Wednesday 30 October 2013

Just Breathe

With each stress piling onto another I felt my shoulders rise a little higher. Ever felt that tension?
I definitely can tell when the pressure or stress is getting to much for me. Any little physical pain sends me on irritated rampage on anyone in site. It it makes me extremely upset to be like that because I truly strive to be positive and filled with joy.

I stopped yesterday when I could feel the irritation and tears start rising and thought "what am I not doing?". Not too add more pressure to myself but to examine my daily routine. The funny thing is that in times when you need a practice, routine or self love is when you avoid it at all costs. Saying that you "don't have time" or "I should be doing...... not this". When in reality that self love is what will help heal your soul, calm your stress and allow you to achieve so much more. I have clients who know how amazing and fulfilled they would feel if they just went for a small walk but instead find any justification why they shouldn't. They finally give in and are elated with the aftermath.


What was I denying myself? Meditation. Each day I would remind myself that it would be beneficial to sit down in the morning to meditate. Even if it was just 5 or 10 minutes, but morning after morning I skipped right past that lonely meditation pillow and added another binding stress to myself. So last night I stopped talking about it and just took a step. Small but immediate, I sat down and listened to a guided mediation. I wasn't ready to do it on my own yet so I received help from a guide. After 10 minutes I got up and felt I had finally stretched through "something". Today I sat down again and just breathed. Letting it all go. Gently my shoulders relaxed and a smile grew on my face. Tomorrow I will do it again and break away the built up tension that is getting in my way of happiness, positivity and adventure.

One small step at time. Just breathe. It will all work out.

What are you denying yourself that you know would make the world of difference in your life? Or how are you enjoying self love?

I'd love for you to share.

-Michelle 
Holistic Health Coach

Thursday 17 October 2013

Pink Kicker Juice Recipe

Here's an awesome tasting juice recipe that I created this week. I wanted it to help prevent colds, good for your blood and help prevent bad cell growth. The best part of this juice is that it's super easy and refreshing to drink. No need to guzzle this one down. It actually tastes pretty similar to a tomato cocktail. I call it the "Pink Kicker" as it helps kick those nasty bad cells in your body to the curb and it's just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


The grapefruit and tomato in the juice both contain large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants that help keep your immune system running smoothly. Grapefruit and tomato also contain a very lovely thing called Lycopene which helps lower your risk of several different kinds of cancer and also helps stop cancer cells from spreading or growing.

The beets in the juice contain high amounts of antioxidants. They help detox the body and provide anti-inflammatory support. There are several vitamins and minerals found in beets as well. Beets are rich in anthocyanins, the pigment that makes the beet red, and is responsible for the repair and protection of DNA in the body. 


Pink Kicker Juice Recipe 
One large grapefruit 
One large tomato 
Half red apple 
One medium beet 
Beet greens from the beet

Enjoy!

-Michelle
Holistic Health Coach 

Wednesday 16 October 2013

6 Ways to Get a Better Sleep

I am so happy today! Want to know why?
I finally got some sleep last night! Woohoooooo
 Beware of Sleep Disturbers! 

I usually sleep really well. Like hit the switch and I'm out kinda sleep. The last couple days though were out of my control. We are babysitting a year old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy and have had some troubles getting him to sleep through the night. Yesterday I seriously thought I was going to fall asleep during yoga class standing up or absolutely lose it on someone.

This got me thinking about how precious our sleep time is to our bodies, mind and soul. I have lots of clients who come to me for help with their sleep. Today I thought I would share the risks of not getting enough sleep or good quality sleep and 6 ways you can get to sleep better and stay asleep.

First the risks of not getting enough sleep or good quality sleep:

  • Brain Function: without a good sleep your mind does not function the same. You have poor concentration and you are unable to memorize new things. A little slow today?
  • Mood & Stress: just think of those grumpy toddlers who didn't sleep through the night. We haven't changed. You might notice you have those same type of temper tantrums but just in a grown up way. A little snappy at some poor innocent person at the office?
  • Metabolism & Weight: When we don't get enough sleep our whole body starts to go backwards. Your metabolism slows down and you start storing carbohydrates and fat differently. This leads to weight gain.
  • Disease Risk: When our bodies are running on low fuel it brings down our immune system. This puts us at risk for viruses, flu and higher risk for abnormal cell growth. 

6 Way to Get a Better Sleep:

  1. Eating Time: Try not to eat anything at least 2.5 hours before bed. Food is fuel for our bodies. If we eat something we are telling it to start the engines. Start moving! That's not what we want our bodies to be doing while we are trying to close our eyes. Mixed signals!
  2. Fluids: Just like food, water or any fluid is also fuel for our bodies. I try to avoid drinking an hour before bed.
  3. Electronics: Turn that tv, cell phone, computer and anything with a bright screen off an hour before bed. The flashing and brightness confuses our brains. Our brains are thinking "If it's night time than why is there bright light and motion going on? Must be daytime... Keep awake!". Can we say mixed signals once again?
  4. Journal: If I've had a really active day and my mind is racing I like to journal it all out on paper. Get it out of my mind and let there be space for silence. This is also a great time to do some gratitude journaling which helps calm your nerves.
  5. Breathing: Lay on your back and close your eyes. Start by observing your belly rise and fall in a natural way. Then notice your breathe start to slow down. If your mind wanders off just bring it back with ease and let that thought float away like a cloud. Let your body melt into the bed with each exhale. Continue...
  6. Goodnight Yoga: Tara Stiles has a great yoga routine for bedtime. Relaxing and for all levels.

Do you have great sleep tip you would like to share? Leave it in the comments below and I may share it with our Facebook followers as well. 

Sleep well!

-Michelle
Holistic Health Coach
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