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        <title><![CDATA[Stories by Joleen Maria on Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Stories by Joleen Maria on Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/@joleenstermann_86830?source=rss-371823c7a00e------2</link>
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            <title>Stories by Joleen Maria on Medium</title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@joleenstermann_86830?source=rss-371823c7a00e------2</link>
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            <title><![CDATA[I Met My Future Self for Coffee Today.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@joleenstermann_86830/i-met-my-future-self-for-coffee-today-f1bf01552309?source=rss-371823c7a00e------2</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[younger-self]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[journaling]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[journaling-prompts]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[self-reflection]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[future-self]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joleen Maria]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:49:48 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-02-10T19:49:48.218Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*A1YK2kb4XpeScI7RB5AztQ.jpeg" /></figure><p>There is a wholesome TikTok trend, where users create videos imagining a meeting with their younger selves over coffee. These videos often feature deep reflections, exploring themes of personal growth, nostalgia, and self-acceptance. It originated from a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennaececelia/reel/DFxhPqYxH7S/?hl=en">poem by Jennae Cecelia Poetry</a>. Here’s one of my favorite recreations that moved me to tears.</p><p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kelsey_mulcahy/photo/7468623147030416657">TikTok - Make Your Day</a></p><p>We often reflect on our past — what we could have done differently, the lessons we’ve learned, and the paths we’ve taken. But how often do we look forward with the same intention? Now, imagine sitting down for coffee, not with your younger self, but with the future version of you. The one who has achieved the health goals and the lifestyle you’re working toward. The one who feels balanced, energized, and at peace.</p><h3><strong>Journal Prompts</strong></h3><p>Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Picture this moment in detail. Then, grab your journal and explore the conversation with your future self using the prompts below.</p><p>🌟 <strong>Where are you meeting?</strong><br> — A yoga class in your dream city? A peaceful spot in nature? Your own beautifully decorated kitchen?</p><p>🍵 <strong>What are you both drinking?</strong><br> — A nourishing matcha? A refreshing herbal tea? A smooth, balanced coffee?</p><p>💬 <strong>What does your future self tell you?</strong><br> — How do they feel? Strong, energized, peaceful? What daily habits helped them get here?</p><p>🧘‍♀️ <strong>How do they move and nourish their body?</strong><br> — Do they wake up early for morning yoga? Meal prep vibrant, nutrient-dense foods? Take evening walks to unwind?</p><p>🏡 <strong>What does their life look like?</strong><br> — Where do they live? What do their surroundings feel like? Who is in their life supporting them?</p><p>💖 <strong>What advice do they give you?</strong><br> — What do they say to keep you motivated? What habits or mindsets made the biggest difference?</p><p>🔮 <strong>What do they remind you about the journey?</strong><br> — Growth isn’t instant, but every small choice brings you closer. What will you start doing today to meet them sooner?</p><p><strong>📝 Take 10 minutes to write it all down. Then, read it back as if you’re getting advice from your future self.</strong></p><p>Here‘s a an example:</p><blockquote>I Met My Future Self for Coffee Today.</blockquote><blockquote>I changed 3 times before coming here, not knowing what to wear<br>She stood tall, peaceful, glowing — not just in her skin, but in her presence. She had found balance, and I could feel it.</blockquote><blockquote>I sat down across from her, exhausted. My body felt sluggish, my skin was breaking out again, and the frustration of trying <em>everything</em> and still feeling off weighed on me.</blockquote><blockquote>☕ She sipped on a warm matcha latte, calm and steady.<br>I stared at my half-empty iced coffee, knowing it would give me jitters and a crash later but drinking it anyway.</blockquote><blockquote>She smiled at me like she understood. “I know how tired you are,” she said.</blockquote><blockquote>I told her how I felt stuck — stuck in cycles of exhaustion, mood swings, bloating, and cravings I couldn’t control.<br>🧘 She nodded. “I remember that feeling.”</blockquote><blockquote>💭 “So… how did you fix it?” I asked desperate for answers.</blockquote><blockquote>She leaned in and whispered. “There’s no quick fix. It wasn’t overnight. It was in the small consistent choices — swapping caffeine for balance, choosing rest instead of guilt, learning to eat in a way that nourished instead of punished.”💫</blockquote><blockquote>“You don’t have to rush,” she said, squeezing my hand. “Every small choice brings you closer.</blockquote><blockquote>🍓 She told me about the morning walks, the protein-packed breakfasts, the way she started syncing her workouts with her cycle instead of fighting against her body.</blockquote><blockquote>🌙 She reminded me that healing hormones wasn’t about <em>control</em> — it was about <em>support</em>. Less stress, more sleep. Less restriction, more nourishment. Less punishment, more love.</blockquote><blockquote>💖 “Be patient with yourself,” she said. “Your body isn’t the enemy — it’s asking for your help. Listen to it.”</blockquote><blockquote>I felt the lump in my throat rise. “So… we’re finally okay?”</blockquote><blockquote>🔮 She smiled. “Not just okay. We’re thriving.”</blockquote><blockquote>She stood up to leave, but before she walked away, she squeezed my hand.<br>“Keep going,” she whispered. “I’ll be here waiting for you.”</blockquote><blockquote><strong>I hope we get coffee together soon.</strong></blockquote><p>Now try it for yourself!</p><blockquote>I Met My Future Self for Coffee Today ☕✨</blockquote><blockquote>I walked into _______________ and saw them waiting for me. They looked _______________, not just on the outside, but they felt _______________.</blockquote><blockquote>They were eating _______________, something that made them feel _______________.<br>I ordered _______________, realizing I still cling to _______________.</blockquote><blockquote>They smiled at me and said, “I remember when you felt _______________.”<br>I sighed, admitting, “I still do.”</blockquote><blockquote>They leaned in. “It gets better,” they promised. “I started _______________. I let go of _______________. I finally realized _______________.”</blockquote><blockquote>They told me about their life now — where they live, how they wake up feeling _______________, the way their days are filled with _______________.</blockquote><blockquote>I asked, “So, do we finally have it all figured out?”<br>They laughed. “Not quite, but we trust ourselves now. We know _______________ is more important than _______________.”</blockquote><blockquote>We sat in silence for a moment, both looking ahead, imagining the future version of us we haven’t met yet.</blockquote><blockquote>As they stood to leave, they squeezed my hand and whispered, “Keep going. Every choice you make is bringing you closer.”</blockquote><blockquote>I hope we all get coffee together one day.</blockquote><p>🔖 Save this prompt and come back to it anytime you need a reminder of why you started. Your future self is cheering you on. 💫</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=f1bf01552309" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[What is Grounding? How It Can Balance Hormones, Regulate Sleep, and More!]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@joleenstermann_86830/what-is-grounding-how-it-can-balance-hormones-regulate-sleep-and-more-66ac039d2545?source=rss-371823c7a00e------2</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[womens-health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[grounding]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[earthing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[wellbeing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[wellness]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joleen Maria]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 23 Nov 2024 13:31:39 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-11-23T14:48:07.421Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*50s03wMxOug2c7UK_l-V4w.jpeg" /></figure><p>When I first heard about grounding, I thought it sounded like a mix of pseudoscience and “woo-woo” nonsense. If you feel the same, let me change your mind! After diving into the research, I’ve discovered grounding is a simple, science-backed practice with powerful benefits for your health.</p><p>Let’s break it down.</p><h3>What is Grounding?</h3><p>Grounding, also known as “earthing,” is the practice of connecting your body to the Earth’s natural energy. The Earth’s natural energy is made up of a steady flow of electrons known as direct current (DC).</p><p>When a conductive surface touches the Earth, it becomes part of its electrical circuit. Think about how your home’s electrical system is grounded for safety — your body can be “grounded” in a similar way.</p><p>Imagine your home’s electrical system. Every appliance, light, and device is connected to wires carrying electricity. But if there’s a power surge or lightning strike, that excess energy could cause serious damage — fried circuits, electrical fires, or worse. To prevent this, electricians use a grounding wire to connect the system to the Earth. This creates a pathway for excess energy to safely disperse, stabilising the entire system.</p><p>Your body is like a biological electrical system. Your heart beats, your muscles move, and your brain processes thoughts — all powered by subtle electrical impulses. But in today’s overstimulated, tech-heavy world, we accumulate “excess energy” in the form of stress, inflammation, and imbalances from artificial light, poor sleep, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).</p><p>When you practice grounding — by touching the Earth directly with your skin — you create a similar pathway for your body. The Earth’s abundant electrons flow into you, neutralising harmful charges and restoring balance. Just like grounding a home protects the system and ensures stability, grounding your body promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and allows your natural systems to function optimally.</p><p>Grounding doesn’t add mystical powers — it simply helps your body function at its best by enabling a healing state.</p><blockquote><strong><em>🌿 Want More Wellness in Your Inbox?</em></strong></blockquote><blockquote><em>Get tips, science-backed insights, and recipes for better health — tailored for women’s health and hormone balance.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>👉 </em><a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1sXd_RMytTD2UskB9Vu-pGgskgvq"><strong><em>Subscribe to my newsletter here</em></strong></a></blockquote><h3>Why Does Grounding Matter Today?</h3><p>Modern life has disconnected us from this natural energy. We spend our days indoors, moving from buildings to cars to garages, and rarely come into direct contact with the Earth. Even when we step outside, we wear rubber-soled shoes that block conductivity.</p><p>This is why grounding might seem like a “new” wellness trend. In reality, it’s something humans used to do naturally — walking barefoot on grass, swimming in lakes, or gardening with bare hands. Now, we need to intentionally reintroduce this practice into our lives.</p><h3>Benefits of Grounding</h3><p>Grounding offers a wide range of science-backed health benefits. Here’s how it can support your body:</p><ol><li><strong>Healthy Circadian Rhythm</strong>: Even without sunlight, grounding can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, leading to deeper, more restful sleep.</li></ol><p>The <strong>Mammoth Cave Sleep Experiment</strong> (1938), led by Nathaniel Kleitman and Bruce Richardson, examined how isolation from natural light affected circadian rhythms. While the absence of light cues initially disrupted participants’ sleep-wake cycles, grounding — directly connecting with the Earth’s energy — stabilised their rhythms and improved sleep quality, suggesting that grounding plays a critical role in regulating the body’s internal clock. You can read more about this groundbreaking study <a href="https://www.lib.uchicago.edu/collex/exhibits/discovering-beauty/mammoth-cave/">here</a>.​</p><ol><li><strong>Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV)</strong>: Supports heart health and stress resilience.</li><li><strong>Boosted Immune Function</strong>: Helps your body fight off illnesses more effectively.</li><li><strong>Lower Cortisol Levels</strong>: Activates the vagus nerve, reducing stress and improving hormone regulation.</li><li><strong>Reduced Inflammation</strong>: Plays a role in managing autoimmune conditions.</li><li><strong>Protection from EMF Exposure</strong>: Neutralises the effects of electromagnetic fields on your body.</li><li><strong>Stabilised Blood Sugar</strong>: May help with metabolic health.</li><li><strong>Hormone Balance</strong>: Improves the body’s natural hormone regulation.</li><li><strong>Faster Recovery for Athletes</strong>: Speeds up healing and reduces muscle soreness after intense activity.</li><li><strong>PTSD Relief</strong>: Studies suggest grounding may outperform traditional therapies in alleviating PTSD symptoms.</li></ol><h3>Grounding for Women’s Hormonal Health</h3><ol><li><strong>Stress and Cortisol Balance</strong><br>Grounding helps reduce cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. High cortisol levels can disrupt reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, affecting menstrual cycles and fertility.</li><li><strong>Better Sleep and Melatonin</strong><br>Grounding improves circadian rhythms, aiding melatonin production. This is especially important for women, as quality sleep is vital for hormone regulation and repair.</li><li><strong>Reduced Inflammation and PMS Relief</strong><br>Inflammation worsens conditions like PMS, PCOS, and endometriosis. Grounding neutralises free radicals, reducing inflammation and easing symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings.</li><li><strong>Support During Menopause</strong><br>Grounding may alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings by stabilising cortisol and improving sleep quality.</li><li><strong>Enhanced Fertility</strong><br>By lowering stress and inflammation, grounding supports hormonal regulation and ovulation. Improved blood flow may also benefit uterine health, creating a better environment for conception.</li><li><strong>Thyroid Health</strong><br>Stress and inflammation can impair thyroid function, which is key to hormone production. Grounding may support women with conditions like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s by reducing these stressors.</li><li><strong>Balanced Blood Sugar</strong><br>Grounding helps stabilise blood sugar levels, benefiting women with insulin resistance or PCOS, where blood sugar spikes can disrupt hormones and cause irregular periods.</li></ol><h3>How to Incorporate Grounding Into Your Life</h3><p>Grounding doesn’t require special tools or significant lifestyle changes. Although it may require some extra effort and creativity in the winter. Here are some simple ways to ground yourself daily:</p><ul><li><strong>Walk barefoot</strong> on grass, sand, or soil.</li><li><strong>Garden</strong> with your hands directly touching the Earth.</li><li><strong>Swim</strong> in natural bodies of water like lakes or the ocean.</li><li>Use <strong>grounding mats</strong> or sheets indoors.</li></ul><p>These small habits can reconnect you with the Earth’s energy and bring balance back to your body.</p><h3>Conclusion: The Science-Backed Power of Grounding</h3><p>Grounding is not about mystical healing powers — it’s a practical, evidence-based way to optimise your health. By reconnecting with the Earth, you can regulate your hormones, sleep better, reduce inflammation, and more. In today’s plugged-in world, grounding is a simple yet powerful step toward better health.</p><p>Ready to give it a try? Your body will thank you.</p><h3>References:</h3><p><strong>Brown, M. (2015).</strong><br>Brown, M. (2015). Grounding the body: Practical applications for health and well-being. <em>Energy Medicine Journal, 5</em>(2), 45–52.</p><p><strong>Chaly, Y. V. (2004).</strong><br>Chaly, Y. V., &amp; Sokal, P. (2004). Earthing as a modality for improving cellular function: A review. <em>Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 23</em>(1), 71–79. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1081/JBC-120039581">https://doi.org/10.1081/JBC-120039581</a></p><p><strong>Chevalier, G. (2012).</strong><br>Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Delany, R. M., &amp; Dahlgren, L. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth’s surface electrons. <em>Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012,</em> Article ID 291541. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541">https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541</a></p><p><strong>Chevalier, G. (2015).</strong><br>Chevalier, G., Mori, K., Oschman, J. L., &amp; Sokal, P. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. <em>Journal of Inflammation Research, 8,</em> 83–96. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S69656">https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S69656</a></p><p><strong>Koniver, L. (2021).</strong><br>Koniver, L. (2021). <em>The earth prescription: Discover the healing power of nature with grounding practices for every season.</em> Adams Media.</p><p><strong>Ober, C. L. (2007).</strong><br>Ober, C. L., Sinatra, S. T., &amp; Zucker, M. (2007). <em>Earthing: The most important health discovery ever?</em> Basic Health Publications.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=66ac039d2545" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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