Dr Aoife ND
345 Lakeshore Rd East, Suite 208 L6J 1J5 Oakville, ON, Canada

So...it’s 2021, and it is already a heavy year, which I know it’s a huge bummer. It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to feel heavy.... It’s okay to realize that you’re tired of the drama, your adrenals are shot and you’re pooped. What now? 1. Grief is heavy. You’re not going crazy. 2. What are your stabilizing activities that make you feel safe again? Write everything you can think of down in your phone or journal. 3. Put 3 things each day in your schedule that give you that cozy loved and safe feeling as reminders that you’re still here and you’re safe. Some examples: tea/coffee break Some chocolate A quiet walk Listening to a podcast that brings peace, reflection or humor Reading a good book Watching a good TV series or movie Colouring in a book Playing with paint Video chat with a dear friend I could go on, but you get it. Add what I’ve missed or pick one of your favorites Take care of you. Maybe a small news break... Baby steps. #selfcare #griefjourney #collectiveconsciousness #collectivegrief #stressmanagement #polyvagal #fightorflight #hygge #cozy #safetyfirst #community

I know this is going to be a difficult season for some, and I wanted to remind you that we can look for the everyday miracles. I’ll go first. Today my son ate green beans without prompting.... We found a star for our tree These might not seem like a big deal but for us they were enormous. So we feel joy and excitement and possibility...even when tired. No one is perfect and this year is scary for so many. It’s cold and dark and isolating. BUT we’re looking for the joy. I’d love to hear your everyday miracles if you feel like sharing below , or simply notice them and celebrate them in your heart. Grow the miracles for yourself #everydaymiracles #cultivatingjoy #joyandgrief #joyinthejourney #joy #parentinginapandemic #pottytraining #motherhoodjoy #healthykids #naturopathicdoctor

My son is still in the process of ignoring his body. Lots of potty accidents and rushing because he is too busy and doing other things. One question changes it; What does your body say?... Hard to argue with internal wisdom. You can ask your body too. Swipe right for the instructions. This is a pesto I made because my body wanted pesto. No arguments, just following the wisdom. Allow this weekend. What can you allow from your own wisdom? #bodypositivity #bodywisdom #whatdoesyourbodysay #pesto #parsley #cilantro

The beauty of nature!! How fitting today is the first day of December. Seeing snow on the ground to me is so peaceful and calming. I could watch I fall day. It’s a nice little check/in when the day is busy. Every tried watching falling snow for anxiety or overwhelm? ... #anxietyrelieftips #calm #natureasmedicine #sensesforcare #pauseandreflect #winter #snowmedicine #quietsnowfall #snowmeditation #snowday

My son is still in the process of ignoring his body. Lots of potty accidents and rushing because he is too busy and doing other things. One question changes it; What does your body say?... Hard to argue with internal wisdom. You can ask your body too. Swipe right for the instructions. This is a pesto I made because my body wanted pesto. No arguments, just following the wisdom. Allow this weekend. What can you allow from your own wisdom? #bodypositivity #bodywisdom #whatdoesyourbodysay #pesto #parsley #cilantro

It’s my Black Friday deal! $32 for my normally $47 4 Weeks of Joy mini-course that starts on Tuesday! Deal lasts until the end of day Cyber Monday. You won’t regret it!

I know many of you are missing your #community, touching and hugging other people that you love who aren’t in your bubble. Me too. This weekend, think about how you can add community connection both virtually and for your body. Your body misses that touch and oxytocin (the love/bonding hormone) hit. Some ideas:... Hugging a tree Petting an animal Getting a bodywork treatment Putting on a cozy sweater and hugging yourself A self-directed foot massage Actually hugging someone you can You’re not weird because you miss it, it’s normal and part of our human nature to need others #touch #pressure #massagetherapy #oxytocin #communitylove #hugging #selfmassagetechniques #calming #calmnervoussystem

Happy Halloween from our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man #bluemoon #halloween #samhain ... #trickortreat See more

Ahhh Resilience. Just when you’re like I’ve got this 2020! Irritated a tendon in my ankle who didn’t feel me running in hiking shoes was a great idea. Skinned my knee and gave myself a nice little sprain. Here’s where #resilience and all of that @adapt.ableu stuff I’ve been doing for the past several years has changed me:... My first thoughts were holy mother this hurts, and I’m okay. Later: Okay, I’m being asked to slow down. I am supposed to do less things, not more things. What are some benefits to slowing down? What do I need to get to make myself more comfortable? So delegating, got crutches, anti-inflammatory #herbs as I do, and now slowing down. I’m listening, body. #heal #slowdown #rest #arnica #crutcheslife #sprainedankle #antiinflammatory #naturopathicmedicine

Happy Halloween from our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man #bluemoon #halloween #samhain ... #trickortreat See more

I have been using this moisturizer for the past 15 years (not an affiliate!) I have atopic dermatitis, and my skin does not keep moisture within it very easily. I have issues with something in the skin barrier called cathelicidins; they don't retain Vitamin D easily, they don't prevent infections the way they should, and my skin is easily irritated. I also have multiple allergies. I have celiac disease and if I eat something that affects my gut my skin is the first thing... to react. I get eczema, hives and rashes. Many years ago, my mission in my health was to find out if I didn't have to use this moisturizer after a shower. It wasn't initially to get my skin better. It was because using a moisturizer immediately after a shower meant I was different. You see, I didn't know any 20-something girls that needed to hydrate that way, and I felt it made me weird. I didn't want to admit that my body was vulnerable, that I had an issue, and I didn't want to use it forever. The first part of my healing was grieving that I WAS different, and this routine was needed, and I was going to have to accept the change it brought to my life. It's why I became a naturopathic doctor, because of course the moisturizer was only the beginning of many realizations that I needed to accept in order to feel better. And the 'sacrifices' to be honest, were not much. But my quality of life, health and happiness, are priceless. Need a mindset shift for your health? Link in bio. #mindset #change #acceptance #griefgrowth #growforward #skingutconnection #mindbodyconnection #atopicdermatitis #vitaminD #eucerin See more

Ahhh Resilience. Just when you’re like I’ve got this 2020! Irritated a tendon in my ankle who didn’t feel me running in hiking shoes was a great idea. Skinned my knee and gave myself a nice little sprain. Here’s where #resilience and all of that @adapt.ableu stuff I’ve been doing for the past several years has changed me:... My first thoughts were holy mother this hurts, and I’m okay. Later: Okay, I’m being asked to slow down. I am supposed to do less things, not more things. What are some benefits to slowing down? What do I need to get to make myself more comfortable? So delegating, got crutches, anti-inflammatory #herbs as I do, and now slowing down. I’m listening, body. #heal #slowdown #rest #arnica #crutcheslife #sprainedankle #antiinflammatory #naturopathicmedicine

This morning at breakstast my toddler announced he had a rock in his tummy... because he ate one at school last week! Just leaving this for you today because parenting...kids... Good thing his mom is a naturopath!... #toddlerlife #parentinglife #digestivehealth #digestivesupport #microbiome #youcantmakethisshitup

Happy Thanksgiving from Canada (even in 2020 - sometimes it feels like these holidays stop, but happy they can be something different). I have a few things I’m grateful for: Thankful for fall days, family, friends, food in our homes and support when we need it. ... Thankful to all of our essential health care workers and health professionals who continue to work hard in a very tumultuous time. Grateful to see a worldwide community developing common ground on love and compassion as human basic needs everywhere. Hoping that you are finding peace and safety, wherever you are today #thanksgiving #gratitude #blessings

Super excited to be presenting this two-part series for Health Masters Live starting tomorrow. Little did we know how appropriate this topic would be before COVID really hit. If youre a health professional, I hope youll join us #healthmasterslive #grief #griefhealing #mindbodygrief #naturopath #chiropractor #physiotherapy #acupuncture #mindbodysoul

Join us tonight at 8! Link in bio #grief ... #copingskills #feelingsarefriends See more

2020 luck...my link in bio was not working for the webinar sign-ups for Knitting the Old and New for Grief Yesterday Head to the link now and it should work #resilient #grief #linkinbio

I asked this question a few days ago in my story. I received some beautiful responses, and wanted to share the wisdom The general consensus was two camps; a long time (approximately 10 years) or as long as it takes, and that you learn to live with loss. The truth is, its going to be awhile. ... In some ways, youre not really getting over it. It takes a long time to integrate and accept a major change or loss. Youre assimilating to this new you - the you that remembers the old, and feels sad/angry/mourns, and the you that goes forward with new joys, loves and passions. For very big losses (a death of a parent, child, a divorce), the depth of these love connections makes grief very intense, and generally it takes a long time to feel better, but generally, we will have times that we mourn or feel emotions about the loss even when it is many years later. We will have lots of joy over time, but its like a knitting of a new quilt of ourselves, with our loss and our new selves being knit together. Our new colours are like this flower, stunning and meaningful in their own right, more beautiful together. So as we integrate losses from the past 6 months, lets remember we may all be at the beginning of our healing, and our new selves are just starting to take root, to emerge, to need to find roots. And everyone is doing this right now, in their own unique ways. Ill be hosting a webinar in October with some strategies for you! Check out my stories for the link if you need kind community #griefsupport #acutegrief #griefstress #lossofalovedone #losschange #change #adapt #growth #healing #emotionalhealth #mindbodysoul #mindbodymedicine #naturopathmindbody #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathcortisol #cortisol #rest #healingjourney

When people hear Im giving herbs as medicine, they think this Many medicines came from plantsEvidence exists for #stjohnswort #passionflower #vitamind #vitaminB12 #licoriceroot #saffron #meditation #forestbathing #acupuncture #listening and countless other treatments which are some of things I have the privilege to use and teach This year Ive been heavily using herbs for stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, grief, and exhaustion, and its no wonder- it has ...been a rough year, and continues to be scary and challenging @california_forestfires If youre feeling overwhelmed, DM if you need for support. 2020 has been a lot to handle, for just about everyone. Be careful around Halloween though - you never know who might turn up at the office or on video #naturopathy #depressjon #anxiety #depression #meditation #mindfulness #grief #griefsupport #stressmanagement #hormones #loss #griefrecovery #hormonesgrief #griefcortisol #grieffaithhope #grieffatigue #fatigue #chronicfatigue #medicinalherbs #herbsforhealth #naturopathoakville

This man is a mover. Ive been running after him since he was 10 months old. Yes, Im tired Hes going through a growth spurt and we got him new shoes yesterday (swipe right for the new kicks). At the store, he picked out a pair of shoes that he liked; blue, sparkly, with a Pokémon character that light up. They were in the girls section.... Both the sales clerk and the checkout staff balked at the choice. One said but theyre girls?, and the other well, no one will be able to tell. To both I responded, well does it matter? Is the fit different? He likes them, and theyll fit. Why do we try to stuff ourselves into categories that dont matter? Fit matters. Personal expression matters. Happiness matters. Follow your own truth, comfort, and do your best to tune out the rest. #toddlersofinstagram #truth #selfexpression #humxn #humxnfirst

Anyone else? Since COVID my brain loves to do this when Im woken up, randomly, every night, by my toddler Im sure Ill solve all the problems one night #deepbreaths #busybrain #cortisol #toddler #pottytraining #happyasamother #stress #naturopathicdoctor #oakville

Yes!!!! I had a conversation with family this past weekend about this exact issue. Stressful situations with lots of emotion require calm and not force unless absolutely necessary. Not the first response

Many people come into my office and sob. Not because they dont know whats wrong, but because theyre scared and frustrated that sometimes things are just difficult, even if theyre necessary. I love the description of purging in this post from @thewomenseries; all of my greatest healing moments in realizing my celiac disease, healing my gut, handling eczema, dealing with grief and loss, pulling myself out of postpartum depression and now getting through tantrums and emoti...onal upheaval with my son have involved crying. Crying and action. Allow Posted @withregram @thewomenseries The healing journey comprises of three aspects: - 1. Intervention. 2. Purging. 3. Regenerating. - Intervention often follows a divine moment with the universe, where we recognise our weaknesses and commit to changing them. Think starting a nutrition guideline or buying a gym membership. Devinintervention is the beginning of our journey to self. - Now, if you're anything like me, patience is fucking BORING. Skipping from intervention (start) to regeneration (the finish) seems like the type-a, full charged, balls to the wall thing to do. But little do we know, in order to really cultivate change & experience growth, we must surrender to stage 2. - Purging (aka vulnerability) is the most uncomfortable, exhausting and down right scariest step in the journey to better health. It offers us a chance to break down the callousing of our minds, so we can start to work through the emotional tactics we have hidden behind such as; passive aggression, denial, retaliation, deflection + more. These persist when we neglect 'doing the work'. - If you feel stuck in a disease (or health crisis) the reason you cant get out of it is because it is familiar, and familiarity is comfortable. So in a weird way, we feel comfortable within our stuck-ness. The only way you can truly break through to the regeneration, is to be willing to get uncomfortable. Learn to sit with yourself and your pain. Seek to grow, nourish, and explore. It is here that we foster the development of who we know we can be. - Remember; feelings buried alive, never die. They reform themselves as disease. Listen. Learn. Heal #wellnessjourney

Just a reminder that we all need help right now, and it makes you human. #help #selfcare #stress #stressrelief #stressmanagement #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathoakville #oakvillenaturopath #mississauganaturopath #etobicokemoms

Happy Fathers Day to two hardworking men; one who raised me @earlsjoseph and is now a devoted grandparent, and the other @bradtandy.design who is determined to make our sassy toddler a good man. If youre missing your Father today, sending love your way. This can be a complicated day for those with Dads that arent around #fathersday #compassion #heart

My first podcast It was a pleasure to speak about grief for @perimenopausalmamas and to support everyones experiences of grief. Posted @withregram @drlisaweeksnd Episode 25 of the Perimenopausal Mamas Podcast is out! All about grief, for: the life/world we once knew; the loss of a loved one, job, social connection. Dr Aoife NDshares tips on how to work through your grief using; rituals, physical movement, mementos. www.perimenpausalmamas.com

Ive been struggling with how to continue to show up in the world with the work I feel passionate about, while making sure Im being actively supportive of the things I hadnt been seeing clearly in the past about my privilege. So, Ive noticed something that the world is struggling with; collective grief isnt universal. Not everyone has the same experience of loss. There is understandable and overdue uprising to hate, violence, poverty, but not everyone shares those views o...f coping. There is a lot of anger and fear and sadness when not everyone is at the same place. We can only agree to disagree while educating one another while feeling our own emotions about the discrepancy. And that, my friends, is resilience despite grief. Its a beautiful thing. Hard as hell, but still beautiful. Much good will come of this time, but it doesnt mean its not going to be hard. Holding open the space for this metamorphosis! #collectivegrief #change #uplevel #grief #antiracism #mindbodymedicine #educateyourself

When people are harmed at one anothers hands, it makes me viscerally ill. I freeze, feel nauseous, and actually cant process for a few days. Fight-or-flight response at its best, and something I work with every day in my practice. It is heartbreaking It is still appalling that violence like George Floyds death happens but it happens all the time to so many people, all in the name of crazy ideas and fears that should not exist at all. Then I get so angry that friends of ...mine are scared and suffering. I feel like I started the work years ago with two boyfriends, but Im still learning because Im white. Its that simple. Ive been learning from @rachel.cargle @lightwatkins @asha.frost @shaunking @glennondoyle and Im still learning. More importantly Im learning my reaction of distress seeing others harmed because of fear and racism is healthy and normal, and that we must continue to speak out against human rights violations whenever we can. There are many ways to support ending these violations in your own community. Loving one another is a practice that is within everyone. It should not be hard. Sending love and deepest condolences to everyone afraid and angry and sad right now and mourning a loss of life that is too common and honestly revolting. Thank you to @seerutkchawla for an image and message that finally put words to what is happening #fear #humanrightscampaign #georgefloyd #violenceprevention #spotlight #love #speakup #bipoc #dothework

Today Im continuing my lectures on grief with @healthmasterslive on #grief and today is on emotional #resilience. A little more flexibility and support for this we could ALL use right now! I wrote this several months back as a guide for panic attacks in that rather than trying to suppress or ignore our biological rhythms, we learn to understand and work with them to support our experience. No better time to do that than when youre grieving as your normal healthy feelings o...f loss are worked WITH and THROUGH you son you can transform them into peace and acceptance. Hope this helps you on your journeys to healing. Ill be back in the office soon; we have been given the green light around our care as NDs to slowly and safely return to office and Ill be updating everyone soon. For now, reach out for a virtual visit if you need support balancing and loving yourself at this time. #healthmasters #healthmasterslive #grief #healing #resilience #mindbodysoul #mindbodyconnection #mindbodymedicine #naturopath #anxiety #anxietyrelief #anxietyawareness #depressionawareness

Not always easy to just listen. Sit. Abstain. Witness. Not jump in. Not give our two cents. Last week I spoke for health professionals on grief in healing at this time and many of us agree most people just want to be heard. Its a real hard thing to just say nothing or be there when someone is sad. Especially now when everyone you know is sad.... Practicing this skill begins with ourselves. If we can be with our own discomfort, and not run away every time we have intense feelings, we can operate from a different place. If we can do that for ourselves, we can them do it for others. Lots of practice. Lots and lots and lots. Then forgiveness of ourselves when we cant, and trying again. Listening is hard but it is healing and it is freeing for you and the person you might be listening to. Food for thought #grief #healthprofessionals #healthmasterslive #griefhealing #pandemic #compassion #mindbodysoul #mindbodymedicine

Forest bathing. A treatment that is known to change heart rate and mood in 60 seconds from entry. It is used for depression in Japan and is an actual prescription. For North America, no drugs or pills?! Its a revolution Prescription: 1. Find any area with lots of trees and a trail thats #COVID-permitted (whatever feels like a forest- this was not a forest)... 2. Lots of deep breaths 3. Good comfortable shoes 4. Music of your choice 5. Enjoy #depression #anxietykiller #mentalhealth #fatigue #adrenalfatigue #pandemic2020 #naturelovers #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathtoronto #ecotherapy

This nutso made me a mother, and its been a ride. Ive been mothered by many in this life and Im deeply appreciative for all the mothering Ive received by so many wonderful people. A celebration to all who nurture and love! Happy Mothers Day

I could not stop laughing. And yes, maybe I HAVE eaten too many chips In seriousness, of course, all that matters is that were healthy #marriage #communication #chipmonster

Improvising. If thats a word that could summarize this past 7 weeks that would be something that fits for our home. We live in a condo. Its small but we have everything we need. Until recently, it wasnt a big deal that we didnt have a lot of outdoor space, but we have noticed a difference not to be at parks and be outdoors as much as we normally are. Were finding little patches of grass by empty fields close to us, playing in empty parking lots, going for walks, bike ri...ding... The cool thing is that creativity is starting to rule. Cant do this? Try that. Cant go there? Lets think of here. Its been a remembering that we can find new ways to do things, being flexible, trying new. Adding new stories as we adapt to our new circumstances. Cup golf anyone? #toddlerlife #toddlergolf #getoutside #covid_19 #physicaldistancing #forestbathing #ecotherapy #spring #exercise #natural #parentinginapandemic #creativity #resilience #adapt #adaptable #walk

How hard is it to be kind to yourself right now? Beating yourself up for not being patient enough? Too emotional? Numb? Too afraid? Too much wine? It's ALL NORMAL RIGHT NOW.... Self-compassion is having loving yourself despite failures, perceived weaknesses or hardship. I'd say we're going through some hardship right now wouldn't you? Write down some kick-ass things about yourself in the comments. Lets drown out the heavy stuff thats in your head about how youre doing. Ill bet - youre doing pretty great #unrealisticexpectations #compassion #angergrief #grief #selfcare #selflove #naturopathicmedicine #mindbodysoul

Anyone else growing their beards right now? #toddlerlife #physicaldistancing #stayhome #beards #bubbles

My evening walks have been the mental glue to my toddler-beaten-down-by-constantly-saying-no-every-10-seconds brain. Whoever says that their cat is like their child, I would beg to differ. Your cat does not jump on the bed and give themselves a goose egg because they found one of your hand weights and decked themselves with it Head 0, Toddler 1 Thank god for #daffodils and walking and all things #spring. I looked up their energetics because I love #herbalmedicine, and they... help to restore resilience and encourage self-care and joy. Exactly the heart medicine everyone needs right now!! Whats your glue right now? No shame in saying the good stuff thats helping with the tough stuff. Resilience is made in admitting the tough while reaching for the better. #serenitynow #resilient #change #motherhood #toddler #naturopath #grief #collective #parenting #toronto

For anyone that needs a pick-me-up... Dancing out your troubles and worries can be a real support #dancing #selflove #physicaldistancing #joy #weep #danceitout

Thanks to @thecrownllc for a great description of self-care while keeping one foot in front of the other #compassion #selfcare #selflove #uncertainty #fear #anxiety #cortisol

Ive been slowing down a little. #gratitude is arising within me for leaning into balance of mom and virtual health care provider, and the sweet moments like this that are here at this time. Nap time fights dont always bring that feeling If you need a reminder of some of lifes sweetness, comment below! Its not about us not feeling the hard stuff, but also finding the good stuff Lets help one another out. ... Check out my link in bio for more self-care #justkeepswimming #mentalhealth #compassion #selfcare #rest #pause #balance #family #slowingdown #stressrelief #laughter

Literally say this every single day #parentinginpandemic #boys #toddlerlife #sanity

Four weeks ago I was researching like crazy to create a presentation for other naturopathic doctors on #grief and #illness and how to support it when we see it in office. I had NO idea how timely and important that information would become in light of everything that is happening. Ill be sharing some of that with you very shortly but the main thing that I did learn that is important is not to suppress ANY of your feelings. You must feel them at this time of loss and grief t...hat our collective body is experiencing, especially if you are a feeling and sensitive person, because they can later contribute to illnesses if you ignore or reject them. Even if others in your circle dont share your sentiments, share them with yourself. Right now, focus on your well-being and let the emotions that arise within you move through. If youre not sure how, tomorrow I talk about fear in my Facebook Live @DrAoifeND, Conscious and Calm and Ill give you some strategies. Feel it and let it out. Dont stuff it down #feelings #emotionalintelligence #emotionalhealth #mindbodymedicine #mindfulness #fear #anxiety #grief #rage #anger #naturopathicmedicine

Emotions are about keeping us safe. #Grief and #sadness from loss is vulnerable. #Anger is protective and so is #anxiety and fear - alerting us to our next protecting-step, until were ready to feel sad. ... And then, repeat until we have healed. If youre feeling less than calm, Ill be doing a live on Facebook April 1 at 2 pm, @DrAoife ND and we can chat about all the things to help. I hear you, were human and its all okay. #safetyfirst #emotionalsafety #cortisol #wellbeing #grief #sadness #anxiety #fear

Find your jam and do it! Thanks @barenakedladiesmusic #SelfieCamJam... #wellbeing #emotion #grief #music #mindbodymedicine #meditation #naturopathicmedicine #stayhome #covid_19 See more

Just in case youre feeling frazzled, a gentle reminder of the healing powers of a nap No rash decisions, rest You heal faster with rest... Clearer decisions with rest... Able to handle the tough feelings with rest...... Reach out if you need help at this time! Link in bio #sleep #socialdistancing #washyourhands #homelife #cortisol #norashdecisions #rest #stress #stresshormones #heal #vitality

Ive been thinking a lot about gratitude today. There are a lot of people who are keeping the world safe and sacrificing their well-being to keep everyone fed, safe, and healthy. Some of them I know, most I do not. On this Sunday I hold them with a grateful heart. May you be happy. May you be healthy.... May you be safe. May you be at peace. Extra points for those of you who know this movie quote Yep, Im a nerd #gratitude #soulsunday #love #unity #community #socialdistancing #covid_19 #metta #mindfulness

Happy First Day of Spring! We found an empty parking lot to create and get some Vitamin D #vitamind #outside #socialdistancing #toddlerlife

Its wild right now, but there are tons of things youre doing right: Eating Washing your body Crying/raging/feeling numb/freaking out (this is normal)... Calling friends and family Sending love / Receiving love Staying home Washing your hands Showing up Asking for help Moving your body Being humble Being human Laughing Watching TV Honoring your needs Listening to music Reading Hiding Being vocal Being quiet Doing you. Its friggin hard right now. Its so hard to remember to love one another and most importantly, yourself, and that its okay to feel confused and screwed up and upside-down, or even the opposite; joyful, happy, elated, relieved. Feelings are just a direction of what needs to be supported/met in us. There is a lot that hasnt been decided. The in-between. The midway part of the pendulum. It can feel pretty yucky or quiet or eerie. Its all normal. Giving you virtual high-fives or hugs , whenever you are and I wish you have a gentle night with yourself #swear #grief #selflove #compassion #selfhealers #fear #anger #healing #healingjourney #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor

My two favorite things; @insighttimer and @elizabeth_gilbert_writer helping you feel your fear with compassion Deepest gratitude!! #fear #compassion #selflove #selfhealers #mindbodymedicine

Joy and laughter are just as important as sadness and sorrow. I know that when so many are hurting and sick it feels *wrong* to be happy and laughing, but it is how we heal. The research with grief tells us that when we lose someone we both mourn our old self or story, while we are creating a new story.... After my mother passed, a coworker came up to me and handed me Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, and she insisted I read it, and when it was finished to pass it onto someone else in their hour of need. I snorted my way laughing through the book, tears streaming down my face, and wow, did it help. Mostly it was my perspective that changed; how to handle complex emotion at the same time. All of the emotions were okay to feel Years later doing work with grief and helping others grieve, we find joy and laughter to add into their stories. So! What are the joyful and fun things you can find to focus on right now? : The Great Outdoors, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, anything John Candy (I have Canadian bias!) TV: Schitts Creek, Brooklyn 99, The Good Place, Kims Convenience, Workin Moms Books: David Sedaris...and you continue! Your turn below Share so everyone can find some joy #joy #laugh #laughteristhebestmedicine #grieftips #selflove #selfhealers #covid_19 #naturopathicdoctor #mindbodymedicine

Fear is relative In all seriousness, I know its a hard time. Feel the feelings ... Move your body Watch/read/listen to something funny Look for new creative ways to spend your time If you have time to share virtually, give it! Send love to those who might be scared or ill #covid_19 #toddlerlife #socialdistancing #love #fear #mindbodymedicine #itsokaynottobeokay #itsokaytobescared #washyourhands

You know whats weird? While this is a stressful time globally, people are coming together and loving one another by social distancing, offering one another love and support virtually, and giving well-wishes to help everyone heal faster; it fills me with joy. I feel calm and happy when people are rising to a greater purpose together. Community rising, #together rising. It inspires me This will be me in the next few weeks ... offering #telemedicine and #phone consults for the lovely souls in my practice, although probably less poised than this lovely photo taken by @georgiesswan @deanna_rosewood Three weeks with all of us at home #rescuetheintrovert Big hugs to everyone. Dont forget to try to enjoy this time together. Ill be elbow-deep in Playdoh, Mighty Beanz, paint and couch forts/tunnels. If you need me Ill be doing a few quick meditations over the following weeks (short!) if you need a #mental #health minute #community #wellness #selfcare #meditation #mindfulness #emotionalhealth #mindbodymedicine #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathoakville

There is a lot of fear right now, and its understandable. Just a gentle reminder that heading out in nature to a forest and breathing for 6 minutes will decrease blood pressure, regulate heart rhythm, and decrease your stress hormone cortisol. Its called forest bathing. While were being mindful to wash our hands for COVID-19 prevention and stopping the spread of the virus, we can help our stress hormones keep our immune system in good health by keeping our stress-minimiz...ing practices in place. 1. Drink water 2. Sleep 3. Take deep breaths when you feel scared. 4. Consume lots of fruits and veggies 5. Exercise 6. Give hugs and love to those worried and struggling (its good for your serotonin and oxytocin, the love hormone, too) 7. Remember: this, too, shall pass. #covid2019 #forestbathing #cortisol #resilience #hydrate #sleep #breathwork #oxytocin #serotonin #fruit #veggies