mochi massage | blog

How to Kick Ass at Work (and in Life)

winnie — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:51:08 +0000

Surprise. You’re superhuman when you’re happy.

We’re hearing/reading/seeing a lot more about the secrets to happiness these days. And, even as I cling to my last shreds of cynicism, it’s refreshing to see that folks out there are accentuating the positive, offsetting the doom and gloom we read/see/watch/experience waay too much for our own good.

Shawn Achor, a psychologist who’s taught at Harvard for over a decade, breaks it down in this TED talk. I love the simplicity of his approach:

shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html

1. Write about a positive experience you’ve had in the last 24 hours, so you (and your brain) can relive the glory.

2. Work out. Um, ‘cos endorphins rule.

3. Meditate. For many years, I soo hated (i.e. couldn’t sit still long enough) to meditate. Once, when I was delirious from doing a cleanse, I announced to my friends that I would be signing up for a Vipassana retreat (10 days of silent meditation). They just looked at me. And then they proceeded to laugh. That was years ago. I’ve been flirting with meditation ever since. But only in recent weeks have I been able to cultivate a daily meditation practice. I’d say there’s about a 20% reduction in general stress-induced freakouts. So, that’s something, right?

4. Be nice. Go out of your way to do something sweet for someone else. Sometimes, I imagine, that could be you.

private yoga class

winnie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:52:18 +0000

90 minutes medicine $125

winnie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:35:49 +0000

60 minutes mo’bettah $85

winnie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:32:53 +0000

40 minutes melt $60

winnie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:42:24 +0000

10/20 minutes mini $15/30

winnie — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:48:52 +0000

Standing Up Is the New Sitting Down

winnie — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:06:15 +0000

We’re digging on this Saul Bass-inspired infographic that demonstrates how sitting (at our desks, in meetings, during our commutes, on the couch, etc) isn’t as inocuous an act as it would seem. Turns out that being sedentary isn’t so natural for us humans, and can spawn health issues ranging from back pain to heart disease. Yikes. It’s no wonder that an increasing number of Mochi clients are resorting to standing desks at work.

The big takeaway from this latest study? Take every opportunity to get your body moving, every day. Take a stroll with your workmates. Run with your dog. Climb those stairs. Bike to work. Do one of those hikes on Weekend Sherpa. Find a local pool and get aquatic. Shake what your mama gave you. Not only will you be circumventing unpleasant health issues – you’ll also be having a ton of fun.

Via:

The Importance of Being Vulnerable

winnie — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:43:17 +0000

If staying indoors during the latest round of rain has left you feeling a wee bit disconnected from the world (I know it has me) check out this TED talk by Brené Brown about how the courage to embrace our vulnerability is necessary for us to truly feel connection, purpose, and joy.

Five Ways to Well-Being

winnie — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:37:20 +0000

I have a confession. I’m addicted to TED talks, especially on Mondays when I could use an extra boost of inspiration. Just caught this TED talk by statistician and happiness researcher Nic Marks.

The Happiness Index, Marks’ set of metrics used to measure just how successful we are as a happy, healthy, loving society – is as good of a concept as any for what Mochi Massage represents.

As we wrap up our third full year in business (whoa!), the Happiness Index serves as a succinct reminder of what we’re here to do – advocate for a greater investment in well-being, both for ourselves as well as that of our planet – so that we can embrace our happiness. That, and to figure out how we can land a Mochi Massage outpost in Costa Rica.


Open publication - Free publishing - More well-being

Go Local, Not Loco | A Primer on Organic Produce

winnie — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:32:50 +0000

You’ve been trying to go local, bringing your cutsie basket to the farmers’ market. Instead you’re seriously going loco. What is the difference between ‘organic’, ‘certified organic’, ‘no pesticides’, and ‘no sprays’? You may as well be shopping at the mega-mart; there are far too many undefined labels and choices. Are you filling your basket with tasty, sustainable foods or just buying into clever marketing jargon? Below – a primer to help you decipher what it all means:

Certified Organic: The USDA has a ‘National Organic Program’, wherein accredited organizations inspect farms annually to ensure farming methods meet the national standards; organic produce must be free of most synthetic chemicals (e.g. pesticides, fertilizers, additives, GMOs, irradiation, antibiotics). Tests must indicate these results for several consecutive years in order to be certified. Records must be kept, and conventional & organic crops must be properly separated. Organic practices are more environmentally friendly as they don’t release pesticides into the environment, are better at sustaining diverse ecosystems, and often use less energy & create less waste than conventional farms.

Organically Grown, Organic Methods, Organic but not Certified, Transitioning to Organic: A farm might use organic practices (no synthetic sprays, etc.), but may choose not to get certified, or may be in the process of certification. Certification can cost extra money, and takes at least 3 years of organic practices before a farm can be certified. (Though there are stipends to support farms going organic… so if you’re curious why a farm hasn’t bothered to get certified, or where they are in the process ask!) Without the certification, there’s no guarantee the farm is meeting the national organic standards, and the food may contain pesticide residues.

No Spray / Pesticide Free: This suggests just what the label says, however it does not guarantee that the produce is free of pesticide residue, irradiation or other more conventional techniques.

Bottom Line: When at the market, chat it up with your local farmers. If a grower isn’t certified, ask why. You may still be getting clean veggies sans the pricey stamp of approval from the government. Bonus: Getting to know the folks who are supplying you and your family with healthy, sustainable eats.

If you can’t go organic all the time, here’s a breakdown of which veggies and fruits you should buy organic vs. non-organic:

The “Dirty Dozen” (Get ‘em organic)
· Apples
· Cherries
· Grapes, imported (Chili)
· Nectarines
· Peaches
· Pears
· Raspberries
· Strawberries
· Bell peppers
· Celery
· Potatoes
· Spinach

The “Clean Fifteen” (Non-organic is OK – but give them a good wash/peel)
·     Onion
·     Avocado
·     Sweet Corn
·     Pineapple
·     Mango
·     Asparagus
·     Sweet Peas
·     Kiwi
·     Cabbage
·     Eggplant
·     Papaya
·     Watermelon
·     Broccoli
·     Tomato
·    Sweet Potatoes

Learn more about organic brands/products.
Get fluent in Farmer’s Market Lingo.
Locate your local farmer’s market.

About our guest blogger: Ali G. Aiello, CHHC, RYT is a wHolistic Health & Nutrition Coach, a yoga instructor, and a down to earth foodie. She supports her clients in bringing compassion and awareness to the areas of their life that feed them, moving from mindful eating to mindful living in order to improve the quality of their life. Ali leads wellness workshops, offers individual, group or corporate coaching, and provides yoga instruction to those who want to feel great in their body, and lead an energetic, happy life. Find out more at Just Be Wellness.