Megan Santiago's Blog, page 12

15 Secrets To A Speedy C-Section Recovery

No matter how it’s done, childbirth is never easy. For those who have a c-section, recovery from the procedure can be grueling. C-section births occur when medically necessary during childbirth complications where vaginal delivery is life-threatening to mom or baby. Doctors will also schedule a c-section delivery when high-risk pregnancy complications are present.

As a mom of two little girls delivered by unplanned cesareans, I’ve put together some essential c-section recovery tips to get you through postpartum after major abdominal surgery.

15 C-Section Recovery Tips

Your c-section recovery time will vary from mine or your neighbor’s. And that’s due to factors such as our unique biological makeup and different pregnancies.

These 15 c-section postpartum care tips can assist your healing journey with your new baby and may inspire new ideas in you.

1. Relax Right After Surgery

The first step to recovering from a cesarean delivery is to rest. You can’t feel better if you don’t stay on top of your pain medications and give yourself as much rest as possible during the first 24 to 48 hours.

That will be very hard, especially when caring for a newborn baby at the hospital, but nurses are there to help.

According to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby over the initial two weeks of recovery.

Most women will stay at the hospital for 2 to 3 days after a c-section delivery.

2. Get Moving

Once your obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) or nurse encourages you to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom, don’t be afraid.

Utilize the nurses’ help in your c-section recovery and walk as much as possible without overdoing yourself. This helped tremendously in my c-section recovery.

My second c-section recovery was much smoother than my first for several reasons. Firstly, I had done it before and so knew what to expect. Secondly, my newborn baby was in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and so I forced myself to get up and walk even if it was painful.

3. Don’t Skip Meals

You might not have much of an appetite when you’re in constant pain, or you might be starving from not eating for an extended period.

Whichever side of the spectrum you might be on, take advantage of not cooking. Order nutritious, hearty meals from the hospital or ask a friend, family member, or significant other to bring you your favorite meal.

Do not forget to feed your body to help you recover.

4. Drink Lots of Water

Your nurse should give you a water bottle and continuously fill it with water. And if that’s not the case, don’t forget to ask for water.

Water will help your c-section recovery by hydrating your body and flushing toxins out of your body.

5. Be Conscious of Your C-Section Recovery

As I mentioned earlier, moving around and walking will be one of the best things for your recovery. A huge part of recovering is acknowledging that your body has undergone a major surgical procedure, a cesarean birth.

Undergoing a surgical procedure means you have sutures used to repair a wound that needs to heal.

When you sit back and generate awareness about your c-section recovery, you connect your mind with your body, and they work together to heal. The first six weeks will be uncomfortable as your incision heals from the outside and inside.

Another part of being conscious about your cesarean section is listening to your health care provider’s orders and staying on top of your pain medication.

6. Ask for Help

Asking for help was one of the most challenging obstacles I had to overcome during both my first and second c-section recoveries.

I constantly reminded myself that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

You would be surprised how refreshing it is to receive help from those around you. Some people might want to help you with meals while recovering from your c-section. Others might want to get your other kids off your hands so you can get some shut-eye.

7. Network with C-Section Moms

We live in a vast social media era. There are all sorts of Facebook groups for moms where you can ask questions about other moms’ c-section experiences. You can also try What to Expect or even Reddit. There are a lot of resources out there, and it would be a waste not to leverage them.

Networking with other c-section moms, reaching out, and asking questions in mom groups might be just what you need.

8. Ask Your OBGYN

As I mentioned earlier, your c-section recovery time may differ from mine or your friends. And that is mainly because your incision might be sewn or shut differently.

It’s a good idea to ask your OBGYN what they think is a realistic c-section recovery time for your particular case. Do not compare your recovery time with someone recovering much faster than you. This is not a race!

9. Plan

Start planning the next 6 to 8 weeks of your c-section recovery. Plan out your meals, start contacting friends and family to arrange for help, and create a routine to incorporate moving around while getting adequate rest.

10. Incorporate Necessary Changes

To maximize your recovery, you’ll want to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes.

Healthy lifestyle changes to aid your c-section recovery could mean adding daily walks around the neighborhood, drinking a minimum of 8 cups of water a day, and getting 8 hours of sleep at night.

Other healthy lifestyle changes could include eating a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner with healthy snacks, or even taking out sugar from your diet and limiting drinking soda to one day a week.

11. Practice Self-Care Practices

Have you ever heard the saying: “you can’t pour from an empty cup”?

It’s definitely true in this situation. It’s easy to feel drained, exhausted and overwhelmed with a newborn and maybe other children in the house while trying to recover from a c-section.

You can incorporate some (or all) self-care practice ideas while your kids are asleep at night, during nap times, or when you get help watching the kids.

Go on a friend dateLeave the house for coffeeRead a bookDo yogaGo for a runSit outside and enjoy the peace and quietPaint your nails or get your nails doneEnjoy a bubble bathGet a massageStart a project12. Create a List of Questions

The six weeks following your c-section might go by very fast or quite slow. There might be a few questions you may have for your OBGYN, and then forget the next moment.

That’s why creating a list on your phone is essential, so you can pull it up and jot down your questions before they leave your mind.

You can ask these c-section recovery-related questions for your 6-week postpartum appointment.

13. C-Section Scar Mobilization

Once your c-section incision is healed at six weeks postpartum, you should be able to begin c-section scar mobilization massages.

Ask your OBGYN before starting self-massages because you may not have healed enough.

The goal of c-section scar mobilization is to prevent scar tissue from adhering to other organs in your body like the bladder, uterus, or colon.

You can begin by using your fingertips to gently massage above your scar line in a circular motion for about 5 minutes a day to free scar tissue.

14. Get Sleep

Your body cannot physically recover from your c-section delivery without the help of sleep. The best time to get sleep is when your baby is sleeping.

If you have a toddler or other babies in the home, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to help with the kids so you can get adequate sleep.

15. Love Yourself

For some moms, accepting the changes a c-section brings to our bodies can be difficult.

It may hard to handle the new scar running across our abdomen, the lovely c-section overhang that some of us suffer from, or simply extra weight gain from pregnancy that feels impossible to lose.

We must remind ourselves that it was our incredible female anatomy that grew and nourished our sweet babies. In return, to create a healthy foundation during your c-section recovery, you must first love yourself for everything your body has endured.

Final Thoughts

C-section recovery is physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging. There won’t be many times in your life when it will physically hurt to laugh, sneeze, or cough.

Your body needs time to recover. Hopefully, these 15 c-section recovery tips will help you with your postpartum care.

You might even want to continue some of these healthy changes to your life after you’ve recovered!

Don’t forget to listen to your health care provider, don’t lift anything heavier than your baby during the first couple of weeks, and utilize these cesarean section recovery tips!

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

Bug Repellent: The Best Tips for Staying Itch Free

Have you ever felt like you’re the only person covered in bug bites at the neighborhood barbeque? Chances are, you’re not being paranoid. Instead, it’s probably your body’s unique chemical makeup and scent that makes you more popular than a juicy slice of watermelon.

Everybody produces unique chemical signals, informed by genetics, immune system, and diet. Along with body temperature and carbon dioxide emission, these signals attract blood-thirsty insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods.

Short of modifying your genetic makeup, what can you do to repel bugs? Fortunately, many products and at-home remedies can help reduce the number of insects feasting on your flesh.

This article will cover the best plants, topicals, and clothing you can use as bug repellents for staying itch-free.

Identify Which Bugs You Want to Repel

It might be tempting to invest in a fancy bug zapper or full-scale insecticide fogger, but remember that not all bugs are nasty. Some insects, such as bees and butterflies, provide essential pollination services. So unless you’re attacking arthropods out for blood, it’s best to let the insects be.

Consider which insects are bugging you, and then find a repellent specifically designed to deter that insect. Most topical bug repellents are geared to repel blood-seeking insects; they work on bugs that are looking to find a human host.

Only worried about mosquitoes? Check out our comprehensive guide to repelling mosquitoes.

Make Your Yard Unattractive to Bugs

Before you shield yourself in a plume of bug spray, consider making your outdoor space inhospitable to unwanted insects by following these suggestions.

Plant Pest-Repellent Herbs, Flowers, and Other Greenery

Want to repel pests while also beautifying your backyard? Good news! Herbs and flowers you plant in your garden can provide an attractive and fragrant defense against blood-suckers.

Here’s a quick introduction to some pest-repellent plants and what bugs they help repel:

Mosquitoes: Lemongrass, Thyme, LavenderTicks: Rosemary, Beautyberry, MarigoldSpiders: Basil, Mint, Lemon BalmFlies: Petunias, Floss Flower, Nasturtiums

If you’re gardening on a budget or running out of dirt, don’t worry.

Most of these plants provide multilateral defense against the pests mentioned above. In addition, they’re likely to attract pollinators, which are essential to keep your garden thriving.

Ready to do some re-landscaping? Learn more about mosquito repellent plants here.

Remove Standing Water

Standing water attracts mosquitoes and provides an area for them to lay eggs. If you find standing water in a container, such as a plant dish, dispose of it. Afterward, wash the container with soap to kill any mosquito eggs.

Apply Liquid Barriers & Insecticides

Lawn insecticides applied to your entire backyard use chemicals such as permethrin to kill mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, ants, and more on contact. After the initial kill, lawn insecticides provide up to one month of bug-repelling powers.

Although spray insecticides work, be cautious about using bug repellent techniques that kill insects indiscriminately. Instead, try liquid barriers that use garlic-derived formulas to repel (rather than kill) insects so as to not disturb the lifecycles of an ecosystem.

Use Topical Bug Repellent

Applying bug repellent directly onto your skin is the most effective protection for individuals. However, regardless of the application method (spray, lotion, cream, wipe, or balm), the effectiveness of topical bug repellents comes down to the repellent’s active ingredient.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using products that contain one of the following active ingredients registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

DEET

First developed in 1946 for use by the U.S. Army, DEET has been available to the public since 1957. There’s a reason this ingredient has remained popular for over 60 years: it works.

In addition to its outstanding ability to repel mosquitoes, DEET also repels ticks, gnats, flies, and other insects.

IR3535

Don’t let the robotic series of letters and numbers scare you: this ingredient can offer up to 2 hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.

In addition, IR3535 is colorless, odorless, and won’t cause skin irritation.

Nootkatone

The CDC recently discovered and developed Nootkatone for insect repellent and insecticides. Nootkatone is the natural organic compound responsible for producing the smell and taste of grapefruit.

If delightful aromatics aren’t reason enough to get excited, Nootkatone offers several hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects when used in bug repellents.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Derived from Australia’s lemon-scented gum tree, lemon eucalyptus (OLE) oil is EPA-registered. Meaning it has undergone tests validating its safety and efficacy. The CDC recommends using it against mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods.

Note: Despite very similar sounding names, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is not the same thing.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil comes from the leaves and twigs of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree. The EPA has not tested it. Therefore, the CDC doesn’t recommend it for use as a bug repellent.

Picaridin

If any ingredient comes close to offering the same level of defense as DEET, it’s Picaridin.

Along with DEET, the CDC recommends Picaridin as a very effective ingredient for repelling ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies, midges, and chiggers. Unlike DEET, Picaridin is odorless and doesn’t ever-so-slowly melt the plastic it’s contained in.

Picaridin mimics a compound found in pepper plants. Look for spray bug repellents containing around 20% Picaridin; these will provide better protection than lotions containing the same ingredient.

Tips for Selecting the Right Bug Repelling Ingredient

Higher concentrations of active ingredients produce a more extended protection period. Therefore, sustained-release or controlled-release formulations will typically provide longer protection times, even when they contain a lower concentration of the active ingredient.

Need some help? The EPA offers a free database of 630 mosquito and tick repellents containing at least one of the above active ingredients.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Reduce the amount of skin available to bugs by wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks. Tuck your shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks. This outfit might not win you any fashion points, but it’s a cheap, effective barrier against the mouths of hungry insects.

Note: Loose-fitting clothing may be better for repelling insets. Some bugs, such as mosquitoes, can bite through tight-fitting clothing.

Consider wearing a head net to protect your face from bites and reduce the risk of getting spray repellent near your eyes. Or, take this look a step further and wear a full-body suit made out of breathable mesh.

You can also apply the protective properties of netting to your sleep area. For example, consider using a bed net if you’re sleeping somewhere exposed to the open air.

Safety Tips for Bug Repellents 

Effective bug repellent provides vital protection from insect-borne diseases. But what about the risks associated with certain bug repellents? Read on to learn about all the buzz.

Sunscreen

The CDC does not recommend using pre-combined sunscreen/insect repellents.

Sunscreen can interfere with repellent effectiveness, so apply sunscreen first, followed by bug repellent. (Keep in mind that your sunscreen and your insect repellent might offer differing durations of protection.)

To Deet or Not to Deet

The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that repellents using up to 30% DEET are safe for children two months old and older. Adults can use formulations with concentrations of DEET up to 100% without ill effect.

If you’re traveling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne disease, the CDC recommends using DEET and other regulated protections.

Protecting Babies from Bug Bites

Do not use OLE or PMD on children under the age of three. Also, never spray bug repellent directly onto your baby’s face. Instead, spray repellent on your hand first, then gently pat it on your baby’s face.

The CDC recommends dressing babies and children in clothing that fully covers their arms and legs. You can also use mosquito netting to cover baby strollers or playpens.

However, avoid bringing them outside during peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn) if you are very concerned about exposing your baby to mosquitoes.

The Essentials of Essential Oils

If you’re not sure about using chemical-based repellents, essential oils can offer some natural defense against mosquitoes when combined with a few other ingredients.

Fancy a little DIY? Use essential oils to create insect-repellent sprays and balms by following our simple recipe. So many of the smells that blood-thirsty insects hate are very pleasant to humans, from lavender oil to cinnamon oil.

However, keep in mind that neither the EPA nor the FDA regulates essential oils. The lack of regulation doesn’t necessarily mean essential oils are unsafe, just that they have not undergone testing for safety or efficacy.

Bug Bites: Now It’s Personal

Gone are the days when the citronella candle promised the most sophisticated line of bug defense. Nowadays, many high-tech mosquito traps claim to lure, catch, and kill mosquitoes by using a variety of questionable attractants: octanol air plumes, UV light, infrared light, movement, vibration, heat, pulsing LED light displays, and even vacuum power.

But before you throw your money at blinking lights and supposedly high-tech machines (up to $900 in some cases!), remember that the most effective ways to repel insects are also some of the simplest and cheapest.

Final Thoughts on Bug Repellants 

Insect repellent impedes the insect’s ability to locate a host. So as you select a repellent, remember that applying repellent directly onto your skin is likely your best line of defense. And yes, despite its controversy, DEET remains the most effective active ingredient to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and biting arthropods.

Summary of Top Tips for Repelling Insects:Remove standing water & plant insect-repelling plantsApply a spray or lotion containing at least 30% DEETReduce the amount of skin exposed to insect bites

Get spraying to stop scratching.

This post originally appeared on  Savoteur. 

How TMS Therapy Improves Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in our world today. Statista reports that around 27% of American adults had anxiety disorder symptoms between April 27 and May 9, 2022. And the National Alliance of Mental Illness says over 40 million U.S adults have an anxiety disorder. 

As the number of anxiety patients increases, scientific research to discover better ways to treat the condition intensifies. Already existing forms of treatment for anxiety include meditation, psychotherapy, and anxiety medication or natural supplements. While these traditional forms of treatment are effective, they don’t work for everyone. 

TMS therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation was developed as an alternative treatment for depression. This treatment is used when other treatment options haven’t been effective. TMS therapy also helps improve anxiety symptoms.

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an FDA-approved, non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that uses magnetic charges to stimulate nerve cells. These pulses change cell activity, especially the areas controlling the mood. Also, it is a non-surgical procedure that leaves the patient with mild side effects that wear off over time.

If you or anyone you know has any anxiety disorder and has tried medications and psychotherapy without success, TMS may work for you. Several studies and reports (including this one) show that people who opt for TMS feel much better afterward. They have reduced symptoms of anxiety and fewer side effects compared to some other forms of anxiety disorder treatments.

Speaking about side effects, TMS may cause temporary side effects like lightheadedness, sleepiness, scalp pain, or tingling. If your side effects are intense, they will decrease after subsequent sessions. You can also speak to your doctor about this, and they may adjust your sessions.

How Does TMS Therapy Work?

TMS therapy aims to correct anomalies in the brain configuration of people with anxiety. Generally, such people have an unusual structure in their brain’s prefrontal cortex, which causes anxiety. In other words, this area of the brain does not function as it should, and the purpose of TMS is to activate it through the supply of magnetic current. 

The mental health professional will begin the process by handling required tools, including earplugs, the magnetic coil, and the TMS machine. You will be asked to take off magnetic-sensitive objects, sit in a chair, and be comfortable. 

If it’s your first session, the technician will measure your head. This is necessary to determine the best position to place the magnetic coil. When that’s complete, he will place the coil on the frontal area of your head.

You will know when the procedure begins when you hear a clicking sound – that’s the magnetic pulses being released. And you will feel the physical impact of the coil above your head. After your session, you can go about your daily activities without hassle. 

How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?

TMS Therapy is a relatively new anxiety and depression treatment and is generally more expensive than some medication and anxiety treatments. One session of TMS treatment costs around $250-$350, and the exact cost depends on the clinic and technician administering the treatment.

A complete TMS treatment takes several sessions and could last about 4-6 weeks. Supposing the cost for a session is $300 and you have to go five days a week for five weeks, the total cost will be $7,500. Again, this number could be higher or lower depending on other factors.

Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank for a TMS therapy because insurance companies started covering costs a few years ago. With insurance, you will spend significantly less or nothing depending on the coverage and the insurance company.

There are some requirements to qualify for TMS therapy insurance cover, and it varies among insurance companies. This is the general criteria to keep in mind:

Patients must have used 1-4 alternative antidepressant medications without success.Patients must have a history of psychotherapy conducted by licensed mental health professionals.

If you pass these requirements, you can benefit from insurance coverage from companies like Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem Blue Cross.

Holistic Anxiety Relief Course | Anxiety Healing Naturally| Holistic Momma -How to Learn relaxation techniques you can do anywhere.-Identify anxiety in yourself and others.-Learn how to better react to situations and set a firm foundation for dealing with stressful situations.Use Natural Supplements, Dietary, and Lifestyle changes to help you feel less anxious sooner.I am a Counselor in Training, so I share what I learn through my education and experience and the price will go up shortly--- However! You will get all of the free updates I make to the course at no additional charge to you! As I learn through research, my education, and personal experimentation of new supplement regimens I will share them with you!

Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. How Long Does TMS Therapy Last?

Single sessions can last between 20 and 50 minutes, and the complete treatment course can be as long as six weeks. That is, five days a week for the entire duration. It does take some commitment on your part, but it may be worth it in the end. Also, you can go about your normal activities after each session, so you don’t need to go on leave or avoid the things you enjoy doing.

As for results, it generally takes at least five sessions before you will see improvements in anxiety symptoms. Although the treatment works, your attitude towards each session could play a role in determining the result. Have a positive mindset about the procedure, and go in each day with that conviction that you’re getting better. You will!

Is TMS Therapy Safe?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive approach to depression and anxiety treatments and is generally safe. However, this is based on the premise that the procedure is administered by a licensed professional. Also, both physician and patient observe best practices. Do not submit yourself for TMS therapy at the hands of a quack or unlicensed individual.

As with any treatment, you may experience side effects during and after all sessions. Some side effects include headaches (typical), painful scalp sensations and facial twitching (unpopular), and hearing problems due to the high-pitched sound of the TMS machine. You will be required to wear earplugs to reduce the impact of the sound. 

The side effects generally fizzle away throughout the treatment. Besides, the doctor may adjust the coil positioning to reduce the painful effects of TMS therapy. 

Closing Thoughts

TMS therapy specifically treats depression, but some studies show it helps with anxiety and other mental health conditions. If you have an anxiety disorder, first consider anxiety medications and psychotherapy. If those treatments do not work for you, TMS is a great alternative. Remember, you can drastically reduce the cost through insurance and only commit to treatment administered by a licensed physician.

41 Awe-inspiring Encouraging Words to Boost Your Mood

Powerlessness causes an individual to believe they do not have control over their outcomes and that those around them have control by being able to award or withhold resources. When individuals find out that they can withhold a lot more of that power within themselves then they begin to live life a little bit differently. Life is full of ups and downs and uncertainties; sometimes, we can get caught up in a frenzy. In those times when sadness, anxiety, stress, and disappointment show up, you need encouraging words to lift yourself. These words have intrinsic power to improve your mood and help you stay hopeful. 

Uplifting quotes are also helpful even when everything feels good. You can find inspiration to move beyond your comfort zone and challenge yourself to greater heights. There’s always room for improvement, and these thought-provoking quotes will help you break the glass ceilings. 

Read these encouraging words and let them speak to you. Be receptive to the wisdom and guidance in every line. Also, share with a friend who needs some encouragement now. 

List of Encouraging Words 

1. People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

2. “The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are, and not who people think you are.” – Goldie Hawn

3. “If you want happiness for an hour—take a nap. If you want happiness for a day—go fishing. If you want happiness for a year—inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime—help someone else.” —Chinese Proverb

4. “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

5. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – 14th Dalai Lama

6. You have to be intentional about your actions – what you say, what you do, where you go, and who you choose to be with. All these things influence your happiness. 

7. Do more of what makes you happy!

8. “It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” —L.M. Montgomery

9. “If someone bases his/her happiness on major events like a great job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness.” —Andy Rooney

10. “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” —Andrew Carnegie

11. “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” —Helen Keller

12. “Contentment breeds happiness. Be proud of your achievements and be hopeful for more. Those little wins always add up, and they are special moments to cherish.” – Megan Santiago

13. Life is not a competition with anybody. Go at your pace and enjoy the process. Celebrate when you hit a milestone and continue to the next. 

14. “As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.” – Dr. Steve Maraboli.

15. “One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you cannot change.” – Unknown

16. “Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” – Roy T. Bennett

17. “Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to a solution.” —David Joseph Schwartz

18. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Holistic Anxiety Relief Course | Anxiety Healing Naturally| Holistic Momma -How to Learn relaxation techniques you can do anywhere.-Identify anxiety in yourself and others.-Learn how to better react to situations and set a firm foundation for dealing with stressful situations.Use Natural Supplements, Dietary, and Lifestyle changes to help you feel less anxious sooner.I am a Counselor in Training, so I share what I learn through my education and experience and the price will go up shortly--- However! You will get all of the free updates I make to the course at no additional charge to you! As I learn through research, my education, and personal experimentation of new supplement regimens I will share them with you!

Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Encouraging Words for Kids

Kids need to hear encouraging words too! As a parent, guardian, or sibling, shower them with these words to boost their self-esteem and productivity.

19. You are perfect the way you are. 

20. You don’t have to worry about my support because I will always be here for you. 

21. Never give up on your dreams; keep dreaming and believing, and you will get there. I believe in you! 

22. It’s okay to feel bad that you didn’t get a good grade, but don’t let it put you down. You can be the best student in your class! 

23. I am so proud of the fine lady you’re becoming. Mummy loves you so much! 

24. Well done for making the right decision and making me proud. 

25. I am excited you learned something new today. Keep it up! 

26. I don’t have to look for a star; I have you in my life. 

27. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it shows courage.

28. Don’t let anyone determine your happiness. 

29. I believe in you.

30. I love you.

31. You are enough.

32. You are important.

33. You can do challenging things.

34. You are capable of greatness.

35. Your past does not define you, how you come back from it and change is important.

36. Other people’s opinions of you do not matter, only who God says you are matters.

37. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

38. You are loved.

39. You can do anything you set your mind to. ( this is tattooed on my shoulder)

40. You are brave even when you do not feel like it.

41. It takes bravery to do the right thing, even if it is not the most popular thing.

Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal (90 Days) $13.37

A Day and Night Reflection Journal will help you center your day around positive feelings and gratitude. It’s the perfect place to record and celebrate anything that you are grateful for and to preserve important memories. Cultivating gratitude is one of the most potent and important mindfulness exercises, and thankfulness has proven to have a positive effect on a person's mental health and general well-being Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/24/2022 06:26 am GMT How and When to Say Encouraging Words

Are you unsure how to communicate these powerful words of encouragement to your loved ones? Here are a few pointers that could help. 

Low Moments

Perhaps this is the best time your loved one needs encouraging words. They may have failed at something or got disappointed by someone. Be the person who feeds them with positive words that cheer them up. Tell them how special they are and how they can rise above this present challenge. 

New Challenge

Did your best friend get a new job? Are they applying for a promotion or starting a business? They need some encouragement to fuel their courage and strength. Moving to the next level comes with challenges, and they would need your uplifting words to forge ahead fearlessly. 

Uncertainty 

Sometimes, we’re uncertain about the next step to take or what the future holds. At such times, encouraging words can spur us to find our faith. Even though you don’t know what the future holds, you can help someone become positive amidst the uncertainty. Use your words! 

Besides these three scenarios, feel free to share encouraging words with everyone around you. You never know who needs it. 

Closing Thoughts

It’s amazing what words can do. Take these words with you and share them with your family, friends, and strangers. You’re inadvertently helping people ease their stress, reduce anxiety, feel excited, and live a healthier life.

A People Pleaser’s Guide to Setting Boundaries With Others

You know you’re a people pleaser if you always suppress your needs and desires to put others ahead of you. While you may interpret this attitude as kindness, it reeks of people-pleasing, and it’s not healthy. You must learn to set boundaries and let everyone around you know what’s okay and what’s not. Setting boundaries helps you communicate what you need, what you are okay with, and teach others how to respect you.

The first set of people you want to set boundaries for is your family and friends. These folks are closer to you than everyone else and can easily take advantage of your lack of boundaries. They must know there are limits to what they can do to you, for you, with you, or otherwise. If they don’t, they would think that ‘everything goes’ and abuse is inevitable.

It might seem intimidating if you’ve not set boundaries before, but it is doable, and you’ll feel much better after taking that step. This guide will help you make a move and do it right. 

Signs That You Are a People-Pleaser

So that nothing is lost in translation, see if you or anyone you know is a people-pleaser. Here are tell-tale signs of people-pleasers:

Saying NO to people doesn’t come naturally to youYou love doing things for other peopleYou keep helping others even though it affects youDoing more work, so you don’t disappoint anyoneGoing out of your way to avoid disagreementsNot wanting to be disliked or unappreciatedApologizing for things you didn’t causeDisregarding your feelings, perspectives, and beliefs

There’s more, but if most of these behaviors describe you, you are most likely a people-pleaser. It’s not terrible that you’re this way, but you’ll have a much better life if you set boundaries. 

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you have to be a terrible person. Boundaries merely introduce self-love so you can create some balance and ensure you’re not stressing or creating anxiety for yourself as you relate with others. It is a healthy approach to boosting your self-esteem and productivity levels.

Steps to Setting Boundaries for Family and FriendsSelf-awareness 

The first step to setting boundaries for yourself is self-discovery. You must discover who you are, your likes and dislikes, your passions and interests, how you feel about things, and more. When you know what you want, you can start to consider yourself before others. Also, when you know how you feel about certain topics, you can take a walk or ask for a change of topic.

How can you become self-aware? Simple, ask yourself questions, and it could be about anything. Don’t attempt to be modest with your answers, be honest. Keep up this exercise, and you’re on your way to setting boundaries and keeping people from walking over you. Here are some questions you could start with:

Am I okay with my friends entering my room?Do I prefer staying alone sometimes?What social activities do I prefer?What questions are too sensitive for me to answer?

You must decide what works for you because if you don’t, other people will decide for you. You don’t want that to happen. No matter how good their intentions or close they are to you, you will likely get the shorter end of the stick. And that leads to more frustration, stress, and anxiety. Decide to become more self-aware today.

Know Who You Are

Building up your confidence and understanding of who God says you are or who you know you are is an important place to start. Anxiety around communicating your needs may be caused by insecurities.

Utilizing affirmations is one way of improving your self-esteem, another is by completing tasks and checking them off. Completing tasks that are important toward reaching your goals helps you increase your dopamine. Goal setting is important in feeling confident and it helps you progress through life and it decreases anxiety and depression.

This helps individuals figure out how to focus on simple goals and work towards attaining them by approaching anxiety holistically.

Communicate Your Feelings

Now that you know yourself, the next step is to communicate and express your desires to the people in your life. This is the only way your family and friends can know there’s something different about you and begin to adapt to these changes. Chin up, keep your shoulders high, and communicate your boundaries. And yes, your boundaries are born out of the self-awareness exercise. 

Use a list of emotions to help you describe how you are feeling or to teach your children how to communicate how they feel. This helps bring awareness and allows you to begin problem-solving about why you feel that way.

Tell them where you stand with things – what you can and cannot tolerate and everything else. They will see the picture clearly and align when you draw those lines. It may take time for some people to respect your boundaries, so you shouldn’t compromise. They’re probably still getting used to the new you, and they will, eventually.

As a people-pleaser, you might feel reluctant to communicate your feelings to others.

You may consider how uncomfortable or offended they might feel, or it could create an awkward situation. Remember, you’re doing this for yourself, and nothing should get in your way. Of course, you should communicate your boundaries respectfully and be kind to the other person. There’s no need to be mean or seem imposing. 

If you do this right, you can rest assured that your loved ones will understand and adjust. Those who take it the wrong way or can’t seem to accept you should probably not be in your circle. 

Don’t Compromise or Relapse

Your decision to set boundaries and treat yourself right should be enduring. Don’t look back, and don’t go back to getting walked over by others. If you have decided to do something or not do something, train yourself to adapt. Your consistency is crucial for setting boundaries because why should anyone respect them if you can’t?

Some things that could lead to relapse include apologizing for your boundaries, modifying them to suit people, or outrightly jettisoning them sometimes. You have to be resolute and don’t compromise on your standards. The people who genuinely love you will accept you with your boundaries and support you every step.

Compliment What You Like

In order to not just focus on all of the things, you do not like that other people do try focusing on what you do like. For example, when someone disagrees with you and they do not yell and they disagree respectfully, compliment them on approaching this matter with you in a respectful manner.

Communicate what you do appreciate about your friends and family and how you feel about them. When setting boundaries try to compliment them first or say “I love you and I know your intentions are good, but I feel hurt when you make comments about my weight“.

This way they do not hear only the pet peeves you have with them but also the things you do like about them. Setting boundaries properly can be healthy for both you and the other people in your life so that they know how to respect you without doubting themselves.

Setting boundaries does not have to be a negative thing, it is how we teach other people how to treat us.

What Is The Worst That Can Happen?

Ask yourself what is the worst-case scenario if you set this boundary with this person? Most of the time if they care about you and respect you then they will have no problem setting that boundary even if they disagree.

Try journaling out the worst-case scenario you think will happen if you have that conversation with someone. If you need to practice it out loud, try talking to a therapist to work out any fears you have around setting that boundary.

Depression is a common symptom associated with people-pleasing if you feel like your needs are rarely met. CBT or cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used to decrease feelings of depression by changing thoughts and behaviors.

Last Words

People-pleasing will endear you to many people, increasing your popularity and how much people need you. This will play to your ego, and you could get comfortable with the lifestyle. But if you take a step back and evaluate things, you will find that you deny your need to please others, and that’s a less than ideal situation.

Show yourself love, by setting healthy boundaries and informing your close friends and family. You will feel the burden of constantly pleasing people lifted from your shoulders and become more productive and self-assured.

How to Make a Healthy Meal Plan on a Budget

There’s no denying it. Meal planning takes work. And when you are on a strict budget and want to make healthy meals for your family, meal planning may seem daunting.

But creating a healthy meal plan your family will love is possible, even when your funds are limited. The key is to combine concepts of healthy eating and money-saving strategies during the meal planning process. This guide will help you integrate these three things to conquer mealtime in no time.  

How to Create a Healthy Meal Plan Successfully

The first step in creating a healthy meal plan for your family is committing to regular meal planning. Here are tips to help you stick to meal planning for long-term success.

Find a Meal Planning System

If you want to start feeding your family healthy meals regularly, you’ll want to find a meal planning system that works for you. Consistency will become much easier once you figure out the most efficient way to create your healthy meal plan. 

Here are the two main questions you’ll need to answer to develop your plan for healthy meals.

How often will you meal plan for your family? Many people find weekly meal planning to be the easiest. However, if finding time to meal plan every week is challenging, biweekly or monthly meal planning may be better.

Where will you write down your meals? A meal planning binder is an excellent tool for staying organized. However, it’s not the only solution for keeping track of your family’s meals. You could use an inexpensive planner, a decorative chalkboard in your kitchen, or even a piece of paper. The important thing is to figure out what works for you.

Keep a List of Simple and Healthy Meals

To stick to meal planning for the long-term and maintain healthy eating habits for your family, you will want to have a list of nutritious yet simple dinner ideas you can refer to when choosing meals. In addition, preparing easy meals on a busy night will help avoid resorting to unhealthy takeout and fast food.

When you find a simple and healthy meal that’s a hit with your family, don’t forget to write it down. Keep the list in a convenient spot to pull it out when it’s time to meal plan. Then, as your list of your family’s favorite meals grows, you can use it as a resource to help create your healthy meal plans more quickly.  

Keep a Routine

After you have decided on your meal planning system, you will want to incorporate meal planning into your schedule. For example, if you are going to meal plan once a week, you’ll want to designate time each week to complete it. Doing your meal planning around the same time each week will help you stay consistent with creating a healthy meal plan for your family.

Think about your current schedule and the amount of time you have available to devote to meal planning. If you are busy with work and your kids’ activities during the week, monthly meal planning may be ideal because you only need to think about it once a month. Got more time on your hands? Weekly meal planning may be the way to go.

Decide When to Grocery Shop

Another important decision you will need to make for successful meal planning is when to shop for groceries. If you are meal planning every week, you’ll need to head to the grocery store every week after making your meal plan.  

However, if you decide to plan your meals every other week (biweekly) or once a month, you’ll have more flexibility with grocery shopping. If you create a biweekly meal plan, you can choose to do your food shopping every week or every other week. If you create a monthly meal plan, you can choose to do your grocery shopping weekly, biweekly, or monthly. 

The Core Concepts of a Healthy Meal Plan

Creating a healthy meal plan is the same as making any meal plan. However, the difference is in your meal choices and how you prepare your food. Choosing healthy foods and preparing those foods to maintain their nutritional qualities is essential for a healthy meal. Here are some tips to make your meal plan healthy.  

Buy Lean Meats

Lean meats are meats that have a lower fat content. Skinless chicken and turkey, pork, lamb, veal, and fish are considered lean meats. Even ground beef is regarded as lean meat when you choose 90% lean or higher.  

If you buy a cut of meat with visible fat on it, trim off the excess before preparing it.  Budget-friendly lean cuts of meat include bone-in pork loin chops, beef sirloin, lean ground beef, bone-in chicken, and flat-iron steak.

Limit Foods High in Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are a type of unhealthy fat found in food. Eat foods that are high in saturated fats sparingly for healthy eating.

Some examples of food products that contain saturated fats are:

Fried Foods (Chicken, Battered Fish, French Fries)Prepackaged Baked Goods (Cookies, Pastries)MargarineFrozen PizzaMeat SticksFrozen DinnersDoughnutsCoffee CreamersFrosting

The best way to identify foods high in saturated fat is to read labels. Look for the Nutrition Facts label on the product to check for the number of grams of saturated fat.  

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6% of the calories you eat be from saturated fats. So, for example, if you consume 2,000 calories a day, you should keep the amount of saturated fat you eat to less than 13 grams a day.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. However, some fruits and vegetables are more beneficial than others. Therefore, when making your healthy meal plan, you will want to include as many healthier options as possible. Here are the most nutritiously dense fruits and veggies and the less nutritious options.

Healthiest fruits and vegetables:

AvocadosTomatoesCitrus FruitsSweet PotatoesBlueberriesKaleSpinachCarrots

Least healthy fruits and vegetables:

CeleryDried FruitCornRadishesEggplantIceberg LettuceRusset PotatoesKnow Proper Portion Sizes

Controlling the amount of food you eat is just as important as what you eat. You should base the number of calories you will need to consume on how active your lifestyle is. In addition, you’ll want to consider any weight goals you or family members have when determining caloric intake.  

As a general rule of thumb, a person who eats a 2,000-calorie diet should include:

Two and a Half Servings of VegetablesTwo Servings of FruitsSix Servings of GrainsThree Servings of DairySix One-Once Servings of Lean Meat/ProteinBe Mindful of How You Prepare Your Food

Preparing your food to avoid adding unnecessary calories and fat is essential for healthy meal planning. Unfortunately, it is easy to turn healthy food into an unhealthy meal during the cooking process.  

Avoid deep frying foods and sautéing foods in oils. Steaming, baking, grilling, and roasting are all healthier cooking methods. Use non-stick cookware to avoid the need to coat food with oil. Instead of boiling vegetables, steam or microwave them to keep their beneficial nutrients intact. Use low-fat versions of ingredients instead of full-fat versions (cheese, milk, sour cream, dressings, etc.).

Money-Saving Tips for Creating a Healthy Meal Plan on a Budget

The third component of creating a healthy meal plan on a budget is saving money on your food. There are numerous money-saving strategies and life hacks to reduce your grocery expenses. In addition, many cheap foods are also some of the healthiest options to include in your meal plan.   

Meal Plan Around Sales

Ideally, you’ll want to check your pantry, fridge, and freezer for food that’s about to expire to meal plan around what you already have. Using up what you have first will help you avoid food waste and help lower your grocery bill.

Check your grocery store ads for sales once you plan meals around what you have on hand. Then, plan the remainder of your meals based on foods on sale that week.

Use Your Leftovers

Leftovers are excellent for helping your money go further. Buying a larger quantity of food for one meal can be cheaper than buying the food needed for several different meals. Integrate leftovers into your healthy meal plan by cooking up large batches of meals to either use within the same meal plan or freeze to use in the future.  

There are many ways to use up leftovers, even if you don’t have enough of them to feed your family a second time. Here are some ways you can incorporate leftovers into other meals:

Eat leftovers as a side dish for another mealAdd leftovers to a casserole or soupUse leftover meat to make a sandwich or add it to a garden saladMake an omelet with your leftover veggies and meatsUse your leftovers as homemade pizza toppingsAdd leftovers to quesadillas or fajitasUse In-Season Produce

Produce is expensive, especially if it’s not in season. Strive to use seasonal produce in your meal plan. Check the frozen aisle first if you need out-of-season produce for a particular recipe.  Frozen fruits and vegetables are as healthy as the fresh versions and are typically cheaper.  

Buy in Bulk

Buying food in bulk when you find it at rock bottom prices can save you money in the long run. If you plan to buy in bulk, keep a list of the food you frequently purchase and the food’s lowest price to help you spot deals.

However, only buy food you know you will use or freeze before expiration to avoid food waste. When shopping at a membership warehouse club, check the unit price before purchasing and compare it to your lowest price list to ensure you are getting a deal.  

Eat One Meatless Meal Per Week

Meat is typically the most expensive part of any meal. If you are trying to keep food costs low and make cheap meals for your family, eliminating meat from at least one meal a week can help.  

But be sure to keep your meals healthy by replacing the meat with equally nutritious food. When you omit meat from a meal, you cut out essential protein. Add protein back into your diet with these protein-rich foods:

LentilsBeansTofuJackfruitNuts and Nut ButtersSeedsMushroomsQuinoaCottage CheeseOatsFinal Thoughts on Making a Budget-Friendly Healthy Meal Plan

It is possible to feed your family affordable, nutritious meals. Building a healthy meal plan does take effort. But when you have a sound meal planning system in place, all you need is a basic understanding of healthy eating to make the right food choices. Then, use some of the money-saving strategies discussed above to reduce your food costs, and you will have a healthy meal plan on a budget your family will love.  

This post originally appeared on Hello Sensible.

50+ Plus Benefits of Coconut Oil: Home, Beauty, and Health

The coconut plant is known to have many uses for most (if not all) of its parts – leaves, fruit, bark, etc. By the end of this, you will learn 50 benefits of coconut oil in addition to uses that will make your life easier.

People have been crazy over the discovery of a lot of uses of coconut oil. Aside from cooking, there are many other uses of coconut oil. Lastly, read to the end to find out the virus-fighting study using coconut oil!

Benefits of Coconut Oil

People steer clear of coconut oil because it contains saturated fats, which are known to be unhealthy.

However, most are not aware that the saturated fat in coconut oil, actually comes from medium-chain triglycerides. Like lauric acid, the body can easily use these shorter fat chains, thus, these are not stored away as fat.

Having said that, coconut oil benefits, include: 

Energy booster Increasing good cholesterol levels Balancing blood sugar level Fat BurningMoisturizingDetoxing

In addition, coconut oil is excellent: 

Antioxidant AntimicrobialAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial Antiviral AntiparasiticAntifungal

Make sure to purchase organic unrefined coconut oil. It is less processed and pure and the Dr. Bronner’s Coconut Oil is SUPER Flavorful. In addition, it is the best because:

It’s Fair Trade (which means the wages of the laborers are fair)The coconut oil is in a glass jar which means you don’t have to worry about BPA’s, BPB’s, and other chemicals in plastic.RawCertified Organic and Non-GMODr. Bronner’s Supports CharityExpeller PressedAromatic Thrive Market | Healthy living made easy | Save Hundreds on Groceries, Supplements, Organic Meat and More!

Never leave your home and have your groceries delivered to your door! Here's why I LOVE Thrive Market

It's a cheap membershipI get free full-sized products every time I orderThe regular prices are cheaper than other large retailersThey gift memberships to families in need when you sign upThey sell TONS of organic, natural, non-gmo, sprouted, fair-trade, eco-friendly productsYou get free shipping on every order over $49Great Customer ServiceThey offer meat, frozen items, baby products, and moreYou can shop by diet (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, keto, etc.)The reasons to join thrive are endless!! Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

At Thrive Market, I order my son’s formula and a lot of my favorite healthy snacks and dinner staples. This is the easiest way to save on your groceries every month.

You get free products in almost every single order and in addition to their already discounted prices, they have weekly sales on top of those discounts.

One more amazing benefit about Thrive Market is they will price match items if you find something cheaper elsewhere.

50 Uses of Coconut Oil 

Here is a list of coconut oil benefits and uses not just for cooking, but for health, wellness, and beauty. 

For Cooking Coconut oil is a healthier alternative to use in frying because of its anti-inflammatory properties. When baking, you can use coconut oil as an alternative to soybean oil or canola oil. It is healthier to make your own mayonnaise using coconut oil.Mayonnaise Recipe 

4. In a mixing bowl, mix ½ cup coconut oil, 2 egg yolks, ½ cup organic olive oil, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp apple cider vinegar. You can add salt and pepper. Mix well using an immersion blender. 

5. Cook your popcorn with coconut oil. You can simply add 2 tablespoons coconut oil with ¼ cup uncooked popcorn in a pot with a lid. Over medium heat, gently shake the popping stops. 

6. Add coconut oil to your smoothies to give you a healthy boost. 

Coconut Oil for Skin

7. Use Coconut oil to make an all-natural body scrub.

It is a great moisturizer and

DIY Body Scrub Recipe 

8. In a glass mixing bowl, mix ½ cup coconut oil and 1 cup sea salt. Add in 10 drops of your choice of essential oils and stir. Put in small jars. Scoop 1 spoonful and rub gently to damp skin to exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

Rather than using store-bought lip balm, make one yourself. 

Lip Balm Recipe 

In a double boiler, melt 1 ½ teaspoon of beeswax, 1 tablespoon of almond oil, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, over low heat. Stir using a metal spoon.

Once the beeswax is completely melted, turn off the heat before adding 10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Store in small tubes. Let the mixture cool to firm up. 

9. You can apply a few drops of coconut oil on your skin as a skin moisturizer. 

10. Make your own facial scrub. Mix baking soda with a few drops of coconut oil.

11. Restore the smoothness of your cracked heels by rubbing a few drops of coconut oil. Cover with heels with socks upon application. 

12. Make natural deodorant by mixing 1 tablespoon coconut oil with 1 teaspoon Bentonite clay. Store in a small jar with a lid. 

13. You can use coconut oil as a body lotion. Simply apply directly to your skin. It’s all-natural, unlike most of the commercially-available lotions. 

14. Make your lotion bars which are ideal when traveling. 

Coconut Oil Lotion Bar Recipe Place of glass bowl over a hot water bath (or use a double boiler). In the bowl, mix ½ cup shea butter and 5 tablespoons beeswax. Heat over low to medium setting. Once the beeswax melts, remove from heat before adding 2 tablespoons zin oxide, 1 teaspoon vitamin oil, and ¾ teaspoon essential oil of your choice. Pour soap mixture into a silicone mold. Put inside the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to cool.Pop-out of the mold and keep in airtight containers. 15. Mix coconut oil and baking soda and use the mixture as regular toothpaste. Coconut oil helps promote oral health and kills bacteria in the mouth. 41 Awe-inspiring Encouraging Words to Boost Your MoodTop 7 Fantastic Games For This Year’s Baby Shower GamesA People Pleaser’s Guide to Setting Boundaries With OthersHow to Make a Healthy Meal Plan on a Budget50+ Plus Benefits of Coconut Oil: Home, Beauty, and HealthAdditional Coconut Oil Uses For SkinTo relieve skin conditions Recipe for Diaper Relief Cream Use a double boiler. Melt 1 ½ tablespoon cosmetic-grade beeswax pastilles and 4 tablespoons extra-virgin coconut oil. Melt beeswax over low heat. Remove from heat and add 10 drops of lavender essential oils. Transfer to small lip balm tins. Let it cool to firm up. This makes at least 3 ounces of cream. 

31. Massage Coconut oil on your scalp to correct dry skin. Add in some tea tree essential oil to really help get rid of bacteria and prevent itchiness.

32. Make Baby wIpes using coconut oil. Use VERY soft Wash Cloths to use on your sweet baby’s skin and at least a dime-size amount of coconut oil. 

Thrive Market | Healthy living made easy | Save Hundreds on Groceries, Supplements, Organic Meat and More!

Never leave your home and have your groceries delivered to your door! Here's why I LOVE Thrive Market

It's a cheap membershipI get free full-sized products every time I orderThe regular prices are cheaper than other large retailersThey gift memberships to families in need when you sign upThey sell TONS of organic, natural, non-gmo, sprouted, fair-trade, eco-friendly productsYou get free shipping on every order over $49Great Customer ServiceThey offer meat, frozen items, baby products, and moreYou can shop by diet (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, keto, etc.)The reasons to join thrive are endless!! Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

All-natural Baby Wipes Recipe In a glass spray bottle Add 1 tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tablespoon Liquid Castile Soap 1 ¼ cups distilled water10 drops of Lavender essential oil. Cover the spray bottle and shake to mix well. Then scoop out some coconut oil onto your washcloth and spray the mixture on it and apply it to your precious baby.
Baby Wash Cloths

 

Household Uses 

33. Clean your leather furniture with coconut oil. Apply oil onto your sofa (chair) and rub gently. Moisturize it and wipe off the excess to avoid streakiness.

34. Make a DIY wood polish: mix a few drops of coconut oil and ½ drops lemon juice. Use the mixture to polish furniture pieces. 35. Keep wooden chopping boards clean by applying coconut oil with a clean cotton cloth. 36. Use coconut oil to season your cast iron cookware. Rub a few drops of coconut oil in your cookware. Put in the oven at 250 degrees for at least one hour. Doing this helps set the oil in the pan making it work like a non-stick pan. 37. Fix squeaky door hinges by spraying coconut oil instead of the more expensive lubricant (oil). 38. Put a few drops of coconut oil to a clean cloth to clean the leaves of your indoor plants. This enhances plant leaves with a glossy look. 39. Clean car interiors with coconut oil and cotton cloth. Use it to clean dashboards, leather upholstery, and doors. 

If you don’t like the idea of swallowing a spoonful of oil, you can get the health benefits with these capsules.

For Your Health 40. Soothe itchy skin and rashes with coconut oil. Massage the affected area and as mentioned above add in some tea tree oil.

My go-to cream for rashes, which could be used on babies also it is homeopathic and VERY natural. When I was pregnant with my kids, the ONLY thing that took away these killer rashes I got in my armpits was this Calendula Cream.

41. For faster healing of minor cuts and scrapes, apply some coconut oil on the affected area. Use this instead of vaseline, to begin healing naturally.

You can also use the Calendula Cream for cuts, scrapes, burns (even sunburns) to assist in taking away the sting. This will really compliment using the coconut oil, because the coconut oil can help moisturize and protect your skin from harmful fungus or bacteria.

42. Soothe Chapped Lips with Coconut Oil.

43. Increase your metabolism by taking one tablespoon of coconut oil per day by drinking it straight or adding it to a smoothie.

Another form of coconut oil is called MCT oil, it is the medium-chain triglycerides. Which if you have heard of the Keto diet, this a staple product in their diet.

MCT oil does come in a powder every once in a while, but it is mostly in a liquid oil form. It is used for brain fuel and fat burning most commonly but can provide some of the benefits of coconut oil.

This oil is a concentrated form of just a portion of the coconut. So if you want all these 50 uses for coconut oil, I suggest you have at least the coconut oil or both!

44. Fight Candida infections (yeast overgrowth) by taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.

45. Coconut Oil can slow Alzheimer’s Disease, by boosting brain function.

The studies show that patients improved in their orientation and language-construction areas.

46. Soothe and aid in healing mouth sores with coconut oil. To help clean your mouth, just add a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around.

This is also known as oil pulling and has many other dental hygiene benefits.

47. Coconut Oil is an effective treatment for head lice.

48. Carrier Oil to use to spread essential oils over a wider area of skin. It also helps dilute oils for kids, so you don’t have to worry about an essential oil being too strong.

49. Use coconut oil for lube. It is an alternative to silicone without harming your genitals.

Fragrances and chemicals from conventional lubes can be endocrine disruptors and it can negatively affect your hormone levels.

50. Prevent Urinary Tract Infections by consuming one tablespoon daily.

You can also use an enema or apply it around the vaginal area. It can have a very soothing effect.

Bonuses:

51. Help soothe toothaches by mixing a drop of coconut oil and an equal amount of clove oil. 

52. Ease symptoms of acid reflux by taking a teaspoon before meals. 

53. For a Very Creamy Coconut Option, Coconut Butter is great for putting on toasts, or in smoothies. It is thicker than coconut oil and still has all of the healthy fats but with a less oily and more creamy texture.

Personally, I have used the coconut butter with some peanut butter on a high-fiber sandwich and it has been so healthy and creamy! 

Unusual Uses for Coconut Oil 

High Fat Burning MCT’s

MCT’s are medium-chain-triglycerides found in coconut oil and many other foods. They help burn fat, keep you in a ketogenic state and boost brain fuel. It improves digestion, works as a natural laxative (in higher amounts) and is VEGAN.

Coconut Oil Fighting COVID-19

Therefore since coconut oil has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties, studies have been done with the Coronavirus. Here is what I found being studied currently.

In conclusion

These benefits of coconut oil, as well as their uses, are plenty of reasons to buy yourself raw, organic, virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil benefits are obviously very extensive and this simple product and food can be so beneficial for your home, health, skin, and more.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30068882/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28421789/

Originally posted 2020-01-07 21:33:21.

How to Make Money Online for Free: 28 Excellent Options to Consider

Many people want to know how to make money online. To put a finer point on it, people want to know how to make money online for free. People have exited the brick-and-mortar workplaces and are seeking other options.

This article will dissect 28 different ways to do it. Some are well-known, others less so. All are legitimate methods to earn a quick buck.

Why Making Money Online Is So Enticing

The allure of making free money online is hard to resist. With the internet so readily available, it’s easier than ever to get started. Before we dive in, let’s discuss why it’s so enticing in the first place.

Firstly, you can do it from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer and an internet connection. This is optimal if you’re someone who travels around frequently.

You can also set your own hours with most online jobs, making them perfect for people who want to make extra cash but can’t commit to a full-time position. Working from home means you don’t have to deal with commuting or office politics.

Lastly, you can make a full-time sustainable income that may help combat rising inflation. Since your income is dependent upon you, not any salary schedule, you could work to bump it up to make up for rising living costs.

How to Make Money Online for Free

Now that we’ve discussed why making money online is so appealing let’s get into the different ways you can do it.

Virtual Assistant

One way you can make money online is by becoming a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants provide administrative support to clients, often remotely. Your work as a personal assistant can include tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering emails, and managing social media accounts.

To be a successful assistant, you’ll need good organizational skills and the ability to communicate clearly with clients. You should also be comfortable using different technology, such as video conferencing and project management software.

Web Researcher

Another way to make money online is by becoming a web researcher. Web researchers collect and analyze data from the internet for companies and organizations. Work can include conducting market research, competitive analysis, and customer surveys.

To be a successful web researcher, you’ll need good research skills and the ability to find reliable sources of information. You should also be comfortable using different software, such as Excel and Google Sheets.

Audio and Video Transcriber

You can make money online by transcribing audio and video files if you have good listening and typing skills. Transcribers convert audio and video recordings into written form, often used for subtitles and closed captions.

To be a successful transcriber, you’ll need to pay attention to detail and the ability to type quickly. You should also be comfortable using transcription software.

Patreon Creator

Patreon is a platform that allows creators to fund their work through monthly subscriptions from fans. Fans can subscribe to their favorite creators and receive exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, early access to new releases, and Patron-only chatrooms.

To be a successful Patreon creator, you’ll need to build up a large following of fans willing to pay for your high-quality content.

Review Websites or Apps

Several websites and apps will pay you to write reviews. These platforms usually work by giving you a small amount of money for each review you write.

To do well at this job, you’ll need to be able to give clear and concise feedback. You should also be familiar with the platform you’re writing for so that you can provide accurate and helpful reviews.

Join an Affiliate Program

An affiliate program is a marketing arrangement in which an online retailer pays you a commission for each sale you generate. For example, if you have a blog about cooking, you could join an affiliate program for a kitchenware company. You then insert their affiliate link into your article. Every time someone clicks on it and purchases the product, you will receive a cut.

You’ll need to drive traffic to your blog or website to be successful. You should also be familiar with the products you’re promoting to give accurate information about the product and write a knowledgeable review.

YouTube Creator

YouTube creators make videos and post them on their channels. They can then monetize their videos with ads or through sponsorships.

To crush it as a YouTube creator, you’ll need to create high-quality videos that people want to watch. You should also be familiar with YouTube’s guidelines so that your videos don’t get flagged or removed.

Participate in Focus Groups

Focus groups are research studies where organizations want opinions on a product or service. Companies and organizations use focus groups to gather feedback about new products, ad campaigns, etc.

To participate in focus groups, you’ll need to sign up with a market research company. You should also be comfortable giving your opinion on various topics.

Online Travel Agent

An online travel agent helps people plan and book their travel arrangements. Work can include booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.

To be a successful online travel agent, you’ll need to be familiar with the various booking systems and websites. You should also be able to give accurate information about the different travel options available.

Sell Stock Photos

If you have a good eye for taking pictures, you can make money by selling stock photos. Businesses and organizations use stock photos for website design, marketing materials, and blog posts.

You’ll need to sign up with a stock photo agency to sell stock photos. You should also be familiar with the different types of images in demand.

Social Media Consultant

A social media consultant helps businesses and organizations with their social media presence. The work can include creating and managing social media accounts, developing marketing campaigns, and more.

To become an in-demand social media consultant, you’ll need to be familiar with various social media platforms. You should also have experience working with businesses and organizations in this capacity.

Proofreading

If you have a good eye for detail, you can make money by proofreading and editing documents. This could include books, articles, websites, and other written content.

You’ll need excellent attention to detail to be a decent proofreader or editor. You should also be familiar with the different style guides used in this field.

Ad Manager

An ad manager helps businesses and organizations create and manage their online advertising campaigns. The work can include developing ad campaigns, managing budgets, and more.

To be a strong ad manager, you’ll need to experience different online advertising platforms.

Web Development

If you have experience with web development, you can make money by creating and maintaining websites for businesses and organizations. The work can include designing website layouts, coding, and more.

To become a web dev whizz, you need to learn a handful of programming languages. You should also know various tools and platforms that coders commonly use, like GitHub. 

English Teacher

If you’re a native English speaker, you can make money by teaching English to students from other countries. The work can be done online or in person.

To be a proficient English teacher, you obviously need to have a strong command of the language. Being attentive, patient, and personable helps too.

Sell Domain Names

If you’re familiar with website domains, you can make money buying and selling them for businesses and organizations. You can identify expired or unused domains and then negotiate prices with prospective buyers.

To make a good profit flipping domains, you must know the domain market inside out. You should also be across the different domain registrars and auction sites.

Website Testing

Website testing is a process of checking websites for potential errors or problems. Website testing can include usability testing, functional testing, and more.

To be a successful website tester, you’ll need experience with the different web browsers and operating systems. You should also know the different types of tests used in this field.

Freelance Writing

If you have a knack for writing, you can make money by writing articles, blog posts, and other types of content for businesses and organizations.

To be a successful freelance writer, you’ll need to know the different styles of writing used. You should also have experience working with various content management systems.

Data Entry

Data entry is the process of entering data into computer systems. Duties include transcribing audio files, filling out forms, etc.

To be a solid data entry worker, you’ll need to have good attention to detail. You should also be familiar with the different software programs used in this field.

Sell on Facebook Marketplace

If you’re familiar with the Facebook Marketplace, you can make money by selling products and services on this platform. This includes things like clothes, electronics, and more.

To be a good seller, you’ll need to understand how the Facebook Marketplace works and how to optimize sales copy so customers want to buy your product.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a type of e-commerce where businesses sell products without carrying inventory. You can use a dropshipping supplier.

First, you’ll need to understand how dropshipping works. There is a bit of a learning curve for beginners. You should also be familiar with the different types of popular products in this field.

Online Consulting

If you have experience in a particular field, you can make money by offering your services online. Services can include things like coaching, consulting, and more.

To be a stellar consultant, you need to offer tailored advice not easily found elsewhere. It helps to demonstrate your expertise to your clients directly, say through a track record of your professional work or educational degrees, etc. You should also be familiar with the various platforms to offer these services.

Develop an Online Course

If you have knowledge or experience in a particular subject, you can make money by developing an online course. This includes creating course content, recording videos, and more.

To be a great course maker, you’ll need to understand how to develop an effective online course. You should also be familiar with the different platforms used to host these courses.

Complete Online Surveys

You can make money by completing online surveys for businesses and organizations. You can include things like providing your opinion on products, answering questions, and more.

To be successful in this field, you’ll need to have good attention to detail. You should also be familiar with the different types of survey platforms available.

Make Money Watching Videos

You can make money by watching videos online for businesses and organizations. The work you do can include reviewing products, providing your opinion on videos, and more.

Make Money Playing Games

You can earn money while playing games online. This can involve tasks like testing new games, providing feedback on game features, and more.

Shopping Online for Others

You can make money by shopping online for businesses and organizations. You can include things like finding deals, providing your opinion on products, and more.

Sell Digital Products

If you have experience in a particular field, you can make money by selling digital products. Products can include things like e-books, online courses, and more.

Final Thoughts

Here are just a few ways you can make money online. These include freelancing, website testing, data entry, and more. To be successful, you’ll need to have skills and experience. You can make money online with the proper knowledge and dedication.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

9 Keys to Build a Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Many people don’t realize they have the power to make healthy choices that can add years to their lives.  Most of us have at least one or two bad habits that keep us from a healthy lifestyle habits.

Making minor adjustments in your lifestyle can dramatically improve your health and increase your chances of living a long, healthy life. What follows are ten things you can put in place to live healthy lifestyle habits.

It’s easier than you might think. Read on, and you’ll see what we mean.

A Longer and Healthier Life

The keys to a healthier, longer life include:

Maintaining a healthy body weight.Eating a balanced diet.Exercising regularly.Getting enough sleep.Managing stress.

These habits might sound simple, but they can be challenging to stick to in our fast-paced, modern world. It’s essential to find what works for you and make healthy living a part of your everyday routine.

If you’re unsure where to start, try incorporating one healthy habit into your life at a time. Then, in a little while, you’ll be on your way to being healthier and happier!

9 Keys to creating Healthy Lifestyle Habits1. Eat Healthy Foods

It may seem a no-brainer to eat nutritious foods and keep a healthy diet, but you’d be amazed at how many people don’t follow any of these guidelines.

Eating healthy foods doesn’t have to be boring either. There are tons of delicious recipes out there that are good for you AND your taste buds.

To maintain a balanced diet, include a variety of food groups in your meals. Avoid processed foods. They are not part of a balanced diet.

So ditch the chips and cookies and stock up on some healthy eats!

2. Get Regular Exercise

We all know that we should exercise more and some of us need to lose weight., But what are the real benefits? And how do we make sure we stick to a plan?

Here are some of the basics.

BMI, or Body Mass Index, measures how much fat is in your body based on height and weight. For example, a BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, and 30 or above is considered obese. You can calculate your BMI here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three people in the United States are obese.

Being obese puts us at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Obesity is estimated to cause 112,000 cancer deaths each year in the U.S. alone.

By losing weight and exercising more! Even a small amount of weight loss — just 5-10% of your body weight — can have significant health benefits.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (like jogging or running) per week.

3. Get Enough Sleep 

It’s easy to overlook the value of sleep as a key to a healthier and longer life. Still, it is essential to get optimum hours of sleep every night.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that the average adult should sleep for 7-9 hours every night. Lack of sleep can lead to different sleep disorders negatively affecting overall health.

Getting enough sleep helps the body recover from the day’s activities and repair any damage that may have occurred. It also helps in the betterment of attention and focus and is beneficial to one’s mood and stress levels.

You can do a few things to guarantee that you get enough sleep every night.

Establish a regular sleep routine and keep to it as much as possible.Create a relaxed environment in your bedroom that promotes restfulness.Avoid using electronic screens before bedtime. The blue light emitted can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle.

You can rest easy if you use these simple methods to get the sleep you need to live a happier life.

4. Manage Stress

Many individuals are aware that stress is harmful to their health, but they don’t know how to manage it effectively.

Too much stress can depreciate our life expectancy significantly. So it’s essential to learn how to reduce stress in our lives to live happier and healthier lives.

Some of the most effective methods to reduce stress include:

Exercise releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress.Relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation can also help to calm the mind and body.Positive thinking can help reframe stressful situations in a more positive light.

Learning how to reduce stress is an integral part of having healthy lifestyle habits. By managing stress effectively, we can improve our overall health and well-being.

Fun fact. You will never be “without stress” you just become better at coping with it! Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a great way to lessen your sensitivity to stress!

5. Don’t Smoke 

Tobacco smoking is the most significant avoidable cause of premature death and illness worldwide.

In developed countries, smoking causes about one in every five male deaths and one in eight female deaths.

Smokers face a greater risk of developing more than 20 different types of cancer and other smoking-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease.

Giving up smoking is not easy, but it’s worth it. You can find help and support to quit at Smokefree versions in your language.

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

We all know that drinking alcohol can have some pretty unfortunate consequences.

Have you ever woken up with a pounding headache after one too many drinks the night before? Or maybe you’ve neglected your responsibilities because you were hungover.

Maybe you’ve even looked back on a night of drinking and regretted some things you said or did. It’s safe to say that excess alcohol consumption can lead to some problems.

But what about moderate alcohol consumption? Is there such a thing as drinking alcohol in moderation? And if so, what are the benefits?

It turns out that moderate alcohol consumption (defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men) has several health benefits.

Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.Moderate drinkers also tend to live longer than non-drinkers.

So if you’re looking to improve your health and lengthen your life, limiting your alcohol intake is a great place to start.

7. Protect Your Skin From the Sun 

We’re all aware of the risks of too much sun exposure. But did you know that just one severe sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. One of the most important is to use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

But sunscreen alone won’t give you complete protection. You also need to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat outdoors. Take special care to stay away from the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Taking these simple actions will help you enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin healthy and reducing your risk of skin cancer.

8. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

We all desire to live a healthy and happy existence. Yet, it might be challenging to determine precisely what that entails.

There are varied opinions about what we should and shouldn’t do. It can be hard to sort through all the noise. But if you’re looking for some solid advice about living a healthier, longer life, here are two simple tips.

Travel

Traveling outside your location is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. It opens you to new cultures, new food, and new experiences. It helps get you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to think in new ways.

And it’s also a great way to stay active and fit. These things can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Start planning your next adventure today!

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for good health. Dehydration can cause problems, including fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. It can also make you more susceptible to sickness.

So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day!

By following these two simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to living a healthier, happier life.

9. Live Life to the Fullest! Live With Purpose

According to studies, key factors can lead to a longer and healthier life. For one, it’s crucial to have a sense of purpose.

A recent study discovered that individuals with a strong sense of purpose were more likely to live longer than those who didn’t. So what exactly is a “sense of purpose”? It’s having a direction in life and working towards goals.

It could be something as fundamental as taking care of your family or making a difference in your community.

Having a sense of purpose in your life gives it meaning and helps you stay focused on the most important things.

Final Thoughts

You can enhance your health and increase your life span.

While some of these keys are easier to adopt than others, all of them will help you live a longer, healthier life.

Give them a try and see how much better you feel – both mentally and physically!

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.

These Food Sensitivities Could Be Stressing You Out

Do you ever find yourself struggling with anxiety, and you can’t understand what could have triggered it? Sometimes, our anxiety has a clear trigger. Other times, it can seem to come out of nowhere. The evidence is growing—food sensitivities are linked to our mental health. Who knew that certain foods could trigger anxiety. Furthermore, who knew that a holistic diet could help alleviate it?

What Are Food Sensitivities?

Food sensitivities or intolerances are different than an allergy, they are less severe and create digestive symptoms. Whereas allergies can cause hives, trouble breathing, swelling, etc.

Common food sensitivities include:

DairyEggsGlutenWheat

These are also some of the common allergens but individuals may not have as severe of a reaction making them only an intolerance. The difference between an allergy and an intolerance or food sensitivity is that allergies cause more severe symptoms and can be life-threatening. However, food sensitivities can be uncomfortable and cause considerable distress, dehydration, mental symptoms, and fatigue.

What Causes Food Sensitivities?

Medications, stress and age can contribute to poor digestion and mess up your gut health. When it comes to different food intolerances, supplementing with enzymes such as lactase to help break down lactose an enzyme that naturally occurs in milk.

A lack of enzymes in processed milks or foods can make it harder on the body to break down foods. Enzymes are proteins that help us break down food to absorb nutrients, therefore a lack of these can contribute to digestive symptoms in response to certain foods.

Anxiety Symptoms

If you suffer from anxiety or high-stress levels, here are some symptoms to watch out for:

Frequent headachesHot flushesOccasional dizziness or lightheadednessA lingering feeling of doomYou’re grinding your teeth, even at nightYour heart racesYou’re not interested in the things you used to care aboutLow libido

These are all symptoms of anxiety, and if you have many of them or if they’re particularly profound, they could also be part of the deeper depressive disorder.

Gut-Brain Axis

We all know some simple ways that food can affect our mood. We have all heard of a “sugar rush,” the boost of energy, and an uplift in mood after consuming foods high in sugar.  But the connection between mental health and diet is more profound than this.

The gut-brain axis plays an important part in our mental health by telling our body to be in a “rest and digest” mode or a “fight or flight mode”.

Food Sensitivities Effect On The Body

Food sensitivities can cause digestive disruptions and include some of the following symptoms:

BloatingDiarrheaItchingAnxietyDepressionSkin conditions Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test - Learn How Your Body Responds to 96 Different Foods - at-Home Collection Kit $127.20 The test measures IgG antibody reactivity to 96 different foods from a small blood sample. You can then use your results to help guide a two-part elimination diet to pinpoint the foods you're sensitive to. (Note: food sensitivities are different than food allergies and intolerances. This is not an allergy test.) Buy Now We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 06/21/2022 12:05 am GMT Food and Hormones

What we eat has a strong effect on our hormone production, and our hormones control our mood. The body needs healthy fats, in particular, in order to produce the right hormones and accomplish proper signaling between nerves. This is one reason that low-fat diets and depression often go hand in hand.

The Gut

We’re just starting to learn how important our gut is to our overall health and well-being, and how the best principles of natural health can help. For example, 90% of our body’s serotonin is produced in our guts. Serotonin is the main chemical our body produces to help us feel happy. If our gut is out of order, it’s hard not to feel anxious and depressed.

Inflammation and Anxiety

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to anything it sees as an invader. This invader could be a bacteria or virus; it could even just be a food that our body can’t tolerate. There is a strong link between high levels of inflammation and anxiety.

A Holistic Approach

While mental health can be complicated, an easy place to start if you’re struggling with anxiety (or even depression) is to take a more holistic approach to the food you eat.
The holistic approach focuses on minimizing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut, and eliminating/avoiding toxins. Our bodies are sensitive to the things we ingest—some more than others. 
Here are just a few of the common foods or substances that can wreak havoc within our bodies, and in turn, cause anxiety:

DairyRefined sugars and grainsHigh fructose corn syrupGlutenCaffeineProcessed/preserved foods Food and drinks with sulfitesFoods or wine with high tannin levelsWhat Should I Try?

While this list only contains a fraction of the potential culprits, there are a number of things that could be affecting your state of well-being. Everyone’s body is different, and sometimes the best approach is trial and error.

Start by focusing on a wholesome and balanced diet, while eliminating questionable food groups. Eliminate processed foods. Try eliminating the occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages. Replace your morning cup of coffee with a full glass of water.
Consider keeping a journal. Keep track of what you eat and how you feel each day. Over time, this can give you a better idea of what your triggers are and what you should avoid.

 

Originally posted 2019-11-30 08:00:00.