Well Being Through Divorce and Beyond with Dr. Adam Woods Part Two
In today’s episode, Psychiatrist Dr. Adam Woods is back for Part 2 of his five steps to well-being. During this episode, we cover steps #2 through #5 and dive into each step in detail. Dr. Adam provides many excellent resources for listeners to dive further into each step. He breaks these steps down and truly makes them feel achievable for anyone! Dr. Adam also discusses the pros and cons of medication for mental health needs and how his 5-steps can work alongside prescribed medication. Tune in today to learn more about how to shift your life through Therapy, Sleep, Exercise, Diet, and Meditation.
In this episode:
[0:52] Step 2: How sleep impacts your well-being. [3:28] Step 3: Keep your body active - what forms of “exercise” count. [5:30] Step 4: Good diet - eating less processed foods and the truths behind diets. [9:47] Step 5: Meditation and the different types available. [19:45] Wrapping up the five things to well-being and how they work together. [22:18] Breathing tips, how to breathe for anxiety. [24:25] How they all work together: Medication, Changing Lifestyle, and Anxiety. [32:15] The Rent Project.
Key Takeaways:
Our bodies do not know the difference between hardcore exercise and daily activities. Our ancestors did not do intentional workouts. They were just more active, which is what we need. Play with your kids, go for a walk, choose something you enjoy and move your body. Meditation can look different for everyone. For some people, it is sitting down and meditating; for others, it is doing a focused sport such as running, rock climbing, or another intense sport where an activity occupies the mind. No headphones in; just allow your mind to focus. So many of our health issues are tied to the amount of processed food we consume. Instead of following a specific diet, focus on eating closer to plants, whole foods, and things that give you energy. Health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease didn’t start until after WWII, when more heavily processed foods were introduced.
Quotes:
“If I could change nothing else about your picture except making you sleep better, you will get better. Now how much better I can't say, but I can promise you you will get better.” - Dr. Adam Woods
“Why is meditation so powerful? #1 is when you think about it, meditation is therapy with yourself. The second big reason about meditation is that people’s sleep tends to improve dramatically.” - Dr. Adam Woods
“The point is not to clear your mind; the point is to accept your mind for how it is.” - Dr. Adam Woods
Guest Bio:
Dr. Adam Woods is a "Family Psychiatrist" (a term of his own invention, meaning he sees both children and adults) who practices in North Liberty, Iowa. Adam got a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and served as a Presbyterian Chaplain in the United States Air Force. During his time in the military, Adam fell in love with medicine, ultimately deciding to leave the Air Force and attend the prestigious Duke University School of Medicine, where he got his MD in 2012. Adam decided to return to Iowa and do his Psychiatry Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Adam currently lives in Coralville, Iowa with his wife, Laurie, and their 6 year old daughter, Mackenzie.
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