What you eat can affect how you sleep. Try these tips and remedies to ease yourself into sleep.

Soothing Herbs: Recent research has shown that certain herbs have a calming effect, and they may help with insomnia. Talk with your doctor before you take any herb for sleep.
• Lavender – Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a hot bath and soak right before bed to calm your mind and body.
• Valerian – Try a liquid extract of this sedative herb. Follow the dosage suggested on the bottle. It can take a few weeks to take effect.
• Passion Flower – Drink tea infused with soothing passionflower, this will help calm down the mind and body and allow you to relax into a peaceful slumber.
• Nutmeg – Drink warm almond milk with some nutmeg. Nutmeg has a sedative effect on the mind and the warm almond milk is nourishing to the body.

Sleepy Time Snacks: While its not a good idea to eat heavily close to bedtime, if you’re hungry in the evening, a small snack can be calming. The best snacks contain both a carbohydrate and the amino acid tryptophan, a natural sleep inducer. Foods rich in tryptophan include dairy products, soy milk, legumes such as chickpeas and lentils and nuts and seeds. Carbohydrates make tryptophan more available to the brain, which is why carbs make you drowsy. Suggestions- natural almond butter with whole grain crackers, low-fat cheese with apple slices or a small bowl of whole grain cereal with almond milk.

Caffeine-free afternoons: Caffeine is a mild stimulant that increases central nervous system activity for hours. So avoid all sources of caffeine, however if you must have some caffeine avoid it at least 6 to 8 hours before bed. Coffee is loaded with it but other foods such as chocolate and energy drinks contain the stimulant as well. It is suggested that avoiding natural stimulants including drinks containing guarana seeds, kola nuts and yerba mate.

Hormone producers: melatonin is a hormone secreted by the body that regulates sleep patterns. You can get this in a natural form from food. Tart cherries, grapes and walnuts contain melatonin so go ahead and eat a handful of these goodies to induce your sleep hormones and have a healthy nourishing snack at the same time.

Mellowing minerals: Studies show that even a marginal magnesium deficiency can excite the brain, preventing relaxation at night. Good sources of anxiety-fighting magnesium include leafy green vegetables, wheat germ, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, black beans and almonds.

May the quality of your sleep improve as you bring these holistic solutions into your life!

Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

We all occassionally sit down to eat and gobble up our food so fast that we either can’t remember what we ate or if we completely chewed up our food before swallowing. Many times we are eating on the run, talking or watching television while eating or simply just doing other things and not totally focused on the ritual of eating. All of this rush, rush can began to wreck havoc on our digestive system and we may began to develop conditions such as gas, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, hyperacidity and so on. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, I am offering you a simple but often forgotten solution.  Mindfulness.

Bring Mindfulness to your ritual of eating. Being mindful encompasses not only what you do while your eating but it starts with what you select to eat and how you prepare it to eat. When selecting foods to eat try to select the freshest foods possible, next prepare the food with the proper amount of seasoning and pungent herbs and spices to add flavor without adding calories. The herbs and spices should add to the food and should not take over the essence of the food but compliment it’s taste. And lastly when eating, eat without any distractions, no television or radio and minimal talking. Try eating at a table and if that is not possible it is a must that you eat sitting down. Prior to eating you should give thanks for the food you are about to receive and the ability to be able to eat it. Once you began to eat, slow down and chew eat bite at least 20 times noticing the texture and true flavor of the food. During the eating ritual really take time to connect with your food instead of gobbling each bite as fast as you can. By taking time and being mindful while you eat you allow your body to prepare itself for the nutrients it is receiving as well as facilitate a smoother digestive process. Another benefit to being mindful while you eat is that you will begin to feel full faster as your brain catches up and connects with your stomach. The feeling of fullness will allow you to eat less and which can be an assistant in keeping the waistline in check.

Eating is a very sacred experienced and should be enjoyed without being rushed. The mindfulness that you can practice while eating your meals will allow you to connect and enjoy this sacred experience as it is meant to be. In the very fast moving society that we live in today, bringing mindfulness to your eating may be the only time that you truly get to sit and relax and enjoy the present moment before you.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson,RN,AHP,CMS

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com
http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.freegiftsfromrochele.com

How many times during the holiday season have you pulled out cloves to put on your ham or to use as a spice in your holiday cooking and baking? Did you know that cloves can help clear up colds, mold and skin problems too?

Believe it or not, a tea containing cloves, it Chai can help you kick a respiratory infection. Cloves work as an expectorant, loosening mucus in the throat and esophagus so that you can cough it up. After seeing your doctor to rule out a bacterial infection, you can try a healing brew of 2cloves, a stick of cinnamon and 2 crushed cardamom seeds in an infuser or steeper; place in a large mug with a black tea bag. Add boiling water and let it steep for 1 to 2 minutes. Then sip away your symptoms.

To give your clothes an intoxicating aroma and sweeten up musty spots like the basement, toss a few whole cloves in the bottom of an old clean sock and tie with a ribbon. The spicy scent covers up odors and keeps your stuff smelling fresh. Swap out the cloves every 2 to 4 weeks so the scent stays at its sweet and spicy peak.

Cloves help clear acne, thank to eugenol, a natural antiseptic that balances the skin, stopping future breakouts. Try combining 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of honey and 3 drops of fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Apply to your entire face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water for clear skin.

Got mold? Skip harsh chemicals and eliminate it with cloves. It works as a natural antiseptic and reduces existing outbreaks and prevents future one in affected areas. Add a dash of clove oil (about ½ teaspoon) to 2 cups of water and pour it into an empty spray bottle. Scrub the susceptible spots, spritz on and let sit to deter further growth. Then sit back and breath easy.

Lastly cloves are an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps you metabolize carbs and proteins. Sprinkle the powdered clove in your baked treats for a flavor and nutrient boost.

Considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that is designed to help people live long, healthy, and well-balanced lives. The term Ayurveda is taken from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning life or lifespan, and veda, meaning knowledge. It has been practiced in India for at least 3,500 years. The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent and treat illness by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and spirit through proper diet and lifestyle, detoxification therapy (PanchaKarma), rejuvenative therapies, as well as herbal remedies.

How does it work?

Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, according to Ayurvedic beliefs, each person has a distinct pattern of energy — a specific combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. It is also believed that there are three basic energy types called doshas, present in every person:

• Vata — energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When vata energy is balanced, there is creativity and vitality. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety.
• Pitta — energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. In balance, pitta leads to contentment and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can cause ulcers and arouse anger.
• Kapha — energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system. In balance, kapha is expressed as love and forgiveness. Out of balance, kapha leads to insecurity and envy.

Everyone has vata, pitta, and kapha, but usually 1 or 2 are dominant in a particular person. Many things can disturb the energy balance, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, the weather, and strained family relationships. The disturbance shows up as disease. Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe treatments to bring the doshas back into balance.

From a Western medical perspective, stress relief seems to be one of the ways Ayurveda works to help fight illness. For example, studies have found that meditation, a component of Ayurveda, lowers anxiety. Other studies have found that Ayurveda lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, slows the aging process, and speeds recovery from illness. Many herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine have antioxidant effects, which means that they may help protect against long-term illnesses such as heart disease and arthritis.

What is Ayurveda good for?

The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to prevent diseases. Studies have suggested that Ayurveda may be effective at reducing the risk of heart disease. For example, one study found that Ayurveda helped reduce plaque and reverse the thickening of artery walls known as atherosclerosis in both healthy adults as well as adults at high risk for heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a slow, complex disease in which cholesterol, fats, and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This build-up, known as plaque, can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Combining yoga with an Ayurvedic herbal remedy containing winter cherry (Withania somnifera), boswellia (Boswellia serrata), and turmeric (Curcuma longa) may reduce pain and disability in people with arthritis.

A number of Ayurvedic herbal remedies have been examined, though sometimes good quality studies are lacking. For example, guggul (Commiphora mukul), a traditional Ayurvedic medication used to treat high cholesterol, is widely used in India. It appears to block production of cholesterol in the liver, lowering cholesterol levels. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds can lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood), and raise HDL “good” cholesterol levels. Its effects seem to come from its ability to lower the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, and may be related to the high fiber content of the seed. The high fiber content of fenugreek seeds may also help control blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Other Ayurvedic herbs are being studied as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, asthma, dementia, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), herpes, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, perimenopausal problems, and premenstrual syndrome, among many other conditions. Ayurvedic herbs combined with conventional medications may also be helpful for acne, chronic constipation, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and uterine fibroids.

It is always recommended that you discuss the taking of herbs with your health care provider prior to taking them.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson,RN,AHP,CMS

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.freegiftsfromrochele.com

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils; whether breathed in or applied directly to the skin, the extracts can be used to address all manner of everyday ailments, including travel-related stressors from jet lag to digestive trouble. Below you will find some tips based on the principles of Ayurveda that will bring something special to your travels.

Jet lag:  To help keep jet lag at bay, bring along some peppermint or lavender essential oil or a combination of both to inhale prior to, during and after your flight, train ride or boat ride. Its natural and works wonderfully. You’ll be amazed.

Stress: Running late for a flight, missed a flight or run into another type of travel snag? The essential oil Ylang, Ylang slows down the heart rate and helps to alleviate anxiety, nervousness, tension, anger and fear. Putting a drop or two of this essential oil on a tissue and waving the tissue under your nose to breathe it in, will assist in calming you down.

Sleep: Falling asleep in a strange place is rarely easy. To quiet the mind and get the body ready for bed, try massaging your feet with warm sesame oil after you have added a few drops of chamomile, marjoram and lavender essential oil, all of which are helpful in preparing the body for a good night’s rest.

Energy: To wake up in the morning and for a continued boost throughout the day, a combination of lemongrass with rosemary will be stimulating and energizing. Breathe in the scent, then apply the oil to your pulse points and temples.

Digestion: Fennel or ginger essential oils rubbed right onto the stomach and abdomen work wonders. Fennel is used for indigestion, gas and abdominal spasms and stimulates digestion and ginger is used for nausea as well as assisting with the digestive process as well.

And now you have the secret to making your travels flawless and effortless even when they aren’t.

Happy Travels!

Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.freegiftsfromrochele.com

The ancient tradition of fasting is filled with examples of famous teachers from Jesus to Gandhi. These notable figures spent days, weeks or even months without food and sometimes water. Although those were extreme fast, everyone experiences a mini fast on a daily basis. This fast occurs from the time of the last meal eaten until the time of when the first meal is eaten the next day. Occasionally extending these daily fast to several days can bring long-lasting physical and spiritual benefits.

One of the best reasons to fast is to clean up bowel toxicity. Today we live in a world that is filled with toxins and fasting is the most profound way to detoxify the body and mind. Most adults have a lifetime of accumulated toxins from pollution, processed foods, medications, over eating, cellular and metabolic waste and stress that impair the digestive system. The build up of this toxin can wreak havoc on the body.

Fortunately, nature has a simple yet powerful remedy to alleviate the toxins from our bodies and this remedy is fasting or in Ayurveda, it may be a full Pancha Karma treatment (Ayurveda Detox). It should be noted that fasting also has some additional benefits to our body besides eliminating toxins; it actually stimulates new cell growth and turns on the “youthing” genes that restore health, reverse the aging process and increase longevity.

There are several schools of thought when it come to fasting however since I recommend a holistic approach to fasting, I recommend contacting an Ayurveda Health Practitioner for a complete assessment to determine what is the best course of action for you to begin your Fasting or Detox program.

All fasting programs have a “pre” fast plan, a “during “plan and a “breaking” the fast plan. It is important that you follow the advice of your practitioner so that your mind, body and spirit can experience the true benefit and all goodness from this very powerful natural healing tool.

Here are some things that you may experience during your fast. For the first few days as you detoxify you may have an increase in body odor, rashes, a coating on the tongue, with flu-like symptoms ranging from headaches, muscle aches, dizziness and fatigue to waves of anger, sadness and fear. All of these surfacing toxins are more easily released with the assistance of massage, light exercise, decreased sensory stimulation, meditation, quiet time and journaling to name a few.  In a seven day fast, you can expect to feel by the third day hunger to fade and the desire for and attachment to food will have diminished, freeing the mind and spirit for contemplation. The last few days of the fast (detox) are often accompanied by a renewed sense of joyful well-being, physical vitality, flexibility, strength, mental clarity and awareness.

Natural beauty will also begin to reappear. Gone are pale or dry and crepe-like skin; wrinkles; puffy, dark circles under the eyes; and cellulite and replaced by a glowing, peachy, complexion, vibrant eyes and a toned body that can only come from renewed inner health.

The purification that results from an experience like this often leads to appreciation for the human body, compassion for oneself and others and a deeper connection to spiritual truth and inner wisdom. Although one fast (detox) is not enough to detoxify the body and mind completely, it will begin to reveal how true health feels. The practice of detoxing opens a path to boundless health and spiritual growth and allows one to move beyond the limiting desires and diseases of the mind-body complex. For some, this freedom also strengthens communion with the divine and sets them forth on their journey to feeling fabulous.

Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The science of Ayurveda hold that every part of our mind and body is governed by the doshas, the bioenergetic forces that sustain life.  The three Doshas or body constitutions are Kapha, Pitta and Vata.

Kapha: Within the Kapha dosha there is a predominance of the water and earth elements. Like these elements Kapha tends to be cool, moist, stable and heavy. In the body these qualities manifest as dense, heavy bones, lustrous, supple skin, low metabolism, large eyes, short necks, bushy eyebrows, round, soft faces and large stocky frames.

Pitta:  The Pitta dosha is said to be made up of the fire and water elements. Fire is more predominant and those people with a predominant Pitta nature have many of the qualities of fire within them. Pitta tends to be hot, light, a little moist, un-stable, sharp and penetrating. It is also somewhat volatile and oily. The oily nature of Pitta is related to the secondary component of water. These people tend to be of medium build with moderate eye brows, medium length necks, deep-set eyes and moderate skin thickness.

Vata: The Vata dosha is said to be made up of the air and ether elements. Air is the more predominant  quality with Ether being secondary.  Vata tends to be cold, light, dry and mobile. People of Vata nature tends to “flighty” and flow much like the wind.  People of Vata nature tend to have long, oval faces, long, narrow bones, small eyes, thin skin, thin eyebrows and long necks.

So which dosha do you think you are?

You can find out by going to http://www.freegiftsfromrochele.com and take the mini dosha quiz.

Namaste,

For a more complete explanation or assessment visit: www.healthhealingwellness.com or give us a call at 209-640-3154 for a personal consultation.

There are few things that are more important to our health and well-being than what we eat and how we digest our food. Having success with managing our weight often have to do with our relationship to food and the food we eat relates to the energy we have to sustain us throughout our day.  In fact the foods that we eat and how we eat them are so important that they have a profound effect upon our health and wellness.

To assist you with getting on track with your diet and naturally increasing your energy, I have created a 6 week plan to help you meet your healthy-eating goals.

Week 1

Rethink your drink. Our bodies crave simple water, not the empty calorie beverages like, soda, iced teas, energy drinks, and coffee concoctions we often drink instead. This first week focus on trimming your consumption of these sugary liquids in half to benefit you in two ways, (1) slashes a ton of calories (2) helps your body to maintain balanced blood sugar. Carry a refillable water bottle or keep a pitcher and glass at your desk. Try adding a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber for a healthy flavored option.

Week 2

Portion your plate. Increase the health quotient of your meals by mentally dividing your plate into three section; ½ vegetables and fruit, ¼ whole grains and ¼ lean meats or seafood. You’ll get more fiber and antioxidants while controlling servings. For a different cooking option for vegetables, try roasting them for a deeper flavor. Experiment with different grains such as couscous and quinoa. Going vegetarian once a week is a nice option as well. The fruits and vegetables provide natural sugar to are bodies that are easier to break down and are more beneficial for our cells to utilize.

Week 3

Learn how to sauté.  Knowing how to do a proper sauté will help cut the amount of fat in your diet. This basic yet versatile cooking technique using high heat with little fat is perfect for prepping veggies, lean meats, poultry and seafood. Adding spices such as cumin, cardamom, coriander, black pepper and turmeric will add a bounty of flavor to the veggies and will also aid in the digestive process. A normal functioning digestive systems keeps the sluggishiness from invading our bodies and zapping our energy.

Week 4

Make your sweet work for you. It is recommended that women should limit their intake of sugar to 6 teaspoons and for men 9 teaspoons per day. It is best to avoid sugar however if a sweetener is needed it is suggested that a natural sweetener be used such as agave, honey, maple syrup, turbinado or stevia. In week 1 you cut back on sugary drinks and this will boost you slightly further with decrease the intake of sugar into your daily diet thus decreasing your caloric intake and naturally increasing your energy.
Week 5

Start a window herb garden. Having fresh herbs handy will help you kick your salt habit, as they add a ton of flavor to home cooked foods. Basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill are some wonderful herbs that are very versatile and easy to grow. The added bonus with this is two fold, you can use these herbs fresh in your cooking or you can dry them out and use them that way in your cooking, also the greenery in your window sill will add a touch of spring into your kitchen.

Week 6

Consume Whole foods that are not processed. The foods we take should be fresh and less processed. The processing of food is well known to devitalize the food thus destroying natural enzymes and depleting important vitamins and minerals. This translates to eating fresh vegetables, no eating of boxed processed or microwaveable foods, no frozen or pre-cooked food and no leftovers. The fresher the food and the more closer it is to its natural state the easier it is for our body to use and the greater benefit it is to our bodies. So go ahead and eat fresh and natural.

Sleep is one of the three pillars of life in Ayurveda. In fact getting proper sleep is so important that there have been an influx of commercials on television promoting sleep aids and prescription sleep medication. More and more people are sleeping less due to modern technology that keeps us connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With all that stimulation who has time to focus on getting a good night’s rest, after all there is just so much to do.

The above sentence is a common statement that is repeated more often than not. In fact people are sleeping 10% less than they were ten years ago and are sleeping 17% less than they slept in the eighties. Over the course of a 100 year life span that is 17 years less a person is sleeping now than they slept 30 years ago.

After a busy day of multitasking even the most serene among us can find it difficult to get a good night’s rest. According to theNationalCenterfor Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, some 30% to 40% of adults suffer symptoms of insomnia within a given year.

Sleep follows a normal health pattern and brings refreshment. Deep sleep is essential for renewing both body and mind and restoring our vital energy. Without proper sleep, we will not have the proper energy to function in life. The effect of sleep is like that of diet, to provide nourishment. Just as we require proper food, rest of the body and mind through sleep is also essential. Happiness and misery, obesity and leanness, strength and weakness, sexual vigor and impotence, consciousness and loss of sensory acuity, life and death all depend upon proper sleep.

If you occasionally suffer from sleeplessness or difficulty sleeping, keep reading for some simple strategies.

•  Say Goodnight. Create a bedtime ritual to signal to your body and mind that all activity is done for the day and it’s time for rest. Any food sensory stimulation, or even thought you take in must be digested and absorbed before you will be free to rest. Finish eating two hours prior to bedtime, and turn off the television or put aside your cell phone and laptop at least half an hour before retiring.
• Show Your Body Appreciation. When you come to bed, take a moment to notice your hands, your feet, and the rest of your body. Close your eyes and mentally shower your entire body with love and appreciation for a few seconds. This is the precious container that holds you and allows you to experience the world. Imagine every cell is filled with love.
• Stretch and yawn. Rest on your back and contract and stretch your muscles from head to toe. Flex your feet, spread your toes and then curl them under three times. Stretch out one foot and reach the opposite arm overhead. Gently squeeze and release the leg and arm muscles three times. Change sides. Hug yourself and shrug your shoulders toward each other. Hold for three or four seconds and release. Change the cross of your arms and repeat. Rest the base of your palms above your eyebrows and place your thumbs on your temples. Slide your fingertips along your hairline and circle the thumbs lightly on your temples. Yawn three times.
• Rest in love. Either in bed or on your yoga mat come into Child’s pose with your knees wide apart and forehead resting on your hands. Imagine a blanket made of infinite love covering you. Let you hand relax onto your hands. Tell your skin, muscles, and organs that they are fee from the demands of multitasking and being on constant alert. Settle into this cocoon and rest for at least a minute.
• Let yourself melt. Lie flat on your belly, resting on your forehead on your hands. Feel your navel expand toward the floor as you inhale and pull back as you exhale. With each exhalation, imagine releasing tension from your body. Do this for 10 breaths. Roll slowly onto your back. Rest your fingers on your belly, feeling it rise and fall as you take 12 more breaths. With each exhalation, let yourself melt and be absorbed into radiant love. Then curl into a fetal position on your right side and rest. You may even drift off to sleep.

Tonight when you get into bed to go to sleep remember that sleep is just as important to your body as nourishment. Without sleep your body can not function properly, so curl up in your warm and comfy bed, close your eyes take in some slow long deep breaths and fall off into slumberland knowing that “Sleep Does A Body Good.”

Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

What we think we often believe. In fact, there is such a strong connection to what we think and how we feel that individuals have been know to cure themselves from terminal illnesses just by believing in themselves, a higher power or a combination of the two.

According to Ayurveda, the body itself is a mental organism, a vehicle of perception designed to support the functions of the senses and to facilitate experience by the mind. Any breakdown in bodily function has its root in the perceptual process and results from wrong use of the senses. Too much, too little or wrong use of the senses results in wrong actions that cause us eventual pain. For example in today modern high technological world our problems are mainly psychological. We have adequate food, clothing and shelter, which prevent us from getting most physical problems, yet we still suffer from psychological unrest which over time manifest in physical symptoms. This unrest may manifest as feelings of anger, overwhelm, and stress, loneliness, not being loved or appreciated. On the other hand if we use the senses in the correct manner then we experience feelings of joy, peace, relaxation, gratitude, love and being appreciated. Positive thinking leads to a positive state of mind which manifest in a positive and balanced body. In this state of being the body is free of sickness and disease and the mind is clear and balanced and does not deplete the body of its natural energy.

How many times during the day do you catch yourself thinking negatively? Ok now how many times do you catch yourself thinking positive? I have a simple test for you to conduct and based on the results of this test you can begin to put together an analysis of how your thoughts are affecting you.

For the next week, each time you have a positive thought document the time, place, what you were doing and how you are feeling i.e.… well, happy, stress free, joyful, relaxed, not sick, etc. and each time you have a negative thought do the same. At the end of the week tally the number of positive thoughts versus the number of negative thoughts and the result of how you felt whether you were sick or not, experience symptoms of acid reflux or not, headaches or not and so on. Also document whether you were able to stay on task and felt successful.

As you review the results, you will be able to see the times when you experienced more positive thoughts and feelings and how your body felt and the times where you may want to be mindful so that you can make improvements to incorporate more positive thinking. The goal is to over time increase your positive thinking which will lead to a more balanced energy state, increase in performance due to no late afternoon energy dips and success due to a focused, clear mind which leads to improved performance which in turn manifest in Success.
When we work in harmony with nature which is a goal of Ayurveda, simplicity and contentment are keys to well-being and this is a factor of positive thinking.  Ayurveda shows us how to live in a state of balance in which fulfillment is a matter of being not becoming. It connects us with the wellsprings of creativity and happiness within our own consciousness, so that we can permanently overcome our addiction to negative thinking.  Ayurveda provides a real solution to our health problems, which is to return to oneness with both the universe and the Divine within. This requires changing how we think, live and perceive.

In closing, here are some tips to assist you with becoming a more positive thinker. Use what works and discard what does not. Have fun and enjoy your journey as a positive thinker.

• You are human and are here to learn and enjoy life so focus on the positive.
• When you catch yourself in that negative thinking mode, don’t ignore it, acknowledge how you are feeling and why or what bought on these feelings
• Try journaling when you catch yourself having the negative thoughts notice any patterns, triggers or maybe an association as to what causes the negative thoughts and focus on changing them. From that point you can begin to take action to make lasting changes to improve your thoughts
• Lastly, every time you catch yourself having a negative thought, laugh and change the negative thought into a positive thought. Overtime this will become automatic thing for you to do and does two things gets your mind off the negative and focused on the positive and you get to open up your lungs with a good laugh which will in turn bring more oxygen to your body increasing your energy, naturally.
Enjoy!
Namaste,

Rochele M. Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS