Wellness

I lack patience. I’m an instant gratification kind of gal. Whether it’s with work colleagues, family, friends or even everyday life situations – like someone walking too slow, traffic not moving fast enough or even with myself and how quickly I bounce back or deal with something – patience is a life lesson for me.

It’s inevitable – colds and the flu are going to spread during the colder months. They are two of the most common illnesses children and adults pick up.

If you get sick, but aren’t sure if you’re fighting a cold or the flu, there are certain signs and symptoms that can help you differentiate between the two and treat your illness appropriately.

From the time I started my business nearly 24 years ago, I’ve always operated by listening to my gut.

Mental well-being is coming to the forefront as an issue for PR professionals.

Feeling guilty about sneaking a few extra minutes on the office computer to surf social media and watch cute cat videos? Well, relax and let your boss know researchers have found that a few minutes of watching adorable pet videos a day actually gives our productivity a boost.

Today I arrive at 49, and what a year it’s been. One filled with incredible highs and challenging lows. It’s been 365 days of personal growth and healing, professional challenges and fine tuning.

One in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and while there is no known cure for breast cancer, during the month of October, local businesses come together to raise awareness and donate toward the cause.

Forming a healthier eating lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning stages. The Veggie Taste, an Atlanta outdoor vegan/plant-based festival, aims to help those looking to transition into healthier eating. The event will feature nutritional speakers, an artisan marketplace and food samples.

Many Americans find that their physical and mental health is adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, there are ways you can remain physically active and maintain your mental health during the workday.

Performing hands-only CPR to the beat of “Baby Shark” is the perfect way to help save a life. The song is the right speed for chest compressions.

This past year, I’ve focused a lot on fear and being more vulnerable (I could listen to Brené Brown all day).

In case of emergency, dial 911. For suicide prevention, the national hotline number is 1-800-273-8255, but that could change.

Leticia Lopez isn’t messing around. The native Venezuelan has taught yoga on three continents and completed her 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher designation all the way back in 2013.

Yoga has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and although there’s no shortage of studios in Atlanta, it doesn’t seem to make the cost for classes any cheaper.

Summer travel is stressful enough without the added strain of traveling with a backseat driver.

Struggling to find healthy recipes for work? Check out these healthy lunch ideas from blogger Laura Fuentes.

Every 10 days a child dies from accidentally being left in a hot car. In minutes, a child’s body can reach up to 104 degrees, and death can occur.

I realized recently that I’ve been grieving for a variety of reasons. Like most, I am uncomfortable with grief and loss.

Reducing your carbon footprint goes beyond recycling in your home. Some tips to think green while grocery shopping:

I love exploring alternative medicine. I get acupuncture, go to a holistic chiropractor, see an energy healer, have been to a shaman, tried craniosacral therapy and even tried hypnosis.

Believe me, we get it – you’re busy all week and the last thing you want to do is spend a weekend filled with cleaning the house, yard work and running errands.

Everything these days seems to have a version for the “wellness” category. From restaurants and fast food, to ice cream and now alcohol, lots of products are getting a healthy twist.

Planning the ultimate staycation should be part of the fun, taking steps to ensure you’ll get the most out of the time.

A staycation can be challenging when home stresses you out almost as much as the office does.

A friend recently posted a montage of excerpts from a Jim Carrey commencement speech in 2014, and I’ve been completely mesmerized. The topic was love vs. fear, and it’s made me think about how I make decisions. What’s my filter? Am I taking the easier path out of fear?

The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the first-ever drug to fight postpartum depression (PPD). The new drug, brexanolone, is taken intravenously and over the course of 60 hours. Women tend to see relief within 48 hours of treatment.

There’s no shortage of ways to stay fit in Atlanta. From hiking trails and gyms, to fun group fitness classes, our city is a haven for health fanatics. For those who want to get in shape but are hesitant to commit without seeing what you are getting into, trying free classes at various studios is a great option.

In this day and age, one thing is clear: We’re surrounded by plastic. While recycling can help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and waterways, there are many other options for making the switch to more sustainable items and reducing plastic use in your life.

Janet Raftis is no stranger to healing – both for herself and for others. After struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression, Janet turned to energy healing, which led her to a transformed life and the creation of an Atlanta-based business.