5 Natural Ways to Boost your Energy

December 6, 2018December 6, 2018Leave a comment

We are all searching for that magical boost of energy to get us through our day. I truly believe it is a mix of sleeping well, eating right, exercise , and stress reduction that help boost our energy levels each day. But who am I kidding, when that’s not feasible, I want something fast that works when I need it.

Here are a few natural and safe things I’ve used over the years to gain energy .

1. MCT Oil

Medium-Chain Triglycerides. Most commonly extracted from coconut oil . There are four different types of MCTs available . Caprylic and Capric Acid are the most commonly used and have several unique health benefits. Since MCTs easily enter your cells without being broken down, they can be used as an immediate source of energy .MCTs can also be converted into ketones in the liver. These ketones can pass through your blood-brain barrier, making them a convenient source of energy for your brain cells.

2. Peppermint Oil (mentha piperita)

When I need a quick pick-me-up , I grab my Peppermint Oil. It is great for those two o’clock drags. I simply put a drop in my hands and inhale deeply through the nose and mouth. Make sure to wash your hands afterwards so you don’t get it in your eyes. Also watch for any skin sensitivities . Don’t over do it. One drop is all you need . . Make sure any oil you use, is therapeutic grade if you are putting it on the body . You could also diffuse it for concentration , focus and accuracy. ( order peppermint oil here )

3. A Quick Workout

Even if it’s for two minutes . Get your blood flowing. Go for a short walk, bust out 20 jumping jacks , or some stretches and deep breathing. Inverted yoga poses such as Downward Dog are amazing for a quick energy re-boot . Any of these will assist your muscles and blood to become oxygenated. Choose something that fits your lifestyle . Movement always helps me feel better and gives me a boost when I’m feeling fatigued.

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are over estimated. They are full of water which is great for hydration, but they have many other nutrients/ vitamins/ benefits that may surprise you . Cucumbers contain just enough carbohydrates and B vitamins to give you a longer-lasting and healthier boost of energy than soda, coffee, or those health hazard energy drinks. They are rich with electrolytes, low in calories, and contain thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and vitamin A. One cup of cucumber provides around 11% of the daily value for vitamin K. Cucumbers also contain lignans, which research suggests, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer. So next time you are crashing reach for a cucumber and reap the benefits!

5.Water

The simplest, but most important of all. Water consumption is crucial . The body/mind will become sluggish at all of it’s operations when dehydrated. On average you should be drinking half your body weight ( in ounces) every day. More or less depending on how you exercise ,or if you have other health issues. It seems so easy and cheap. It is! Carry a bottle with you and just sip it through the day . If this is absent from your lifestyle right now and you are tired all the time , this little change could make all the difference .

In conclusion, there are so many natural options out there for you to utilize. Sometimes we need to go outside the box ( soda, coffee, energy drinks) and try to find simple lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference in our day-to-day lives. Try to eat right, get proper rest, exercise, and reduce stress daily. This will surely help fight fatigue and gain the energy level you desire

Thank you for taking time to read this. I would love to hear any feedback or tools you use to stay energized naturally. Be Well.

Instant Pain Relief with Simple Tools

November 27, 20181 Comment

There are simple and easy techniques that can be learned and applied in those moments of pain escalation that can bring you back down to some kind of homeostasis (balance). I’m not talking about magic cures or fancies remedies that make things disappear (Although you would be very surprised). I am talking about having tools in your tool belt to deal with chronic pain and stress when they arrive in our day to day lives . Sometimes if you take a moment to reset your mind and body , you can function and get through the tasks at hand .

Here are six quick and simple tools:

1. Breathe

Yes. You have heard it before. Just breathe. Take a minute for yourself. Sit or stand with your spine erect and diaphragm(chest cavity) opened. Close your eyes. Take four or five deep breaths. Breathing directly into the space holding the physical pain. This will oxygenate the blood and muscles. Clear your thoughts for a moment, only focusing on the breath. Slow down your heart rate. Quite everything down so much that you can hear your own heart beat. Then open your eyes and feel the space that has been made. There is serious power in the breath. There are so many techniques but I like box breathing for this exercise . It consists of a four second inhale……Holding for four seconds at the top of the breath, then releasing for four seconds and repeating the cycle several times. Just nice easy breaths, taking your time while counting, and making sure to use up full lung capacity. It is a beautiful tool, the breath. So much power to create change.

2. Mood Enhancers / Mood Stabilizers

Sometimes it helps to look ahead and keep things with you that you might need throughout the day. I like to carry a couple essential oils with me. There are several that are absolutely amazing for mood management. I love Wild Orange any time day or night. It always seems to enhance my mood immediately. I basically run it in my diffuser 24 hours a day. If you are out and about , simply put a drop in your hands and inhale . Do you ever feel that two o’clock drag? Where your body is tired and hurting and you are just done? Try Peppermint and Wild Orange together for an amazing pick- me-up.

For mood stabilization I like to go with woodsy /grounding oils like DoTERRA Balance Blend, or even just some good ole’ Lavender . It always seems to have a positive effect on those around you after applying/ diffusing it.

There are so many options in choices of oils and how to apply them, but these are a great start.

3. Topical Application

Let’s not forget the power of just applying something topically where the pain is. If you can trick your mind for a few minutes, you can find temporary relief physically and mentally. I love DoTERRA Deep Blue Rub for muscle aches and pains. It’s so penetrating. It does have the classic menthol smell. If you want to stay away from that I recommend Lavender or Siberian Fir for tired achy muscles. Apply ( with proper dilution)to desired area of pain while breathing deeply.

4. EFT/Tapping

This is a gem I ran across about four years ago in a very trying time. I can’t tell you how much it helped me then, and how much I use it now for a quick reset. Here is a link on EFT if you want to know more . You don’t have to do it exactly how they teach it as far as the wording. It’s important to learn the simple sequence of moves 1-9 , and why/how they are working for you, and then you can add your own words or meanings as you go ( that’s what I do). This is worth checking out and I do really believe in it’s benefits.

5. Guided Imagery

I was introduced to this while working in a Cancer Institute in 2003. They offered this CEU to all the patients and staff. It was titled “Pain and Stress Management with Guided Imagery”. During the class , I remember thinking ” This is a bunch of hocus pocus, I can’t believe they are offering this in a medical facility. ” . By the end of the class I was a true believer. I felt little to no pain in my body and my mood had completely shifted. Learn more here. I highly recommend this as an early morning routine or before bed. There are so many different examples for specific needs. Search You Tube and find your favorite. I love facilitating these in my massage sessions to release stress and trauma. It’s a great tool with some surprising healing qualities.

6. Affirmations

This was also introduced to me at that same CEU on guided imagery. They described it as another form, and it is literally one of my favorite tools to reset. You can pick one affirmation through the day and say it. You can make certain affirmations for certain situations. You can find all kinds of longer affirmations on-line( You Tube) for specific ailments. Basically it’s a reprogramming of the mind. It is very powerful. It feels a little silly at first, but once you tap into it, it can become a very important tool in your tool belt. Learn more /get examples here . I chose one on anxiety and depression for an example. This will give you a good idea of what affirmations are and how to use them in your daily life.

Thank you so much for your time in reading this. I hope it was helpful. Please leave your questions and comments below. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on these subjects and maybe how they have helped you. Be well

5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods

November 13, 2018November 27, 2018Leave a comment

Chronic inflammation contributes to many common Western diseases. Here are a few heroes that can help suppress many molecules known to play huge roles in inflammation.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is an extremely beneficial substance to the brain and body. It very well may be the most effective supplement we know of. Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and it helps neutralize free radicals in the body.

The Extract is most likely to be free of less contaminates . You can buy some DoTERRA Turmeric extract here: http://www.mydoterra.com/jgg.

Unfortunately, curcumin has a poor absorption rate into the blood . It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000% per pub-med.

2. Black Pepper

Known as the “King of spice”. It’s properties are more than just a wonderful flavor and aroma . Black pepper has been valued for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Studies have shown that the chemical compounds of black pepper, particularly piperine, may be effective in the early acute inflammatory process.

3. Garlic

The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic have been proven to ease symptoms of Arthritis. A little bit can go a long way. You can use it fresh or roast it for a more subtle flavor in any of your dishes.

4. Berries

There are many variety of berries to try including Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry and many others. Berries provide antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These compounds may reduce inflammation.

5. Peppers

Chili peppers and bell peppers are rich in quercetin, sinapic acid, ferulic acid and other antioxidants with increased anti-inflammatory effects.

Thank you so much for your time in reading this. I hope it was helpful. Please leave your questions and comments below. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are. Be well

Ways to use Essential Oils

November 8, 2018November 27, 2018Leave a comment

Here are a few different ways you can use Essential Oils.

They can be applied to the skin
Simple Inhale ( putting into your hands and breathing)
Steam Inhalation
Essential oil Diffuser
In a Bath
Aromatherapy Massage