Simple Ways To Lead A More Natural, Eco-Friendly Life

December 1, 2021 by Leave a Comment

With ultra processed food, gas guzzling vehicles and super fast fashion, it would seem near impossible to exist in today’s society without amassing an enormous carbon footprint. So many aspects of the modern world are damaging the planet, but it isn’t too late to put an end to such harmful practices. Thankfully there are a number of alternative pathways that you can explore which are far more sustainable and ethical, allowing you to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle that preserves the wonder of nature. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then simply read on to uncover some of the best earth-friendly ideas that can make the most of today.

Change The Way That You Eat 

The most effective way to lead a more natural, eco-friendly lifestyle is to change the way that you eat. There are so many different food practices that have a disastrous impact on the environment, and it appears to be getting worse with each year that passes – the Amazon rainforest is being destroyed to make way for meat farms that will use masses of water and create a seemingly endless river of toxic waste, while foods from every corner of the globe hop from country to country racking up thousands of miles before they reach your plate. The animal agriculture industry is doing real harm to the natural world, not only by consuming an excess of resources and making unmanageable waste, but also by releasing enormous amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Choosing to eat a more plant based diet that’s made up of fruit, vegetable and grain based foods is far more environmentally friendly, but if you’re a content carnivore then you can still get your meat and fish fix in a more sustainable way. Choosing to hunt for or catch your own food is a natural way to eat, so visit a fishing store like tailored tackle to get a rod and a net or head to a hunting store to purchase a rifle and gain the relevant licenses. Utilizing your local surroundings in this way is the most environmentally friendly option when it comes to meat and fish. Opting for local fruits and vegetables that come from within your country will help even further, as this way it will only have to travel by truck rather than racking up miles on a plane or ship. Focusing on local produce will teach you how to eat seasonally too, which will allow you to better connect with nature and the world around you. 

Change The Way You Travel 

Walking beside a busy road tells you all that you need to know about the state of our world since the dawn of cars, trains and trucks – choking on the fumes as they fog up your vision and leave a chemical taste in the air, it’s clear that almost all forms of transport are devastating the environment. Each day there are many ecological and social disasters that take place as a result of modern transport options, whether this means horrifying oil spills from ships that decimate the ocean or child miners forced to dig for cobalt in the Congo for car chips and batteries. It might not always be possible to avoid cars, trains and boats altogether, but if you want to lead a more eco-conscious existence then you need to reduce your consumption of modern transport! Choosing instead to walk or ride a bicycle is the perfect alternative, as you’ll be creating no toxic fumes whatsoever along the way. If you need to go further afield, then choose to take a bus that’s more efficient or car pool by getting a lift from someone who is already heading in the same direction. Even smaller, unexpected journeys can be more environmentally friendly, as making the choice to walk up the stairs rather than use a lift can cut your carbon footprint noticeably over time! The world has enough smog and smoke clouding up its atmosphere, so it’s up to each individual to do their bit and make a change to the way they travel.

Leading a more natural, eco-friendly life isn’t always easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding and inspiring changes that you can make. Deciding to protect and preserve the planet rather than going to destroy it will give you a sense of pride and connection that you will never get elsewhere, so there’s no time like the present to make a few beneficial adjustments to your daily life.

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How Sleep Gives You a Healthy Mind and Healthy Body

November 11, 2021 by 2 Comments

In a world where incomes no longer match expenses, working part-time for more income can make spending time in bed feel like a lost opportunity. It is becoming routine for people to take naps during travels or skip sleep altogether to have fun or accomplish a task. This can cause significant detriment to their health. It is essential to weigh the short-term benefits and long-term effects on your health before skipping your sleep.

Sleep is a vital function that allows your mind and body to recharge and remain refreshed and alert during the day. Quality sleep keeps your body healthy and strong enough to fend off diseases. Without adequate sleep, your brain may fail to function appropriately, impairing your ability to process memories, concentrate, and think clearly.

What to know about sleep?

People in different age groups require different amounts of sleep per day, with the adults requiring less time in bed. Children below three months require 14 to 17 hours of sleep while those between four and eleven months need 12 to 15 hours daily. This is almost double the seven to nine hours suitable for adults. Failure to get adequate sleep can lead to attention lapses, delayed reactions, reduced cognition, and mood shifts.

Your body regulates the sleep cycle through circadian rhythm. This informs the brain of the actions to take throughout the day. Light also plays a role in informing your brain if it is day or night. As the sun rises, the body releases cortisol hormones, which promote alertness and energy. In the evening, the body produces melatonin, which causes drowsiness.

A few changes in your diet and lifestyle can help you enjoy quality sleep. Taking CBD for sleep can help you spend more quality time in bed by reducing anxiety and easing chronic pain. You may also enjoy better sleep if you make your bedroom a comfortable sleeping environment and abstain from caffeine before bed.

Quality sleep in creating a healthy mind and body

Quality sleep goes through four stages: three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) cycles and a rapid eye movement (REM) stage. The first NREM stage takes you from wakefulness to sleep. The second stage consists of deeper sleep with eye movements ceasing and body temperature decreasing. The third stage will see your brain wave activity, breathing, and heartbeat, reach their lowest levels. The REM stage is the deepest level of your sleep. Dreaming occurs at the REM stage. If you are struggling with sleeping disorders, you may need to revamp your bedroom for better sleep. The reasons why you should ensure quality, adequate sleep every night include:

It can help you avoid weight gain

Poor sleeping habits may cause weight gain due to changes in hormones that control appetite, leptin, and ghrelin. You are likely to avoid overeating or indulging in unhealthy food if you spend adequate time in bed. Your body gets refreshed and alert, helping you avoid snacks and energy boosters that can make you gain weight.

It can improve concentration and productivity

Sleep deprivation is not good for your health and mind, and sleepy people are likely to cause accidents on the road as they struggle to remain alert for prolonged periods. Quality sleep is necessary for proper brain function, including productivity, concentration, cognition, and performance. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation can affect brain function to a similar degree to alcohol intoxication.

It maximizes athletic performance

Adequate sleep is fundamental for all athletics as it helps in body recovery and muscle relaxation. Most body growth functions occur during sleep. Working out without taking sufficient sleep can make you fail to attain your maximum potential. Athletes with adequate sleep tend to have improved accuracy, speed, mental well-being, and reaction times.

Reduces risk of diseases

Get enough sleep to stay healthy and happier. A sleep disorder can impair your immune function, putting you at risk of various diseases like a cold. Inadequate sleep may cause cell inflammation, which may trigger inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders. Your sleeping habits can affect glucose metabolism and put you at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Getting enough sleep may mean you make a few sacrifices like minimizing social night outings, but it can help you remain healthy and happier. People who enjoy adequate sleep get sick less often and stay at a healthy weight. They also think more clearly and perform better in their duties.

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6 Side Hustle Ideas To Keep Yourself Fit and Your Finances in Order

October 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment

side jobs

You don’t need to be a finance expert to know that having multiple income streams is essential to look after your finances. And yet, cultivating your work-life balance has never been as important as it is in the time of Covid-19 lockdowns and remote working. So, how can you earn extra money while looking after your health and pursuing your passions? Here are some fitness side hustle ideas to try today. 

Become a Yoga Teacher

In 2021, over 36 million people in the US practiced yoga regularly – a significant increase of 50% since 2012! So, it does not come as a surprise that the industry behind yoga and other mindful practices continues to boom. So, if you are already interested in yoga, signing up for a yoga teacher training course and getting the qualifications you need to teach might be a great way to combine your passion and your desire to start a side hustle. 

Consider Dog Walking

According to recent statistics, 1-in-5 households in America adopted a pet during the pandemic. And the benefits that a furry friend has brought to their life are undeniable. However, now that professionals have started to return to the office, they might be looking for someone looking after their dog. Consider applying for the position to earn while enjoying your evening walk.

Become a Tour Guide

If you have always loved the history, landscaping, and architecture of your city or town, you might consider becoming a tour guide. Today, you can find associations that allow you to conduct your tours and earn a considerable income from it, while also receiving all the benefits of an employee. 

While this can be an excellent side hustle idea for those who love exploring and learning, make sure you get all the certifications you need to continue growing your audience.  

Consider Gardening as a Side Hustle

Have you ever thought that your passion for gardening could be your best tool to save up for your next family vacation? Well, think again! Our gardens have proved themselves to be a safe retreat and the only place to get a breath of fresh air throughout the months of lockdowns and social distancing measures. 

Now, more and more people have committed to looking after their private outside area. If you have always loved gardening and landscaping this could be the best time to get started in a thriving industry. 

Become an Online Personal Trainer

It is undeniable that Covid-19 has forever changed the personal training industry. And yet, the whole wellness and fitness sector is thriving! So, if you have been thinking of transforming your passion into a career, you could consider becoming an online personal trainer and help people pursue their health and fitness goals – no matter where they are in the world!

Get Your Water Aerobics Certification

Love being immersed in water? Getting a water aerobics certification to teach this discipline can help you improve your fitness level, help you spend more time in the water, and refine your swimming skills. This sport is ideal for all age groups, and can truly help you build up functional strength and flexibility – learn the basics of teaching water aerobics and share the secrets of this sport with your friends.

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Important Decisions You Need to Implement For a Healthy Body and Mind

October 14, 2021 by 1 Comment

Life is a balance of many factors. To live a healthy, happy life, it’s essential to make the right decisions. If you want to enjoy good health and peace of mind, you need to make some tough choices in your diet and lifestyle. In this post, we will talk about some critical decisions that are essential for your well-being.

fresh fruit

1 Eat Nutritious Food 

Eating a nutritious diet is one of the most important decisions you can make for good health. If you overeat sugar and saturated fats, your body will accumulate fat cells, leading to weight gain. You’ll also feel tired because your blood glucose levels fluctuate, which means your energy stores within your muscles are being depleted faster than they should be.

A healthy diet includes:

  • Lots of vegetables.
  • Fruits.
  • Lean proteins from fish or poultry.
  • Whole-grain carbohydrates such as brown rice or quinoa instead of white bread products like pasta and chips.

These types of carbs contain fiber which helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Of course, healthy eating habits require discipline, but if you stick with it over time, there’s no doubt that you’ll feel better.

2 Exercise Daily 

The next most important decision you need to implement is exercise. Exercise at least five times a week for 45 minutes each time, but if you’re starting, aim for 30-minute sessions three days per week. If your schedule doesn’t permit that much downtime in the morning or evening, try exercising on your lunch break instead. Exercise will help ensure that all of the body’s systems are working correctly and enhance numerous bodily functions, including regulating blood pressure levels throughout the day and strengthening muscles while boosting bone density. Regular physical activity also helps manage stress, so it’ll keep anxiety symptoms under control – something that can be beneficial when trying to fall asleep at night too! So get moving more often by making this critical decision.

3 Reduce Alcohol Intake 

The third decision you need to implement is to reduce alcohol intake. If you overuse alcoholic beverages, it can lead to numerous health problems, including liver disease and cancer, so we recommend cutting back or even stopping altogether depending on your situation. When you drink excessively, not only will it damage many of the body’s organs but also cause mood swings and depression symptoms, which may make getting a good night’s sleep difficult, if not impossible at times. The Real-World Impact On Your Brain and Body is also highly noticeable when your body withdraws from alcohol. 

If there are medical reasons that prevent you from drinking, don’t start now because this critical decision could save your life! But if it’s something like social situations where people enjoy having a few drinks after work with friends, try suggesting other activities instead, such as going out for a nice dinner.

Making healthier lifestyle decisions can considerably impact your life, including longevity, physical health, and mental well-being. When you feel good about yourself, it’ll also boost confidence levels, leading to better relationships with others!

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Pandemic Lockdown Weight Gain & the Medical Reasons for it

August 11, 2021 by 2 Comments

At a time when Americans should have been focused on their health, as a population they were anything but. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown the average American gained two pounds a month, according to a study published in the The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Network Open).

But the reasons for this trend were the result of brain chemistry that evolved in humans over the millennia, according to well respected neurologist, Dr. Steven Goldstein, founder of the Houston Healthcare Initiative. He described these on his regular podcast that can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Audacy, Houston Healthcare Initiative, iHeart, Podcast Addict, Podbean, Backtracks, Soundcloud, and just about anywhere podcasts can be heard.

Stress & More Stress

Dr. Goldstein told his audience that the main reason for the weight gain was related to stress. “The main reason is stress, especially given the really bad news about the seriousness of the pandemic and the controversies about different treatments early on,” he told his listeners. “That was stress of a long duration which exacerbated the physiological accompaniments of stress.”

Fight or Flight Responses

As part of the ‘fight or flight’ response, the human brain goes on high alert. To maintain a high state of alertness requires more energy for the brain in the form of calories. “Heightened states of stress and anxiety like this require more calories to keep the brain on high alert, Dr. Goldstein stated. “We eat sugar to get a boost of energy. Sugar gets converted to energy faster but does not last long, requiring more sugar. It is a cycle that is unhealthy short term, but really bad long term.”

Long Term Fear of the Unknown

On top of that stress was the unknown. No one living had ever experienced anything like the Covid-19 pandemic and closure of practically everything. According to Dr. Goldstein, not knowing was a huge problem for the American psyche. Research shows that the unknown makes people more stressed than when they know something is about to happen. “In late March, April, and May of last year we really didn’t know what we were dealing with, in terms of how contagious the Covid-19 virus was or how potentially fatal it might be,” Dr. Goldstein said. “Obviously then, the unknowns of the virus and the dramatic worldwide lock downs were things none of us had any experience with and that is the perfect recipe for stress, anxiety and the overeating that accompanies both.”

To Flee or Not to Flee

Stress like this is in reaction to the ‘fight or flight’ response that is hard-wired into the consciousness of humans. According to the web site Psychology Tools, the fight or flight response is ‘an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. The perception of threat activates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee.’ When the duration of this automatic response is months or even over an entire year, part of the evidence that Americans endured all this stress is registered on the scale.

Brain Chemistry

So what in the human psyche links eating with stress? “Humans evolved such that when faced with stress, the body does what it must to keep the brain on high alert,” Dr. Goldstein reported. “It decreases levels of some hormones and brain chemicals to discourage behaviors that won’t help in an urgent situation, and it increases other hormones that will.” Dr. Goldstein added more details, “our ancestors had to outrun predators and other humans or be ready to fight them. Thus, we evolved to release adrenaline in response to the fight or flight response. From an evolutionary perspective, that stress responses are tuned to environmental uncertainty suggests that they gave people a better chance at survival, depending on who or what was chasing you.”

A Gut Feeling

Dr. Goldstein also explained that there was a connection between the brain and the stomach. “The brain is connected to the gut through a two-way communication system called the vagus nerve,” he said. “When you are stressed, your body inhibits the signals that travel through the vagus nerve and slows down the digestive process.”  Eating for comfort can be a natural response to stress, but when combined with the lower motivation to exercise and consumption of low-nutrient, calorie-dense food, people can and did gain weight.

About the Houston Healthcare Initiative

The Houston Healthcare Initiative podcast with Dr. Steven Goldstein is an information vehicle for people who want to know all medical options for themselves and are interested in reforming the healthcare industry. To learn more about the Houston Healthcare Initiative please visit www.houstonhealthcareinitiative.org.

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The Key Elements of a Healthy Lifestyle You Might Be Neglecting

August 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, people across the globe have come to the realization that our health is not something that we should be taking for granted. Often, we rely on modern medicine as a means by which to deal with all our health issues and it’s totally okay to use this as a way to help us recover and heal from illnesses.

However, far too often people use this as an excuse to not take proper care of themselves, using medical intervention to solve their problems rather than preventing problems from arising in the first place. This of course only applies to certain illnesses which are triggered by unhealthy lifestyles. Here are some elements of your health that you should take into your own hands. 

Your Sleep

Many people don’t realize what a major impact their sleep has on their health. Overworking themselves, staying up too late and only getting around 5-6 hours of sleep each night is a quick way to watch both your physical and mental health dwindle rapidly. Sleep should be a major focus and priority in our lives – we should schedule our sleep the same way we would schedule a meeting to ensure a good 7-8 hours every night. Your sleeping accessories (like your mattress and pillow) are also important items to upgrade when the time is right, and nowadays this is easier than ever since you can even make an online order for a memory foam mattress in a box. 

Your Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition, people are often operating at one end of two extremes. Either they don’t take much notice of their diets and eat a lot of junk and processed food, or they fall into the trap of following hundreds of different diet fads which can be just as unhealthy. Healthy nutrition is all about balance and moderation. Intense restriction and starving yourself is dangerous, and so is overloading your body with fats and sugars. However, each of these in small amounts is okay: watching your weight and eating lower calories is fine, but having a takeout on Friday nights is also okay. Your main focus should be on incorporating loads of whole, natural foods with loads of vitamins and minerals as your foundation and trying not to worry too much about having some treats now and then, since balance is key for mental health.

Your Activity

Regular movement is a crucial aspect of a healthy lifestyle, however, this doesn’t have to look the way you might imagine. When trying to work on their health or lose weight, many people turn to what they assume is the “right” way to do this. They might try out running, join a gym or start doing crunches on the floor of their bedroom. This might be a great change to their lifestyle. However, there’s also the chance that they might hate it – and that’s okay! The important part of exercise is that you enjoy it enough to do it consistently. This means that it might take you a while to find what’s right for you. It might be tennis, dance classes, kickboxing, weight lifting, swimming, yoga or hiking. There are endless ways to move your body and all of them are going to offer health benefits. Of course, certain types of exercise might be more conducive to certain aesthetic goals (like building muscle), but if you’re just looking for a healthy kick, it doesn’t really matter what you do. 

Your Mind

Yup, your brain is yet another organ that you need to take care of. Sometimes people get so focused on the physical aspects of a healthy lifestyle, that they end up neglecting the psychological side of things, which is just as important. Your mental health is a major element of your overall health – symptoms of depression and anxiety can often manifest physically which proves this fact! It’s important to take your mental health seriously by implementing time for yourself regularly and being kind to yourself. All of us need time off to dedicate to ourselves – to a hobby that we care about and to resting and relaxing. 

Final Thoughts

Advice found online might make a healthy lifestyle seem unattainable and complicated, but the truth is that expensive supplements, complex workout routines and restrictive diet plans aren’t all they’re made out to be. Focusing on these simple, main elements are all you need to be sure that you’re really taking care of your health and doing what matters to live a long and healthy life.

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12 Natural Tips to Relieve Pain

May 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Common over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective pain relievers. However, its long-term use can cause side effects, such as addiction. 

Besides, around the world, some people prefer to seek out and use natural pain relievers to help them manage pain. Whether it’s car accident back pain or neck pain from work, you may be able to control pain in low to moderate intensity using natural ways. 

Many essential oils, herbs, and alternative therapies work very effectively as natural pain relievers. Let’s discuss 12 natural ways to relieve pain and improve your quality of life by learning how to manage pain without relying on over-the0counter pain medications. 

Acupuncture 

Following different events in life like being in a sports injury, looking for a car accident pain management options, or having a busy work life, you end up facing chronic pain. During these times, alternative pain management treatments like acupuncture can be very helpful in reducing pain. 

Acupuncture can help you with a certain type of pain, such as neck pain, low back pain, and osteoarthritis or knee pain. People also frequently use this way of pain management for tension headaches and migraines. 

Yoga 

There hardly would be people who haven’t heard of this physical meditation practice that offers a way to stay fit and manage pain naturally. Yoga includes a wide range of breathing exercises, relaxation and self-care methods, and fitness positions. So, practicing yoga can be helpful in relieving pain related to stress and anxiety and limited physical activity. 

Besides, you can also personalize the sections of yoga you practice according to your condition. For example, a few stretching exercises and positions that can help manage back pain. If you are interested in learning yoga, you can easily find classes and certified instructors almost around the world, since this mind and body practice has gained popularity globally in the last decade. 

Mindful meditation 

At times, you can make the situation more convenient and pain levels more tolerable for you along with bringing yourself in a relaxed mind space using ways like meditation. People facing chronic pain are increasingly seeking mindfulness meditation as a natural treatment option. 

The time spent in mindful meditation helps by improving pain symptoms like the quality of sleep, depression, and overall wellbeing and quality of life. A big side effect of pain is that it diverts your attention from everything else and makes you only think about the pain you are experiencing. However, natural ways like mindfulness meditation and yoga can be very helpful in helping you change your focus point and learn to better deal with pain in life.

Lavender essential oil 

The soothing properties of lavender essential oil may help you relieve pain naturally. It helps people sleep better, relax, and ease anxiety. This can help you feel better and ease the uncomfortable feeling caused by the pain. 

These days you can easily find lavender essential oil in stores and online, a great way to use them would be while taking a bath for a relaxing and calming experience. 

Rosemary essential oil 

Rosemary is another essential oil type that you can use as a natural pain reliever. It may be able to help you with headaches, and muscle and bone pain. Besides, rosemary may also help you in reducing inflammation, boost memory, and relax smooth muscles.

You can also find a great variety of rosemary essential oils available online and offline. 

Peppermint essential oil 

The Peppermint plant is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects. The three active compounds in peppermint oil include menthol, carvacrol, and limonene. 

Often, people use a diluted version of peppermint essential oil as a topical treatment for pain. They rub the diluted oil on the body areas where that’s causing pain or is achy. That said, rubbing some peppermint oil on your temples and forehead may help relieve tension and ease your headache.  

Eucalyptus essential oil 

Another essential oil that you may want to use as a natural pain reliever is eucalyptus oil. Extracted from the Eucalyptus plant, this herbal remedy may be effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling in the body. 

However, make sure to dilute the eucalyptus oil in a carrier oil before applying it topically and keep it away from children. Make sure to do a spot check just to check if your skin is not reacting to the eucalyptus oil. Just like other oils, you can also find a range of eucalyptus essential oils online. 

Cloves 

A lot of people have traditionally used cloves as a home remedy to help them with a toothache. Besides, people can also use clove gel as an effective alternative to benzocaine gel, which is a topical gel often used by dentists to help decrease the pain from needles. 

That said, the antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties of cloves can be turn out to be beneficial as it being a natural pain remedy. 

Capsaicin 

People have also used capsaicin, found in chili peppers, as a natural pain relief remedy. However, directly using this substance of your body part can cause a mild tingling or burning sensation.

A lot of you may not know this but many pain-relieving products have capsaicin in them. Capsaicin is an important element of many topical creams and patches used for pain management. 

Even though capsaicin may not help relieve pain directly, but it is believed that it reduces the skin’s sensitivity towards pain by affecting the nociceptor fiber, the nerves that carry the pain signals in our bodies.

CBD/THC

These products are not for everyone, and we understand that. But, we would not be doing our jobs if we did not tell you that they are an option. Both of these compounds are found in the cannabis plant, and they are known to have some kind of healing properties within them. Do your research into each product and make a decision based on the information that you find.

It’s important to understand that we’re not saying these products will work, just that some people have had success with them in the past. For example, if you are interested in taking these products, then looking into delta 9 gummies or CBD oil may be your best bet.

Ginger 

This might be one of the most commonly available natural pain remedies in households. Ginger is a root plant with high promise as a natural pain reliever and many other benefits. 

Consuming ginger on daily basis may help with muscle pain, which causes resistance in exercise and activities like running. It can also accelerate recovery and decrease inflammation associated with exercise. 

You can include ginger in your diet by adding a raw piece of it in your teas or smoothies. You even take ginger supplements that are available in stores and online, but going for fresh ginger has more health benefits. 

Feverfew 

Feverfew or known as bachelor’s button or feather few is a medicinal plant. Some of the traditional uses of feverfew include treating migraine, fever, headaches, toothaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and stomach aches. 

However, consuming feverfew can have side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. So, make sure to consult your doctor and double-check if you can take feverfew for your condition. 

Turmeric 

Around the world, turmeric is known for its powerful medicinal properties. Curcuma is the active ingredient in turmeric spice and has great pain-relieving qualities. 

Turmeric is also a commonly used herbal remedy for decreasing inflammation. You can include turmeric in its natural form in your diet by adding it to your smoothie, juicy, and curry recipes.

Improve your quality of life 

Managing pain can be very challenging and if you have been dealing with it long, its symptoms can be difficult as well. However, adopting some of these natural ways to relieve pain can help you decrease your dependence on over-the-counter medication. They can also help improve your overall health and well-being and also better fight symptoms like poor sleep quality and stress. 

 

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10 Ways to Help You Recover Mentally from An Injury

May 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Injuries, accidents, and other medical issues are part of life. However, when you are recovering from them, it is very important to address both your physical and mental healing.

From a traumatic brain injury treatment to recovering from a fracture, you need to focus on how this injury or this phase of life has affected you emotionally and mentally. A lot of times, people forget the importance of recovering mentally because such events affect your state of mind more than you might realize. 

Besides, avoiding recovering mentally due to your physical injuries can have long-term effects on your life because complete healing goes far beyond just your physical state. A lot of people who physically go through such occurrences, tend to become afraid of reinjury or face post-traumatic stress when doing any physically demanding like playing a sport, exercising or driving according to how they were initially injured. 

Some other ways it can affect you are through insomnia, anger issues, and change in appetite. While exercising, endorphins are released in your brain, which makes you feel better and gives a bit of a high. However, if you are not allowed or able to exercise, you may easily get depressed, irritable, and lose motivation to watch your diet. A lot of people tend to eat too much or too little or eat very unhealthy foods. 

Hence, to avoid or limit these sides effect of recovering from injury, you must focus on your mental recovery just as seriously. There are several ways you can stay positive during this time and focus on your mental recovery. Let’s get to the list of ten things you can do to boost your emotional and mental recovery from an injury.

Change your perspective 

The first step has to be working on your perception of the injury and the recovery. Divert the time and energy that you would normally focus on working out to your recovery. 

It may take a while, but make sure to keep reminding yourself that even if you are resting and recovering it does not mean that you are not being productive. Don’t be too hard on yourself and try to understand as resting allows you to heal and get back on your feet, it is a productive use of your time. 

Maintain a journal 

Keeping a journal helps a lot of people managing pain. If you worry too much about your injury or re-injury when you are in pain, try to keep a journal of all these feelings. You can include things like when you face aches or pain, what are the trigger points, how long they last, and how they get better when you feel pain. 

This can help you regain your confidence, and understand that it is going to end at one point. Besides, keeping a pain journal also sometimes makes it easy for your doctor to track your progress. 

Set realistic goals for yourself 

The time you are recovering from the injury is very important for how this entire episode affects your life in the future. Hence, it is important that you set new, smaller, and realistic goals for yourself and your progress. This way, when you achieve your goals, you can feel happy and celebrate them as they come true. This also works wonders in helping you stay motivated and going for the next goal.

Focus on the things you can control

Focusing on things you cannot control will only make this journey more difficult for you. Whether it’s neurology in San Antonio or any other treatment you are going through for your physical recovery, they are going to take time and it is not much you can control here. 

However, you can control your diet, your fluid intake, and eating healthier food that helps you recover faster. After some time and discussing with your doctor, you can include some alternative ways to exercise. For example, if you have an arm injury, you can do some basic leg exercises. Hence, try to focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot. 

Find a hobby 

Depending on the intensity of your injuries, you can take any time like days, weeks, or even months to recover. Hence, it is important to keep yourself entertained during this time. Keeping up a new hobby is a great way to keep your energy levels up. Cooking, reading, or starting a DIY project, look for something you can enjoy doing.

Meditate

Finding a way, you can channel the stress away is the best thing you can do. If you find yourself obsessing about not being able to heal as quickly as you would like, take some time off and practice meditation. 

Worrying too much will only take your progress backward. Instead, try sitting still and alone, concentrating on your breathing, it tends to calm your nervous system, help you stay positive, and reduce stress. If you have been doing meditation from before the injury, it will be even easier to follow through with this tip. 

Keep up with the rehab program

The journey of recovering physically and mentally is different for everyone and some people use extra help to do this smoothly. That is why keep reminding yourself that even though doing more rehab than you are recommended by the professional might not make your recover faster, but doing less than what is recommended will slow down your progress. 

Hence, don’t shy away from the rehab and stick to what is working for you, and what is helping for even longer is absolutely necessary.

Do not isolate yourself 

During your recovery, you can use as much support as you can get. Hence, try to maintain your normal social life as much as possible. If you are continuing to regularly communicate with and socialize with your close friends and family, you are less likely to feel as down about the injury. 

Besides, a strong support system also helps in keeping you motivated towards your health and wellness. 

Stay positive 

It is very important to remember that it might take a long time but you will one day get better and the injury will be healed. If you follow through with the recommended treatment plan, don’t rush yourself, and give your body the fuel it needs to completely recover, and eventually, you won’t be injured anymore. And finally, you can get back to your normal routine, doing things that you enjoy the most. 

Practice patience 

No one wants to stay injured, but healing takes time. Make sure to take time to think about what this time has allowed you to do. Try to exercise patience and gratitude. Trying to look for something positive during this time will give you the strength to keep going forward. You may even find yourself enjoying the small things like some time off from work and catching up with your family, friends, or old hobbies like reading or watching movies. 

How you pass this time and what this time represents in your life ultimately depends on you. An overall positive outlook allows you to not only try to recover faster but also helps you to change your perspective of life beyond the injury. 

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