Breastfeeding

 I watched a commercial the other day where this woman was at her wits end trying to breastfeed so I thought I’d share some good experiences. 

1. Lay on your side on the bed and have baby lay under your armpit (so to speak) so you’re both extremely comfortable as much as possible. 

2 I’ve read some posts that say read a book while breastfeeding/get on the iPad, etc. I’d have to say set aside all distractions and watch your baby get the nourishment it needs. You’ll see them eat their real food the same way when they’re older and it’s a magically beautiful experience to observe. 

3. Throughout the first few days when it’s new to you and your milk hasn’t fully come in yet... try your best to hang in there. It really gets better. 

4. If your breasts become sore and wounded, you can put your breast milk on them and that’s really healing. 

5. Use your breast milk to clean the babies eyes and ears if you wish (and yours). 

Happy Brain

A list of 6 ways to train your brain for happiness via inc.com:

“1. Ask yourself if you’re thinking positive.

2. Memorize a list of happy words.

3. Use associations.

4. Practice gratitude.

5. Spend a few minutes each day writing about something that made you happy. 

6. Celebrate your successes, even the small ones.” 

Helpful Tips via Google Assistant

 Daily Tips via Google Assistant

“Get into the sunlight. The brain craves the sun and will react positively when exposed to it.”

“Try to be active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Up to 60-90 minutes may be needed for weight loss.” 

“Every bedroom needs a working fire alarm. Almost half of home fire deaths occur at night when people are sleeping.” 

“Strategies to beat financial stress:

-Recognize your power to make a difference.

-Focus on the positive

-Stay in the present, don’t obsess about the worst-case scenario.

-Reject thoughts of failure.” 

When writing in your gratitude journal, you can use the “GIFTS Technique”

The “GIFTS Technique:

G: Growth: Personal growth, like learning a new skill.

I: Inspiration: Moments or things that inspired you.

F: Friends/Family: People who enrich your life.

T: Tranquility: The small, in-between moments, such as enjoying a cup of coffee or a good book.

S: Surprise: The unexpected or a nice favor.” 

Positive Affirmations:

“I feel confident. I am doing the best I can in this moment.”

Tips:

“Exhale longer than you inhale to practice deep breathing.” 

Some Quotes from TIME Magazine thanks to Google Assistant

 “...One day at a time. Remind yourself of what’s important in your life and why.” - Misty Copeland, ballet dancer

“Right after you read the news, try doing a physical activity. Do push-ups, take a walk, do 25 jumping jacks. You’re going to feel panic and anxiety; do something physical to burn it off. It’ll give you clarity.” -Hasan Minhaj, comedian

“Someone recently told me, ‘It’s still O.K. to laugh.’ It’s important.” - Preet Bharara, podcast host and former U.S. Attorney

“Listen to your body and take time for yourself. For many of us, the way we speak to ourselves is not the same way we would speak to someone we love and care about. I try to remember this when I feel anxious. When we practice self-compassion, we can then be a better help to others.” - Aly Raisman, Olympic Gymnast

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

WHO and Google Assistant

 My Google Assistant connected me with an article from the World Health Organization including 20 health tips:

“1. Eat a healthy diet.

2. Consume less salt and sugar.

3. Reduce intake of harmful fats. 

4. Avoid harmful use of alcohol.

5. Don’t smoke.

6. Be active.

7. Check your blood pressure regularly. 

8. Get tested.

9. Get vaccinated.

10. Practice safe sex. 

11. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

12. Prevent mosquito bites.

13. Follow traffic laws. 

14. Drink only safe water.

15. Breastfeed babies from 0-2 years and beyond. 

16. Talk to someone you trust if you’re feeling down.

17. Take antibiotics only as prescribed.

18. Clean your hands properly.

19. Prepare your food correctly.

20. Have regular check-ups.” 

A Better Me with Google Assistant

 Me: What can I do to be a better “me” today? 

Google Assistant pulled up the outline from the article, “How to Become a Better Person on 12 Steps” via healthline.com. 

Google Assistant in regards to the article from healthline.com: “Here’s a look at some ways to build self-improvement into your daily routine and let go of negative thoughts about yourself.

1. Cultivate gratitude.

2. Greet anyone you meet. 

3. Try a digital detox. 

4. Use positive self-talk. 

5. Practice random acts of kindness.

6. Eat at least one meal mindfully. 

7. Get enough sleep. 

8. Breathe consciously.

9. Clean for 30 minutes.

10. Forgive yourself and others. 

11. Engage in self-care. 

12. Be kind to yourself (be your own best friend).” 

Happy Earth Day from Me and My Google Assistant

My Question: What can we do to help the Earth?

Google Assistant pulled up from oceanservice.noaa.gov the following:

“1. Reduce, reuse and recycle.

2. Volunteer.

3. Educate.

4. Conserve water.

5. Choose sustainable.

6. Shop wisely.

7. Use long-lasting light bulbs.

8. Plant a tree.

9. Don’t send chemicals into our waterways.

10. Bike more, drive less.” 

Google Assistant About Cheerfulness

 I asked:

How can I be more cheerful today? 

My Google Assistant answered:

“1. Be with others who make you smile. Studies show that we are happiest when we are around those who are also happy. 

2. Hold on to your values.

3. Accept the good.

4. Imagine the best.

5. Do things you love. 

6. Find purpose.

7. Listen to your heart. 

8. Push yourself, not others.” 

Becoming a Better Partner with Google Assistant

 You can probably guess the question I asked to my Google Assistant to get these answers:

How can I be a better significant other? 

My assistant pulled these 8 answers from Huff Post:

“1. Ask your partner what specific gestures would make them feel most loved right now (love language, acts of love). 

2. Start doing the things on the list for your partner.

3. Do what you say you’re going to do.

4. Carve out time for your own self-care.

5. Let go of the small stuff.

6. Turn off the TV and put your phone away sometimes. 

7. Practice being a better listener.

8. Say “thank you” more - and not just via text.” 

Becoming a Better Parent with Google Assistant

 I asked my Google Assistant this question: 

How do I become a better parent? 

It pulled up these answers from KidsHealth.org 

“1. Boost your child’s self-esteem.

2. Catch kids being good.

3. Set limits and be consistent with your discipline.

4. Make time for your kids.

5. Be a good role model.

6. Make communication a priority.

7. Be flexible and willing to adjust your parenting style.

8. Show that your love is unconditional.

9. Know your own needs and limitations as a parent.” 

Added ideas included:

“Sometimes your undivided attention can be the best gift.

Share your appreciation.

Make something special to eat, etc.” 

Google Assistant

I just asked my Google Assistant the first question I had in the moment. How do I get happier? 

The response from my Google Assistant included: 

“Daily Habits:

1. Smile. You tend to smile when you’re happy. 

2. Exercise. Exercise isn’t just for your body. 

3. Get plenty of sleep. 

4. Eat with mood in mind. 

5. Be grateful. 

6. Give a compliment. 

7. Breathe deeply. 

8. Acknowledge the unhappy moments.”

“Have a great evening, Suzanne.” It writes to me. 

I think to myself... If having a robot in hospitals benefits the patients, this robot assistant also has the potential to be greatly beneficial. 

Thank you Google, for the assistant I never knew I needed. 

Suzanne Sateri