Towards a Greater Life

With or without an economic crisis, building a solid financial foundation is so important for peace of mind, which leads to less stress and better health! It's always about health on this platform and you know it. :) In this episode, Travis Yoh, entrepreneur and Marketing Director of PHP, is here not just to inspire us with his amazing story but also to give us some financial wellness tips. I do urge you to take some notes (I know I did!) as we prepare to go into the new year with lots of hope!Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Travis:Instagram: @ryogiyoh (https://www.instagram.com/ryogiyoh/) Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UIf

In this episode, I spoke to Ann Nguyen, lifestyle blogger and Creator and Founder of Create Inspire Co. Ann hold a day job, blogs, creates content for her social media channels, and single-handedly manages her business, Create Inspire Co. Needless to say, I am inspired for her passion and hard work and I hope you will feel the same!Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Ann:Website: https://createinspire.co/Instagram: @createinspireco (https://www.instagram.com/createinspireco/) @shopcreateinspire (https://www.instagram.com/shopcreateinspire/)Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UIf

Just like everything, social media is an incredibly helpful tool but can also be toxic for us especially when it dictates our lives and pull us away from living and being in the present. In this episode, Mae-Lily Romaguera, a Health and Wellness Coach, is here to share tips and hacks that help you re-claim social media. This episode is full of simple action steps that you can take away and implement in your life today. Be sure to tag or connect with me on Instagram to let me know what action steps you are going to implement in your life today!Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Mae-Lily:Website: https://maelilywellness.com/Instagram: @maelilywellness (https://instagram.com/maelilywellness/)Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UIf

Diets are one of those things where some people swear by it and others despise it to the core. In this episode, I chat with Yaye Diallo about what makes a diet successful. Why does it work so well for some and doesn't for others? Yaye shares her story of being loaded with painkillers to eating her way out of both the need for painkillers and pain. To register for the Live Foods Class with Yaye, head over to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-foods-masterclass-tickets-127666500941# to register!Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Yaye:Email: info@noorwithin.meWebsite: https://noorwithin.me/Facebook: Yaye DialloMusic Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

Do you really know what mental health is? What it involves? What are the differences between mental health and mental illness? In this episode, I chat with Alexander Chao, a mental health advocate who has been through it himself and is now dedicating his work to promoting mental health and ensuring nobody has to go through any of it by themselves. Trigger warning: This episode contains dialogue around suicide and suicide ideation.Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Book(s) shared on this episode: The Exceptional PresenterConnect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Chao:Website: https://chaopops.com/Instagram: @chaopops (https://instagram.com/chaopops/)Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I am incredibly grateful to share Sarah Flynn's story and journey in fighting and winning breast cancer, not once but twice! Breast cancer affects 1 in 7 people now and instead of encouraging you to do your self-exams and pin-up the pink ribbon, I'm here to bring you the realities of this journey from the point of view of a survivor. From the realities of radiation and a funny story about blue breasts to the inability to put laundry to wash, care for her family, or grocery shop, Sarah is here to tell it all and more!Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Book(s) shared on this episode: The Interior CastleConnect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Sarah Flynn:Website: https://saraheflynn.com/Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Book(s) shared on this episode: What Got you Here Won't Get you ThereWe spend most of our adult lives working at our jobs, we identify with it and associate ourselves with our work and/or organizations - it only makes sense that we make that time meaningful and one that creates our dream life. In this episode, I chat with Career and Professional Development expert, Denitresse Ferrell as she unpacks why deciding on a profession or job role is not your first step toward your dream life, how to overcome fear, how to dream your biggest dream, and so much more.Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynng (https://instagram.com/celynng/)Connect with Denitresse Ferrell:Website: https://denitresseferrell.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachDeniBInstagram: @coachdenib (https://instagram.com/coachdenib/)LinkedIn: Denitresse Ferrell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/denitresseferrell/)Sign up for Denitresse's Masterclass here: bit.ly/StopWingingIt2Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

Click here https://www.hellobody.com/?coupon-code=REFFNPMDTVLUJ to get 30% off your order from HelloBody!Book(s) shared on this episode: Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel ShinnIn this episode, I chat with Sharon Jones, a therapist with over 30 years of experience. She has worked with adults and children alike and is here to share her knowledge and information on how we can not only overcome overwhelm but to also use it to positively transform our lives. Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynngConnect with Sharon Jones:Website: https://thealabastermoments.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alabastermoments/Instagram: @thealabastermoments2020Music Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

In this episode, I chat with Walene Buckage (Certified Flower Essences Practitioner and Life Coach) to learn more about flower essences therapy - what it is, how it works, what is it used for.Book(s) shared on the show: Women who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.DTo grab your free 4-step guide to be motivated for ANYTHING head over to towardsagreaterlife.com! It is a step-by-step guide to help you find and stay motivated for anything that you want to be or do in your life.Head over to towardsagreaterlife.com to book a FREE Discovery Call to identify areas in your health and your life that you want to be motivated for and why you feel that way to begin with.Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynngConnect with Walane Buckage:Website: http://www.walenehealing.comLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wbuckageInstagram: @walene.buckageMusic Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

Motivation is such a tricky and unpredictable thing but to increase your chances of being and staying motivated, these are three things you should not be doing when trying to find motivation. To grab your free 4-step guide to be motivated for ANYTHING head over to towardsagreaterlife.com! It is a step-by-step guide to help you find and stay motivated for anything that you want to be or do in your life.Head over to towardsagreaterlife.com to book a FREE Discovery Call to identify areas in your health and your life that you want to be motivated for and why you feel that way to begin with. Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynngMusic Credits:Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwydCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

It's so good to be back after a long break and even better to be back to give you all the updates on where Towards A Greater Life is going forward into the future! We are no longer just a podcast but a podcast with personalized coaching and consulting services to help you be healthier, feel happier, and live greater! Plus a little story down memory lane on how this way of life was started. To grab your free 4-step guide to be motivated for ANYTHING head over to towardsagreaterlife.com! It is a step-by-step guide to help you find and stay motivated for anything that you want to be or do in your life. Connect with me:Email: hello@towardsagreaterlife.comWebsite: towardsagreaterlife.comInstagram: @celynngMusic Credits: Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/l-sweetMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI

Daniel Roque is a Master of Public Health graduate from NYU with a niche in the intersectionality between immigration and health. He is a first-generation American and an immigration activist. In this episode, we chat about how immigration affects health in many ways from the language you speak (or don't speak) to your living conditions to politics and policies affecting health. Connect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: connect@celynng.comWebsite: www.celynng.comConnect with Daniel RoqueInstagram: @realdanielroque Twitter: @danieltroquePodcast (COMING SOON!): All Roads Lead HereMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensation

In this episode, I share 4 tips with you on how to find joy and how to prioritize joy in your lives. Joy is truly something many of us lack in our lives. We seem to cruise through life and forget to prioritize things that make us happy, we think about things but never action them, we think if only this and if only that, then I'll be happy. I ask many questions in this episode but one of the biggest ones is "if you had 5 years left to live, what would your every day look like?"Connect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: connect@celynng.comWebsite: www.celynng.comMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensation

For a long time, I didn't know how to speak up against racism but this week was a week of firsts for me. It was the first time I went out to join a protest and march and it was the first time I took a stand against racism on a blog post. I understand for many this may not be easy and it may be uncomfortable. You may think yes, I don't agree with what is happening but it's too big or there's nothing I can do or it's an "American problem" or you simply feel afraid. In this episode, I just wanted to share two things with you; 1. how I felt as a first-timer on the streets protesting, and 2. my blog post where I stood up against racism for the first time. I hope you will find some inspiration to also stand up and speak up in your own ways. It doesn't have to be the same, it doesn't have to be like everyone else, but it cannot be doing nothing and it cannot be silence.If you want to read my blog post or share it, here is the direct link: https://celynng.com/blacklivesmatter/Connect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: connect@celynng.comWebsite: www.celynng.comMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensation

We often hear the phrase "you are what you eat" and as much as that is true, HOW you eat is equally as important as well. Good eating habits can be so simple and easy to adopt but yet very powerful. It helps with lots of gastro discomfort or symptoms and most importantly, it sends the accurate signals to your brain and informs it to activate the digestion process. In this episode, I break down why how you eat is just as important as what you eat and I share 4 incredibly simple tips on how you can start having better eating habits. I also announce something really exciting in this episode in that I have now launched my own website so I hope you check it out at www.celynng.comSign up for my upcoming virtual event with NatMed Coach where I will be talking about the different forms of stress and what happens to us internally when we are under stress. Details of the event are as follows:Date: June 1st, 2020Time: 4 PM EST (NY), 9 PM BST (UK), 4 AM MYT (Msia)Follow this link: https://drmillie.as.me/stress and select June 1st then enter my code to register FOR FREE.Code: GREATERLIFE100Connect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: connect@celynng.comWebsite: www.celynng.comMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensation

A quick disclaimer that I am not against medication and I am truly grateful for the existence of them. I do not advocate that you stop taking your prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare providers. However, I do think that medication is being over-prescribed and over-used. In our current society of instant gratification, the prescription pad and pills have become the first-line tool in every condition. Not to mention that in certain situations, the pills being prescribed are not targeting the main problem and each pill comes with its own set of side effects. This leads to more pills prescribed to counter the side effects of previous pills. More often than not, in our current medical model, pills are prescribed without diving deeper into other lifestyle factors or other root causes that one has. Sometimes, medication isn’t the answer to the problem. Sometimes, medication isn’t the right answer, and sometimes, it could even be the wrong answer. Sign up for my upcoming virtual event with NatMed Coach where I will be talking about the different forms of stress and what happens to us internally when we are under stress. Details of the event are as follows: Date: June 1st, 2020Time: 4 PM EST (NY), 9 PM BST (UK), 4 AM MYT (Msia)Follow this link: https://drmillie.as.me/stress and select June 1st then enter my code to register FOR FREE. Code: GREATERLIFE100I’m working on launching my next new project, drop your email on this form below to be the first to hear about it! https://forms.gle/6Q7dsqZ6rW4s5MJ88Connect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensationMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Hc6r06k-ADA

I have graduated! Yes, at the time this episode is released, I'll have a few more letters after my name. But that's not the main question I'm asking in this episode. The main question is, do you ever feel like life is zooming past and you're standing still? Not quite sure where the time went or what you've achieved? Well, that is the question that suddenly hit me the other day and I wanted to know if you ever felt the same way?

Too much of one thing can become a bad thing, even if that thing is a good thing per se. Everything needs balance and so does positivity. This week's topic was inspired by two things that I saw/experienced online: (1) a post about toxic positivity, (2) an IG live of two influencers talking about influencers (LOL!) Despite my platform always advocating for positivity and self-help, I understand how positivity in itself can become toxic too. Thus, the existence of a state of only accepting positive energy as a means of life and rejecting any form of negativity, namely toxic positivity. I’m working on launching my next new project, drop your email on this form below to be the first to hear about it! https://forms.gle/6Q7dsqZ6rW4s5MJ88Book I talked about on this episode:You are a Badass by Jen SinceroConnect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensation Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Hc6r06k-ADA

Let’s talk about stress, baby! (do read it the way you would sing it!) So, what really is stress? Something that every single person would undoubtedly experience to some degree and at some point in their lives. But what does it really do to your body? How does stress affect our body and contribute to so many lifelong diseases like type 2 diabetes? Yes, stress can make you sick- I mean big time sick. In this episode, I break down what happens when you’re stress and give you three quick and easy ways to revert back to your pre-stress mode. I’m working on launching my next new project, drop your email on this form below to be the first to hear about it! https://forms.gle/6Q7dsqZ6rW4s5MJ88Connect with meInstagram: @celynng @towardsagreaterlifeEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic credits:Tropical Sensation by Mike Leite https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-tropical-sensation Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/Hc6r06k-ADA

What is identity? What do we in our everyday life identify as? Are they healthy or unhealthy identities? Is it being shaken at this time of crisis? Are we even aware of your identity and who you are? With the rising unemployment rates as a result of COVID-19, many may be questioning what our identities are now that jobs are lost and life is uncertain. In this episode, Joann Wang and I about all of the above and more! Joann is a great friend of mine, a school counselor, and an all-around amazing and self-aware person! We truly think that identities are such a big part of good mental health and we hope that this episode will help create the importance of figuring out and maintaining one's identity. If you're trying to figure out your purpose in life now that you actually have the time and right headspace to do so, Joann recommends this article by Mark Manson: https://markmanson.net/life-purpose?fbclid=IwAR3h1Kk5wDh20XmPxxKXWS10mPMWhEvvZWQWn8BJ_68WkaSok3_MkSvz50IConnect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteConnect with JoannInstagram: @joannwutMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This series is inspired by quarantine orders, stay-in-shelter orders, movement control orders, working from home orders, and everything in between, as a result of COVID-19. At times like this, every single thing we are exposed to about the crisis can be very stressful and draining because it simply is very depressing. In this episode, I just really wanted to bring together some happy and positive things that people are doing with hopes to brighten your day just as much as it had brightened my days. Also because during this time, our mental health is just as important as keeping ourselves safe from COVID-19.If you wanted to check out these amazing stories, I’ve linked them below:Three amazing friends of 40 years self-isolating togetherThe Brits pay tribute to the NHSMystery man sending flowers to people in Needham, MACelebrating her 101st birthday with a parade6 yo gets her own “Enchanted Forest” paradeTikTok “pub crawl” 22nd birthdayMan shows his love for his wife from outside the nursing home for their 67th wedding anniversaryConnect with Celyn:Instagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comWebsite: Towards a Greater LifeConnect with Haley:Instagram: @haleyknauerWebsite: Haley KnauerFunky Energetic Intro by WinnieTheMoogLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5519-funky-energetic-introLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This series is inspired by quarantine orders, stay-in-shelter orders, movement control orders, working from home orders, and everything in between, as a result of COVID-19. Staying home and working from home can be overwhelming and stressful when you know you just lost a little of your freedom of going wherever you would like to go. In this first episode, Haley and I share five tips on how to stay sane while being at home. We give you some tips and tricks that we've been using as people who generally do the bulk of our work at home. This is most definitely NOT exhaustive and we would LOVE to hear from you! Let us know what you do to stay sane during this time by dropping us a message on Instagram! FREE mental health resources:Meditation: Calm meditation resourcesWorkouts: Yoga, HITT workouts, Crossfit at HomeJournaling: Online journal, Journal AppBlog post by Haley on building immunityConnect with Celyn:Instagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comWebsite: Towards a Greater LifeConnect with Haley:Instagram: @haleyknauerWebsite: Haley KnauerFunky Energetic Intro by WinnieTheMoogLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5519-funky-energetic-introLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Adversity, crisis, emergency, worry, anxiety, and uncertainty happen to everyone every single day. It could be something huge like how the human race is fighting a war against COVID-19, or it could be something completely relatable and seemingly small like spilling coffee on your shirt before the day has even started. Despite everyone facing hardships every day, there’s always that one person you know who has faced adversity after adversity and yet rises above it all achieving bigger, greater things. We often question how is it that some people are just more resilient than others? Some people can just bounce back after being knocked down over and over again. Walt Disney and JK Rowling are two (among many) of those highly resilient people. But resilience is a trait that we can work on and practice. It’s a muscle that we can strengthen and in this episode, I talk about some steps we can take to gain leverage on building resilience. Past episodes I referred to:Spilling the Wellness Tea #1: Matcha & Self-Care#12 Raw Talk: Finding my PathConnect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

When did eating become so complicated? When did we all stop listening to our bodies and to random posts online with outrageous claims? When did we stop advocating for our own health and wellness, instead give complete autonomy to someone else? In this episode, Haley and I chat about the ridiculous claims by a “nutrition coach” who hadn’t drunk water in a year. We discussed how we should bring fun back into our lives, be it in the way we eat, move, work, and everything in between. We advocate listening to your bodies, trust your bodies, your feelings, and your intuition- seek answers internally and not externally. Connect with Celyn:Instagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comWebsite: Towards a Greater LifeConnect with Haley:Instagram: @haleyknauerWebsite: Haley KnauerFunky Energetic Intro by WinnieTheMoogLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5519-funky-energetic-introLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sleep deprivation, poor sleep quality, and insomnia is definitely an up and coming millennial problem that affects our health and well-being. Our culture has evolved into one that champions the lack of sleep while emphasizing that sleep is a luxury. We all know that when we sleep better, we are nicer, we don't snap as quickly but what about our food choices? Often, staying up late means munching on bags of chips or scooping into tubs of ice-cream or attacking bars and bars of chocolate, then waking up to mugs of coffee or cans of Red Bull. Could our sleep affect how our brains decide food choices then? Could these food choices then lead to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, or obesity? In this episode, I highlight a study published recently (linked below) that answers this question. I talk about the associations between poor sleep quality, having insomnia, and long sleep-onset latency (taking a long time to go from being awake to being asleep) and our food choices. This study also answers the "why do we eat what we eat if we have poor sleep?".This is Part I of a two-part series about sleep and our food choices. Stay tuned for Part II, highlighting some tips and suggestions on having better sleep! This is the resource I used for this episode:Zuraikat F. M., Makarem N., Liao M., St-Onge M., & Aggarwal B. (2020). Measures of Poor Sleep Quality Are Associated With Higher Energy Intake and Poor Diet Quality in a Diverse Sample of Women From the Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network. Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(4). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.014587Connect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

As a very soon-to-be graduate, it's super unsettling to not know my path. I want to be honest about my journey in moving towards a greater life- I'm sure everyone knows life isn't always about rainbows and butterflies. This is my first raw talk on this platform where I share my thoughts about being unsure about my path in life, about finding inspiration and motivation to keep creating and keep going, and reminding ourselves that sometimes despite knowing what we want to do, we have to always do what we don't want to do to get there. This is me being super honest on this episode with hopes that if anyone out there who is listening feels the same way, or feels lost and/or stuck, I hope you know that you are not alone.Connect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The Novel Coronavirus happening right now greatly resembles SARS and just like many others, it is giving me the dark and sad memories of 2002-3. As much as this podcast aims to bring positivity and inspiration every week, I do think it is highly important for me to talk about some of my alternative views about this crisis. This episode isn't about the number of deaths and cases that are slowly creeping up, neither is it about how to prevent the disease or what you should do to keep you and your family safe. I think that al that information is out there and accessible. What I do think is important to talk about are some alternative views- (1) how freedom of speech is so important in a community, society, and country, (2) could nCoV be less of a crisis with true freedom of speech (3) how racial discrimination is happening because of nCoV and how we are so much more similar than we think, and (4) the longer-lasting effects of nCoV. It is a grim time affecting everyone, globally but I truly think that it is in faces of adversity that the human race surprises us by being more resilient than ever.Connect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Find out what Haley and I have been up to since we launched Spilling the Wellness Tea. This episode is super casual and chatty- we caught up on what we did for the new year, our travel experiences, and the novel coronavirus that is spreading as we speak. Our main wellness trend in this episode is yoga and nut milk. We answered so many questions through our conversation; What does it mean when you cry when you're practicing yoga? How and why yoga can be dangerous for you? Why nut milk isn't really milk? Is nut milk really better for the environment? Is it even healthy? Should you be feeding your children nut milk? I hope you enjoy this casual chat!Connect with Celyn:Instagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comWebsite: Towards a Greater LifeConnect with Haley: Instagram: @haleyknauerWebsite: Haley KnauerMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Porch Swing Days - slower" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

Just like sugar and fat, cholesterol has really been trashed over the years and given such a negative connotation. What many of us are not aware of is that behind this negative halo and tremendous marketing effort by the food industry (i.e. food products that are low in cholesterol, food product that “sucks/absorbs” cholesterol) is more recent evidence. The current evidence shows that cholesterol from food is not associated with all the diseases we thought it was. In fact, cholesterol is a big part of being human- we simply need cholesterol to survive. In this episode, I talk about cholesterol and its association with HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides in a fun way, using taxis (yes, I mean cabs) as an analogy. I also highlight what is more important in the food we consume- hint: it is not cholesterol!Connect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Movement can be so difficult when life gets busy, exercise just has to sit on the back end. However, physical activity or movement is of ultimate importance- low levels of physical activity is in fact a major risk factor for early death. So to try and tackle this problem, we can try to create habits so that movement is incorporated and folded into our everyday lives. I came up with 9 different suggestions on how you can move more while not hindering life (too much). This list is in no way conclusive but they are just ideas on how you can start- be creative and feel free to explore ways that work for you. CDC Infographic on physical activity guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/downloads/PA_Fact_Sheet_Adults.pdfConnect with meInstagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comTowards a Greater Life websiteMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

STWT: Spilling the Wellness Tea is Towards A Greater Life's first series. In this series, Haley and I come together every month to share a conversation about wellness trends- what they are, how is it good (or not good) for health, and whether you should jump on it!In this first episode, we spilled the tea on matcha and self-care. We talked about the role of the food industry, how celebrities and influencers shifted this trend, and the true meaning of self-care. It's not all about face masks and bubble baths. It's about understanding who you are and about doing what is hard and necessary to gain better health. Personality tests we love: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-testhttps://quiz.gretchenrubin.com/Connect with Celyn:Instagram: @celynngEmail: celyn.ng@gmail.comWebsite: Towards a Greater LifeConnect with Haley: Instagram: @haleyknauerWebsite: Haley KnauerMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Porch Swing Days - slower" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

Happy New Year!! Instead of thanking exes for lessons learned, in this episode, I highlight the importance of embracing, addressing, and thanking every emotion we feel. We grow up learning to cope and suppress emotions, society "tells" us which emotion is okay to have and which are not. Over time, we forget to address and attend to every single emotion and it can come back to haunt us. Everyone has emotional baggage but instead of bringing it into 2020, let's thank every emotion and encounter for the lessons and experiences, then move on towards the next bigger, greater thing!Connect with me on Instagram: @celynngMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Only two more days until Christmas and a week later, we will be counting down to 2020!! The holiday season can be the greatest but also THE most stressful time of the entire year, with family that you hardly ever see, the awkward dinner moments, certain people who are toxic to you but somehow you have to see them during the holidays, the endless gift list, the long hours of travel, the gossip and chatter, the grocery list, and so on. But this holiday season, I remind myself and you to prioritize mental sanity, remove toxic relationships, make new relationships, ignoring the gossip, eat for the soul, and sleep! May this season bring you and your family so much love, joy, and peace- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!Connect with me on Instagram: @celynngMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Motivation... Something that we always need. Something that we can never quite have enough of. Something that we are always searching for. Sometimes we find it so quickly but sometimes it's just nowhere to be found! This episode I talk about some ways or ideas that I have found useful in getting things done when motivation is just missing in action. You can think about it as finding ways to stay motivated or you can think about it as being productive even when motivation equals nil. Book I talk about on this episode:The Four Tendencies by Gretchen RubinMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incomptech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Is it the earth that needs saving from climate change or is it us, humans? Do cow's fart really creat that big of an environmental impact? Why are we talking about climate change now when scientists have been banging on about it for decades? What are some of the direct and indirect impacts that climate change has on human health, besides the obvious air pollution and respiratory symptoms? In this episode, I talk about a few different ideas or ways to think about climate change, which focuses on the fact that it's probably us, humans that need saving and not the planet itself. Because the planet may be just fine- it will flood, it will freeze, it will be on fire, it will evolve but we can't evolve with it. Infographic by CDC on the impact of climate change on human health: https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/default.htmMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It's DECEMBER and the year is ending, another year will be done and dusted very soon! Instead of counting the year, I have decided to make the year count. It is time to think about how the year went, what have I done or achieved this year, and what can I do to truly close 2019 in the most memorable way. What do you think about at the end of the year? In this episode, I talk about the importance of self-reflection and to not compare ourselves against others. Finally, I urge you to close the year by being as YOU as YOU can be! Music from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In our crazy day-to-day, it is easy to forget the little things, forget to be grateful, forget how rich we truly are. Just before Thanksgiving, I talked to Simone Bryan about how to start being more aware by practicing gratitude and how to be the light to others. Simone is one of the most positive, influential, and inspiring people I know. She has shined her light on me years ago and now I hope our conversation can start YOUR light and start this movement of focusing on the good as opposed to the bad. Books recommended by Simone:The Magic by Rhonda ByrneThe 4 Pillar Plan (UK) or How to Make Disease Disappear (US) by Dr. Rangan ChatterjeeYou can find Simone on Instagram @sense_of_being_wellness_hub or Glasshouse Chemist, Nottingham, UK.Music from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Sound effect:Artist: All Free Sound EffectsSong: Kids Shouting Yay!Download/Stream: https//audiograb.com/XfUWOAjP

One day dairy is good, the next day dairy is bad. One day meat is good, the next day meat is bad. Nutrition information can be ever so confusing and contradictory. However, instead of focusing on unending baffling information, in this episode, I share some practical tips that you can be aware of or adopt to eat towards greater health.Resources I talked about on this episode:Dagfinn Aune, Edward Giovannucci, Paolo Boffetta, Lars T Fadnes, NaNa Keum, Teresa Norat, Darren C Greenwood, Elio Riboli, Lars J Vatten, Serena Tonstad, Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies, International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 46, Issue 3, June 2017, Pages 1029–1056, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyw319 Information on portion size for 5-a-day https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/5-a-day-portion-sizes/The 4 Pillar Plan (UK) or How to Make Disease Disappear (US) by Dr. Rangan ChatterjeeDisclaimer: None of the advice or information shared on this episode or show is intended to replace the services of trained healthcare professionals. It is also not intended to replace any medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for any matters of your personal health.Music from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I feel that in life, we have so many things we want to do or achieve but many of those things end up at the back of our mind and then life takes over and we never do it. Before we know it, not going for those things on that list starts eating on our mental health. Starting this podcast was on that list for me and with the spirit of the first episode, I decided to talk about the 3 reasons why I think we don't just go for whatever we put on that list. Books I talked about on this episode:You are a Badass by Jen SinceroThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark MansonMusic from https://filmmusic.io"Carefree" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)