Blog.

The Importance of Play

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 13, 2019 / Share

This spring I spent 2 days at Disney with my family. For some this is an aspirational vacation; to others it sounds like a new fresh hell. I’ll say at the outset: I’m an unapologetic Disney aficionado. I went frequently as a kid, and I have so much nostalgia wrapped up in this strange place.⠀
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For the haters: I get it. There’s a lot to hate–the crowds, the lines, the consumerism, the plastic, the atrocious princess thing that insidiously impacts how little girls understand their role and potential in this world.⠀
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There’s also a lot to love. We NEED to play—it’s a salve for what ails us. Disney is an enormous playground, and if you let it, it will coax you into a state of divine play. The picture above is an embarrassing example of this—a grown woman about to take off on Thunder Mountain Railroad (my favorite roller coaster on earth), filled with delight. I never smile as stupidly as that in my daily life.⠀
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Disney uses ambient music and fire strategically. These forces work on an energetic and vibrational level. They give prana. Modern life, with its cold eco lighting and digital social connections, drain us of our prana, rather than filling us up.⠀
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Finally, I love that employees are present. They’re called “cast members” and they stay in character at all times. This applies to Snow White but also the dude serving your (truly disgusting) burger. Nobody is a cell phone zombie, and that’s refreshing in this world where we’re chronically and ubiquitously distracted. In fact, you’re probably in a scroll hole right now. ⠀
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I’ll reiterate, Disney can be gross in about a 1000 ways (and I’m sure you can guess my stance on the quality of their food), but I’ll be the first to admit I had a magical 2 days, in spite of a non-napping, blood sugar crashing, overstimulated toddler and hormone-laced burgers. They’re doing something right.⠀

5 Health Hazards of an “Always On” Lifestyle

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 12, 2019 / Share

Originally published in One Medical

Technology has multifaceted benefits. Your smartphone can keep you connected with friends and family, find you healthy dining options nearby, and entertain you with games, music, and videos.

Unfortunately tech has a darker side, too. Being plugged-in or “on” all the time can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Here are some common health issues that could be related to your use of technology and how to combat them.

Ten Healthier (And Not Soggy!) Dishes To Bring To A Summer Picnic

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

I like to bring kitchari—sprouted rice and sprouted lentils cooked in the Instant Pot with plenty of ghee and a light touch of Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. It’s easy to make, it travels well, and then people can scoop a portion into a bowl and eat with a spoon. It’s healthy, satisfying, not too messy, and (bonus points), it’s tri-doshic, meaning it is well-tolerated and beneficial for people of all ayurvedic doshas.

The One Tonic I Recommend For Amazing Sleep: An M.D. Explains

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

If you’re struggling with sleep, try this blended chamomile latte for a cozy, effective nightcap.

It packs several ingredients that help promote a good night’s sleep. Chamomile tea is an evidence-based remedy for insomnia. Cherries provide melatonin, the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. And coconut oil and almond butter give us stable blood sugar overnight while almond butter has the added benefit of magnesium and tryptophan to promote sleepiness. Collagen and raw honey can also help us sleep through the night.

I recommend this new twist on a nightcap for a deeper night of sleep:

These Are The Best Workouts To Do Before, During & After Your Period

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

When it comes to enjoyable activities, exercising during your menstrual cycle ranks lower than walking home in the rain without a jacket. Seriously, has anyone ever craved exercise during a period? (If so, please refer them to me—I need their secret.)

Even though the time surrounding your period may feel like the worst time to work out—because you feel achy, cramp-stricken, or just don’t want to—it’s actually one of the best times to move your body.

But the question still stands: What workout should you do, and when? Here’s what Ellen Vora, M.D., recommends for each phase of your cycle.

Can Working Out Make Your Anxiety Worse? Experts Weigh In

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

To get some answers, we asked holistic psychiatrist Ellen Vora, M.D., and trained gynecologist and obstetrician Anna Cabeca, D.O., to weigh in.

Both Vora and Cabeca agree that yes, exercise can make anxiety worse for some people. You may be asking yourself why. Some exercise can trigger a stress response in the body, meaning it increases our cortisol levels, which can contribute to anxiety.

Again, this will not be the case for everyone, but it is definitely possible, and if it’s happening to you, you probably have a few questions like…

Postpartum Nutrition

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Taking care of a new mom’s nutritional needs is a great way to help prevent post-partum depression, decrease risk of mastitis, and ensure that a nursing baby is getting the best nutrition possible. So what are the best ways to feed mom, and how the heck do you do this when you have negative time?

20 Little Changes You Can Make Throughout The Day To Boost Your Mental Health

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’d love to shed some light on the fact that you are in control of your mental well-being. We’ve been taught that mental health conditions are a genetic chemical imbalance and therefore destiny, but it’s simply not so. Often, it’s all those little decisions we make throughout the day that have the biggest cumulative impact. As a holistic psychiatrist, I can confidently say that the ways you eat, move, and think are far bigger determinants of your mental health than your genes.

Here are 20 steps you can take to empower yourself and elevate your mental wellness.

Sleep Like A Caveman

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Sleep issues are epidemic. When you pay attention to the ways we slept for millennia, you can figure out how to correct the modern causes of insomnia.

How Do You Actually Make Cooking Realistic?

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Eating real food is the key to wellbeing, and cooking is the key to eating real food. But cooking can be a relentless, time-consuming, exhausting pursuit. Here are some hacks to make it at least a bit easier.