ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy living

How to Strengthen Your Ojas

In a previous blog post, I defined ojas, agni and ama, the three building blocks that contribute to a healthy immune system (read it HERE). Now let’s jump in and talk about specific steps you can take to strengthen your ojas!

Worry – A Great Way to Ruin Your Day

It happens to all of us. First thing in the morning, we might find ourselves worrying about our day, compulsively checking email or Facebook or thinking about problems. This habit sets us up to not have a good day. A worried, depressed state also disrupts our ojas, particularly if it becomes a chronic habit.

Rather than hit the ground running, create a slower-paced morning ritual that allows you to connect to the part of your body and mind that’s happy to be alive. Make a choice to consider the beauty of what the day has to offer without worrying about everything else around you.

The Morning Ritual

This is what I do on a daily basis when I’m not traveling. To set the tone to handle daily life, I wake up in bed and take a couple of slow, deep breaths. I give thanks for the day and slowly get up. In the bathroom, I wash my face and go through my elimination process.

I recommend using healthy oils on your skin. Use an oil like sesame prior to getting in the shower, then reapply after you get out. It nourishes the skin and helps curtail dryness. Sesame oil is a little bit heavier and nurtures all the body tissues. Lighter oils that I suggest are almond or sunflower. For fall and winter, make coconut oil your last choice if you can’t find the others. It works just as well, but tends to have a cooling effect on the skin so it’s best suited for the warm weather months.

images-1Tea and Meditation

Once I’m up, showered and dressed, I light a candle and maybe some incense. I sit down and meditate for a few minutes and finish the ritual with a cup of tea. Somehow a lovely, steaming cup of tea anchors me to go forth confidently through my day.

Try it yourself for a week and see if you notice how the tone you set in the morning lasts throughout the day to maintain that calm.

How do you usually start your day and is it setting the tone you really want? Let me know in the comments!

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 and The Wellness Architect

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ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy living

Know Your Ojas!

This is the first of four posts to investigate the topic of ojas. Let’s dive in!

What is it?

In Ayurveda, ojas is the end product of good digestion and metabolism and is believed to connect consciousness and matter. In the West it’s more commonly referred to as your immune system or your immunity.

When we talk about strengthening your ojas, we mean building your immune system. A strong ojas keeps you free from illness and disease. Ayurveda is all about balancing your mind and body to prevent illness.

Our Inner Fire

images One of the most important principals in Ayurveda is the maintenance of the health of your agni, or digestive fire. If you don’t have strong digestive fire, you can’t efficiently absorb the nutrients and elements you take in.

A strong agni helps us digest properly and also process all aspects of life including the experiences and memories we have and the impressions we pick up from our environment. Efficiently burning food also staves off excess weight.

Strong vs. Weak

Strong agni, including our day-to-day experiences in life, creates a more balanced state, which aids in the prevention of illness. Weak agni doesn’t properly absorb nutrients and creates toxic buildup, waste and residue. That buildup is called ama (toxins), which get stuck in the colon and putrefy. Yuck.

Ojas, agni and ama go hand-in-hand to create a healthy, balanced body. Strong ojas helps us experience the nectar of life – now you understand what they are and why they’re important.

Next week, I’ll give you some tips you can start using right away to strengthen your ojas, so stay tuned!

What steps do you take to keep yourself in a balanced state? Share your comments 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 Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect

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ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy eating

7 Foods that Unlock Your Hidden Energy Stores

In our high technological, fast pace moving society it has become quite a challenge to get enough rest, be as healthy as we would like to be and eat what is good for our bodies. It has become so easy to replenish our bodies with artificial energy enhancers that are not good for our health or our well-being. There are Starbucks coffee shops on every street corner, there are more energy drinks on the market than ever before and the fast food industry is booming.

I have written this article to assist you with finding alternative, natural food sources that will release and unlock the hidden energy within you, naturally. These foods will not only sustain your energy throughout the day but are very beneficial and nutritive for your body and mind as well.

If you are ready to free yourself from the grips of the artificial ways that you use to increase your energy; if you are ready to naturally unlock your hidden energy stores that allow you to have sustained energy all day or if you are ready to free yourself from experiencing the crash and burn syndrome that you get when you use sugar, caffeine and other substances to boost your energy, then this article is for you.

Enjoy!

Our ancestors recognized the natural healing power of foods and utilized them in all sorts of ways to treat and cure ailments. Over the past few centuries more information has become available regarding the use of foods, herbs and spices in healing and maintaining wellness. In fact, research has begun to confirm the therapeutic benefits of foods, herbs and spices through the use of scientific exploration and documentation. Within this research it has been proven that some foods, herbs and spices have been found to work better than drugs and without the adverse side effects.

Experts now agree that eating a diet rich in natural, health-giving foods can help us ward off common complaints, such as colds, coughs and infections, as well as to protect us against chronic degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease and arthritis. It is really possible to eat your way to good health and improve the way you look and feel. It is believed in Ayurveda that the food a person eats should be the most organic, freshest and purest food as possible. It is the “prana” within the food that is ingested that is utilized in keeping the digestive system and body in balance allowing nutrients to be properly absorbed and energy to be properly released.

In Ayurveda choosing what to eat depends on many factors such as what your dosha (body type) is, the season of the year, the location you are in, the blend of taste and ingredients of the food that your are eating, however, an important secret that is well known but often overlooked is that eating the freshest and most organic food possible is the first secret in unlocking the natural hidden energy that lies within you. Another secret to unlocking hidden energy stores is the blending of herbs and spices. Herbs and spices add taste and aroma to food while boosting the nutrient content in the meal and aiding in the digestive process of the meal.

The reason I mention Ayurveda is that digestion plays a very important part in the health of the individual; the food we eat affects us differently depending upon our dosha and the key to knowing what is right, healthy and energizing to your body is knowing your dosha and how the food you eat will affect it. All of the food we eat contains some sort of energy, which affects us in each in many different ways. It is this energy within the food we ingest that can be either harmful to the body or beneficial to the body by allowing the body to operate at an optimal level with sustained energy. The foods mentioned in this report are good for all individuals no matter what dosha type they may be.

Energy Unlocking Food #1 ~Lemon

The lemon contains a wealth of health enhancing properties and is one of the most versatile of all fruits.

Like other citrus fruits, lemons are powerhouses of antioxidants. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system, assist in the healing of wounds and strengthen the walls of blood capillaries. The high level of vitamin C in lemons also means that they are good for healthy skin and gums. They are a good source of flavonoids, such as quecetin, which boost the effects of vitamin C and are particularly important for the health of blood vessels and to prevent varicose veins.

As lemons are a natural stimulant, an additional benefit from naturally energizing the body is that lemons can also be used for detoxification purposes. Despite the sourness of lemon juice, it is a popular drink when diluted in water. Another benefit of lemon is that during a brief Detox fast, it can assist with calming the appetite and freshening the breath. Being one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C helps to make it a perfect solution that kills post exercise dry throat and mouth. Drinking fresh squeezed lemon juice with warm water and drinking it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning will jump start your metabolism and unlock the hidden energy stores that lie within you naturally. Skip the caffeine and give lemons a try.

Energy Unlocking Food #2 ~Banana

Bananas are the ultimate fast food and they provide a potent mix of vitamins, mineralsimagesb and carbohydrates. Bananas are rich in healthy carbohydrates and are the ideal food to eat when you crave comfort foods, as they feel enjoyable, self-indulgent and they are filled with nutrients that soothe and lift your mood and allow the energy within the body to be naturally released.

Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins, which the body needs to produce energy. These include vitamin B5, which aids the formation of the immune system’s killer cells and vitamin B6, which improves the body’s ability to clear away waste matter and reduces fatigue. Bananas are high in potassium, which regulates electrical activity of the heart, body fluids and nerve function. This fruit is so powerful it also maintains healthy muscle function, lowers blood pressure and protects against heart disease by maintaining fluid balance and preventing plaque from sticking to arterial walls.

Ripe bananas contain the ideal carbohydrate combination to replace muscle glycogen before or during exercise, making them a valuable food for athletes. Glucose, the most easily digested sugar, is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream for instant energy, while the fructose in bananas is absorbed more slowly, providing a steady supply of fuel over time. In Ayurveda bananas are considered a Sattvic food and extremely beneficial for people of a Vata Dosha.

Energy Unlocking Food #3 ~ Asparagus

imagesAsparagus has been renowned since ancient times both as an aphrodisiac and medicinally for its healing properties. High in nutrients, low in calories, and rich in flavor, asparagus has a wealth of health enhancing benefits one of which happens to be energetically beneficial to the body.

Asparagus act as a natural diuretic encouraging the body to flush out toxins via the internal filtering system of the kidneys. With its active compound, asparagin stimulating the kidneys, bladder and liver, asparagus is a powerful detoxifier. Its cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for easing acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. The benefit of this natural detoxifier is that when toxins are removed from the body, the body is able to operate more effectively and at an optimal level. There is no stagnation in the processes of the body thus the nutrients ingested are able to be metabolized and utilized to their maximum level basically keeping the fire within the body burning efficiently and providing the body with the energy it needs.

Eating asparagus is said to give a natural high. The spears taste delicious and supply numerous minerals and vitamins such as many of the B-vitamins that play a central role in supporting brain function and the nervous system. If a person is running short on a supply of B-vitamins they can feel tired, depressed, anxious or constantly on edge. Eating asparagus can combat that feeling by keeping energy levels high and supporting mental and emotional health. Asparagus are beneficial for all three doshas in Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Energy Unlocking Food #4 ~ White Potato

The potato is the world’s number one vegetable crop and is immensely versatile. This staple food is packed with vitamins and many other health-giving nutrients. Potatoes are one of the cheapest and most readily available sources of vitamin-C, a nutrient that is vital for keeping the immune system healthy and keeping energy stores readily available for future usage. New potatoes are richer in vitamin C than older ones. Most of the fiber that aids digestion and lowers cholesterol is found in the skin. Full of potassium, potatoes can help control high blood pressure.

When it comes to getting fit and looking for a source of energy, don’t overlook the value of eating potatoes. They are rich in vitamin B6, which is essential to releasing the body’s glycogen stores (energy stores). Potatoes are pack with complex carbohydrates, the best form of energy food. Complex carbohydrates play two roles that are essential to fitness, first they provide slow burning fuel that gives you enough energy to complete your workout or game without burning out halfway through and secondly potatoes help the body to maintain the muscle that the body has built. White Potatoes are great for all three doshasVata, Pitta and Kapha.

Energy Unlocking Food #5 ~ Broccoli

Broccoli is a powerhouse of the antioxidant vitamin C, which is crucial for immune response. It is full of fiber, which is vital for a healthy digestive system and has detoxifying properties to help cleanse the liver. A healthy digestive system and a clean liver are keys to the body being able to tap into the energy that it needs when it needs it. Broccoli is rich in iron, calcium and magnesium. It contains a number of chemical compounds including indoles, carotenoids and the vitamin A precursor, beta-carotene known to inhibit the activation of cancer cells.

As well as aiding the body’s detoxification processes, broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, which strengthens cells to resist damage and fights the development of tumors. It has been found to improve digestion by fighting the tough bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which eats away at the stomach lining and can create ulcers.

Packed with nutrients, broccoli is a brilliant energy reviver. It is also rich in zinc that enhances mental alertness, vitamin B5 that helps the body to metabolize fats into energy and folic acid that encourages the production of serotonin, a mood-lifting chemical in the brain. Broccoli is excellent for the Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Energy Unlocking Food #6 ~ Lentils

The lentil is one the most oldest and staple foods in many countries. It is rich in antioxidants and is one of the most nutritious and digestible foods that exist. Whether red, green or brown, lentils are a good source of protein that we need to keep our skin, hair, teeth and nails strong and healthy. They contain high levels of B-vitamins particularly B3 and B12 that help with everything from poor memory to lack of energy to arthritis.

Lentils are loaded with fiber that promotes a healthy digestive system and can help to regulate colon function as well as boosting heart health and the circulatory system. Lentils are excellent for stabilizing blood sugar levels which makes them a terrific food source for people suffering from diabetes.

Providing the perfect combination of nutrients to starve off hunger pangs and spark energy, lentils are a great snack to have prior to exercising or playing sports. Lentils are rich in complex carbohydrates which the body turns into to glucose providing a steady source of energy to maintain stamina. In fact one study found that eating lentils three hours before exercising could help to increase endurance significantly over other carbohydrates. Lentils contain very little fat.

Lentils are full of folic acid, an energy boosting vitamin that plays a key role in the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain associated with feelings of happiness. Lentils are especially good for people of the Vata and Pitta dosha.

Energy Unlocking Food # 7 ~ Almond

Almonds contain healthy oils and other vitality enhancing nutrients. Nibbling on almonds provides nutrients and energy for people who workout with less risk of piling on unwanted pounds.

Almonds are the top source of the cancer preventing antioxidant vitamin E. They contain monounsaturated fats and plant sterols, which help to reduce the risk of heart disease and the phytochemical quercetin and kaempferol, which helps to protect against cancer. Almonds are a good source of protein, needed for healthy growth and the repair of cells, making these nuts great for vegetarians.

Almonds contain more fiber than any other nut, which makes them excellent for promoting healthy digestion through the efficient elimination of waste material. They are full of calcium, zinc, magnesium and potassium. While zinc strengthens immunity and improves wound healing, magnesium increases energy and potassium reduces blood pressure, protecting against heart disease.

Almonds are a great snack for people that are dieting. In a Harvard study people who ate almonds lost 50 percent more weight than the people that did not eat almonds. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats that help you to feel full longer, keep blood sugar levels steady and prevent hunger pangs. A dozen almonds contain 90 calories along with a burst of protein and nutrients that combine to increase energy levels which make them an excellent snack for athletes and people that need sustained energy. Almonds are an excellent snack for all three dosha types in Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

As you can see there are many foods that you can eat that are good for both your mind and body. They are filled with many nutrients that allow your body to stay healthy and well and operate with maximum efficiency. By incorporating the above foods into your diet you can unlock the hidden energy that lies within you naturally and begin your journey to freeing yourself from ingesting substances that may increase your energy in the short term but do damage to your body in the long term.

Ready to learn what your dosha (body type) is and take it a step further to learn what foods to eat that are most beneficial for maximizing the energy within you? It is easy to get started.

Connect with me at: info@healthhealingwellness.com to learn more about you!

I hope that you have found the information useful and will incorporate the energy releasing foods into your everyday diet. It has been my pleasure to share this information with you and may your holistic health and wellness journey begin.

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

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

 

 

 

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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ayurveda, healthy living, stress reduction

About Ayurveda

I am always getting asked about Ayurveda and what the Doshas are and why it is important to know this information, so I decided to write an article explaining the Doshas and how this information can assist you.

Ayurveda assists the body in journeying back to optimal health by balancing the five elements in the body and mind through the use of herbs, diet, colors, aromas, lifestyle changes, yoga, and meditation along with other five sense therapies. The rejuvenative and cleansing therapies (Panchakarma) help nourish our bodies while calming our minds from the stresses of modern daily life.

imagesYour inner nature is called your constitution or prakruti, and is an individual blend of the three doshas, VataPitta, and Kapha. Your unique balance of these three energies was determined at the moment of conception and is with you the rest of your life. It determines what is in harmony with your nature and what will cause you to become out of balance, sick, and diseased. Knowledge of your constitution is essential to developing optimal health. Your constitution determines how you react to various foods, colors, aromas, and general life habits.

Recently, Ayurveda has had a profound impact upon the world of health care. Popular books by Deepak Chopra, M.D., and others have called attention to the potential of this ancient healing system. Along with the potential to heal chronic diseases, Ayurveda promises to improve health and increase longevity.

Ayurveda is considered the healing side of Yoga. Likewise, Yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda. Both Ayurveda and Yoga strive to help a person re-connect to their true nature through direct experience. Together, they encompass a complete approach to the well being of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

About the Doshas

Your constitution or Prakruti is the fundamental and unique balance of three basic energies called doshas. These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The balance in each individual is different; hence, each individual has his or her own special set of challenges and gifts. For this reason no two programs are identical, and each person’s path toward optimal health is unique.

Vata

The Vata dosha is said to be made up of the air and ether elements. This means that it has qualities that are similar to these elements. Vata is very much like the wind – it is light, cool, dry and mobile. In the body those people with a Vata nature experience more of these qualities. Their bodies tend to be light, their bones thin, and their skin and hair dry. They often move and speak quickly. When out of balance, they may lose weight, become constipated, and have weakness in their immune and nervous systems.

These qualities are also reflected in the personality. Those with a Vata nature tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, creative, flexible, and energetic. Yet when out of balance, they may also become easily confused and overwhelmed, have difficulty focusing or making decisions, and have trouble sleeping. This becomes more apparent when they are under stress. They are challenged by cool emotions like worry, fear and anxiety.

In order to bring balance to Vata, programs are designed that emphasize the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness (nourishment), moistness and stability. In the diet this is reflected in the consumption of cooked grains such as rice and cooked vegetables as well as the intake of warm milk with spices. Pungent herbs like ginger that increase internal heat and nourishing herbs like ashwagandha bring balance to Vata.

Pitta

The Pitta dosha is said to be made up of the fire and water elements. Fire is moredoha images predominant, and those people with a predominant Pitta nature have many of the qualities of fire within them. Pitta tends to be hot, sharp and penetrating. It is also somewhat volatile and oily. The oily nature of Pitta is related to the secondary component of water. People with a Pitta nature reflect these qualities. They tend to feel warm, have somewhat oily skin, penetrating eyes, and sharp features. They tend to have moderate weight and good musculature. When out of balance, they tend toward diarrhea, infections, skin rashes, and weakness in the liver, spleen, and blood.

These qualities are also reflected in their personalities. Pitta people tend to be highly focused, competitive, capable, courageous, energetic, and clear communicators, who get right to the point. They like to solve problems, and, when under stress, they dig in their heels. However, they can also become overly intense and speak with a sharp tongue. They make great friends but feared enemies. Emotionally, they are challenged by the heated emotions of anger, resentment, and jealousy.

In order to bring balance to Pitta, programs are designed to emphasize the opposing qualities of coolness, heaviness (nourishing) and dryness. Cool spices like fennel are recommended in the diet along with foods such as raw vegetables, cooked rice, and wheat as well as most beans. Sweet herbs like Shatavari are used to nourish the body, while bitters like dandelion root temper the fire.

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; and large, stocky frames. In addition, those with a Kapha nature tend to feel cool. When out of balance, Kapha individuals are prone to gaining weight and tend to have weaknesses in their lungs and sinuses, where there is an accumulation of mucous. Those of Kapha nature are also most prone to non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The elements of water and earth are also manifested in the personality. The heavy, stable nature of Kapha is reflected in a steady personality that is not prone to quick fluctuations. Those with a Kapha nature handle stress very well, often not even noticing that it exists. They don’t like change, are generally conservative, and would prefer to keep things just the way they are. Those with a Kapha nature are also comfort seekers. This relates to the soft, watery nature of Kapha. Too much comfort, however, can lead to a lack of motivation and a feeling of becoming stuck. When Kapha is out of balance, the heavy emotions of depression and lethargy result.

In order to bring balance to a Kapha nature, the opposing qualities of lightness, dryness, and warmth are recommended. Grains such as quinoa and amaranth are recommended as well as hot spices like cayenne pepper. Lots of vegetables and very little nuts or dairy are prescribed. Cleansing herbs like guggul and pungents like clove bring balance to Kapha. For more information on how Ayurveda can help you contact me at:

                                    info@healthhealingwellness.com

Wishing you much health, healing and wellness!

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

 

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5 Stress Relievers to help you feel FABULOUS

As we began to settle into the New Year, I want to offer you some tips so that you can enjoy this year without feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We all have a lot to do nowadays and sometimes when we add just one additional thing on our already very full to do list, we can become extremely stressed and overwhelmed. Well rest assured that Rochel Marie Lawson, The Queen of Feeling Fabulous AKA The Wellness Architect is here to guide you so that you can feel fabulous in all areas of your life.

images stressThere are many events in life that can cause stress. The more involved you become in your life the more opportunities present themselves that can simply push you over the edge. For example having to work longer hours at work, being in school and facing the pressure of taking mid-terms or final exams, worrying about the economy and whether or not your financial situation is stable, or maybe dealing with the challenges of raising children in our fast pace society, whatever it is it may be just enough to set you up for a stressful episode.

Here are 5 GREAT ways to relieve stress so that you can feel fabulous:

  • Breathing exercises – Deep breathing is an easy stress reliever that has numerous benefits for the body, including oxygenating the blood, which wakes up your brain, relaxes your muscles and quiets the mind. Breathing exercises are especially helpful because you can do them anywhere at anytime and they work so quickly that you now have the tool to de-stress in an instant.
  • Meditation – Meditation builds on deep breathing and takes it a step further. WhenUnknown you meditate, your brain enters an area of functioning that is similar to sleep, but carries some added benefits you cannot achieve in any other state, including the release of certain hormones that promote health. Also the mental focus on nothingness keeps your mind from working overtime and increasing your stress level.
  • Guided Imagery – It takes slightly more time to practice guided imagery, but this is a great way to leave your stress behind for a while and relax your body. Some find it easier to practice this than meditation, as lots of us find it more doable to focus on something rather than on nothing. You can play natural sounds in the background as you practice, to promote a more immersive experience.
  • Visualizations – Building on guided imagery, you can also imagine yourself achieving goals like becoming healthier and more relaxed, doing well at task and handling conflict in better ways. Also, visualize yourself doing well on tasks you are trying to master, this actually functions like physical practice, so you can improve your performance through visualizations as well.
  • Self Hypnosis – Self Hypnosis incorporates some of the features of guided imagery and visualizations, with the added benefit of enable you to communicate directly with your subconscious mind to enhance your abilities, more easily give up bad habits, feel less pain, more effectively develop healthier habits and even find answers to questions that may not be clear to your waking mind. It takes some practice and training, but it is well worth it.

The above 5 tips should get you well on your way to relieving the stress and overwhelm in your life. Stay tuned for next week’s article that will include 5 more GREAT tips that you can use to keep your stress at bay. Between the two articles you will have 10 GREAT tips that will help you to reduce or eliminate stress and overwhelm out of your life immediately so that you can enjoy this year with ease and less stress.

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

 

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

 

 

 

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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ayurveda, health and wellness, healthy living

5 Steps to Wellness

Step 1 – Eat Wholesome Food – The Sattvic Way

An important concept in Ayurveda is how you eat. Eating is considered a major therapeutic tool and one of the most important things that you can do to help yourself from an Ayurvedic perspective.

A healthy diet not only boosts overall wellness but also helps prevent disease. In Ayurveda, the goal is to have healthy digestion and elimination and to be free of sickness and disease. It is believed that one way to achieve this is to have what we call in Ayurveda, a Sattvic diet. A Sattvic diet is a diet that promotes a clear and peaceful mind.

It consists of fresh foods and avoids fiery and / or spoiled foods. Sattvic foods are fresh and light. And it is important to note that fresh and pure foods are free of additives, preservatives and pesticides. As things that are similar in nature increase one another, the foods that make up the sattvic diet are themselves peaceful (non-stimulating) and clear (free from impurities). Sattvic foods are properly prepared according to traditional methods, which mean no “microwave cooking.”

It is believed in Ayurveda that a range of illnesses, including heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers, are caused by chronic inflammation in the body which can be caused by eating foods that are not Sattvic.

It is a known fact that, while genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors like stress and lack of exercise promote inflammation, poor diet and digestion; the main contributor is the consumption of unhealthy food. For instance berries, oranges, tomatoes, kale and spinach contain disease fighting antioxidants. Slow to digest whole grain carbohydrates like oats, whole wheat, barley and quinoa are ideal foods because they provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as fiber which aids in the elimination process. These are examples of foods that are naturally beneficial to the body. So don’t shy away from these foods, eat up and allow your body to enjoy the benefits that these foods naturally provide.

CocoStep 2 – Choose the Right Beverages

Hydration is the most vital thing that we can do for our bodies. All of our cells need to be properly hydrated in order to function properly. Although water is best, it is possible to have flavorful drinks that are natural beverages largely water based and free of artificial sweeteners. One drink that comes to mind is coconut water. Coconut water is a natural source of hydration that is high in potassium and is naturally sweetened. This natural source of hydration can be drank alone or added to other fruits to make a nice, healthy smoothie. Soda is an absolute no-no. It can deplete the body of electrolytes due to the diuretic effect that it has on the kidneys.

Green teas and herbal teas are another good source for natural hydration, however it should be noted that some green teas contain caffeine and may have a diuretic effect as well. As for a dairy nice healthy choice to try would by unsweetened almond milk. Although almond milk is not as nutrient rich as regular cow’s milk, almonds are very nutritive and thus makes almond milk an excellent choice for a low calorie, non-dairy alternative.

Step 3 – Boost Health with Essential Nutrients

Even if the majority of the foods you are eating are unprocessed or certified organic, you probably could use a little assistance in getting what you need. Supplements and medicinal plant ingredients can help bridge the gap. Some important supplements to take a look at are Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health, Vitamin D to improve bone strength, mood, endocrine and cognitive function and magnesium to support the nervous system and promote muscle relaxation.

Step 4 –Work Out for Big Payoffs

No health and wellness regime is complete without some form of exercise. A good workout, whether it is a Bikram Yoga session, a power walk through the park, an uphill bike ride, an elliptical session or a good jog, can improve mood, strengthen the heart and lungs, reduce stress, and promote weight loss to name a few perks.

It is important to exercise at least 45 minutes, three times a week. For a balanced routine, include 20 minutes of resistance training twice a week, such as squats, core work such as Pilates to build muscle, maintain bone density and promote good posture. Reap additional benefits by exercising outdoors which helps to improve energy and bring clarity to your mind.

Step 5 – Calm the Mind with Meditation

Spiritual health is just as important as diet and exercise. Meditation in particular can lower stress and help regulate emotions. It is the best thing to calm the mind, nerves and emotions. Meditation relates to the spiritual aspect of life. According to Ayurveda the soul is the source of life and health. We must live according to the purpose of our soul in order to have peace and well-being. Disease generally indicates that we have lost contact with our soul and its creative force. To counteract this and to restore balance to our minds, meditation should be incorporated into your daily life. It has been proven to restore brain synapses and increase vitality.

There are many types of meditations to explore such as: seated meditation, mindful meditation, walking meditation, breath meditation and moving meditations (like yoga and tai chi). Both types are terrific for active people in search of stress relief and offer the opportunity to practice alone or in a group setting.

By incorporating the 5 Steps of Wellness into your daily life you will experience improvements in your overall health and wellness.

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect
www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

For a free chat with The Queen of Feeling Fabulous AKA The Wellness Architect contact me at: info@healthhealingwellness.com

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health and wellness, stress reduction

How to Stay Blissful While Driving: Part 2

This blog post is Part 2 of a series on mindful driving. Last week, I shared three tips for being a cool-headed traveler (click HERE).

Focus, Focus, Focus

You might have started your trip by centering your mind, breathing deeply and securing any important objects that could fly away. But what if, after you’ve been on the road for a while, you and your spouse or kids get into an argument?

Keep your mind focused on the roadway to stay actively engaged with driving. It helps to deflect any distractions that come up. If at any point something chaotic (such as an accident) stresses you out, you can return to a deep breathing process (take three to five long, slow, deep breaths).

Outside Events Aren’t the Boss of You

When we need to get somewhere on time and are delayed by unexpected traffic or accidents, our energy feels sapped. Somehow we feel we should have been in control of it, should have known better or left earlier. If you’re feeling like this, just know that there’s some reason the Universe is asking you to engage in a slowing down process.

Unknown-1If you feel agitated by anything happening on the road that you have no control over, the best thing you can do is realize: you have no control! It is what it is. This mindset liberates us and helps release tension and pressure.

As long as you’re safe and sound in your car, everything will turn out fine. Arriving a little late is better than not arriving at all. Consider that there might be a reason for the delays that’s beyond your knowledge. It helps us relax and develop a keen sense of concentration. Let go of needing to be in charge, crank up the radio and actively absorb your favorite music.

Music Soothes

Many people listen to talk radio while they commute and if the topic is inflammatory, you may find yourself becoming tense. Change the channel to music you like! The mind will relax and when the mind relaxes, the body does, too.

Once you’ve passed through the traffic or roadside chaos, you can always come back to your talk show. Music taps in to the feel-good centers of the brain, which release more of those relaxing neurotransmitters.

Avoid Grumpy Fellow Travelers

There’s nothing worse than an angry driver doing something nasty that could injure you, themselves or both of you. Stay mindfully aware of those exhibiting aggressive behavior (such as speeding up near you, tailgating or flipping you off as they pass by).

If you see another driver getting visibly angry because you’re driving too slowly and they’re tailgating, move over if you can. Go ahead and let them race ahead of you. That will ease their stress and yours. You won’t change their driving behavior by being stubborn and letting them ride your tail – it’ll just make them angrier. Later you can always scoot back into the lane you’d prefer to drive in.

One final tip

Spray some citrus essential oils in your car to maintain a yummy, stress-free, loving environment. Happy driving!

Want to learn even more about staying blissful no matter what happens? Click HERE to receive my free bliss tips today.

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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health and wellness, stress reduction

How to Stay Blissful While Driving: Part 1

We all know that driving in a metropolitan area can be extremely stressful. It’s easy to take it personally when someone in front of us cuts us off, as if they were doing it intentionally!

Sometimes that might even be true, but for the most part, what people do in their cars has nothing to do with us; we’re all operating solo.

Just the Facts, Ma’am

During the day there can be anywhere from 500,000 to 600,000 drivers on the road across America who challenge the rest of us by using their electronic devices while driving.

Research studies have found that about 23% of drivers using mobile devices have been involved in accidents, and many of them get seriously injured. Drivers who feel stressed and get distracted become statistics on the roadways.

Normally when I’m driving I aim to stay as mindful as possible. I might have my radio on. Every now and then the phone rings, which is no problem because my phone operates hands-free. I happen to be horrible at texting, plus I’d never text while driving anyway. But we see all kinds of people on the road with varying levels of attentiveness.

You don’t have to live your life stressed out behind the wheel. Know that you can stay joyful even in the chaos of traffic. Here are some tips to help you stay in a mindful, more relaxed and peaceful state as you travel.

Yes, Hello?

If you’re someone who really needs to use the phone when commuting, first make sure your phone is outfitted to work hands-free in the car. Staying hands-free is obviously safer, and depending on where you live, it might also be the law.

Make sure your phone (or any tea, coffee or water for that matter) is positioned securely. Then, if you need to make a sudden stop or sharp turn, it won’t fly under the seat (or spill liquid on you or the upholstery!).

UnknownIntend Safety

Drive with a sense of purpose. Purposeful driving is being mindful not only of your own attitude about being on the road, it also means holding the intention to drive safely and stay aware of events around you.

You can even start out by declaring an intention such as, “I intend to drive to my destination as safely and mindfully as possible in order to arrive on time and fully present.” Setting this intention keeps you in a balanced state of mind.

In Through the Nose…

Try actively engaging in a breathing process while attaching your seat belt. As you buckle up, take three to five long, slow, deep breaths and continue consciously breathing as you adjust your posture and make sure the belt is comfortable.

Conscious breathing brings mindfulness not only to the act of driving your car, but it sets the tone to keep you more relaxed as you begin your journey. Another benefit of deep breathing is that it helps your body release serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that facilitates a relaxed body-mind state.

Of course, make sure you look behind you and both ways before you back up and take off down the road. Stay tuned for Part II for more happy traveling tips next week!

Want to learn more about staying blissful even when you’re feeling stressed? Click HERE to receive my free bliss tips today.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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blissful living, health and wellness, stress reduction, Uncategorized

Allowing The “Psychology Of Change” To Help You Break Those Hard Habits

Once the holiday hoopla subsides, it’s time for the New Year’s resolutions. But before you make any, consider these tips to help you overcome some of the obstacles that prevent you from being successful.

Sin título1Obstacle #1 – You Aim Too High. To counter this, take Positive Action. To do this try adopting this new behavior, whether you want to reduce your stress, save more money, exercise more or spend more time with your family, pick one thing and work on it until it becomes natural. Then move on to the next thing on your list. If you need to adjust your goal, take the positive action and make the adjustment. This is the process of adopting new positive behaviors to replace those that do not serve us so that we can get the results that we wish to create.

Obstacle #2 – You Make Excuses. To counter this, Think Positive. It is one thing to accept the fact that thought creates action. It is an entirely different thing to perceive one’s own thoughts because our thoughts move quickly and are fleeting. Our words reflect our thoughts and feelings so when we make excuses for ourselves, what we are really telling ourselves is that we did not plan ahead and are not committed to ourselves. Instead of making excuses, make a commitment to yourself. Tell yourself to be conscious of when you feel you are about to make an excuse and instead say a positive affirmation to plant the thoughts of awareness into your mind. This will bring you back to being committed to yourself and in turn you will gain confidence and a peace of mind.

Obstacle #3 – You Give Up Too Quickly. To counter this, Positive Feeling. Success won’t happen overnight and setbacks and slip-ups are likely to happen. Instead of getting down on yourself when you have a set back, turn it in to a positive by remembering how you felt when you began your plan or when you accomplished a goal on your plan. Remembering this positive feeling will trigger the positive response center within you. Feelings motivate our thoughts and when we feel good, we think good thoughts and take positive action. Set interim goals for yourself, so that you will see progress. It could take 3 weeks to 3 months to change your habits but the key is to keep trying and to keep moving forward.

So you see by thinking positive you take positive action and experience positive feelings there by reinforcing the positive behavior you are now taking on as you break those hard to break habits.

The above tips are 3 of the 5 ways of how the psychology of change can assist you in your life.

Wishing you much health and wellness!

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

Namaste,

Rochele Lawson

Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
The Wellness Architect

www.healthhealingwellness.com
www.rochelelawson.com
www.blissful-living.net
www.facebook.com/rochelelawson
www.youtube.com/rochelelawson
www.freegiftsfromrochele.com
www.stressassessmentmagic.com

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ayurveda, blissful living, healthy eating, healthy living

Why a Gentle Detox is Perfect Now

This is the perfect opportunity to slow down and tune in to yourself.

Though we may eat lighter in the summertime, our bodies can still build up multiple toxins from rushing to pack in a ton of activities. Certain dietary habits, keeping the kids occupied and technology overload all contribute to the build up.

The juncture between the heat of the summer and winter’s cold provides a perfect opportunity to recognize bad habits and then embrace healthier ones as you transition into fall and winter. I recommend that people synchronize four detoxes a year with each change of seasons. Fall is a natural time of transition when we want to feel more vibrant and clear.

Doing a gentle detox will not only facilitate the removal of toxins from your body, it will strengthen your immune system against wintertime viruses.

7-Day Detox

I offer three specific detox programs, from gentle to very deep and intense. A gentle detox program will reset your body and mind, and my 7-Day Detox program is safe, effective and based on Ayurvedic principles.

Popular cleanses that ask you to take extreme measures are not designed to support you in the long run. They’re meant to help you purge quickly.

When you detox too quickly, you remove some (but not the majority of) toxins so it leaves your body in an imbalanced state.

In my 7-Day Detox program, your body will cleanse itself physically and mentally but you’ll also lose some weight. I’ve had clients lose anywhere from five to ten pounds. Most importantly, you’re nourishing your body with yummy food. Continue reading

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