Aloha ‘Ohana!

Here are some words of wisdom from our friends at Mindful Brains.

“Are you living in the past, present, or future?”

How much of your time today have you spent thinking or worrying about something you said or did yesterday or any day in the past? Did you spend time feeling sad or anxious about something that happened to you recently or maybe even years ago? Or maybe it is not the past you worry about, maybe it is the future? Have you spent time wondering about something that may happen (good or bad), or spend time making plans for a future event? We all have spent a portion of our day, doing just that. And so we should, to a certain degree.

It is wonderful to spend some time reflecting on the past and the future, and it can be very important. We should learn from our past and we hopefully have wonderful memories that we would like to reminisce about. It is important that we plan our futures, have a budget, save, and schedule our time otherwise we have no direction and we may or may not meet our goals. The problem arises when we spend the majority or maybe all of our time in the past and/ or future, then we lose sight of the here and now.

So how do vou stav present?

An important component of mindfulness (being fully present) is acceptance of inner experience; in other words, the ability to accept negative emotions and thoughts without judging them. When you get stressed by difficult life events or daily pressures, you may feel anxiety and depressed mood, or have self-critical or worrying thoughts.

Observe what's happening in your mind and body like passing clouds. Do not try to analyze, suppress, judge or figure out thoughts or sensations. Let them just BE. Practice this technique every time you have a chance.

#bewell #staywell #livewell #mentalhealth #northshorehealth #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha ‘Ohana!

Some thoughts on what to let go of, and what to focus on (this holiday season)…

Mahalo to our friends @worrywellbeing for the wonderful graphic!

#bewell #staywell #livewell #mentalhealth #welllbeing #kahukuhealthcare #laiehealthcare #hauulahealthcare #kaaawahealthcare #koolauloahealthcenter

Aloha Ohana! It’s Mindful Monday here at KHC.

Let’s be honest - as beneficial as mindfulness is, tuning in to your surroundings, surrendering to the moment, and embracing whatever thoughts pop up aren’t always as easy as it sounds. It takes effort—but with continued practice, mindfulness can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Here are a few quotes on mindfulness to inspire you to live in the present this coming week.

“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just have to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“When you’re feeling frazzled, put all of your attention on the breath. It’s a portal into the present moment, the best remedy for stress.” — Ellen Barrett

“Mindfulness clears the windshield of the mind so that we can see things as they really are.” — Travis Eliot

Have a great week everyone!
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#bewell #staywell #livewell #mindfullness #mentalhealth #kahukuhealth #laiehealth #hauulahealth #kaaawahealth #koolauloahealth

Aloha ‘Ohana - Happy Monday! We’re starting the week with a positive outlook while keeping things in balance. Have a great week.

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha ‘Ohana…

With everything happening in our community we wanted to ask: …so - how are you? Really? When was the last time you asked a friend that simple question?

Sometimes a friend, colleague, or family who may have the appearance of having it all together on the outside is actually suffering on the inside. This is called Smiling Depression.

What is Smiling Depression?

Smiling depression involves appearing happy to others and smiling through the pain, keeping the inner turmoil hidden. It’s a major depressive disorder with atypical symptoms, and as a result, many don’t know they’re depressed or don’t seek help. People with smiling depression are often partnered or married, employed, and are quite accomplished and educated. Their public, professional and social lives are not struggling. Their façade is put together and accomplished.

But behind the mask and behind closed doors, their minds are filled with thoughts of worthlessness, inadequacy, and despair. They’ve usually struggled with depression and/or debilitating anxiety for years and have had some experience with therapy or medication. Many don’t disclose their depression due to fear of discrimination from loved ones or employers.

How can we help?

Many people struggling with smiling depression are perfectionists, or they don’t want to appear weak or out of control. The more we can shift the conversation to show positive role models living with depression—those who advocate for the mix of therapy, exercise, medication, sleep, diet—the less shame and stigma will be associated with it.

Pay more attention to your loved ones (especially the warning signs)

If you have a friend who suddenly stops responding to phone calls or texts or cancels plans, don’t hesitate to ask them what’s going on and if they’re feeling okay. Let them know that they are heard and are not alone.

If you think you might be depressed

On the days when your brain seems to be fighting you for your life, remember that you are enough, you are worthy, you are loved and you are not alone.

Reach out to someone you trust and consider contacting a therapist. Let these influential roles in your life help you to create a more positive state of mind. Rather than becoming submerged in a vortex of negative, self-defeating thoughts. Above all, please don’t give up. Please don’t let depression win. You are not alone.

Please call our Behavioral Health Services team if you feel the need to talk to someone. We are there for you (808) 293-9231. We see you…

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#bewell

#staywell

Aloha Ohana! It’s Mindful Monday here at KHC.

Let’s be honest - as beneficial as mindfulness is, tuning in to your surroundings, surrendering to the moment, and embracing whatever thoughts pop up isn’t always as easy as it sounds. It takes effort—but with continued practice, mindfulness can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.

Here are few quotes on mindfulness to inspire you to live in the present this coming week.

“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just have to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“When you’re feeling frazzled, put all of your attention on the breath. It’s a portal into the present moment, the best remedy for stress.” — Ellen Barrett

“Mindfulness clears the windshield of the mind so that we can see things as they really are.” — Travis Eliot

Have a great everyone!

.

#bewell

#staywell

Aloha Ohana - it's Mindful Monday here at KHC. We're huge fans of @decade2doodles and thought this was the perfect post for this first Monday of August.
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#bewell
#StayWell

Aloha Ohana!

Here is a gem from Maya Angelou on this Mindful Monday.

Aloha Ohana!

Let’s Start School Smiling

It’s time for keiki physicals, dental check-ups, and cleanings. 

Ko’olauloa Health Center - Pediatric Dentistry
Call 808-293-9231 to schedule an appointment

Ko’olauloa Health Center
56-119 Pualalea Street
Kahuku, Hawaii
96731

Mahalo!

Aloha Ohana! It’s “Mindful Monday” here at Ko’olauloa Health Center. Here are a few tips on seven things mindful families do differently.

Busy schedules, digital devices, long commutes—all of this leads to families who are disconnected from each other as never before. Here are 7 ways mindfulness can strengthen your relationships, increase your well-being, and bring the family back together.

As the world gets seemingly faster, it’s more important than ever to build the strength of presence within ourselves and in our families. Our culture is sensing this need and that is why we see an increasing amount of people in all sectors of life exploring ways to become more grounded through yoga, diet, and mindfulness. This yearning is making its way into our homes as many of us have searched for practices and experiences to slow down and bring more connection into our family life as well. 

7 Things Mindful Families Do Differently

1. Embrace Imperfection

2. Listen with Curiosity

3. Communicate Courageously

4. Practice Appreciation and Gratitude

5. Forgive Ourselves and Each Other

6. Practice Support and Generosity 

7. Don’t forget to play and have fun!

#bewell

#staywell

Aloha! It’s “Mindful Monday” here at KHC.

So why do we like to start the week being mindful?

Mindfulness practices can help us to:

- Increase our ability to regulate emotions

- Decrease stress, anxiety, and depression

- It can help us to focus our attention

- Observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment

Hope you all have a beautiful and mindful week.

Aloha! It’s Mindful Monday here at KHC. Do you find yourself having a “mind full” or being “mindful”?

Here are a few simple habits to develop mindfulness:

1. Wake up earlier

2. Eat mindfully

3. Enjoy the outdoors

4. Pick up a hobby that involves working with your hands

5. Meditate a little every day