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5 Key Benefits Of Humor And Laughter For Your Wellbeing

5/12/2021

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You may have heard that laughter is the best medicine. While psychologists have determined that humor is a coping mechanism for stress, additional research into the science of humor and laughter has found that they are also good for your wellbeing.  There are five key benefits of humor and laughter that can make you happier and healthier.








 More Oxygen
Your body uses oxygen to create energy to move. As your cells use oxygen, they create carbon dioxide.  Your lungs need to exhale or push out the carbon dioxide so you can get more oxygen.  The better your breathing, the more oxygen you breathe in or inhale to circulate throughout your body. 
When you laugh, your lungs expand to push out more carbon dioxide and let more oxygen into them.  Deeper breaths mean more oxygen for energy.  Laughing also reduces trapped carbon dioxide in the lungs of people with pulmonary disease.  People with lung issues often have difficulty expelling carbon dioxide, making their breathing less effective. 
More oxygen can help you feel more energetic and alert.  More energy improves your ability to do things and benefits your wellbeing.

Reduce Pain
Humor and laughter can reduce pain sensation. Your body produces endorphins, which are natural chemicals that are responsible for making you feel happy.  Endorphins also decrease the pain response. 15 minutes of watching a humorous show can increased your pain threshold. 
Endorphins are produced during physical activity and exercise.  A typical example is a "runner's high" or the euphoria an athlete gets while running. It is believed that laughter is an exercise for the abdominal muscles.  When you laugh, you breathe deeper, using your muscles more.  This creates endorphins that help you tolerate pain and improve your wellbeing. 

Improved Immune System Function
Your immune system works to protect you against harmful germs. If you are exposed to germs, your immune system produces white blood cells to fight against germs and illness.  Your immune system also creates antibodies, so if you are exposed to that germ again, your body is ready to fight it off. 
Laughter boosts the production of germ-fighting cells and antibodies, even increasing the cells' ability to destroy cancer tumors.
Being sick reduces your wellbeing when you don't feel well and cannot do what you want and need to do.  Humor and laughter improve your immune system function and help your overall wellbeing.

Fights Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are linked to stress. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most common mental illness and affects over 40 million adults in the United States.  Anxiety and depression are often diagnosed together, with over half the people with one condition also having the other.  Anxiety and depression negatively affect a person's wellbeing and quality of life.
It has been shown that humor and laughter relieve stress and decrease the risk for anxiety and depression. The more a person laughed, the less stress they reported feeling.

Better Bonding
 Shared laughter signals people to believe they have the same viewpoint and boosts their sense of connection.
Social isolation and lack of meaningful bonds with others decrease a person's wellbeing by affecting their:
  • Sleep
  • Cognitive Function
  • Health
Humor and laughter help create and strengthen bonds, improving your wellbeing. 

​Laughter really is the best medicine. 

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Apple Cider Vinegar

5/5/2021

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Apple cider vinegar is often used for natural home cleaning products, but it is also extremely good for you when drinking or eating it. Apple cider vinegar is a special type of vinegar that has an amber color, and a bit of a bitter taste. It has a lot of excellent health benefits as well. Here are some things to know about ACV and some ways to use it.

The Health Benefits of ACV
Apple cider vinegar is one of those miracle foods that when used properly can improve your health over time. In the past, apple cider vinegar was used as a primary ingredient for many health tonics, home remedies and even as a cleaner.
This versatile acidic liquid can be found in the grocery store, and is somewhat inexpensive, but you’re probably wondering what it can do for you. 

Helps to Control Candida Yeast
One of the most common problems among people who suffer from symptoms like bad breath and difficulty digesting food is that they could overabundance of candida yeast and not even know it. Ingesting apple cider vinegar kills candida yeast and helps your body to promote a more well-balanced population of gut flora.
Many people who suffer from this will think that they have celiac disease, so this could remedy a host of issues. It is highly recommended that if you have an issue with candida that you cut back on sugar intake for a few days while you drink a cup of water with apple cider vinegar at least once a day.  This will also reduce bowel inflammation.

Helps with Weight Loss
When you drink a cup of water with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in it, you will create a more suitable environment in your body for weight loss. When insulin spikes, it can trigger fat storage signals which will result in immediate weight gain.
Apple Cider Vinegar can help to keep your insulin from spiking, and raise the presence of a hormone called glucagon that sends messages to the body that it should release fat to be burned for energy. Ingesting a small amount of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water everyday will help to keep your system operating at its most efficient point for fat burning.

Great for Skin
Apple cider vinegar contains acids that promote circulation and dissolve residues found on the surface of the skin. If you were to dilute a small amount of apple cider vinegar and dip a cotton ball into it, you could dab it onto your face to help promote healing action and gain a more youthful appearance over time.  It is also highly anti-inflammatory, so you can use it to treat bites and bruises as well.

 Beauty Uses For Apple Cider Vinegar
Have you been looking for an ethical, animal safe way to replace your traditional beauty products? Many people are looking for different ways to take care of their skin and beautify without relying on artificial chemical containing products.
Fortunately, many natural processes give you useful and versatile products that you can use in everyday life. One of these natural products is apple cider vinegar. This acidic liquid can be used for everything from cleaning to food, and it is also very affordable.

 It Can Heal Bruises
Everyone bumps into things, and sometimes you don’t even notice until a bruise shows up. Apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce the appearance of bruises. All you have to do is dip a cotton ball into a small amount of apple cider vinegar, and bandage it to the area. The acids in the vinegar with help stimulate blood flow, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Heal Razor Bumps
When you’re trying to get a clean shave, sometimes these little inconvenient things happen. Apple cider vinegar can help by reducing the inflammation of the bump, and then softening the skin over the ingrown hair so that it can grow properly. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the razor bump.

Bath Soak
The acids in apple cider vinegar can help to dissolve dead skin and make cleaning your skin an easier process. Simply add apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak in it for 20 minutes.
When you’re done, any inflammation should be calmed, and your skin will be softer and smoother.

Use It as A Toner
Would you like to give the skin on your face a tighter appearance? Try mixing a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup of water and use a cotton ball to distribute it on your face. The alpha-hydroxy acids will improve circulation and tightens the skin, but for the best results you’ll want to avoid rinsing it off.

Hair Cleanse
If you use a lot of different products in your hair, you know how it can sometimes be difficult to get your hair clean. If you mix a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water, the acids will dissolve any product in your hair. 

How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help With Weight Loss
Weight loss can seem like it’s nearly impossible for some people. With all the fad diets, and meal plans that are currently dominating the health landscape, it can be hard to know what you can do to achieve your health goals. One thing that might really surprise you is that there are ways to help yourself to lose weight that are surprisingly simple.

Can Help Reduce Fat Storage
When studies on apple cider vinegar were first being conducted, it was being given to rats so that the doctors could test and monitor blood sugar and weight gain. During the trial, rats didn’t gain any significant weight even though their bodies produced chemicals that are usually associated with weight gain. This is good news for people who are looking to lose weight but can’t because the food they eat is stored in the form of fat almost immediately. 

It Can Lower Your Blood Sugar
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can help to control and regulate your blood sugar and keep it at a more efficient range for fat burning. Blood sugar spikes are the primary cause of organ damage and other complications that are diabetes related.
A person with diabetes could benefit greatly from being able to avoid an organ damaging blood sugar spike. For the best results, fill a cup and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Drink the water 10 - 30 minutes before you eat.
If you do this every day, you will keep your body in a healthier blood sugar range and will likely lose weight over time.
Insulin Signals
In recent studies, scientists were able to prove that apple cider vinegar can lower the levels of insulin in the body. This is a good thing for weight loss because insulin levels have a lot to do with losing weight. When your insulin level is lower, your body is more likely to begin to burn fat because the hormone glucagon sends messages to the body to use the fat you’ve stored for energy.
This is an important find that can help people to become healthier and even prevent type 2 diabetes.


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How to Detox Your Body With Apple Cider Vinegar

It’s no secret that the world around you are full of pollutants. People have strayed so far from the path of what is natural that most people commonly accept the unnatural as ordinary, and even food has become a source of contention.
Now that many have begun the quest to find what is natural, they are turning away from the sources of pollution that are accepted in society today. This has given rise to the demand for a biological cleanse, so this article with be exploring how you can use apple cider vinegar cleanse your system of impurities. 

Detoxify Your Skin
People often forget that your skin is the largest organ of the body. If that’s the case, then that means that it would be a very important organ to take care of in more ways than just rinsing it off every day or so. This is where apple cider vinegar can be very handy. If you want to detoxify the skin, you can make a warm bath and put some apple cider vinegar into the water and soak or about 20 minutes.
This will make your skin soft and dissolve stubborn dead skin. It will also balance the pH of the surface of your skin, making it healthier as a result. The acids in the vinegar will also encourage new skin growth and stimulate better circulation. 

It Helps Your Blood
Studies conducted by doctors have shown that apple cider vinegar can greatly help to improve cholesterol. This means that these free-floating fats in your blood are less likely to build up and cause problems later. It’s also been found to contribute heavily to maintaining a healthy balance of insulin and glucagon, a hormone that regulates how fat is stored in the body.
Science has shown that even when hormones that are detected during weight gain are found, tests showed that there was no significant weight gain. 

It Stimulates Lymph Action
One of the primary ways that the body can detoxify, is through action of the lymph system. While there are some physical ways to stimulate this action, any help that can be had is advisable because a cleaner system means a less taxed system. This means that you will feel better because you are running more efficiently and energy that you get from foods and fats can be used for keeping you healthy instead of constantly battling build ups of toxins in the body.


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​SMILE AND LAUGHTER: GETTING THROUGH A TOUGH DAY.

4/28/2021

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Several things can get you through a tough day but nothing is as lasting and impactful as laughter. Nothing compares to the soothing feeling you get from a hearty laugh or the warmth of a genuine smile. You will no doubt agree with me when I say that sometimes the only remedy you need after a long grueling day is to see the smile of a loved one.


To see your spouse, a good friend, or your child smile at the sight of seeing you and for you to smile back has a way of making you forget how hostile your day was or how bad it’s going. The best thing about a smile or a burst of laughter is that it is contagious. Laughter always has a way of leaving you feeling good on the inside no matter how sad or tired you are.

If you are finding it exceptionally difficult to find humor when you are confronted with something really bad, look for something that will make you smile or laugh. Try comedy movies, animation if you are a fan, search for hilarious memes online and have yourself a hearty laugh. You could also try going through healthy reading material online. One advantage of bookmarking a humorous site or a website that is dedicated to making you laugh is that you can quickly access it anywhere and anytime of the day.

Best ways of using joy to get through a tough day.
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  • Finding humor in a difficult situation.
    One way of getting through a difficult situation is by finding something to laugh about. Instead of viewing your experience as something you can never recover from, try seeing it from a different angle. For instance, you may be depressed from losing a client over a misunderstanding. If you are not careful, your depression will begin closing up other windows of opportunity already available to you. So, to avoid that, stop entertaining feelings of disappointment and find some humor in how a misunderstanding messed up a chance to grow.

  • Calling up a close friend.
   Now and then, the only thing you need to get through a rough day is talking to a friend about it or just calling someone up and sharing jokes instead. Sharing appropriate jokes is a great way of holding on to joy and experiencing the comic relief that you very much deserve.

  • Refusing to take things too personally.
   One of the main things that easily steal your joy is your weakness of taking things too personally. It may be true that there are some offensive comments or acts that may be directed to you, however, that is not always the case. Stop taking everything you hear personally, stop giving your joy and peace away. Instead of getting angry when corrected or advised, try finding some curiosity and  humor in the advice because more often than not, corrections have some element of truth in them.

  • Knowing a solution to your problem is already out there.
   Do not allow failing to meet your daily goals or tasks take away your joy or cause you to think that it is the end of the world. Know that for every problem you face, a solution already exists. You just have to find it, get curious. Knowing this will motivate you to keep going and remain excited about what you can accomplish.

​If you are struggling with experiencing the kind of joy you wish, try smiling more and laughing more. The simple act of doing so will help get you through a rough day and help you deal with the bad things that are happening around you. I know smiling or laughing can be challenging when you are going through tough times but if you train yourself you can get through anything in life.
I hope from today onwards, you will begin with smiling more and laughing more and enjoy the whole process. Get curious and see the humor in life.
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6 Effective Ways To Change Your Attitude Towards The Positive

4/21/2021

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Your attitude dictates how you live your life, how you treat others, how others treat you, and a whole lot more. It can help you be successful at home and work. At the same, you’ll enjoy a sense of inner peace and confidence.



If you’re looking for ways to get back your optimism, check out these six effective ways to change your attitude towards the positive.

Have the Desire to Change

Change may be scary, but you can’t improve without change. So, if you want to have a more positive attitude, you have to embrace change and all the good that can come of it.
You’ll find you’re becoming a calmer, more accepting person. Your self-confidence will also get a nice boost because you’re not easily fazed.
Personal growth is a slow and steady process. Yet, it goes hand-in-hand with change and all the good that can come of it.

Find a New Vantage Point
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Everything in life has both a good side and a bad. They’re always there, co-existing. Which one you see depends on your perspective.
The next time something happens, try to look at it from more than one angle. If there are other people involved, try to picture it from their point of view.
Being aware of other people’s vantage points gives clarity and puts things in their right place. It also makes you see both the good and bad in everything. To develop a more positive attitude, all you need to do is to direct more of your energy to the good, no matter how small.

Develop Good Habits

Negative thoughts and beliefs lead to negative habits. A habit is simply a learned behavior that, over time, becomes reflexive. So, start doing more of the good habits and less of the bad ones.
To break the cycle, start to develop one good habit at a time. For example, start with taking a 10-minute walk during your lunchtime.
Add 10 minutes each week, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it’s become. You may even find yourself waiting in anticipation for your daily walks.

Other good habits to try could be:
  • Get quality sleep each night
  • Cut back on processed food, alcohol, or smoking
  • Manage money more wisely
  • Take some time to re-energize and de-stress
  • Give back to your community
  • Practice self-reflection through meditation, journaling, or prayer
  • Find a hobby that indulges your creative side

Spend Time with Positive People

People are different, they have their good and bad days. Yet, positive people always find a way to see the silver lining.
No matter what situation you’re in, positive people find a way to lift your mood. Their can-do attitude will remind you of your accomplishments and life lessons.
They’ll tell you how strong and resilient you are. Then, they’ll remind you that with every down, there’s always an up.
Hanging out with people who have a positive attitude can help you see things in a brighter light. It’s a scientific fact that, after a while, you’ll start to think and act like them. You’ll start to be more optimistic and self-assured.

Focus on Solutions

We, humans, tend to dwell on negative situations. We talk about them and dissect them like bugs under the microscope until we’re tired and overwhelmed. Where does that get us? Nowhere.
Rather than spending so much time and energy focusing on the problem, try to focus more on the solution. Brainstorm one, or ten, ways to solve a certain prickly situation.
It could get difficult in the beginning. Let’s be honest, it’s easier to complain than to actively come up with solutions and implement them. Yet, if you really put your mind to it and you stick it out, those ideas will be flying out faster than you can write them down.
Encourage yourself to stay positive and hopeful. Soon, your automatic response will be to focus on finding a solution, rather than complaining about the problem.

Live in the Present

Did you know that your past and future are like your guiding stars? The past holds all your life lessons that have helped shape the person you’ve become. Then, there’s the future where all your goals and dreams are lying in wait. While they’re important, they’re both out of your control.
The only thing you can control is the present moment. You can either make it the best it can be or you can let it pass you by and spend the rest of your life feeling regret.
One great way you can live in the present is to practice mindfulness. Sit somewhere quiet for a couple of minutes. Let your eyes wander to absorb everything going on around you. Whatever it is you’re seeing, take a few seconds to look at every detail.
Mindfulness meditation doesn’t just reduce stress by allowing you to live in the moment. It also teaches you to be grateful for everything you have and everything you’ve accomplished.
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Hygge in the Spring

4/14/2021

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​Spring is the time when you feel refreshed, as the temperature gets warmer, you spend more time outdoors, and you can find that energy you were missing during the cold, winter months.
 
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the practices of Hygge. In fact, this is a wonderful way to practice self-care year-round.
 
Although the Danish have been utilizing Hygge for centuries, the concept has only reached American shores with great popularity a few years back. 

What Is Hygge? 

At its very heart, Hygge promotes coziness. So, essentially, anything you associate with being cozy fits into the Hygge lifestyle. Do you have a favorite pair of sweatpants? They're part of Hygge. Candles, fireplaces, blankets, enclosed spaces, warm temperatures, soft rugs, even softer couches and beds, essentially anything that brings you comfort is part of the Hygge way. Traditionally, the Danish use Hygge as a way to make it through their otherwise hard winters. 

In a country where winter can seem to last forever and be quite harsh, Hygge was developed as a way to cope through those bitter temperatures until Spring and Summer arrived. Those who visited stayed in these little nooks where Hygge was practiced and fell in love with the cozy atmosphere. They decided to bring it back to their own countries, and before you knew it, Hygge was spreading like wildfire. 

Although the lifestyle of Hygge is typically utilized in the Winter, it doesn't necessarily mean that it can only be used in Winter. In fact, Hygge is something that should be utilized all year round. The following will go over the reasons and tips for implementing Hygge into your home during the Spring season. 


1. Relaxation 

When you're feeling cozy and comfortable, you are at your ultimate ability to relax. A cozy atmosphere begets relaxation. While feeling relaxed in the Winter is certainly important you shouldn't have to do away with this place of relaxation just because the Winter season is over. It's a lifestyle that you should incorporate into your life every day. 

The greatest thing about Hygge is that it is customizable. You don't need fireplaces and warm temperatures pumping into your room in order to make your Hygge room authentic. You just need to make it comfortable and cozy. With those factors covered, you're successfully bringing in Hygge. 

In the Spring, you're likely just as stressed as any other time of the year. Your work is still demanding a great deal from you, the responsibilities you have towards your children or family or friends may take a toll, or perhaps you signed up for a few too many extracurricular activities that you have the time or energy for. Whatever the reason behind your stress is, you need a place where you can just relax and enjoy. 

Enter your Hygge room. After a long day at work, you can slip into the most comfortable clothes that you own and just relax on a soft sofa. This is your space to unwind and feel cozy inside in order to rejuvenate. This is something that should be done in the Spring season as well as any season that follows. 


2. Entertainment Space 

For many people, their coziness usually involves some element of entertainment. Whether you fit your Hygge room with a large TV, a series of bookshelves that are laden with books, or even your own spa, your Hygge room should be designed with the entertaining activities that help you relax and feel cozy. 

This may be as simple as snuggling up on the sofa and watching cooking shows or reality TV. For others, you may want to have a cozy window seat that overlooks the backyard and have a bookshelf within easy reach. Whatever the activity is that brings you a great deal of love and relaxation, you should incorporate it into your Hygge room. 

Your Hygge room can easily become your entertainment space for hosting cozy get togethers for a few friends during the Spring season. Everyone is stressed. Because human beings are social creatures, some of the ways that you can easily relax are just to relax with loved ones and friends. For those who need to do something beforehand with their buddies, then you can break outside and enjoy the Spring season air. 

However, by the end of the activity, you should always invite your friends back to your Hygge room for drinks, hot chocolate, comfy socks, or whatever it is that brings everyone a great deal of comfort. 

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3. Escape Spring Allergies 

While you may have made it through the Winter season without falling ill, you're likely going to still fall prey to Spring allergies. Unless you're one of the superhumans who doesn't become allergic to plant pollen or mold, then you'll probably find yourself with the sniffles at some point during the season. This is a time that can be woeful and full of suffering. 

Although the room itself may not cure your allergies, it can certainly make you feel better if the room is equipped in the way that Hygge represents. Your head is congested, your nose is running, you may suffer from headaches, nose aches, scratchy throats, and you may even find it more difficult to breathe. This is something that your Hygge room can help with. 

For some people, whenever they're suffering from allergies or a cold, they need a nice and warm room to make themselves feel better. Having a warm room can also help to increase your body temperature and do a better job of fighting off the molecules that seek to make you ill or feel like crud. These warm temperatures are easily something that you can incorporate into your Hygge room with a fireplace. 

Stoke that fireplace to full life and bask in the warmth that can reach even deep into your bones. Even if you don't particularly want to be warm in the Spring, you should certainly give it a few hours in order to help your body relax. Everyone knows that stress can exacerbate illness and allergies. With this knowledge, it's easy to suggest that by relaxing, you can help your body to heal from the illness or allergies. 

Most importantly, however, no matter how much you're suffering, being in a comfortable and cozy room can make you feel at least marginally better. You can wear the most comfortable clothes that you own and just lay out on the couch surrounded by comfortable items and materials.


4. Recuperating After Working Out 

With the Spring season comes a need to increase your fitness. The Spring season is used as a time for transformation. With the roads clear and the temperatures on the rise, more and more people are motivated to hit the gym or run outside in order to return to their healthier and fit bodies. However, exercise takes its toll on even the healthiest athlete. 

After a good workout, it's just as important that you let your body relax and recuperate. Otherwise, you risk injuring yourself the next time that you work out. Considering that injuries can sometimes take weeks, if not months, to mend, you don't want to have to sit out while you heal up and miss out on some beautiful weather to exercise in. 

To promote that relaxation and recuperation, a Hygge room can do no wrong. This is just another reason why you should continue to use your room as a Hygge room even after Winter is over. Once you've finished up at the gym or you're done running outside, you can strip down into something far more comfortable and just rest and re-hydrate in your Hygge room. 

You may also want to consider keeping the fireplace going in order to make the room warm. This is because warmer temperatures work excellently on tired and sore muscles. No doubt you've had a trainer or coach before suggest that you use a heat pack if your muscles are sore. This is because heat can help the body to relax. You can go without the heat pack by just immersing yourself in a warm and cozy room. 

Nestle right up next to the fireplace and let the heat from the flames slowly relax your muscles right to the core. For those who don't have space or money for a fireplace, then a space heater will work just as well. Though you may want to have at least two or three situated throughout the room for maximum-level of heat and comfort. 

For a few owners of Hygge rooms, one of the pieces that they have is a small infrared sauna situated in a corner of the room, you can't argue that it offers a whole new level of being cozy. In regards to athletes, there is nothing better than being able to bask in the warm healing/detoxing light relaxing their bodies. 


5. A Simple Get Away 

You need a place to get away from it all--including your family. You should make your Hygge your own private nook. While others may use it from time-to-time, you should make everyone knows that when you're inside it, please ask , you may not want to be disturbed save for emergencies. 

This room can be your personal haven and escape. In fact, you can have your own little vacation spot right there within your own home. As Spring turns to Summer and the kids are out of school, you're going to need that quiet space even more. A Hygge room can offer a place to indulge, rejuvenate, and make you both mentally and physically prepared to meet the demands that await you outside of the room. 

Since vacations aren't typically held until the Summer season, you typically have to feel as though you're struggling to get there during the Spring. As mentioned before, your Hygge room can be used as a vacation within your own home. To help yourself make it through the work week, take a small getaway into your Hygge room and just block the rest of the world out while you focus on relaxing and energizing yourself. 






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5 Healing Herbal TeaS

4/7/2021

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​When you are searching for a good tea to drink, why not choose one that is not only flavorful, but also good for you? This is where herbal teas come in.
Herbal tea is made from different herbs, which may be the flowers or leaves of that particular plant. While there are many teas to choose from, some of them tend to have more healing properties than others.
This list includes a few herbal teas to try for their many health benefits.

1. Ginseng
The first type of healing tea you should consider drinking for health benefits is ginseng tea. Ginseng is a type of herb that grows as a perennial plant. While it is often found as a supplement you can take as needed, you can also get it in the herb form. In this form, you are able to make a tea from it, or you can purchase ginseng tea bags.

Health Benefits of Ginseng Tea
There are many ways ginseng can help to heal your body, from menstrual issues to helping with cancer and low blood pressure. Here are some different ways ginseng is an excellent healing herb:

Lower Your Blood Pressure – If you struggle with high blood pressure, diet and exercise is often recommended. However, another good option is to drink ginseng every day. It not only naturally lowers your blood pressure, but increases your energy so you can get that much needed exercise.

Help Fight Obesity – Obesity is something many people struggle with and have difficulty managing it. If you want to lose some weight, you can get a jump on shedding the pounds with a little ginseng tea every day. It provides a natural appetite suppressant, reducing how much you eat overall and battling those cravings.

Reduce Menstrual Issues – Ginseng has also been known to provide a cooling effect in the body. Among the different aches and pains it can help with, ginseng is an excellent herbal tea to turn to when you deal with a lot of painful menstrual cramps. It can also handle other side effects, like lessen your menstrual headaches.

Stimulate Your Brain – Another health benefit to drinking ginseng tea is the fact that it actually stimulate your brain cells. This allows you to improve your cognitive abilities, including having better concentration and focus, and improving your memory as well.

Provide Anti-Cancer Properties – Ginseng surprisingly has anti-cancer properties, so the more you drink it, the less your risk for developing cancer. Many other herbal teas can provide anti-cancer benefits as well.

2. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the hottest trends right now in the natural health and general health niches. So many people are looking for ways to be healthier, and turmeric is a great option. This is a type of spice, commonly used in curry recipes, that can help with disease and overall health. Take a look at how it can benefit you.

Health Benefits of Turmeric tea
The Tea Fights Inflammation – Inflammation is something many people struggle with, especially those who have conditions like arthritis. With arthritis, you likely have inflamed joints that swell and cause quite a bit of pain. Turmeric tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help reduce inflammation and help with arthritis and other conditions like muscle pain and gout.

It Helps With Digestive Issues – Your digestive system and gastrointestinal system can also benefit from drinking more turmeric tea. This herb is amazing for your stomach, so just about everything along your digestive tract is going to be improved. Try to aim for 2-3 cups of this tea a day if you suffer from stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or diarrhea.
It can also help with other gastrointestinal problems like ulcers or Crohn’s disease. Plus there is fiber in turmeric tea, so that helps with your digestive system as well.

You Can Improve Your Cardiovascular Health – Who doesn’t want to improve their cardiovascular health. One of the top health benefits for turmeric tea and why it is often considered a healing tea is that it can help to improve your cardiovascular health. This means heart health, as it can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. By doing this, you are able to naturally reduce your risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

Turmeric Helps With Detoxing the Body – Also consider the fact that turmeric tea can help to detox your body by cleansing your system. This is excellent for your liver and kidneys by reducing the levels of toxicity. A few cups of turmeric tea each day is all you need to use it for detoxing purposes.

3. Ginger
If you have ever had a tummy ache, you have probably had Ginger Ale to help soothe it. In fact, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues are often the reason people will turn to ginger. However, in addition to drinking Ginger Ale, you can also make some healthy ginger tea.
Ginger originally comes from China as a flowering plant, though this herb is often grown in other countries around the world. You can grow it in your backyard or find ginger root at the store if you want to make the tea that way. An easier option is to get ground ginger and add it to your own tea bag or tea ball for the freshest taste. Here are some health benefits of drinking ginger tea:

Health Benefits of Ginger Tea
You Can Treat Nausea – Ginger is one of the most natural remedies for nausea. It is safe to have when you are pregnant, which means you can drink ginger tea while you are pregnant. This is great news since many Western medicines are not allowed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It can also ease a sore stomach from an illness like the cold or flu, or after eating something that bothered your stomach.

It Helps With Digestion – Not only does ginger tea help with nausea, but also with other sources of indigestion. Perhaps you have chronic indigestion from the foods you eat, have heartburn and acid reflux, or have bowel movement issues. All of this can be helped with some ginger tea.

Ginger Can Treat Your Arthritis – Ginger tea naturally has anti-inflammatory properties, similar to many other herbal teas on this list. With this health benefit, you get a lot of help for your arthritis. Try to drink a couple cups a day of ginger tea, and follow your doctor’s other recommendations to help with your arthritis pain and swelling.

The Tea Eases Muscle Pain – If you have muscle pain, you can relieve it naturally with ginger tea. This allows you to avoid those harsh over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, many of which are highly addictive. You can drink some ginger tea to reduce muscle pain thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties in this herb.

You Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease – Heart disease is a risk for many older adults, but especially those with high blood pressure. This puts you at a much higher risk, but can be helped with some ginger tea. Ginger tea has also shown to be effective at reducing cholesterol and reducing your risk for developing diabetes.

4. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is probably one of the most recognizable herbal teas. It tastes delicious, is easy to flavor with honey and other additives, and is easy to come by. The reason people like chamomile tea is not just convenience though, but because of all its health benefits. It comes from an herb called chamomile, which is a type of flowering plant.

The great thing about chamomile tea is that it is so versatile. You can enjoy it as hot or cold tea, with spices like cinnamon or turmeric, flavored with lemon, or with milk and sugar. Take a look at the many health benefits of drinking chamomile herbal tea.

Healing Benefits of Chamomile Tea
It Provides Migraine Relief – One of the lesser known health benefits of chamomile tea is that it can help with headache and migraine pain. This is especially useful when you get chronic migraines, as it often requires prescription medications. By drinking chamomile tea to ease the pain, you have an effective remedy that is good for you, and prevents you from being addicted to pain killers. Plus you will definitely save money by drinking the tea. Try to drink the tea when you first notice your migraine symptoms as opposed to when you already have a full blown migraine.

You Can Get Better Sleep – If you have trouble sleeping, one of the best things you can do is drink a cup of chamomile tea shortly before you go to bed. Chamomile naturally has properties that can relax you and soothe your mind and body. Suddenly you have less stress and anxiety, which also helps you to sleep better. Try having a chamomile tea after a hot bath and you will be out in minutes. If you don’t like the taste of straight chamomile, try having it with some honey or sugar.

You Will Have Treatment For Stomach Cramps – Stomach cramps happen for a variety of reasons, from indigestion problems and eating the wrong thing, to having menstrual cramps. If you struggle with chronic stomach cramps, then chamomile herbal tea is a great herbal tea to drink. It will settle your stomach and help to ease the pain, especially with cramps related to your menstrual period.

The Tea Helps With Allergies – Finally, you can drink more chamomile tea and get help with your allergies. It has many healing properties that are very effective at reducing allergies and side effects from seasonal allergies. Drinking 2-3 cups of chamomile tea a day is the best way to get allergy or asthma help from this type of herbal tea.

5. Lemon Balm
You might also want to try drinking a cup of lemon balm tea. Lemon is not only refreshing, but lemon balm tea can help in a wide range of other ways. This herbal tea is made from the lemon balm plant, using the flowers for the tea leaves. If you are a gardener, you can grow the plant in your backyard and make it directly from the flowers, or you can get lemon balm leaves or tea bags already prepared for you.
Lemon balm tea is a really good tea to have early in the morning when you need a little pick-me-up, or as something to simply detox and refresh your body. Here are some other health benefits of drinking lemon balm tea.

Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
It Helps With Insomnia – Like many herbal teas, lemon balm tea can be really helpful if you have trouble sleeping. This is for a variety of reasons, but often because of how well it can calm your mind and body (more on this below). Lemon balm tea also helps with some muscle cramps and emotional stress, which can also contribute to your sleeping problems.

You Can Relax Your Mind – As mentioned in the previous section, lemon balm also helps to relax and calm down your mind. Perhaps you have a lot of work or financial stress, are overwhelmed by all your responsibilities at home, or are dealing with a major decision and having difficulty with it. You can drink some lemon balm tea and feel more at peace, which helps you to de-stress and sleep a little better.

The Tea Makes You More Alert – Not only does lemon balm tea help with insomnia, but it can also work the other way and make you more alert. When you drink it in the morning, it can boost your energy and make it easier to concentrate.
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You Can Get Skin Benefits – Believe it or not, lemon balm tea is also great for your skin. It has often been used for skin purposes, from anti aging, to having youthful and glowing looking skin. If you are struggling with early signs of aging, try drinking more lemon balm tea to smooth out those wrinkles and prevent more from forming prematurely. The lemon balm can also help to soften yours skin and work to reduce blemishes.

Some other herbal teas to try for healing purposes would be peppermint and dandelion tea.
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5 WAYS GRATITUDE CAN TURN A HARD  SITUATION AROUND

3/31/2021

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Gratitude has the power to get you through difficult times, even turning your struggles around. It can motivate you to keep reaching for your goals by constantly placing what you have already accomplished right in front of you. This is why you are always told to learn to master thankfulness and nurture a grateful mindset. Shift your focus from the troubles you are experiencing to your capabilities, and express thanks for what you have.

Gratefulness can turn your unfortunate situation around by:

​Shifting your focus.   
The worst thing about hard times is erasing them from your mind or finding ways of concentrating on something else. You can’t help but focus on how horrible your situation is and unintentionally think about how everything went wrong. Nonetheless, shifting your focus is possible if you maintain gratitude in trying times. Phrases like “I am still standing” “I have survived the worst” and “I still have so and so or such and such” will get you through those tough times.

Encouraging positive emotions.    Gratitude gives birth to positive thoughts. Positive thinking is the key to positive emotions because what you think determines how you act, react, respond, or feel. Mastering thankfulness gives birth to positive emotions which keep you focused on “I am strong enough” and “I can fix that.” Therefore, understand that turning your situation around is possible only when you feel you can.

Eliminating your fears.   
Gratefulness encourages you to concentrate on your ability to turn things around thereby eliminating your fears. Appreciating what you have accomplished and what you can still accomplish helps you notice that you have the chance to turn things around. So, use gratitude to overcome your fears.

Emphasizing your strong points.   
Paying attention to what you can do when you are in a crisis is the only way of seeing things from a different perspective and changing what you don’t like. If you focus on “I am good at ABC” and “I can use this skill to effect change” you will move your life in the right direction and see the changes you are longing for.

Imparting a strong sense of worth.    
One thing that makes you realize your sense of worth is having someone show you how much they value you when you are at your lowest point. To have someone do the unexpected for you reminds you that there are people out there who care about your welfare and that alone can get you going in a positive direction.
Appreciating that your life is not what it used to be because of something that someone did for you when you weren’t expecting or when you were not deserving fixes your mind on a thousand things to be grateful for.
 
Anything is possible when gratefulness becomes the center of your life. For instance, overcoming negative thoughts, controlling your emotions, getting back up, as well as turning your health around.
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4 Fermented Foods To Begin With

3/24/2021

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​When you start off with any diet routine, or adding foods to your diet routine, you may be cautious about what you add. You don't want to have allergic reactions, but you also don't want to have an issue of spending a lot of money on a food item that you actually don't like. Before you waste money on buying kits, or trying to jump into culturing your own foods consider testing out these foods first. These four foods are easy to find, easy to add to your diet, and have familiar flavors and textures that make them easier to add into your daily diet.
 
Sauerkraut
 
Sauerkraut is probably the easiest food to find and to add to your diet as someone beginning to eat cultured foods. You can start with just a tablespoon a day Eat it as  condiment by itself or add it to sandwiches like Reubens. You can also add it to hot dogs and sausage dishes. It is easy to add a little at a time and then add more later. You can find sauerkraut in jars, canned, and in bags in most produce sections. You can also find the canned version in the canned vegetable sections of most stores. Keep in mind, the jar style would be the most ideal and the canned would be a last resort. This is due to the fact that canned foods tend to contain other preservatives that may cause the benefits of the sauerkraut to suffer. (Also make sure it's cultured not just in vinegar.)
 
Yogurt
 
Yogurt is super easy for beginners to find, add to, and enjoy in their daily diet routines. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are choosing a yogurt rather than making your own. Try to stick to a plain yogurt that you add your own fresh fruits to. You do not want one that already contains fruit as there may be preservatives used for the fruits that could diminish the probiotic benefits of the yogurt. You also want to stick to regular yogurt as it does use a traditional fermentation process.
 
Kombucha
 
Kombucha is ideal if you are more into a drink form of fermented food or if you just need something that is easy to digest on the go. If you are a cold tea fan, then this may be ideal as well. Kombucha is made with tea, sugar, water, and the yeast culture to add the probiotic. You can find kombucha at most stores that have health food or juice and smoothie sections. You can also find kombucha in a variety of flavors as well.
 
Miso
 
Miso can be found in powdered form in the Asian food section of most stores. You can also find block versions of miso or miso paste. This can be made into an easy to digest soup along with tofu and nori. If you are out and about and need to get some fermented foods into your diet during the day, consider eating a sushi restaurant or hibachi as they will offer miso soup as well as other fermented foods.
 
There are many more fermented foods that you can add to the mix overtime. These are just the more common foods you can find at most any store and add to your daily routine. Make sure when you are buying fermented foods or adding them to your diet that you are using a non-GMO labeled food product. This will cut down on chemicals and other preservatives that may detract from the natural benefits of fermentation. 
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4 Home Remedies to Battle Joint Pain

3/17/2021

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If we were to use metaphors, joint pain would probably be a war, rather than a fist fight. It is long, takes a mental and emotional toll, and it’s unpredictable. The good news is that you can win the war. You may or may not heal your joint pain – but you can learn how to manage it to have a full, rich life.


Pleasant associations
As you already know, our experience of virtually everything is tied inextricably to our sense of smell. Think of freshly baked bread and you’re transported to home with the delicious, promising taste of a fresh slice of warm buttery bread.
You can use this strong connection to alleviate some of your pain. If you’ve spent time in hospitals for pain management, this will help. Look for fragrances that you enjoy, scents that remind you of good, healthy, loving times. It could be an herb in your kitchen or the smell of baby oil – whatever it is, surround yourself with it like a security blanket.
If it’s an herb or spice, mash it up or pound it and then mix it with some olive oil. Put it in a shallow dish and allow the aroma to rise. The oil will strengthen the scent and help diffuse it. If it’s baby oil that makes you feel good, put a drop of it on a napkin where you usually sit in your living and dining areas, maybe one on your pillow.
Try to find a variety of scents – our noses get educated so fast that after a few days you may not be able to get the same effect. If you have a few on hand, switch them around for the best outcome.


Rice or cherry stone cushions
These are exactly what they sound like. Cherry stones and uncooked rice both absorb and retain heat well. Get a friend or a neighbor to sew you a small cushion cover, about 8 by 8 inches. It has to be cotton as you’ll be using it for a microwaveable heat pack.
If you need something that can mold well around your body, go with the rice filling. If you don’t need something quite as malleable, put those cherry stones to good use. Wash them so that any remnants of the fruit are gone. Dry them out well in the sun, and put them in your cushion.
Microwave your new heat pack for 1 minute. Go minute by minute till it can retain heat for 30-40 minutes. Regulate your oven settings accordingly when you reheat it.


Apply clove oil
In many parts of the world cloves are a common remedy for toothache. You take 3-4 cloves, put them in a wad of cotton and chomp your painful tooth down on the small bundle. Because cloves have a mild anesthetic property, it can work wonders.
You can use that to help with your joint pain. Research a high-grade brand of essential oils and buy the clove. Make sure you have a good carrier oil like virgin coconut or jojoba. Put a drop or two of clove oil in the carrier oil.( Depending on how strong you want it and how much you are making.) Stir it well and apply. 
Never apply clove essential oil directly to your skin as it can burn or cause a slightly painful red rash.


A glass of red wine or resveratrol
Apart from your heart health, red wine is also good for inflamed joints. The anti-inflammatory ingredient is called resveratrol and research has shown its effect if consumed in moderate amounts. A glass a day is about right for a woman. A man should be able to comfortably consume 1-2 glasses.
The key is not to overdo it. Too much and you will reverse the benefits and send your body into inflammatory mode. Buy a good bottle of wine – there’s no sense in ruining your gut because of a cheap wine.
Before you add this into your daily diet check to see if it has adverse interactions with any medication or supplement you may be taking.
Chronically-inflamed joints are unpleasant and often difficult to live with. But gone are the days when most of your life would be over because your mobility is so severely limited.
There are many drug-free therapies that you can use for pain and to uplift your mood. Your emotional health is as important to your pain management as your physical wellbeing.

Never stop searching for what works for you. and believe that a full life is well within your reach.
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4 Easy Ways To Add More Fruits And Vegetables To Your Diet

3/10/2021

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Eating right means you eat your fruits and vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats while reducing junk foods, processed foods, and preservatives. But if you’re doing all that and you’re still not getting your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables, what do you do then?
 
Well, the problem may not be with what you’re eating, but with how much you’re eating - or not eating.
 
Most of us have no clue how many servings of fruits and vegetables we’re supposed to eat on a daily basis. And if you do know, then you probably don’t know just how much of each type is a serving exactly. Here are a few examples: (If you are concerned about this).

  • 2 cups of leafy greens is equal to 1 cup of vegetables
  • A ½ cup of dried fruits is equal to 1 cup of fruits
  • One big fruit (apples, oranges, peaches, bananas, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.) is equal to 1 cup of fruit
  • It takes 6 - 8 pieces of smaller fruits to equal 1 cup
 
While it may sound tricky, it’s actually quite simple once you understand the science behind it.
And here are 4 tips to help you out.
 
1.   Plan ahead 
Having things washed, drained, chopped and cut up is a great time-saver. Plus, it’ll stop any excuse dead in its tracks. It’ll be easier to add some chopped spinach to your omelet, or a handful of berries to your yogurt or pancake batter. Fruit popsicles or fruit kabobs are delicious and fun ways to add some nutritional value to your meals.
 
This also makes it easier to roast vegetables, giving them a quick stir in some oil, a bit of seasoning and heat pumps up their flavor and, in some cases, even enhances their nutritional values. You can roast almost all vegetables either in the oven or on your stove top. And you can even mix and match, and create your own, unique healthy recipes.
 
Another great way to plan ahead is to buy frozen fruits and vegetables. They still retain their nutritional value and their delicious flavor. Plus, they’re already prepared and ready to go, and they’re available year-round.
 
2.  Eat more salad 
Always have a salad alongside your main meal for lunch and dinner. Salads may be the most versatile meals ever invented. You can do classic salads or add some protein like chicken or tuna; you can add beans, chickpeas, corn - whatever your heart desires.
 
Salads help you consume fewer calories while filling you up and reducing that risk of burn out you get in the late afternoon because salads contain ingredients that are loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals that keep your metabolism going longer while boosting concentration and energy levels.
 
3.  Eat more soup 
Nothing says comfort food and nutritious like soups. All year-long, soups have been known to satiate hunger pangs while providing you with your daily supply of fruits and vegetables. And they can be made in virtually an infinite number of ways.
 
4.  Yes, you can eat your desert 
The idea behind craving something sweet after each meal (and in-between them) is that our blood sugar levels drop at certain times during the day. But instead of going for that candy bar or bucket of ice-cream, grab a fruit which will provide you with fiber, vitamins, minerals.
 
It’ll bring that craving to a halt plus it’ll keep you alert and focused during the afternoon, as opposed to that drowsy feeling that comes over us when we’re drained and feel out of whack. You can cut up different types of fruit to make a fruit salad or put them in a blender to make a smoothie. You can have a different type of desert for every day of the week that will satisfy your sweet tooth without piling on the calories.


The best thing you can do for your health is to find the right amounts that suit your needs. Your gender, age, whether you lead an active or a more sedentary lifestyle are all factors that determine how much you should eat 
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​5 Signs You Have An Anger Problem

3/3/2021

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We all get angry and lash out. Experts say it’s even healthy to vent your anger from time to time.        It can also shield us from other people trying to hurt us or someone else.
The problems start when you let your anger get out of hand.
Rampant anger makes you feel like you’re losing control, almost like you’re not yourself. It’s not the best feeling in the world. It often takes its toll on your health, as well as, your relationships. It can even get you in trouble with the law.
Recognition is an important part of solving any problem. Being aware of your anger issues means you’ve taken the first step towards positive change.
In this blog we’ll talk about five signs you have an anger problem. Also, the difference between healthy and unhealthy feelings of anger. Once you see the difference, you can control your emotions, rather than the other way around.

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Healthy vs Unhealthy Anger
Before we talk about different types of anger, we need to learn how to recognize your anger. You should also know what sets it off. Start by asking yourself these questions:
  • What situations/events/places/people make me angry?
  • How can I tell when I’m angry?
  • How do I react when I’m angry?
  • How does my anger affect those around me?

Healthy Anger
Healthy anger is an instinctive signal that lights up when we sense that something isn’t right. If you see someone being hurt or treated unfairly, your anger acts as a catalyst. So, you immediately start thinking of ways to help.
Dr. Robert M. Fraum, says, “Healthy anger is deliberate, proportional, and responsive to a clear and present need. [it’s] a powerful tool of human survival and adaptation.”

Unhealthy Anger
On the other hand, unhealthy anger hurts those around, instead of helping. Remember, if you experience one or more of these behaviors from time to time, it doesn’t mean you have an anger problem. The problem intensifies according to the frequency of these behaviors and their consequences.

The following are a few ways unhealthy anger can manifest itself in several ways, such as:
  • Rage
  • Resentment
  • Manipulation
  • Judgment
  • Passive aggression
  • Verbal or physical abuse

5 Signs You Have an Anger Problem
If you’re worried about whether your anger levels are unhealthy or not, keep reading. You’ll find five of the most common signs of having an anger management issue.

1.   You Get into Arguments
We’re not talking about casual arguments you have with your partner or co-worker. We’re talking frequent, overblown rows with everyone you encounter, even strangers.
Not only that, but you feel that you have to win every single argument. Not being able to back down from an argument has nothing to do with what you’re arguing about. But it has everything to do with being more domineering and in control.
If these arguments seem to come out of nowhere and quickly spin out of control, that’s a sign your anger has turned into a problem.

2.   You’re Passive Aggressive
People often don’t relate passive aggressiveness with anger. It’s neither loud nor violent.
Yet, it’s one of the most telling signs of anger management issues. The problem is that you may not even realize you’re being passive-aggressive. Not only that, but you may not even realize you’re angry.
One reason is that when you’re passive-aggressive, your emotions give the impression that you’re in control. For example, you avoid conflict, you’re often sarcastic, or indifferent.

3.   You Blame Others
Blaming other people for your problems is easier than having to deal with them yourself. While you may do this unknowingly, it’s usually a sign you’re not dealing with your own, that’s also a sign of trouble.
Another sign of an anger problem is that you hold on to resentment. You stay bitter and can’t seem to forgive even over the small stuff.

4.   Your Anger Causes Others to Fear You
If you usually react when you’re angry, this can make people start to avoid you whenever they get the chance. They become fearful of you and your over-the-top reactions when you’re mad.
You may notice that when people talk to you, they never come too close. They may also stand with their arms crossed over their chest or they have one foot turned to face the door. This is their way of expressing their fear and anxiety when they’re around you.

5.   You Worry about Your Reactions
This is both good and bad news. The bad news is that once you’ve reached this stage, it’s more than likely that you have an anger problem.
The good news is you’re starting to acknowledge that you have a problem and you’re worried about your behavior. This is the first step to working through your anger issues and gaining control over your emotions.

If you notice yourself in one, or more, of these five signs, it means you have an anger problem. Admitting it is the first step.
The next step is to seek help. Remember, anger is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. But it could result in seriously damaging your life or hurting you or someone you love. The sooner you get the help you need, the sooner you’ll be able to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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Foot Pain And Natural Home Remedies

2/24/2021

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When did you last think about your feet? Almost never, right?  You only notice your feet when they hurt.  This is because we take a utilitarian view of our feet: have feet, will travel. And we usually walk around (a whole lot) without thinking about our feet.


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Human feet are not simple machines.  They are a complex and intricate interconnection of about 26 bones, 33 joints and about a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 


2 Major Tendons In The Feet Where Pain Lives
Achilles

One is in the back of the heel and it connects the calf muscle to the heel. This is called the Achilles tendon. The Achilles heel is where we can experience a lot of pain.

The Arch

We also experience pain in the arch of our feet.  This is because the arch is really a tendon that connects the heel bone to the toes.  These two areas of our feet are where we bear most of our body’s weight.  

Remedies Based On Cause of Pain

The remedies for foot pain really depend upon the cause of the foot pain.
  • If there is a strain or a sprain in any of the soft tissues of the feet, there will be inflammation, and hence, pain. 
  • If there is a malformation of bones (bunions) or fracture of bones in the feet, then these will cause excruciating pain.
  • Ingrown toenails, callouses and corns often cause pain as well. 
  • Most of us, though, experience pain in our feet because of overuse of our feet without giving them the proper support necessary to keep them pain-free.

Good Shoes

Support for the feet means shoes that fit well; shoes that have proper cushioning for the heel; shoes that absorb the pressure that we put on our feet as we engage in strenuous activity. 
Often, wearing a good thick pair of socks also protects the feet from injury such as blisters, splinters and cracked heels.

Wound Treatment

If the foot pain is caused by a wound, then tend to the wound by running water over the wound to remove dirt and other foreign matter from the wound.  Wash it with soap to disinfect the area.
Clean and dry the wound with an antiseptic. Put gauze on the wound and keep it clean and dry. Clean the wound regularly until a scab is formed and change the dressing regularly until the wound heals.  Avoid wearing closed shoes while your wound has not yet healed.

Muscle Sprains and Strains Treatment

If your foot pain is due to muscle sprain or strain, and the foot is sore to the touch, it might mean that there is inflammation. 
The first aid for inflammation is to use a hot and cold soak alternately.  You may fill two basins with hot water and ice water. 
Put Epsom salt and vinegar in the both the basins. Dip your feet in the basin with the hot water and soak or about five minutes.  Remove your feet and soak it in the cold water. Do this repeatedly until you feel relief.
Soaking your feet alternately in hot and cold water will cause the blood vessels in the feet to dilate and constrict.  This jump starts circulation of blood in the feet thereby giving the feet relief. 
After this, rub your feet with peppermint or eucalyptus oil.  Put some socks on your feet and keep them elevated.  Keep off your feet for a while.
You can also get a rolling pin or a tennis ball and roll your foot on the rolling pin or tennis ball. This will allow the muscles of the feet to stretch after a day of being constricted inside tight pinching shoes or high-heeled shoes. It will also allow the arch of the feet to stretch and regain its flexibility.

Fractures

If the pain in the feet worsens when weight is put on it or when the pain prevents you from wiggling your toes, these are signs of a fracture in the small bones of your feet.  You might seek medical help for this type of pain. 
Depending upon the site of the pain and the fracture, you might need to wear a cast or a splint, use crutches to lessen the pressure on the feet or wear orthopaedic shoes until the fracture heals.
For pain caused by fractures, an orthopaedist will probably prescribe a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory to reduce the perception of pain.  After the fracture has healed, the doctor may also prescribe physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the feet that have been immobilized while the fracture was healing.

Considerations
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Ignoring pain in the feet can affect posture and the pain can radiate up to the body. The feet contain a lot of nerve endings and for this reason our perception of pain in our feet is often immediate.
Take care of your feet, they were meant to last a lifetime – and it’s not likely that you will ever find a replacement for them.
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Do You Have Some Of These Energy Draining Habits?

2/17/2021

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Some people suffer from fatigue on almost a daily basis and often it is due to energy draining habits. Many do not know they even have habits that can drain their energy.  The problem is, if you don’t know what is causing your fatigue, it can lead to a cycle of despair.  This despondency can prevent a person from seeking solutions to their problem.
To liberate yourself from feeling continually drained of energy, consider any routines and habits which may be robbing your vitality. (Yup, explore journaling)

Poor Posture
Although lazy posture appears to require less effort, poor posture when sitting or standing will tire your muscles, as they have to double their efforts just to compensate for hunching forwards or slouching.  The more you slouch, the more your muscles will have to work towards keeping your spine well aligned, which is simply a waste of energy.
No doubt this energy could have been better spent on a productive task or simply stretching, jogging or walking. Whatever it is that you do, you have to make sure to keep your head aligned with your body and your ears aligned with your shoulders.  Failure to observe proper posture will make you prone not only to fatigue, but can also lead to chronic back pain.

Sitting For Long Periods
A new catch-phrase in the press is that sitting is the ‘new smoking’ and that sitting for long periods of time will actually take years off your life expectancy. While sitting may be a necessary part of your employment, if you are honest with yourself you will also know that much of your sitting is discretionary behavior. If you are a couch potato then you should know that it increases your risk not only of suffering from fatigue but it also adds to your risk of incurring lifestyle diseases and ailments.
It does not matter what you do, whether you are working in front of the computer, watching a movie, or driving a vehicle, find ways to stand and walk regularly. The longer we are sitting the more the body and brain moves towards a ‘resting state’.  As a result, you tend to feel tired. If you take the time to have frequent invigorating breaks your body will become active as your entire system ‘wakes up’.  Even if you feel chained to the desk, try walking around or performing some stretching exercises for a few minutes during the day.

Starting Your Day With Sugar
Processed cereals, sugary spreads, muffins and pastries for breakfast may give you a quick boost of energy because these foods make your blood sugar levels increase rapidly. However, after a few hours you will notice yourself feeling tired because your ‘quick-energy’ fix has subsided. It is far better to opt for breakfast meals that do not contain refined starches. 
A couple of boiled eggs or some cheese on whole grain toast will give you sustained energy as well as more nutrient value. If you do not like a cooked breakfast other alternatives include nut milk on home-made oatmeal topped with blueberries. 
Choose foods that are made from whole grains that are also low in sodium and sugar content.
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Crash Dieting for Weight Loss
Although crash dieting can indeed help you lose weight, it may do little good to your overall health. Crash diets that restrict you to eating less than 850 calories in a day will give you feelings of fatigue and put your health at risk in other ways.
If you really want to lose weight, you should choose healthy, steady and sustainable ways. Rather than simply counting calorie intake, replace sugar-rich foods with nutrient filled protein sources.
Replace soft drinks with water – free from calories and preservatives.  Your weight loss plan should not target losing more than 2 pounds per week.

The causes of fatigue will vary from person to another.  Avoid doing all these energy-stealers  and start feeling the difference. Incorporating some sort of exercise to help invigorate you and relieve some of the symptoms of fatigue. 

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​5 Ways Optimism Improves Your Life

2/10/2021

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Researchers have found that individuals who maintain a positive attitude during intense surgeries and after, usually have a shorter recovery period. People who work in high stress environments find their inner peace and balance by focusing on the positives of their job. The act of meditation focuses on finding gratitude in your hardest struggles even in the midst of the paralyzing challenges.
 
Out of the three scenarios, learning how to develop an optimistic attitude was the common factor. In fact, people who strive to look for the “silver lining” usually rise above their challenges with triumph and victory.
 

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While it’s easy to say, “Focus on the positive, and you’ll be happier” putting it into practice is quite difficult. It may even seem insurmountable when you face certain challenges. However, trying to find the positive, in whatever you’re going through, will save you a lot of stress. You may even find a useful solution to the problem you’re facing.
 
Since remaining optimistic during tough times is challenging, it’s important to consider a few tips and tricks that’ll reshape the way you think. Let’s go over five valuable tips that’ll help you maintain a positive attitude.

 Remove Yourself From Toxic People  

If you’re trying to elevate your mentality and remain positive, you have to remove yourself from negative people. It’s almost like trying to grow an orchid in a dry environment. It simply won’t flourish. When people drain you of your energy, constantly criticize or put you down, it’s time to let them go. Walking away from unhealthy relationships is the first step towards loving yourself and maintaining your optimistic outlook.
 
 Practice Speaking Kind Words
 
It’s easy to get in the habit of negative communication. Whether it’s complaining about your morning commute or not getting enough praise on your job, you can find yourself complaining about everything. This negative attitude can transcend into every aspect of your life. Soon, you’ll find yourself having a negative disposition. Practice speaking kind words about yourself and what’s around you. The old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it” will definitely come in handy.
 
 Learn to Love Yourself
 
Having a negative outlook stems from not being fully confident in yourself. In order to find the positive in your life, start with what you like about yourself. Practice daily affirmations so you can remind yourself how awesome you are doing. Get in the habit of regular self-care and stick to it. This will help you change your outlook towards whatever situation presents itself.
 
 Make Progressive Changes
 
If you’re finding it hard to stay positive in your current situation, perhaps make changes to get out of it. If you dislike your job, make the effort necessary towards finding a new one. If you’re feeling unhealthy, make nutritious changes so you can live your best life. Sometimes a little effort is all you need to change your current perspective.
 
 Give to Others
 
They say there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving. When you give of yourself to others, you’re no longer focusing on your own issues. You’re exposing yourself to those who are less fortunate and making their moment better. If you find yourself constantly in a negative space, volunteer at a homeless shelter. If it’s in your means, donate to a local animal charity. This will give you a broader perspective and help you develop an overall positive attitude.
 
Shifting your focus from negative to positive is not an overnight fix. It takes a lot of self-improvement and effort to really see changes. Keep working towards changing your perspective and you’ll be on your way to living a happy and healthy life.

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How Peppermint Can Help Settle Upset Stomachs

2/3/2021

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It’s not just the peppermint candy you pop into your mouth when your mouth is dry or in order to refresh your breath. Peppermint tastes great in candy but did you know that it could also settle your stomach? Here is the skinny on this pungent plant.

Peppermint can be found in everything from tea to candy to medicines. Peppermint itself is a plant called “Mentha piperita” in botanical terms. Including spearmint, peppermint is the mint most often used in aromatherapy, medicinal and commercial products. 

When you use peppermint, it can be in plant form, as an essential oil or in balms. This particular mint contains lots of menthol. This is the component that makes you breath feel cool when you inhale after eating peppermint candy or drinking peppermint tea. If you’ve ever sniffed peppermint at full strength, the result is watery eyes and opened nasal passages that you could drive a train through. 

It is the high level of menthol that makes peppermint such a great resource for stomach aches. Its antispasmodic properties calm a rumbling tummy. For the same reason, peppermint preparations are great for menstrual cramps and headaches.

Before reaching for over-the-counter remedies when your stomach hurts, give peppermint a chance. Dried leaves can be used to make a hot or cold tea. Just breathing in the steeping cup will help provide mental clarity. Drinking your remedy can bring quicker relief than taking pills.

But, that is not all that peppermint is good for. If you have access to the essential oil, you have a medicine cabinet in your hand. Essential oil of peppermint is used in aromatherapy preparations. It can be rubbed on the temples to help relieve headaches. Using the oil on your chest and under your nose helps to open nasal passages. 

Rubbing this essential oil on sore muscles can relieve aches and pains. Inflammation is reduced and circulation is stimulated as you massage the oil into your body. The menthol helps to cool the body as well as it is soothing your pain.

If you have problems with digestive issues, peppermint can be taken in capsule form. For irritable bowel syndrome, using enteric-coated peppermint keeps them from breaking down in the stomach but passes them on through so that the peppermint can work in the bowel.  

Peppermint is a hearty plant that anyone can grow outside or in indoor herb gardens. The menthol contained within this plant makes it ideal for relieving the symptoms of upset stomach, but that’s not all. Peppermint, in essential oil or capsule form, has been used to combat nausea, colds, sinus congestion, muscular aches and headaches.
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Soothing Your Mind to Soothe Joint Pain

1/27/2021

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​Stress is one of the most common causes of inflammation. If you have an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis, chances are it will play up when your anxiety levels are unusually high.
Your joints start hurting and the pain will exacerbate the stress and the vicious cycle will continue. Unfortunately, stress is part and parcel of life. Managing it well will play a big part in minimizing the pain in your joints.
​Living with chronic joint pain can take a toll physically as well as mentally. You can manage if you have some structure and techniques in place and you stick to implementing them.


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Here are 7 tips to help soothe your mind and body.

Make a list

Make a list of everything that stresses you. That’s right – everything. If you’re in pain right now, most things will probably stress you out. Put them all down. The idea of this list is to have a full picture of what aggravates you and increases your pain.
Once you have it all down, you can identify your top stressors and prioritize their management. Start with one or two big ones. Once you can handle these reasonably well, you’ll find it easier to handle the rest of the items on your list.
Keep the list honest. If your kids stress you out, put that down (though you may want to use your own shorthand or code to spare hurt feelings). A solution can only be crafted if the problem is fully acknowledged.

Maintain some distance

Allow yourself some distance between you and your stressors. If your work is deadline-driven, make sure you take short breaks often. Do not feel guilty about this because these breaks will not only keep you healthy, but will also help improve the quality of your work.
If it’s never-ending text messages or calls that bother you, create a phone schedule. Set aside a couple of hours a day to answer all messages and return calls (if they’re personal ones).
Meanwhile, check your phone once every half-hour to make sure you’re not missing anything important. Attend to the important messages first and leave the rest for later. This takes discipline but your body and your mind will thank you for it.


Managing expectations

Joint pain is chronic. Science and complementary medicine have both found ways to treat it but there is no cure yet. One of the biggest unacknowledged stressors with joint pain is that you won’t always get to do what you want. You may have planned a night out with the guys that evening, with no warning, your knee plays up. The pain exhausts you and suddenly, you’re in no mood for company.
You understand why but your friends may not. This is why it’s crucial to manage expectations of friends and family, so that they and you don’t feel like you’re letting them down.
It would be good to explain to them just how painful your joints can get. Use examples like “I can’t even make a loose fist.” Tell them that you often have no idea when the pain will strike. Describe how tiring pain can be and the effect it has on your mood. Tell them the best thing for your health at the time is rest.
None of this is for self-pity. It is simply getting people to understand what it’s like to live with chronic pain. It’s not easily understood by those fortunate enough not to have it. If you help them see your situation, they come off with a clearer picture of how it affects you and you can give yourself some rest without feeling guilty for having bailed.


Get a therapeutic massage

Sometimes known as “manual release”, with joint pain, you want someone who understands anatomy so that they can work the muscles without making your joints sore.
Try to go once a week. It does wonders for loosening your body, which in turn relaxes your mind. You’ll also get a better quality of rest in general.


Track your progress

Now that you are taking affirmative steps to keep calm and manage your joint pain, it would be useful to write notes on how you’re feeling from day to day. Score your pain 3 times a day at the beginning so you you’ll notice if when it’s at its worse.
Look at the activities at that time of day. Can you spot a relationship between the two? For example, if you have pain in your joints in the late afternoon, perhaps you’re eating the wrong foods at lunchtime.
Also think about your circumstances. Did anything happen to unnerve you and set the pain off?

Celebrate

Now that you’re noting down your activities and progress, look for ways in which you’ve improved. Maybe you’re feeling less stiffness in the morning. Perhaps you’re able to cook a small meal for yourself every other day instead of only occasionally.
Celebrate the small stuff. It’s the everyday things that frustrate us the most when we can’t do them. When you are able to, give yourself pat on the back, tell your friends and family and celebrate it. You’ve come this far; you have every reason to believe that you’ll get much further.

Soak in a tub

​ If you or a close friend has a tub, use it. Treat yourself to a nice, long soak at least once a week. It’s good for your muscles, your skin and your stress levels. Put in few drops of relaxing essential oils, light some candles, put on your favorite music and soak it all in. Let the water carry the stress and pain away. This is your time.

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5 Reasons You Could Be Struggling With Brain Fog

1/20/2021

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Not feeling your brainy best? Chances are there’s a reason for feeling scattered, confused and foggy.
And if there’s a reason, that means there's a solution.



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Poor Diet

Eating a diet filled with highly processed foods, aka junk foods, will leave you feeling foggy. There isn’t much, if any, nutrition left in these foods after they’ve been stripped of their natural state taking this and that out and adding in more chemicals than we can count to come up with something that will stay on the shelf indefinitely.
You know if you’ve ever gotten bad gas in your car how it makes your car sputter, cut out and just run poorly. Well, think of highly processed foods as bad fuel for your body.
Get more fresh whole foods into your diet to combat brain fog. Eat organic as often as possible and fill your body with the goodness that comes from real food.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Leading a life without much movement can be a cause of brain fog because your brain isn’t getting what it needs to be sharp and alert. 
Your brain needs oxygen and vital nutrients which is carried to it through the blood stream. If you don’t get your blood pumping to increase blood flow through exercise your brain is lacking the very things it needs to do its job properly. Exercise improves brain function, so get off the chair. Even a quick 10-minute walk will go a long way towards improving your brain power.

Toxic Buildup

Our bodies can get polluted from chemicals in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the foods we eat. If you don’t eat healthy and get some exercise, these toxins can build up, causing your body – and your brain – to function at sub-optimal levels.
Detoxifying can be an unpleasant experience the first time because we’re stirring up all the crud that has built up over our lifetime. The more often you do this the easier it becomes and you will feel the effects of having a cleaner body and a clearer mind.
 
Stress

If you’re under a lot of stress on a regular basis this can lead to physical and mental problems. Stress elevates a hormone in your body called cortisol that causes inflammation in your brain and body. Chronic inflammation can cause a host of issues including fatigue, damaged brain cells, depression, weight gain and glucose imbalance.
You need to have an outlet for your stress. Adding an exercise regimen will help you to not only feel better by releasing endorphins in your brain which cause you to feel good. You can also choose to pamper yourself by taking a hot bath maybe add some essential oils, getting a massage, meditating, or trying qigong. Whatever changes your focus and relaxes you.

Dehydration
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If you don’t consume enough water you may suffer from dehydration. The brain needs adequate water to function properly. 
You should consume at minimum a half gallon of water per day. An easy way to incorporate more water into your day is to drink a full glass upon rising and another before each meal. Maybe just keep a glass of water near you to be sipping at all day instead of that energy drink, pop, or coffee.
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If you find yourself feeling foggy on a regular basis, chances are good you’re suffering from one or all of these issues. Get some exercise, eat better, drink lots of water and release your stress, and you’ll feel sharper in no time. 
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Reaping the Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

1/13/2021

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It might seem like wishful thinking that writing in a journal could be so beneficial. But the scientific evidence is in, and gratitude journals do benefit you in big ways if you keep one for the long term and use it daily. 

If you want to be happier, get more done, and experience real joy, a gratitude journal can be the way to achieve it. The guiding thing to remember is that your thoughts cause your feelings, and you are the one in control of the actions you take once you accept your feelings. Accepting that you do have control is half the battle, and your journal will make it clear that you do.



Experience Stronger and More Fulfilling Relationships

It’s so simple, but it can be hard to accept. You are the one who makes yourself happy with your own choices. Another person cannot make you happy or grateful. Only you can do that. But something amazing happens when you express gratitude often – your relationships simply open up and become better. Those that don’t, you start to recognize for what they are and let them go.

Become Physically Healthier 

Being grateful for the ability to move and breathe will eventually cross over into wanting to ensure that you can always do that. Therefore, you’ll be more motivated to go on walks, eat right, stay hydrated, and live in gratitude for every aspect of your life.

Increase Your Mental Dexterity 

The ability to take lemons and turn them into that sweet, delightful state drink of Arizona can be gained by keeping a gratitude journal. The main reason is that you will learn on even a bad day to pick out the good in it. That requires a good imagination and creativity and thinking on your feet. 

Feel Less Aggression in Your Life

It’s hard to feel aggressive if you are happy and grateful. It’s okay to be angry about injustices in the world without being aggressive. But if you feel angry a lot due to your life, it’s really due to not finding the things to be grateful about. There is almost always something for most people. 

Act and Become More Empathetic 

As you write more and learn to forgive yourself as you seek to fill your mind with thoughts of gratitude, you will start seeing others differently. You’ll have more ability to put yourself in their shoes and see things from their way without judgment. It happens when you learn to forgive yourself.

Get More Restful Sleep 

If you’re not anxious but go to sleep each night feeling thankful for everything you’ve experienced (or at least most of it), it’s easier to sleep because you have less anxiety. 

Get More Done Every Day

Due to feeling more rested, less stressed, and more grateful, you’ll have a lot more energy to get things done every day. That’s always going to make you feel even more thankful because good things happen due to productivity.

Feel Better about Yourself 

You can’t help but feel better about yourself when you have improved so many good qualities about yourself. Your self-esteem will go up when you express gratitude for what your mind and body can do for you.


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10 Natural Ways To Help Back Pain

1/6/2021

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Back pain is one of the main reasons people see their local doctor, and it has many potential causes. Despite the varying causes, there are many natural remedies that will reduce the pain and discomfort associated with back pain. 










1. Valerian capsules
The active ingredient in valerian has a soothing and sedating effect on the brain. Whilst this can help you to sleep in a natural way, it can also help soothe the pain of back ache. Not something to be used every day because of the sedating effects, but certainly worth using when the pain is particularly bad. 

2. Devil’s Claw
Devil’s Claw has been studied fairly extensively recently, and has now been shown to be an effective remedy for conditions such as knee pain, osteoarthritis, gout and lower back pain. Whilst it may not provide immediate pain relief in the way traditional painkillers do, if used consistently, it can relieve chronic back pain and have preventative effects. 

3. Ginger
Ginger has so many benefits for different health conditions, and back pain is no different. Ginger has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with any swelling in the back that causes pain. Ginger can either be applied topically to the area in need, or can be taken on a more preventative basis as a supplement. 

4. Massage
Massages have many beneficial properties, and can relax even the most stressed of people. Aside from the relaxation benefits, massages can also help relieve chronic back pain. There are particular points in the back, which sometimes vary by person, that when pressure is applied, can release tension. This release of tension that has built up can have instant positive effects on pain. 

5. Evening Primrose Oil
Another essential oil, evening primrose oil contains pain-relieving compounds such as phenylalanine and has been used to treat conditions such as headaches and back pain. On a wider basis, it has been shown to be effective in acne, weight control, PMS and some mental health conditions. As with other remedies, evening primrose oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied topically, or taken as a supplement. It has been shown to be particularly effective in back pain caused by arthritis. 

6. Ice and later heat
Ice is a brilliant pain reliever and works in different ways. Firstly, ice blocks the pain receptors, which reduces the pain messages sent to the brain. Furthermore, ice helps to reduce inflammation and swelling when applied to specific areas of the back. Once the initial period of swelling and inflammation has subsided, heat will increase the blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing pain.

7. Cayenne
One of the main ingredients in cayenne pepper helps to manage the pain receptors and messages to the brain. It is the same ingredient that causes peppers to be hot that enables cayenne to alter the pain messages in the brain. Cayenne is recommended for long-term pain management, not as an immediate pain reliever.

8. Acupuncture
The Chinese have used acupuncture to treat a range of conditions, and continue to do so due to its enduring success. By placing thin needles in certain parts of the back, the correct flow of energy is restored to the body. It has been theorized that one possible explanation for acupuncture being so successful is that is stimulates the opioid receptors in the brain, which reduce the pain signals sent out. 

9. Yoga
there are many types of yoga and even more workouts that will help stretch a sore back and reduce current pain, and prevent future back pain. There are a range of simple stretches that can be done from the comfort of your own home, which will strengthen the muscles in your back. This leads to less chance of injuring them and less chance of recurring pain.
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10. Improve your posture
Improved posture can both relieve current back pain, and prevent it from reoccurring. In short, there are right and wrong ways to stand, sit, and bend that ensures minimal damage to the back. One of the quickest and simplest way of improving your posture in an instant is to imagine a straight line going through your body and align your posture to this. This will ensure there is no slouching or leaning over and therefore no subsequent pain.
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​ Journaling For Mental Health

12/30/2020

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Keeping any type of journal will help with improving any mental health issues. However, if you really want to tackle a specific problem you’re having, it will help to determine the right type of journal to keep. Keeping a particular kind of journal may work best for your issue. 

One thing that can really help you make your journaling work is to instill some journaling rules. Journal every day, make it a habit.  Keep it private unless you decide to let your therapist see it or you decide to use it to help others. Journaling is for you.

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Journaling can...

* Boost Your Mood – If you really want to boost your mood, keeping a gratitude journal is where it’s at. All you have to do is once a day, preferably before bed, write down what you’re grateful for today. It might not seem like much but it’s very powerful for going to sleep, thinking positively about your life.

* Increase Your Sense of Well-Being – As you write out your thoughts, you’ll start seeing issues from a new angle just because you’re opening your mind to think about it. This is going to make you feel more capable of dealing with whatever happens.

* Lessen Symptoms of Depression – Understand that depression is something different from sadness, might require a mood journal. Writing it all down can make it seem less horrific so that you can feel better. Plus, you can look back at days you thought life was "over" and see better days after. 

* Reduce Anxiety – The problem with anxiety is that it was designed to help us get away from immediate danger. It triggers the "fight or flight" response. If each time you have that anxious feeling you choose to write in your journal how you are feeling and why, you’ll start to control it better.

* Lower Avoidance Behaviors – Many people who have mental health issues practice avoidance behaviors such as not going to places that cause them anxiety, or not doing the things they need to  due to how they feel. When you write it out, it helps you get the feelings out and go anyway. 

* You’ll Sleep Better – Pouring your heart out into a journal is a great way to get things off your chest. However, for sleep, go to the gratitude journal and write down what you’re thankful for today and go to sleep thinking of that.

* Make You a Kinder Person – Exploring your own emotional state and accepting your own feelings while you work through what makes you who you are in your journal is going to make you naturally more empathetic to others too. Letting go of judgment for self improves your thoughts for others also.

* Improve Your Memory – This is almost a situation where you want to say "duh" but it has to be said. Writing down things helps you remember them because you can go back and read it, but also because the act of writing something down enables you to recall it.




Journaling to Help with Stress

It’s surprising that writing can accomplish so much, but if you go into journaling with the right attitude and a goal in mind, you can achieve a lot. The important thing is that you need to be honest with yourself so that you can find out the true causes of your stress. In this way, the actions you take to overcome it are really effective. 

Stress affects almost everyone at some time in their lives. Here are a few ways to journal to combat your stress. 

Write Daily for 5 to 15 Minutes

The thing about journaling that is important is you need to do it daily long term for it to really work. It takes a lot of writing and insight to figure out why you’re dealing with stress and how to overcome it. 

Write about Your Worries

Go straight to the problem and write about your worries. Describe them from every single angle you can come up with. The more descriptive, the better. Go back to the first time you felt this feeling regarding this topic so that you can get to the bottom of it.

Describe What’s Happening Now

Put out of your mind what you did, what someone else did, or what can be done - right now write about precisely what is happening right now and where you stand with the issue causing your stress. If it's generalized stress, try to make a list of things that might be contributing. 

Document the Worst That Can Happen

As you look at the situation, one thing that often causes stress is the unknown, or the "worst thing" that you think can happen. Describe this worst thing but make it realistic. 

Document the Best That Can Happen

Let’s get serious by thinking about and writing about the very best (realistic) outcome of the situation you’re stressing about. Include potential steps and tactics to achieve this best-case scenario so that you can see it to fruition if you so choose. 

Document What Is Really Happening

As you are writing, be very careful to be realistic and honest above all else. Other than when you imagine the best and worst, ensure that you are also documenting the reality of what is happening to you right now. That way, you can narrow down identifying the stress-inducing situation.

Write a Counter-Argument to Yourself 

A really good way to overcome some stress about a situation is to argue with yourself. First, tell your story as a letter to yourself about what is happening. Then write a letter back to yourself in answer, arguing all the negativity and turning it into positivity. If your best friend wrote that, what would you say back?














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​Improve Your Physical Health by Being Optimistic

12/23/2020

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Being optimistic, of course, has mindset benefits, but did you know there are physical health benefits to being more optimistic? When you think of being optimistic, do you believe that some people are naturally born with it? The good news is that while, yes, some were born with a naturally cheery disposition, others can learn how to be optimistic. Even better news is being optimistic can improve your overall physical health.  There are several benefits to leading a life of optimism. Research shows those with more optimism bounce back more quickly when getting sick, are more resilient in life in general, sleep better and even live longer. 
 
The Benefits of Optimism on Your Physical Health
 
With a framework of a belief system of “I think I can, and I know I will,” your wellness choices will transform before your eyes. With hard work and, more importantly, a committed dedication to achieving your health goals along with an optimistic attitude you can see those goals come to fruition.
 
In the story of “The Little Engine that Could,” the Little Engine (a small, blue engine) takes on the task of pulling a larger train which has broken down, up and over a mountain. With diligence and much effort, the Little Engine tries to pull the larger engine over the mountain. However, without the benefit of an optimistic mindset (“I think I can, I think I can”), the Little Engine might not have succeeded.
 
Once you develop an optimistic mindset and apply it to routines, the benefits include:

  • More enjoyable exercise
  • An increased capacity for a sustained commitment to your health routine
  • The learned skill of creating momentum and reaching your goals
  • An enhanced self-confidence helps you succeed in other areas of your life
  • Reaching goals with more ease by thinking optimistically
  • A willingness to take on other challenges in life
  • Experiencing satisfying results of optimistic thinking and affirming your success
  • A healthier mind and body
  • Improved sleep
  • Building of self-esteem
 
Focusing on how hard things are or how much you dislike doing something keeps your mind focused on what does not work. This will only make you think, feel, and take action steps in the opposite direction of having optimal physical, emotional, and mental health. Optimistically focusing on the thought process of “I think I can, and I know I will,” keeps your mindset in a forward-moving, goal-setting pace where those goals are more achievable.
 
The Mind, Body Connection of Optimism
 
Think about the mind, body connection. Have you ever been disappointed? What does that feel like? It probably feels like a sinking in the pit of your stomach and your shoulders begin to sag. Your emotions, thoughts, and feelings are all stored in your body somewhere. Nervousness can show up as butterflies or an upset stomach. Anxiety can show up as sweaty palms and trembling, while embarrassment shows up with a red flush to your cheeks.
 
If you want a healthier body and a better mental outlook try taking on learned optimism. If you think you can and know you will, your body and mind will begin to show the results. With more effort and less time, you may begin to see better results. Your mind and body will thank you. 
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​Improve Life with Hope, Optimism, and Positive Thinking

12/16/2020

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Sustaining a healthy, happy lifestyle can seem like a juggling act at times. Maintaining a life balance is an art in and of itself. With the power of hope, optimism, and positive thinking, you can keep your balance and do so with ease. Hope, optimism, and positive thinking all sound the same, but there are some differences; however, each of these mindset characteristics have their own built-in benefits. 
While we may not always control our circumstances, we can control our mindset with the possibilities inside of the power of hope, optimism, and positive thinking. That is one choice which is always ours. 
 
The Power of Hope & Why it Matters
 
Let’s look at the meaning of hope. For some, it’s simply “wishful thinking.” For others, there is more power behind being hopeful. We may go through life with an expectation of how it “should” look, yet life delivers us something different.
 
We make plans and then something gets in the way of those plans: the actions of others, circumstances beyond our control like a job loss or divorce. One of the hardest the hardest things to accept is that we are not always in control. However, the beauty of hope lies within what we can control – our reaction.
 
When we take on being hopeful, we take back our power. The art of being hopeful allows us to understand that, while we cannot control the circumstance in this moment, we can take on a hopeful attitude for something better in the future. When we are hopeful, our actions emanate from that positive belief. Being hopeful puts us in the driver’s seat and we can head in a different direction.
 
The Power of Optimism & Why It Matters
 
While being hopeful is essential in maintaining our equilibrium when life throws us a curve, being optimistic is different. The power of optimism is key to sustaining a healthy balance in all areas of life such as relationships, career, and health. What is optimism? The best way to describe optimism is having a positive expectation, a certainty, that all things will work out in your life with the most optimal result.
 
The more optimistic you are, the more you expect to get positive results. When you maintain an optimistic outlook, your brain attempts to produce results that are in alignment with your mindset. Your actions stem from your beliefs; if you believe things will work out for the best, your thoughts, feelings, and, actions reflect that belief.
 
The Power of Positive Thinking & Why it Matters
 
While hope is an intentional mindset for future goals, wishes, and desires and optimism is a way of living life from a habit of being certain of positive outcomes, positive thinking is more of a conscious lifestyle. Some would say positive thinking is a pre-cursor to living with an automatic way of being optimistic in life.
 
Positive thinking is a way of looking at a situation and finding the silver lining. For example, if someone loses their job, they can view it as an ending of something or a beginning of something. The possibility exists of finding an even better job or starting their own company. Reframing something negative with the power of positive thinking and seeing the potential gives you the power to see the possibilities inside of that experience.
 

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​10 Natural Ways to Heal Headaches

12/9/2020

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Headaches are unfortunately a common part of many peoples’ lives. They can vary from a minor annoyance, to full-blown migraines which can be debilitating. 
While is it tempting to reach for over the counter medicines when a headache begins, there are other more natural ways that can ease a headache.
 
Ten of the most popular and widely used options are listed below...


1. Peppermint
Peppermint comes in many forms including oils and tea so everyone can find it useful in some way. Peppermint oil contains anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic properties, which have a number of benefits, including relieving headaches. Peppermint oil is highly concentrated but can still be used in small doses; one possible use is to moisten a washcloth in cool water place a few drops of peppermint oil on and place it directly on the forehead.

2. Lavender Oil
Lavender has been shown to help with a range of health issues, including sleep and headaches. Like with peppermint, the oil is highly concentrated but can still be used on a regular basis. Possible uses for lavender oil in treating headaches include: putting several drops into a hot bath or steamer, placing a few drops on a pillow at night, and using lavender shampoo.

3. Changes to diet
Modern day diets are full of ingredients that our ancestors would never have imagined. It is perhaps no surprise that some headaches can be attributed to our diet and specific foods we consume. By changing our diet to include better choices, we can reduce the incidences of headaches. While this may not bring immediate relief when a headache strikes, there will be longer-term benefits. 

4. Flaxseed
Flaxseed has many health benefits, and relieving headaches is just one of them. Flaxseed contains key ingredients such as Omega 3, which is beneficial in many ways. Flaxseed is relatively easy to introduce to any diet as it can be used in cereals, salads, or desserts. 

5. Almonds
Almonds contain the painkiller salicin, which has been proven to help with headaches, particularly the tension type ones. These can easily be eaten on their own as a snack so are a practical remedy that can be used at any time of day or place.

6. Cayenne
Cayenne pepper has been shown to be beneficial in many ways, particularly regarding headaches and migraines. It contains an active ingredient, capsaicin, which is a natural pain reliever. In this case, hotter really is better.

7. Yoga
Yoga in general is helpful in healing a headache, but there are some positions that are much better than others are. Not only does yoga force you to stop being busy and take a few moments to relax, but the stretches and breathing exercises have many physical benefits. For example, lying against a wall with your legs up against it can stretch the muscles in the neck, which are often the cause of tension headaches.

8. Avoid caffeine and chocolate
Along with alcohol, coffee and chocolate have repeatedly been shown to be headache causing. Caffeine reduces tiredness and increases alertness and muscle coordination. Some other food and drinks, such as energy drinks, also contain high levels of caffeine. However, some people find caffeine can be a treatment for headaches and migraines. You therefore need to be careful in assessing how caffeine affects you and avoid it if you think it might be causing headaches.

9. Drink more water
Many headaches are caused by dehydration and drinking water can relieve this dehydration, and consequently reduce the headache. Some drinks are not refreshing and do not help with rehydrating the body, so pick the drink carefully. Water is guaranteed to rehydrate the body and will heal any headache that is caused by dehydration. 

10. Apples & Apple Cider Vinegar
Apples and apple cider vinegar have a long history of being used in medicine and traditional healing. Apples and cider vinegar in particular, are well known for improving the body’s acid and alkaline balance. It can be taken in many ways, but simply a spoonful in water is sufficient.
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​10 Natural Ways To Help With Sore Muscles

12/2/2020

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There are numerous causes of muscle pain, including sports injury, accidents, exercise, and general wear and tear. Sometimes fatigue and over work or certain types of jobs cause muscle pain, and for some it can be quite severe.
Irrelevant of the cause, muscle pain can be hard to manage, inconvenient and annoying.
While it is tempting to go to the pharmacy or doctor and take painkillers, they just treat the pain. Instead, there are a number of natural ways to heal sore muscles and reduce the pain they can cause.




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1.  Epsom Salt
A few teaspoons of Epsom salt in a warm bath can do wonders for any aching or sore muscles. Epsom salts contain high levels of magnesium sulphate, which is a natural muscle relaxant. Epsom salt works by removing fluid from muscles, and therefore reducing any inflammation and swelling of the muscle. 

2. Essential oils
Certain oils have been recommended for many years as a remedy for all sorts of health issues. For muscle soreness and cramps, lemongrass and peppermint are amongst the favourite. Camomile has many beneficial properties and can help induce rest as well as reduce soreness in muscles. 

3. Omega 3
Omega 3 is regularly proven to be highly beneficial in many ways, and treating sore muscles is just one. Increased levels of omega 3 can reduce inflammation in muscles, and reduce any associated soreness. It also improves circulation in the body, which will help prevent sore muscles in the first place. Either way, omega 3 is essential for a healthy body in many ways. 

4. Heat
Whether it’s a warm shower or bath, a heat pack or hot water bottle, applying heat to sore muscles can help them relax naturally. The heat causes muscles to relax by themselves, therefore reducing the pain associated with tense muscles. 

5. Ice packs
If your muscles are sore from bruising or inflammation, an ice pack or cold bath will be much more effective than heat. Ice packs reduce any swelling or bruising when applied directly to the sore area, and therefore can reduce the associated pain. 

6. Coffee
Research has shown that drinking coffee before a workout can help to prevent sore muscles and the associated pain. The caffeine will also help increase endurance levels and the productivity of your workout. 

7. Magnesium
Magnesium is critical for proper functioning of the body, and muscles are no exception. Low levels of magnesium in the body can cause general aches and pains in the muscles anyway. Add to this general wear and tear, exercise or injury and your muscles are going to hurt. Magnesium levels can be increased either by eating more food that has high levels naturally, such as spinach and seeds, or you can take a supplement.

8. Foam rollers
While more exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when your muscles are sore, gently using a foam roller can ease the muscle soreness. These rollers work by increasing blood flow to the muscles through pressure applied directly to the problem area. They are a significantly cheaper option than a physiotherapist or medication, and you can control which areas you focus on.

9. Cherry juice
Cherry juice has recently been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants, which contributes to reduced muscle soreness. Research has shown that drinking cherry juice before and during any exercise can reduce post-workout pain and soreness both immediately afterwards, and for a longer duration.

10. Swimming
Swimming is a gentle, low impact exercise that has many benefits. Not only is it a good exercise, swimming is an effective form of physiotherapy that can treat sore muscles. If possible, stick to an indoor pool and one with relatively warm water – this will prevent any further strain on your muscles.

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The Healing And Medicinal Properties Of Rosemary

11/25/2020

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Botanically, rosemary is known as Rosmarinus officinalis and has aromatic leaves as well as evergreen needles. Rosemary is a woody, perennial herb that may have flowers that are white, pink, blue, or purple and is native to the Mediterranean region.
The leaves of the rosemary plant are commonly used in cooking for flavoring in foods such as roast, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken, or salads.
However, rosemary is not only good for use in foods in fact, essential Rosemary oil has many uses in healing.
There are also many health benefits to rosemary including its ability to:
boost memory
improve mood
relieve pain
reduce inflammation
stimulate circulation

Immune System – Rosemary contains active components that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic in nature. This allows there to be a three-prong attack against many different pathogens and diseases that can threaten the immune system.

Improve Circulation – Rosemary boosts the production of red blood cells and blood flow, which allows it to act as a natural stimulant for the body. This aids in the oxygenation of vital organ systems and areas of the body.

Memory Booster – One of the earliest documented uses of rosemary was as a cognitive stimulant. While many of the claims regarding rosemary and the memory are still being researched, it was said that Rosemary was able to improve memory and increase both focus and intelligence. 

Antibacterial Properties – Rosemary is a powerful digestive aid that can help prevent the growth of H. Pylori bacteria that is the pathogen that leads to stomach ulcers; Rosemary has also been linked to the prevention of staph infections. 

Anti-inflammatory Qualities – Carnosol and Carnosic are two compounds that have been found in rosemary. Both Carnosol and Carnosic are known to be powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that have linked to reducing inflammation in muscles, joints, and blood vessels. This information tells us that rosemary is an effective treatment for many things including blood pressure, arthritis, and gout. 

Detoxing Properties – Rosemary has been shown to be diuretic in nature. This means that it can help to flush out toxins from the body. Since it increases the rate at which water leaves the body it can help flush toxins. Rosemary has also been linked to lower levels of cirrhosis and a faster healing time of the liver, which is one of the slowest healing organs.

Freshens Breath – Since rosemary is a natural antibacterial agent, it works great as a breath freshener that can also improve your oral health. You can steep rosemary in a glass of hot water and then use the water the same way you would mouthwash. 

Mood And Stress – When Rosemary essential oil is used in aromatherapy, it can help lift your mood, alleviate stress, and clear the mind. It can be especially useful for those dealing with chronic anxiety or stress. There have also been some similar effects found when Rosemary is consumed or applied topically. 

Pain Relief – Rosemary has been used as a paste or salve and applied topically for hundreds of years to treat areas of pain. Rosemary can also be consumed to treat the pain that is caused by headaches. One of the most common uses for rosemary is in the treatment of migraines. To treat migraines, rosemary can be taking orally, applied topically to the temples, or even by smelling the aroma.

Skin Care – Rosemary is well known as having anti-aging properties, and that makes it a common choice for being applied topically to the skin to improve the youthful quality of the skin as well as heal blemishes and increase the natural shine of the skin. 

Stomach Soothing – Rosemary has been traditionally used by many cultures as a natural remedy for upset stomachs, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and everything in between. Adding rosemary to your weekly diet can help you regulate your bowels and your entire gastrointestinal system.
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Precautions and Usage
Be aware that unlike the culinary herb, the essential oil of Rosemary is not intended to be consumed.
If you are looking for something natural to add into your life that can bring many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic benefits, rosemary is likely the right choice for you.
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