Village Blog

How to Make Friends and Influence Your Happiness

The Navigator • May 2023 Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, is baring his soul to draw attention to the dangers of loneliness in our society, announcing that it’s time to take notice and act. In a recent op-ed in the New York Times, the 45-year old Dr. Murthy wrote: “My first stint as surgeon general had just ended. I was suddenly disconnected from the colleagues with whom I had spent most of my waking hours. I felt ashamed to reach out to friends I had ignored. I found myself increasingly lonely and isolated, and it felt as if I was the only one who felt that way. Loneliness … can chip away at your self-esteem and erode your sense of who you are. That’s what happened to me.” Continue reading the Navigator by clicking here.          

The Power of Age Beliefs: Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Laurel Baer for the Village Chicago The 2022 Village Trailblazer award for an author was presented to Dr. Becca Levy, for her groundbreaking book, Breaking the Age Code. The results of her research have brought a new understanding of what it means to be an” older American.” Age beliefs are how we expect older people to behave, and in our culture, they are filled with negative stereotypes – which have real consequences. Continue reading this article by clicking here. 

Heal Through Words

By: Ashley Walker for the Village Chicago | Roses are red, Violets are blue- would you believe that poetry can potentially heal you? It’s true! Poetry, according to a National Library of Medicine publication, can be used as a holistic healing technique. Reading and writing poetry has the ability to boost cognitive stimulation, influence social connection and build communities. Continue reading this article by clicking here.  

Spring Into Wellness

By: Ashley Walker for the Village Chicago | Spring has arrived! The sun is shining (at times), the flowers are blooming, spring showers are watering the flowers, the trees are regaining their leaves, and the weather is getting warmer by the day. Did you know that spending time outside can help your overall health? Nature, according to the Mental Health Foundation, has the ability to generate positive emotions, creative drives, and can aid in concentration. Continue reading this article by clicking here. 

Women’s History Month – A Celebration

By Laurel Baer and Kate Spelman for The Village Chicago | During the month of March, we honor women of all cultures, races, and backgrounds for their contributions to America and the fight for equality. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” – women who have devoted their lives to pursuing truth and reflecting society. Today, we’ll pay tribute to some Chicago women who are all a part of our city’s growing story. Continue reading this article by clicking here.

How Mental Health Impacts Your Heart

 By Ashley Walker for The Village Chicago | Did you know that your mental health has a significant impact on your physical health? It is true that the connection between your mental and cardiovascular health is more than just behavioral. Chronic and daily stress can lead to stress eating, skipping meals, sleeping less, and other physical reactions that strain your body and heart. So, what can we do to improve our mental health? Here are a few tips to help you in your daily journey to improve your mental health and keep your heart healthy. Continue reading this article by clicking here.

National Nutrition Month: Are You Fueled?

By Ashley Walker for The Village Chicago | When you eat a meal and your body digests it, the glucose in your stomach and small intestines is absorbed and released into your bloodstream. Glucose released into the bloodstream can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Essentially, eating healthy foods will provide you with the energy you require for the day. Are you properly fueled? Continue reading this article by clicking here.

Introduction to Sound Meditation

By Jill Stein for The Village Chicago. | The history of sound meditation (also known as sound healing) dates back thousands of years. All known cultures have used sound. The most ancient roots of sound healing come from Shamanic practices. The goal of Shamanic music is to allow the mind to drift away from thoughts so that our mind creates new conceptual boundaries. The earliest document showing sound therapy in 1550 BC from ancient Egypt, where priests used sound to rid people of sickness and evil spirits. Continue reading this article by clicking here. 

Healing Heart Health One Beat at a Time

By Ashley Walker for The Village Chicago | Did you know that your heart is roughly the size of a fist? As it beats, this small muscle on the left side of your chest pushes blood throughout your entire body. Who says small can’t be powerful?


Back to the top