Butterflies. Tingles. Starry eyes. All of these feelings are what we associate with the feeling of falling in love and that beautiful "honeymoon stage". It's all encompassing and nuanced and just plain perfect, but it's also temporary.

Although the beginning stages are exciting and amazing, real love is action - the day in and day out understanding, patience and compassion of our partners, family and friends. It is an intimate emotional bond that strengthens over time through a series of vulnerable and supportive actions. When we struggle with loving someone often times we have forgotten how to listen and observe how they show love in their own ways.

Thankfully small tweaks in how we observe and accept love produce big results in the acts of loving each other better. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman talks about the importance of the small moments of "turning towards" each other, and how they forge deep relationships.

The actions of observing love are also important in the love we show ourselves. We often neglect our our body, health and mind to please everyone else. However, if we do not learn to love ourselves first and take care of our whole person, then it makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to truly connect with our loved ones and experience a full and fulfilling relationship. Self love is the most important step to a selfless love with others.

We also invite you to experience self love through integrative medicine by joining the Osher Center for Integrative Health as a patient, colleague, or supporter. To learn more please visit our website. We look forward to supporting your health. 

To Your Well Being,

Melinda Ring, MD

Executive Director

www.drmelindaring.com

Osher Featured Faculty:

Dr. Judy Moskowitz

Reducing total calories more effective than intermittent fasting, study suggests

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found no association between timing from first meal to last meal and weight loss over the course of a six-year trial period. Instead, researchers found an association between the eating of more frequent and larger meals per day and weight increase, indicating that total overall caloric intake is the major driver of weight gain.

the daily number of large meals (about 1,000



Tip: Eating fewer and smaller meals, under 500 calories per meal, may prove to be more beneficial for weight loss over time than fasting. Try planning out healthy and nutrient dense meals during the week to help you lose or maintain weight.

Performing acts of kindness may decrease symptoms of depression

Performing acts of kindness improved the overall wellbeing of people with depression and anxiety, according to a study recently published in The Journal of Positive Psychology. According to the study’s authors, these results suggest that connection and performing acts of kindness are strongly associated with improved social connection and overall wellbeing as well as a key predictor of both well-being and recovery from anxiety and depressive disorders.

Tip: Although not a substitute for therapy, setting a target goal of interacting with others who may need help or a little extra kindness, at least two times a week, can go above and beyond in helping heal people with depression and anxiety.

Read: Is sea moss good for you? Influencers on social media seem to think so, but can this sea vegetable really help you heal your gut, lose weight and strengthen your immune system? The New York Times interviewed Dr. Melinda Ring to get her expert opinion.

Read about it, here.

Discover: When you feel tired, you might reach right for a cup of joe. But if you're looking to cut back on the amount of coffee you're drinking, Dr. Anna Shannahan shares some easy and healthy alternatives that can help keep you energized without the java.

Drink it in, here.

Connect: Experiencing more awe is associated with living a healthier and more meaningful life and is correlated with feeling lowered levels of daily stress. Dr. Judy Moskowitz weighs in on how a bit of awe can improve your health in this New York Times article.

Get inspired, here.