Healthy at Every Age Archives - Page 9 of 11

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin

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Did you know that the body’s largest organ is the skin? And what an important organ it is. Skin does more than keep our insides from falling out.

Our skin is a waterproof, insulating defense against temperature extremes, harmful chemicals, dangerous sunlight and infection. Exposure to all of those things ages the skin as we get older, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and rough patches.

I’m not trying to hide my age. Rather, I rejoice in my journey of 62 years. However, I’ve learned to care for my skin as part of my overall health practice. Embracing a plant based lifestyle four years ago made me realize that true skin care begins within with adequate hydration and skin nourishing foods.

People ask me what products I use, to care for my skin. I’m happy to share.

Here is my daily routine for healthy skin, with the actual products that I use and links to those products.

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin title meme

Healthy Skin Begins Within

I’d be remiss if I didn’t begin with the most important practice for healthy skin. What we put into our bodies shows up on our skin. I experienced a lifetime of rashes and skin irritations because of a gluten intolerance. A poor diet contributes to a host of skin disorders and conditions. For a glowing complexion, start with these tips.

Adequate Hydration

Our bodies need water to survive. And it is critical for healthy skin. Eight glasses of water is a good guide, just don’t guzzle it down. The body quickly eliminates excess water. Instead, sip on water throughout the day, allowing it to be absorbed more slowly. Fill a large water bottle, keep it nearby, and have a goal of emptying it a couple of times during the day. Hydrating the body goes a long way toward keeping the skin healthy and supple, which helps to combat dryness and aging.

Herbal teas count as water intake and the herbs deliver their own benefits to the body. To nourish the skin, try drinking these herbal teas: dandelion, burdock, calendula, comfrey, lavender and rose.

Limit coffee and alcohol. Both dehydrate the body, and the skin, contributing to aging the skin’s appearance.

Hydrating Foods

Fruits such as watermelon and vegetables such as cucumber have a hydrating effect on the body and therefore the skin. Add these healing foods to your diet and experience a difference in your skin’s appearance: celery, root vegetables, avocado, almonds, red and yellow bell peppers, berries, walnuts, hemp seeds and flax seeds.

Skin Repairing Supplements

In addition to the foods and herbs listed above, I’ve seen tremendous benefits from taking these two supplements daily.

Horsetail Grass – the silica in this herb is key to the formation of collagen, a vital skin building block that is essential for strength and elasticity. As we age, the body naturally produces less collagen, resulting in common signs of aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles. Stiff joints are a sign that the body is producing less collagen. Horsetail grass soothes those aching, inflamed joints as well.

Organic Plant Collagen Builder – this vegan collagen supplement supports healthy hair, skin and nails. Most collagen supplements contain beef. I’m thrilled with this plant based brand from MyKind Organics.

An additional benefits from taking these two supplements…my eyelashes are so healthy and full.

Pick up these supplements HERE and HERE.

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin supplements — My daily routine for healthy skin – supplements

My Morning Routine

Because of my evening routine the night before, my morning one is simple.

Filorga Micellar Solution

First, I cleanse and tone my face with Filorga Micellar Solution.

This gentle, fragrance free solution removes makeup and soil without over drying the skin. It’s enriched with moisturizers and 50 anti-aging ingredients that actually help to build up collagen. Apply the solution to a cotton ball and smooth over face, eyelids and throat. No need to rinse. Just let it dry.

Smartr Skin Eye Treatment

Then I apply Eye Treatment from Smartr Skin over my entire face. I LOVE the products from Smartr Skin. See why in my review. This lightweight, de-ionized water based lotion absorbs easily and quickly into the skin. I use it exclusively in the morning, over my entire face. Eye Treatment Lotion is unscented and rich with superior anti-aging ingredients such as aloe vera gel, hydrolyzed rice bran protein, and extracts of grape, cucumber, pineapple, passion flower and lemon.

Visit the Smartr Skin website and use my code, CINDYM20OFF to save 20% off of your order!

Coppertone Sunscreen

And finally, before applying makeup, I use a SPF 50 sunscreen on my face if I’m going to be outside at all. This Coppertone for Sensitive Skin is currently perfect for me. When I run out of this tube, I’ll explore other sunscreen options.

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin morning — My daily routine for healthy skin – morning products

My Makeup

I discovered BOOM Makeup by Cindy Jacob, for pro-age women over 50, four years ago. I love their natural, simplified products. Rather than covering the face, BOOM products add a healthy glow to the skin with lightweight cream moisturizer, color and highlighter.

The BOOM Trio includes Glo, a colorless, protective, nourishing moisturizer in stick form. I primarily use this product when I travel. The trio of sticks make packing my makeup so easy.

BOOMSTICK Color, in sheer berry, that is perfect for all skin tones. This is a multipurpose product that goes on the cheeks, forehead, lips, brows, sides of neck…anywhere you want a touch of color. Cindy’s intention is to mimic the beautiful flush a woman gets when she’s joyful…or aroused…or joyfully aroused!

BOOMSTICK Glimmer goes on last. This pearlescent glimmer is applied on brows, upper cheekbones, bottom lip, shoulders, collarbones…anywhere you want a bit of shine and highlight.

It takes me about five minutes to apply this ultra-nourishing makeup. BOOM is only available on their website. They frequently run specials and carry additional high quality products. Plus they are SO encouraging to women.

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin BOOM — My daily routine for healthy skin – BOOM Trio

My Evening Routine

No matter how late it is, or how tired I am, I faithfully follow this night time routine before bed.

Bioderma Foaming Gel Cleanser

I wash my face with a gentle foaming micellar gel cleanser, this one from Bioderma. This highly moisturizing, fragrance free cleanser is designed for sensitive skin. It leaves mine looking and feeling fresh and so soft.

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel

Next I apply a traditional favorite, Witch Hazel from Dickinson’s. Read about why witch hazel is a great choice for the skin. I love the way it tightens my pores.

Smartr Skin Vitamin C Serum

After the witch hazel dries, I apply this amazing Vitamin C Serum, from Smartr Skin.

This luxurious enriched serum smooths easily onto the skin of the face, neck and chest. Just a few drops is all that it takes. It contains skin supporting ingredients such as aloe, vitamins C and E, MSM, botanical hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, jojoba oil and horsetail, dandelion and geranium extracts.

The hyaluronic acid helps create new collagen, restoring the elasticity and structure of skin damaged over the years by the sun and harsh elements in the environment. I’ve seen noticeable improvements in my skin’s texture since using Smartr Skin’s Vitamin C Serum.

Smartr Skin Jade Roller & Gua Sha Facial Tool

This is my newest addition to my evening routine. The jade roller helps to reduce under eye puffiness and promotes lymphatic fluid drainage. The cool stone rollers refresh and restore the skin without the use of chemicals.

And the gua sha tool gently stretches and tones the skin, increases blood flow and relaxes tense muscles in the face, neck and shoulders. Watch a tutorial video at the end of the post, for instructions on using both of these amazing tools.

I use the tools after I apply the vitamin C serum. The jade roller and gua sha help the serum to move deeply into my skin. This additional practice only takes a few minutes to complete.

Sometimes, as I’m watching Netflix, I use my DIY coconut oil serum with the jade roller and gua sha tool for an extended time. My face literally glows and feels so tingly!

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin jade — My daily routine for healthy skin – jade roller and gua sha facial tool

Smartr Skin Moisturizer

This rich formula hydrates the skin, locking in moisture for a healthy, glowing complexion without clogging pores. Great for all skin types, the moisturizer repairs sunspots, eases dry patches and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines.

The superior ingredients in Smartr Skin Moisturizer include sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, aloe vera gel, and extracts of avocado, carrot root, cucumber, ginseng root and linden tree leaf.

This lotion feels so luxurious and my skin drinks it up.

When you visit Smartr Skin, be sure to use my discount code CINDYM20OFF. Use this link to get the trio of the Eye Treatment, Vitamin C Serum and Moisturizer at a special price. And you can still use the discount code to save even more!

DIY Coconut Oil Serum

Finally, I apply my own concoction, this DIY serum, to my lips. I rub this soothing serum onto my upper chest and arms as well. Although I now use the products above on my face, this simple to make serum is amazing and very nourishing to the skin.

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin

There it is, my daily routine for vibrant, healthy skin. This is exactly what I do, step by step, and the precise products that I currently use. These products last for two months to nine months and of course the jade roller and gua sha tool should last indefinitely.

Am I worth this time and effort?

Yes. My morning and evening routines make me feel good and I love seeing the way my skin responds to this higher level of pampering. Plus these little routines send messages to my body that it’s either time to wake up and enter joyously into the day. Or, it’s time to enter into a calm, relaxed state and prepare for sleep.

Do you have a daily routine for healthy skin? If not, I hope this information is helpful. And please, if you have any questions about these routines or any of the products, ask in the comments below!

My Daily Routine for Healthy Skin glow — Glowing, healthy skin. I am worth it.

Journey With Healthy Me participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Smartr Skin Affiliate Program. These affiliate programs provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the companies’ websites, all at no extra cost to you.

Laughter is Medicine

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Laughter is the outward physical expression of humor, joy and delight. And, it’s more than that. There is a strong correlation between laughter and happiness and health.

In the 1300s Henri de Mondeville, professor of surgery, encouraged post operative therapy that consisted of laughter producing humor. And Norman Cousins, a professor and journalist, developed his own mood elevating treatment based on daily laughter. Ten minutes of laughter a day, he claimed, resulted in two hours of pain free sleep.

Laughter is medicine. Experiencing giggles, chuckles and belly laughs heals the body and promotes overall health in amazing ways.

Laughter is Medicine title meme

What Happens in the Body When You Laugh

All kinds of things make us laugh. A funny movie, a silly joke, our pet’s crazy antics or a child’s cute mispronounciation of a word gives us the giggles. Sometimes we laugh from nervousness, relief or even fear. Whatever the cause, during a bout of laughter the human body experiences changes.

A wave of electrical energy sweeps through the cerebral cortex. One side of the brain processes language or sights while the other side tries to make sense of what caused the laughter. We may reach a heightened emotional state that can produce tears. And we get a boost of happiness from the release of endorphins in the brain.

Fifteen muscles in the face contract during laughter. Just hearing someone laugh makes our facial muscles begin to contract, creating a contagious response.

Extended laughter makes the muscles relax and even weaken. The respiratory system responds by half closing off the larynx, resulting in gasps for air, a red face and sometimes that pig snorting sound! Extreme laughter can even cause fainting, as one of my sisters discovered.

Contracting muscles in the abdomen can even make you pee yourself as you laugh.

Laughter is Medicine inside joke — Laughter is Medicine – Greg and I got the giggles at a museum while trying to take a selfie

The Benefits of Laughter

Laughter truly is the best medicine, playing a major role in creating better health. (Read about six other simple health practices with big results HERE.)

Check out these amazing health boosters that laughter provides.

Strengthens the Immune System

Laughter, along with getting plenty of rest and vitamin D producing sunshine, strengthens the immune system. People who laugh often reduce stress related hormones in the body while increasing the number of T cells and natural killer cells, two things that help the body stay strong and healthy.

Gives the Body a Mini Workout

There’s a reason your abs feel sore after a good laugh. Laughter increases heart and respiration rates while causing muscles in the abdomen to contract. These mini workouts caused by laughter are similar to a short burst of aerobic exercise. Additionally, laughing for 10 to 15 minutes burns up to 40 calories during those big belly laughs.

Laughter is Medicine belly laugh — Laughter is Medicine – belly laughs are actually good for the belly

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

The giggles instantly lowers the body’s stress response and releases tension held in the muscles. Plus it plays a significant role in decreasing anxiety due to the release of the feel good hormones, endorphins. Laughter also helps you deal with challenging circumstances such as illnesses, embarrassing situations and life struggles.

Clears the Mind and Improves Focus

We are all familiar with brain fog. Laughter changes the chemistry in the brain, helping you think more clearly. And laughing engages the brain in a way that instantly sharpens focus, boosting productivity. Experiencing a mid afternoon slump? Watch a few minutes of a funny video like this one on YouTube.

Laughter is Medicine funny movie — Laughter is Medicine – watch a funny movie to boost productivity

Increases Blood Flow

Laughter increases blood flow…to the heart, improving cardiovascular health…and throughout the body. Stress narrows the blood vessels, reducing blood flow. Laughing expands them, increasing the flow of oxygen rich blood to vital organs and the extremities. Doctors discovered that leg ulcers healed faster when the patients laughed, due to increased blood flow that lowered inflammation.

Boosts Creativity

Laughter loosens up the mind, creating a relaxed state that makes you feel emotionally secure. That state of relaxation enables creative ideas to surface and flourish. Plus problem solving abilities increase after a good laugh.

Laughter is Medicine giggle laugh — Laughter is Medicine – creativity and problem solving increase

Better Quality of Life for Older Adults

Laughter improves the quality of life for older adults by increasing blood vessel function, relieving stress and anxiety and boosting happiness. Additionally, frequent bouts of laughter improves memory and reduces blood pressure and high cholesterol by increasing oxygen through blood circulation. Laughing increases endorphins and dopamine while reducing stress chemicals in the body. And it helps senior with bronchitis and asthma by exercising the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

Improves Relationships

Ask people what’s important to them, in their relationship with another, and many answer “a good sense of humor”. Laughter improves personal relationships, so much so that some experts believe that all other health benefits flow from the improved social support that laughter brings. Laughing together forms bonds, deepens connections, emotionally attunes people to one another and crosses language barriers. Laughter can diffuse a tense situation and lighten moods.

Laughter is Medicine birthday laugh — Laughter is Medicine – better quality of life for seniors

Bring More Laughter into Your Life

So how can you laugh more? Try these ideas.

smile more, signaling your brain and other people that you are ready to laugh
inject humor into conversations by asking if anything funny happened recently
tell funny stories and listen to giggle inducing tales from others
tell jokes and ask for one in return
read funny stories or crack open a joke book
watch humorous films and comedy series
laugh at yourself, often
watch funny videos on YouTube
attend a comedy club
watch comedians online or on tv
try out a laughing yoga class
spend time with kids…they are often hilarious
play with your pets and allow them to entertain you

Laughter does the heart and body good. It lightens mood, lifts the spirits and because it is contagious, it spreads easily to others, benefiting them too.

My grandchildren make me laugh. Funny movies and happy surprises do too. And sometimes I crack myself up when I’m feeling particularly witty.

What makes you laugh?

Laughter is Medicine laughing in Italy — Laughter is Medicine – my grandson Dayan and I cracking up in Italy

Laughter Finds on Amazon:

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors

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Ahhh summertime. It’s the season of playing outdoors, camping and swimming. We take road trips, hike through the woods, frolic at the beach and get away for a fun vacation.

We know being outdoors is good for us…fresh air, vitamin D producing sunshine and peaceful nature…however some of the benefits are lesser known.

Check out these 10 surprising benefits of being outdoors. And then get outside to explore and play and boost your health.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors title meme

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors

This year, with COVID19, stay at home orders and social distancing, getting outside is crucial. Not only is nature a safe environment, when maintaining distance from others and wearing a mask when necessary, it offers the gifts of health, wellness, clarity and well being.

Look at the surprising ways the outdoors heals us.

Improves Focus

Studies reveal that when we lose our ability to concentrate or focus on a task, getting outdoors for a few minutes helps us “clear our heads”. Nature allows the brain to take a break from mentally taxing activities, restoring focus when it’s time to concentrate again. Getting outdoors even improves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Supports Aging Gracefully

While too much sun can actually age unprotected skin, a recent study found that adults over the age of 70 benefit from time outdoors. Improvements include better sleep, less aches and pains, increased mobility and the ability to perform daily activities more easily.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors Edinburgh park — I’m not over 70 however I’m all for aging gracefully, one of the 10 surprising benefits of being outdoors.

Speeds Up the Healing Process

Sickness, disease and surgery are all conditions that can increase stress in our lives. And stress slows the healing process. Researchers discovered that patients who spent time outdoors during recovery required fewer pain meds. Additionally, they had fewer complications and experienced shorter hospital stays.

Reduces Inflammation

Connected to speeding up the healing process is the fact that being outdoors helps to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is linked to a host of health issues, from autoimmune disorders to depression to cancer. Studies show that spending time in green spaces calms the body’s inflammatory response.

For the greatest benefits, spend time in green spaces such as forests, meadows, parks and gardens, anywhere there’s an abundance of trees, grass and plants.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors bridge — 10 surprising benefits of being outdoors – walking in the woods to reduce inflammation

Boosts Immunity

We’ve learned just how important a strong immune system is, for fighting off viruses and infections. If you frequently catch what’s going around, spending time outdoors can help.

Trees and plants are especially beneficial for the immune system. Plants produce phytoncides that increase the production of a type of white blood cell in humans. These so called killer cells respond quickly to pathogens invading the body. Plus exposure to sunlight strengthens infection fighting T cells.

Sparks Creativity

Did you know that spending time outdoors can spark creativity? The best ideas come to us when we are relaxed and a bit unfocused. See my post on why showering creates the perfect environment for creative ideas.

Unplugging from the laptop or cell phone and taking a walk outside gives the mind a break, which allows a flow of fresh ideas to arise.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors creativity — Giving the brain a break and enjoying the beauty of nature allows creativity to flow.

Relieves Stress, Anxiety and Depression

One of the best ways to relieve stress, anxiety and depression is spending time outdoors. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the Japanese practice of connecting with nature through the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.

So how does forest bathing improve mental health? Spending time in nature lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. We need cortisol, for optimal health, however chronic elevated levels create health issues including anxiety, depression, memory and concentration problems and sleep disorders.

May Help Prevent Cancer

Research on this topic is ongoing, however, preliminary studies suggest that spending time in nature, especially forests, stimulates the production of anti-cancer proteins.

This boost in proteins last up to seven days after walking in the woods. Additionally, researchers found that areas with greater forest coverage have lower mortality rates from a broad range of cancers. This is a promising area of exploration.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors walk in the woods — A walk in the woods can help prevent cancer, one of 10 surprising benefits of being outdoors

Boosts Energy

When we feel like we need an energy boost, we often reach for a cup of coffee or a sugary soda. Instead of loading up on caffeine trying getting outside.

One study even suggests that spending 20 minutes outside boosts the brain and energy levels as much as a cup of coffee. Another study found that when participants simply looked at photos of nature, their energy levels surged upward. Pictures of cities did not have the same effect. Skip the pretty photos though, if possible, and step out into the fresh air.

Increasing Life Satisfaction

Getting outside has a positive effect on mood. More than that though, a recent study found that men and women who spent just 20 minutes outdoors in a park increased their level of life satisfaction by 64%!

Participants didn’t even have to exercise. Simply visiting the park boosted overall feelings of well being. Sitting on a park bench, strolling through a garden, having a picnic on a green expanse of grass is the ideal way to give spirits a lift.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors - park bench — Increased satisfaction with life is one of 10 surprising benefits of being outdoors.

Go Outside

As a child, I spent most of my summer outdoors. I swam, climbed trees, rode my bike and played a multitude of games with kids in the neighborhood. We ate lunch and often dinner on our porches and didn’t go inside until our parents called for us after sunset.

Today, kids spend an average of four to seven minutes a day outside. And adults spend 87% of their time indoors.

It’s no wonder our health suffers.

These are easy ways to boost health and well being. Get outside. Visit the park, hike through the woods, swim in the lake, meditate on the beach, plant flowers in a garden. Although activity outdoors is beneficial too, the simple act of being outdoors contributes mightily to our overall health.

Do you have a green space that you enjoy? I’d love to hear about it.

10 Surprising Benefits of Being Outdoors stream — 10 surprising benefits of being outdoors – find a green space to enjoy

Enjoy the outdoors with these Amazon finds:

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day

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July is National Blueberry Month and the 8th, National Blueberry Day. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy this seasonal fruit. Thankfully, however, frozen blueberries allow us to benefit from their goodness year around.

Wild blueberries, especially, offer amazing health benefits. Check out how they boost health and support wellness here. My dad introduced me to blueberries while I was still a toddler. He loved blueberry pie and cobbler. I’m grateful that I grew up appreciating this dark blue berry.

After embracing a plant based lifestyle, I discovered it’s not only simple to include blueberries in my diet, it is extremely desirable!

Check out these easy recipes for National Blueberry Day and enjoy summer’s bounty!

Recipes for National Blueberry Day title meme

Easy Ways to Include Blueberries

Before sharing links to recipes, consider these simple ways to add blueberries to your diet.

add fresh or frozen berries to smoothies and smoothie bowls
top pancakes or waffles with blueberries
use as a dessert topping, such as for vegan wacky cupcakes
mix fresh or frozen blueberries with other berries for a simple fruit bowl
my favorite, grab a handful of fresh blueberries to snack on

Recipes for National Blueberry Day

Try any of these delicious blueberry recipes in today’s round up. They are all healthy versions of traditional favorites.

Gluten Free and Oil Free Blueberry Mini Bites

These snack sized blueberry muffins are perfect with afternoon tea or to pack along on a picnic. And they are gluten, oil, egg and refined sugar free as well, making them extra healthy.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day mini muffins — Recipes for National Blueberry Day – mini muffins

Raw Wild Blueberry Pie

This wonderful plant based recipe, from Life Changing Foods by Anthony William, is sugar and gluten free, with no baking required. Light, fruity and so satisfying, this pretty pie is perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day pie — Recipes for National Blueberry Day – raw pie

Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread

Do you enjoy banana bread? This one ups the yums by adding wild blueberries. This beautiful loaf is free from gluten, refined sugar, eggs and diary products. However it’s full of flavor. I love a slice of this bread with a cup of herbal tea.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day bread — Recipes for National Blueberry Day – blueberry banana bread

Blueberry Scones

I love scones. They perfectly complement a cup of hot tea. The challenge is finding a vegan recipe that is also gluten free. This recipe is the best one I’ve tried yet, although I’m always on the hunt for more scone recipes.

These blueberry scones are so easy to make, and they are gluten, dairy, refined sugar, egg and oil free. And the taste? They are wonderful and satisfy my desire for a tea time treat.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day scones — Recipes for National Blueberry Day – scones

Healthy Blueberry Crisp

I’m excited to try this recipe from the blog Erin Lives Whole. This blueberry crisp is vegan, gluten free and comes together in just ten minutes. Instead of a traditional crust for the topping, Erin combines oats with almond flour, walnuts, coconut oil and maple syrup.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day crisp — Blueberry crisp – photo from Erin Lives Whole blog.

Triple Layer Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

And one more luscious dessert from Erin Lives Whole. These cheesecake bars, using vegan cream cheese, granola and a chia blueberry jam, look amazing. I am excited to try them as well.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day cheesecake — Triple Layer Blueberry Cheesecake Bars – photo from Erin Lives Whole blog.

Favorite Blueberry Dessert

I love blueberries so much that any dessert featuring these berries is a winner with me. What I love even more are these healthier versions of blueberry desserts that don’t contain unwanted sugar, fat, eggs or dairy products.

I hope you’ll enjoy these special treats. And remember that the whole month of July is for celebrating the blueberry. I’d love to see what you create with these tasty berries.

Recipes for National Blueberry Day smoothie bowl — Recipes for National Blueberry Day – smoothie bowl

Baking Finds from Amazon:

15 Two Minute Health Boosters

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Maintaining health is a lifestyle, built upon daily choices and practices. The thought of making changes to improve health and wellness can seem daunting. Some commitments, like working out at the gym or meal prepping on the weekend, requires a block of time.

These 15 two minute health boosters offer quick and easy ways to incorporate better practices into your life, without requiring a big time commitment.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters title meme

15 Two Minute Health Boosters

Try one…or three…of these quick health boosters throughout the day. They may not require much time however the cumulative effect is great.

Juice Fruits and Vegetables

Toss fresh produce into a juicer and enjoy a nutrient rich drink that’s easy on the digestive system. Possibilities are endless. Try oranges and pineapples with beets. Or kale, celery and apples. For more ideas and benefits, check out my experience with a week of juicing.

Say Health Affirmations Aloud

An affirmation is a statement that confirms a truth, even if that truth is not realized yet. Speaking affirmations aloud is a powerful way to shift thoughts about health, for as the saying goes, “The body achieves what the mind believes.”

What truths and beliefs are you feeding your body?

Shift thoughts of “I’m not healthy” or “I’m always tired” to “I am enjoying health and wellness” and “I am full of energy”. “I am” are life changing words. Mindfully consider what words you use after them.

Try these affirmations:

I am healthy
My body vibrates with wellness
I am strong and able to fight off disease
I am healing

If this concept seems strange to you, start with this simple affirmation: “I am grateful”. Gradually add what you are grateful for, in your health and body. For example, “I am grateful for my legs on this hike”. Or “I am grateful for a restful night’s sleep”

Drink a Glass of Water

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. We know how important adequate hydration is. Pause and drink a tall glass of water. Check out these signs of dehydration and foods that help as well.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters drink water — 15 two minute health boosters – drink water

Short Bursts of Cardio for 30 Seconds

Studies show that four to six sets of all out cardio is as effective as a longer workout session. When I say “all out”, I mean vigorous bursts of activity. Try 30 seconds of intense dancing, running, jumping jacks, rapidly climbing stairs or squats. Work at least four sets of intense cardio into your day.

Focus on Posture

It’s so easy during the day to ignore posture. As a result, we tend to accumulate stress in our shoulders, neck, face and scalp. Taking two minutes to mindfully shift posture helps to relieve stress and realign the neck and spine.

Raise head and center it over the body. Square shoulders, allowing them to drop into place naturally. Open the chest area. Relax the muscles in the upper body while breathing deeply. At the end of two minutes, tip head back and open arms wide in a gesture of gratitude.

Downward Dog Yoga Pose

One of yoga’s most recognized poses, downward dog, or downward facing dog, stretches the entire body, reduces back pain, elongates the shoulders, decreases anxiety and increases circulation. Strike that pose and hold for two minutes.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters downward dog — 15 two minute health boosters – downward dog

Eat a Piece of Fruit

Instead of a sugary treat or high fat snack, grab a piece of fruit. An apple is especially beneficial. Not only is it nutritious, it promotes weight loss, lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes, promotes good gut bacteria and even helps prevent cancer.

Breathe Deeply

When challenges pile up during the day, pause for two minutes and simply breathe. Close your eyes and relax tense muscles. Take a deep breath in through the nose, expanding lungs and rib cage. Hold for a few seconds, then release breath slowly through the mouth. Repeat, focusing on breathing in and out.

Pausing to breathe deeply improves blood flow, lessens pain, increases energy levels, relaxes the body and calms inflammation.

Include Chia Seeds

This superfood is packed with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein. Adding chia seeds to meals is an easy way to increase nutrients in the diet and boost heart and digestive health.

Try sprinkling them on smoothie bowls, oatmeal or fresh fruit. Substitute chia seeds for eggs in baking. Add a spoonful to smoothies and muffins or create fun chia puddings.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters chia seeds — 15 two minute health boosters – chia seeds

Stand and Stretch

Sitting for long periods of time is detrimental to health. Chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are more likely to develop. Weight gain is common as are higher risks for depression and anxiety.

If you must sit for hours, take two minute breaks to stand and stretch. The simple acts of standing and stretching reduce strain on the spine and neck, ease cramped, tight muscles and improve posture. Taking a break from sitting improves blood circulation, muscle strength and flexibility. Keep stretches slow and smooth, especially if you’ve been sitting for a long time.

For optimal health benefits, stand, stretch and move around every 30 minutes.

Drink a Cup of Herbal Tea

I’m a big believer in the benefits of herbs. “There’s an herb for that!” I say, when people tell me about their health issues. Plants truly are medicine, offering healing for a wide range of of health disorders.

Check out some of my posts about the benefits of herbs and then brew a cup of tea and enjoy.

Meditate

Two minutes may not sound like enough time to meditate. And for sure, there are amazing benefits from longer meditation sessions. However, a couple of minutes of meditation restores the body and quiets a chattering mind.

Brief, mindful, daily meditation sessions, over a month, reduce stress, ease anxiety, relax muscles, support emotions and create a more compassionate and positive outlook on life.

Sit comfortably with both feet flat on the floor. Rest hands in lap. Close your eyes and take a deep cleansing breath. Focus on breathing slowly and remaining relaxed. If thoughts pop into the mind allow them to pass on through without focusing on them.

After two minutes take another deep breath, open eyes and stretch.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters meditate — 15 two minute health boosters – meditate

Try a New Experience

Trying new things, or doing routine things in new ways, stimulates the brain and creates new pathways. Additionally, new experiences open up opportunities, help us discover more about ourselves and even move us beyond fear. And, the fun factor kicks in, making life more interesting and satisfying.

Try simple things like eating with your non-dominant hand, standing on one leg while brushing your teeth, or driving down a street you’ve never traveled on before. Walk in a new park. Choose a shirt that’s different from your typical style. Try something that scares you, just a little, like speaking up at a meeting.

Sun Gazing

Spend two minutes sitting in sunlight, sun gazing. Close eyes, tip head back toward the sun and sit quietly. Do not open eyes and stare directly into the sun.

Sun gazing improves mood, creates feelings of happiness, increases energy and sharpens mental focus. It also boosts the production of melatonin and serotonin. Plus the sunlight creates vitamin D within the body, which strengthens bones.

Walk Barefoot Outside

Get outside for a couple of minutes, walking around your yard or garden. For the best health benefits, take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the grass. This practice, called earthing or grounding, allows the transfer of free electrons from the earth, through the feet, to all parts of the body.

These electrons are powerful antioxidants, beneficial for decreasing levels of inflammation throughout the body by neutralizing free radicals and lowering the potential for disorders such as heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. Grounding thins the blood, lowers blood pressure and make cells less likely to stick together and form clots.

Because free radicals are a major cause of aging as well, keeping the body balanced with electrons from the earth reduces the destructive signs of aging such as wrinkling of the skin and the breakdown of DNA.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters earthing — 15 two minute health boosters – earthing

Small Steps Toward Better Health

These small steps toward better health and wellness deliver big returns when practiced regularly. Have fun with these strategies. Mix up your routines. Play.

Better health is built upon the foundation of daily, consistent choices. Choose better health for YOU. Take two minutes to embrace health, and make a long term difference.

15 Two Minute Health Boosters sun gazing — 15 two minute health boosters – sun gazing

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

Soda’s Negative Impact on the Body

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Normally I stress the positive impact of good health practices, rather than focus on negatives. However, I feel so strongly about this topic that I’m willing to depart from that practice.

I stopped drinking soda, in my case diet soda, more than a dozen years ago. Before that time, I was known as the woman who always had a diet soda with her. Always. If it wasn’t a 20 ounce bottle, it was a 32 ounce happy hour drink from Sonic.

One reason for carrying a soda with me was thirst. I felt parched all the time. Little did I know that my diet soda addiction contributed to my thirst rather than satisfying it.

I stopped drinking diet soda for several health reasons, including constant indigestion, joint pain and dehydration. That decision became the first step toward better health.

Soda’s negative impact on the body is huge and far reaching. Don’t believe me? Check out these 18 reasons to stop drinking soda now.

Sodas Negative Impact on the Body title meme

Soda Facts

Almost half the adult populations, 49%, drink at least one soda a day. A 12 ounce can contains at least 39 grams of sugar. That’s equal to nine and a half teaspoons of sugar, in ONE can. A 20 ounce bottle of soda packs in 65 grams of sugar, or 13 teaspoons. And those happy hour drinks that offer 32 ounces of soda for a great price contain a whopping 91 grams of sugar, which is the same as 21.6 teaspoons.

Imagine stirring that much sugar into a glass of iced tea. The thought literally churns my stomach.

And diet soda is no better, health wise. Diet soda drinkers up their risk for weight gain, increased belly fat and certain types of cancer. Plus it’s not only the sugar that’s detrimental to health. Additives, preservatives and artificial coloring and flavors contribute to increased risks for diseases and disorders, such as the following.

Sodas Negative Impact on the Body sugar — Soda’s negative impact on the body – sugar

Diabetes

Both diet soda and the regular stuff are linked to an increase in type 2 diabetes. Drinking soda creates a sugar spike that forces the body to convert that sugar into fat. And that fat gets stored in the liver.

In just six months, the fat deposits in the liver can increase by 150%, greatly raising the risk for diabetes.

Additionally, diet soda actually increases sugar cravings, contributing to the chances of developing diabetes.

Obesity

One of the greatest risks from consuming soda is obesity. A 20 ounce bottle of soda provides 150 empty calories that do nothing to stave off hunger. Consuming a bottle of soda with every meal for 30 days can add three or more pounds a month and more than 36 pounds in a year.

Extra Belly Fat

Linked with obesity is excess belly fat. Because the sugar in soda quickly converts to fat, and triggers the production of insulin in the process, the body accumulates fat in the belly.

Soda's Negative Impact on the Body belly fat — Soda’s negative impact on the body – extra belly fat

Kidney Stones

One of the most painful medical conditions, often compared to childbirth, kidney stones form when minerals accumulate in the kidneys. Soda drinkers increase their risk for these excruciating stones due to the excess consumption of sugar, phosphoric acid and chronic dehydration.

Fatty Liver

The excessive amount of sugar in soda is linked to a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The body is not able to process all that sugar. Instead it converts the sugar into fat that is stored in the liver. This leads to fatty liver, a serious disorder that increases the risk of early death.

Joint Pain

Not all joint pain is caused by drinking soda. However, those sugary drinks may be aggravating joint pain. Plus the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that women who regularly consume soda increase their risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, sugar “feeds” inflammation of all kinds in the body. Soda certainly contributes to ongoing inflammation and the pain that accompanies it.

Sodas Negative Impact on the Body joint pain — Soda’s negative impact on the body – joint pain

Cardiovascular Disease

Regularly drinking soda contributes to a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, lesions and strokes.

Heart failure is linked to diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, all associated with consuming sugary drinks.

Strokes result from increased fat in the body which contributes to hardening of the arteries including those in the brain. Excess sugar is converted to fat.

Soda drinkers are at greater risk for heart attacks, even when controlling other factors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

And an additive in citrusy sodas that maintains flavor and appearance, called brominated vegetable oil or BVO, is linked to an increased risk for heart lesions in rats. BVO is used to create a longer shelf life for soda.

High Cholesterol

Eliminating soda from the diet contributes to a longer life by lowering cholesterol. That can of soda contains more sugar than the body needs in a whole day. High sugar levels are linked to high bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol.

Poor Gut Health

The good gut bacteria inhabiting the intestines affects digestive health and even mental stability. Gut health is vitally important to overall health and wellbeing.

Sugar in soda provides an excellent food source for the bad bacteria that lurks in the intestines as well, while starving good bacteria.

Diet soda is no better. Gut bacteria reacts negatively to the artificial sweeteners in soda and creates metabolic changes. Those changes increase the risk for obesity, memory impairment and digestive disorders.

Sodas Negative Impact on the Body - gut health — Soda’s negative impact on the body – gut health

Infertility

The brominated vegetable oil that extends shelf life has a negative impact on fertility. BVO is banned in Japan and Europe but not in the US. It is linked to early onset puberty and infertility. Avoiding soda can help increase the chances of conception, if infertility is an issue.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Excessive consumption of citrus sodas containing BVO increases the risk of bromism as well, a condition that affects the central nervous system. Bromism contributes to memory loss, muscle weakness, fatigue and mental health issues.

Migraines

Both regular soda and diet soda can trigger the onset of migraine headaches. In addition, the chronic dehydration caused by soda consumption increases the risk of these debilitating headaches.

Bloating

Those bubbles that seem so satisfying in carbonated soda settle in the intestines. That gas build up creates uncomfortable bloating resulting in an extended abdomen and even pain.

Heartburn and Ulcers

The bloating that carbonated drinks cause can negatively affect the stomach, causing bloating there as well. This can result in a build up of acid that backs up into the esophagus, creating the condition known as heartburn. The caffeine in soda is acid producing also. All this stomach acid not only causes indigestion but can also increase the risk of digestive tract ulcers and cancers.

Dehydration

Dehydration while drinking a steady supply of sodas seems unusual. However, sugary drinks do nothing to quench thirst. The caffeine in soda has a diuretic effect, causing dehydration that becomes chronic when soft drinks are the primary source of liquids.

Chronic dehydration causes electrolyte imbalance, water retention, heart arrhythmia and a slower metabolic rate that contributes to weight gain.

Always thirsty? Drink more water, not soda.

Sodas Negative Impact on the Body dehydration — Soda’s negative impact on the body – dehydration

Accelerated Aging

Can drinking soda age you? Yes. Sodas are full of phosphates and sugar, which accelerate the aging process at a cellular level. And the preservatives and artificial sweeteners in diet soda increase the growth of cancerous cells.

Plus, dehydrating caffeine negatively affects the skin, creating puffiness under the eyes, dryness, wrinkles and fine lines.

Cola consumption is associated with a loss in bone density, making the body more susceptible to fractures and mobility issues as it ages.

Increased Risk for Cancer

Did you know that a soda addiction can lead to greater risks for certain cancers?

The caramel coloring found in colas and other drinks such as root beer, created from ammonia, causes cancer in mice. Even clear sodas increase the risks of cancers, such as colorectal cancer, due to sugar, preservatives and artificial flavors.

The chemical found in plastic bottles and even aluminum cans, known as BPA, is linked to reproductive issues including cancers.

And artificial sweeteners in diet soda contribute to an increased risk of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, and bladder cancer.

The chemicals in sodas contribute to neurological disorders such as seizures. While artificial sweeteners can convert to formaldehyde in the body, leading to a higher risk for brain tumors.

Insomnia

A 20 ounce bottle of soda can contain up to 53 mg of caffeine, while the same size container of diet soda jumps to 70 mg. It can take a whole day or more for the body to metabolize that much caffeine. Drinking soda throughout the day may be contributing to sleepless nights, restless legs syndrome and chronic fatigue.

Kicking the Soda Drinking Addiction

My intention, as a health advocate and blogger, is not to instill fear but encourage health and wellness. If you are serious about improving health, eliminating soda from your diet is a must.

I know how difficult it feels. It took me several tries before successfully kicking the addiction, and trust me, soda drinking is an addiction.

Here a few tips for stopping the soda drinking habit.

recognize that soda IS addictive
make the choice to stop, for your health
wean yourself away from soda slowly
start with replacing one soda a day with a glass of water
over the next 30 days, replace all sodas with water or unsweetened tea, preferably herbal teas
add fruits and veggies to water to boost taste and nutrients
carry a metal water bottle full of water everywhere you go
avoid foods/situations that create a craving for soda
reward yourself for kicking your addiction with a fun event or new outfit

You can do it…I know you can! From experience I know that you CANNOT go back to having “just one soda a day” or “one for a special occasion”. That’s the way back to addiction.

For your health and wellbeing, for increased vitality and energy and for your children and grandchildren and their health, stop drinking the soda. Get past the cravings…and the heartburn, insomnia and joint pain. You won’t regret it.

No More Soda

Encourage water consumption with these finds:

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

With all that’s going on in the world, one thing we’ve learned is the importance of health. We can protect ourselves from respiratory viruses in two crucial ways, lessening the risk of getting sick: create a strong immune system and boost respiratory health.

Check out this post for ways to strengthen the immune system.

In this post, learn five ways to boost respiratory health.

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health title meme

What Happens in the Lungs

When a respiratory virus enters the body, it first attacks mucus membranes and then moves to the lungs. The body reacts, creating inflammation in the lungs to combat the invader. Inflammation makes it more difficult for the lungs to oxygenate blood and push carbon dioxide out, leaving the person gasping for air. Health can quickly deteriorate as infection sets in.

To give the body and lungs the best defense possible, against bacterial and viral invasions, adopt these strategies.

Don’t Smoke or Vape

Smoking and vaping brings a foreign substance into the lungs, irritating them and setting off inflammation. Ultimately, smoking destroys lung tissue, decreasing the amount of oxygen the blood carries throughout the body. Plus, smoking suppresses the immune system. Breathing second hand smoke is just as harmful to the lungs. Avoid it too.

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health no smoking — Five ways to boost respiratory health – no smoking

Exercise

Thirty minutes a day moving the body improves respiratory health. Exercising causes us to take deeper breaths which expand the lung’s air sacks. Walking, aerobics, dancing, swimming, biking and gardening all increase respiration. Additionally exercise decreases inflammation in the lungs and throughout the body.

Try these specific breathing exercises to further benefit the lungs.

Breathe in slowly through the nose, to a count of five. Hold breath for three seconds, then breathe out through the mouth, pushing all the air out of the lungs. Repeat several times.

Breathe in slowly through the mouth, filling the lungs. Then push the air out through pursed lips, like you are trying to blow up a balloon. Empty the lungs. Repeat several times.

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health yoga — Five ways to boost respiratory health – exercise such as yoga

Eat Foods High in Antioxidants

Foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants improve respiratory health. Add the following to your diet regularly:

red bell peppers
papaya
kiwi
leafy greens
cabbage
Brussels sprouts and broccoli
apples
pears
berries
walnuts
aromatic herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary and oregano
nettle leaf
sweet potatoes
raw organic honey
walnuts
cayenne pepper
ginger
turmeric
garlic

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health berries — Five ways to boost respiratory health – berries

Reduce Excess Mucus

Mucus is an important part of the body’s defense against invaders. It helps to trap allergens, bacteria and viruses. However, when the body produces too much mucus, it becomes a breeding ground, ramping up the reproduction of bacteria and viruses. Plus excessive mucus clogs the nose and airways, restricting airflow.

To help eliminate excess mucus, reduce or eliminate dairy and wheat products. Both can increase mucus production. And increase spicy foods. They thin mucus, which makes it easier to cough out.

Try a saline spray or rinse in the nose, to thin mucus and wash away allergens.

Clear airways with the steam from a hot shower.

And stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water thins out mucus as well.

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health hydrate — Five ways to boost respiratory health – stay hydrated

Avoid Allergens and Pollutants

Allergens and pollutants clog the nose by increasing mucus production. Avoid being outside on days with a high pollen count or heavy air pollution.

Indoors control dust, wash bedding frequently and change filters on the air conditioner often.

And, eat a nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables to avoid seasonal allergies, naturally. Such a diet strengthens the immune system which helps to alleviate allergy symptoms. Check out a list of inflammation reducing foods HERE.

Additionally, avoid the following foods, as they create inflammation in the body and weaken the immune system:

eggs
gluten
canola oil
GMO soy
GMO corn
dairy products
MSG

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health allergies — Five ways to boost respiratory health – avoid allergens

Journey Toward Health

The world continues to shift, daily. We have no control over many events occurring and situations unfolding. However, we can control what we eat, how much we move our bodies, how we care for ourselves and the perspectives we have.

A stronger, healthier body decreases the risk for illnesses and diseases and increases vitality and well being. No matter your age, it’s not too late to reclaim health and live a better life. Let’s journey toward health, together.

Five Ways to Boost Respiratory Health

Boost Health with these Finds:

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel

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I’ve known about witch hazel since childhood. I remember that my mother and grandmother always had a bottle of it on hand, for everything from cleaning our faces to soothing a scrape. Recently the many benefits of this astringent came back into my awareness.

Here are 12 amazing uses for witch hazel.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel title meme

What is Witch Hazel?

This versatile plant, technically a shrub, creates bright orange or yellow flowers. It is native to North America. The bark and leaves are used medicinally to treat a variety of skin ailments. Witch hazel contains tannins, a natural compound with astringent properties. It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Native Americans used this plant for thousands of years for various purposes, including soothing skin conditions, easing sore muscles and healing irritated digestive systems.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel

Reduces Under Eye Puffiness

Using a cotton ball or square soaked with witch hazel, carefully dab the under eye area to soothe and ease puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Avoid getting witch hazel in the eyes.

Treats Swimmers Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. Add a few drops of witch hazel to the affected ear to dry up infection, clear away excess oil and remove debris or earwax.

Soothes Sunburn

Mix witch hazel with pure aloe vera gel. Smooth gently over skin to cool and soothe a sunburn and help prevent peeling.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel sunburn — 12 amazing uses for witch hazel – sunburn

Safely Removes Ticks

Try using witch hazel on an attached tick. Soak the tick with a few drops of witch hazel. They dislike the taste of this astringent and will loosen their grip, allowing you to safely and easily remove them. Cleanse the bite area well with witch hazel after removing the tick to prevent infection.

Soothes Dry Skin

Even though witch hazel is considered an astringent, is improves dry skin by unclogging pores and restoring healthy oils. Apply witch hazel to dry areas after showering, while skin is still damp. Allow skin to dry naturally for several minutes, then use a moisturizer.

Natural Insect Repellent

Make your own DIY insect repellent using witch hazel. Combine 2 tablespoons witch hazel, 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray on skin and and clothing to repel biting insects. Witch hazel is safe for skin and most fabrics. If in doubt, test first on a small area of the fabric.

This spray also soothes and relieves the itchiness of bug bites and reduces swelling from bee stings.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel repellent — 12 amazing uses for witch hazel – insect repellent

Cleanses and Tones Skin

Soak a cotton ball or square in witch hazel and use as a daily face cleanser and toner. Witch hazel cleanses and tightens pores, without drying the skin. For oily skin, witch hazel helps to reduce excessive oil buildup.

Treats Acne

Witch hazel effectively treats acne by reduces inflammation and eliminating bacteria. Not only does it clear up acne, it helps to improve the appearance of acne scarring while healing the skin.

Apply witch hazel to acne on face, chest or back and allow it to dry.

Make a DIY Hand Sanitizer

Witch hazel’s antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for a DIY hand sanitizer. Mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons of witch hazel, liquid from one vitamin E capsule (or 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil), 15 drops of tea tree essential oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel in a pump or squeeze bottle. Use within two weeks.

This hand sanitizer will not dry out the hands. Rather it helps to keep them moisturized.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel sanitizer — 12 amazing uses for witch hazel – hand sanitizer

Soothes Razor Burn

Use witch hazel after shaving legs, underarms or face to calm skin and prevent itchy, irritated bumps. Witch hazel also helps to prevent ingrown hairs from forming. As a bonus, it stops bleeding from any nicks caused by shaving.

Disinfects Wounds

Witch hazel’s disinfectant and hemostatic properties cleanse wounds and reduce bleeding. And it stings less than alcohol based disinfectants. Soak a cotton square in witch hazel and then apply to minor scrapes and cuts to cleanse the wound, stop bleeding and speed healing. Witch hazel soothes bruises and swellings as well.

Create Your Own DIY Room & Upholstery Spray

To freshen a room and help eliminate odors from carpets or upholstery, combine 2 tablespoons witch hazel, 6 drops lavender or citrus essential oil, 2 teaspoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons water in a small spray bottle. Shake well. Spray into a room or spray lightly on carpets or upholstery to eliminate odors.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel shrub — 12 amazing uses for witch hazel – shrub

Purchasing Witch Hazel

Make sure that you purchase 100% pure witch hazel, with no additives. From my research, the witch hazel pictured below is considered a high quality product. Order by clicking on the photo!

Have you ever used witch hazel? I’ve just ordered a bottle, to add to my natural medicinal stash. If you’ve discovered other uses for amazing witch hazel, I’d love to hear about it.

Other Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Products:

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home Every Day

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I’ve carried awareness about protecting the earth, the environment and wildlife from early childhood. However, a remarkable thing happened after I took responsibility for my own health. As my health improved, I naturally focused outward on the health of others. And going farther, my desire for a healthier planet increased as well.

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual event celebrated world wide on April 22, that supports environmental protection. With the stay home orders and sheltering in place, many Earth Day celebrations cancelled this year.

Here instead are Earth Day activities to to practice at home, not just today but every day. Let’s make every single day about protecting the earth and protecting our futures.

Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home Every Day title meme

The First Earth Day

Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin launched the first Earth Day April 22, 1970. Growing concerns about the environment, spurred by the alarming impact of pesticides, inspired 20 million Americans to participate in rallies and clean up campaigns across the US.

That first Earth Day birthed the environmental movement. Today Earth Day is celebrated each year by an estimated 1 billion people around the world.

Make Every Day Earth Day

Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home Every Day

Although this year we can’t gather in parks to pick up litter or ride our bicycles together to work, we can still take part in activities that benefit the earth. And because we are at a critical point, in protecting the earth and our resources, I encourage others to practice the following activities daily. Let’s make every day, earth day. Let’s teach ourselves and our children how to lessen our impact on the earth.

Try any of these simple activities.

Recycle

Set up boxes or bins to collect items for recycling, rather than throwing them in the trash. Glass, paper, cardboard, metal containers and plastics are all recyclable. Many cities have a curbside recycling program or at least have a recycling center for dropping items off. Benefits of recycling include less trash going into landfills, less pollution, the conservation of natural resources and energy savings.

Repurpose

While recycling is a wonderful start, repurposing and reusing existing materials is an even more effective way to save energy. Before tossing an item, consider how it might function in a different way. Can it be repaired? Is there another purpose for this item? Get creative. Repurposing is one of my favorite things to do. I love finding new ways to use items, from decorating with them to using them in the garden to fulfilling a practical need with them.

If you can’t find a use for an item, consider donating it to someone who can.

Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose — Earth Day activities to practice at home every day – recycle, reuse, repair, repurpose.

Limit Plastic Use

This is an area I’ve focused on the past year. One use plastics that are then tossed are overrunning the earth. They are affecting marine life, clogging waterways and beaches and impacting our health.

Stop using plastic straws. At restaurants I simply return them to the server or lay the paper covered straw aside. At home, drink from glass or metal water bottles, rather than plastic bottles. Use glass storage containers in the kitchen rather than plastic baggies. Shop with reusable bags, and yes, right now disinfect those bags when you return home.

Read this post, for more simple ways to reduce plastic use.

Eat More Fruits and Veggies

One of the greatest negative impacts on the planet comes from livestock farming. It contributes to land and water degradation, biodiversity loss and deforestation. And livestock farming contributes 18% of human produced greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, causing climate change.

Plan more meals around a plant based diet. Have meatless Mondays, eat meatless two or three days a week or eat fruits and veggies only every day until dinner time.

Eat More Fruits and Veggies — Earth Day activities to practice at home every day – eat more fruits and veggies. Try this vegetable noodle soup.

Create a Garden

Even if you can’t participate in tree planting ceremonies this year, you can still contribute by planting at home. Create a veggie garden, plant a flower bed, plant a tree, shrub or bush. Tuck herbs into the ground for culinary and medicinal uses. Creating a garden draws butterflies, bees, birds and small wildlife to your yard, making it a sanctuary for many.

Check out this post on creating a bee and butterfly garden.

Build Houses for Those Visitors

Have fun building bird houses, bug hotels, frog hideouts and spider havens for the critters drawn to your yard. Try this one board bird house. Turn clay flower pots upside down and scatter throughout your garden for spiders to inhabit. Trust me, they are good for your garden. Dig out a shallow hole and cover with a rock, leaving an entrance for frogs and toads to find. And make your own bug hotel by watching this video.

Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home gardening — Earth Day activities to practice at home – gardening.

Shop Sustainable Brands

If you want to get serious about making a difference for the planet, begin shopping sustainable brands. No matter the category, there are amazing companies creating change.

In the US alone, we send 21 billion pounds of clothing waste to landfills EVERY year. Exciting changes are taking place in the fashion industry. Check out these 26 sustainable fashion brands.

Reduce Energy Use

Check out this graphic, for easy ways to cut energy costs at home.

Easy Ways to Save Energy — Earth Day activities to practice at home every day – energy conservation.

Pick Up Litter

Pick up litter in your yard, the alley way, the vacant lot next door. Text your neighbors and encourage a block wide pick up litter party. If you walk at a park or through your neighborhood, while practicing social distancing, pick up litter along the way.

Create a Compost Box

Rather than tossing vegetable scraps, paper, cardboard and fruit peels, compost them. You can create an elaborate composting system or use a simple box. Freeze most vegetable scraps to create DIY vegetable broth. Save potato skins, banana and orange peels, tea leaves, leftover food that’s gone bad, shredded paper and other food scraps in large container that is emptied daily into the compost bin outside.

Add leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, dead plants and deadheaded flowers to the compost too. In time, the result is rich soil for your garden.

Sustainability — Earth Day activities to practice at home every day – sustainability.

Other Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home

Try these ideas as well:

watch Our Planet on Netflix
do a nature scavenger hunt in your yard
share posts about the environment or ecological tips on social media
enjoy virtual tours of national parks, botanical gardens, aquariums and museums
learn to identify trees, flowers, birds and animals
sponsor or “adopt” a wild animal in a refuge
stargaze at night
take nature photos, in your yard or neighborhood
do science experiments with the kids
draw and color pictures of plants and flowers, animals and marine life
learn new skills such as gardening, sewing, making rag rugs, DIY cleaners, etc.
make a terrarium
grow a salad garden

Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home Every Day go green — Earth Day activities to practice at home – learn new skills.

Get Involved

For Earth’s future, our future and the well being of future generations, please take action. Visit the Earth Day organization HERE, for many, many ideas on how you can make a difference on this planet.

And consider signing this Pledge, located at Wild Earth Guardians. I did. And I made a financial contribution.

“If Earth and its natural systems are to thrive in the next 50 years we need a deep recommitment to the bold vision that inspired the first Earth Day. It is a time for action. It is time to reweave the threads of the environmental, public health, and economic safety nets, which ensure that the public welfare and the common good are each protected.” Wild Earth Guardians

I’m a guardian, of Earth, of the environment, of wildlife, of human life. My health is connected to the health of the planet. I’m still learning and growing on my healing journey. Please learn and grow with me. And share with me what you are doing to protect this place we call home.

Earth Day Activities to Practice at Home guardian — Earth Day activities to practice at home every day – be a guardian.

Check out these Amazon finds:

Blogger Recognition Award

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

One of the wonderful things about bloggers is this: they are the most encouraging and supportive group of people. I’ve connected with bloggers, male and female, young and not so young, from around the world. I love the fresh perspectives I receive, the insights they share and the love they freely give.

Recently both blogs, Journey With Healthy Me and Cindy Goes Beyond, received the Blogger Recognition Award. This award is given to bloggers by their peers to recognize their efforts to add value to the blogging community. I am honored!

You can check out the award for Beyond HERE.

Blogger Recognition Award title meme

Thank You Talat with Racing Tigers

Journey receives the Blogger Recognition Award from Talat, who writes Racing Tigers. Talat, who has become a dear friend, shares delicious recipes, decorating tips, parenting wisdom and money management helps. Please check out her wonderful blog.

Talat encourages other bloggers through a Facebook community, Blogger’s Influence, and offers help to parents at The Modern Parent Group.

Thank you so much, my friend, for this award. I appreciate you!

The Rules for the Blogger Recognition Award

Yep, there are rules that accompany this award. Here they are:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to her/his blog.
Write a post to show your award.
Give a brief story about how your blog started.
Offer two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
Select up to 15 bloggers to pass the award on to.
Link to each of the nominated blogs.

Blogger Recognition Award cover photo

How Journey With Healthy Me Began

Journey began as a way to share an incredible change in my life. After more than 20 years of chronic pain and inflammation, and a steady decline in mobility, I took back responsibility for my health and well being.

When it seemed the medical community had nothing else to offer to me, I found healing through Anthony William, aka the Medical Medium. A post of Anthony’s that I “happened” upon on Facebook suggested chronic pain and illnesses may be the result of viruses wreaking havoc on the body. I’d tried years of medical treatments, drugs and physical therapy. I had nothing to lose by seeing what Anthony offered.

I’m so grateful for him and for all the wisdom he offers. I changed my diet, and my life dramatically improved.

After reading Medical Medium, and implementing the protocols found within the book, my pain and inflammation healed. I parked my walking cane in the corner four years ago and have not touched it since. (Read more about my healing here…and on posts through this blog site.)

Although I’d been blogging for several years, at Cindy Goes Beyond, Journey With Healthy Me began in 2017 as a natural expression of my healing journey. On Journey I share plant based lifestyle tips and info, recipes, food and supplement suggestions and personal stories. Journey is an invitation to anyone who desires to live a healthier life, at any age.

Blogger Recognition Award vitality

Advice to New Bloggers

The blogging journey is an evolving one. Keller Williams, the real estate company I’m with, taught me that “your business grows to the extent that you do”. I’ve found those words true.

So my first piece of advice to new bloggers is to keep growing, learning, adapting and changing. Your blog will as well. Share from your life experiences. Even if there are already other blogs out there, in your niche, and trust me…there are… no one has your exact same life experiences. No one else can tell your precious story. Find your passion and offer from your evolving life.

And, connect with other bloggers. That’s a mistake I made, as a new blogger. I chose to go it alone. There is so much to gain from sharing experiences and lessons learned and blog posts with other bloggers. They “get you”, for one thing. And for another, they can save you time and money and frustration. Start with joining Talat’s Facebook group for bloggers. Then look for more. There are many excellent groups out there to join.

And in the same vein, take a blogging class. That’s what actually connected me to other bloggers. I highly recommend the Reese’s free 5 Day Crash Course and their paid course, Blogging Blastoff 2.0. As a past student, I continue to learn from their courses. I’m an affiliate and may make a commission if you choose to purchase the paid course, at no extra cost to you. I recommend them, and I’m an affiliate, because I love their classes!

My Nominations for the Blogger Recognition Award

Because I’m posting simultaneously on both blogs, I’m dividing my list of nominees. Check out these five bloggers and their blogs, nominated by Journey With Healthy Me:

Tiffany with Nursing Decoded, who can help you with all your health care needs.

Suzan with It’s My Sustainable Life, who offers wonderful resources for sustainable living, gardening and a natural lifestyle.

Chris with Yoga Herbal Tea and Me, sharing fitness, healthy foods and travel.

Hillari with All Things in Good Health, offering tips and wisdom about health and happiness.

Lisa with Move Mama Move, who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mom and expert mover, living her best life.

Blogger Recognition Award

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I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.