Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2019 | Page 49

Top 3 Summer 2019 Wellness Trends for Women By Julie Alvira, MD, MBA S ummer is filled with bright col- ors, nice temperatures and, if you’re lucky, exotic locations with beautiful waters! Whether you travel or stay home, keep tak- ing care of yourself and practicing well- ness. Self-care is on the rise and is here to stay. Meditation is the fast- est growing wellness trend in America. There are meditation apps and studios worldwide. Now, it’s not about one medi- tation technique but many different types. I’ve practiced med- itation since 13 years of age and was taking yoga classes before it was pop- ular and there weren’t studios on every corner. Over the years, I’ve learned the medi- tation of Qigong, commonly known as chi Kung as part of Tai Chi classes, and in most recent years mindfulness. As a woman, I think it’s good to have a well- ness toolbox of resources that one can go to when needed. Ok, so circling back to the subject of wellness trends, let’s start with some of the ones that are popular for women this summer. Oat milk: A nut free alternative that is dairy free, gluten free and vegan. It has a creamy texture and is very easy to prepare at home. Look for a brand that has a simple ingredient list and check the sugar content. If you’re at Starbucks, don’t forget your latte with oat milk (Note: Availability of oat milk at Star- bucks varies from location to location). Mindful eating: Develop awareness and see if you’ve emotional or physical hunger. Be attentive to the food you’re eating. It’s better to practice with healthy foods and notice the effects of the food on your feelings. Be aware of colors, taste, and ingredients. Be atten- tive to the process of cooking, serving, and eating, if you’re involved in those tasks. At a restaurant or with others at the table, eat slowly until you’re full and wait five minutes after eating and then have a con- versation so you’re not tempted to eat more. Meditation: With a rise in stress, anx- iety, and depres- sion, women are looking for solu- tions as part of their mental toolbox. There are many types and varieties. A recent trend is so- phrology. Founded in the early 1960s by Colombia pro- fessor of psychiatry and neurology Alfonso Caycedo, it’s a type of stress management technique very popular in Europe. It combines concepts of re- laxation techniques, mindfulness, med- itation, and breathing. More and more research is being conducted on how meditation activates more than one brain mechanism and its benefits. The idea is for women to have a personal toolbox that helps them to find calm inside. Be alive. Be Present. Dr. Julie Alvira, MD, MBA, is a certified life coach for men and women and has a passion for women recovering from addictions. Creator of the Your Recovery Gal program for women, she is a nationally certified addictions professional. Reach her at www.coachdrjulie.com or [email protected]. Bilingual virtual or in-office sessions available. DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2019 47