Breathwork

Energy

 

The Power of Daily Gratitude: Why Saying "Thank You" Changes Everything-Karma Gaia

 

Practicing gratitude isn't just a feel-good activity – it's a powerful tool that can transform your daily life in remarkable ways. Research has shown that people who regularly express gratitude experience significant improvements in both mental and physical well-being.

First, gratitude acts as a natural mood enhancer. When you consciously focus on the good things in your life, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that help create feelings of happiness and contentment. This positive mindset doesn't just make you feel better – it actually helps build resilience against stress and anxiety.

The benefits extend beyond mental health. Studies have found that grateful people tend to sleep better, have stronger immune systems, and maintain lower blood pressure. They're also more likely to exercise regularly and take care of their health, creating a positive feedback loop of well-being.

In relationships, gratitude works like emotional glue. When you regularly express appreciation to others, it strengthens bonds and deepens connections. Partners who practice gratitude report higher relationship satisfaction, and workplace teams with a culture of appreciation show better collaboration and productivity.

The cognitive benefits are equally impressive. Regular gratitude practice has been linked to improved focus, better decision-making abilities, and increased creativity. By training your brain to notice the positive, you become more attuned to opportunities and solutions rather than problems and obstacles.

Perhaps most surprisingly, gratitude can improve your financial well-being. Grateful people tend to make better financial decisions, feel more satisfied with what they have, and experience less anxiety about money. They're also more likely to give to others, creating a cycle of generosity that enriches both the giver and receiver.

Starting a gratitude practice doesn't require complex routines or expensive tools. Simply taking a few minutes each day to acknowledge three things you're thankful for can begin to shift your perspective. Whether you write them down, share them with a friend, or simply reflect quietly, the key is consistency.

The beauty of gratitude lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It costs nothing, requires no special skills, and can be practiced anywhere, at any time. Yet its impact on your life can be profound and far-reaching, making it one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation available to us all.

Addictions Resources

  Mission Services

               https://mission-services.com/programs-and-services/addiction-services/

 

 

               Rehab Care Ontario

https://hnhb.rehabcareontario.ca/Services/Display/186953/Mental_Health_and_Addiction_Services

 

ALCOHOL, DRUGS & GAMBLING

Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Services

 

               City of Hamilton – Alcohol, Drug & Gambling Services

               https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/alcohol-drugs-gambling/alcohol-drug-gambling-services

Access CAMH

Providing centralized information, intake and scheduling for most of CAMH’s services, Access CAMH makes it easy for patients, families, friends, and healthcare professionals to find the help and services they need with a single phone call. 

 

               CAMH Hamilton

               https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/access-camh

 

CMHA-March

 

Boundaries

 

Pathway to Unbecoming-CMHA

 We are excited to share another Recovery College Pilot Program.

The 5 Week Experiential Workshop over zoom starts next month. 

Check the flyer for all the details.

We invite you to consider the following before responding to the email with your expression of interest.

• Is my energy such that I can explore the offering at this time?
• Am I already taking another workshop?
• Am I available on Thursday, Feb 27th over zoom to discuss if the workshop is a good fit?
• Am I available to attend all 5 sessions?
• Am I ready and willing to create and commit to, a daily practice on my own between sessions?
• How do I feel about leaning into the discomfort of being on camera each week?

Keep in mind that future workshops will be added to the calendar if the timing doesn't sit well with you this time round.

If you are not already registered with CMHA I would suggest you do so here on this link:

https://halton.cmha.ca/peerregistration/

The Women's Centre of Halton-highly recommended

The Women's Centre of Halton

Burlington Library Drop-In Sessions Are Back

We’re thrilled to bring back our accessible drop-in sessions for women in Burlington!

 Building on last year’s success, we continue to provide support for legal guidance, employment coaching, support groups, and more.

When: Starting January 24, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: Burlington Public Library, Central Branch’s Community Office

Let’s continue building a safe and supportive space for women in our community. 

Snow Alert: Office Updates Thursday Feb 12 and Friday Feb 13

Due to the weather, our office will be closed for in-person visits on Thursday, and our Burlington Library Drop-In for this Friday is cancelled.

Peer support will still be available remotely at 905-847-5520

Stay safe and warm!

12 Weeks DBT-Coping For Skills Workshop CMHA (highly recommended)

Creation From Within-Dunia

Very informative videos from Dunia 

I was very lucky to have met Dunia as she so graciously volunteered her time at the Halton Women's Centre by running a very informative and interesting workshop.

This workshop was classed "The Art of Changing Your Life" and it was a 6 week program that we all enjoyed.  

Dunia is a phenomenal facilitator

Check out her videos below:

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, confused, stuck, disappointed, depressed, or sad when reflecting on your life?

“The Art of Changing your Life” is a workshop designed to teach you how to transform your life. In this workshop, you will explore:

* The power of your thoughts and beliefs

* The meaning behind your emotions

* How to take action to get things moving

* Trusting your instincts and intuition

* Having faith in the universe

Founder at Creation From Within

https://creationfromwithin.com/home

 You Are Worthy            

Feel Better

Self Awareness

I Am Confident

You Can!

Michelle Obama

Values

Women

Take Action

Affirmations

Comparison

Well-Being

Thoughts

Unlock Your Best Self-youtube videos by Jyoti

 I wanted to share these youtube videos created by a wonderful woman named Jyoti.  

These are great reminders, useful videos on various topics relating to Mental Health.  

Please check them out and feel free to subscribe to her videos.  

Also feel free to share this wealth with others.

https://www.youtube.com/@growthmaverickjp/videos

About

Get ready to embrace a happier, thriving you! 🌟 I’m Jyoti, and I’m here to help you unlock your best self. This channel is loaded with information, practical tips, and powerful strategies to transform your life through small, impactful changes. Expect insights to master your mind 🧠, boost your well-being 🌿, and cultivate resilience and happiness 💪✨. Each video is packed with actionable advice and hacks to spark positive changes right away! 🚀 Hit that subscribe button and let’s unleash our potential and thrive like never before!

Healing Herbs and Spices

 

Action Plan-Mindful Gnome Wellness

 

Hey ! Have you ever asked yourself: "How will I make time for this in my busy schedule?" I asked that too when I first started my wellness journey. Turns out, there’s an easy way to do it and it all comes down to the basics. I find that the most effective and efficient way is to have an action plan.. In this email, I'm going to show you 5 steps that will help you gain clarity and focus so you can move closer to your wellness goals. Yes, it's that simple. I’m about to totally blow your mind. :) In the next few minutes I want to solve one of the biggest obstacles preventing you from creating change that lasts. Change is HARD. So I'm going to make it easy for you. I'm going to give you a proven framework that makes habit change stick. And although you might think a framework would limit your creativity... it actually boosts it! I recommend a simple 5-step action plan. In the rest of this email I'm going to give you the overview of what to do and the key things to include. Ok, let's dive in… Step 1: Start Small​ ​Choose one habit to focus on and break it down into the smallest possible action. For example, if your goal is to exercise regularly, start with a 5-minute walk instead of aiming for a 30-minute workout right away. Small, achievable steps build confidence, momentum, and habits that last. Step 2: Anchor to an Existing Routine​ ​Tie your new habit to something you already do daily. For instance, if you want to start meditating, do it right after brushing your teeth or drinking your morning coffee. Anchoring creates a trigger that reminds you to take action. Step 3: Track Your Progress​ ​Use a habit tracker or journal to log your efforts daily. Tracking reinforces consistency, keeps you motivated, and provides a visual reminder of your progress. Celebrate even the smallest wins to stay inspired. Step 4: Plan for Obstacles​ ​Identify potential challenges and create strategies to overcome them. For example, if you tend to skip workouts due to time, have a quick, no-equipment routine ready. Planning ahead reduces the chances of giving up when things get tough. Step 5: Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes​ ​Instead of focusing solely on the result, align your habit with the person you want to become. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” say, “I’m someone who prioritizes their health.” This mindset shift helps you stay committed even when progress feels slow. BONUS TIP: Stack Rewards​ ​Many clients get great results when they reward themselves immediately after completing their new habit in order to reinforce it. For instance, after a workout, treat yourself to a relaxing cup of tea or a few minutes of your favorite podcast. Associating the habit with a positive experience strengthens the likelihood of repetition. ​ So now you need to go and give this a try! Be sure to let me know how it goes :) ​ Gnome-aste  Spring Hempsey, MA, CHC, CNC, RYT-200 Nutritionist and Health Coach for Women 40+ Click here for a free Habit Tracker Book https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L5kTcj48pV3_nBKob-J1huPfslpRshjN/view?usp=sharing

Upcoming Events at the Burlington Brewery

 

I just wanted to share the upcoming events being held at Burlington Brewery.  

Tomorrow I will be doing my first meditation group with Ray-weather permitting but these will be held every 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.  

I am very excited about this event.

Also for Gypsy Kings a couple of us have purchased tickets for the Saturday performance.

We are also looking to attend the Tragically Hip as well

Check out their link for more info and/or to purchase your tickets:

https://www.burlingtoncraft.com/bbpresents

BUY LOCAL

 I'm proud to be Canadian

Canada is not for sale

BUY CANADIAN

Here's a list of US products and their Canadian equivalents you can keep handy for your next trip to the grocery store.

Dairy Products

Instead of Kraft (cheese, dairy) → Try Saputo, Black Diamond, Armstrong

Instead of Philadelphia (cream cheese) → Try Lactantia, Tre Stelle, Agropur

Instead of Yoplait (yogurt) → Try Astro, Olympic, Liberté

Instead of Land O'Lakes (butter) → Try Lactantia, Natrel, Gay Lea

Soft Drinks & Beverages

Instead of Coca-Cola, Pepsi → Try Canada Dry, PC sodas

Instead of Tropicana (juice) → Try Oasis, SunRype, Arthur’s

Instead of Gatorade, Powerade → Try BioSteel (Canadian sports drink)

Instead of Starbucks bottled drinks → Try Tim Hortons, Second Cup ready-to-drink beverages

Packaged & Snack Foods

Instead of Lay's (chips) → Try Old Dutch, Covered Bridge, Hardbite

Instead of Doritos, Cheetos → Try Neal Brothers, Hardbite tortilla chips

Instead of Kellogg's (cereal) → Try Nature’s Path, Barbara’s, Quaker (some products Canadian-made)

Instead of Nabisco (cookies/crackers) → Try Dare, Leclerc, Voortman

Instead of Campbell's (soups) → Try Habitant (by Loblaws), President’s Choice soups

Instead of Heinz (ketchup, sauces) → Try French's (Canadian-made ketchup), President’s Choice

Meat & Processed Foods

Instead of Oscar Mayer (deli meats) → Try Maple Leaf, Schneiders, Pillers

Instead of Hormel (bacon, ham) → Try Olymel, Grimm’s

Instead of Tyson Foods (chicken products) → Try Lilydale, Maple Lodge Farms

Instead of Beyond Meat (plant-based) → Try Yves Veggie Cuisine, Gardein

Condiments & Sauces

Instead of Hellmann’s (mayonnaise) → Try President's Choice, Compliments

Instead of French's (mustard) → Try Kozlik’s, President's Choice

Instead of Hidden Valley (salad dressing) → Try Renee’s, Kraft (Canadian-made varieties)

Instead of Tabasco (hot sauce) → Try Dawson's, Piri Piri by PC, No Name hot sauce

Baking Products

Instead of Pillsbury (flour, baking mixes) → Try Robin Hood, Five Roses, Compliments

Instead of Betty Crocker (cake mixes) → Try President’s Choice, No Name

Instead of Hershey’s (chocolate chips) → Try Camino, Laura Secord, PC chocolate chips

Instead of Domino (sugar) → Try Redpath (Canadian brand)

Frozen Foods

Instead of Green Giant (vegetables) → Try Arctic Gardens, Compliments, No Name

Instead of Stouffer’s (frozen meals) → Try President’s Choice, M&M Food Market

Instead of Eggo (waffles) → Try Nature’s Path, President’s Choice

Instead of DiGiorno (frozen pizza) → Try Dr. Oetker (some made in Canada), President’s Choice

Coffee & Tea

Instead of Starbucks → Try Tim Hortons, Second Cup, Van Houtte

Instead of Folgers → Try Nabob, Kicking Horse Coffee

Instead of Lipton (tea) → Try Red Rose, Tetley (some products Canadian-made)

Instead of Nestlé (coffee creamers) → Try International Delight (Canadian-made), Beatrice creamers

Personal Care Products (found at grocery stores)

Instead of Colgate (toothpaste) → Try Green Beaver, Tom’s of Maine (some Canadian-made)

Instead of Dove (soap, shampoo) → Try Live Clean, The Green Beaver Company

Instead of Head & Shoulders → Try Attitude, The Unscented Company

Instead of Gillette (razors, shaving cream) → Try Schick (some Canadian-made), Personna

Copy and paste if you want to share :)