We love tree-hugging, especially now as a tree hug is a hug possible even during the difficult COVID-19 social isolation.
Did you know that tree-hugging can provide mind-body benefits helping us to feel more grounded and soothed?
Hugging a tree can increase levels of oxytocin in the body just like hugging a person. Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone” combats cortisol, the “stress hormone,” leading to increased calmness and a sense of tranquility.
After conducting a national health survey from 2002 to 2008, the National Institute of Health estimated that 8% of U.S. adults meditate. That’s 18 million people. And we expect that number has risen greatly in the last decade and will continue to increase.
PMS symptoms have affected all of us ladies to varying degrees.
Cramps and pain in the lower abdominal area are some of the worst symptoms, so we wanted to share an easy to make DIY anti-cramping and pain oil blend. This can be applied topically by rubbing onto your abdomen to reduce cramping and other PMS symptoms.
Below are the recipe and steps to make this oil blend, followed by the benefits of each ingredient.
Anne and I both love yoga for its many physical and mental benefits, and our mats can get very sweaty and dirty after practice.
YogiApproved.com writes “When you roll the mat onto the floor, and roll it up again later, you’re rolling whatever mystery goodies (or not-so-goodies) up with it – rolled onto the side that you put your hands and feet and face on too.” Additionally, they note “In a lab test conducted on several different yoga mats, some of the mats were found to have Staph, yeast build-up (a form of fungus), fecal matter, allergens, and millions of bacteria, to name just a few of the findings.” Seriously gross, right?
We know cleaning our yoga mats is essential, but the problem with most yoga mat cleaners is that they may contain harsh or toxic ingredients one should avoid touching and inhaling (even the “all natural” sprays & wipes may contain questionable emulsifiers, chelating agents, surfactants, and preservatives), can be expensive, and waste resources if they come in a non-reusable plastic container (among additional packaging).
I say skip those overpriced and potentially chemical filled store-bought yoga mat cleaners and make your own natural cleaner in 10 minutes with these easy DIY recipes below - all with items you can reuse.
One of my most favorite and unique organic juice & smoothie shops in Chicago is Infiniteus Rocks and Juice located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.
However, they are not solely an organic juice & smoothie bar, they are also a “metaphysical boutique” with a crystal shop in the back of the organic juice bar.
They were actually offering their metaphysical crystals and stones for sale two years before their delicious and organic juices, smoothies, cleanses, healthy snacks, super-foods and supplements. The “rocks” shop opened four years ago, and the juice bar two years ago.
Essential Oils (EOs) are an essential component of my life journey. They have become an integral part of my wellness and beauty routine with my usage including, but not limited to, the following:
Skin Care - I mix EOs such as Lavender, Helichrysum Italicum or Gymnocephalum, Frankincense, Myrrh, and so on every day with the oils I apply to my face and body.
Oral Care - I put a drop of Peppermint or Frankincense on my lemon Earthpaste to brush my teeth (peppermint is strong but so refreshing!).
Medicine - EOs are my first line of medicinal defense against any ailment.
Wellness / Aromatherapy - I use EOs via aromatherapy for restful sleep, general mental health, and relaxation, and for delightful smells in my home.
Household Care - I add EOs to non-toxic cleaning agents I buy and plan to make more household care products myself in the future. For instance, I made an EO bug spray that is non-toxic (compared to highly toxic store bought bug sprays), which I will share later on this blog.
My own experience in using the power of these oils on myself and my incredible darling late husband (my inspiration) the last couple of years led me to want to study Essential Oils further. I am currently studying to become a Certified Essential Oils Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) over the next twelve weeks. During this time I will bring easy and helpful guides to using EOs each week to Journey to Good from that week’s coursework. So, stayed tuned for beneficial DIY recipes for using Essential Oils in your daily lives.
Read on to learn more about Essential Oils and the company I have chosen for all of my oils.
Today I visited The Kombucha Room, a cafe located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago that offers 20 varieties of kombucha, on tap.
This intimate space is a laid-back neighborhood gem. If you’ve never tried kombucha, this would be a great place to start exploring this probiotic tea drink that can help with healthy digestion.
Xinalani Retreat (pronounced Shee-nah-lah-knee) is claimed to be “A Sanctuary for Self Discovery,” and we agree.
We journeyed to Xinalani Retreat, located in Quimixto, Mexico, together in April. Colleen has been two additional times in 2017.
If you’re looking for an all inclusive yoga retreat where you can grow your practice, enjoy nature and eat incredible clean food, this is the spot.
Ayurveda is the science of life, and the Hamsa Ayurveda Center has given new life to this ancient science in Chicago.
Anne and I attended the Hamsa Ayurveda open house in May, and it gave us both a base of knowledge we will use to explore Ayurveda more deeply in the future.
I was semi-informed on Ayurveda - I knew about Doshas and some Ayurvedic nutrition - but Anne was being introduced to this system of medicine for the first time.
If you’re like either of us, you probably have a lot of questions about this healing art.