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3 Simple, Yet Powerful Tips for Changing Your Unhealthy Ways

July 17, 2013 By KelliCooper

Our health is one of those things that we totally take for granted; it is usually not until something bad happens that we fully realize what a gift it is. But, it does not have to be that way. We do not have to wait until we lose our health to try and gain it back. We can start making positive changes now, before it becomes mission critical. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done—we are working against lots of enemies from deeply ingrained habits to self-sabotaging tendencies. But, it can be done; I know because I did it. I went from one of those people who never gave much thought to being healthy to someone who has made it top priority and here are some strategies that helped me make this worthwhile transition.

Get Stress under Control

Stress in life is pretty much unavoidable, but this does not mean it has to rule our lives. We constantly complain about how stressed we are, and it seems like many of us wear it as some badge of honor. But, it is nothing to be proud of, and is probably one of the biggest obstacles to living a healthier life. It drives us to eat emotionally, zone out in front of the tv or computer for hours because they allow us tune out of life for a bit, and do a host of other things that are not good for us. If you work on managing stress, you will find it much easier to make healthier choices. A less stressed you is a happier you, a you that feels better mentally and physically. When you are feeling good, you will make choices that will keep you feeling good. Commit to meditation, yoga, or any other activity that will help you combat stress.

Define Your ‘’Why’’

If you are thinking about changing your unhealthy ways, there must be something triggering it. Maybe you are feeling down in the dumps about your appearance; maybe your weight is reaching a point where you are putting your health at risk; perhaps you just want to feel better. Whatever it is that is prompting this desire to change, it is important to get crystal clear on your ‘’why.’’ When you get at the core reasons for wanting to be healthier, it will be much easier to make the changes you need to make. If you want to lose weight, why? If you want to be healthier for your children, why? If you want to feel better, why? Keep getting at the reasons behind the reasons until you cannot go any deeper. Make copies of this list and put it everywhere.

Learn to Appreciate Your Body

Our bodies are pretty amazing when you really think about it, and if we really did think about it, we would probably take much better care of them. We totally take them for granted and heap tons of abuse upon this wonderful gift. When I really started thinking about my body and all the things that it does on a minute-to-minute basis, I saw it in a whole new light. I felt much more compelled to take care of it. Breaking bad habits did not seem as hard; I was highly motivated to exercise more and eat better. Feel the gratitude for the simple things like being able to walk or take a nice, deep breath.

Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who blogs about all things related to health; she recommends visiting www.kanetix.ca for more information on health and life insurance.

Four Natural Alternatives For Dealing With Depression From Caregiving

July 13, 2013 By Lauren Hill

Being a caregiver for a loved one can often feel like a time-consuming, hectic job that nobody is paying you to do. Over time, your body and mind can both start feeling the effects of this day-in day-out stress. Yet because you are constantly focused on providing care for your family member, sometimes you may tend to put you and your needs second. This can potentially become a serious issue, as maintaining proper physical and mental health is critical for taking proper care of your loved one. Remember, you’re likely going to have a much harder time taking care of others unless you are taking proper care of yourself, too.

Are You Dealing With Depression?

In addition to chronic fatigue, physical illness, and problems with anxiety, developing depression is far more common among caregivers than you might expect. Dealing with depression from caregiving can be exhausting; knowing you have to care for someone else, yet not being willing or able to take proper care of yourself, burns the candle at both ends. You can become moody, lose your temper more easily, or become irrationally emotional or angry over trivial matters. You may stop going out for social reasons, or find ways to avoid seeing your friends. You could also notice a loss of interest in activities you once found enjoyable, like hobbies or sports.

There is Help for Depression

If you feel you are suffering from severe depression, or if you have thoughts of self-harm, you should immediately seek mental health treatment. Nearly 10% of Americans, including many children, are currently being prescribed some type of anti-depressant medication. While writing a prescription is by far the most common course of treatment for most psychiatrists and many psychologists, it is not always helpful for everyone. With so many different kinds of antidepressants available on the market today, sometimes it seems easier to turn to a pill to minimize symptoms rather than trying to find more natural ways of treating the problem itself. Then there is the issue of prescription side effects, which can sometimes be just as difficult to cope with as the depression is. While you should always double-check with your primary care physician about best courses of action before choosing to do anything, you should at least consider taking a look at more natural ways to help combat feelings of depression.

Ways to Combat Depression

Find A Caregiver Support Group

When you are a full-time caregiver, it is easy to feel isolated and alone in your situation. Sometimes, the most helpful thing to realize is that you’re definitely not alone, nor are your feelings and emotions invalid, selfish, or otherwise inappropriate. Reaching out to a community of other caregivers who walk your walk and can fully empathize can help a lot. Some groups allow you to buddy up via telephone with other caregivers, giving both of you an extra ear to lend if you have a particularly bad episode with your loved one, or just need someone to listen who you know will really “get it”.

Improve Your Diet

When you are frazzled, overworked, and stressed out, it can be all too easy for your eyes to wander longingly towards the fast food drive-thru, or the frozen microwave meals in your grocer’s freezer. Unfortunately, many frozen, processed, and fast foods have very little nutritional value, but do contain tons of saturated fat, high fructose corn syrup, and extreme amounts of sodium, all of which can possibly lead to excess weight gain and deterioration of your overall health and well being.

One of the single best ways to improve your diet today is simply to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. It really is far easier than you may think. One of the best ways may be to invest in a professional juicer, so you can make yourself fruit or veggie “smoothies” or shakes for breakfast in the morning. There are lots of recipes available online. Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries can all make wonderful smoothies. You could opt to add milk (almond milk or soy milk can work just as well) to your smoothie if you wish, though you don’t have to add milk at all if you don’t want to. Including some dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and spinach can add lots and lots of vital nutrients. If you can’t stomach the taste of liquid veggies, consider adding lots of fruit to the mix—using lots of banana, for example, can be a great way to help improve the taste.

Keep An Eye On Your Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is, for many, a handy go-to at the end of a long or difficult day to help unwind. To be clear, the occasional glass of wine one evening isn’t necessarily anything that should cause concern. However, since drinking is often considered a more socially acceptable form of stress relief than other avenues, this can encourage some people to drink to excess. Left unchecked, alcohol misuse or abuse can wind up wreaking havoc on your body, particularly your liver and kidneys. It can also wind up negatively affecting your caregiving abilities, your job, and your relationships with others. If you feel you have developed a problem with alcohol abuse, there are support groups nationwide that can help you. A quick online search can almost certainly find one located near you. Please consider going to a support group meeting as soon as possible. In addition, don’t forget to notify your primary care doctor that you are dealing with this problem.

Take Breaks

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some caregivers feel they have the weight of the world on their shoulders, and it is a burden that simply cannot be transferred to another individual. However, there are indeed options available for taking an occasional break from caregiving, and it’s strongly suggested you consider exploring them. Respite coalitions are one great idea you may want to research; these groups can offer caregivers regular breaks from the duties their family member requires. Typically, respite care cost’s a fraction of what nursing home care might cost.

Lauren Hill is a freelance writer who specializes in everyday topics for everyday people.

Ways to Avoid Feeling Run Down this Holiday Season

November 12, 2012 By Angela

Do you ever feel like you’re not able to enjoy the holiday season because you’re too worn out, run down and coming down with one cold after another? While there are some very real reasons why winter can be hard on your health and well-being, there are things you can do to improve your energy levels and avoid sickness so that you can enjoy spending more time with friends and family.
1. Get as much sunlight as you can during the daylight hours. A lack of sunlight is associated with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and vitamin D deficiency, both of which leave you feeling run down and weaken your resistance to disease. Talk to your doctor about using a light therapy lamp and/or vitamin D supplementation if you are unable to get sufficient daylight.
2. Be mindful of allergens. Unfortunately, indoor allergens can be a problem year round, not just in the greener seasons. This can be exacerbated by dusty decorations, live Christmas trees and scented seasonal items like candles and potpourri. It’s a good idea to don a face mask and even goggles when pulling out decorations and dusting them off. Be aware that live Christmas trees can be full of pollen and mold spores – if you wish to use one, limit the amount of time it is in your home and use an indoor air purifier to help remove as many allergens from the air as possible.
3. Pen in time for yourself. You don’t want to be a hermit, but it’s important that you make a commitment to yourself and your family that you’ll get the downtime that you need. Before you start making holiday plans, make “dates” for quiet, at home nights in your planner and consider them just as concrete as commitments that you make to other people. You’ll be able to get the rest you need to enjoy doing the things that you really wanted to do.
4. Baby yourself if and when you get sick. Sometimes we get sick despite eating well and practicing good hygiene. Listen to your body and take it easy so that you can fully fight off the infection. A room humidifier can help keep your nasal passages clear so that you can breathe and get the sleep you need. If it’s possible, take a little time off of school or work so that you can relax and avoid spreading the cold to others.
5. Try shopping online. The deals get better every year and you avoid wasting your gas and energy visiting multiple bricks and mortar stores. It also helps keep you out of crowds, which can cut down on stress and illness. You can also save time by having gifts shipped directly to out of town friends and family.
6. Exercise keeps you energetic. Those first few workouts might wipe you out, but you’ll soon find that exercise helps increase your stamina and energy. On the flip side, you will fall asleep easier and sleep deeper. Do talk to your doctor before you start a vigorous workout program but don’t let health problems keep you from exercising at all. Instead, consult with your doctor and trainer to design a program that is suitable for your current abilities and health status.
7. Don’t drink too much alcohol or caffeine. The first is a depressant, the later is a stimulant. In moderation, neither are terrible for you and might even have some health benefits. However, in excess they can leave you feeling miserable, interrupt your natural sleep patterns and rob you of energy.
8. Drink plenty of water. Mild dehydration can cause headaches, muscle pain and an overall feeling of being groggy or logy. Water is inexpensive, refreshing and can be found almost everywhere. If your local tap water has an unpleasant odor or taste, use a water filter so that you can enjoy all the fresh, cold water you want without spending a fortune on environmentally unfriendly water bottles. Get into the habit of filling a BPA-free water bottle to carry with you everywhere so that you can stay hydrated and avoid the temptation of sodas or sugary coffee drinks.
9. Stick to your regular sleep schedule. It’s easy to drift into late nights and late mornings during the extra time you have off during the holidays. While sleeping in sounds good in theory, it can leave you feeling lazy and without energy all day long, not to mention the pain of trying to reestablish good habits when it’s time to go back to work or school. Stick with your normal waking times as much as possible and keep the late nights to a minimum.
10. Stay humble and grateful. Keep focused on all of the wonderful things that you have and the amazing people in your life. Instead of being irritated and angry about long lines, travel woes and family squabbles, keep things in perspective. A positive attitude goes a long way towards staying happy, enthusiastic and energetic all year long.

By Shannon Hernandez

About the Author:

After serving as a pediatrician for more than 14 years in her home state of Texas, Hernandez chose to devote her time to blogging about her full-time fight against her seasonal allergies. After detailing her struggle, Hernandez went on to conduct high-level research on allergens and the types of products that could be used to combat the side effects.

She now consults industry businesses on the best way to effectively market such products as dehumidifiers and humidifiers to consumers while still finding time to blog about her daily life on topics such as her eco-friendly automobile, her dog Mittens and her two young daughters.

4 Apps for the Outdoorsmen in Your Family

August 24, 2012 By MegJones

The best things in life are free; watching the sun rise and set, counting stars and exploring constellations from their deck, hiking and finding adventures in out-of-the-way locations both near and far. Simple things are a joy. However, if you have someone in your family who loves the simple pleasures, you know how hard it can be to buy them something they’ll actually use. Outdoors men, while flexible in many areas, can be very particular about things like their equipment. They want to explore the outdoors on their terms, and that means bringing along with them only the objects that they see fit. [Read more…]

This is How I Lost Weight with Yoga

April 11, 2012 By Latasri

There have been instances in my life when I have been tempted to become complacent with my lifestyle and ignore my daily dose of health; i.e. yoga practice. Spending what little spare time I got with a cup of coffee in one hand and remote control of TV in the other, seemed heavenly! Confident enough that once I started on my yogic sessions, there was no looking back. I was a big procrastinator and kept postponing it thinking one day I’ll start my yoga practice. But ‘When?’

The same thing happens to people suffering from overweight, who cannot somehow seem to commit to a daily program of cultivating a healthy habit. Remember, the more you pamper your body, the more it will crave for creature comforts. You can use Time to Spa Coupon for a special spa treatment to reduce stress. But all this is only temporary. The best way is to break the pattern of old habits and replace it with new healthy ones.

Why Yoga?
As I mentioned earlier, it takes a tremendous amount of will power for a person living a sloppy lifestyle, to commit himself/herself to a regular exercise routine. In this case, Yoga is the most effective option. Since Yoga is far from the huffing and puffing types of exercises like working out on treadmill, cycling, swimming, jogging, that people usually engage in, it has a calming and serene effect on the frayed nerves of a person. This leaves a pleasant impression on the beginner and therefore stays committed to his goal of daily routine of yoga. A person thus committed to yogic exercises becomes a lifetime practitioner, gaining not only a fit body, but a calm mind to deal with the daily stress of life.

Weight Reduction
Yogasanas purify the body and at the same time removes the excessive fat from the body. They help to stimulate the endocrine glands to increase their hormonal secretions. The primary gland responsible for the weight management is the Thyroid gland. Yoga specifically targets to stimulate this particular gland in order to increase fat metabolism. The fat thus gets converted into muscle and energy. Along with the loss of excess fat, you gain a better muscle tone and higher vitality. Yoga reduces the anxiety level of a person, thereby controlling habits like anxious eating, binging on junk food, etc. In all it helps to lose weight, be fit and calm the mind as well.

Weight loss exercises
Some important asanas for weight loss are as follows:
Uttanpadasana
Matsyasana
Halasana
Bhujangasana
Salbhasana
Dhanurasana
Paschimottanasana
Ardhyamatsyaendrasana
Vakrasana
Supta vajrasana
Yoga mudra
Pawanmuktasana
Chakrasana
Jalandhar bandh
Nauli

These exercises cure obesity if practiced diligently. It also removes fatigue and lethargy. Almost all exercises involve every part of the body-the spine, the limbs, the chest and the abdomen. Most of them are very effective in improving the digestive system of the body, increasing immunity and giving a feeling of lightness to the body. Yoga is a complete healthy and holistic package for body and mind. For me, my Yoga practice is my way of life. Be wise enough to make it yours and enjoy the world around you.

Author Bio- Latasri is a yoga lover who likes to share native remedies coupons with fellow bloggers on her website. She practices yoga daily and has now made it a way of life.

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