In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with with Dr. Anna Marie Frank about how our thoughts impact our happiness and health. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Anna Marie discussed the importance of focusing on positive thoughts and experiences to improve happiness and health, with Anna Marie sharing her journey into the wellness space and her experiences with holistic healing. They emphasized the need for small, consistent actions to create lasting change and the importance of aligning personal goals with one's true self. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the resources available for the audience to connect with Anna Marie and the release of the meeting recording.
Focusing on Positive Experiences for Happiness
Jonathan and Anna Marie discussed the importance of focusing on positive thoughts and experiences to improve happiness and health. Jonathan highlighted the tendency to ruminate on negative aspects of life, which often are out of one's control or from the past. He expressed the need to empower oneself and make the most of current and future situations. Anna Marie, a doctor of traditional neuropathy with a PhD in Natural Medicine, shared her background and experiences, including healing her brain after years of depression and dyslexia. She also mentioned her work as the creator and owner of a brain health-focused Wellness Center, the formulator of a brain nutraceutical line, and the author of a self-improvement book. The conversation was set to explore these topics further.
Anna Marie's Journey Into Wellness
Anna Marie shares her journey into the wellness space, starting with getting certified as a group exercise instructor at 18 after being fired from Dairy Queen. She struggled with undiagnosed depression in college and thought getting a job would make her happy, but realized only she could make herself happy. After being prescribed mind-altering medications in her early 20s, she decided to focus on naturally rewiring her brain and mindset, which led her to discover energy medicine and enter the wellness field.
Holistic Healing and Medication Skepticism
Anna Marie and Jonathan discussed their views on holistic healing and the role of different approaches to health. Anna Marie expressed her belief in the power of the mind and emotions in healing, and her skepticism towards the use of mind-altering medications for brain conditions. She shared her personal experience of being prescribed such medications in her early twenties, which she believes contributed to her worsening condition. Jonathan agreed with Anna Marie's points, adding that trial and error is often involved in medication use. They also touched on the importance of talk therapy, naturalistic approaches, and preventative medicine in maintaining overall health.
Holistic Health and Conscious Choices
Anna Marie and Jonathan discussed the importance of holistic health, emphasizing the need to pay attention to what we consume, both physically and mentally. They highlighted the significance of choosing positive and healthy inputs, such as protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat for the brain, and the impact of negative thoughts and emotions on our well-being. They also stressed the importance of self-awareness and making conscious choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The conversation concluded with the idea that happiness and wholeness are choices that individuals must make for themselves.
Small Changes for Significant Results
Anna Marie discussed the importance of making small changes to achieve significant results over time. She suggested starting with small habits, such as standing up and smiling when the alarm clock goes off, and gradually adding more activities like reaching above the head, touching toes, and saying affirmations. She emphasized the importance of consistency, using the example of standing up and smiling for a week before adding another habit. Anna Marie also suggested incorporating small breaks, like getting two minutes of sunlight during lunch, to improve overall well-being. She explained that these small changes can create new neural pathways, helping individuals break unhealthy habits and develop healthier routines.
Embracing Personal Change and Genius
Anna Marie and Jonathan discussed the power of small, consistent actions in creating lasting change. They emphasized the importance of aligning personal goals with one's true self and the potential for significant transformation over time. They also highlighted the need to interrupt negative emotional responses with new actions and to repeat positive behaviors to create new neural pathways. The conversation concluded with a focus on the importance of stepping out of societal expectations and embracing one's unique genius.
AnnaMarie's Resources and Upcoming Recording
Jonathan and Anna Marie discussed the resources available for the audience to connect with Anna Marie, including her website, wellness center, and podcast. Jonathan mentioned that the recording of their conversation would be released on the 19th of February and encouraged Anna Marie to repurpose it as needed. They also discussed their presence on LinkedIn, with Jonathan agreeing to share the recording there. The conversation ended with both parties wishing each other a good week.
Listen to the webinar here:
