Tag: overall well-being

Reconnect with What Matters: Solidify Your Relationships

Published on by Nikken

Contemporary lives revolve around electronics. In other words, we live in a digital era that is global in its reach. As convenient as instant responses to questions via A.I. may be, it also may have a detrimental effect on real life relationships. In other words, are our human relationships on solid ground, or have they gone to the wayside as we communicate primarily with BOTs that are not part of ” real life”? 

Take a look at the new generation who has grown up with social media platforms, A.I. tools, sophisticated cellphones, tablets and laptops. What effect do these devices have on original thought and creativity? Are these children, teens and adults creating, developing and maintaining solid relationships with family members, schoolmates and other friends? Or, are they increasingly loners, isolated from human contact due to being occupied with undemanding online connections?

In an era dominated by digital interactions, social circles may feel simultaneously closer and more distant. We may be looking at faces on screen, but that is not the same as interacting with those same faces in real life. In fact, researchers have shown that physical health and relationship satisfaction are deeply interconnected aspects of our lives. A growing body of research highlights how these two domains influence each other in profound ways, impacting overall well-being and quality of life.1

The solution may seem obvious, but living by it may be more challenging. We need to make a commitment to stay in touch with those most important to us. We need to be truly present and do so with intention. Only then can we successfully sustain our meaningful human connections, but it is definitely worth the effort, especially when strong, supportive relationships may contribute to physical health.2 For example, people in stable, happy relationships have been associated with lower risk of certain health concerns, including hypertension, heart disease, and depression. This may be due to the fact that emotional support from strong relationships can buffer against stress and promote behaviors such as regular exercise and dietary regimens that are beneficial to physical health.3

The relationships each individual fosters will be personal and unique, but in contemporary societies, it’s up to the grown-ups to model relational behaviors. It’s not uncommon to see an entire family on their respective cellphones and tablets rather than interacting with each other—not just the youngsters, but their parents as well. In contrast, the empowered living lifestyle embraces interaction with nature—fresh air, grass, earth, lakes, beach—and human contact.

Technology is amazing and inspiring, but we need to remember our roots. Ultimately, the synergy between physical health and relationship satisfaction may support overall well-being, fostering a happier, healthier life.4 Let’s embrace our humanity and spread it to every corner of the world. 

1,2,3,4 https://malpaper.com/blogs/news/the-connection-between-physical-health-and-relationship-satisfaction?srsltid=AU7gw4VFuadpm131DzPIdTgCFzrO2k2k_uO3Ias77UbDiUUUzzJ5fsRl

The Master Reset: Support Your Body’s Natural Ability to Heal

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Your body naturally maintains and repairs itself through normal biological processes like cellular renewal, inflammation responses, and immune function. You can support these natural processes by prioritizing quality sleep, proper hydration, nutrient-dense foods, and regular movement, while limiting habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. 

Resetting and restoring your sense of balance and well-being may involve shifting your nervous system into a state that supports rest, digestion, and recovery. Many people use grounding practices, bioenergy-based practices, and whole-body somatic resets as part of their overall wellness routine. A somatic reset is a body-based practice intended to help regulate the nervous system, release chronic physical tension, and encourage the body to shift out of a heightened stress response. Somatic practices focus on the autonomic nervous system and may help address physical, mental, and emotional strain through specific techniques.1

One technique is through controlled breathing, where you inhale and exhale slowly. Slow, extended breaths can naturally slow the heart rate and helps the body feel calmer. Moving with purpose is another way to reset and recharge. This is called intentional movement, and may include gentle rocking, slow stretching and other movements that help you release tension and reconnect with your body. Self-massage can work well with intentional movement by helping to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Grounding is another simple practice that many people find calming and restorative. According to practitioners of reflexology, different parts of the feet correspond to different parts of the body, so walking barefoot on natural surfaces such as sand, grass, or dirt may promote a greater sense of connection and relaxation. Even if you aren’t going barefoot, spending time in nature may help support relaxation and a sense of well-being by encouraging the body to shift from a stressed state to a calmer one.2 Some people also find that grounding practices help them become more aware of physical tension, so they feel more connected to their bodies..3

“Bio-Energetic Adjustments” refer to holistic wellness practices that are intended to promote balance and relaxation. These practices often draw on concepts of the body’s natural flow, similar to those referenced in reflexology. Bio-energetic modalities include Reiki, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and sound immersion work, which many people use as part of their wellness routines.4 Acupuncture and far-infrared therapy are other approaches that some individuals incorporate into their overall self-care practices.

To support overall wellness, healthy immune function, and your body’s natural recovery process, focus on consistent, long-term, lifestyle habits.5 It doesn’t have to be complicated. In a nutshell:

• Aim for restful sleep, because sleep is an important time for the body’s natural restoration and recovery processes.

• Drink plenty of water, because staying hydrated helps transport nutrients throughout the body and supports normal bodily functions.

• Eat nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts and salmon, because they provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as part of a balanced diet.

• Keep moving, because low-impact activities such as walking, yoga or swimming support overall fitness, healthy circulation and general well-being.

• Manage stress levels with mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing and taking regular breaks throughout the day, because chronic stress can affect overall health and well-being.

By supporting your body’s natural processes through healthy daily habits, you can help promote resilience, balance and overall well-being. 

1 https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/burnout-recovery#priorities

2, 3, 4 https://wellcomeomcenter.com/the-energy-field-understanding-the-mind-body-spirit-connection-for-healing-and-wellness/

5 https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/how-to-reduce-inflammation-and-boost-immunity

Smart Hydration: Why Does Your Brain Need Water?

Published on by Nikken

Your brain is like the conductor of an orchestra. The conductor instructs which instruments to play just as the brain directs you in all your daily functions. That’s why keeping the brain healthy is an important part of overall well-being. When you think about hydration, you probably don’t single out the brain to focus on, but as one of the most active organs in your body, keeping it hydrated is essential to function optimally—even mild dehydration may be associated with changes in mental performance, focus, and how you feel throughout the day.

The human brain is composed of about 75% water, and it relies on consistent hydration to support normal physiological processes. Dehydration can impair your brain’s ability to function optimally, leading to possible issues such as decreased concentration and focus, slower cognitive performance, increased feelings of irritability, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and even short-term memory deficiencies. How often have you felt any of these annoyances and attributed it to thirst? Being aware helps you win half the battle!

Prolonged dehydration can sometimes have even more severe consequences, including decreased blood flow to the brain and an increased risk of stroke.The general recommendation is to drink about eight glasses of water a day, but individual needs vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and environment. A good rule of thumb is to drink enough water so that your urine is pale yellow.1

Here are some tips for smart hydration2:

  1. Start Your Day with Water: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to replenish fluids lost overnight.
  2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Keeping water within reach encourages you to sip throughout the day.
  3. Infuse Your Water: Add a splash of flavor with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to make water more enjoyable. Adding Kenzen Jade GreenZymes® or Super Ciaga™ can also motivate you to drink more water.
  4. Eat Hydrating Foods: Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges are packed with water.
  5. Avoid Sugar: Sugary sports drinks or high-sugar sodas can lead to blood sugar spikes that can impair cognitive function.
  6. Set Reminders: Use an app or set alarms to remind yourself to hydrate regularly.

Staying hydrated helps keep your mind sharp and is an effective way to support your brain health and overall well-being.

1, 2 https://communityneuroservices.com/hydration-and-brain-health-why-drinking-water-matters-for-your-mind/

Being Part of a Community Supports Well-Being and Business Growth

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The Oxford Dictionary defines “community” as “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.” The secondary definition is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.” If John Donne was correct and “no man is an island,” then it makes sense that being part of a community supports overall well-being and the group’s business growth.

From the time you’re born, your relationships help you learn to navigate the world. You learn how to interact with others, express yourself, conduct everyday health habits, and be a part of different communities from those around you. Positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically.1

Being an active member of a community creates a sense of belonging, which results in a positive state of mind, important to overall well-being. As the population ages, being part of a community helps deter feelings of isolation and loneliness. Being connected to others also helps prevent a nagging sense of anxiety and stress.

Communities are about giving and taking; the more you do that, the more you share with others and the more likely you are to build meaningful relationships, which can develop quickly among like-minded people who share common interests, shared goals, or experiences. By networking with other community members, you can make new friends, help others, or even find strategic partnerships, opportunities, and clients.2 Being part of a community is essential to well-being but also the key to business growth, regardless of whether you are a business owner or an employee in a school, store, corporation or service provider.

Living with uncertainty has become the norm. This has made it more important than ever to have a strong support network in place.3 One of the main lessons learned with the pandemic is that having a community, even when it is online rather than in person, can help fight feelings of hopelessness and provide a sense of security. Community benefits go two ways: you support others as they support you. Giving engenders a sense of usefulness and receiving produces gratitude.

From now until November 30th, Nikken is offering Black Friday Month specials. Contact your local Nikken Consultant or Nikken Customer Service to find out how to access free ground shipping and up to 20% in discounts.

1 https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits/social-wellness-toolkit

2, 3 https://gcestrategicconsulting.com/blog/reasons-to-join-community

Why is PiMag® Water Better for Hydration?

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Water is a basic nutrient of the human body and critical to human life, yet between 65-75% of us are typically dehydrated, because it’s often overlooked and also because the thirst mechanism can be suppressed or misinterpreted.

Dehydration occurs when our body loses more water than is taken in. It can also affect our body’s mineral salt or electrolyte balance. We lose approximately 68 to 101 fluid ounces (two to three liters) of water a day through every day basic functions such as breathing, perspiring and eliminating waste. 

The human body is composed of about 66 percent water. Our bones are composed of 22 percent water, muscles are 76 percent and blood is 83 percent. Lungs are 90 percent, and our brains are actually 95 percent water. Is it any wonder that water and hydration play such a critical role in a total wellness lifestyle?

Smart Hydration is the practice of enhancing the quality of water to improve mineral absorption, while maintaining optimal pH levels and overall well-being. Our bodies function best when properly hydrated. Inspired by the need to hydrate wherever we are and the desire to help decrease single-use plastic waste, PiMag® water is like naturally alkaline spring water.

PiMag water is based on a discovery in the 1970s by Japanese scientists. Water from an isolated hillside was having a remarkable effect on the growth of local plant life. They studied the environment and found magnetite and calcium in the hillside. Also, the water flowed over silicates, which naturally formed crystals. Replicating the Earth’s magnetic field in natural surroundings where spring water is found, PiMag® water not only purifies but also contains neodymium magnets, the strongest in the family of rare earth magnets.

PiMag water products are designed to convert tap water into spring-like naturally-sourced water that is ionized and alkaline. PiMag watertechnology uses a multi-stage filtration system based on natural materials to purify water by helping to reduce bacteria and contaminants without chemicals.

Spring water is rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and other trace minerals. In the PiMag Waterfall®, the addition of mineral stones imbued with copper ions, replicates what is found in natural spring water. Magnetic technology and ceramic elements help improve hydration and absorption. And, PiMag technology is incorporated into our shower systems to help remove chlorine and other contaminants.

Drinking PiMag® water not only helps us to maintain good hydration and therefore, overall well-being, it also helps planet Earth—when we drink filtered water from a PiMag Waterfall®, we decrease and hopefully can eliminate our reliance on single-use plastic-bottled water.

Now through the end of the month, get select PiMag® replacement filters at 20% off! Drink to your health and the health of our planet!

Source: https://www.sagora.com/making-mental-health-a-priority-hydration/

How Important is Movement for Physical Well-Being?

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Most of us acknowledge that staying mobile is a necessary part of an active and empowered lifestyle. But can movement also improve overall physical well-being? In reality, movement can help us feel good every day. And best of all, it doesn’t take a gym membership or strenuous exercise—small daily movements, as long as they’re done consistently, may increase mobility and contribute to overall health.

Here’s how movement can positively impact six crucial parts of the body:

•          Muscles: More than 600 muscles in the body make up 40% of the human body’s weight. Movement helps strengthen those muscles, which help the body to maintain stability, balance and coordination.1

•          Bones: Movement helps build more durable, denser bones. Whether you choose resistance training, jogging, walking, hiking or balance training, such as Pilates and yoga, movement supports bone density.2 Movement and exercise may offer protection against osteoporosis and age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, also known as sarcopenia. Improved physical function can reduce the risk of falls and likelihood of serious injury if there is a fall.3

•          Joints: Flexibility and range-of-motion are important to keep the joints functioning smoothly. Stretching and being mindful of posture and how daily tasks are performed can help increase coordination and balance.

•          Brain: Researchers have made the connection between brain power and movement. As some people age and lose mobility, their cognitive functions deteriorate as well. Daily movement helps rejuvenate the structures within the brain that are linked to cognition. In rehab facilities, even those who are wheelchair bound are provided ways to “cycle” their arms, because movement is not limited to the legs!

•          Heart: Keep the heart pumping at optimal levels by moving every day. It used to be called aerobics and now it’s cardio. Increasing your heartrate through any form of cardiovascular activity done daily can help lower blood pressure, boost levels of good cholesterol and improve blood flow (circulation).4

•          Lungs: To breathe is to live, so keeping the lungs healthy is critical to physical well-being. Movement helps the lungs to improve cardiorespiratory endurance. Walking at a brisk pace is an easy way to help the lungs. And, mindfully inhaling and exhaling deeply is a small but healthy movement in and of itself!

Movement can help you feel better, look better and live better—it’s a natural way to lift your mood and spirits, to sleep better and to connect with nature and the people around you!

1, 2 https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/fitness/blog/blogs-just-move–the-six-benefits-of-everyday-movement

3 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/health-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity

4 https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing

Can Magnets Support Mental Health?

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Overall well-being includes mental health, not just physical health. When it comes to physical health, much of the science is black and white; whereas with mental health, there are more gray areas. While medication and psychotherapy are often seen as the end-all-be-all treatments for depression and other mental health conditions, magnets can serve as alternative ways to regulate neural activity: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an advanced method of relieving erratic brain activity that can cause poor mental health.1

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), TMS usually is used only when other depression treatments haven’t been effective. The FDA also approved TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines and to help people stop smoking when standard treatments haven’t worked well. Research continues into other potential uses for TMS, including epilepsy.2

When used for depression, OCD and to stop smoking, this treatment involves delivering repeated magnetic pulses, so it’s called repetitive TMS or rTMS. During an rTMS session for depression, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp of the head. This coil delivers magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control and depression. It’s thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity during depression.3

The difference between rTMS and deep TMS has to do with the type of coil used. The deep TMS coil stimulates deeper and wider areas of the brain, compared with rTMS. Deep TMS coils have been FDA-approved for OCD and to stop smoking. Although the biology of why TMS works isn’t completely understood, the stimulation appears to affect how the brain is working. It seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.4

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the recipient of TMS is fully aware of what’s happening during the entire treatment and can talk, read or nap. The coil delivers stimulation for approximately four seconds, then stops for 15 seconds and then resumes. This is repeated about 75 times per session. During the stimulation, the patient may hear a tapping sound as well as feel the sensation of being tapped on the scalp. Phase one can be time-consuming, with 30 treatments being recommended over a six-week period of time. During the second or maintenance phase, the frequency decreases according to each case, varying from once every other week to once a month or every two months.5

Magnets and magnetic fields are part of nature, and nature continues to be a primary source of solutions for overall well-being. The more we learn, the more we can practice empowered living.

1 https://www.brainsway.com/knowledge-center/the-truth-about-magnet-therapy-aka-tms-therapy/

2, 3, 4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625 5 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cant-conquer-depression-how-magnets-can-help

Stress Awareness: Sometimes a Hug Does the Trick

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We all experience stress at some point every day; however, if we’re aware of it, we can actually do something about it. Some of the signs that stress levels are too high include: pain or tension in the head, chest, stomach or muscles, digestive issues, fluctuating heart rate and blood pressure, poor sleep, jaw pain, appetite changes, mood swings, difficulty focusing and feeling overwhelmed.1

Exercise, healthier eating, and getting enough sleep all have health benefits. One benefit is fewer symptoms of stress. Doing things you enjoy can help balance out stressful times. Mental Health America says that laughter, as well as positive feelings from your activities or relationships, helps beat stress.2

Talking to someone you trust helps lower stress levels. Keeping it bottled up can lead to increasing stress. Simple actions like petting a dog or going for a walk outdoors can help decrease stress. This is because cortisol levels are heightened during times of stress, and lowering them has a calming effect. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone.

A hug is a sign of affection and a way to transmit positive feelings. One study, published in the journal PLOS One, demonstrated that there are actual health benefits to hugging, including reduced blood pressure, decreased inflammation, lower risk of infection and better overall well-being.3

Just as cortisol levels increase when we are under stress, oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, is released when we receive or give a hug. Cortisol decreases during a hug. But how long does a hug have to be to have beneficial effects?

A 2021 study investigated how people reacted to both the duration of hugs and how the hugs transpired (either criss-crossed with arms or neck-waist style). The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Psychologica, showing that hugs lasting five to 10 seconds were felt to be more favorable than hugs lasting only a second.4 The researchers inferred that longer hugs are more pleasant than very short ones, and criss-cross hugs are more common than neck-waist embraces.

Those who have been with Nikken for a long time may have been fortunate enough to have met our Founder Isamu Masuda. Mr. Masuda was known for his humility and affection for everyone, and often hugged people upon meeting and departing. His hugs were of the criss-cross version, and known as “heart-to-heart.” Over the years, this became known as the “Masuda Hug.” The Masuda Hug continues on everywhere there is a Nikken event or celebration. It has become a cherished part of the Nikken feel-good lifestyle.

The next time you’re aware that stress is getting to you, try to be kind to yourself. See if you can find someone to hug! You might be able to reap the benefits within 10 seconds!

1 https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-level-too-high

2 https://drexelmedicine.org/blog/overview/stress-relief-tips-for-stress-awareness-month-and-beyond/

3, 4 https://apple.news/A08s2oe2ZSVSbwbzJveGY0A

Meaningful Activities Help Overall Well-Being

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Buttoning a shirt. Tying shoelaces or a necktie. Scratching that hard-to-reach spot on the back. These are some of the things we may take for granted but are actually “meaningful activities” because they are everyday aspects of Active Wellness and impact the quality of our lives. Sometimes a life event might transform these everyday activities into goals.  Beginning in 2010, that’s what World Occupational Therapy Day celebrates every year on October 27: helping people across their lifespans to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities.1

We might not think about these daily activities until they’re hard to do. Finding ways for us to do them is what occupational therapists are concerned with.2 An occupational therapist will talk with us about our needs and goals. They’ll do tests to find out our strengths and challenges, then come up with a plan to reach our goals. This will include exercises and activities to strengthen our skills. While the word “occupation” usually means a job or profession, it can also refer to daily activities that let us live independently and bring meaning to our lives.

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) is the international voice of the profession and globally comprises 101 national organizations. World Occupational Therapy Day is the opportunity to promote their holistic approach to maintaining mobility throughout life. Occupational therapists focus on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, who is considered an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.3

This year’s theme for World Occupational Therapy Day is “Belong. Be You.”4 OTs (as occupational therapists are known for short) do just that: help us belong in our Global Wellness Community by being ourselves, as purposeful participants in Active Wellness.

1 https://www.aota.org/conference-events/otmonth/what-is-ot.aspx

2, 3 https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-occupational-therapist 4 https://wfot.org/world-occupational-therapy-day