We often hear that we are what we eat, but we’re also what we think. Like many things in life, negativity can become a habit. When you think negative thoughts, those thoughts affect your emotions. Your emotions, in turn, affect your behavior. If you are thinking negative thoughts a lot, most likely, you are dealing with negative emotions like sadness, depression, apathy, anxiety, fear, and more.
Take Action Now: Avoid Coronavirus by Boosting Your Immune System (here’s how)
By now, you probably realize that a healthy diet, adequate sleep, proper water intake, and regular exercise are the foundational building blocks of a healthy diet. Usually, simple solutions are always the best, and this statement is certainly true when it comes to boosting your immune system. If you have been worried about the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, there are a few things you can do to help boost your defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens…naturally.
Growing Marigolds for Health and Beauty
You probably recognize marigolds as the cheery garden staple that can brighten up any yard. The benefits of this plant don’t stop in the garden, however. The species of marigold known scientifically as Calendula officinalis and more commonly referred to as calendula or pot marigold has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties for thousands of years. It is not only a popular ancient remedy either, according to a 2013 report, over 200 modern medical and commercial formulations contain calendula marigold extract. Here are just a few benefits of this amazing plant and ways to use it in the home.
Is Your Alarm Clock Ruining Your Health?
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
7 Things Celery Can Do For Your Health
Celery would never be added to a list of the top five most popular vegetables. In fact, many find this stringy, crunchy stalk to be downright nasty. However, all of the hate for celery is certainly not justified, as it has actually been shown to have incredible health benefits that can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and so much more.
3 Reasons to Grow Your Own Sprouts Indoors (and how to do it)
The concept of sprouting seems to be a topic of rising popularity amid the natural community as people begin to discover the health benefits of these tiny sprouted seeds. However, the idea of growing sprouts can be a little confusing at first, and it may seem easier to just purchase a package of fresh sprouts at your local grocery store. On the contrary, growing your own sprouts at home is an incredibly time-friendly and straightforward process. Plus, you’ll be able to eat your greens in a matter of days and you’ll know exactly where your food is coming from. Here are three reasons you should grow your own indoor sprout garden today and a few tips and tricks to get you started.
City Living Vs Country Living: Who Stays Healthier?
The city versus country living debate has raged on for years. City slickers claim that life can only be enjoyed in the hustle and bustle and noise of tens of thousands of people, while rural residents tout the benefits of open space, fresh air, and a sense of community. Ultimately, which is better comes down to personal preference. However, which one is better for you may be a little more complicated.
6 Best Yoga Poses For Common PMS Symptoms
Self-care is important no matter who you are, but during menstruation, self-care is essential. With that time of the month comes gastrointestinal trouble — constipation, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, moodiness and fatigue. The nice thing is, if you love yoga, you can look to your regular practice to relieve some of the most common symptoms of PMS. Here are my six favorite yoga poses for doing just that. [Read more…]
Take These 5 Ingredients On-The-Go To Fight Bad Breath
Bad breath can really put a spoke in your wheel! Whether you’re on a date, at work or just going about your day, it can put a damper on your interactions with others and leave you feeling less than your best. [Read more…]
5 Yoga Poses To Stop A Panic Attack Now
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you know how disruptive they can be. If you’ve never had one, trust me when I say panic attacks can convince you that you’re going to die right where you stand. My solution? Drop into one (or more) of these yoga poses. Each one can bring you back to center and cut a panic attack off before it takes over. [Read more…]