Some people are highly in touch with their own stimuli and can pick up on the smallest things in their surroundings. Others can be empaths who feel other people’s energies and emotions in their own systems. If you fall into either of these categories, you may experience strain on the nervous system from time to time. It’s almost as if these feelings and emotions crawl their way under your skin without you having any say in the matter!

What is an empath? Well, it means that you can bond quickly with others or feel what others feel. That can create some incredibly loving, intimate, and nourishing experiences. Being highly sensitive can also mean that you quickly become overstimulated, either from your own emotions or from others. When this happens, you need to soothe your sensitive system and bring it back into proper balance. Continue reading to learn how to do that.

Come Home To Yourself

Experiencing quality solo time is one of the most underrated self-care acts. You can take a walk in nature, read an inspiring book, or get lost in a creative spell, painting, carving wood, or drawing. Go ahead and do things that you enjoy alone, as that can help anchor you in your own energy. That will help you feel less frazzled and drained. During this alone time, make sure that you reconnect with yourself via relaxing, engaging, or enjoyable activities. If that means cleaning your house or listening to a podcast in the park, so be it!

Reduce The Physical Stimuli In Your Environment

By lowering the physical stimuli in your environment, you can help soothe your sensitive system. If you live alone, perhaps this looks like putting on relaxing music or nature sounds. Maybe you snuggle up under your softest blanket, dim the lights, and put your phone on silent. If you live with someone, be it a romantic partner, kids, or pets, create a sanctuary or retreat in your home where you can recover. Keep in mind that you can turn common areas into safe sanctuaries. 

Recognize When You Need Soothing

You may need to soothe your system if you experience an increase in any of the following:

• Numbing yourself with addictive behaviors
• Feeling tired or drained
• Craving alone time
• Stressing out more easily
• Having difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Racing thoughts
• Isolating, even if you are lonely
• Feeling on edge, or jumpy
• Overindulging in salty, fatty, or sugary foods

You can always communicate with your healthcare provider about your mineral, vitamin, and blood sugar levels. If they are out of whack, you may need to figure out how to balance them. Sometimes, that can be as simple as soothing yourself!

Get In Touch With What You Want, Need, And Feel

Empaths can feel what’s going on around them, so that means they may forget to prioritize their own experience. It’s common for empaths to get sucked into everyone else’s experience, which can make them feel lost or yearning for self-gratification. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive, as it usually inspires compassion. Just don’t let your own life become overly crowded. Connect with yourself daily in order to find out what you want, need, and feel. That will allow you to separate from others in a healthy way and make yourself a priority, which can help you ground yourself. That will only help you show up for others in a more responsible way.

Don’t Turn Someone Into A Healing Project

It is very common for a sensitive person to go on rogue healing missions. They tend to have stronger inner healers than the average person, but that doesn’t mean they should make it a point to heal co-workers, friends, or loved ones. If that happens, it is integral to create healthy space between you and the other person. Remind yourself that you are not responsible for someone else’s problems. You can still cherish loved ones and romantic partners without letting their issues affect you. Don’t be a “fixer” or tenderhearted person because letting someone else’s problems take over can negatively affect your nervous system.

SHARE:

The post 5 Ways To Soothe Your Nervous System In Times Of Stress appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you were a child, do you remember your mother slathering your legs with pink calamine lotion to relieve bug bites? Perhaps you played outside by a pond or lake, or just amongst nature and mosquitos got you good. Those bites were itchy, no doubt! After a soothing bath, it was time to later on that pink calamine lotion. 

What Is Calamine Lotion?

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is meant to soothe mild itchiness (pruritus). It has demonstrated an ability to soothe redness, discomfort, pain, and itchiness associated with chickenpox, bug bites, and poison ivy. You can also use calamine lotion to help dry out oozing skin irritations. Calamine lotion is only for topical use, so please do not swallow it, as it can be very dangerous. 

What Is Calamine Lotion Used For?

The primary benefit of calamine lotion is that it relieves itchiness. Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other poisonous plants can cause skin irritation and rash. Applying calamine lotion to relieve the itch from these poisonous plants, in addition to other discomforts, can soothe the skin and aid recovery. You can also calamine lotion to help relieve the following:

• Heat rash: A heat rash is an area of the skin that becomes irritated when sweat gets trapped in your pores and ducts under the skin. Calamine may help relieve the burning or itchiness. 
• Chickenpox: You may be able to relieve the itchiness and other symptoms of this infectious condition by applying calamine lotion. The lotion may also prevent you from developing additional skin conditions. 
• Swimmer’s itch: Calamine lotion may help get rid of rashes like swimmer’s itch, which you can develop if you swim in water that contains certain parasites. 
• Scabies: A small mite can cause scabies, which can cause a rash and intense itching. In order to ease the itching from scabies, try to apply calamine lotion to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, it will not kill the mites. 
• Shingles: In addition to antiviral medications, you may be able to use calamine lotion to help relieve shingles. Apply the lotion directly to the skin in order to get some relief.
• Acne: Unfortunately, calamine lotion will not cure acne, but it may help dry out a pimple, making it a potential spot treatment. 
• Chigger bites: Chiggers are mites that feed on human skin and their bites cause intense irritation and scratching. Apply the calamine lotion to help relieve itching, but it will not kill the mites.

Homemade Calamine Lotion

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon pink kaolin clay
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon glycerin

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a glass bowl and whisk with a silicone whisk or wooden spoon. Don’t use anything metal or it will affect bentonite clay’s health properties. 
• Once you have thoroughly mixed the ingredients, transfer the mixture to a clean jar and screw on the lid. 
• Store in the refrigerator and use within two weeks. Apply liberally as needed for sunburns, poison ivy, or itchy bug bites. 

SHARE:

The post Homemade Calamine Lotion appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Swimsuit season may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to let yourself go. Many advertisements force you to think that fall is a time to get cozy with a fattening pumpkin spice latte. Don’t let an extra layer of clothing cause you to pack up and put away your workout attire or avoid gyms and workout classes. There is a balance to this new season, and you practice both comfort and dynamic activity.

You may be drawn to the coziness and mindfulness that this season inspires. You’ll have plenty of time to be cozy, but you also have a lot of energy to expend. Keep the excitement and maintain workout momentum by getting creative this fall with unique autumn activities. Gym goers may keep their regular routines, but others may want to continue the outdoor lifestyle they maintained during summer. Continue reading to learn about activities to keep you active throughout fall. 

Layer Up Against The Elements

If you have the proper cold weather attire and gear, you’re more likely to stick to your exercise goals. Extra layers, water/windproof shells, merino wool socks, and more can make a big difference in your comfort level. You do not need to drop a fortune on an entirely new workout wardrobe, though. Invest in a couple new pieces of clothing, such as a fleece or reflective rain jacket, to help you stay safe and comfortable during outdoor workouts.

Hit The Trails

Whether you want to go for a hike or run the trails, a softer surface can help reduce the impact on your joints. That means investing in a quality pair of trail-running shoes with great support can help save your knees and ankles. Uneven terrain can also increase cognitive motor function and overall coordination. Taking a break from listening to music or podcasts can also help you tune into nature. Researchers suggest that running on a trail and listening to nature sounds can improve mental health more than drowning out nature sounds with loud music.

Try A New Class

Is your current workout regimen causing you to lose interest? Perhaps you are not developing the strength or mobility that you want to achieve. A new workout class may help reignite your love for physical activity. Pilates, for example, may help improve core strength and flexibility. If you belong to a gym, consider taking part in their group classes. If you don’t have a gym membership, consider ClassPass, which helps you try classes at different locations in a commitment-free way. You can also try out a streaming workout service from the comfort of your own home. 

Venture To A National Park

National parks offer some of the best terrain in the country. The best part of exploring them during fall is that you are not oppressed by the same heat that exists during summer. Plus, parks are usually less-crowded, making trails a bit easier to navigate. Campsites are also less crowded as a result, if you enjoy camping. Maybe you want to take a beginner rock climbing course or start mountain biking in Moab, Utah. Whatever your adventurous desires are, we encourage you to attempt them and tackle activities with nothing but excitement. 

Do A Pumpkin Workout

Pumpkins are starting to show up in different stores. You may buy one or two and put it outside your home until you carve it closer to Halloween. That’s fine and dandy, but what if you use that pumpkin as a weight and engage in a creative pumpkin workout? Treat your pumpkin like a medicine ball or kettlebell and engage in some lower body workouts. You can do a lunge with a twist, goblet squat holding the pumpkin under your chin, or perform thrusters, squatting with the pumpkin and then pressing it above your head. There are many people who have developed pumpkin workouts online, so give the old Google a search and see what you find!

Connect Your Mind And Body

Not all fall workouts have to be adventurous. Sometimes, it can be highly beneficial to look inward and deepen your mind/body connection. The back-to-school rhythm of life can help prepare you for a healthier winter. That makes fall the perfect time to engage in yoga, Tai Chi, or other restorative exercises. These activities can help improve balance, relieve stress, and help you think more clearly. 

Exercise With A Friend

Motivating yourself to work out can prove challenging as the seasons change, especially during the holidays. With a workout buddy, you can help hold each other accountable, rain, shine, or snow. Begin a lunchtime walking club at your office or host walk-and-talk meetings to change up the scenery. Check local coffee shops for community center boards that offer workout groups or classes. You can even check NextDoor or Meetup to help find workout groups in your area.

SHARE:

The post How To Maintain Your Workout Momentum Through Fall appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

SHARE:

The post Is It Safe To Bake With Silicone? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Kiwis are great because they offer more vitamin C than oranges. They exhibit a slightly tart flavor with a sweet undertone, which comes through in this green anti-inflammatory smoothie. Some people don’t like their signature tartness, but blending them into smoothies with other ingredients may help sway that decision.

For this smoothie, the citrusy sweetness from the orange complements the signature kiwi flavor. The banana and raw agave nectar add a pleasant sweetness to balance the tart flavors. Even though this smoothie looks like blended grass clippings, the taste is far from that. In fact, you can always add a touch more agave if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Just don’t go overboard with the agave because you don’t want this smoothie to be a sugar bomb, even if the agave is a natural sweetener.

Spinach is a great green to add to your smoothies because it doesn’t have a strong flavor. Add other fruit or nut butters, for example, to a spinach smoothie will completely hide the mild leafy green. Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green that contains vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to magnesium, zinc, and antioxidant compounds. Researchers note that leafy greens like spinach can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune function. It also helps maintain mucus membranes, which are essential for eyesight!

SHARE:

The post Anti-Inflammatory Spinach Kiwi Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Each year on the third Monday of January, we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) in the United States. Although it is a federal holiday, it is also a chance to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to establish racial equality. This year, aim to make this holiday more than a day off from work. Take the time to select and consider how you can get involved in civil rights issues around the world. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was born on January 15th, 1929. Best known for his work as a civil rights leader, King dedicated his life to working on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. On MLK Day, we remember his life and achievements, but it took quite some time for Congress to make King’s birthday a federal holiday. 

A Brief History Of MLK Day

The bill first came to vote in the U.S. House of Representative in 1979, but it fell five votes short of the number required for passage. One argument against this day was that it would be too expensive, as a national holiday requires payment for federal employees. The other argument was that it would go against the longstanding tradition to have a holiday that honored a private citizen. King never held public office and, at the time, only two other figures had national holidays: George Washington and Christopher Columbus. 

The King Center sought out support from the general public and corporate community. It was Stevie Wonder’s release of the single “Happy Birthday” that truly popularized the campaign in 1980. Six million signatures were collected to petition for Congress to pass the law, which was the largest petition in favor of an issue in U.S. history. President Reagan, who initially opposed the holiday, signed a bill to create a federal holiday honoring Dr. King on November 2nd, 1983. On January 20th, 1986, the holiday was observed for the first time, and in the year 2000, all 50 states observed MLK Day for the first time. 

MLK Spent His Wedding Night In A Funeral Home

When MLK married Coretta Scott in June of 1953, they couldn’t stay in a hotel that would allow them, as African-Americans, to spend the night. What did they do? The newlyweds spent their first night as a married couple in an African-American-owned funeral home. Five years later, they were able to take a second, more pleasurable honeymoon in Mexico. 

His Birth Name Was Michael

At birth, MLK was given the name Michael King Jr, meaning that his father was Michael King. Later, his father changed his own name to Martin Luther, after the Protestant Reformation leader. He changed the name of his son when he changed his own name. 

The Most Famous Portion Of The “I Have A Dream Speech” May Have Been Improvised

Most people are aware of the first few sentences of this historic speech. It begins with, “I have a dream…,” and his “March on Washington” speech was very long. It was long enough to have been pre-written ahead of time. Historians, however, believe that King ad-libbed his most famous words on the day he gave the speech, August 28th, 1963. The ideas were similar to some that he expressed previously, but he delivered them in a uniquely powerful, memorable way. 

MLK Delivered That Speech To Over 250,000 People

As previously mentioned, MLK’s most famous speech was the “I Have A Dream” speech that he delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” He gave the speech at the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” event. The goal: to promote equal rights for all. Over 250,000 people listened to MLK speak that day, in awe of his words that would inspire future generations. 

There Are Over 900 Streets Worldwide Named For MLK

MLK is one of the most important figures that promoted equal rights via nonviolent tactics. He is a common namesake for streets and boulevards around the world. There are over 900 streets that bear MLK’s name. About 70% of those streets are in the Southern United States, with over 100 streets in King’s home state of Georgia.

SHARE:

The post 5 Lesser-Known Facts About Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you have a Netflix account, you are probably familiar with a recent docuseries called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” It follows Dan Buettner, a researcher and writer, who has written several books about blue zones and blue zone diets. Through his most recent book, The Blue Zones, and the docuseries, Buettner explores lifestyle and dietary habits in areas of the world that have the largest population of centenarians (people who live over 100).

What Can Blue Zones Teach People?

According to a March 2018 report, life expectancy in the U.S. was 78.8 years. An even more alarming statistic is that life expectancy in America is declining for the first time in decades. As of this year, life expectancy is down to 76.4 years. That is lower than the life expectancy, which ranges from 80.7 and 83.9 years, in peer countries. 

With all of that information in mind, the goal of Buettner’s blue zone expedition was to highlight what people do to live as long as possible. These blue zones have the highest concentration of centenarians and researchers note that people who live in these places share certain behavioral and lifestyle characteristics. Although these blue zones are full of different races, nationalities, and are in different regions, there are various similarities. Family coherence, avoidance of smoking, eating lots of plant-based foods, social engagement, and daily moderate physical activity are all commonplace in blue zones. 

Where Are These Blue Zones?

There are five blue zones where researchers found the longest-living people on Earth. These areas are as follows:

• Sardinia, Italy
• Ikaria, Greece
• Okinawa, Japan
• Nicoya, Costa Rica
• Loma Linda, California

In addition to the above areas, Buettner also included Singapore in his book about blue zones. It is a fascinating case study because it doesn’t share the same characteristics that those five blue zones do. The life expectancy in Singapore skyrocketed 20 years since its founding in 1965. Singapore is more urbanized than other blue zones, proving that you can live longer even if you don’t live in a specific type of environment. 

Buettner details that the average U.S. lifestyle and diet is not a recipe for longevity. Processed foods, sedentary behavior, and limited exercises can contribute to a shorter life expectancy. Making changes to your diet and adding a daily exercise routine may help change that. Additionally, your attitude and general outlook on life also factor into how long you live. The people who live in blue zones grow old in a much healthier and more optimistic state. Not only do these people live longer, but they also live better. Below, you’ll find a few lessons that you can adopt from blue zones. 

Avoid Processed & Packaged Foods

People in blue zones consume diets that are very low in sugar, pesticides, and artificial ingredients compared to the Standard American Diet. Blue zone diets tend to consist of locally grown foods and only use small amounts of natural sweeteners on occasion. Refined sugars, carbohydrates, and added sugars in the U.S. contribute to high rates of obesity and diabetes. If people in blue zones want a treat, they opt for antioxidant-rich guilty pleasures like red wine, sake, herbal teas, or simple desserts made with locally produced cheese or fruits. Adhering to a diet that consists of whole food ingredients, many of which have a low glycemic index, may be the path towards a longer life. 

Exercise Often, But Make It Enjoyable

If you don’t enjoy the activities you engage in, you lose interest in exercise. Centenarians in blue zones tend to lead active lifestyles, but don’t set foot in a gym and they don’t dread exercise. They remain active as a way of life, gardening, engaging in community events, and completing chores with their hands instead of machines. They run errands on foot and typically practice gentle to moderate forms of exercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi, or playing sports/games with friends/community members. 

Spend More Time With Family And Nature

It’s a sad reality, but a large percentage of the U.S. population doesn’t pay much attention to elderly people. In blue zones, family is everything! In Loma Linda, CA (a rare exception in the U.S.), for example, there is a weekly 24-hour sabbath that the Seventh-day Adventists practice. They focus on family, God, camaraderie, and nature. Senior living homes don’t really exist in blue zones because there is an expectation to take care of the elderly, especially older family members. Older people play an integral role to their communities in blue zones, remaining active and important well into their 90s. 

Learn To Appreciate Whole, Real Foods

Although centenarians are not typically vegans or vegetarians, their diets mostly consist of plant-based foods. They rely on homegrown or locally grown foods, focusing on whole grains, legumes, sweet potatoes, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and quality fats like olive oil. They also focus on fermented foods (kefir, tempeh, miso, and natto), high quality dairy products (grass-fed goat milk and homemade cheeses), and more wild-caught fish than beef or poultry. Focusing on more plant-based foods means that people in blue zones consume more fiber, antioxidants, and potential anti-cancer compounds. Eating in such a way also reduces the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart attacks, cancer, and dementia, all of which are prominent health problems in the U.S. 

The takeaway is that living a longer, healthier life doesn’t just come from one single practice. A combination of habits may help you stay healthy into your later years. How does your life compare to those in blue zones, and what can you do to change it?

SHARE:

The post Living To 100 Years: Is That Possible? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are some people who dislike the beach or hiking in the forest, but the majority of people thrive in nature. It is very common to feel recharged and more relaxed after visiting nature, but it is rare to feel it now that most people live in urban environments. Man-made interiors, synthetic fabrics, and chemical-laden products are part of the modern-day norm, but you can break free from the mold. 

If you, like many others, have a newfound love for the natural world, there are ways to invite more of it inside your home. Some of you are probably familiar with indoor plants or even have some of your own. Maybe you notice a new leaf from a plant you’ve been attending to, or perhaps you observe when certain leaves get too much sun. There’s even a chance that you feel more centered and grounded when you walk barefoot in the grass. 

Invite More Nature Into Your Home

The desire to reconnect with nature has never been stronger. The world is technologically driven, so it makes sense! Incorporating more nature into your home is more than adding a houseplant to your office. You can have an indoor herb garden, purchase natural, tactile texture, and use raw exposed woods for shelving. You can even consider eucalyptus or bamboo sheets for a more eco-friendly, soft touch to the skin. 

We are no stranger to the moss wall or terra-cotta pots, but these things aren’t for everyone. Consider the following tips to help bring nature into your home and let us know which ones you like the best. You may already be doing some of these things!

Check Your Labels For Cotton

One of the easiest things you can start to do is buy 100% cotton clothing. Not only is cotton a more sustainable fabric than synthetic materials, but it is also 100% recyclable and occasionally biodegradable. Cotton shirts, for example, are much more durable, easy to clean, and get more comfortable over time. Beyond the sustainability aspect, cotton is breathable, lightweight, soft, and cozy. Whether you have cozy bed sheets, billowing curtains, or knitted blankets, cotton is a soothing vibe and a great natural fiber to have in your home. 

Create A Beautiful View With Natural Landscape Prints

If the view from your window is a sea of buildings, invite some natural beauty into the room with a dreamy landscape print. According to several studies, looking at green landscapes helps to calm the mind, improve productivity, and relieve stress. Some researchers note that both moss walls and botanical prints bring life to a room. There are even some furniture pieces that are environmentally-rooted! There’s nothing wrong with having a simple desk plant, either!

Become A Plant Parent

When you become a plant parent, you understand the struggles of caring for a plant. If you are new to plants, ask someone which plants are best for indoors and which ones are low-maintenance. Many indoor plants can help improve air quality and reduce stress, all the while providing amazing natural decor. You can get a potted plant for your desk or buy a hanging plant for a shelf. Hanging plants can truly make you feel like you are in a jungle abode! If simple plants are not your cup of tea, consider a garden of microgreens. 

Choose Tactile Textures For A Tranquil Kitchen

Trying to incorporate more of the biophilia trend into your home? Choose sustainably sourced natural materials and furniture that connect you more with the outside world. When planning a kitchen, for example, choose hard materials that exist in the natural world. Contrasting wooden herringbone flooring and a striking marble countertop or backsplash can add calming dynamics and patterns to your home. You’ll find that natural flooring, cork, or bamboo help ground you more than cement flooring does. 

Divide Your Space With A Plant Rail

Hanging plants are great because they grow up and down out of their pots. They can truly transform your space, making it feel like you are in a jungle. A room divider can be as simple as a hanging device, from which you can hang plants. You can use such a divider in your office, bedroom, or dining room. It essentially acts as a wall between two spaces, yet it blends perfectly within the space. Decorating your home with plants means that they’ll release more oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Depending on the type of plant, it may or may not boost your mood and reduce stress levels.

SHARE:

The post 5 Creative Ways To Bring Nature Into Your Home appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A recent study showed that a person’s financial health has a large impact on overall well being, especially when compared to emotional or physical health. Although money can induce stress, it doesn’t have to. A little financial knowledge can help expand your portfolio and confidence about your economic future. All of that can make a big difference to your physical and mental health. This article aims to cover the mind and body’s relationship to the wallet. 

There are so many wellness trends nowadays, especially in big metropolitan cities. From goat yoga and cold plunges to $20 smoothies and luxury getaways, wellness is now expensive. In reality, wellness does not have to cost the same as a five star international vacation. In fact, living well doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money at all. There are many wellness habits that can actually help you save money, or help you spend it more responsibly. Read on to learn about three ways to live better and spend smarter. 

Getting In Touch With Nature

There are more and more studies that confirm the link between time spent in nature and better mental health. Researchers note that living closer to green spaces can increase longevity and reduce complaints associated with health. As a start, nature seems to serve as a buffer between life’s many stressors, and reducing stress can contribute to better physical and mental health. Several studies from Japan confirmed that phytoncides in certain trees can help lower anxiety, reduce stress hormones, and improve blood pressure. Plus, being outdoors can also increase vitamin D levels, provided you spend time in the sun.

You don’t have to pay a lot of money to become one with nature. The U.S. National Park System has over 400 parks, many of which have free entry year-round. The ones that do have entrance fees tend to have fee-free days as well. City parks are also free and research indicates that greenery in cityscapes is highly beneficial for overall health. People who live near parks tend to exercise 25% more than people who don’t live near parks. 

Being Mindful

Mindfulness is another one of those trendy buzzwords you hear in regards to mental health and wellness. It is the practice of approaching actions with both attention and intention. Mindful eating, for example, is about taking more time to make healthy decisions about food and how much of it you enjoy. Being mindful about anything is truly about finding the why, because it helps you think about your choices and how they will affect your future. Doesn’t that sound like a great way to approach your finances?

Practicing mindful money decisions helps you align your purchases with your purpose. When you know your values and know what you want to live for, you have a better system for making decisions. Your values help inform you of the right decision, be it upgrading your home or moving money into your savings account. Plus, making mindful purchases means that you are less mindless about spending, and the guilt that comes with it.

Setting Boundaries

As a general rule of self-care, setting boundaries can help improve many aspects of your life. Boundaries help you see the clear divide between work life and home life and certain relationships. When you set boundaries, you can establish a better connection with yourself. Financial boundaries are equally as important, though. Establishing financial boundaries can help you decide you believe you should spend your money and where you think that money should go. When you have financial boundaries, you can establish how much you intend to and stick to it. If your friends know that you have boundaries about spending a certain amount, that can better inform them about group activities or dinner decisions.

SHARE:

The post 3 Wellness Habits That May Help You Save Money appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We are in the middle of summer, which means that a beach vacation or at least a weekend outing should be on your to-do list. It’s such a fun outing, whether you are by yourself or with the entire family. Although the beach adventure or vacation tends to be a relaxing outing, it is possible to pack some high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into the experience. The workout in this article is designed for the sand; just make sure you don’t get burnt while feeling the burn.

The sand is an excellent surface on which to workout. It actually provides resistance, meaning it makes your workout a tad bit tougher. Because the sand constantly shifts under your feet, you have to actively work to engage your muscles to stabilize yourself. These are the muscles that people typically fail to engage at the gym or on a paved surface. Additionally, the sand also provides a little extra cushion, which can be beneficial for those with joint pain. The high-impact nature of HIIT workouts can strain the joints, so doing these workouts on the sand reduces the risk of muscle and joint damage. Best of luck on the workout below!

Before you start your workout, look for firmer and level sand, or wherever it looks the most inviting. Start with a brisk walk or jog for about five or 10 minutes to elevate your heart rate. At that point, begin with Block 1 and work your way through Block 3. Continue reading to learn how to do the exercises. 

Block 1

Complete each exercise in this block for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds before moving on to the next exercise in the block. Repeat the block for two sets and then move on to Block 2. Make sure to rest for 60-90 seconds before starting Block 2.

Lateral Shuffles

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. Angle your upper body forward from the hips and bend the knees slightly. Hold your hands in front of you, bending your elbows as if creating the pose to catch a football. From this squatted position, step your right foot to the side, shift your weight to that foot, and then quickly follow with the left foot. Repeat four times to complete four shuffles to the right, switch sides, and then come back. Repeat for 30 seconds and then rest.

Lateral Bear Crawls

Being on your hands and knees with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Lift your knees about an inch or two off the sand, supporting yourself with only your hands and feet. Remain in this position and simultaneously step your right foot and right hand a few inches to the right, following suit with your left foot and left hand. Complete three more steps to the right, engaging your core throughout. Repeat four more steps to the left and then continue until 30 seconds has elapsed. 

Block 2

Complete each exercise in the block for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds before moving on to the next exercise in the block. Repeat each exercise twice and then move on to the next block, making sure to rest for 60-90 seconds before starting Block 3. 

Broad Jump To Back Pedal

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and knees slightly bent. Use your arms to propel you as you jump forward as far as you can. Run backwards to your starting position and repeat. If you need a low-impact version of this, simply step one foot at a time as far forward as you can and then shuffle back to the start. Continue for 30 seconds and then rest. 

Mountain Climber To Half-Burpee

Begin in a high plank position, keeping your hands directly below your shoulders. Engage your core to keep your body in a straight line. Complete four mountain climbers, driving your right knee to your chest while engaging your lower abdomen. Follow suit with the left knee, making sure to complete four reps per leg. Follow with a half-burpee. Jump your feet to your hands and land in a low squat. Lift your upper body up straight and then step back into the high plank. Repeat this cycle for 30 seconds and then rest. 

Block 3

Complete each exercise in the block for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds before moving on to the next exercise in the block. Repeat each exercise twice to complete the workout. 

Forward Squat Jack With 180-Degree Jump Turn

Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and bend your knees. Jump forward as far as you can, using your arms to aid this effort. Land in a slightly squatted position and then jump-turn 180 degrees to face the direction from where you jumped. Repeat this cycle for 30 seconds and then rest. 

High Plank Travels With Push-Up

Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Keep your body in a straight line and engage your core. Just as you did in the lateral bear crawls, simultaneously step your right hand and right foot to the right about one foot and follow suit with your left hand and foot. Complete three more times and then do a push-up. Repeat to the other side to continue the pattern. Continue this cycle for 30 seconds and then rest.

SHARE:

The post A Beach-Friendly HIIT Workout For Summer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.