Carmen Bowen-Wright
A VARIETY of sweet things will be discussed. Many of us are not aware that they give feelings of well-being. Other persons have been enjoying one or more of the sweet things being discussed in the column today. It is hoped that after an exposure to some of these wonderful things, readers will adapt them in their armamentarium for keeping well.
FRUITS
Sweet fruits become a favourite with most persons. In Jamaica, the mango is supreme. After biting into a sweet, juicy mango or a few, it can soothe one to sleep. A note must be made that excessive sweet fruits could affect blood sugar and could contribute to weight gain. All things, then, in moderation.
SWEET FOOD AND DRINK
Here, sweet means tasty. A tasty meal of healthy food and accompanied by a delicious drink is very comforting. In fact, certain chemicals are released from the brain which give a feeling of comfort and well-being. Many persons, including the depressed, turn to food because of the feeling of comfort it provides. The latter is due to those chemicals mentioned above.
SWEET SCENTS
The scents from a garden or an uncultivated area cause a feeling of elation.
One breathes deeply and, as the lungs are expanded, it refreshes. Similarly, aromatherapy has become popular for relaxation. Hence, various scented vehicles such as body oils, candles, soaps and inhalants are used to calm and relax a person.
PERFUMES AND COLOGNES
A few persons are allergic to the smell of perfumes and colognes. However , they are the exception. For the majority, these scents promote elevated self-esteem, a confidence in ones personal hygiene and even a feeling of elation. All these qualities promote wellness.
CHURCH SERVICES
Many denominations in their ritual use scents such as incense. The latter often brings feelings of positive spirituality and this contributes to wellness.
SWEET SOUNDS
A variety of sounds are considered sweet. These include the chirping of birds and various music forms. These sounds are able to release tension and stress and definitely contribute to wellness. Below sweet is substituted for beautiful but is considered sweet anyway.
BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES
These also raise self-esteem and give the wearer a feeling of confidence.
Beautiful clothes differ for different people. However, whatever makes one feel beautiful when one "steps out" in his/her clothes of choice, is good. This situation can't but contribute to wellness of the spirit and mental state.
BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
Many persons experience wonderful feelings when they are around beautiful people.
Who are beautiful people? They say the rich and famous with their unlimited resources. They entertain and travel among other pursuits. Just being around them is stimulating, causing people to conjure up positive images. This dreaming takes them into heights of well-being as they dream their dreams.
BEAUTIFUL SCENES
Persons ought to pause to take in and enjoy beautiful scenes. It could be the sunrise or the sunset. As well as the majesty of the mountains or waves of blue seas and white sands. If it is not always practical to view the above, an alternative is to keep picture postcards and paintings around the house or workplace. These, when admired, can release tension and anxiety just like natural scenes.
BEAUTIFUL TOYS
These make people want to own them or give them as gifts. Owning them is comforting, and often amusing, hence they can be used to elevate the mood. Where they are given as gifts, just the gesture of giving causes feelings of well-being.
BEAUTIFUL NAMES OF PLACES
These such as 'Wait-a-bit' conjure up images that stimulate the brain to think, why such a name? What is the place like? What are the characteristics of the people who live there? This provides a distraction and eases tension and anxiety.
Readers are urged to take time out to enjoy some of these sweet, beautiful and overall wonderful situations. This will contribute to sustained wellness.
Dr. Carmen Bowen-Wright is a preventive medicine specialist and wellness physician; phone: 927-4301; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
