Wake Up Wednesday: Finding Joy by Giving Back

Realities of American Culture with Sany Nguyen

Sany Nguyen, AKA "Sany Delight," is a vlogger, health & wellness ambassador, and self-described "foody." She balances running marathons, being an influencer, and going on adventures to explore the world. She inspires others to be the best version of themselves, and she's especially passionate about lifting up the Asian-American community with her nonprofit Celebrate Argyle Chicago.

She got into community service in high school just to add it to her college application. But as she spent time in after-school programs, mentoring little kids, and finding ways to get involved in her community, she realized that serving others gave her deep fulfillment in life. Now, she has 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

In this episode, Sany talks about her nonprofit work and how she's making a difference for the Asian-American community, what it's like being a social media influencer, and what she's learned from running multiple marathons.

If you want to find fulfillment and joy by giving back to your community, you need to take a listen to this episode! By the end, you'll have new motivation to improve your own life and the lives of others.

You can subscribe to my podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora or wherever you enjoy listening. It would make my day if you left a rating and review. And if you know someone who needs a Soulution for their stress right now, send them whichever episode you think is best for them!

Melt Your Stress Away With Massage

All that stress is getting to you, I can tell. You need an easy way to lower your stress that you can do over and over again. I highly recommend massage therapy!

This week is National Massage Therapy Week. Massage is good for everyone because it has plenty of benefits, such as...

Reduces stress - Our bodies respond well to gentle touch. Being touched allows your body to produce more oxytocin (a hormone that makes you happier) and less cortisol (a hormone that makes you stressed).

Eases muscle soreness - If you have stiff or overworked muscles, they can become sore, which not only feels bad physically but puts you in an irritated mood. A massage therapist can work on those sore muscles and loosen them up, giving you sweet relief.

Helps with injuries and illnesses - As massage therapist Rachel Hogancamp explains, “During recovery from orthopedic injuries such as sprains, strains, and healing bones, massage can ease soreness and help restore range of motion.” Also, people with chronic illnesses often use massage to ease their discomfort.

Increases blood and lymph circulation - Massage promotes circulation of your body’s blood and lymph fluid. This results in nutrients moving through your body more easily because of better bloodflow, plus a stronger immune system because of your lymphatic system working more efficiently.

Boosts athletic performance - Do you play sports? Love working out? Many athletes get regular massages because it makes their muscles more powerful and flexible, meaning less chance of injury.

Makes you slow down - When you get a massage, you’re teaching yourself that rest is important. During a massage, you must stay still instead of being busy and active. This calms your mind and makes you appreciate the value of taking breaks.

Types of massage

Because there are so many types of massage, you might as well try more than one type to see what you like most! Here are just a few types:

Swedish - This is the most popular type of massage because it involves soothing strokes and careful kneading that increases physical and emotional relaxation.

Sports - Athletes use this type of massage to keep their muscles in top shape to help prevent injuries. It’s also beneficial for injury recovery.

Trigger point - A trigger point massage zeroes in on specific points on your body that are causing you pain, and promotes healing.

Chair massage - This convenient massage can be done in a variety of locations such as offices, malls, stores -- anywhere a massage chair can fit.

Thai massage - This unique type of massage is combined with stretching techniques and is done on a mat.

Talk with a massage therapist who can recommend best type of massage for you. Then, go get a massage -- or even make it a regular habit -- and be proud of yourself for taking a big step to enhance your health!

"I give myself permission to slow down and rest."

You may not realize it, but sometimes you don’t give yourself permission to slow down. You have a busy life. You’re constantly trying to meet people’s expectations and obligations. That’s why guilt can creep in when you think about taking a break. Affirm to yourself that you don’t have to feel guilty about wanting a break. You are giving yourself permission to recognize your need for rest and self-care. When you rest, you feel restored and energized afterward. That’s why rest is a must! It’s definitely not something to feel guilty about. Time to stop rushing around, and slow down.

Did this resonate with you? Hit reply and let me know!