What's missing

Have you ever noticed that we pay a lot more attention to things when they're missing?  Our keys, our friends, our minds????  Why can't we manage to notice the things we love and need when they're with us?  Our health would be far better suited if we could just have gratitude for it when we have it. 

How to show our bodies we appreciate them.

1.  Don't burn them - stoves aside, avoid other burns as well.  Sunburns, windburns, chemicals, all can be dangerous. 

2.  Let them breathe - clean air as much as possible.  Be aware of what is around you, and what you can do about it.

3.  Exercise - had to be said.

4.  Ensure that your body has what it needs.  Simple tests can be done by yourself, by a doctor or by a health practitioner to find out what nutrients your body might be craving.  Did you know some weird behaviors can be tied to what we do or don't put in our bodies?  When you wake up at the same time in the middle of the night, craving ice, a tendency to lean our heads one way?  Weird, huh?

5.  Be aware of your body, of your friends, of your life.  Awareness, the consciousness of it, changes things every single moment.  It's true. 

I love you friend.  :)

Is anyone out there?

I have fun writing these, but am wondering if it's worth still putting them up on the site.  Can I get a raise of virtual hands if you actually read this?   Thanks.

Arghhh a nomics

Planting, exercising, sports, however you do it, here's things to try when you strain, sprain or just overwork yourself. 

RICE - rest, ice, compression, elevation - this was the old standby.  They have since removed compression other than immobilization.  (Need blood flow to the area to heal, but also don't want too much movement). 

Here's the questions I usually get, and my experience and learning to share.

"What about heat?  It feels better."  Yes heat feels great and is relaxing to sore muscles, however it also keeps blood flow heavy and doesn't relieve inflammation.  Alternating heat and ice can help the area to recover more quickly because the changes in blood flow help to remove waste from the area and help to keep the inflammation down.  Heat is good, but when you have an injury, ice is a part of the process.  :)

"How long should I rest it?"  It depends, unfortunate answer, I know.  How badly it's injured, how active you usually are, how quickly you heal are all variables.  That being said, if you've hurt yourself try to give yourself at least 72 hours off.  Then based on how you're feeling, what your doctor says (if you've been) and how much you're planning on doing you can decide how much longer.

Relief - apple cider vinegar and Epsom salts for swelling. 
Arnica, capsacin, camphor, horse chestnut and peppermint - topically
Blue Spruce and peppermint - aromatherapy
Internally - Advil, Tylenol if necessary, white willow, feverfew, arnica, bromelain.
Distraction - big believer in finding other things to think about than what you're NOT doing right now.  Catch up on some reading, balance your checkbook, whatever!

Oh, and get a massage, they help with the pain and the recovery.  But you already knew that...  :)

Creeping up

Things creeping up, pretty much bad.  Scales, bugs, dates, if it's creeping that can't be good.  I feel a little worried about the creeping things in my world.  I actually thought I had my stress under control, but, no.  Now I have to take control of my creepings.

Taking control.  Or letting go.  The decisions about what to take hold and what to let go seem to be growing for everyone.  It can be difficult to decide what is your job and what you need to leave alone, especially when everything around you feels SO important.  I am not great at this, being a confessed control freak, but I'm learning.  Part of my learning comes from realizing that my kids and I don't have to do or be everything.  That is helping.  Also turning things off and thinking helps.  I notice that I can think really clearly when I'm out mowing the lawn, probably because there is nothing to do but think and I don't have kids, phones, needs interrupting. 

Try to get some time this week to just let yourself feel and think.  No lists of what's not done, no pressures of wasting time, just a much needed sanity relief.  Let me know how it goes, if you're still sane that is.  :)

Legs of a Champion

Let's talk about legs, their importance and their impotence at times... 
Good stuff - easy to strengthen, easy to stretch, and burn a lot of calories when they're in shape.
Bad stuff - weak or tight muscles can lead to imbalance, back pain, and more susceptible to injury.

To help them "do their thing" we need to ensure that we work to strengthen, stretch and use these large muscles.
Do stairs, as slowly as you need to.
Walk, or run if that's your thing.
Work the outsides and insides squeezes and lifts, get it all.
Stretch em' all, quads (the ones on the front) being too tight can lead to swayback and lower back pain.
                       hams (back ones) can cause hip pain and a greater chance for displacement.
                       glutes and other bottom ones can lead to sciatica, hip pain and radiating pain to the groin.

Do our thing, so they can do their thing for us!

So long?

Nah, I'm not leaving, but you might have thought it from my absence.  See previous posts about kids and then I'll just say I'm sorry.  I'm back! Whew!

Warmer days!  Anyone wonder about the truth to things in the summer?  Like does your hair really grow faster? (Yep)  Or can lemon juice lighten your hair?  (Yep, but it can also dry it out.)  What about natural bug repellents - here's a few - marigolds in your garden, citronella (duh), garlic, peppermint (also kills fungus), clove, thyme, sage, most peppers.  I wouldn't bathe in garlic (although it might be effective, but peppermint is nice. 

Ok, what about people health, do you really weigh less in the summer?  Generally this is true, but it's not because of the weather, during the summer months most people eat more fresh fruits and veggies and they're outside more.  Being outside and active fights that horrible cortisol even a few minutes at a time. 

Other comments or questions?  Let me know!

Forgot *blush*

I forgot my cool poem to share:

The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,
The sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes on it sweet refrains...
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. -- M. D. Hughes

Add something warm to your day today, cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood.  Beautiful and bright.

Health and Love

I had an interesting and intriguing thought today, while working to help my daughter understand why a baby needs a nap.  We were talking about taking care of our bodies, and taking care of each other, and I thought of something.  We should be doing way more "romantic" things everyday.  We should be wooing, ourselves.

Not to make light of the importance of romance in intimate relationships, but there are others that need those same gestures from us.  Heard the expression wooing the boss, or client?  Sure!  Maybe part of the key to self-care is to think of ourselves as someone to be romantic to. 

I'm wondering if being more romantic to myself, and helping others do the same, couldn't improve a lot in our lives.  It would help with self-esteem, self-understanding, happiness, acceptance, and in turn improve most of our other jobs in life.  When we set out to woo someone we try to learn what they enjoy, what they need and most importantly what would make them happy, then we try to do it. 

Heard that to romance your wife, do the dishes?  Or dress up and take her out?  How about to care for your husband compliment and thank him?  Or just have some fun with him *nudge, nudge*?  So how would those things relate if we were wooing ourselves?  I feel better when I'm clean and look good, when I acknowledge something I've done well, or when I let myself off the hook for something.

Let's make a date, and let love in again.  :)

Growth

Spring is a great time.  A time of renewal, of change and of hope.  It's spiritual, beautiful, and exciting.  Unfortunately change can also be something that's stressful, painful and distinctly slow.  So, I find myself asking, how can I "grow" more quickly? 

Taking advice from plants, it's patience, sunlight, and keep breathing.  But then again, one bad freeze and a lot of them don't make it either.  So maybe it's self-care, protection, and nutrients, but nutrient rich soil will do nothing for a plant without water.  It becomes a combination of things, and maybe that's why growth is hard.  If we could pinpoint just one thing to make it easier, it would be easy, but it's not.

Acceptance, flowing, patience, hope, nutrition, water, sun, and a little help, and perhaps we can all bloom this year.

To bloom, we should understand what it is that makes us special.  A challenge, that's we've been given before, but can always re-address, to discover our passion.  If hope springs eternal, and spring is the season of hope, let's refocus on what we want to become - plant our seed today.

Tomorrow, I want to share a beautiful poem I found.  :)

Sunscreen

I'd love comments about brands and ideas you've tried.  Very important in the coming months.  I feel aware of the dangers of exposure in the past year or two as I've checked in with family after surgery to remove skin cancers. 

Every morning, I need to get the whole family in on water, sunscreen and vitamins.  Some days I do better than others...  :)

I attended a webinar recently on Xylitol.  I had tried Spry gum recently because it's supposed to be better for your teeth than any other gum, so when this webinar was offered to explain how Xylitol was different I was all on board.  They're diversifying the Xylitol from just gum and toothpastes to things like nasal wash and spray for children and adults.  It affects the bacteria that eat it.  Interesting. 

For those interested, these are the two Spry flavors we've tried and my whole family likes both!

Stretch...

I don't know why, but recently I've been surrounded by aches, pains, fevers, and unfortunately upset stomachs.  So, health, wherefore art thou?

Keeping in mind that stretching, strength and cardio are ALL important, which ones come in to play first?  It depends.  Age, health, injuries, nutrition all play a part.  That being said, the easiest ones in my opinion to change are strength and stretching.  All cardio is good, take a flight of stairs, walk for at least 10 minutes in a row, etc.  The hard part about cardio is making the time.  You can walk and watch tv or talk on the phone, but a lot of cardio involves just setting aside a little time, which is what makes it difficult.  That's not an excuse, though!

So the easy ones, stretching and strength.  Stretching ideally should be done in the morning and evening, relax, and renew.  Yoga is great for stretching.  Basically though, stretching is about meeting the needs of your body.  It's good to stretch every major area, the back (front to back and side to side [be careful with twisting stretches, that's when a lot of injuries happen]), the legs (hamstrings, quads, and calves), the shoulders and arms, the neck and the hands and feet.  Stretches don't have to be long, but it's good to get most areas addressed.

Strength, can be done almost anywhere.  Static strength exercises (non-moving) can be done as you're reading this.  If you're at a desk, push up against the desk with your legs (engage your abs to avoid straining).  Push-ups, sit ups, arms, legs, back, abs all can and should get some time.  They've done studies to show how important strength training is and have found that it influences our bodies is almost every way, energy, heart health, bone health, hormones, all of it.  Hand weights are great, ankle weights too.  Even just engaging the muscles and breathing helps. 

Tighten and hold, 2....3.....4.....5.... and release.  Keep it up!

Dealing with tidal waves

The stress from an emergency is different in some ways from our everyday stress.  It's important to treat and be prepared for both kinds if possible.  That being said, today I wanted to share some emergency ideas.

I've learned over the years different ways to be prepared for emergencies.  If a tsunami makes it this far inland I'm afraid I'm out of luck, but we are prepared for many other things.  My DH was out of work for about 7 months and while we received help from our church there were certain things we didn't have to go without.  From our supply - we never rain out of our normal medications, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc.  There's a peace of mind that comes with being prepared that can help you focus in the day to day.

There's a site in prelaunch that I found that has dehydrated foods available at a very good cost.  You can check it out here:
Click Me!

I also recommend you have a supply of water for any short term emergencies.  (Keep in mind that your water heater could be emptied for some short term emergencies.)

In addition, remember that health, fun and relaxation now provide us with an excellent tool in stressful times - our memories.  Make some, and have fun!  Drink your water. :)

Wee hours

I'm up, it's late.  How are you doing?  Late nights do strange things to my head, like trying to find an old book on using hand pressure to overcome fear.  I have a large selection of weird books like that.  Some help, some make me laugh, and others just intrigue me. 

Has anyone seen the Ford commercial from the super bowl that the guy goes out on a date and then uses his car to check the facebook status where she writes "best first date ever?"  This brings up an interesting idea for me.  This may be none of my business, but if you're willing, I would love to hear what some of your best dates or most romantic things from you lives are. 

Romance is a beautiful key to life.  Relationships that are good improve, increase and prolong our lives.  Making our relationships good, should be as important as what we should be doing for our bodies.  It doesn't have to take that long either.  I'm challenging myself this week to work on my relationships.  I want to give a little of my time, a little of myself to those that I love. 

Want one of my romantic stories?  I should preface this with a "do not try this at home" but when engaged the man who is now my DH, we had reached a very difficult part of our life planning.  I felt unsure and told him I couldn't marry him with things the way they were.  He left work (and got fired) and drove the 2 hours to where I was so we could talk all day until we worked it out.  We also found him a new job closer, but it was very important for us at the time.

A different tale perhaps?  My mother used to leave for work before I got up sometimes, and every once in a while she would leave me a note with a little present, just so I knew she was thinking of me. 

Sit down and write that email, call that friend, bring home a flower or candy bar, reach out and be reached.
<3
Love.

March Hair

I, and much of my family, are in need of haircuts.  It's spring, that time again.  I've been learning about natural beauty products more lately and the things in or not in the hair care stuff we use.

Biotin - great for hair, but can't be absorbed by the shaft, so don't be fooled.
Sudsy - detergents, bad for hair, bad for body, but we're so accustomed to the feeling of lather that our "experience" is incomplete without it.  This is something we just need to overcome I guess. :)
Chemicals - there's a lot of hype about shampoos, toothpastes, creams, causing cancer, in reality, according to the ACS (American Cancer Society) our risk of getting cancer in our lifetimes hasn't increased that much in the past 20 years, which is what a lot of sites and emails would have you believe.  Cancer has always been around, fight it with exercise, fruits and veggies, whole grains, and faith.

That being said, our hair needs care to look good.  Our thyroids need balancing, our body need vitamins, and we need to not stand too long in really hot showers.

I'm off to luke-warm myself - later!

Getting warmer

With the sweat lodge news it may be time to talk about heat.  Heat stroke is a dangerous side effect of summer fun and is especially dangerous to those with weaker systems.  Use sunscreen, drink lots and bring along that paper fan.  The movement of air across the skin really does help to lower the body temp faster.

To get summer ready begin vitamin B's, vitamin D, and vitamin E.  Get out, have some fun, even sweat a little.

For great summer herbs, start a pot today.  Easy to grow and highly usable herbs include basil, parsley, mint, oregano, and rosemary.  Studies have shown that rosemary can improve memory (the studies themselves were both a little weird to read about). 

Let me know what you're growing this year!

Recovery

Had one of those weekends?  Did a little too much, stayed up too late, or overexerted?  Time to get better!  I love the title of this book

Sometimes exercise is the answer.  Going for a walk or run can do wonders for any sort of recovery.  It can help emotionally, physically, and chemically.

For pains in places, a go to list:
Muscles and Joints - capsaicin, arnica, glucosamine, vitamin D, magnesium, white willow, apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Stomach and digestion - peppermint, ginger, aloe vera, ACV, chamomile

Water, sleep, social activities, all good for the feel good.

And of course, a massage.  Anybody know a good therapist?  I could use a massage today!

Stress This!

Stress is a weird word in my opinion.  People work better under stress, unless they are stressed, then they have poor performance.  Bones need to be stressed to stay strong, but you can get a stress fracture.  So my question to myself today is, how do we draw the line on stress?

Stress heightens, strengthens and invigorates.  It induces hormones of fight or flight and oddly enough can induce feelings of strength, confidence, fear and even love.  Then you reach the too much point, the over 5 on the meter of comfort, you push too hard, do too much, or have one too many problems.  This week is a stressful week for me, let's just say I have a lot going on, and didn't start with the greatest mental status.

Here's my advice, but PLEASE, add comments with your own thoughts.  I love to hear and learn how others deal with their stress.

First, get sleep.  Nothing takes away performance, alters mental status, or inhibits body changes like a lack of sleep.  If you have a killer week or month or life, get your rest.
Second, drink water.  I won't beat this one down.  :)
Third, add feverfew, ginseng, st. john's wort, Omega 3, or B vitamins.  These can all aid your ability to get through it.














Forth, eat small snacks to keep your body regulated.  Low fat dairy, fruit (bananas, berries and melons are great), and veggies are an excellent way to stabilize and in some cases add serotonin (the happy hormone) to help you keep going.
Fifth, keep short term goals and rewards.  This offers breaks in the stress.  If I get this done I can play online for 10 minutes, or if I get through this week I will go for a bike ride with my family.  If you set rewards in your mind that are also good for you it helps to build the positive feelings about those activities.

Chin up, we'll make it.  Or we won't and then it's someone else's problem!  Either way.  :)  See you soon!

We win some, we don't

I've met people in my life who believe they are lucky, and those that say they have never won anything!  Like health, this belief is based on what a lot of people view as chance.  There are some parts that are out of our control, and other parts we can turn towards or away from our favor.  Luck and health are a matter of awareness, adjustments, timing, and in the end, some chance.  The chance though can still be altered.  Lucky people believe they are and act accordingly.  They've proven scientifically that people can effect certain outcomes, and that everything from prayer and meditation to positive affirmations can bring about some change.

Be blessed, believe, and good luck.  I'm hoping for a little luck this week! 

What's up with our metabolisms?

So there's supposed to be all these things that raise your metabolism, green tea, peppers, reservatrol, vitamin C etc.  The question is, do they really work and how?  First off, yes, most of them do work in some way or another, and as to how, it depends.  Science stuff - our bodies burn calories based off of need, environment, and chemical changes.  If we increase the need (ie exercise) our bodies breakdown cells (food, fat or unfortunatly sometimes muscle or other) to provide for the exertion.  The environment, hot or cold, wet or dry, light or dark, toxins, can all affect our metabolism as well.  Chemical level - this is the level altered by foods, stress, sleep and more.  At the chemical level we have to fight stress hormones that want to slow metabolism and add fat, we have to provide enough nutrients that our bodies don't break us down, and we have the ability to improve functions through certain nutrients or conditions.

Want to know 2 great things to boost your metabolism easily?  Drink lots of cool or cold water and take the stairs.  Yep. The vitamin C and peppers and all that other stuff?  I recommend a lot of it too, but there's the easy way and then there's the effective way.  Also lower ... your ... stress.  Breathe, laugh, forgive, let go, and be involved with life, not controlled by it. 

For those that want to know - I try to take my own advice.  TRY.  (Ok no Yoda stuff here for my friends of that persuasion).  I usually have moderation, and I do drink my water, but I also ate 12 tacos in a sitting not that long ago.  *sigh*  I need work.  :)

Have a little boost today!  I'm going to, sore thighs aside, there are stairs in my future, and water of course!  :)

Diet

Diet is a 4 letter word, and under normal circumstances I believe moderation is the best diet.  That said, it's a little different when there's outside incentive, so for at least this week (and possibly longer) I am on a "diet".  I am eating specific recipes and hopefully controlling my calories appropriately.  I also tried a new workout video today.  Well it wasn't new, just one I hadn't done in a long time (ie years).  Kind of fun.
I'll tell you more about my diet in the next week or two when I get permission, but suffice it say, it's not one of the diets that I think are bad.  Yes, there are diets that I believe are actually bad for you.

So today, another Monday.  Try ice.  As the weather warms remember that ice is a great friend to pain, injuries and overworked muscles.  It reduces that nasty inflammation.  I've also heard that when you crave eating ice it's a deficiency in zinc or iron.  Maybe it should be a craving for spinach or beans.  Go figure!  See you tomorrow!

Why do I feel tired?

Ugh, some days...  Don't you hate that sluggish feeling?  I know the things that I normally try, water, nap, ginseng, but some days that just isn't enough.  Today was one of those.  I could not stay focused for anything!  I finally let it go, and just decided I had too much for my brain to do.  Well, that, and I drank a lovely concoction of chamomile, licorice root, milk and honey.  Sweet and calm and the sluggish feeling?  Well hopefully it's gone tomorrow.  I'm doing a diet this week!  I can't tell you about it yet, but I will.  I had to take measurements today, something that should never be done without chocolate, alcohol, or a really great friend, that aside, I'm ready to get started.

See you Monday!

Heart Health

I wasn't really planning on talking about this, but I just had something funny happen so, now I'm going to talk about our hearts.  First, here's my funny story.

I am alone in my house, no kids right now, and no DH.  Apparently my oldest son has a ringtone on his prepaid cell that gets progressively louder and I did not know this.  I thought I heard something ringing, but it wasn't my phone or cell so I decided I wouldn't worry about it, but then it got louder and louder and I thought it was getting closer and closer until it sounded so loud I thought it was right outside the room where I was!  My heart was racing and the whole adrenaline rush, but no, no one was sneaking up on me with a ringing cell phone.  Although it will take 20 minutes to get my body out of fight or flight, so at least I'll have energy for a while.  :)

Heart health.  Exercise, sleep, garlic, fruits, veggies, lower red meat, yea, yea, we know.  I am going to bring in a "my personal opinion" thing here though.  Careful, this might be unorthodox, I don't think your cholesterol level is THAT important.  I'm not saying it's not important, but people seem to make it out like the level is what causes heart disease.  People with low cholesterol have heart attacks, people with high cholesterol live to over 100.  Moderation is an excellent way to work on your heart health.  Our livers make enough cholesterol for our daily needs (and yes we do need it), so almost all food intake is extra.  Our bodies can get rid of some of it, but our intake frequently exceeds that level.  Moderation of unhealthy foods, good levels of exercise, and not overworking our livers (think medication and alcohol) can help our bodies to do what they do best!  Our bodies naturally rebound, we get sick, it fights to get better, we get tired, it sleeps, we get cut, bruised, weak, our bodies will try to come back.  We need to give our bodies the resources for those activities.  Oatmeal, Avocados, Berries, Salmon, Nuts, Spinach, and Beans.  I also know a lot of people talk about the value of soy in our diets, but if you look at the ingredients in almost anything, there's some soy in there.  Soy has become a primary oil and filler substitute, so I don't personally recommend additional soy.  Keep hormones in check as well, organics have there place if you can afford them.  Flaxseed is also great, and ground up can be added to almost anything, bread, salads, oatmeal (hint, hint).

Alright, personal opinion over, I welcome comments, even contrary.  See you tomorrow!

Oh, my back!

Beaten, bent and frequently weighted, our backs take on a lot of work every day.  The weight of our bodies are carried on our legs, but they have large bones that are the majority of the structure.  In the back the spine sits at the rear and helps us bend, turn, and lean, but far more of it's structure is done with muscles.  The muscles in our back are therefore very suceptable to pain, tension, and fatigue.  Walking is one of the best postures for our backs because it is mobile, and erect, but most of us can't walk all day long.  Sitting and standing can cause pain if we're in a position too long, or if our posture is poor. 

Most of us don't even know what proper posture feels like anymore, so for an interesting exercise, stand against  a wall, knees shoulder width apart and about 10 inches in front of you.  Slowly lower yourself until your knees are at about a 45 degree angle.  If you tighten your buttocks and abs while in this position and then stand, you will feel what proper posture should feel like for your back.  Personally, I know mine could use a lot of work.  Time for me to hit those abdominal exercises.

Straddle stretches, sleeping on your side or back with a pillow (between your legs on your side or under your legs on your back), adequate water, and of course sleep can all help back pain.  In addition to that, work on your posture, get up from your desk and walk at least once an hour, and here it comes (sigh) get to a healthy weight.  You can check your BMI here.

See you tomorrow.

Honey, yum and more stretches

Take the stairs.  If you can, do it.  A lot of lower back problems stem from poor posture and not enough leg strength.  To stretch the lower back, you'll need to bend a little and twist, however the lower back is one of the areas that is easy to injure with poor stretching.  One way to protect yourself is to do the lower back stretches while standing instead of on the floor.

Another great stretch to be added to the previous ones is the skier stretch (not to be done if you have pain or weakness in the knees).  Visualize a skier going down moguls, bend your knees, lean over and stick your hip/rear out to the side.  This will help to loosen the while hip which frequently gets tight from sitting.

Honey - the stuff!  Honey is terrific, it non-perishable, delicious, anti-bacterial, heals cuts, helps with throat pain, and is amazing.  A beautiful blessing from nature.  Honey can also carry a small amount of additional benefits through from the plants the bees draw nectar from.  Want to try something exotic in honey?    Citrus and other bold flavors come through in honey well. 
In addition to it's many benefits, it can be used in a lot of ways.  Add a little honey and salad dressing for a sweeter veggie dip (great with zucchini sticks).  Use it when cooking meat (turkey, chicken, pork).  It's also great in almost all baking.  Ok, now I'm hungry.  See you tomorrow!

Guides

Ok, so after a snowed in week, I had a wonderful weekend with my family and a LOT of advice.  Which brings me to handling advice stress-free.  There's all the important things to remember like, they care about you, or they've had experience, or they just think they know what they're doing.  :)  However, even when it comes from an experienced loving place it can often feel to the receiver like an unwarranted intrusion, judgement, or just wrong.  I am learning in my own life that I need to hear the advice, and notice what I bristle at and then look at that again.  Generally the good advice that feels right usually is, the good advice that is off base usually is, and the good advice that just feels pointed is usually showing me a weakness that I can address.  I feel rather aware of my weaknesses this morning.  Can a good weekend do that to you? 

Health wise, I've received my own further push to become more healthy.  So, I'm working on a short-term 2 month plan for my family, thanks to some "advice" :)  Here's my questions that I'd love your comments on, is it better to start with bigger plans and scale back or start with smaller plans and move up.  I've read a lot about goals and setting reasonable ones so that you can feel success, but I've also love the quote by Thomas J. Watson - “It is better to aim at perfection and miss, than to aim at imperfection and hit it”  (when looking for my reference I found this terrific site.  Read some and be inspired) AIM

So maybe we need both, short term goals we can accomplish with a huge aim at the end.  Breathe in some fresh air, have confidence and faith, and stretch yourself!  (Figuratively as well as literally *smile*) 

Need some stretches? 
Doorway stretch - thanks to driving, computers, and other intricate work, most of us have forward rotated shoulders, give them a break each doorway you go through and hold your arms, hands up, 90 degrees and at shoulder height and lean in to stretch the front of your shoulders.
Neck and down stretch - another excellent one for frequent posture problems.  Extend your arm in front of you and extend your hand back towards your head and then lean your head away from the extended arm.  You should feel a stretch down the side of your neck and through your shoulder.
Stretch your calves and feet while at your desk - keep a can of food or better a tennis ball under your desk and roll your foot over it back and forth.  When rolling forward concentrate on stretching your heel down to stretch your calf, and when rolling back, rock side to side to stretch the arch of the foot.

If you need other ideas, let me know.  See you tomorrow.

Contests up and stir crazy

Ok, the follower contest is up.
Become a follower of AYearOfHealth.blogspot.com and be entered to win one of two Amazon ($25 & $10) certificates.  Winners will be chosen and notified February 25th or when there are at least 20 followers.  Immediate family not eligible. 

Second contest is to reply to this message with ideas for future topics that are health related.  Keep it clean.  2 winners will be chosen and given a choice of a one hour service, or a personal aromatherapy blend for their needs (good for those of you not near Fort Worth).  These winners will be notified February 28th or when there are at least 10 comments.  All comments eligible, well, except for me.

Stir crazy, that's me today.  This is our kid's second snow day, and I'm trying to get my house ready for 20+ people to come this weekend.  Meditation went out the door yesterday, so today I'm trying the benefits of continual movement therapy.  Even sitting to write this post, I'm keeping my legs moving.  Hopefully the feeling of movement will help me to be energized and get everything done, or if not, to at least not gain weight from the stress.  :)  Be joyful today and remember your water and gratitude!  See you tomorrow.

They didn't get here...

I hate broken promises.  They kind of suck.  I hate them when it's a product - sure this will help me lose 10 inches off my waist, or I hate it when it's a BLOG that says the contest will be up, and then they aren't.  I blame technical difficulties, and a sick DH.  (Mostly the DH, but don't tell him that).  Anyway, they'll be up shortly.

So health today.  Moisture, good and bad.  Most people don't think about it unless they get too much or too little, but the thing is, it really is a necessity in our world of water.  Our bodies need it, the earth needs it, the air even needs it.  I finally got around to some necessities this week, and started getting my rain barrels ready for garden season, planned my garden/herb area, and called 2 stores to find my organic helpers.  Thanks to a very well studied grandmother in the area of plants, I am learning EVERYTHING (almost) that I need to plant a great organic garden with helpful and healthful food and herbs.  I'll keep you updated on who gets fried first, me or the plants, but that aside, I'm excited to have a good garden again.

See you tomorrow!

*sigh* Friday

I don't know if that's a sigh of resignation that this week was pretty much a bust for me, or if it's a sigh that yes, I made it to Friday.  If I work on the attitude outlook, it's a good sigh, I made it through illness and next week can be better, which outlook would be a lot easier if the illness had been the only mishap this week.  It's frustrating, life, sometimes.  Don't get me wrong, sometimes those frustrations are just part of the program like with my kids, but other things just feel like a kick in the pants.  Ok, enough wallowing.  I'm excited!  DH thinks he's figured out how to host the contests, so I guess they'll start tomorrow.  Yea!

First look at women's health.  I want to break this down initially at first to say that obviously a lot of health is not gender specific, herbs, massage, fitness, attitude, all unisex.  That being said, men and women are different on a very basic level as well.  We have different chemicals running our gears, different DNA altering our outcomes.  Most of the time I'm grateful to have those differences, but there's times I wish the differences weren't quite so large.

Like weight loss, my husband can decide he wants to lose weight and caught out soda for a week and go for a run once and lose 6 pounds.  I on the other hand, joined a gym last year, worked out 4 times a week, ate more greens, and gained 2 pounds.  Gotta love it.

So women's needs are to address the wonderful chemicals and lifestyles of women.  Women tend to be less muscular (lower metabolism), sleep differently (sometimes related to anxiety), and of course have PMS, prenancy, lactation, Menopause, etc, with the help of our hormones.  The key is learning how to work with our bodies.  I haven't perfected it (or even gotten that great at it) yet, but I'm working on it and I have high hopes.  Here's a list of common women natural cures.

Aloe vera - sunburns, scrapes, heartburn, and more.  Great multi-purpose herbs, and easy to grow plant!
Garlic - anit-fungal, colds, acne, bug repellent,
Cohosh - stabilizing estrogen - helps with getting regular periods (infertility), menopause, and inducing labor.
Peppermint - almost all abdominal problems, stomach, bowels, etc.
Apple cider vinegar - reduce bruising and aid in healing with compresses, baths, or rinses.
Arnica - muscles, yep, good stuff.
Witch hazel - astringent, anti-itch, vericose veins,
Valerian or Kava Kava - calming, antii-anxiety, stress relief

There's others like always, but these are ones I like to have (and usually regret when I don't) have on hand.  Pleased to be a woman. . . most of the time.  :)  See you tomorrow!

Sorry about yesterday

I had every intention of getting on, but woke up with pink eye.  Oozy and all.  So here's a quick post about some herbal remedies to help with pink eye, and I'll get to the woman's herbs later.  :)

I hate pink eye, not so much because it's that bad for me, but I've had a LOT of weird experiences with it.  I got it camping once, I got it on an anniversary trip to a remote place once (while pregnant), and I've gotten it a few other times as well.  I've only had one of my kids get it so far, (thank goodness), and my DH has gotten it a time or two.  Washing hands and sleeping, best things in the world with pink eye.  We don't have a lot of passing it around when we have it because we obey these rules.

• I've tried salt water before (stings!) and it's effective in removing the redness and inflammation pretty quickly, but doesn't help shorten it, that I've noticed. 
• I had a friend that used colloidal silver directly, use caution if you're going to try this, but it cleared up pretty well. 
• I know of a few herbs that help but there's also available in most stores Similasan which contains a lot of them and is already in a convenient drop.
• I also cannot say enough about heat.  Warm, wet compresses (you can add chamomile or black tea as well) work great!  They help to shorten the duration in my experience and frequently remove the pain and itching associated with the pink eye.

Yea for herbs, and after quite a few days with sleep interruptions, yea for sleep!  See you tomorrow.

Contests the end of this week!

Early preparation for those of you who want to get ready.   At the end of this week there will be 2 contests opening, one for becoming a follower of the blog, and one for ideas of what you'd like to learn about for your health.  Be creative, and have fun.

My healthy thought for the day: pressure.  I feel a lot of it right now, and most people have some of it every day.  Pressure can be invigorating, or overwhelming, intense or withering.  The main thing about pressure for me is acceptance.  I have to accept the pressure as a part of life, and I have to accept that how I deal with it is my own.  I have a fabulous book I bought a while ago, that was just a little inspiration book. 

Sometimes, we fail.  It doesn't have to defeat us, or even slow us down.  I'm trying to learn to be happy that when I'm failing, I'm still going, stumbling right along.

Tomorrow's post will be about "women's needs," so guys, you have the day off.  :)  See you then!

Pain in the head

Most of us have had our share of headaches, and one of the frustrating parts can be figuring out how to treat it.  Have you felt a headache coming on, took medicine and had it do nothing?  How about had a headache that was terrible and you tried so many things that by the time it went away you didn't know what actually worked?  Headaches are one of the most common causes of doctor visits, massage appointments or chiropractic needs outside of illness, so here's a good place to start.  Most headaches aren't illness, they're symptoms of another problem.  Before I continue, I want to state clearly: I am not a medical doctor, I am not diagnosing your illness, there are excellent doctors who will listen and help you.  Here is a checklist to help you determine what might be causing that pain in the brain.  Keep in mind that we are all different; by answering these questions for yourself, you will become more aware of what triggers, helps, or worsens the headache for you.  Knowledge is the first step.

Onset: 
Gradual or immediate?  Gradual is often associated with tension headaches, while sinus and migraine headaches tend to come on more quickly. 
Morning, evening, night?  If your headaches occur at the same time of day it could be a cluster headache or a type of migraine that reacts to something you do.  Tension headaches generally get worse at the end of the day or you wake with one if you've slept in a poor position.  Migraines can also begin in the morning, but most commonly you don't actually wake with one.
Caused by something?  Did you just eat, lean over, exert yourself, or change temperatures rapidly?  These can all indicate a specific type of headache.

Accompanying symptoms:
Migraines tend to have other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or fatigue.
Sinus headaches will frequently have other sinus issues present, scratchy throat from drainage, runny nose, congestion, and in almost all cases the headache will feel worse when you lean over forward and sometimes when you lie down (increase in pressure).
Tension headaches will frequently feel worse in some area, but the area may be hard to locate.  Tension headaches will also almost always have referral pain or cessation of pain when using trigger points.  (More on this later)

If you can determine what causes your headaches, what type of headache you have, or even just what makes them go away these can all help with your ability to overcome the headaches.

Things to try:
From your doctor - There are a large number of possible medications for headaches or migraines now, if your doctor diagnoses your specific type of headache. It might be beneficial to have medications on hand until you learn how to prevent your headaches.  Your doctor can also help you by providing some other aids if they're willing, including oxygen, muscle relaxants, or shots for inflammation.
From your chiropractor/massage therapist - Locate your trigger areas when you are having a headache and let your practitioner know where they are.  Most bodywork professionals will have tests at their disposal of some sort to help you in determining how to ease the pain.
For yourself - When a headache begins, try the following 4 tests to know how to best proceed.
1.  Lean over and stand up.  Extreme pain in the front of the face while forward - possible sinus, dizziness when standing back up - possible migraine.
2.  Locate 3 points to check for tenderness.
First draw a line from the top of your temple to the top of your ear, press along that line - if the pain worsens or lessens it's likely a tension headache and may involve jaw problems. 
Second check the base of your skull in the rear by your neck for tenderness, the sub occipital muscles back there can cause compression in your skull with the dura. 
Third carefully check under your ear and down about 1.5" towards your chest (careful not to press hard or long as you don't want to compromise blood vessels).  These side and front neck muscles (scalene and SCM) can frequently cause tension headaches as well.

Once you begin to understand the headaches you will be better able to find your own treatments and get the information to your doctor or health practitioner.

Please remember that herbs interact like medications - if you are taking blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants or other long term medications check with your doctor before using herbs.
Natural headache helps - Feverfew, White Willow bark (low dosage), relaxation techniques (meditation, breathing, etc), Ice (properly covered no more than 20min), heat to related muscles (areas where trigger pain was found), vitamin B (can also help prevent in some cases), Fennel (fresh is best), green apples, and peppermint.  Topical treatments work very well for most types of headaches.













There are far more options for specific headache types, and many possible ways to reduce your chances of getting them.  As always, I'd love your comments and questions either here or in email.  God bless, be well, and see you tomorrow!

Checking in

We're more than two weeks into the new year, how are you doing? Personally, it hasn't been my greatest start, but I do believe I'm working out the kinks. I need more time reflecting, exercising, and breathing too. I think I'll start, right now. In.... Out.... tomorrow can and will be great, I have a plan, the plan is good, follow the plan, etc, etc, etc. (Edited last words for any squeamish followers :) )

My mantra for this week, with its many meetings, appointments, and needs is, don't give up or in. A friend came up to me a couple of days ago and said she drank her water, to her and all of us, "Great Job, those small steps change more than we know!" See you tomorrow.

The power of touch

I have known people who say they never like to be touched, and I've known those that can't get enough.  Personally, I run an interesting middle line.  When my husband and I were dating, it drove him crazy that I didn't like to hold hands, but I'm also a massage therapist, so...   Let's talk touch.  Touch is actually a survival need, and the need is not limited to humans.  Primates are found to have the same need.  If you have a minute check out this experiment.  It's part of a tactile experiment done in the 50's that illustrated the needs of nurturing and touch.

Soft Monkeys

So touch is important, but that's not to say that we don't all have different ways and needs to receive this.  Some people who aren't used to a lot of contact prefer the smaller things, handshakes, pat on the back, helping hands, while others like almost all contact.  I was reminded myself about touch today when my daughter was lying down for her nap, and HAD to be touching my skin.  It was a comfort and security for her, and in our particular stage, she needed that.  After getting herself comfortable and touching my neck just the right way, her eyes closed and she fell swiftly to sleep.

My challenge to all of us today, is to be a little more open to the touch need.  Reach your hand out today, or if it's comfortable, let someone else touch you.  Being receptive to touch is a capability that we can learn and that can help us to have more tools when we feel alone, afraid, or sad.   Part of why it can be hard to be receptive to touch can be a fear of rejection, past history, or low self-esteem, but by partaking in human touch, we awaken in ourselves a very real sense of our connection to each other. 

I hope you have a great Monday and I'll see you tomorrow.

Fresh, dried, capsules, oh my!

I have had people ask me frequently about the different forms of herbs.  Which is the most effective, which is most potent, which is safest, etc.  The form in which you take your herbs may vary depending on your desired outcome. 

Capsules - These are an easy form to take herbs or herb combinations, as long as you don't have problems taking pills.  The pros of this form are you know how much you are receiving, it's easy to add to your routine, and they can be kept for a while when stored properly.  Standardization (the pills will be labeled as standardized) means the pills contain a standard level of specific parts or nutrients of the herbs.  Frequently, standardized herbs are the way to go, but I know of occasional testing where standardized still didn't deliver, so I prefer to go by brand.  I also really like an expiration date, that tells me these herbs are not old.  Some companies don't provide these because they don't have to, but I prefer them.

Loose - Loose herbs can be fresh or dried, and be added directly to foods, made into teas, or made into topical treatments.  The value of fresh herbs is that they are the most complete in their herbal value, because like all plants, once picked they begin to loose nutrients.  The problems will be that they will begin to rapidly loose their medicinal value if not stored properly.  It can also be difficult to get enough of the herb to have the desired benefit.  (It's like taking vitamin C pills vs. an orange.  The pill has a large set amount equal to MANY oranges and can be stored, the orange provides additional benefits though.)  Dried herbs can only be stored for a limited time, for most herbs about a year.  Loose herbs are a great form for direct treatment of something, a daily additive to foods, or to have living in a garden or pot. 

Tinctures - Most often steeped to concentration in alcohol, but they do have some in glycerin are also available.  These provide rapid and concentrated herbs for specific ailments.  The carrier will breakdown overtime, and the tincture often does not taste good.  I do recommend these for specific treatments because it's easy to absorb and be put to use in the body.

Powders are also available, but I seldom recommend these.  Herbs breakdown very quickly in powdered form, and even more so when exposed to light.  It's difficult to use them in an effectively and timely manner in powders, especially if you do not know how fresh the powder is.

There are a great many book about specific herbal remedies, suggestions and supplements, and if you're following the advise of one of these books or consulting a herbalist, you will probably be guided to a specific form, otherwise, use your best judgement!  See you tomorrow!

Massage and Fitness

I was privileged to write an article about massage and weight loss, and I thought some of you might like to read it.  I'd love comments as always!

Exercise and weight loss goals can be improved through massage.  Massage is generally touted for its relaxation and enjoyment properties, but it has great benefits for fitness and weight loss as well.  Our bodies naturally gain or lose weight based on conditions that we set within, and to a small degree by our outside environment.  The efficacy of this process can be affected by nutrition, hormones, exertion, and disease, and will be reflected in the ease of changing it.  When trying to achieve a higher fitness level, or weight loss, you are working to raise metabolism and overcome the body’s tendency to store calories.  Strengthening and improving muscle function is a process that involves creating small tears and repairs to muscle tissue.  Massage benefits this process through circulating oxygenated blood for the repairs, removing the byproducts from the injury, and maintaining full range of motion with less soreness.

Understanding how massage can help with weight loss and athletic fitness requires a basic understanding of what massage does.  Massage is the manual manipulation of soft and connective tissues.  A therapist uses techniques ranging from pressure points, broad circulation strokes and deep fiber mending strokes.  Overall, massage improves circulation, decreases blood pressure, aids detoxification from tissues, relieves pain, and can improve immune function.  Massage, like exercise, can expand joint range of motion, improve mood, and help the body to reduce stress hormones or chemical byproducts.  Weight loss resulting from massage can be linked to many of the specific effects of massage.  The circulation and removal of byproducts, such as, lactic acid for example, helps in muscle recovery and strengthening.  Improved range of motion, elevated mood and pain reduction can help you to be more active, increase endorphins and lower the body’s sympathetic response that leads to creation of fat cells.  Massages that are advertised to immediately reduce weight usually remove only water weight, and will not be a long-term solution. 

It’s important to understand that weight loss and improved fitness are goals that will take time, effort, and persistence.  When you’re working to improve what you are, any assistance, whether it be fitness programs, nutritional changes, or massage, enhance your abilities to succeed.  Aided by these changes, and above all else, your attitude will determine your success.   

Humor and embarrassment

Totally fluff post today. Laugh, have fun, even if at my expense today. Laughing increases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, burns calories, improves mood, and if you laugh out loud, may do all of those for others that hear you. This post is about laughter, and AN ANNOUNCEMENT... 2 upcoming sweepstakes!! Be on the lookout to enter.

Back to fun, I'm including some funny links, all about technology, I've seen recently, and then I'm going to tell you an embarrassing and funny story from my life. Up front I just want you to know, I no longer have the shirt.

Blackberry's not working
It Will Never Work
Country Tech Support

No more tech support, now the confusion of airplanes and embarrassment. I was traveling as a teenager with my mom. I'd been on airplanes often and never had any problems, so we sat in different rows. As the plane took off, I, without warning, vomited all over my shirt. The luggage was in the row with my mother and I didn't want to get up and walk down the isle, so I rang the stewardess button and asked her to get my mother from a couple of rows back. The poor gentleman next to me, sat there, still reading his paper, until my mom came up with the bag. She asked if he would trade her seats for a while, and helped me change. After changing, I still felt queasy, so I took out the airlines "bag". My mother suggested I visit the restroom. (Why is it that I didn't think of that? Apparently the stomach problems made my brain also stop working.) So I went to the bathroom and my lack of brain became a bigger problem. I entered the restroom and they had "bags" available in there as well. Now I was confused, do I throw up in the toilet? Or are they concerned about lingering smells? Do I throw up in the bag? If I throw up in the bag, do I leave it in the trash? If I do leave it in the trash, wouldn't that cause a bigger smell problem than the toilet? Why would they put a sick person through all this? Anyway, I finished my business and went back to my seat, where, not surprisingly, the gentleman had decided that my mother could just have his seat, and we finished the flight. To all stewardesses and stewards everywhere, I apologize for the "bags" but just so you know, it would be easier if there were signs. (Please vomit here.) 

Thanks! See you tomorrow.

To balm or not to balm...

Health is partly in how you feel, so why is it that some things that feel healthy really aren't?  Let's take lip balm for instance.  Great product, when done right.  It helps chapped lips to recover from the elements they are exposed to like wind, sun and cold.  However, when you add ingredients like preservatives, salts, petroleum products and even menthol, you may end up drying the lips further.  Many of the ingredients that feel so thick and smooth while being applied, are really the same ingredients that will later cause problems.  Lesson learned? - Like all good things, be informed, and read those labels!  Our lips, skin, and hair like the soothing things of nature, but not in a shiny chemical package.

Next, water.  Learn to like it, add lemons, honey, limes, orange, cucumber, whatever!  But, make sure you know what's already been added, too.  Most water supplies have levels of chemicals or contamination that the municipalities deem at safe levels, but safe can be relative.  Don't stop drinking your water, but learn what you can about where it comes from and what it goes through.  I have 3 preferred methods myself for water: 1 - I get bulk water from a local supplier who uses a 3 step UV and osmosis recycle system.  I also get a lower price by purchasing a punch card.  2 - I love my GE system for under my sink, it's complete, small and easy to install.  3 - I also have a filtration system in my fridge, works fine for most of the time.  I do purchase bottled water for some occasions, but I also know what it takes to produce those, so we have quite a few reusable bottles in our home for everyone.

Immune boosters - I will cover more about this in a while when we talk about people's experiences with major illness.  That being said, it's flu season.  What do you know about what's on your shelves?  Just a quickie for me... vitamin D (almost no one gets enough), vitamin C, spirulina, and Oscillococcinum
Side note: Eucalyptus essential oil and hazelnut carrier oil are on sale at Mountain Rose Herbs this month.

Fitness Goals

I promised it would be forthcoming, and here it is. Suggestions for your fitness goals. First I'd like to begin by raving about help. GET HELP! (hehe) Workout with a friend, having someone you're accountable to, or use an online program. There are a BUNCH of online things that are starting right now and reward you for doing well. YES, bonus! Here are some that I've tried before and are available now.

Self with Jillian
Body By Glamour
Special K

If that isn't your route, know that success in fitness goals will always get easier with time.  There is no best time to work out in my experience.  The experts tell people not at night because they don't sleep as well, but in my years of helping people, some people do experience the extended adrenaline of moderate workouts or endorphins interrupting sleep, but others who work out at lower intensity just after work do exceptionally well.  I have worked with athletes who just have to discover what works for them, and I, along with any other non-athletic types, have the same objective.  To find what works with your own body and family schedule, though, will require inital flexibility. 

Finding where should be easier, some can only be motivated in a gym, others prefer the privacy, or cost of doing it from home.  I've had a number of successful experiences with both.  Here's a video that my DH and I just started with.  It's pretty awesome for the different levels and required time, but DH adds that Jillian doesn't know when to stop talking. 


Keep in mind that the best fitness goals incorporate the triangle of fitness, stretching, strength and cardio.  Cardio should be 5 times a week with a raised heartrate, great calculator here.   Strength is at least 3 days a week of targeted strength workouts.  Stretching, I believe, should be incorporated into every single day.  I will post later a wide range of stretches for various health purposes. 

So, to sum up, do it, find what works, tell or work out with a friend, and vary your workouts.  Simple enough, just have to find the time and motivation.  More on that later.  :)

First Herbal Post

Sorry that it's been 2 days, I've had my darling 3 year old with a fever that's been going to over 105 for the past 3 days. This brings me to my first post about herbs and natural remedies that I have learned. This is in no way a complete list and if you'd like more information or ideas, let me know. Keep in mind that cold symptoms (or strep and UTI symptoms which is what my daughter has) have a purpose. The fever is the body's way of creating a hostile environment for the virus or bacteria, the congestion and swelling, is to protect the body and bring needed nutrients and immune fighters to the area. That being said, here are some ideas that I have personally tried with success and recommend.

Garlic, echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc are common cold fighters. They all can help to varying degrees for different things. Ginger, cayenne and honey work well to help with conditions of the throat or digestive tract.

For herbal tea treatments (not black tea, just steeped herbs) I highly recommend elderberry and marshmallow root. They taste good together and help aid the body in immune restoration. Turmeric and elderberry can also be taken in pill forms, but I don't recommend the root in pill form, I haven't had as many good experiences with it like that. I love marshmallow root and try to have it on hand at all times if possible. White willow bark is an excellent anti-inflammatory if that is more of the issue. Calendula and Yarrow root can also be great, but watch for sensitivities with these.  I use calendula cream for many things including burns, bites, and rashes.

Marshmallow Root

Mountain Rose Herbs Marshmallow Info




For aromatherapy, I recommend tea tree (a natural antiseptic), peppermint (dilator), eucalyptus, and spruce (pain relief).

Keep in mind this is not a complete list, just things that I use regularly for myself or my clients. As always, to aid your body's natural health, sleep 7-9 hours each night, get plenty of water (learn how you like it), and take in wholesome foods. See you tomorrow!

Going to waste... and smiles

I like the reflection, it's bringing some interesting things to mind.  It's funny that sometimes we do something just so it doesn't "go to waste".  It's important to make sure that when we don't want something to go to waste that the alternative isn't wasteful either.  Eating something, buying something, or doing something we don't really want can be a tremendous waste.  Our time, energy and health are precious commodities.  Let me give you a couple of examples.
My kids don't eat all of their dessert, but it's the homemade pie that we made, so I finish it off.  Is that really saving food?
Or, I've seen great deals on small bottles of concentrated detergent.  I have 2 detergents that my family use regularly, one organic, the other regular, but if I buy one of the small concentrated bottles am I saving money or the planet?  A small plastic bottle that won't biodegrade and minimal detergent until I have to drive to the store again. 
Or, if I spend the extra few minutes to finish a game or book and not have to save it or carry it around longer and I miss tucking my kids in, what was wasted?

In some cases it's worth it to save waste, in some it depends on my personal circumstance, and in others, it's just about changing my views. 

For those of you wondering I've included a link to our favorite organic detergent.


So what do you think?  How can we avoid waste and still prioritize what's most important?  Let me know your thoughts!

Remember to smile, it releases endorphins, uses more muscles, and improves all those who see it. Happy day!

This was fun, want to appear as a Covergirl? Check this out.

A begrudging thought

I should have warned you about this yesterday, it's a great side effect of conscious breathing, but can also require personal will.  I did my conscious breathing last night before bed, which I recommend as a great reflective time. 
As a side note, I also recommend having a notebook beside your bed each night to write down ideas, thoughts and things you remember in the evening.  It helps you to obtain better sleep because you can write them down and then let them go. 
Anyway, while breathing I was thinking about what to discuss on my blog and how to illicit ideas from others.  If you've read my profile on here, or if you know me, you know that I love hearing other people's stories.  I love learning what they know, and I love to listen to them.  I wanted my blog to help me to learn more about health and well-being for myself, share what I learn and know, and learn from the readers.  This was a great reflection until I awoke with a start at 4am this morning, unable to go back to sleep, because I realized that I was not helping my kids to be as healthy as they should.  I know parents sometimes overlook the behaviors and attributes of their children out of love, but sometimes I know that we also need to look at those things.
My new appointed task for today, and hopefully in the coming weeks to be carried out, is to find ways to help my kids be healthier.  I want them to make better food choices, not just because I set the example or because some are available, but because I make it easy and important for them. 
I welcome, even beg for, your ideas. 
See you tomorrow.

First Monday 2011

The real week is beginning.  This is when resolutions, and constitutions meet.  A new year of believing that I can be healthier, happier and better.  I worked out last night, AND I started a new book today. CHECK!  I heard from a friend that she prefers a word for the year as opposed to an actual resolution.  It becomes like an affirmation or mantra and helps you to focus your goals and activities accordingly.  Sounds great to me. 

Health tip for the year number one - Breathing.  Yoga stresses it's importance so if you practice yoga it's a part of what you do.  For the rest of us, (or even those yogi's that haven't mastered it) breathing is an integral part of health.  When doing massages for people who are rebuilding strength, we do some intensive work together.  It makes great progress, but I remind them, if you feel like you need to hold your breath, it's too much.  Sometimes stress, emotions, or illness changes our breathing, but it's one of our greatest resources that's always around.  Conscious breathing can help lower blood pressure, lower stress hormones, and even reengage your metabolism helping your energy levels. 

This week start a habit of breathing deeply for 5-10 minutes.  Let me know where your mind goes, it's a most fascinating journey.  See you tomorrow, and keep emails and comments getting started!

Happy New Year 2011

Read my two December posts if you haven't, and let me know what you think!  I'd love to hear what YOU are working on, and I'd love your input and ideas for 2011.  This year is will likely see people while recovering from the economic stress by seeking personal growth.  In a state of recovery people will be refocusing on home, health, and those things that will help them prepare for what's next.  Along those lines, I have decided on my resolution. 

I resolve to seek and overcome fear.  In this past year I have felt overwhelmed, lost, and alone at times, in the coming year I will actually seek for gratitude, hope and ideas when having those feelings.  I will seek to learn more, do more, and experience more.  I will reach out to others and overcome my own feelings of fear.  I will appoint time to read something new, meet someone and learn about them, and make a time each month to reflect on every blessing in my life. 

Check this song out, it's kind of a fun thinking about what we "should" be doing and what we can be doing. 

So everyone, here's to what we CAN be doing!  Let's make the most of this year!  Yea, 2011!