Each person has the ability to tap into their own energy to enhance their productivity and creativity. Too often do people think they need to make a dramatic change in their life to unlock their full potential. Rather than changing who you are, which is what makes you unique, embrace everything about yourself to establish a healthy, creative flow. 

A recent study found that about 25% of people believe they have not reached their full creative potential. It’s difficult to be incredibly unique with your ideas if you view your life as mundane. The repetition of daily activities, including your daily commute, job, and afterwork schedule, can cause the creativity river to dry up. So what can you do if your passion for what you do starts to die? Do you simply copy whatever is working around you, or do you figure out how to unleash your full creative potential? Continue reading if you want to spark more creativity and squeeze more juice from this life. 

Seek Out New Experiences

The life you live can influence what you produce, i.e. your creativity. If you are stuck in a rut, doing the same routine day in and day out, you may get comfortable with a certain way of thinking. There isn’t a lot of wiggle room for thinking outside the box, which is why changing up your routine to seek new experiences can benefit your creative flow. When you meet new people, see new places, and engage with new media, for example, you and your creativity can evolve. Take that vacation you’ve been dreaming about or read/listen to a book. Strike up a conversation with a neighbor or coworker who you aren’t familiar with. Studies have even found that playing video games may help people be more creative in their projects and tasks. Inspiration comes from unlikely sources, so don’t close yourself off to new experiences!

Limit Your Gadget Use

Smartphones, tablets, and computers are very convenient and you can use them as tools to express your creativity. On the other hand, they are very distracting and can hinder your ability to stick to the task at hand. Consider reserving an hour each morning and evening for no gadget use whatsoever. When you do this, you may find that your brain is compelled by different things. On the flip side of that coin, you may think about nothing during your unplugged state. Use this time to meditate, reflect, or simply be still. It’s good to disengage from time to time as it helps you hit the reset button. 

Create A Space For Spontaneity

Creativity can come when you least expect it. You may think of an idea on a walk or in the shower, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you have to designate a space for creativity and spontaneity. Keep this in mind as well: creativity doesn’t always mean coming up with the next greatest invention. Sometimes, being creative means completing a Google Doc for the office or drafting a crafty newsletter for your company. The important thing is that you allow yourself some wiggle room to decide where you direct your energy. You may not be in the space to write a chapter of your book, but you may be ready to outline the next couple chapters with some integral plot points. All of the little things require creativity and can help you complete the big picture. Allow things to flow naturally and spontaneously and you may find that you get your best work yet!

Get Moving

When you sit in front of a screen all day, you may not find the inspiration you need to dream up big and clever ideas. If you find yourself mindlessly staring at a screen, it may be time to get up and get moving. Studies have shown that stepping away from your work and going for a walk or run stimulates neurological and physiological pathways. Opening these pathways can help you think more creatively and solve problems more efficiently. Many of the world’s top innovators also employ this strategy to get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes, you just need to step away, take a break, and clear your mind to make room for new ideas.

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It’s no secret that being in nature puts a smile on your face. There’s something about the towering trees, crashing waves, chirping birds, fresher air, or echoing canyons that make you feel alive. Nature is calming and the stress and worry of the world is nowhere to be found. Spending time in nature aids with clearer thinking, stress reduction, and it even improves energy, rejuvenating the senses. 

What Is Forest Bathing?

Is there a scientific explanation for this feeling a person gets when they put themselves in the elements? In Japan, forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a common practice that involves bathing in the forest’s atmosphere. This term emerged in the 1980s and it became somewhat of an eco-antidote to the technology boom. In the 1990s, researchers began studying this eco-therapy for the potential benefits we now know. It doesn’t require the person to find a pond or stream and physically bathe in the water; rather, the whole purpose is to connect with the atmosphere via the senses. Opening the self to this experience allows the person to bridge the gap between the natural world and the self. 

Forest bathing is an extremely unique experience, so our content writer, Vinnie, had to try it, naturally. Now, anyone can participate in forest bathing on their own, but the initial experience with a guide offers a little clarity on how to approach the therapy. It’s not simply for adventurous people who feel confident in the wilderness. Forest bathing is for anyone seeking solace or stress relief from a busy lifestyle. Let Vinnie tell you about his experience below. 

Forest Bathing In LA

It’s almost a foreign concept to think that forests exist in Los Angeles, CA. A mere 30 minutes outside of the densely populated city, you can find hikes that put you in a forest. It may not be as impressive as the towering sequoias in central California, but it is relaxing nonetheless. I got in contact with Ben Page, a forest bathing guide and author of Healing Trees: A Pocket Guide To Forest Bathing. He agreed to lead a walk along the Switzer Falls Trail in the Angeles National Forest, and encouraged me to bring a few coworkers along for a more communal experience. 

Two of my coworkers and I arrived at the trailhead to meet Page, where he gave us a quick explanation of how the walk would go. In a matter of minutes, we started along the trail and listened to his story on how he became a forest bathing guide. It’s quite an interesting profession, and I almost equate it to a fusion of guided meditation and sound bathing. If you recall from one of the first episodes of The Adventures of V-Man, sound bathing involved listening to various sounds that promote stress reduction and relaxation. The sounds of the forest, including the rustling leaves in the wind and the trickling stream, are not the only tranquil aspects of the therapy, as you’ll find out below. 

Therapy Off The Trail

After walking down the easy trail that slithered its way through the shaded valley, Page veered off the path towards the stream. He found an open space to set up and he began by inviting us to sit down, close our eyes, and experience the space. After settling into the moment, Page sent us off on our own for a few minutes to listen to our surroundings. Could we notice anything new by simply listening? Were there more sounds than the obvious rustling leaves and water?

We returned to the circle after Page howled, coyote-calling us back. It seems silly to observe with your hearing, but it was quite a unique experience. By remaining silent and intently listening to the surrounding world, you can hear more than you would by simply being in the space. I noticed the subtle creaks of trees, while my coworkers heard some faraway birds chirping and a mysterious creature running through the fallen leaves. The beauty of forest bathing is that each person’s experience is different. I am going to hear, see, smell, or taste different things than another person. Page explained that the fragrance of the forest offers an aromatherapy of phytoncides. These are aromatic plant compounds that increase the amount of natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that support optimal immune function. 

Page seemed to be on a completely different wavelength than the rest of us. I feel like, given his experience and time as a forest bathing guide, he approached the tasks on a deeper level. The things he noticed were more spiritual, profound even, than our observations. I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to engage with the therapy. The most important thing is to be in the moment and give yourself a break from the outside world. 

Forest Bathing Takeaway

We completed a few more tasks that lasted for a couple hours. You can learn more about them by watching the video included in this article. To conclude the therapy, Page brewed a tea from the North American bay leaf and we enjoyed some cookies and dried mango in a circle. To a random passerby, this conclusion ceremony may have given off cult vibes, but it was quite peaceful. It brought closure to the experience and I was happy to have shared it with friends. I can only hope that they also got something out of this unique therapy. 

You can bathe in any forest’s atmosphere by yourself, or you can seek out guides to help you experience a more instructional therapy. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, reach out to Ben Page. He regularly does walks around Los Angeles, and his deep knowledge on the subject sheds a unique light on the entire experience. You can find more about him below. 

Website: www.integralforestbathing.com

Instagram: @integralforestbathing

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A lot of people view vision boards in a negative light, thinking they are nothing more than a waste of time. Visualizing your goals is not a ridiculous sentiment that came about because of The Secret. As it turns out, the practice of visualization is one of the most powerful tools you can master in this life. Creating a vision board helps to increase mental activity, opening pathways to help achieve the enjoyment and fulfillment you want in life. 

According to many studies, the act of visualizing what you want helps to improve motivation, concentration, and coordination. A vision board helps you establish a sacred space that helps you expands on your focus. Creating the board invites more intention, as opposed to lofty goals that you toss around loosely. 

What Is A Vision Board?

It may be the most important thing you hang on the wall! All kidding aside, a vision board is literally a board, on which you place images or sayings that represent what you want to achieve. By assembling a collection of images, mottos, or affirmations, you create a tool that helps improve concentration. When you regularly see what you want to either be or achieve, there’s a higher chance that you’ll arrive at your desired destination. Exercise your imagination and create a vision of how you want your life to go!

Why Do Vision Boards Work?

As we previously mentioned, a vision board helps to bring your goals to fruition. By creating a sacred space that allows you to actually see what you want in life, you bring it to life. The idea is that seeing the things you want all the time helps you find pathways to achieve those things. It’s loosely based off the law of attraction. Visualizing your goals helps you unlock your own power. Regardless of what you believe, it has been proven to work. The best way to put visualization into practice is through a vision board. 

The Benefits Of Vision Boards

They Help You Stay Motivated

When you don’t have a physical reminder of what you want in life, it’s easy to slip into a state of complacency. Your aspirations to achieve what you want may dwindle, but having a vision board is a constant reminder of the things you want in life. Looking at the board helps you stay motivated, reminding you of your goals. Whether you want to learn a new language or finish writing a book, put it on the board to help you achieve it!

They Inspire Creativity

Achieving your goals can make you dig down deep to figure out all possible avenues that lead you to where you want to go. When you have a constant reminder of your goals on a vision board, you become more creative. According to scientific research, visualizing allows you to see things from a better vantage point. It removes the blinders and helps you become more creative with problem solving. Harness that creativity and use it to achieve your goals.

They Help You See Where You’re At

The great thing about a vision board is that it never stays the same. It’s ever-changing to help you cross off goals or establish new ones. When you achieve something, cross it off or take it off and replace it with the next thing you desire. The idea is that there is constant stream of motivation and change. This process is much easier than writing down goals on a note pad that you’ll most likely lose. 

They Inspire Clarity

Often times, people don’t have a huge dream or burning desire to level up in life. That’s perfectly fine, but it’s possible that you feel this way because you don’t know what you want yet. If there’s something that you find moderately interesting, put it on the board! Experts say that seeing something can help you clarify what you want in life. As you see the board each day, it may inspire you to add more things that contribute to your goal. One day, you might find that your passion is pottery!

They Make You Determined

When you have a vision board, the purpose is to see your goals every day. As you regularly visualize your goals, you develop more determination to achieve what you want. Several studies found that people who see themselves as successful are less likely to give up on themselves. It is possible to experience failure, but that comes with anything in life. The vision board keeps you accountable and increases your determination. This leads to positivity, which helps you put your visions into actions.

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Nerves Cleanse – 20 day cleanse that addresses the central nervous system that help to promote happiness and motivation in life.

• 20 day cleanse that nourish and rejuvenate the central nervous system
• Helps to provide a state of relaxation, ease of mind, and peak health
• Helps ease tension in the neuromuscular system
• Helps provide better quality sleep
• Promotes vivid dreams and improved dream recall
• Works to assist in release of unnecessary weight
• Helps provide mental clarity and sharpness
• Supports new inspiration and motivation

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Athletic Package – Herbal supplements taken to help build and nourish the body of athletes and those looking to get into shape.

• Contains 5 formulas: Athletic Boost, Vegan Protein, Energy Formula, Joint  Aid, and MSM Sulfur
• Helps build and nourish the body for athletic performance
• Helps enhance mental acuity
• Provides pre-workout energy and post-workout recovery

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If you have anxiety, any day has the potential to turn into a panicked state of unrest. With all that is going on nowadays, it’s easy for internal emotions to run amok and cause you to spiral out of control. It’s easy to label these times as “stressful,” and that people live in a uniform state of stress. This leads to adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalance, which is a recipe for disaster if you are prone to anxiety or depression.

There’s no way to magically escape the times we live in, but you do have the opportunity to take control of your own life. When you make a constant effort to control your stress and the way you handle things, it’s much easier to manage anxiety levels. Don’t let the world dictate your life. You have the power to direct your focus wherever you want. Instead of focusing on the negatives, change your outlook to focus on the positives in your life.

For those times when willpower is not strong enough to manage stress, you can turn to herbs to help calm your anxious mind. This article explores six different herbs that can help ease your anxiety. We detail the herbs below, so keep reading to learn more about how they can benefit your anxiety. 

6 Herbs To Calm An Anxious Mind

Valerian

The valerian plant is native to Asia and Europe, and it has historical use as a sleep remedy. Some cultures used valerian teas or tinctures to help reduce depression and anxiety systems. Because there are very few studies on valerian, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) concluded that more research is necessary to determine if it can alleviate anxiety symptoms. That said, it does have mild sedative properties that make it beneficial for healthier sleep. The NCCIH notes that pregnant women and nursing mothers avoid this herb.

Hawthorn

Similar to rose, hawthorn is a calming herb that comes in handy if you experience high stress levels. Many cultures use hawthorn to help manage sadness, depression, or general grief. A 2004 study found that that combining hawthorn, California, poppy, and magnesium helped to treat mild anxiety disorders. Hawthorn helps to relieve emotional and physical stress because it has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. 

Passionflower

There are about 550 species of passionflower, but the P. incarnata species proves to be most effective against nervousness and anxiety. The flavonoids and alkaloids in passionflower actually interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring amino acid that regulates fear response. This interaction helps to dampen your body’s alarm system, helping it relax the body as opposed to heightening the senses. In one study, researchers monitored 40 dental patients prior to surgery. They all took 260 milligrams (mg) of passionflower a half-hour prior to surgery. The herb helped to reduce anxiety and heart rate as effectively as a pharmaceutical sedative. 

Ashwagandha

Adaptogens are very special because they affect the body’s hormones and systems to regulate stress response. Ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurvedic healing practices, but it has become popular in recent years. A 2019 clinical study examined ashwagandha’s effects on stress and anxiety. This eight-week study monitored 58 participants with stress. Each patient randomly took either a placebo, a 250 mg dose of ashwagandha, or a 600 mg dose of ashwagandha. The group that took the 600 mg dose reported a significant decrease in stress levels, while the other two groups didn’t notice a difference. 

Chamomile

Did you know that about one million cups of chamomile tea get consumed worldwide every day? Chamomile is a popular herb that has undergone extensive studies to observe its health benefits. Chamomile contains flavonoids that work to influence GABA, but it also has other calming compounds like apigenen. You can consume chamomile tea to help calm moderate stress, but recent research suggests it may help to relieve higher stress and anxiety levels. In 2016, people with general anxiety disorder took 500 mg of chamomile three times daily for two months. More than 50% of the group reported a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms. 

Galphina glauca

Native to Mexico, Galphina glauca is a plant species that has been traditionally used as a mild tranquilizer. A clinical trial in 2012 examined Galphina glauca for it’s potential to become a treatment for general anxiety disorder. Participants in the trial randomly received either Galphina glauca or prescription anti-anxiety medication, lorazepam, for 12 weeks. The findings indicated that Galphina glauca helped reduce anxiety symptoms better than lorazepam. 

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Don’t you hate it when a guy walks by and leaves behind a trail of pungent chemicals that seem to singe your nostril hairs? The correct and only answer to that question is: yes. Don’t get caught up in fancy glass bottles and cologne commercials with famous actors. Take control of your scent by making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils.

If you want to smell like a woodsy lumberjack who just finished building a log cabin, use essential oils. If you want to smell like freshly cut cedar, freedom, and crisp pine needles, use essential oils. Don’t be ashamed if you want your cologne to smell like frosty mornings or the salty ocean air. Own the scent you desire and wear it with confidence.

Manly Essential Oils

Peppermint Essential Oil

The minty aroma of peppermint essential oil is not only enchanting, but also beneficial for calming the mind and relieving fatigue. In addition to smelling minty fresh, you’ll also help promote mental clarity and decongest your sinuses.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil gives off a woodsy aroma, and it’ll make whoever’s around you feel cozy and safe, as though they are snuggling by a warm fire. It’s a sweeter oil that has been used for thousands of years, especially in spiritual and religious traditions. Sandalwood helps to improve memory, reduce stress, and stimulate concentration.

Lemon Essential Oil

The beautiful refreshing scent of lemon essential oil will have you smelling like you just emerged from harvesting fruit in a citrus orchard.  The citrus tang of lemon essential oil blends well with numerous essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Lemon essential oil is also great for uplifting spirits and decongesting sinuses!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Used both medicinally and cosmetically, eucalyptus essential oil emits an earthy aroma to accentuate your rugged side. It has an herbaceous essence, so you’ll smell fresh and clean as well. Eucalyptus essential oil helps to clear the sinuses and is beneficial for the respiratory system.

DIY Men’s Essential Oil Cologne Recipes

DIY All Natural Men’s Cologne

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 16 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a two-ounce glass spray bottle, screw on the top, and shake vigorously to combine.
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Screw the top back on and shake well.
• When ready to use, spray away and start smelling great.

If this essential oil blend isn’t for you, here are some other great DIY men’s essential oil cologne recipes.

LumberJack Blend

• 8 drops rosemary essential oil
• 20 drops Northern Lights black spruce essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil

Forest Blend

• 12 drops juniper essential oil
• 12 drops cypress essential oil
• 12 drops pine essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Mr. Minty Blend

• 16 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil
• 10 drops vetiver essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

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The ketogenic diet has taken the health world by storm. The high-fat approach to losing weight seems like a foreign concept to a lot of people, yet there are many people who have lost 40 pounds or more while doing this diet. Some people are curious about the diet, but don’t know where to start; while others think they are doing it right, but are going about it all wrong.

It can be difficult to know exactly what is going on inside your body. The main objective of the ketogenic diet is to get your body into the metabolic state of ketosis. When you reach ketosis, your body becomes a fat-burning machine as opposed to a sugar-burning machine. Because the body burns fat for energy, the fat on your body starts to vanish. How do you know whether or not your body is in ketosis, though? The following signs can help you determine if you are in ketosis.

Weight Loss

This is the sign that people want to see, and people who follow the diet perfectly can experience between 4-10 pounds of weight loss within the first week. Most of this weight is water and carbs that the body has stored in fat cells. After the initial rapid weight loss, you can continue to lose body fat if you stick to the diet and exercise. A lot of people go wrong after the initial process and start making common keto mistakes, which destroys the progress.

Mental Clarity & Energy

A lot of people get the afternoon crash and instinctively reach for an unhealthy snack and some sort of caffeine out of habit. One of the benefits of ketosis is that your blood sugar isn’t riding a crazy rollercoaster, helping you to feel continuously alert and energized.

Loss Of Appetite

You aren’t as hungry when you are on the keto diet because the healthy fats that comprise 70% of the diet help to keep you full. This means that you only eat when you necessary. Not only does this prevent overeating, but it also helps to reduce your caloric intake, which is an essential part of losing weight.

Short-Term Fatigue

Hang on a second…Didn’t we just talk about mental clarity and more energy? Yes, yes we did. It can take a little time for the body to catch up with the process of ketosis, though. While the body is catching up, some people can experience the “keto flu,” a phase in which one can experience fatigue, mild nausea, and minor headaches. This can only last for a couple days so don’t let this deter you from sticking to the diet. The benefits will come.

Upset Stomach

A person who is entering into ketosis may experience a couple digestive troubles. You may experience nothing of the sort, but it is possible to experience constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms will subside once the body adapts to being in the state of ketosis. Eat the following keto-approved veggies to minimize digestive troubles.

• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Zucchini
• Peppers
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Cucumbers
• Cabbage
• Berries

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The World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on a specific mental health issue annually on October 10^th to raise awareness for World Mental Health Day. This year’s focus is on suicide prevention and the steps people around the world can take to help those in need. While Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on September 10^th, the WHO wants to improve awareness on the significance of suicide as a global problem.

Suicidal behavior is not a recent epidemic; rather, it has existed throughout human history. Within the past few decades, however, suicide rates have dramatically increased. The WHO estimates that roughly 800,000 people commit suicide every year, and it is the primary cause of death for people between the ages of 15-29. While people in this age range may exhibit suicidal behavior, anyone can engage in this type of behavior. The most common reasons for suicide include violence, cyber bullying, bullying, or sexual abuse.

Know The Signs

• Talking about death or suicide
• Giving away possessions
• Losing interest in activities
• Withdrawing from family or friends
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Extreme mood swings
• Saying they are a burden

Each person can do his or her part to help prevent suicide. Whether you initiate conversation with someone you are concerned about, or share positive messages with someone who is struggling, know that involving yourself in the situation means a great deal, and it may even prevent a suicide.

Interpret Suicide As A Cry For Help

A suicide attempt is not always an indication that the person wants to die. It may indicate severe emotional pain, which they do not know how to handle or communicate. Suicide is often the easiest escape route to a seemingly unsolvable problem. If the person survives an attempted suicide, extend yourself to the person as much as you can. Attend meetings with them, go on hikes or engage in group activities, or simply be an ear to listen without judgment. Taking on someone’s burdens may be what they need to avoid committing suicide.

Don’t Be Afraid To Talk About Suicide

It can be intimidating to discuss the topic of suicide, especially since it may give depressed people ideas. Regardless of what you might say, bringing up the topic opens the discussion about it, giving them the opportunity to open up and ask for help. The best thing you can do in that situation is encourage them to get help because the goal is to remove the stigma that asking for help is a bad thing. Help is all around and it can go a long way in saving lives.

Talk About It If You Have A Platform

Given that someone commits suicide every 40 seconds, anyone with a platform, be it media-based, digital, political, or as an employer, take time to share this statistic. The message should be that help is all around, whether it is seeking professional help, consulting someone in the workplace, or attending a community meeting. Use your platform to open up the conversation about mental health; it means more than you realize.

The objective of World Mental Health Day 2019 is to raise awareness about suicide prevention, and make people aware of the various resources that exist. Suicide is preventable and can be avoided, and we need everyone’s help to increase organizations or services in all communities, so that people who need help can get it.

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