Health and Wellbeing

‘Healthy mind,healthy body - Advice from Fiona Hoban and the NDC

Counsellor & communications consultant, Fiona Hoban, with whom you may be familiar from the Women & Agriculture Conference 2009 and Health & Wellbeing Evenings co-hosted by the NDC and member co-ops, shares some insights on mental wellbeing and how to develop the ‘right’ attitude for 2010. For more information on Fiona log onto: www. fionahoban.ie.

‘Am I bothered though…’ (Catherine Tate)

I heard a story once of a wise old man who was asked to explain his constant state of happiness and contentment. What was his secret? He said it was quite simple – he really didn’t care one way or the other what happened to him in life. Now, I don’t know about you but that seems almost impossible! Granted, I know that when I’m asked to decide where to meet for lunch, or whether I’d like a tea or a coffee, oftentimes, I really
don’t care one way or the other. But if someone said to me that I could lose my house and all my belongings I can’t see myself shrugging my shoulders and reply ‘am I bothered though?’

I often thought that if one didn’t really care one way or the other what happened in life then this would make them very cold and detached. That is to say, if you don’t care, then what’s the point? Isn’t that what life is all about – the pursuit of what we care about and the dedication to
its preservation?

‘Leave life alone. Let it be.’ (Eckhart Tolle)

Of course, I think I missed a subtle but profound point (this often happens). There is huge freedom in not getting overly attached to particular outcomes and things. This leads on to a much greater capacity to enjoy whatever is happening now. If I’m not fretting about losing my house and possessions and can genuinely foster a sense of ‘whatever
happens is OK’ this does not make me a cold, uncaring (and some would say
delusional) person. Ironically, it’s quite the opposite. It allows me to go with the flow in any situation, whatever that situation is. Granted, sometimes the situation is very difficult; sometimes it is very joyful. Either way I am not clinging to a particular situation or outcome in order for me to be happy and content.

A lie of the mind (Sam Shepard)

It is often said that no external situation can make us happy. Lotto winners do not experience any long-term increase in levels of happiness (for some it even works in reverse). And yet we still live with that fanciful notion of ‘if X were to happen, THEN I’d be happy’. Of course, as soon as X happens we move on to the next thing and the next thing. It is a mind-made myth, and one that needs to be challenged. We spend so much of our time in the pursuit of happiness somewhere in the future that we forget about being happy right now.

So, in terms of being happy and content maybe ask yourself many times a day: if not now, then when?

Getting a balance

In addition to beginning 2010 with a positive frame of mind, following a
healthy, balanced diet should also be among your New Year’s resolutions.
In previous editions of this Health and Wellbeing Page, the NDC has
highlighted the food pyramid which provides basic guidelines for a balanced diet. This includes three portions of dairy per day - one portion equating to 1/3 pint of milk, 1 carton of yogurt or 1oz of hard cheese. At present, healthy eating guidelines are currently being reviewed by national health authorities and once finalised we will inform you of
such advice.

In the meantime, here are some delicious reminders on how to ensure you achieve your three-a-day:

  • Breakfast cereal with milk
  • Fresh fruit salad with natural yogurt
  • Baked potato with grated cheese
  • Homemade smoothie using yogurt and/or milk
  • Milky hot chocolate treat
  • Mixed cheese salad
  • Milk-based vegetable sauces

Challenging times

According to the Holmes-Rache Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the top ten life events that challenge our wellbeing are:

1. Death of a spouse
2. Divorce
3. Marital separation
4. Imprisonment
5. Death of a close family member
6. Personal injury or illness
7. Marriage
8. Dismissal from work
9. Marital reconciliation
10. Retirement

How many of the above have you experienced recently?

Did you know?

Research shows that 23% of Irish women (18-64 yrs) and 42% of Irish female teenagers (13-17 yrs) have inadequate calcium intakes. Achieving your three portions of dairy per day may assist you in achieving sufficient calcium intake levels.

NutriMyth of the month

Myth: : It is tedious trying to include three portions of dairy in your daily diet.

Truth: Achieving your three-a-day can be easy and delicious. Simply choose
dairy foods you enjoy or combine dairy with a range of foods. See our tasty ideas above to start you off.

 

If you have any suggestions or ideas, we would be delighted to hear from you via email at feelinggood@ndc.ie or write to us at The National Dairy Council, 28 Westland Square, Dublin 2.

 

Don't miss our next edition ‘Cheese - a Staple of the Irish Diet’ - available online from Monday 22 February, 2010