posts tagged as: cold, flu's, winter, health
Take a "Staycation"
Strategies for the perfect "Staycation"
**Think Ahead: Clean your apartment/house and organize ahead of time so not to be distracted by chores when you should be relaxing! Stock up on nourishing food and a few favorite treats. Indulge in something that brings you happiness.
1) Unplug #1 Turn off your Phone: Yes, this means 'off' versus 'silent'. Get off the grid and leave a vacation voice message if you need to. If this seems virtually impossible for your mind to digest, check your messages only in the evening or turn your phone of for an allotted amount of hours of your Staycation.
2) Unplug #2 Turn off your Computer: Yes, this may seem jaw dropping, but is also possible. Life used to exist without computers. Set your email to automatic response and get off line! Engage in real-life-activities for at least one day. The level of rejuvenation with this tip is amazing.
3) Unplug #3 Ignore the Clock: Let your natural clock be 'reset'. Rest when you need to. Eat when you are hungry. Don't set any schedule for your Staycation. Do what you feel and just 'be'. If for nothing else, do it as a fun experiment and see how your day goes...
4) Be Creative and Have Fun: Write that poem or those song lyrics. Pull out that dusty novel. Do something enjoyable that you don't usually take the time to do. Pull out your rolled up canvas or recipe book. Expressing yourself in different ways does wonders for your health and immunity. Do nothing.... you know what people 'used' to do for fun. There really is entertainment outside of Google Search.
5) Silence: If you feel daring or wise, do your entire Staycation or Daycation in complete silence. The health rejuvenation is unparalleled. If this seems worse than a horrific nightmare, at least practice talking less.
6) Move Slowly: There is no schedule. There is no clock. Move like molasses or a dead snail. Breathe deeply. Remind yourself to slow down. Watch how quickly you get in touch with your body and feel the spread of relaxation.
7) Rest and Sleep: Take breaks during the day to lay down. Lying down on the floor and 'let go'. If you are exhausted, take naps. Go to bed early; before you feel tired.
8) Burn Beeswax Candles: Burn candles! Being in soft candle light at night automatically is soothing to the eyes and mind. Beeswax candles are especially beneficial to use as they provide natural air purification. Beeswax candles contain negative ions which help our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen which enhance our well being.
9) Nature Breaks: If you are choosing to leave your abode at all, take a slow walk in nature and literally stop to smell the roses. Make sure to get sunlight, especially in the morning hours.
10) Movies: If television is not on your 'unplug' list, choose a movie from your 'wish' list ahead of time. Choose something funny, beautiful or inspiring to reap more benefit.
11) Legs on the Wall Pose: This pose is great to relax, especially if you spend long hours on your feet. Lie on the floor or your bed and walk your buttocks all the way up against the wall. Your legs will extend straight up the wall. If you have very tight hamstrings, then you may walk your hips about 6 inches away from the wall, or you can have a bend in the knee. With consistent practice over time, you will have your legs straight.
Arms can be out to your sides, palms face up. Arms can also be extended straight out of the shoulder having a 90 degree bend in the elbow, palms facing up. Once in place lift your head gently off the floor and tuck the chin to the chest then extend the back of the neck as you replace the head on the floor . Soften your eyes and be very heavy in the floor. Stay in the pose from 1 to 15 minutes.
To come out of the pose, slowly bend your knees and roll over on to your right side, curling up into a fetal position. Linger for a few breaths and then press up until seated.
posted friday, december 30, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: cold, flu's, winter, health
Stop Colds before they stop you
1) Wash Your Hands Often: Choose soap that has tea tree oil or lavender in it for natural antibacterial properties. Don't forget to reach under your fingernails!
If you are not able to wash your hands, use a natural hand sanitizer. EO brand has a lavender one that serves a dual purpose of sanitization and aromatherapy. The smell of lavender is relaxing which will also help boost your immunity.
2) Get a Humidifier: Indoor heaters will dry out your lips, skin, eyes, sinuses and respiratory tract. Moisture deficient air can increase dust and allergens in the air affecting sleep and breathing. There is a self-cleaning function of the your wind pipe that is affected by dry air; this can increase respiratory infections. Humidifiers make a huge difference in creating a comfortable environment. I recommend these units: Air-O-Swiss or Germguardian Ultrasonic.
3) Stay Warm: The most important thing is to protect your neck from drafts indoors and outdoors. Wearing a scarf, shawl or neck warmer throughout the cold temperatures will go a long way in preventing you from getting sick. Wear warm socks, shoes, gloves and a hat when outdoors. If your house is not heated well, sleep with your feet and neck covered.
4) Hydration: Drink plenty of warm and hot water to flush out toxins from your body. Change your drink choices from cooling summer picks to: ginger tea, herbal teas, soup and hot ciders. At the very first sign of cold symptoms, bundle up and drink a few cups of ginger tea.
5) Eat Cooked Food and Avoid Dairy: With the Summer months gone, so should be the raw diet. Eat well cooked vegetables, stewed fruit and small portions of meat if you are not vegetarian. Avoid dairy products as they increase congestion and mucus production. As always, Choose organic and locally grown foods and remove processed foods and sugars.
6) Rest and Relax: Many people get full blown flus and colds because they don't stop and rest at the first signs of being sick. Make sure to get proper amounts of sleep, rest and relaxation especially if you feel that you are about to get 'sick'. Take time to reduce stressors and do nothing. Taking extra rest for a few days when you feel run down can prevent you from being forced to rest for a longer
duration with a full blown cold or flu.
7) Move Your Body: Fight the urge to stay nested all winter as it will bring stagnation to your body as well as added weight! Exercise will bring fresh blood flow to your body and improve your mood, both of which will ward off infections.
8) Vitamins: Look into proper immune boosting supplements from a professional. A good start is Vitamin C and Zinc-Elderberry lozenges. Know what works for you at the first signs of a cold. Keep these things on hand and use them when you feel a cold coming on.
9) Light: Get sunlight everyday. The sun is behind the clouds even on gloomy days. If this is hard to do in your area or with your lifestyle, invest in full spectrum bulbs and lighting and look into Vitamin D supplementation.
10) Air: Avoid second hand smoke (or first hand smoke), pollutants, chemicals, harsh detergents and other toxins. If you live in a city or can't prevent exposure, invest in a high quality air purifier.
11) Tissues: Seems so simple to be so important, yet carrying tissues with you is key to preventing you from getting a full blown cold. Avoid touching your eyes, face, covering your face with your hands if you sneeze. Rather, use a tissue as a barrier between you anything that could be a possible source of infection.
12) Attitude: Stay positive and surround yourself with people, places and things that make you feel happy and nourished. Happiness and Love do wonders for your immunity and your Life!
