Beauty, Health, and HAPPINESS Tips for 2019
http://www.skinnyinheels.com/2019/01/beauty-health-and-happiness-tips-for.html
As I wake up today, it’s cloudy outside and I remember how far I’ve come. So many of you follow me on Instagram and this blog because of my career in fashion. Thank you for that. I’m hopeful you even appreciate my sense of humor or maybe we are friends from college. But what many of you don’t know is that I have always struggled with anxiety and depression. Over the past few years it got worse. My anxiety was exasperated by chronic migraines and neck pain. I was finally grieving the death of my brother. In the past waking up on a day like today would be “a reason” to have an off day or an off week or an off month. This cold front coming through would trigger a migraine. Add the chronic pain to anxiety and everything would snow ball. I would be angry at myself for feeling awful…and that just made it worse. I have always been so hard on myself. My worst critic.
Guess what? Mental health is not something you decide to struggle with. It is not a choice and I will argue that forever, with anyone. And if you are struggling emotionally you know what I’m talking about, but it’s the people who don’t understand how you’re feeling…who come from a very naïve, negative place. They think that you can just go to the gym, take an antidepressant, pray, think positive and you’ll be just fine. (Cue eye roll.)
Your brain is not wired like somebody’s who does not suffer from anxiety and depression, but you want to feel better. So you try everything in this world. I did. I tried EVERYTHING. But I still didn’t feel better. I felt defeated. Lost. Confused. The opposite of happy. I was miserable. KEY part is that all of these struggles are now in the past.
I promise to share specifics about my journey in future posts. What I can tell you now is that I am free of extreme anxiety, depression, I barely get any headaches, my chronic pain is a non issue, and I’m happy! Regular medicine does not work for me. I tried SO many different ones, all the way back to when I was a 12 years old. BUT, what did work for me was this cutting-edge infusion treatment. Ketamine infusions gave me my life back. I have never been this happy before, this productive, this grounded, this at peace. My brain is completely healed. 100%.
No one and I repeat no one on this earth should have to suffer from anxiety, chronic pain, depression, bi-polar depression or PTSD. I never had true PTSD nor did I have bi-polar depression, but this treatment is having great success for those people as well. Also, I was never suicidal. When given to someone who is suicidal, ketamine infusions have a significant, ground-breaking effect; the depression and suicidal thoughts fade away. Thank God. Together, we can finally stop the negative stigma around mental health.
This is my experience. Yours may be different. But what if it’s not? I would like to defer to the health experts (like Dr. Andrea Kim at Texas Ketamine Specialists) on exactly how it works, but I can tell you this. Ketamine heals you brain. When you are anxious or depressed, parts of your brain are over active and other parts are not functioning. These infusions re-wire you brain, create new neuron receptors. Ketamine heals your brain. And it happens in real time. Life changing now has a new meaning.
1. Happiness. Because you know what is really beautiful? Glowing from being at peace and feeling happy. We all want it. Some of us are experiencing it right now, some of us are struggling, and some of us may be struggling next week. We get into a funk and don’t even know what’s happened. Like losing a loved one…or an emergency surgery. That can surely knock you down, and it’s not your fault. Read that again— it’s not your fault. But what is a CHOICE is deciding to find something that makes you happy again. If you have an underlying mental health issue and medicine doesn’t work for you, it’s not your fault. If your family has a history of heart disease, you can do everything possible to adjust your lifestyle and be proactive, but you heart health is still going to be an issue. That’s also not your fault. Brain health (PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic migraines) up until recently, hasn’t had a treatment option like Ketamine infusions. And you don’t experience the negative sides effects like you find with antidepressants or anxiety medicine. It offers quick results and has more than a 70% success rate. By instant, I mean three hours later. I did my first treatment last November here in Dallas, TX, at Texas Ketamine Specialists. This is not a rehab facility. It a doctor’s office. It took one hour, I went home and slept for a couple hours and then I woke up. Literally. I went outside my parents’ house and took my dog for a walk. And for the first time I looked around. The sun was shining through the leaves of the trees, I could hear the birds chirping, and I was completely at peace. It was quiet and beautiful, because I didn’t have anxiety, I wasn’t sad, and I didn’t have a headache. I was finally living and happy. This is what normal feels like. Wow. We all want to be happy but we are all afraid to talk about not being happy. It’s so annoying. That has to stop. I was really cautious to share my story, because I was worried about being judged. I’m not afraid to share my story anymore. I want to help you, and I want you to be happy and thrive too!
2. Treat Yourself. Now that we’ve gotten the crucial conversation out of the way, treat yourself. Now this looks differently for everybody. Maybe you’ve been working really really hard and you’re exhausted. Take a nap. Swing by DryBar and get your hair styled . . . it’s one less thing for you to do, and you’ll feel great! Get a massage. Go buy the shoes that you’ve been wanting to buy. Take a trip. Just do it, because you deserve to be happy. And don’t second guess it.
3. Celery Juice. It’s something everybody is buzzing about now, but I’ve been drinking it for quite a while thanks to a dear friend of mine Lindsay Attaway. She told me all about it. “Try celery juice”, she said. “Just trust me.” Do you want your skin to look good? Say goodbye eczema and horrible breakouts. Do you want to heal your body from the inside out? The benefits go on and on and on, and I cannot tell you enough how much of a difference drinking celery juice first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) will do for your life. I legit feel like this is one of the most magical secret cures that is not so secret anymore. Added bonus: it helps with weight loss and also increases your mental clarity. Just check out this graphic above. I’ll just leave the rest to the experts. Celery juice is amazing!
4. Snuggle With a Dog. If you don’t have a dog or cat, get one. We had cats growing up, so the dog I have now is the first dog I’ve ever had. He’s 12 and amazing. If you do not have a dog (or cat, because I don’t want to offend the cat people), run to your nearest shelter and take one home with you. I’m not even kidding. There is nothing more unconditional as far as love goes, and there’s nothing better for stress than loving on a pet. If you know me you know how obsessed I am with my dog, Riley. He is my everything, my fur baby. So I suggest that you snuggle with your dog or cat today. Yep. It’s just that simple. You will be happier and healthier because a dog (or cat) is in your life.
5. Aromatherapy. I’m obsessed with candles. Kinda embarrassed about it. The only thing that I hoard is candles. At my condo, I have a closet of candles. If my friends don’t know what to get me for a gift, it’s probably going to be a candle. I love different smells. But it’s more than just candles. It’s lavender bath bombs, an aromatherapy neck wrap…even a particular perfume/cologne that just makes you happy. Everyone is different, so I encourage you to find what scent makes you happy. But I’m bias, and I suggest you start with lavender essential oil.
6. Help Others. Do something for another person. This could be as simple as “acts of service” from The Five Love Languages, but let’s take it one step further. If you are having a particularly bad day and your depression/anxiety is trying to steal your joy, do something for another person. Pay it forward at the Starbucks’ drive through or volunteer at your favorite non-profit organization. Something beautiful happens to our mindset when we share kindness with others. Poof. Our thoughts shift from self pity and negative self talk to a position of pride. We are now empowered and full of grace. Before you know it, you have forgotten about the challenges that once plagued you. After all, life is a matter of perspective, because perception is our reality.
7. Skin Health with Dr. Adean Kingston. Men and women alike, we all need a good dermatologist. I don’t care how many times you go to the gym or how healthy you eat, if you do not have a good dermatologist, you are making a mistake. Get your skin checked every year for skin cancer. I have my personal dermatologist faves here in Dallas, and Dr. Adean Kingston is an angel. This is not a paid ad for her, but she is incredible. From skin cancer checks to anything cosmetic, she is your girl. And her staff, especially Mia is amazing. So do with this what you what. Men – get your skin checked with her. My whole family goes to her. She used to be one of the main dermatologists at Cooper Clinic before she started her own practice. For me, I am very open and conservative with preventative skin care. Botox, fillers and laser treatments to remove sun damage are something I choose to do. I bet you would not be able to guess my age unless we grew up together. And Dr. Kingston is my secret.
8. Secret Facial. Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t have the money to do preventative skin care like laser treatments.” What if I told you just from following this blog that I can get you an amazing one-hour facial using the top skin care products, with a renowned esthetician in a spa environment? This is not a Mary Kay facial where you do it yourself. Every celebrity you follow who has glowing skin probably uses at least one product from the Natura Bissé collection. If you are interested, please shoot me a message. I’ll hook you up. This is also not at ad by the way. The Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Center here in Dallas is one of two NM locations around the country that has a private facial room, just for Natura Bissé . I often tell my clients about this secret, but why not share that with you too? Your skin will be glowing, happy and healthy. You will feel relaxed and they DO NOT push you to buy their products. You probably will want to, but that’s because their product line is amazing. So it’s a win-win.
9. Music. I love music. I don’t know about you, but I would not deal well with the daily stress of life without music. Whatever you enjoy listening to, just do it. Especially when you are driving – I love a good playlist. I am personally obsessed with Pandora. Some of you may prefer Spotify or Apple Music…it doesn’t matter what interface you use, but jam out! If I’m feeling spunky I’ll turn on Mike Jones or play my Rihanna playlist. Music is healing but also it’s so much fun. The whole point is that music is therapy. No matter what you are going through, there is music to listen to, learn from and simply enjoy.
10. Exercise. I’m happy to report that exercise did not come first on this list. This all goes back to happiness. Exercise because it makes you feel better. Don’t exercise because you believe that if you’re in good shape and you look “perfect” that the guy that you like is finally going to notice you. Or for the guys reading this, that the girl you want to date is finally going to go out with you. Exercise because it’s good for your brain (and getting in shape is just as added bonus). We all know what I’m talking about, and no matter how crappy you feel— if you get up and get some exercise, you feel better. Walk outside for five minutes on your lunch break. Personally, I’m obsessed with pilates. It’s fun, challenging, tones my muscles (not in a bulky way, as it elongates while toning), so that’s what I do. I will never be this hard-core cardio person. I hate running. You don’t have to go to the gym every single day and kill yourself doing weights or extreme cardio. Sometimes it’s as simple as going outside and walking your dog or walking the mall (like me). Whatever you choose, just know it makes a difference.
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Speaking of malls and walking, I’m just finishing my celery juice and will be off to the mall. I’ll be walking in five-inch heels and bringing my dog with me. I hope you have an amazing day and great weekend ahead. I look forward to hearing your feedback too. If you made it this far and are still reading, please give yourself a high-five! This was a very long and wordy post, but all of this needed to be said. Ketamine infusions, done with the right medical staff can be life changing. I hope this helps. And if you are truly struggling . . . right now, today, reach out to your doctor and tell them you want to learn more about Texas Ketamine Specialists. If you need more specifics, please e-mail me at [email protected]. I will gladly share more. I love you guys, I’m grateful for YOU, and I will talk to you soon.
With love,
Laura
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Excellent article written by Laura Fedock, proprietor of “Lifestyles by Laura”—whose wellness tips for combatting health and mental issues were educational and informative! In fact I shared this information on my own wall, so any of my family and friends could benefit as well:). Thank you Laura for your brutal honesty in reaching out to others with your platform!
Hi Marianne. Oh Marianne, where do I start? You are so kind and sweet and your comments warm my heart. I truly mean that. Thank you so much for sharing. And even sharing my blog with all your friends/family on Facebook. I look forward to writing my next blog post. I’m hopeful you will find it as real, informative and full of life. Because that’s how I feel now – so full of life that I literally can’t get enough done in one day. So grateful to have my health, happiness, and support from people like you. Take care. Talk soon 🙂
Great Blog!! Your honesty is refreshing and with all the social media posts today everybody thinks people have perfect lives. None of us do. So thank you. I also loved your dermatologist and skin care recommendations! I am looking into both.
Hi Tami. Yes! You are making my day. Thank you for the sweet words. And you are absolutely right. What we see on social media is not real. No one has a perfect life . . . we are all a work in progress. But the real work comes in accepting that our imperfections are what makes us who we are. Thank you again. And look forward to hearing how it goes if you meet Adean Kingston and get a Natura Bissé facial at Neiman’s. Take care!
Laura – Thank you so much for your transparency. This affects each of us in some form or fashion and to hear from someone who is dealing with it first hand with success is invaluable. I know that I am guilty of being one of those well meaning friends who offer solutions just to help make things get better for you. Thank you for providing your perspective on how this is received. I am praising God that you have found an effective treatment and that you are willing to open yourself in order to help others. That is who you are. I will definitely reach out to you when the need arises. God bless you my friend !!
Hi Trent. You are amazing! Your comments bring happy tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing your kind words with me. And yes, if you ever need something please reach out. I am here and I’m grateful to call you a friend. All the best 🙂
Thank you for sharing and being so open with your struggles and what has been successful for you. There need to be many more of these convos happening.
Hi Abra. You are so welcome. Thank you for taking time to read my story. And you are absolutely right. There needs to be more honest conversations like this. The world is searching for authenticity and realness. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the blog. Have a great week! 🙂
Laura, you are strikingly beautiful, intelligent, and ‘successful’, and that comes with a price. You probably only have a few close friends that you trust and can be yourself with. I wanted to say thank you for sharing a precious piece of yourself. I too have struggled with anxiety, depression and PTSD my entire life. And I’m a ‘motivational trainer’. It’s not as easy as positive thinking and living healthy.
Hi Amy. Wow, what a wise and moving response. I can tell you are strong and determined. Hang in there, things will get better. Emotions and anxiety are like a wave. They come into shore, hit us, can be overwhelming (to say the least), but they always go back out to sea. I commend you for talking about what you have experienced and are currently experiencing. You are absolutely right. Mental health a matter of “positive thinking and living healthy”. Take care! Sending you love and positive vibes. 🙂
That’s a great read and very well done ?
Thank you Donovan! You’re the best. 🙂
Very inspirational. You should check out Anthony williams with medical medium ..he has great books out that would fit in your wheel house…I believe he started the celery juice thing.
Hi Amanda. You are so sweet, that you. I will have to check him out for sure. Have a great day!
Laura, what a well-written, wise inspirational and touching article, a real oeuvre d’art. In my professional capacity at work-I am continually reminding others than mental illness is just that, an illness, just as much-and in fact more difficult to manage than a physical one-as no one can see it. In a personal capacity, I have friends and family members struggling and it is not easy. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your story. I am so pleased to hear that the clouds have been swept away and the sunshine has come through.
Hi Ilana. Thank you so much for your kind words. I couldn’t agree more with you. I truly appreciate your feedback. Glad I was able to help you and spread hope. All the best to you. 🙂
Laura,
This article is so inspirational and it definitely hit home with me. I appreciate your honesty and your wisdom from many years of hard work at being your best from the inside and out.
So many will relate and so many will not but, they may know someone who is suffering and this information you have shared is so very helpful and appreciated.
Thank you for your guts and grit,
Sarah
Hi doll. Awwwww thank you much for your beautiful words. You are so sweet Sarah! I’m so grateful for you. XO
And I you!
XO!