Tis the season... the time of the year dedicated to gathering with loved ones and often the giving of gifts.  Unfortunately, however, even though the season is about love and sharing, it is often accompanied and even overshadowed by a great amount of stress that can take away from the very spirit of why we celebrate. 

In a society and culture that encourages us to consume, consume, and consume - whether it be more food or just more "things" - I want to remind us all that what matters the most is not so much the material gifts, but to remember the greatest gift you can give... the gift of your PRESENCE. 

Too often in our busy lives, we don't genuinely connect with people, especially those we truly care about.  We're caught up watching tv, talking on the cell phone, being on the computer, or just going from one thing to the next.  Yet, have you ever met up with a loved one or old friend you haven't seen in forever, and the time spent with that person - even if for just an hour - lifted your spirits and brought a smile to your heart for days?  THIS is what matters.   Remember the excitement for all material gifts fades away, but the gift of your heart lasts forever.  Give your gift! Happy Holidays, everyone!

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Lisa Brisse & the State of the Heart Staff
For more thoughts, please read lisa's blog at:  www.stateoftheheartfitness.com/blog

With the holiday season upon us, it's easy to let ourselves go overboard in regards to stress.  Of course we all experience varying degrees of stress throughout the year, but with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the stress meter can often go off the charts!  As we know, this not only affects our physical, mental and emotional health, but it also affects our ability to truly enjoy this time of year and celebrate the spirit of the season which is about spending quality time with our loved ones - family and/or friends. 

One of the most important things to remember during this time - or any time of the year, for that matter - is that though life may feel extremely busy and even a bit out of control, we don't have to let ourselves go with it.  In other words, we are not victims of circumstance unless we allow ourselves to be.  Stress, in general, comes from our perceptions of the situation, not necessarily the situation itself.  Disagree?  Put two people in the same situation... do both of them react to the circumstances in the same way?  Not necessarily.  It is a choice. 

The truth is we can feel empowered and strong no matter what situation when we choose to live at the cause of our lives instead of the effect of it, even during the most stressful times.  How?  When we remind ourselves of the greatest stress relieving tool we have... and it doesn't cost a dime.  It's our luxury to breathe. 

Now you might be thinking, what?  I breathe all the time and I'm still stressed.  Here's the truth... yes, you are breathing but the question is: what kind of breathing are you doing?  Usually when we allow ourselves to feel stressed in a situation, our breathing becomes quick and shallow, sending a signal that puts our body in the fight or flight physiological state.  As a result, stress hormones are released which contribute to high blood pressure, insomnia, weight gain, illness, and many other detrimental symptoms.  However, this does NOT have to be case.  YOU have the power to change it... through conscious diaphragmatic breathing.  This means consciously taking long, slow, relaxed breaths deep into the lungs and even deeper into the abdomen.  With this type of breathing, it naturally relaxes our bodies (and our minds!) and literally puts us into a calm and tranquil state, no matter where we are or what is happening around us.  Just a few minutes of this kind of breathing can make a HUGE difference.

Click HERE to hear the breathing segment
on Lisa's 'Living in Balance' CD.

Ray Lowe came to State of the Heart Fitness in 2006 in acceptance of his daughter's love; it came in the form of a "gift of health" for Father's Day - a few sessions with State of the Heart Fitness - to coach him to a healthier lifestyle.  His wife, Ann, came along as support and a few sessions became 3 ½ years!

In the beginning, Ray's program consisted of an hour workout every Saturday morning (giving up his only day to sleep in!) plus 2 or 3 thirty minute home exercise sessions during the week. 

Keep up the great work, Ray!  We love working with you! 

See Ray's Video on YouTube Here.

Only 7 months after, Ray found himself climbing the 1400 steps part of the Great Wall of China!  "I outpaced a travel companion who was 20 years my junior," he said with a smile on his face!

As a financial exec for Wells Fargo, mental stress and a tight schedule unfortunately go hand-in-hand, so finding time to exercise can be a challenge.  Ray says, "Even if it's just a 20 minute walk at lunch, I feel more relaxed and I can think better." 

A few months ago, Ray realized that though he was exercising, he wasn't paying attention to his eating habits and was faced with a higher annual premium on his new life insurance policy if he didn't bring down his high cholesterol. Ray went to see a dietitian at Healthy by Design.  "The dietitian reviewed my eating habits and made some very concrete suggestions.  The food I eat is actually not too bad, but what was most surprising to me was the suggestion to eat more often... every 4 hours or so.  This was quite a contrast to my going 6-7 hours between meals, and sometimes skipping lunch, so a switch to eating something every 4 hours would be a major change.  I was shocked at the results!  I lost 14 pounds in 8 weeks, started sleeping better, and felt more energetic. I passed my cholesterol test with lifetime best results, too!  But, the best part of all this was I achieved them without feeling like I was ‘dieting' or ‘sacrificing'.  The lifestyle changes are very sustainable and I actually enjoy eating more now than I used to."

Because it's so easy to get caught up with our busy schedules, we can forget about taking care of our health. Often times the people who love and care about us the most encourage us to take better care, yet often we don't take heed.  As Ray says, "A lot of people resist the help of those who are closest to them, but all of the benefits I've gotten from exercise and eating lifestyle changes came about because I ‘went along' with the suggestions of my wife and daughter, two people who love me the most.  Though in the beginning, I may have been just ‘going along,'  I'm sure glad now that I did." 

Holiday Special
Whether it be:

1. To design an exercise program to meet one's specific health issues
2. Lifestyle coaching sessions to get one's health & life back to balance
3. Stretch & Relax sessions to relieve stress from the holidays...

3 personal training/coaching sessions
$195 (reg. value $255)
gift certificates available
expires 12.31.09

NOTE: The gift gives!  For every gift certificate you buy for someone else, you get a free 30 minute stretch & relax session!

Let go of your stress! 
"Living in Balance" CD by Lisa Brisse

Living in Balance: a 20 minute progressive relaxation
cd with lisa brisse as your guide.
Unwind, let go of your stress and find
your inner calm... everyday!
on sale for $10!
(regularly $18)

Click HERE to hear the breathing segment
on Lisa's 'Living in Balance' CD.

State of the Heart Fitness
"Way to Wellness"  Journal 

Take your health into your own hands,
get to the HEART of the matter &
get back to balance with State of the Heart Fitness'
"Way to Wellness" journal!
Written by Lisa Brisse &
 Nora Walsh

$20 (reg. $24.95)

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