Tropical Health

Is Your Alarm Clock Ruining Your Health?

By Susan Patterson

If you are anything like the majority of the population, you use an alarm clock (or more likely, your smartphone) to pull you from the bliss of dreamland and jolt you awake to begin your day. But, did you know that this could actually be ruining your sleep cycle and your health? Here are a few reasons why you should avoid an alarm in the morning and how to wake up naturally.

Reasons to ditch your alarm

One study showed that people who woke up with an alarm experienced a spike in heart rate and blood pressure as they were jolted from sleep. We all know the feeling, you are experiencing a  pleasant dream or are completely apart from the world floating in the glorious abyss of uninterrupted sleep when suddenly the shrill tones of your alarm clock sound. This early morning shock immediately puts you in a bad mood and causes your body to go on high alert.

Many people have trouble falling asleep due to full “to do lists” and a packed schedule of events and meetings the next day. It is common to lay in bed and stare at the ceiling waiting for sleep to come only to be assaulted by the memory of a task you forgot or an unpleasant conversation. An alarm in the morning immediately sends your body into “fight or flight” mode and causes your system to flood with adrenaline. This spike of stress calls to mind all of those things that kept you up the night before and can often make you feel more tired than when you went to sleep.

While this adrenaline spike can be helpful to spur you to action in the morning and inspire you to get to work on time, the constant stress can build up and lead to issues with depression, overeating, high blood pressure, and increased insomnia.

How to ditch your alarm clock

Though the thought may terrify you, it is actually possible to get rid of your alarm clock for good and teach your body to wake up on its own. This process of self-awakening requires a great deal of discipline but is worth it in the long run.

Determine how much sleep you need

Everyone’s bodies are different, and though it has long been argued that every adult needs eight hours of sleep, it isn’t always so simple. Some people only need six to feel rested while others will struggle through the day unless they get a solid nine hour night. If you have a couple of days off work, try going to bed at a set time every night and allowing your body to wake up naturally. You may find you sleep longer the first night because you had some sleep to catch up on, but after a couple of nights, you should be able to determine the amount of time you naturally spend sleeping.  

Adjust bedtime accordingly

Most of us have to get up for work at a certain time each morning, so your ability to regulate your sleep mainly stems from the time you go to sleep. Calculate what time you will have to go to bed in order to wake up naturally and stick to it, even if it seems incredibly early.

Stick to a schedule

Getting your body to adhere to a natural sleep cycle will take some dedication and patience. It is absolutely essential that you wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends) to train your brain and get up on time.

Tips for getting great sleep (and waking up naturally)

  • Open the blinds. Natural light is the best way to wake up and allows your body to return to consciousness gradually.
  • Set a backup alarm clock. Obviously, the process of getting rid of your alarm clock isn’t going to be a quick one. Always set a backup alarm clock so that you still have time to get to work if your natural approach fails you. This way, you won’t have interrupted sleep because of a fear of sleeping in.
  • Don’t use your phone. When you do use an alarm clock, choose an actual clock and not your smartphone. It is too easy to become distracted by the constant stimulation and notifications.
  • Follow a consistent bedtime routine. Whether it involves mediation, a relaxing bath, or unwinding with your favorite book, it is imperative that you follow the same routine each night about an hour before bed to prepare your body for sleep and de-stress from the day.

-Susan Patterson

3 Reasons to Use an Acupressure Mat and How to Do It

By Susan Patterson

Acupressure seems to be the most recent craze in the world of acupuncture, reflexology, meditation, and other alternative wellness remedies. However, this practice has actually been around for thousands of years in China and India, and only the recent popularity of the uber-convenient acupressure mat has caused it to gain traction in more western settings. So what exactly is an acupressure mat and how can you use it safely and effectively right from home?

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Why Does My Eye Twitch and How to Stop It

By Susan Patterson

You’ve probably experienced an annoying eye twitch at some point in your life. Eyelid spasms are fairly common and generally harmless. They can even last for a few months without causing any long term damage. And though you may think it is incredibly obvious, most people don’t notice when your eyelid starts acting of its own accord. So what exactly causes this condition and how can you stop it?

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5 Natural Ways to Combat an Arid Climate

By Susan Patterson

There is just something so alluring about the atmosphere of the desert that causes many people to move to the lands of sweeping mountains, dusty open roads, and 0% humidity. If you live in the western part of the United States, you are probably used to hearing the term “it’s a dry heat” as you dart from one air-conditioned building to the next. Or if you’re preparing to make a transition to an arid climate, you may be wondering just what toll this lack of moisture has on your skin and body. Fortunately, living in a dry climate doesn’t have to be dangerous. Here are a few natural ways to combat an arid climate and ensure you stay moisturized even in the heart of the desert.

Get a humidifier

This is perhaps the single most essential step for returning critical moisture to your body and remaining hydrated. Purchase a large humidifier for your bedroom and keep it running whenever you sleep. A lot of humidifiers also support essential oil use so you can utilize the power of aromatherapy as well. This is especially crucial if you live in a hot area and use air conditioning as this already dries out your body and can be detrimental for your skin and lungs.

Lotion is your new best friend

You may have been able to get away without moisturizing in the humid jungle of Florida, but in the Mountains of Colorado or the red rocks of Arizona, you’re going to need to take your skincare game up a notch. Focus on natural lotion products that are specifically geared towards ultimate hydration. You’ll want to check for ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, or olive oil. Be sure that whatever lotion you use does not have alcohol derivatives (which act as drying agents), parabens, chemicals, or any other ingredients you don’t recognize.

You may want to try making your own lotion. Using one of the ingredients listed above and a few drops of essential oil, you have a totally customized, hydrating lotion that you can feel good about using. Rub moisturizer all over your body when your skin is still damp after your shower. This will help give your skin time to absorb and lock in the moisture.

Drink more water than you think you need

It is never a good idea to wait until you get thirsty to drink water. Being thirsty is actually an early sign of dehydration and means that your body is already crying out for water. When there is less water in the environment, you have to work twice as hard to replenish what you lose during workouts or normal day to day activities. It can also be hard to remember to drink water because you don’t sweat as much as you would in an area with high humidity levels. Always try to err on the side of caution and drink more water than you think you need. A good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces each day, but this will need to be adjusted according to activity levels and the amount of caffeine you consume.

Protect your skin

Generally speaking, arid climates have more days of full sun than places that experience frequent rain and cloud cover. This means that it is incredibly easy to get sunburn and other sun-related skin conditions when exposed to such bright UV rays on a constant basis. Be sure to protect your sun whenever you go outside. Wear breathable, lightweight clothing that covers your body and still keeps you cool.

It is a good idea to find a natural sunscreen that you love for daily use on your face, neck, and arms, as these are the most at-risk parts of your body for a sunburn. If you are going to be out in the bright sun for an extended period of time, be sure to reapply sunscreen and consider wearing a hat to protect your face.

Spend time outdoors in the early morning and evening

“Aird” doesn’t always mean “hot” but as summer approaches, it stands to reason that your arid climate is experiencing a significant heat increase. Since the sun is primarily what determines the heat levels in a dry environment, it is possible that the temperature could drop 10-20 degrees as the sun sets. Try to organize your outdoor activities when the sun is past its peak and is beginning to cool down. Avoid spending significant amounts of time outdoors between 10am-3pm as this is usually the hottest part of the day.

-Susan Patterson

5 Things That Happen When You Simplify Your Life

By Susan Patterson

Minimalism is a trendy word right now with numerous Instagram influencers raving about how much better their life is now that they only own 20 pieces of clothing. This extremism isn’t for everyone and isn’t feasible for many of our lifestyles. However, there is some truth behind the minimalism mandate and a few very good reasons to simplify your life. Here is what happens when you cut back on clutter and detach from your stuff.

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Buy These Types of Clothes to Support a Healthy Planet

By Susan Patterson

As you seek to lower your environmental impact this Earth Day and do your part to preserve the planet, you have probably begun to eliminate waste in your life such as a plastic waterbottles, Ziploc bags, and personal hygiene products with microbeads. You go to work proudly carrying your reusable thermos and your glass tubberware container. However, there is one huge area that you may not have considered in your quest for a more sustainable lifestyle…your clothes.

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The Ultimate Guide to Natural Spring Cleaning

By Susan Patterson

It’s that time of year again. When the birds begin to chirp, the sun shows its radiant face, and all of nature is celebrating the thrill of new life. It is also a great opportunity to throw open the windows, roll up your sleeves, and get to work scrubbing away the grime and tidying the clutter that has been slowly building up over the long winter months. Grab your cleaning bucket and rags and let’s get to work!

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8 Plants to Turn your Bathroom Into a Tropical Oasis

By Susan Patterson

What better way to bring a little taste of the jungle into your home than by adding these humidity-loving plants to an often neglected space…the bathroom. When we think of houseplants, our minds usually go to the living room or kitchen and skip over the bathroom, thinking that it’s just too wet or there’s not enough light for plants to flourish. In fact, if you choose the right varieties, the bathroom can be a veritable oasis for these tropical beauties.

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7 Easy Ways to Give Your Home a Spring Facelift

By Susan Patterson

You don’t have to drop thousands on a total porch remodel to infuse some new life into your front stoop. Wheater you are preparing your home to sell in the spring real estate market, or are just tired of your dull, undecorated front door area, these simple improvements can make a huge difference. These 9 tricks can help you make a great first impression and can all be accomplished in under two hours!

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How to Make Your House Smell Great Without Using Fake Fragrances

By Susan Patterson

If you are anything like me, you hate having those stubborn, funky smells lingering around your home. Wheater its pet odor from your furry friends or the scent of salmon from last nights meal, unsavory smells can be hard to eradicate. Especially if you can’t locate the source! If you love walking into a clean smelling, fragrant home, but hate the extensive harmful chemicals in bottled air fresheners, try these tips and tricks today.

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