​By Nina Sonovia Brown, MS, LPC

Gain control over your life and go after your goals by controlling your breath.  According to a Frontiers in Psychology study, belly breathing triggers the body’s relaxation responses, which can aid in improving mental and physical health. In just twenty sessions over an eight week period, participants in the study were able to reduce their stress levels and improve their attention span significantly.  This breathing technique is also called “diaphragmatic breathing” or “deep breathing", and is considered to be an integral part of yoga practices.

Try it now: While sitting or standing, image a balloon is attached to your head and extend your spine.  In as little as five breaths or as long as five minutes, relax your jaw, neck, and shoulders. Begin to breathe from your chest to fill your lungs with air. Relax and push the air out from your belly. You can also place your hands on your chest and abdomen to feel motion as you inhale and exhale with each breath. 

There are multiple forms of diaphragmatic breathing. The use of one in another study seeking to treat anxiety found that this method is less invasive than drugs because it doesn’t involve using neurotransmitters in the brain. Controlled breathing has been shown to offset the harmful effect of stress and negative thought patterns.

Try it now: While sitting or standing,  image a balloon is attached to your head and extend your spine.  In as little as five breaths or as long as five minutes, relax your jaw, neck, and shoulders. Breath out a specific color and breath in a different color. Chose colors that represent things that you would like to get more of (breath in) and get rid of (breath out). Try this for one to five minutes daily.
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 ​Nina Sonovia Brown, MS, LPC is an Emotional Intelligence Expert for corporations, schools, and individuals. She is also a Mindfulness Teacher, College Professional, and CEO of Solonco, an emotional intelligence, and mindfulness training company.

Believe it or not, your geographical location has serious impacts on your happiness and health. Numerous studies have proven how the city you live in can affect your well being and health in many different ways. The way a city (or state) has been designed influences the willingness of individuals to partake and revel in the many glories it has to offer. With more places to go, more scenery to see, and experiences to have, your well-being will be positively affected  as compared to if you are living in a dull place with little to do.
Amongst many beautiful places around the globe is Colorado. From cosmopolitan cities to adventure filled activities to historical monuments and richness in arts and culture, Colorado is the place to be all year long. The best part is that there's so much to do that no individual will ever feel left out of the endless benefits to their well-being.

People
For people that have recently moved to Colorado, it is important to know that the locals of the state are extremely friendly and welcoming. As compared to the welcomes in other states, Colorado makes sure everyone feels comfortable at all times. Whether you are talking to your neighbor or someone on the street, you will always be in for a good conversation. Moreover, the type of people you surround yourself with will indeed benefit you in all aspects of life.

Structure
From modern sky scrapers to exotic art museums and large shopping malls to the great mountains, endless green trails and natural springs, Colorado is the state that will give the taste of all experiences in one boundary. While some can go to the mall as a getaway, others can hop on their bikes and go on hiking trails without having to worry about anything. Within this one state, every individual (resident or not) can unlock ample experiences.

Weather
Colorado is known as the state that has 300 days of sunshine, mild temperatures, and some rainfall, which is why there is no “bad time” for this state. Whether you like to enjoy the – somewhat - chilly breezes or the occasional rainfall, when the sun is out and about, it is important to take full advantage. With the fresh smell lingering in the air, trees greener than ever, and the breeze hitting your face,  the national parks featured in this state are not to be missed.

Attractions
Colorado is full of greenery, natural beauty, and wilderness but attractions do not stop there. This state has historical significance and monuments, art and culture along with shopping malls and thrift stores. Since there is so much to do, you have the freedom to mix things around. One day you can be soaking up sun at Mesa Verde National Park or dipping your feet in Strawberry Park Hot Springs and the other you can be at the mall buying your favorite purses.

How it Affects Us
Studies suggest, “where we live is a matter of medical interest.” The study of geospatial medicine explains how a person’s location can influence their health and well-being in both positive and negative ways. Alongside bearing genetic DNA, people also bear environmental DNA. Biologist and geographer Amy Blatt states, “I don’t think people take into account how importantly a place impacts their health until it’s too late.”

Dan Buettner wrote in “The Blue Zones of Happiness,” that people live happier, longer and healthier when they are surrounded by sunshine, green spaces, and access to whole foods while also taking fitness in account. The geographical location of an individual determines their happiness more than anything else.

Researchers have proved that sunlight is the “natural antidepressant” for the brain. Recent and past studies have proven that spending time in the sun produces serotonin (mood regulating) so an individual’s mood can be great even on darker days. If someone does not spend quality time in the sunlight, it can lead to SAD (seasonal affective disorder). With this disorder, it becomes hard for individuals to function as they become becoming lethargic, and physical activity can then be lowered.
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All in all, your geographical location plays a big role in your happiness, health and well-being. If you plan to move to Colorado, then you can rest assured that your happiness, health, and well-being will be as high as possible.

​by Nina Sonovia Brown, LPCC 

​According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, it is rare for a person to achieve meaning and purpose in their life without first meeting other needs, like shelter, love, safety, and confidence. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, I will outline how entrepreneurs can establish an inclusive, emotionally intelligent business with the end game (EG) legacy or contribution to society in mind.

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In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, referenced above, the bottom tier of the pyramid sets the tone for all other levels and ultimately helps individuals self-actualize or find meaning and purpose in their lives. Once the essential physiological needs (e.g., food, clothing, shelter) are satisfied, you can proceed up the pyramid towards finding inner potential. For the entrepreneur, the crucial physiological needs are simple: get paid for your product or service!
Once psychological needs are met, an individual moves towards the safety and security tier according to Maslow. As a business person who is paid, you will want to establish financial security, which will create stability for your company.

When financial security is established, you can move on to Maslow’s love and belonging tier. This is where you will focus on building significant business relationships. These relationships will establish a sense of belonging for you, and is where you find your “safe place.”

With financial security and a “safe place,” you are ready to create an emotional intelligence culture in your company. According to Maslow, this tier is where your uniqueness starts to grow and respect happens with peers and others. Building emotional intelligence will be critical to your success and performance as you begin to achieve status and business results.

Lastly is what I refer to as the “End Game”. This is why you ventured into business and will become your legacy. For Maslow, this is what turns into self actualization, and is the place where individuals develop purpose and their inner potential.  

About the Author:​

​Nina is an Emotional Intelligence Expert for corporations, schools, and individuals. She is also a Mindfulness Teacher, College Profession, and CEO of Solonco, an emotional intelligence, and mindfulness training company.