mental health
OTHER WAYS TO DESTRESS
THARA PRASHAD, TENAFLY
Christine McGowan and her therapy dog, Tilly.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS An excellent way to focus and feel the prolonged effects of feel-good hormones is to help others. Waldwick resident Christine McGowan volunteers every Wednesday with her therapy dog, Tilly. She also brings Tilly to the Veterans Home in Paramus and The Chelsea at Washington Township retirement community.“ When you give back, you see that your situation isn’ t as bad as you think,” says McGowan.“ You can put whatever you’ re dealing with aside and support someone else.” McGowan says her volunteer efforts make her feel“ super peaceful.”
ForReverend Mason Jenkins, the spiritual advisor at Valley Hospital, soothing people in
JENKINS
need and being present for them is a full-time commitment.“ I provide an open, listening presence, which Ithink is unique in our day and age,” he says, adding that this is something everyone can do in their daily lives.“ Paying attention towhat’ sright in front of you in the real world. Saying hello to your neighbor, noticing and nodding at the same person you pass inthe street or store. It’ sthe connections we have in our daily lives that enrich us.” Jenkins says that Valley Hospital employees all receive two-hour trainings in how to listen and empathize with patients. His office is also home to the hospital’ s volunteer department, where trainees in the new Patient FamilyAmbassadors program are taught to ask patients the same question: How can Ihelp you?
“ Volunteerism perpetuates asense of altruism and community,” says Bergen New Bridge’ s Marcus. She says that she talks tocolleagues about her belief that our society has gone from a“ we” to an“ I” culture whose members are less concerned with others.“ Iwork on my patients’ black and white thinking constantly,” she Marcus.“ I ask‘ Where’ s the gray?’ At the end of the day, we all want to be happy. Wejust have different ideas ofhow to get there.” n
YOGA This ancient mind-body practice combines holding physical poses, slow breathing and meditation to relieve stress. While doing yoga, practitioners feel their heart rates slow and their muscle tension ease. Studies show yoga increases calming brain chemicals.
THE MIND DIET TheMINDdiet combines the health benefits of two diets— Mediterranean and DASH( Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)— and includes whole, nutrient-rich foods such asleafygreens and othervegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, beans, fish, poultry and olive oil. Its anti-inflammatory foods fight stress, and its nutrients promote positive moods.
ACUPUNCTURE During this traditional Chinese medical practice, extremely thin needles are inserted into specific points of the body. It’ s believed that while stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissue, acupuncturebooststhe body’ s endorphins and increasesblood flow.
ACUPRESSURE Similar to acupuncture, acupressureusespressurefromfingers and palms instead of needles tohelp practitioners relax and feel arelease of mood-enhancing hormones.
MCGOWAN PROVIDED: PROVIDED BY XXXXXX BYBERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER; JENKINS: PROVIDED BY THE VALLEY HOSPITAL; YOGA: PROVIDED BY THARA PRASHAD; ACUPUNTCURE: GETTY IMAGES
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