Need better sleep? Here’s how to get it…

We’ve all been there, some of us are still there… Night after night of restless sleep whether it’s due to stressors we are aware of such as school or work pressures, or stressors we are not aware of (or somewhat aware of) such as family expectations, diet change, or the accumulation of a lack of proper sleep.

There are many simple tools you can use to help you get a deeper more restful sleep, starting from the easy and free, to the somewhat affordable (but all worthwhile explorable options).

Here are some of the tools you have at hand:

• Use dim lighting around your house and room while you’re preparing for sleep.

• While lying in bed, working your way up from your feet to your neck (including your arms), flex a muscle group at a time (such as feet, then calves, then quads, etc.) for about 5 seconds each, taking a deep breath and relaxing for a moment after each one. When you’re done, you’ll have released a lot of built up tension.

• Try a different pillow if you have one accessible to you. You may not have noticed that your body is just not happy with the one you’re using right now so this is your chance to listen to that.

• Have a warm candle-light shower or bath before bed.

Things To Do On A Chilly Day… Part 1

As the weather changes, the days get shorter and nights get colder, comfort starts to climb on your list of priorities.  You can indulge in comfort foods which will only perpetuate feelings of lower self-worth and sluggishness, or you can be really nice to yourself in ways that will improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being.  Here is one option…

Take a hot yoga class!!  Two of the more popular forms of hot yoga are Bikram Yoga and Moksha Yoga, which are performed in a heated room with their own series of postures.  There are possibly/likely other styles of hot yoga also available in your area. The benefits are tremendous but even if they weren’t, it feels soooo good.

Think you can’t afford it?  This is what you do:

Check for a local “hot yoga” studio in your city and drop in to the “Community” class.  You can call to ask when the community classes are, or check their website class schedule.  Community classes are taught by teachers-in-training and usually cost about 1/3rd the price of a regular class (expect to pay approximately $5 for a 60-90 minute class).   Moksha Yoga studios have an introductory special of $20 for one week of unlimited yoga.  That’s a great deal, considering one class is usually $15-$20.  

After just one class, you’ll feel completely rejuvenated, refreshed, and cozy warm.  Mats can usually be rented for a reasonably low price if you don’t already own one.  Be sure to bring comfortable loose clothing, a towel, and a bottle of water.  Enjoy!

Catching a cold? Here’s a good remedy…

Do feel a cough or a cold coming on? Don’t want to buy a cough/cold medicine which aren’t really all that effective anyway? Never mind the $5-7 you don’t need to spend! Here’s a simple recipe for a nutrient charged “cold busting” hot tea that tastes great! Well, it works and it’ll wake you up… That’s for sure.

Here’s what you need:

• Organic Lemon
• Ginger
• Cayenne pepper
• Honey
• Small pot
• Strainer