stress relief Archives ~ Health Sifu

July 24, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Nature Therapy: 3 Low-Key Ways To Increase Your Time Outside

.
Nature Therapy

The Japanese culture has a concept of healthy living called the “forest bath.”
.
It involves spending time outdoors in a natural setting, away from the hectic pace of modern life, enjoying the peace and serenity of a forest, park or backyard area.

For hundreds of years, their culture has understood that time spent in natural areas can help to reduce stress and improve your health.
.
Today, this idea is seeing renewed interest. You can easily find ways to spend time outdoors in a laid-back way if you employ these tips.

1 – Visit Your Community’s Green Spaces

Communities around the country have begun to understand the value of providing “green spaces” for residents of cities and towns that allow them to relax among trees, gardens and water features.
.
These areas can be an effective anti-dote for daily stress and provide opportunities for healthy exercise such as jogging, biking, rowing and athletic games.
.
Your community’s outdoor spaces are also a good place to re-connect with children, providing healthy physical activity in the age of computer screens and smartphones.
,
Parks and gardens also become meeting places to connect with neighbors and others in the community. These areas provide an oasis of quiet and beauty that is available to everyone who wishes to enjoy them.
.
Take advantage of these green spaces that are so conveniently located in your neighborhood, to refresh your body and your spirit.

2 – Create An Outdoor Retreat on Your Property

You can also make your own nature retreat under the trees in your own back yard.
.
Installing an outdoor hot tub can provide a relaxing oasis from the hectic, modern world where you can enjoy a moment of serenity, or share your retreat with friends.
.
Hot tubs and spas are available in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can choose one that best suits the outdoor space in your yard.
.
Sitting quietly in a gazebo or under a pergola in your yard can help you to refresh your mind after a hard week at work. You can also use these structures for entertaining friends and family members, to share your oasis with those you love.
.
With these additions, you can make a perfect spot to unwind from the day.

3 – Vacation at a National Park

A visit to one of our nation’s beautiful national parks provides a low-key vacation with plenty of activities to entertain all members of the family, and still allows opportunities to recharge your emotional batteries.
.
These preserved areas of the country offer hiking, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing and rafting amid ancient forests, spectacular mountains, magnificent waterfalls and serene lakes and rivers.
.
Entry fees are affordable at national parks across the country. Costs for lodging and meals at national parks are generally lower than a pricey resort vacation, which makes a low-key dent in your budget. In addition, they generally offer camp grounds with a variety of amenities.
.
National parks are popular vacation destinations, so you should make your reservations well in advance of your trip.
.

Scientists have found that spending time in natural areas has a number of beneficial effects on body and mind.
.
Being outdoors in nature involves moving around, walking, balancing and climbing which is good for your overall physical health.
.
In addition, the calming colors, sounds and textures of the outdoors helps to calm and energize people both mentally and psychologically.
,
If you want to feel energized, with an improved mood and a profound sense of well-being, get outdoors and commune with nature.

Freelance Writer, Emma Sturgis
emmasturgis@gmail.com

June 19, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

The Health Benefits Of Gardening ~ 8 Amazing Benefits for You

.
Health Benefits Of Gardening For You

It is supposed that gardening brings you about more benefits than expected in physical and mental aspects.
.
Some typical examples can be named such as pruning roses, digging trenches, growing organic fruits and vegetables and planting bulbs.

Below are how gardening helps improve your mental and physical health.
.

1. Exercise

Gardening is not merely a single activity but a complex process requiring movements of many parts of your body. So, it helps you both practice and improve your health in general.

It is said that gardening needn’t get an intake of iron. Therefore, your cardiovascular well-being may enjoy nothing if you don’t practice hard enough every day.

Meanwhile, repetitive activities such as mowing with a lawn mower, planting, mowing the lawn and digging need stretching or strength. Such low-impact exercises are highly recommended for the old or disabled, and even those with chronic pain.

2. Improved immune system

.
Probably most of us want to get rid of bacteria and germ after we are exposed to the soil because of safety.
.
However, it is a fact that some kinds of microorganisms help protect us, especially children from common diseases. They help to strengthen our immune system.
.
,

3. Supports Weight-Loss

Losing weight is seemingly the top priority for many people. One of the studies in the American Journal of Public Health has proved that gardening can help you lose weight.

It is noted that non-gardeners tend to have a considerably higher body weight as well as level of obesity when compared to gardeners.

4. Gardening as Mental Therapy

Most times people are not aware of the positive psychological impacts that gardening can give. In reality, working in the garden probably creates a feeling of being relaxation and helps you concentrate intently. Or very simply, gardening can make you happy and proud when you embrace it as your hobby.

5. Natural Source of Vitamin D

Needless to say, everyone knows how important vitamin D is. We wouldn’t take in calcium which plays a crucial role in forming strong bones and strengthening the immune system without vitamin D. Moreover, depression or anxiety can be eased with the help of vitamin D.

So soaking up warm sunshine while working in a garden is really a wonderful choice.

6. Gardening – End of Stress

It is true that working in a garden even helps reduce stress more efficiently than taking part in physical activities.

According to CNN, two groups of students agreed to participate in a study conducted in the Netherlands to observe their reaction after they finalize a nerve-racking mission.

The first team was told to read anything they like indoors while the other was required to do the garden for half an hour. The result was the gardening team felt happier and the amount of cortisol hormone that causes pressure recorded was much lower than the reading team.

7. Gardening – not just enjoying your meaningful life!

Not only does gardening make you indulged in the beauty of nature, it also helps you feel abundant, thankful and awesome.

8. Allergies are not main problem

It is proved that doing the garden could help you stay away from some common diseases such as flu and colds as well as symptoms of allergy.

Maybe some people think that exposure to the garden, especially some certain kinds of flowers and plants to prevent allergy is a weird and stupid thing to do. However, some studies have discovered that a mechanism of resistance of pollen will be formed if someone touches pollen since he or she is very small.

In case allergy is still your concern, don’t hesitate to take a glance at some useful advice or see a doctor directly.

.
Author
Richard Clayton

.
I am a lawn care and gardening enthusiast. That is the reason why I create my blog (mygreenerylife.com). On my website you, me and our friends can discuss everything about lawn care, DIY gardening and pest&critter control topics.
.

June 19, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Reduce Aches and Pains ~ 3 Lifestyle Tips

.
3 LifeStyle Tips to Reduce Aches and Pains

For many of us, aches and pains become more common as we get older. Our immune system also becomes weaker. We become more prone to health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
.
However, we can alleviate future problems by committing to a healthier lifestyle, so the future does not have to be bleak and depressing.
.
If you are worried about your health, you should always go and see your doctor as soon as you can.
.
However, for non-medical advice, follow the 3 lifestyle tips below for other ways you can stay healthier. By doing so, you can offset the changes in your body that aging can bring.

Improve your diet

You don’t need to be told to eat healthily, but a reminder is always useful.
.
Sometimes we neglect our bodies by consuming foods that are not good for us. The occasional treat and take away is fine. However, if your diet only consists of fatty foods and sugar you are going to feel the effects, physically and mentally.
.
When you eat healthy foods, with all the vital nutrients your body needs, you are going to feel a lot better.
.
Fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fish, eggs, poultry, and nuts will give you everything you need for a stable diet, covering all of the food groups.

Exercise regularly

Unfortunately, walking to the kitchen and back to make yourself a cup of tea does not constitute good exercise.
.
You need to get out of the armchair and give your bones and muscles time to work. Failure to do will result in stiff joints, weight issues, and increased tiredness.
.
Many people consider exercise a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Find something active to do on a regular basis that will give you pleasure.
.
For example, taking part in sports that you enjoyed when you were younger, or going for a pleasant walk in the country are just a couple of ways you can enjoy exercise. You don’t have to go it alone, as you can enlist family and friends to come with you, making your keep-fit routine a social activity.
.
If you are already experiencing aches in your body, you should consider visiting an osteopath for helpful advice and therapy.
.
Any exercise you take part in should be paced, so you are not doing more damage to your body. However, regular flexing of your muscles and joints will eventually alleviate the pain if there are no long- standing medical conditions.

Control your stress

Reduce Aches and Pains We are holistic beings, so sometimes stress will affect us physically, as well as mentally. Physical symptoms can include high blood pressure, as well as headaches and other body pains.
.
Exercise is one way of alleviating stress, as it releases powerful endorphins into our brain. Many people find yoga and meditation good solutions for helping body and mind.
.
We can’t get rid of stress completely, but we shouldn’t ignore it and let it go untreated. Do what you can to alleviate your stress, and always seek professional advice if you find it overwhelming you.

May 20, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

How to Maintain A Healthy Heart ~ 9 Smart Heart Tips

,
9 Stellar Tips to Maintain A Healthy Heart

Your heart is the biggest and the most important muscle of your body. It pumps clean blood to all the organs to keep our body functions up and running.
.
So this is why it is very important to keep our heart healthy and strong. Below are 9 smart tips you can adopt.
.

1. Don’t Remain Seated for a Long Time

Do you work out for a straight 60 minutes a day? If so, and if you remain seated for longer periods of time, then you have to rethink this habit.
.
Recent studies have shown that people who sit for longer periods of time are more prone to getting affected by some type of heart disease as compared to those who move around.
.
So, if you have a job which requires you to work while sitting at a desk, make it a habit to get up and walk around for 15 minutes after every hour or two. Stay active at work! You can always squeeze some in some exercise even in the busiest of schedules!
.
If possible, work while standing up instead of sitting down. Also, try to take the stairs instead of the elevators. These small changes will help you in maintaining a healthy heart.

2. Sleep Properly

How you sleep is very important for a healthy heart.
.
An adult should sleep at least for 6 to 8 hours straight. So, if you sleep fewer hours than 6 to 8, no matter how good your eating and workout habits are, you are more at a risk of having a cardiovascular disease and even a stroke.
.
When you don’t get sufficient sleep, your body does not perform its functions properly. This is because it hardly gets any time to rest and instead overworks.
.
You may suffer from inflammation eventually which can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure eventually. Lack of sleep also affects the biological performance of various organs.
.
Thus, sleeping properly is really important for a healthy, body, mind and heart. Here are 4 holistic sleep solutions for improved deep sleep tonight and every night!

3. Say No to Trans-Fats

Trans fats are artificial fats which are industrially produced for commercial usage. These fats are high in LDL ( the bad cholesterol fat). .
When you consume too much of these, they clog up your arteries and affect the blood flow from heart to the other organs of the body. This causes an extra strain on the heart which can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

Trans fats are usually present with the name of hydrogenated oil in different commercially prepared food items. This is why you should avoid eating margarine, bakery items, fast food items and snacks. They are highly addictive and add an extra tasty flavor to the food items, which is not worth your life.
.
And you should also be aware that such foods most likely also contain high fructose corn syrup HFCS, a cheap pseudo-food-sugar put into every commercially produced food, especially fast foods and snacks.
.
These food ingredients can easily lead to degenerative diseases like arthritis and cancer.
.
Make a transition to real food ingredients like first cold-pressed virgin olive oil, butter and animal fat like goose grease.

Heart Juice to Clear Arterial Plaque

4. Go For Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are basically good fats which increase good cholesterol or HDL in your body.
.
These fats are good for your heart and its functions. They do not destroy any of your organs.
.
Neither do they create an extra layer of fats on any of your precious organs.
.
Try a real saturated fat dish like our chicken wing delice – cooked with goose great, and highly cardiovascular healthy!
.
You have no need to be wary. Cholesterol actually is vital to your good health. All your bodily hormones are made from cholesterol – imagine that! Mothers’ milk contains cholesterol.
.
So go on! Top up on your consumption of cholesterol-rich foods.

5. Quit Smoking

“Smoking is injurious to health.” we have heard it a lot any times, and it is very true.
.
When you smoke, you get more prone to getting heart disease. This is because the smoke which you inhale enters your lungs and clogs your arteries.
.
Your lungs find it hard to breathe. This causes strain on the heart when it comes to inhaling oxygen, as your body is loaded with carbon dioxide.
.
Smoking also causes plaque to form in the arteries. Thus, a smoker is more likely to suffer from a heart attack even at an early age as compared to a non smoker.

6. Avoid Second-Hand Smoke

Second hand smoke is as equally harmful as smoking itself. Research has shown that you are likely to suffer from heart disease 30% more if you are exposed to second-hand smoke.
.
The risk is even more if you do not smoke. You will still suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure.
.
This is why you mus absolutely stop exposing yourself to second-hand smoke.
.
Make your home smoke-free. If you have a friend or a colleague who has a habit of smoking in front of you, excuse yourself from their presence. Alternatively, tell them politely not to smoke in front of you.

7. Take Care of Your Oral Health

Have you ever wondered why there are dentists sitting in heart clinics?
.
This is because people who do not practice good oral hygiene are likely to suffer from various gum-related and periodontal diseases.
.
Such patients are more prone to falling prey to any heart disease.
,
To avoid this, make sure that you not just brush your teeth twice a day, but you also floss them on a regular basis.

8. Keep Track of Your Blood Pressure

If you suffer from high blood pressure or your family has a history of it, then you should keep track of it.
.
High BP can damage the arteries and eventually your heart. To prevent this, try avoiding foods which are precursors of a high BP. These include commercially processed foods, fast foods, GM-ed foods and the trans fats mentioned above.
.
Reduce the intake of commercially-refined table salt in your diet. Quit sprinkling it on your salads in a raw form. However, do use raw, unrefined sea salt normally. It is the one which looks slimy and is a grayish, dirty colour. Salt is vital and important for good cardiovascular and overall, general health.
.
Eat more real food including fruits, vegetables and lean meat. Have a balanced diet, so that you can enjoy a long and healthy life. And join this tribe of foodists who eat delicious, real food as medicine!

9. Avoid Stress

Stress is a very common underlying cause behind various heart diseases.
.
Avoid getting stressed over useless things. If your kid has got bad grades in exams, then don’t stress over it. There is always another test coming up in which your child can perform better.
.
Is your job is giving you stress? Avoid thinking about it. Start thinking about the positive factors related to your work which makes you happy.
.
.
Stress causes extra strain on the heart, which can be avoided. Learn to stop mental stress with this mind control exercise. Additionally, take bio-available magnesium. It is a very good relaxant and beneficial for heart health.
.
.
Maintaining a healthy heart is achievable and manageable. Just make some small changes in your life and you will notice how good your overall health will become in a short space of time.
.
Staying happy is also an important factor which can release a lot of tension from your body. Happiness will make you feel light and satisfied.

.Guest Contributor
James David

I’m a student of Medical Science, I have been experimenting the use of different medical products for the last 4 years and have enough knowledge on a lot of medical tools.
.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: Fast Track to Heart Disease

Heart Health and Magnesium

Women’s Heart Attack Warning Signs

April 11, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Home Remedies For Stress You Should Use Right Now ~ 5 Mega Tips!

.
Home Remedies for Stress ~ Follow These Tips for Effect Relief

For some people, stress is a common guest in their lives. It comes in and gives them a good shake that can sometimes serve as a motivating factor to do better or more.
.
For others, however, stress constantly hounds them. It makes it hard to do what they want with their lives. Stress is ever spoiling any scenario or moment it can find a way in.
.
.
If you find that stress is around a little more often than you would like, you might want to try one or other of these home remedies below.

The Healing Scents of Essential Oils

One of the best tools for home stress therapy is aromatherapy.
.
This results-giving therapy has been around for years, taking a back seat. Now we’re starting to learn the science behind it and how powerful a trigger a scent can be.
.
Essential oils like lavender and yuzu aren’t just for going to sleep. They relax the body physically, which has a big effect in relaxing the mind as well.

Stress-Relief for Bad Back Pains

Indeed, the mind and body are linked. Physical stress, like long-lasting back pain, can be as much a cause of stress as any emotional or mental crisis.

If physical pain might be your cause, you should look into furniture changes which make it a lot easier for the body to relax.
.
In the bedroom, for instance, a foam mattress could do a bad back a lot more good.
.
However in the office, you should look into ergonomic chairs which offer more support and take some of the day-long pressure off your back.

A Good Stretch Helps!

Moving the body around more can be just as good for your stress as resting it more often.
.
Exercise releases endorphins which are an immediate mood lifter.
.
However, exercises like yoga often teach other methods of dealing with stress as well. You are not just working out. You’re learning the breathing exercises which can play a big role in the next home remedy as well.

Breathing as Meditation for Stress-Relief

Indeed, those breathing exercises are a key to good meditation.
.
Meditation is about more than sitting still for a long time. It’s about being mindful of your body and learning how to slow it down and let it truly relax.
.
.
Mentally, it also lets you get a bit of distance from your problems and behaviour. It offers a different perspective that could help you see solutions a lot more clearly.

Sound Therapy

If you have trouble meditating, there are many other shortcuts to help you achieve relaxation too.

As with aromatherapy, sound can play a big role in changing the context of our mind. Sites like Stress Control Audio specialise in creating soundscapes which can make it easier to sleep, easier to meditate and easier to learn mindful thinking.
.
All these are essential tools in banishing stress.
.

If you’re having trouble with stress relief from the points above, then it might be time to go deeper. Find someone to talk to and address the root causes of your stress.
.
There’s only so much complementary remedies can do. You must be ready to tackle stress head-on.
.
.

March 16, 2017 By Luckily Leave a Comment

Overcoming Anxiety ~ 3 Smart Tips to Beat This Disorder and Come Up Trumps!

.
Overcoming Anxiety

.
It wasn’t that long ago that anxiety was almost completely unheard of. It wasn’t even regarded as an official mental health condition.
.
People living with the disorder had to suffer in silence, something which often had a detrimental effect on their quality of life.
.
.
Fast forward to today, however, anxiety (plus many more mental health issues) is taken a lot more seriously. However, living with such a condition can still be really hard. Why? What if the people around you don’t know how to react to your condition? That’s a reality.

Anxiety is something which affects everyone in different ways. What therapy brings relief for one person may not necessarily work for you.
.
Here are a few different ways you can tackle your anxiety and get back to living a regular, happy life.

Therapy

Following a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, the first thing you will be offered is some form of therapy.
.
Many people have the common misconception that therapy means paying a man in a suit $300 an hour. You then sit on his chaise longue in his consultation room and tell him all your problems.
.
Therapy can, in fact, come in many shape or forms. Your doctor will usually refer you to a specialist who will help you determine which type you need.
.
For example, you may end up consulting with a Psychiatrist who recommends that you engage in one-to-one cognitive behavioral therapy. Or, you may find that group therapy works better for you. .
.
Whatever you end up going for, therapy and counseling usually provide good results for those with mild to moderate anxiety disorders.

Medication

You many find that therapy doesn’t works for you. Or perhaps your case is moderate to severe. In such a case, your doctor may prescribe you some medication to help manage your symptoms.
.
It is always best to be mindful of the amount of medicines you take to help manage your anxiety. This is because of a safety issue for your welfare: While some medicines can safely be taken on a long-term basis, it is very easy to become dependent on others.
.
If you can, try and combine any medication you are taking with a course of cognitive therapy. You will more likely to see positive results this way.
.
In most cases, you will be prescribed a type of drug called an SSRI. These drugs increase the level of serotonin in your brain.

Self-care

.
As well as seeking professional help, there are also ways you can manage your anxiety on your own. .
.
Take up the practices of meditation and mindfulness. Both these disciplines are proven to help people struggling with anxious thoughts and feelings. They help to calm the mind which result in a more serene presence.
.
.
You may also want to consider taking up regular exercise. What about adopting a healthier diet? as An unhealthy lifestyle can worsen the effects of anxiety.

.
Millions of people all over the world live with anxiety. If you follow even one of these tips, its benefits will ensure that anxiety doesn’t end up taking over your life.
.

stress relief

. Nature Therapy