick to getting through them is to take time to care for yourself and your well being. Allowing yourself to feel good, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually can promote a sense of self worth and extending that feeling to others can give your life meaning while benefiting those you reach out to. 

Richelle discusses ways to add self care to your life and how to promote well being in yourself and others. Everyone can benefit from this episode, whether you suffer from S.A.D. or not. Self-Care is essential for everyone

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In this episode, Richelle reveals all - from being tormented by bullies as a child, to her current attitude, this personal account is heartfelt and honest.

Find out how she discovers her love for horticulture and landscape design, learn how she overcame social anxiety and celebrate with her as she reveals the person she has become today.

"We have to stop obsessing about the expectations we have for the future, and start celebrating the achievements we have already made" ~ Richelle Gregg

Follow on Instagram: @richellegregg

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It doesn't matter is you have depression or not, we all know that sleep is important; but did you know that SAD-sufferers are wired differently and may be genetically programmed to, for lack of a better word, hibernate??

Find out how day length influences brain neurotransmitters, hormone production and mood, why blue light is bad for us and how daylight savings time causes psychological distress.

"Tired minds don't plan well. Sleep first. Plan later." ~ Walter Reisch

For more information on how to use Light therapy
listen to Episode 5: Why Everyone Should Use Light Therapy

Follow me on Instagram @RichelleGregg
to learn about my other endeavors 
- Your Gardening Angel
- NIfty Plant Knowledge
- Dirt Diva Designs

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When you suffer from depression, having a morning routine is essential to starting the day right.  After reading Mel Robbins' books "The 5 Second Rule" and "The High 5 Habit", Richelle has created a routine that motivates her and encourages her to  start the day in a positive manner.  Find out what she does and how easy it is to develop your own routine.
She also talks about the proper use of light therapy to reduce sad symptoms and how it can benefit any one, not just people who suffer from SAD. Have a listen and discover how you can use this simple an affordable tool to boost your mood, energy and productivity.

For more information on Mel Robbins and her books visit her website:
Mel Robbins
(NOTE: I am not affiliated with this website. Recommendation is personal only)

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Richelle talks to Betty-Ann Buott MEd. CCC RCT,  counselor and life coach, about ways to cope with the stress we all feel around this time of year. Parties, family, shopping, baking and decorating can pull us in many directions at once and leave us feeling depleted.  Betty-Ann discusses methods to restore our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves so that we can enjoy the holidays.

Link to Betty-Ann's Wellness Center
A Tranquil Place Holistic Health & Wellness Centre - Health Spa in Wolfville (business .site)

Link to the documentary mentioned
The Grounded Movie — Grounded.com

Betty-Ann is also the co-author of a children's book about dealing with brain injuries:

My Jelly Brain: How I Learned To Protect My Brain After A Car Accident
This is the story of Mark and his Brain. At the age of 10, Mark sustained a brain injury which left him with some significant physical impairments. In this story we see how Mark and his Brain recover and over come these injuries. We learn how to keep our brains safe, and we learn the importance of including and accepting others.

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Richelle, a S.A.D. sufferer, talks about what seasonal affective disorder really is. Learn who is prone to it, why it occurs and what the symptoms are. Find out if the "Winter Blues" is the same as S.A.D. and the roles that serotonin and melatonin play in the disorder. Knowing the facts can help you manage your depression and help others understand what you are going through.

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We are all guilty of living in the past. We project past experiences on the future creating a doomsday approach to events that haven't even happened yet. Richelle offers a new perspective for those suffering from depression -  living in the "now".  Don't dwell on the past or predict the future, just let thing unfold as they are and learn to love the moment you are in.

Got questions or comments? Have an idea for a future episode?

Contact Richelle through Instagram or Facebook using the links at the top of the page,

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Meet Richelle Gregg. She has good days and bad days but still wants to make a difference in the lives of others.  Find out why she started this podcast and what she hopes to accomplish as she learns about her illness and how to manage it.  There is a method to her madness!

Got questions about SAD or depression?  Have a topic you would like to learn about?
Feel free to message her through one of the following:
 
Instagram @richellegregg
Facebook RichelleGregg
Website: RichelleGregg.com 

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