Five Mind-Body Methods and Mindfulness Techniques

What role does stress play in digestion and inflammation? In this episode, Colleen provides several tips on stress reduction to thereby get out of the sympathetic nervous system and potentially improve digestion. Combining her certification in integrative nutrition with traditional psychology and her Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART), Colleen also explains how inflammation and chronic stress impacts our bodies and our minds.  The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only.

In today's episode, Colleen explains how digestion works in the body and the concept of epigenetics. Only by understanding how digestion works will we be able to potentially heal ailments we may face. Colleen explains the connection between the gut and the mind and how the combination of psychology, biology and neurology come into effect. 

In today's episode Colleen explains how the microbiome impacts mood and cognitive thinking. Topics discussed include the role the gut plays in digestion, the impact of how we absorb nutrients and what to look for in probiotics.

How does the food we eat play into how we feel? Colleen uses her certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to explain how food impacts our mood. Colleen explains the addictive nature of some foods and how food impacts not only our microbiome but also our brain. The concept of primary foods and secondary foods is discussed. Consider: what are you truly hungry for?  The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

During the season of New Year's Resolutions, Colleen continues the theme of change from last episode and  explores "Why is it so difficult for us to change?" Today's episode discusses some of the neural processes that happen when we try to go about enacting changes in our lives. Colleen touches on neurology, psychology and explains some cognitive behavioral therapy tools to help better understand the concept of change. 

Change of any kind is hard. We all want to feel better about ourselves and lives but we avoid the things that we should be doing. So why do we do that? In this episode, Colleen explains exactly what you need to do to create change and what has to happen so that change can be true to you. She also explains how identity and self-esteem impact your journey to change. With 2021 around the corner, and the imminent new year's resolutions, Colleen explores the concept of change and how we can enact life changes that stick. Colleen is an expert on change and has written a book entirely devoted to the subject: Prescription for Change: Using your Lifestyle as Medicine. 

During this 2020 holiday season, which looks and feels different this year,  we can not just survive these weeks but thrive in these weeks. In this episode, Colleen Burns, licensed psychotherapist and integrative health expert, provides tips on staying present and mindful during tough or imperfect times.  Let’s learn how to take these imperfections and see them as an opportunity to be present. Stop lamenting in the past and worrying about the future. We can spend our time worrying, stressing, or truly living.  Each moment is an opportunity for practice being in the present moment.

How did the mind and body become separated? Colleen welcomes Dr. Lisa Desai and they both discuss integrative medicine and how the mind intersects with mental health, mental illness, and the stigmas surrounding mental health. 

In this episode, Colleen teaches five mind-body methods and mindfulness techniques: Single Pointed Focus, Guided Imagery, Breath Awareness, Contemplation, Empathy and compassion Colleen explains the different types of breathing and how they differ. This episode includes several mindfulness demonstrations. 

Today's topic is the last episode in the four part mini-series on energy. Today we will learn how to build resilience to increase and maintain your energy. Topics covered include: Gentle Loving Kindness, The Domino Effect, Nature, and the Inflammatory Response.