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12 (Legal) Ways to Get High

Many things are uncertain right now, not just here in Montreal, but also In the US & around the world,everyone is trying to cope, it’s one crisis after another.  If that wasn’t enough, all this uncertainty is giving rise to dangerous times of solitude & depression. The first thing many of us want to do is grab a drink or a smoke to numb everything & let it pass. This might only be making things worse. The human body is complex and intelligent & it really does not need artificial stimuli from the outside world.  It creates its own chemicals in the brain to make you happy. I would like to suggest a few alternatives to help you activate these natural happy chemicals!

Please keep this list close to you, somewhere everyone can see it – by your phone, on your desk or even on your fridge & share, share, share! My goal is to help you get this kind of high as often as possible!!!

1. Get high on colours

Our world is filled with colours, however many of us don’t realize how many ways they can impact our lives. Colours can influence our behaviour & wellbeing, with different colours having a different effect.

Pink is a calming & reassuring colour – it has even been used in prisons to calm inmates.

Blue is peaceful & calm. It can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety & even slow your heart rate!  You just have to look up to notice how a blue sky affects our mood.

Green seems to make positive emotions stronger & negative emotions weaker.

Red, on the other hand, can amplify negativity. We have enough of that in our lives, so it can be best to avoid this colour.

Check out my interview on The Survival Show with 1 of the 100 world color experts, Marie-Chantal Milette!

2. Get high on nature

When I was a kid my mother didn’t let me play inside, meaning I spent my days outside in the fresh air. When we are kids our sense of wonder is on overload watching all the discoveries nature has to offer us. Isn’t that what we’re looking for when we run from the city to the country any weekend we can? Go to the forest, to the park, to the blue of the water and the sky & the green of the trees – the fresh air can only do you good!  Besides, remember that green seems to make positive emotions stronger!!!

Woman in pink jacket posing in front of autumnal nature background

3. Get high on exercise

Have you ever wondered why so many people run? Maybe they’re all hooked on the runner’s high! The latest research indicates that the so-called ‘runner’s high’ is likely caused by two endogenous chemicals: beta-endorphin, an endogenous opioid involved in pain reduction and relaxation. So walk, bike, dance, run, do push ups …just keep moving, no matter how small your step seems. All great athletes started with just one step. Take that first step!

4. Get high on knowledge

Read books, learn a skill, learn a new language, brush up on your history. You will be amazed how much you can find on Google & Youtube, as well as by how much new information your brain can take in!

5. Get high on art

Smiling woman doing an art project

Art is therapeutic – in fact, art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.  Both creating art and viewing art created by others can be used to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem and work on social skills!

Paint an old piece of furniture, write, sing, dance, recite poems, take pictures, cook, paint a canvas, colour in a new colouring book, paint by numbers, or visit a famous art gallery on line! You can also check out the Transform Art episode of The Survival Show here.

Visit Omer DeSerres for more ideas!

6. Get high on good old fashioned board games

Remember that feeling when you were a kid right before making a great move in a game? That feeling of being totally submerged in the experience? All the stress goes away, you’re in a different zone!  Play with the whole family, no matter how old your kids are. There are games to suit everyone’s age and interests!

A few of my favourites are Twister, Catch Phrase, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Taboo, Scattergories, and Monopoly.

Check out Jeux Divertioz for more board game inspiration!

7. Get high on animals

Stop staring at a screen, go outside and check out the birds, squirrels, rabbits and ducks. Maybe even offer to walk the neighbor’s dog. If you decide to get a pet reflect first and know that it is not temporary, it’s for life – their life. Pets really do enhance your life in so many ways, even in terms of your health! They have been found to lower blood pressure, cholesterol level & decrease levels of loneliness in their humans. You can also volunteer or help save a life by considering adopting from an animal shelter, such as the SPCA. Check the web for more shelters in your area.

Woman smiling with dog

8. Get high on humour

Go ahead, release those beta endorphins!  Read jokes on the web, rent comedy shows on Netflix, and check out YouTube for some hilarious comedians. My all-time, laugh-out-loud favourite shows include Black-ish, Friends, Seinfeld, Sex in the City, and Cheers. Let me know what you think if you decide to check any of them out!

9. Get high on smiles

Yes, a simple smile to someone at the grocery store or the bus stop goes a long way!  Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits. That is probably why that old Coke commercial was so popular: “have a coke & a smile!”

Woman in white jacket smiing

10. Get high on music

Chances are you’ve had an experience where you hear a song & you get goose bumps or chills. Science has confirmed the existence of the euphoric music-induced “chills.”  An article featured on Get Healthy Stay Healthy suggests that music is good for improving mood, reducing stress, lessening anxiety, improving exercise, improving memory, easing pain, providing comfort, improving cognition, helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, soothing premature babies, and so much more. Frankly, they had me at ‘improving mood’ – music certainly has this effect on me all the time!

Try giving some Canadian artists a listen. Some of my favourites are Diana Krall, Rufus Wainwright, Drake, Shawn Mendes, and Eli Rose (Carrousel) & Coeur de Pirate!

If you are with Videotron & you would like to discover music from Quebec, check out their QUB Musique service.

You can also go on Spotify & make yourself your own uplifting playlist!

11. Get high on slowing down

Try out yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation.

Yoga can help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind, as well as reduce your feelings of stress.

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art literally translated as ‘Supreme Ultimate Force’. It became popular in China due to its various health benefits and was promoted across the country to help elderly people keep up with their mental, physical and energetic health.

Meditation is the practice of focused concentration and has been known to reduce stress, whether positive or negative. It also reduces anxiety, chronic pain, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated – it’s really the science of staying still. Light a candle, stare at it, and try to think of the flame and nothing else. Sound simple? Good luck! Leave a comment letting me know how it goes.

12. Get high on giving

Charity can boost both mental & physical health. Research shows that those who volunteer live longer & happier lives. You will experience lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, less anxiety and depression, and increased self-esteem.  It’s not about the quantity, or how much you can give. You can call someone, go grocery shopping for an elderly neighbour, cook cookies for a friend…the possibilities are endless!

 

Just don’t get high on fear, drugs, booze & negativity, because they tend to make things much worse. Get going by looking over these 12 ideas, picking your favourite one for the day and dropping me a line to tell me how it goes. I would really love to hear from you!

Stay home & stay safe,

LiZ

Lionzest

 

If you want to see our latest articles – lists full of tips, inspiration & motivation – subscribe to our newsletter!

Are you ready for the world to see your business with fresh eyes? Contact Lionzest to discuss how we can energize your business and make you shine.

 

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A Master Class on Resilience

The Return of Isolation, or: A Master Class on Resilience!

The Premier of Quebec has spoken – it’s time for everyone to go back home & stay safe.

Frankly, when all this started, I was watching Legault religiously every day for 4 months. I felt ready to attack anything in the morning but after watching the press conference at 1:30pm, I felt a significant drop in energy & I had a hard time concentrating. Something in my head could not process. I repeated to myself: “everything is going to be okay”, but a little negative voice followed… “or is it?”

I decided that I had to stop cold turkey and cut myself off from all the bad news to save my sanity. That’s exactly what I did when June came around. Unconsciously I thought to myself ‘it’s nice outside, summer is coming, school’s out, the sun and the heat are here, it is going to be okay, like I said’ …unconsciously.

The Survival Show

In March when things sounded really bad, I wanted to make a difference. I could not run to hospitals to offer my help so I decided to do what I do best: communicate & promote great people. It started with an idea of a show where everyone would tell their story & give their top 3 survival tips.  I called it “The Survival Show”. This show was a dream I’ve had for a very long time. I’m a PR girl.  I meet tons of amazing people & I was dreaming of a platform, a media to make them shine.  The dream had just been sleeping inside my head & Covid woke it up.

 It started with a test drive with my sister (Boutique Josyben) & my friend Paul, an amazing investment teacher.  Michael Wallace (business coach at Fascinnovation) gave me the push I needed, telling me to “stop testing & just do it!” I’m so grateful to Michael for giving me that little push I needed – it’s no wonder you are a great coach to so many business people! Take a look at our interview here.

Laurie from OM Creative was next up. She spoke about life storms, what she learned while suffering from Lyme disease & what we can all learn from life storms.

Melissa Dawn, who you might have seen on morning TV, taught us how to be the CEO of our own lives.

Marie-Chantal Millette, one of the 100 colour experts in the world, gave a lesson on how to use colours to help impact our day to day. She did this all while feeding her newborn son, demonstrating another gift from Covid: truly authentic moments!

Laur Fugère, a performer, voice coach, and ex singer in big productions like Cats, Les Misérables & Le Cirque du Soleil, almost made me cry. Watch for my moving chin in the video. You can see me trying to keep it all in but with great difficulty as I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of her voice. Tell me you don’t feel the same when you hear her sing at the end of her interview?!

Daniele Soaré, first woman to work on the Toronto Stock Exchange, had it all: a luxurious life, big hotels & limousines. She left it all to live in Montreal offering her services as a Financial Coach.  Seeing how zen she is, it seems like it was a great choice that has given her a much more rewarding life!

Marie-Reine from Face Yoga Passion told us how facial yoga can help us feel better & look better! Learn more here.

Martine Lafontaine, who became a Mourning Counselor after the tragic death of her child, tells us about the fact that 95% of people have unresolved grief.  We live difficult chapters of our lives and we often think we have moved on when in reality, we’re not quite there yet.

Frankly, I find all my guests amazing.  I wish I could tell you about all 30 of them. Everyone has a story, something we can learn from. All of them offer their top 3 tips to you in my Survival Show series.

I have a favour to ask.  Please head over to the Lionzest YouTube channel, click on one of the videos & watch it.  Like them, comment on them.  Pleasssseeee give me suggestions below on what you would like in the next season of The Survival Show – your feedback lets me know how I can improve to bring you better content!

I am working on interviews to help new entrepreneurs & interviews to help you keep a healthy body and mind. I am preparing these right now & I can’t wait to introduce to you some more incredible guests so you can hear their stories & tips!

So yes, the bad news is that “stay home stay safe” is back, but there’s always a bright side. The good news is this: you are not alone, I am right here with you, trying to figure out new ways to get a message of hope to you!

Oops! I almost forgot – stay tuned to see my whole new look (new name, new branding, new blogs). I’m sure you’re going to loveeee it!  Keep an eye on my Instagram as well, where you’ll be able to keep up with my latest videos.

Stay home & stay safe,

LiZ

Lionzest

 

If you want to see our latest articles – lists full of tips, inspiration & motivation – subscribe to our newsletter!

Are you ready for the world to see your business with fresh eyes? Contact Lionzest to discuss how we can energize your business and make you shine.

 

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Top 18 Ways To Escape Without Leaving Quebec This Summer

While this summer may look different than we had imagined, I’m looking at it as an opportunity to explore the places we call home! I’ve travelled across Canada before & I know we have many beauuuutiful places that we often take for granted, starting with my incredible province – Québec!

Top 18 Ways To Escape Without Leaving Quebec This Summer:

 

1. Go to Provence without leaving Quebec

Lavender Fields

When you picture lush lavender fields you may be thinking about France, but what you might not have known is that we have them right here in Quebec! You can find them less than an hour from Montreal at Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache, or venture a little further out to Bleu Lavande in Stanstead. In addition to its beauty and calming effects, these lavender fields are the perfect place for a summer photoshoot!

2. California vibes…(wellll, close enough):

Have you ever tried paddle boarding? If not, now’s the perfect time! At Sup Montreal you can rent a board, take lessons or participate in a planned excursion. Paddle boarding is super fun and a great workout – the perfect way to spend a hot summer day.

3. Unwind at the largest outdoor spa in North America

Improve your health & relax at Nordik, the largest spa in North America! Be sure to reserve in advance to take advantage of their wide array of massages, body care treatments and rituals. You can also visit the little village of Chelsea while you’re there!

4. A walk & swim in the park

Specifically, Parc de la Mauricie! With over 150 lakes and a variety of activities offered from canoeing and hiking to camping overnight, there’s so much to do and see here.

5. A bike ride & wine

Brome-Missiquoi’s wine route is home to 20 vineyards, 21 restaurants and 4 routes to drive or cycle! Reserve in advance if you want to join a guided tour and come ready to be wow-ed by Quebec’s wine culture.

6. Drive-in – just like the good old days, but better

Retro is back in style, and drive-ins are no exception! This is a great way to spend a summer night while following social distancing regulations. Now all you have to do is decide if you’re team rom-com or action.

7. All about the birds & the stars at Parc Mégantic

Take part in the park’s astronomy activities or see what birds you can spot while you hike. Make sure to buy your access right online before heading to this amazing National Park!

8. Sleep with wolves

Spend the night in Parc Omega’s Wolf Cabin, marveling at the panoramic views of these fascinating canines. The cabin can sleep up to 4 people and is fully equipped with everything you need for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

9. Take a kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson

Ever wanted to learn how to wakeboard, snowboard, surf, or sail? How about you combine them all into one sport and take a kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson?! This extreme sport is guaranteed to thrill you – and we think there’s no better way to spend a summer day than out on the water.

10. Golf initiation

Golf courses are a great getaway! Take a golf lesson at a nice course that you don’t need to be a member of to get a taste for the sport.

11. OSM Classical flight from your car:

Drive to the Trudeau airport but try another type of flight! On August 5th, check out the OSM’s Classical Flight Benefit concert for a night of incredible music supporting the Orchestra’s mission of music accessibility and education.

12. How about a concert on a lake

Two musicians on a raft in a lake

You can hire Quebecois singer Stéphanie Bédard for a private concert at your cottage by the lake! This is a great option for those looking to do something special this summer.

13. For a longer road trip

Though the drive is long, it is completely worth it to experience the beauty of Les Iles de la Madeleine! Discover the nature, flavours and culture of the 8 islands while enjoying a vacation without leaving Quebec.

14. Another long drive with a worthwhile reward

L’Ile d’Anticosti! This is probably the most beautiful place in Quebec and with a range of accommodation and hiking trails, certainly has something for everyone.

15. Almost like flying

If you’ve been missing being up in the air, this could be the activity for you! Spend 1.5 hours among the treetops at Action Tremblant’s zipline adventure. Lines range from 230 feet to over 650 feet long and are sure to satisfy adrenaline seekers!

16. For a magical dinner

Make a reservation at Au Pied de Cochon’s Cabane d’à Côté to enjoy a magnificent orchard picnic featuring a fresh seasonal menu. What better way to enjoy the beauty of Quebec than by sampling some of its finest local products?!

17. Stop at a not so ordinary snack bar by the water

Located in Vaudreil-Dorion, this resto-terrasse is revamping fast food. Satisfy your cravings with a good french-fry or taco at Patate et Persil – we don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

18. Hit the road

Get in your car, put on your favorite Spotify mix, roll down the windows, sing your heart on & drive for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or hours!  You can do the same thing on a bus but you might get a few awkward looks 😊!  Sometimes you don’t have to go far – music can easily transport you to better places.

 

If you want to see our latest articles – lists full of tips, inspiration & motivation – subscribe to our newsletter!

Are you ready for the world to see your business with fresh eyes? Contact Lionzest to discuss how we can energize your business and make you shine.