Six Tips to Boost Your Immune System
With so many people under the weather thanks to colds and the flu making their rounds I thought I’d share a few natural tips for staying healthy this winter. 1. Eat well. Your diet is the number one means by which you can build your immune system. It is a bit more challenging to find fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter but broccoli, greens, citrus fruits, and squash are a few that are readily available. More »
Shop Green
Shopping for eco-friendly products doesn\'t have to be stressful. Relax and visit our directory of green online retailers. More »
Use House Plants to Purify the Air in Your Home
You might be surprised to know that the air inside your home could be dangerous. In fact, our indoor air is often what causes common illnesses and ailments such as fatigue, asthma, skin conditions, learning disabilities, ADHD, digestive issues, infertility, obesity, and cancer. More »
Stop Wasting Food - It\'s Bad For the Planet and Your Budget
In our house very little food goes to waste. If leftovers aren’t eaten within two days they get frozen. Vegetables that are looking a little sad get thrown into a batch of pasta sauce or soup. If I don’t have time to whip up a batch of something with them then, most vegetables, I can just quickly chop and throw in the freezer (I almost always have frozen chopped peppers or broccoli in my freezer.) More »
Natural Cold and Flu Remedies
When it comes to colds and flu, there are two approaches: prevention and treatment. There are natural remedies for both of these approaches. Stock up on treatments and begin prevention now, and you should have a much more comfortable cold and flu season. Here are some ideas: More »
Five Habits to Help You Sleep Better Naturally
With the holiday season getting into full swing we’re all going to be a lot busier and a lot more tired than usual. During this hectic and often stressful time of year it’s easy to forget that we still need to take care of ourselves both mentally and physically. A big part of this is making sure we get enough sleep.
It’s hard to fully enjoy the season when you’re so tired you can barely keep your eyes open so here are some simple, natural ways to ensure you get a good nights sleep during the holiday season and beyond:
Exercise
I know, I know you’re first reaction is probably that you don’t have enough time to exercise. You’re too busy shopping and baking and visiting and doing all the other holiday rituals that are keeping you from getting to bed at a decent hour. You don’t have to run a marathon but a few minutes of some vigorous exercising such as a brisk walk, jogging, biking or jump rope will help releases the tension that your body holds during the day. Headaches, backaches, and digestive troubles can all be caused by unreleased tension. To make it more fun I use the Wii Fit, it has several short but vigorous aerobic type workouts as well as yoga and stretching.
The best time to engage in sleep-inducing exercise is in the late afternoon or early evening, not right before bed. The best time to exercise is right during that time of day when you may feel the most tired. If you go ahead and exercise, your sleep will be improved and you won’t feel as tired at that time of day in the future.
Stretch
This gentler form of working the muscles can be done right before bed. Yoga, Pilates, and other stretching exercises help muscles to relax. Stretching improves circulation and helps to move toxins out of the muscles. Some stretching disciplines, such as yoga, encourage focus and relaxation as part of its practice. You will go to bed with more relaxed muscles, less muscle pain, and a more peaceful mindset.
Meditation or prayer
Before going to sleep, take some time to meditate. Choose a relaxing, positive mantra, universal truth, Bible verse, or whatever thought makes you feel relaxed and happy. Whatever religion or beliefs you practice, meditation can focus and relieve the mind and heart; it helps you unload your stresses and frustrations and brings a sense of peace. I have trouble focusing long enough to meditate so I’ve been listening to Kelly Howell‘s Healing Meditation. I love the sound of it and it really helps me relax. She has several different meditation cds so you can choose whichever one suits your needs.
Herbs
A warm cup of herbal tea is a relaxation in itself, but choosing sleep-enhancing herbs makes it even more effective. Herbs to consider for a healthier sleep are:
- Valerian root
- Chamomile
- Lemon balm
- Catnip
- Skullcap
Lemon balm, catnip and chamomile are quite tasty. The other, less palatable herbs can be blended with them. Mountain Rose Herbs has an awesome selection of organic herbs. You can also take herbal supplements if you don’t like herbal teas.
Natural Sleep Aids
Massage, acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic adjustment have all been shown to improve sleep. All of these techniques help to align and relax the body. Like stretching, these practices help muscles to relax and aid the body in eliminating toxins. Acupressure is said to improve your body’s energy flow.
What helps you get a better nights sleep or are you one of the lucky ones that’s out as soon as their head hits the pillow?
