Every Day Is Special!

I was recently asked, "What is your favourite day of the week?" Although my first instinct was to say Sunday because it is a day when I can relax, spend time with family and friends, go for a walk on the beach, or just veg. out at home, I began to think, well, every day is special and no matter what challenges or disasters occur, that day will never come again.

There are opportunities everywhere in every day to enjoy moments of pleasure, no matter how small, no matter how bad your circumstances may be. You may be presented with an opportunity to help a friend, or even a total stranger, in turn giving you a sense of wellbeing and achievement.

Health challenges are there to be bourne and overcome on a daily basis, but even at our lowest ebb we can glean a spark of wisdom and joy in the overcoming.

I have found that keeping a journal of my thoughts and the things I have learned on a day to day basis is a most rewarding exercise, it only takes a few minutes to quickly review the day, and you may be surprised at the jewels you will find there.

Help For Depression.

Do you feel low in the winter months? Lack of sunshine and shorter daylight hours can lead to lethargy and a general feeling of being slightly below par!

Here are a few things you can do to help....

Try to exercise daily. A walk with a friend, weight training, or Yoga will all give not only the benefit of the exercise, but help put your life in a better perspective, and it has been proven that exercise actually elevates your mood.

Make sure you are having sufficient rest - you may need more than usual at this time.

Deep breathing, meditation or a soothing bath with essential oils of Lavender and Jasmine I find are all wonderful "mood busters".

Herbs and supplements such as St. John's Wort, SAMe, Gingko Biloba, and Ginseng can be a great benefit, but do consult your Health Care Practitioner if you are considering beginning a course with any mood elevators.

And remember, spring is only just around the corner!

Life's Little Secrets No. 26

Rainbows!

When you see a rainbow or think of rainbows what do they bring to mind?

My view of a rainbow is a new beginning, a promise of better things to come, brighter days, a more positive state of mind.

Let this wonderful gift of nature impregnate into your inner self, to bring about a lifting of your spirits and a new outlook for the future!

And don't forget to make a wish!

Sleeplessness!

How many of us suffer or have suffered from lack of sleep due to stress, anxiety, lifestyle (late nights), hormone imbalances, or many other causes?

Nothing can be so frustrating as lying in bed with countless thoughts whirling through your mind or waking at 4 or 5am unable to fall back to sleep!

Here are a few helpful strategies which I have found to be of great benefit during times when I have suffered from this disturbing situation.

1. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow. Lavender is a potent oil for relaxation and is calming to your mind.

2. Try a cup of chamomile tea before bed.

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol during the evening, as they are stimulants.

4. Use Lifewave Silent Nights non-transdermal patches which utilize new technology to gently stimulate acupuncture points, improving the flow of energy in the body for significant sleep improvement. They really work!

Attitude!

I find that affirmations are so powerful in life to motivate, enliven and manifest a new way of thinking each and every day. When repeated throughout your day affirmations will become impregnated within your being and will make a huge difference to your outlook and demeanor.

Here is one I have composed and used on a regular basis especially when I need a boost!

"Today I will change my attitude from indifference to love,
From apathy to enthusiasm,
And from anxiety to calm."

Try it and see, or make one (or several) of your own!

Help For Your Stress!

Most of us suffer from excessive stress at some point in our lives, and if it is not addressed in a positive way it can become out of control, and lead to other more serious conditions.

One very successful way to help is to adopt a pet. Pets are wonderful companions, great to chat to especially if you live alone, they never judge or criticize your decisions or lifestyle, and give you their undivided attention, loyalty and unconditional love.

If you live in an apartment you may consider birds such as budgerigars or finches. One friend of mine gains immense joy, and calming relief from her tropical fish.

In these challenging financial times a pet may be the answer for your stress, and they needn't cost the earth to maintain!

A Pain In The Neck!

What are some of the causes of neck pain? Here are some of the main culprits.

1. Carrying heavy loads
2. Sports injuries
3. Over exercising
4. Stress
5. Sleeping in an awkward position

Natural pain relief can be as effective as the pharmaceutical alternatives.
Try gentle exercise such as stretching, Yoga or Tai Chi to strengthen your neck muscles. (Do consult your Health Practitioner first)

Heat packs alternated with cold packs will help inflammation.
Other natural anti-inflammatory helpers are Turmeric and Meadowsweet, which are also excellent for arthritic pain.

I have found great relief from back pain due to an injury with Icewave pain patches, an exclusive innovation for pain relief using new technology to gently stimulate acupuncture points. (without the needles!) It really works!