Tag Archives: bliss

ayurveda, blissful living, health and wellness, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Anger

Over the course of years as a healthcare professional I have noticed that people seem to be angrier than in times past. I don’t know if it has to do with the abundance of stress that society is faced with on a daily basis or if we have just become angrier people. In Ayurveda, anger is associated with the element of fire and people of the Pitta Dosha tend to have more challenges with keeping the fire within them from sprouting into an angry rage.

Anger is an enchanting and complex emotion. It is the type of emotion that can spring forth from what appears to be nowhere. What seems like a sense of calm can in an instant become like a raging volcano when a trigger is activated and before you know it, the volcano has erupted like Mount Saint Helens. However you might be the type of person that has a slow burn style of anger that simmers and bubbles beneath the surface, only erupting in tiny bursts.

Anger is a fiery emotion. Even when it’s cold it requires a lot of energy. When we pay attention to how it feels in our body, we might notice a knot in our stomach, a clenched jaw or fist, tightness in our chest, shallowness in our breath and an increase in our heart rate. We may notice that the state of anger can strongly taint our thoughts and how we interpret the world in conjunction with our emotional element.

Deep within the anger, we may be storing feelings of rejection or inadequacy that causes us to see threats and injustices where no real threat exists. It helps to uncover and uproot these feelings and deeply held false views. At the same time, anger can have beneath it a wise and powerful protectiveness that can lead us to believe that we are enforcing a sense of justice in the face of someone wronging us. In fact, anger is so powerful that it can ruin any situation. If it is allowed to lurk inside us it becomes more spicy and intense and will make us sick. It is one of the most ugly and yet most powerful emotions that exist. It has astronomical power.

Rich, complex and powerful, anger benefits from contemplative time and reflection, which in turn can teach us a lot about what is truly going on beneath our outbursts. If you are prone to angry outburst or can’t seem to get a grip on the fire raging within, I suggest you follow this little exercise to help you get back on the cool track and calm the fire within. I call this exercise “Cooling the Flames.”

  • When you notice yourself feeling angry and aggressive, turn your attention and awareness to how you are feeling. Where are you feeling the anger within your body? What is happening at that moment in time?
  • Now take a few long, slow deep breaths allowing your abdominal area to fully expand and contract, taking 3-4 seconds to do this with each breath. Listen for your thoughts without adding to the inner dialogue, or trying to silence your thoughts. When you are offended, you’re usually holding onto a rigid definition of yourself. What are your thoughts saying to you?
  • Now come back to observing how the anger is manifesting itself within your body and breath coolness into that part of your body. Observe what the anger may be trying to teach you at this moment. Is it self -compassion? Forgiveness? Or something else?
  • Now affirm something that you want in the present moment that will calm the anger such as “ May I find the resources to understand and transform my anger,” or “May peace and calmness be restored within me now.”

Once you have completed the exercise, take another slow, long deep breath extending the breath to 5 seconds to seal off the volcano. Although it may take a little practice for you to get used to using this technique, keep at it because eventually you will notice, see and feel the tremendous benefits of utilizing the “Cooling of the Flames” technique. You will gain a greater sense of control and be able to align yourself with your natural, balanced and peaceful state.

When you are ready you can take the “Cooling of the Flames” to a deeper level by learning how to awaken bliss within you and your life. (www.awakeningbliss.com)

I welcome your comments below.

Wishing peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit!

 

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

Host of “Blissful Living”

Author of : “Intro to Holistic Health, Ayurveda Style”

Co Author of:  “Answering The Call, ” “Rapid Change For Heart Centered Women”  and “The Live Sassy Formula”

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

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ayurveda, blissful living, health and wellness, healthy eating, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Super Foods for A Super You #2

I had so much fun sharing information about green super foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are naturally designed to improve your wellbeing that I decided to talk more about other super foods that are extremely beneficial to you, that you may not know about. In my last article “Green Super Foods” (post link here) I shared with you super foods that are designed to help you rock your workouts, improve digestion, build healthy bones, regulate blood sugar levels and fight off colds. In this article, I want to share with you foods that are designed naturally to protect your heart, protect you against cancer and keep you slim.

 

  • If you are looking for natural ways to protect your heart, then you will want to incorporate eating more leeks into your diet. This member of the onion family is loaded with flavonols, compounds that work to keep your blood vessels flexible and prevent bloods clots that can lead to a heart attack. One flavonol that is found in Leeks is kaempferol. In the American Journal of Epidemiology it is reported that people who consume the most kaempferol-containing foods are the least likely to die from heart disease. Leeks are also rich in the B vitamin folate, which plays a role in protecting your heart.
  • Protecting yourself naturally against cancer is not a difficult thing to do. You just need to know what to do to help your body increase its ability to fight off cancer. One thing that you can do is to eat more Watercress. Although Watercress may look a lot like spinach it is actually a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli and Brussel sprouts, which are also packed with cancer fighting glucosinolates. These compounds are thought to prevent cancer by ridding our bodies of carcinogens before they can damage our cells. Since heat slowly destroys glucosinolates activity, these raw leafy veggies may provide an additional advantage over other cruciferous veggies that we eat cooked. Consuming three ounces of raw Watercress a day for eight weeks has been shown to reduce DNA damage in the white blood cells by up to 24 percent, documented in a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
  • If staying slim is one of your top priorities, then I suggest that you begin by eating more peas. Peas are high in fiber and protein and can help you eat less and still feel nourished. One cup of peas packs an impressive seven grams of filling fiber, plus green peas contain resistant starch, a special kind of carb that our bodies can’t digest thus leaving you feeling full for hours after you eat your meal. A cup of peas delivers eight grams of protein, which is more than one large egg. Protein takes longer to digest than carbs and it requires more energy so you naturally increase your metabolism and burn up more calories in the process. Like all green foods, peas contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent chronic disease.

 

Most people don’t get enough vegetables in their diet and eating vegetables is such a great way to improve your health and well being naturally. If you have never tried these super veggies, then I suggest start slowly by incorporating one or two of them at a time into your diet. Check in with yourself and notice how you feel during and after you eat them. You may be surprised at how thankful your body will be to you for doing this by allowing you to have more energy, vibrancy and successful weight management. So go ahead and splurge by incorporating fresh, organic, GMO and pesticide free Leeks, Watercress and peas into your life.

I welcome your comments below.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

Namaste,

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeing Fabulous

www.rochelelawson.com

www.healthhealingwellness.com

www.stressassessmentmagic.com

www.youtub.com/rochelelawson

www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

www.linkedin.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

 

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ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy eating, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Green Super Foods For A Super You #1

Now a days we hear a lot of talk about super foods and how we should incorporate them into our daily diet, but what exactly are super foods and how can they be beneficial to us? Stress is a fantastic way to use up or burn up the precious vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function, yet most people don’t even realized that they are stress, let alone as to what the stress is doing to the internal resources and fuel sources of their body. As the seasons change from fall to winter, winter to spring and spring to summer, we have an abundant supply of veggies available to us that fall into the “super food” category. Springtime is a great time of year to be adventurous and begin to incorporate these super foods into your diet. This is the time of the year when greens are especially fresh and nutritious, so why not take the plunge and reacquaint yourself with nature’s vast variety of super foods. This will do your mind and your body good.

You may be asking so what is the big deal about these super foods, why should I be concerned about them and what’s in it for me if I eat them? So here are the answers to all of your questions concerning super foods:

  • If you want to rock your workout, here is a super food that, you will want to incorporate into your daily diet, it is Arugula. Arugula provides more nitrates than other top vegetable source, such as rhubarb, celery and spinach. Why is that beneficial for you? Nitrates relax the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, accelerating blood flow so energizing oxygen is delivered to cells throughout your body more efficiently. As a result, your workout might feel a little easer: Nitrates reduce your muscles’ need for oxygen during exercise, so you don’t tire as quickly.
  • To improve your digestion, eat more asparagus. These tender thin green stalks are rich in inulin, a unique fiber that doesn’t break down in our digestive system until it arrives at the large intestines. When it gets to the large intestines it feeds the beneficial bacteria that keep your intestine healthy and may help your body absorb more nutrients. Asparagus is also rich in vitamin A, Zeaxanthin and lutein, all great for eye health.
  • If you are looking to maintain strong bones or improve your bone health then you will want to incorporate Bok Choy into your diet. This cabbage variant is packed with bone friendly nutrients, such as calcium, which is well absorbed for a vegetable sour of the mineral. The reason is that Bok Choy is low in oxalates, compounds present in many green leafy veggies that can bind to calcium making it harder for your body to absorb. Just two cups of this yummy, low calorie vegetable delivers as much calcium as a half a glass of milk. Two cups of raw Bok Choy provides 80 percent of your daily dose of vitamin K needed to bind calcium to bone.
  • If you have been told that you are Pre-Diabetic or you want to just fend off Diabetes, then you definitely want to incorporate more Chard into your diet. One cup of cooked Chard delivers nearly four grams of fiber. Chard slows the rate at which carbohydrates enter your blood stream, preventing blood-sugar dips and spikes. This plant is a top source of magnesium, a mineral that helps the body use the glucose-regulating hormone insulin more effectively. Chard also contains syringic acid, a substance that blocks the breakdown of starch into sugars, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Given the fact that many of us only get half the fiber and less than two-thirds of the magnesium we need, Chard is a good source of these blood sugar balancing nutrients.
  • Looking to build your immune system up or to fight off a cold, then you want to eat more dandelion greens. This veggie is high in vitamin A, a nutrient that keeps the lining of our airways healthy, which is one of the first defenses against bacteria and pathogens that cause the common cold and other respiratory illness. Just one cup of raw dandelion greens boast 110 percent of your daily dose of Vitamin A, which is twice the amount you’d get from the same serving of spinach and 10 times the amount you would get from eating the same amount of broccoli. Dandelion greens are high in vitamin C, which is great for boosting the immune system.

Here’s a little tip, if you want to get more of these yummy green veggies into your diet, you can incorporate them into salads, stir-fry’s or smoothies. Once you start eating these goodies, I guarantee that you will love them and your mind and body will thank in you many ways beginning with the essence of feeling more energized, healthy and vibrant. So eat up. What are you waiting for?

I welcome your comments, tips and suggestions below.

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeing Fabulous

www.rochelelawson.com

www.healthhealingwellness.com

www.stressassessmentmagic.com

www.youtub.com/rochelelawson

www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

info@healthhealingwellness.com

 

www.linkedin.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson

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ayurveda, blissful living, health and wellness, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Fear

It is hard to imaging life without fear. Its raw power can save lives, contribute to unnecessary stress and invade every part of our lives. Taming it is possible however it can be one of the greatest challenges a person can face, especially if they are a Vata Dosha or are comprised naturally of the Emotional Element of air. ( link to doshas) In this article, I would like to explore how you can overcome fear as you move about your day and travel down your path to bliss.

Fear is a primal instinct and is essential for survival. It is highly energetic and even exhilarating. People of all ages get a kick out of being scared while watching a movie or riding on an amusement park ride however fear in nothing to joke about. It can be a highly aroused state that can overtake us in response to a perceived threat causing us to either fight, flight, freeze or faint. It can lead to high states of anxiety and ultimately panic attacks. Fear can be a very unpleasant feeling.

As with all emotions, the practice of meditation can stablilize us enough in the midst of fear to help us see more clearly to distinguish a false threat from a real threat that needs to be acted upon. The type of fears meditation can help extinguish are the fears that we continually generate in our own minds which are usually the product of our own imagination and desire to control everything.

As our fear rises, we can start spinning in our heads to reinforce the size and shape of the threat. The good news is that this really is a natural process. It is when we are out of balance that the spinning wheel of fear can spin out of control. The very intense energy of fear,can become a powerful driving force in helping us to achieve our goals. It is just a matter of how we process this energy. Being able to recognize that fear is present can be hugely important in not allowing it to control you. If you struggle with fear, here is an exercise that can help you to not allow fear to paralyze you.

    Name the Fear

  • Confronted with a fearful situation, notice your heart and how it is pumping more, how your chest is tightening, how your back is stiffening and let an imaginary alarm bell go off in your head.
  • Take 3 or 10 or 20 slow, long deep breaths to slow your body down. Place your hand on your heart as you take the deep breaths so that you can feel when your body begins to slow down.
  • Acknowledge to yourself, I’m scared, I’m afraid ~ this is the actual act of naming the fear, so you automatically create a bit of distance between yourself and the intensity of the emotional reaction.
  • Say a few phrases of well –wishing toward yourself and others. This may includes phrases such as: May (I/others) see the source of our fear. May (I/others) be safe and free from fear. May (I/others) be happy and at ease.

Be kind toward yourself for being afraid. It is a natural emotion that we all have. The key is to learn how to use the energy of this emotion to propel you forward instead of keeping you feeling trapped and smothered. Learning how to bring more bliss into your life can further assist you with taming fear. (www.awakeningbliss.com)

I welcome your comments below.

 

Wishing you much health and wellness!

 

Namaste,

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS

The Queen of Feeing Fabulous

 

www.rochelelawson.com

www.healthhealingwellness.com

www.stressassessmentmagic.com

www.youtub.com/rochelelawson

www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

info@healthhealingwellness.com

Twitter: @rochelelawson

 

www.linkedin.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson

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blissful living, health and wellness, stress reduction

When You Go On Vacation, Go On Vacation

We all know what it’s like to get so stressed out from planning your vacation that it counter-acts what the vacation was supposed to be all about in the first place! Or how about a vacation itinerary that’s so over-booked that when you get home from the trip, you feel like you need a break from your break?

Nothing will rejuvenate and inspire you more than a retreat, or a vacation where you actually take a break and feel like you get to rest.

The best part is that you don’t really have to go anywhere! You can absolutely get the full benefits of a bliss vacation from your home. This might seem a little counter-intuitive, so today I’m going to share with you what it really means to let yourself rest when you’re on vacation (whether it’s somewhere else, or in your living room).

Connect With Yourself

A blissful vacation or retreat is truly a special way to connect with yourself that will leave you feeling more alive, more relaxed and better about yourself and your life. You’ll feel like you’re on task for the purpose of your life. It’s not about stressing out. This is about allowing yourself to leave the uncomfortable zone of every day life and allowing yourself to step into the comfortable zone of blissfulness.

The main advantage of a vacation (whether it’s at home or away) is that it allows you to take time away from everything that is going on, even if it’s just for a few days. It’s going to help you feel more connected and more grounded.

Consider Your Options

If you decide to stay home, focus on creating a beautiful space within your house. Know that during your blissful vacation time, you really are nourishing your body and replenishing your spirit.

Don’t schedule anything. Let yourself be spontaneous and go with the flow of life. It really will take out the stress factor and put you in a more blissful state when you just allow things to happen as they’re supposed to happen.

If you do choose to go away, choose a beautiful place that you like. If you like the beach, go to the beach. If you like the lake, go to the lake. If you like Paris or England or Asia or Hawaii, go there! Let things happen as they’re supposed to happen, be spontaneous, don’t try to do too much and don’t try to bombard yourself with activities. Relax. Let things come to you.

Let Go Of Control

Pita people in particular have trouble letting go of control, which is why I suggest going on retreats. Oftentimes, retreats will have some activities planned, but you have nothing to do with the planning. You just show up and everything is all taken care of.

That means that some days you might be kayaking, or skiing, or you might just sit on the beach.

Above all, the most important thing to keep in mind is to let yourself do what you want to do. If you wake up and don’t want to do anything, don’t do anything. If you wake up and you want to go zip lining, great! Do that. If you want to spend the day laying on the beach, that’s perfect, too.

Finally, leave your computer at home. Unplug your phone and your ipad and let your mind truly relax.

How do you like to take vacations? Leave a note in the comments area below to join the conversation.

Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit!

 

Namaste,

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

International Best Selling Author!

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

http://www.youtube.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson
infor@healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

 

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ayurveda, blissful living, health and wellness, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Simple Ayurvedic Tips for Bliss & Beauty

Ayurveda is an ancient healing modality that uses natural remedies to help you become your most healthy, peaceful self. It also has a strong emphasis on achieving bliss and creating beauty in your life for yourself and all the people around you.

Follow these tips to experience more joy, freedom and blessings in your day-to-day life.

Drink A Glass Of Water

First thing in the morning, drink a glass of room temperature water or a glass of hot water with lemon. This is an age-old secret for reducing toxins. The warm water stimulates the digestive and elimination tract. Over time, you will see your skin clear up because your body is better at pushing out the toxins.

Enjoy A Walk

Go for a walk with a friend, co-worker or even your dog. A daily moderate walk benefits the cardiovascular system, tones the muscles and balances the mind, body and spirit. We all have a natural rhythm to which we walk. That rhythm calms the mind and stimulates our respiratory system to breathe deeply thereby filling us with more oxygen which aids in bringing a positive balance to our mind, body and spirit.

Take An Ayurvedic Lunch Break

Take a break from processed, canned, frozen or packaged foods. These foods are really harsh on the body and create a build up of toxins in the system.

Instead, treat yourself to a fresh, warm lunch (avoid leftovers because they have less nutritional value and contain dullness). A nice, wholesome salad with green leafy vegetables is the perfect way to nourish your body. If you can, eat at a local café that serves fresh organic foods. Silence your phone, shut off your laptop, and devote all your attention to the meal you’re about to consume. Let your mind think about how this food will bring nourishment to your mind and body.

Manage Stress With Breath

We tend to overbook ourselves quite a bit. Take a moment during the day to pause and do some deep breathing for 2-3 minutes. You can do this anywhere: in your car, at your desk, in the rest room.

Allow the deep breaths to help you melt away any stresses that may be harboring in the mind or body.

Give Your Emotions A Boost

If you’re hungry, eat a pear instead of a Hershey’s bar. When you stay away from candy and super sweet, salty or sour foods, you help your body stay balanced through the day. You can still have your dessert. Focus on something yummy like a pear, an apple, pineapple or watermelon. These are naturally sweet and good for your body.

Drink A Glass Of Milk

At bedtime, drink a glass of warm almond or coconut milk. I love to add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to aid digestion and help induce sleep.  Light a candle and play some music when you sit down to enjoy the warm, comforting beverage. This is a delightful way to begin a routine that will help your body to get ready for slumber.

How do you find your bliss? Visit http://www.freegiftsfromRochele.com to get “21 Tips to Instantly Reduce Stress” for more ideas.

Wishing peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit!

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

Host of “Blissful Living”

Author of : “Intro to Holistic Health, Ayurveda Style”

Co Author of:  “Answering The Call, ” “Rapid Change For Heart Centered Women”  and “The Live Sassy Formula”

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

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ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

11 Ayurvedic Tips To Deal With Sleepless Nights

On a typical day in the United States, there are millions of people who wake up feeling exhausted because they didn’t get a good nights’ sleep. Getting adequate rest is becoming more difficult because of technology and the fast pace of our every day lives.

Fatigue caused by sleeping difficulties is becoming one of America’s top health problems. Researchers say lack of sleep can lead to health problems ranging from blood sugar and blood pressure issues, to increased levels of stress hormones in the body, to weight gain and even to shorter lifespan.

Tranquilizers and sleep aids, although frequently prescribed, are not a solution to curtail that problem. Drugs like this are highly addictive and can increase stress during the day. Although they may knock you out, your body still doesn’t get the deep, peaceful sleep cycles it needs, and you may still wake up feeling tired, sluggish and un-rested. The next time you experience difficulty sleeping, try the following tips to assist you with getting a good night’s slumber.

11 tips to naturally enhance the quality of your sleep:

Tip #1: Give yourself a morning and nightly massage with coconut oil, almond oil, sesame oil or olive oil. Feel your body become stimulated and receptive as you massage the muscles. Before bed, this will help you fall into a deep slumber.

Tip #2: Exercise during the day. It doesn’t have to be intense exercise, but if you take a walk, do yoga, or use a stepper or treadmill for even 20 minutes, you will find it much easier to fall asleep at night.

Tip #3: Sip water throughout the day. I recommend 4 -6 ounces of warm or room temperature water to stay hydrated. This will also help your body flush out toxins.

Tip #4: Avoid eating too many heavy, sweet, sour or salty foods. Instead, balance the flavors on your plate and don’t eat too much food. Overeating will interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep.

Tip #5: Eat a light meal at night. Especially as we move through the summertime, keeping things light will help your body come to rest easier. Try putting a little fresh ginger or black pepper on your food for a flavor bonus.

Tip #6: Drink tea such as chamomile, lavender or ashawaganda in the evening. This  is a nice and gentle way to help prepare your mind and body to get ready for bed.

Tip #7: Drink a glass of warm almond milk with a dash of nutmeg, this is the spice that helps with insomnia. This is a phenomenal  and natural way to fall asleep faster and stay asleep all night long.

Tip #8: Keep the pressures of the day away from your sleep area. Remove any electronics (including your phone) from your bedroom. The goal is to make this room a comfortable, warm, loving and intimate space where your body feels nurtured.

Tip #9: Avoid watching suspense movies, dramas or violent movies before bedtime. Turn off the TV at least 15 minutes before you go to bed.

Tip #10: Draw a warm bath as you prepare for bedtime. Put a little lavender essential oil in the tub, and let your muscles melt into the warm water and the scent of the lavender relax your mind.

Tip #11: As you lay in bed, do this relaxing exercise: mentally scan your body from the crown of your head down to the bottom of your feet.  Now imagine that all your muscles are relaxing deeply and sinking into the mattress, as if you are floating on a cloud.

What bedtime routines do you have to help yourself fall asleep? Leave a comment in the area below to share your best tips.

 

Wishing peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit!

 

Namaste,

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

Host of “Blissful Living”

Author of : “Intro to Holistic Health, Ayurveda Style”

Co Author of:  “Answering The Call, ” “Rapid Change For Heart Centered Women”  and “The Live Sassy Formula”

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

info@healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.youtube.com/rochelelawson

http://www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson

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ayurveda, blissful living, health and wellness, healthy eating, healthy living, stress reduction

Feeling Constipated? These Tips Will Help

At some point in their lives, everyone has experienced issues with constipation and elimination. Here are some Ayurvedic tips you can use to help get your system flowing naturally and more consistently.

Become Aware

Constipation and elimination tend to be sensitive topics that people don’t normally like to talk about. Even if it’s embarrassing, it’s important to become aware of your elimination patterns. Are you someone that goes every day? Once, twice, three times a day? Are you someone who goes once every other day or every couple of days? Notice the timing in your cycle.

It’s also important to notice the consistency. If you only go once a day, is there a large amount of stool? Does it float? Does it sink? Is it small? Is it hard?

Stay Hydrated

It seems simple, but a major cause of constipation is dehydration. Make sure you’re drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day. I recommend 8 oz. every hour. If you drink more than that per hour (some people like to guzzle it down), you will urinate it all out probably within 30 minutes and your body doesn’t have a chance to absorb the liquid into your digestive tract.

If you’re drinking plenty of water and it doesn’t seem to help, add a little bit of oil to your water. You can add coconut, sesame, almond or even olive oil. Just a tiny bit will make a huge difference: it will help moisturize the colon and enable your body to absorb the oil. Since the colon is a dry part of the body, it’s important to make sure it has some degree of moisture so the stool can flow through easily.

Alternatively, you can also just take a tablespoon of whatever oil you choose in the morning or at night before you go to bed.

Get Moving

If you’re constipated due to a mobility problem, that is, if your colon is slow or sluggish regarding moving things through, then you want to increase your exercise. You core muscles, or your abdominals, are especially important: when they contract and expand, that will help the stool move along the colon instead of getting stuck, stagnant and dried out.

Eat Intelligent Foods

Leafy green vegetables (lettuce, kale, spinach and broccoli) act as a colon sweep and are great to help the colon get the stool moving along. My recommendation is to incorporate a leafy green vegetable into every meal, particularly dinner. When you’re eating, consume the leafy greens last. So if you’re eating a pasta dinner and there is spinach on your plate, eat the pasta first and the spinach last. This will help move the stool through your body because raw vegetables are generally cool so you want to eat them last. This way your digestive fire stays stoked through the meal.

Was this helpful? What other tips do you use to help yourself stay regular? Leave a comment in the area below.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

 

Namaste,

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

Host of “Blissful Living”

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

info@healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.doublewidenetwork.com/index.php/Shows/detail/blissful_livng

http://www.youtube.com/rochelelawson

http://www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson

 

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10 Ayurvedic Secrets To Uplift The Emotions And Create Inner Peace

The power of the Ayurvedic approach is all about simplicity. Keeping things simple can be somewhat deceptive, but it can also be extremely powerful. We work to make some lifestyle adjustments to form a powerful package that will support emotional balance.Within this powerful package, there are a lot of simple things we can do to uplift our emotions and create inner peace. Try some of these secrets today and see what a difference they can make.

Secret 1: Go to bed at a consistent time. Be sure to be in bed by 10 pm every night. If you can get to sleep a little earlier, that’s fine, but the key is to make sure that you’re getting the right amount of sleep for your body. If you know you need 7 hours, plan for that. If you need 8, make that a priority. Getting enough rest is essential for emotional health. When we have a consistent sleep schedule, we are able to fall asleep more easily: our melanin knows when to kick in and our sleep process begins before we even get in bed.

Secret 2: Wake up with the rising sun. Now that you’ve gone to sleep at 10 pm, I suggest waking with the sunrise. That varies during the season, but right now (early summer) the sun comes up about 6 am. Waking up early is important for emotional health. If we sleep too long, we build up toxins, or Ama. If we don’t sleep enough, the mind won’t be fully rested.

Secret 3: Walk outdoors. Breathe deeply when you go for a walk outside. Focus on taking in fresh air and stimulating your respiratory system. The perfect time to go for a refreshing walk is as the sun is rising: just as it brings energy to the earth, it activates the energy centers in the body.

Secret 4: After you go on your walk, eliminate. Sometimes people suffer from constipation that causes headaches or a feeling of dullness. Low moods and a sense of sluggishness often accompany constipation as well. Drink some warm water with a little bit of lemon essential oil or lemon juice to get the digestive system moving. If that doesn’t help you to eliminate, eat some prunes, figs or even cooked apples at night before you go to bed to get that sludge moving along.

Secret 5: Eat intelligent foods. These are organic, unprocessed, non-GMO foods that are quickly digested because there are no toxic chemicals that the body has to sort through or filter out. These foods give your body natural fuel and boost immunity. Apples, pears, almonds, yogurt, walnuts, cloves, almond milk, kale, spinach and broccoli are just a few examples of intelligent food.

Secret 6: Give yourself a nice daily body massage with yummy oils. Coconut oil, sesame oil or even almond oil is perfect. A massage increases circulation and helps clear toxins from the tissues. It will invigorate the body, calm the mind and sooth the emotions.

Secret 7: Practice yoga. Even as little as 5, 10 or 15 minutes in practice of asanas or yoga postures will stimulate the digestive fire within and cleanse the colon of toxins. Yoga is also great for uplifting low moods.

Secret 8: Add spices to your intelligent food. I love cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Spices help the body assimilate food and create less toxic buildup in the colon.

Secret 9: Spend a few minutes by yourself in peace and gratitude. Think about something for which you are grateful. This can be done any time through the day, maybe even during your morning walk. Allow yourself to be completely wrapped up in that feeling of gratitude. When you do that, the anxiety dissipates and you welcome in a warm, loving and positive energy, creating a sense of inner peace.

Want more tips to reduce stress, naturally? Visit http://www.freegiftsfromRochele.com to get “21 Tips to Instantly Reduce Stress” for more ideas.

 

Wishing you much health and wellness!

 

Namaste,

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

Host of “Blissful Living”

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

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ayurveda, blissful living, health and wellness, healthy living, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Preventative Medicine: Adopt A Morning Routine

Creating a morning routine is a very important aspect in Ayurveda to help the body maintain balance and manage stress. Clearly, our daily activities have a profound impact on our general health, and Ayurveda addresses this by stating guidelines for creating a daily routine that is actually considered a form of preventative medicine.

Depending on your dosha (vata, pitta or kapha) there will be variances in your routine, but for the most part the routine is intended to keep all doshas in a state of health, equilibrium and balance. It is a great way to have a stabilized behavior pattern so that we don’t get too overwhelmed and stressed through the day.

Create Your Routine

First, make a list of all the things you like or need to do in your day. Place all the activities in a specific order that will give you a sense of predictability and release you from having to figure out what’s coming next. Within your routine, your body will learn to relax as you complete the same tasks and activities at the same time each day.  

Keep in mind the different stages of the day. Between the hours of 2 and 6 am is what we call the Vata time when everything is free-floating and all over the place. In the early morning, between 6 and 10 am, we have the cool, heavy energy of Kapha that can make us feel sluggish if we stay in bed. At midday, when the sun is at its peak, Pitta, the fire dosha, is dominant.

With this information, you can arrange your routine so you make the most of what you do on a daily basis. You’ll know at which times of day you feel sluggish, so you can plan to do activities that will remove some sluggishness.

Healthy Morning Routine

Here is an example of a healthy morning routine.

Generally, it’s best to arise with the sun or just before the sun, between the hours of 6 and 7 am. Just before sunrise is a good time to drink a nice warm glass of water with a drop of lemon essential oil to get your digestive fire going and get your metabolism on track. This is also the best time to empty your bowels. 

Next, brush your teeth. Then you want to take care of your face and eyes. Gently wash your face, paying special attention to removing any sleep or cruddy stuff around your eyes. This is also a good time to blow your nose if you have mucus that has built up. Take a warm towel and place it on your face to allow the warmth to be absorbed.

Gargle with warm water that has a drop of lemon or peppermint essential oil to loosen up your vocal chords.

After this, give yourself a body massage with organic oil such as coconut, sesame or sunflower oil. It’s a good idea to massage before you step in the shower because it will help increase your circulation, help remove any toxic materials that have been sitting in your muscles over night, and help moisturize your skin. Be very careful not to get any oil on the bottom of your feet so you don’t slip in the shower!

Finally, if you have time after you’ve gotten your shower, do a little yoga or yoga asana postures to help balance your system.

Get dressed, have something to eat, and if you didn’t do your meditation or prayer before all of this, it’s a good time to do that. Now you’re ready to get started with your day.

This routine will set a precedent of calmness and tranquility as you go about your day. You will be able to handle any stressful situation that arises much more easily. What does your morning routine look like? Leave a comment below to join the conversation.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

Namaste,

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS

The Queen of Feeling Fabulous

http://www.rochelelawson.com

http://www.healthhealingwellness.com

http://www.facebook.com/rochelelawson

Twitter: @rochelelawson

http://www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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