Tag: daily health

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Health Lifestyle – Daily Health: Sunlight

 

Hey Earth’s Enrichers

Free Happy Woman Enjoying Nature. Beauty Girl Outdoor. Freedom cHow are your everyday health activities coming along? Have you been getting enough water, food & nourishment, and physical activity? It’s harder than it sounds, huh? Well, we have one more ingredient to healthy living. This ingredient will complete your basic daily health prescription.

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water.  This week our topic will be sunlight.

The sun is a very important factor in your daily life, even on rainy days. It provides us with key nutrients that are great for our everyday health. These nutrients come from the UVB rays that come from the sun. These rays are present even when you cannot physically see the sun.

The sun is our primary source of Vitamin D. It is not the sun directly that makes the Vitamin D for us. It is our body’s reaction with the UVB rays. Vitamin D helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorous into the body. It also helps regulate the immune system. Another reason why Vitamin D is so important is for bone development. It helps build strong bones and teeth, and helps osteoporosis or osteomalacia.

Another aspect of sunlight is your mood. Some researchers have discovered that sunlight can brighten your day. With the reduction of sunlight, a person can develop anxiety, depression, stress, and low energy. When an individual retains the right amount of sun or vitamin D3 it helps reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.   

Also, being in the sun feels great! It’s spring time, finally, turning into summertime. You will have plenty of opportunities to be in the sunlight! It is important, however, to be careful.  Safety is always first. Make sure you know how much sun your skin can handle and find a sunscreen that is good enough for you. Also, if you are having a problem absorbing Vitamin D, see your doctor. A professional can help you figure out what is best for your body.

The EE 411:

Environmental factors that can impede Vitamin D absorption are:

  • Incorrect use of sunscreen
  • Pollution
  • Longer periods spent inside
  • Also, not eating enough foods with Vitamin D

Ways to get some sun/Vitamin D are:

  • When you are inside, find a window and sit by it. Get some sun by any means necessary.
  • Walk for a little while outside, whether it’s to get lunch or walk the dog.
  • Use sunscreen wisely, that protects from harmful UV rays, while still allowing you to have the nutrients necessary.
  • Having trouble, ask a professional for advice and/or take a vacation at the beach. 🙂

Share with Us: What is your favorite way or means of getting some sun?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Health: Physical Activity

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Active Fitness Word Cloud CollageYes, we said it—physical activity! Do you know what it is? Some of you are thinking exercise. A full work out for a certain amount of time, which can target certain areas of the body. Relax—this is not what we mean; although setting aside time during your week to exercise is an extra plus.

Physical activity is incorporating exercise-like activities into your every day schedule. For instance, biking to and from work. Or if you catch the bus and there is some walking involved, power walk the little distance you have to go. Even something as simple as maintaining your posture while you sit at work can be a part of daily physical activity. 

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water.  This week our topic will focus on physical activity.

These modern times come with every convenience. When you go to the mall or market there is always the option of parking close to your destination so you don’t have to walk far. Leave those close up parking spots for individuals that need them! Take a parking lot challenge and park farther away from the door, that way you incorporate extra activity in your day.

If you drive to work and you happen to be within good time, find a parking space that is just out of the way. Do something new for your body! When working out or exercising, it is important not to let your body get too comfortable with the work out. The same applies for physical activity- switch it up.

If you have a job that requires you to sit on a daily basis, it is important for you to look after your health. If you find yourself getting tired or your back is hurting, stand up and do some stretches. You know a little in-office yoga. Not only is it good for your muscles and joints, but it helps oxygen flow through the body. This helps to refresh and energize it.

Also, when sitting your posture is important.  Good posture can help prevent tension in your back and lower back muscles. It is also great for your core/abs. Having bad posture means you do not use your core strength appropriately. Your abs and core help maintain your posture and utilizing those abs actually can help you burn calories. How do you like them apples?

All in all, give your body something physically new to look forward to in a day. If you usually walk to work, put a little pep in your step or bike there. Also, stretch constantly throughout the day; it makes you feel better. Work on your core while sitting in the office or during a meeting. Little tips like these help increase your body’s health and fitness over time.

The EE 411: Physical Activities

When in the office:

  • Stretch
  • Occasionally stand while you’re working
  • Bring a yoga ball with you to work to sit on instead of your chair
  • While sitting, stretch one leg and then the other

At the mall:

  • Instead of the escalator take the stairs (same goes with the elevator)
  • Power walk between stores. (Don’t do it to the point where you look silly J)
  • Park farther away than the door.
  • Walk around the mall for fun

On the commute:

  • If you can walk or ride a bike please do so
  • During your lunch break, walk somewhere healthy

At home:

  • Stretch while watching TV
  • Instead of sitting in chairs sit on the Yoga ball
  • Instead of letting the dog out, take him/her  for a walk.
  • Play with your children outside

There are many things you could do to incorporate physical activity into your daily life. There is a way of doing it so that it does not interfere with your day. These were just a few suggestions. Know what your body needs and look up or chose physical activity that works best for you. 

Share with Us: What kind of physical activity do you do daily?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Heath: Food and Nourishment

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Large health food selection in white porcelain bowls and dishesImagine your alarm clock goes off, you snooze it, and about 20 minutes later you are late for work! Your supposedly calm morning routine is completely compromised! Now, you have to get up, and get yourself together. For those of you who have kids, that means waking them up, getting them ready, preparing their breakfast, grabbing everything they need. By the time you get them to school or yourself to work, you have not eaten. Did you grab anything along the way? Nope!

The first meeting of your day begins, your coworker addresses you and in a return greeting your stomach answers with a grumble. In a situation like this, you have two options: (1) find a quick snack or (2) wait for lunch. When you can’t find a snack, you wait for lunch. Then what if something comes up for lunch like you forgot to bring it and you left your wallet at home. What’s next, dinner?

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water. This week our topic will be food and nourishment.

The common knowledge about meals is that there should at least be three: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a convenient way to split up the meals you are supposed to eat in a day. You know, once in the morning, once at noon or in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. It’s an even three way split; however, due to some individuals’ schedules, this may be a hard thing to do.

If all else fails, the most important meal of the day really is breakfast. Think of it this way, in that earlier scenario, if the individual had grabbed one or two things for breakfast, they wouldn’t have to wait for lunch or scavenge for a snack. But what if you are in a hurry? Well, hide a snack stow it away. Place one in your glove department, or have some at work just in case you forget. It can always come in handy.

Another aspect of food and nourishment you should consider, over the long term, is the food groups you are consuming. Did you know there is an average serving of each food group you are supposed to have in a day? Can you imagine how great you would feel?

Eating the right amounts of food and incorporating the appropriate food groups into your diet can increase productivity. It can boost energy, which is why the body consumes carbohydrates. It increases brain function because the brain uses fats or fatty acids to help it work. Proteins help rebuild and support muscle growth and recovery after working out.

Eating and preparing the appropriate amount for each foods category helps your body naturally create those elements you need. Finding natural foods, without GMO’s or artificial chemical enhancers makes for better and healthier nutrition. Supplements such as pills or vitamins are not always the best way to get these nutritional factors.

If you are having trouble getting the appropriate nutrition, see a professional and if they prescribe supplements use with impeccable adherence to the instructions given to you by the doctor. Remember, too much of a good thing can be negative. If you over use vitamins or supplements, you could end up poisoning the body or overworking a major body system. It is very important that you know your body and get it what it needs and deserves. 

The EE 411: Food and Nourishment Tips

ChooseMyPlate  is a great website that can help you plan your meals so that you can incorporate the correct food groups and understand the importance of them.

At the top of the website there are several tabs you can choose from, from MyPlate to Healthy Eating Tips. When you select “MyPlate” it gives you a list of food groups:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Proteins
  • Dairy
  • Oils

When you select one of the food groups there are at least six questions that sort the appropriate information.  Selecting the link “How much is needed?” will give you a brief description and provide a link to the nutritional contents of the food in each group.

This websites also gives a list of what different types of food are a part of that category. This will provide you with a variety of options, so you don’t get bored with the same foods.

As for some short-term tips:

  • Eating at least three times a day is ideal
  • Snacking all day is not a problem just pick the healthier choices
  • Always eat breakfast
  • Stow away snacks just in case you forget or miss a meal
  • Eat your vegetables *you know who you are*
  • Incorporate the different food groups into your meals
  • Check out what your ideal plat should look like

Share with Us: Identify your least favorite food group. How can you improve your consumptions of this food group?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Health: Sleep

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

cute african mother and baby sleeping in bedYour body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs, which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them.

So your body’s basic needs boil down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water. Of course, oxygen or being able to breathe is one of them, but I think you all already have that down. This week our topic will be sleep.

Sleep is one of the most important ways to gather energy to help you face the challenges of your day. If you don’t sleep well, how do you feel when the alarm clock goes off? We know, you feel like picking that thing up and tossing it across the room. A restless night or not enough sleep could leave you cranky, lethargic, and most of all not ready for your day.

We also know that it is not easy getting a good relaxing night’s sleep especially if you are a student, a business person, or parent. It gets hard to find the time to decompress before bed.   If you’re still reeling about what Johnny did at work this morning, you’re probably not going to sleep well.

The saying, “don’t go to bed angry” should be one written on your bed’s headboard. Find a way to relax before going to sleep, create a plan and back-up plan to get the work done or have the kids in bed. An adult individual should have at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. The most popular way to detox before sleeping is a bath or shower. Something semi-long and with your favorite scent to ease the pressures of the day.

Another reason why sleep is so important is because it can affect your health, not just your lifestyle. Lack of sleep can stress out your body physically. Stress to a constant and extreme degree can aid in factors like anxiety attacks, hypertension, chest pains, and Infarction (heart attack).  Also, sleep deprivation during daily activities could lead bad health decisions in your daily activities. This could not just effect your health but the health of others around you.

Sleep deprivation in daily activities could increase the risks of obesity. Believe it or not, sleep helps you regulate weight! I bet you didn’t know that. It helps keep your body balanced. Insufficient sleep could lead to an increase in the amount you eat and a greater BMI (or body mass index).

Also, being extremely tired and sleepy while driving could be very dangerous to you and others around you. You could become drowsy, impatient, and non-observant of the drivers/pedestrians around you. There is a term for this called drowsy driving. If you are too exhausted to drive, don’t be afraid to give yourself those extra minutes to rest up or wake yourself up.

Question for you all, when you’re sleepy to the point of no return are you happy? You kind of don’t want to be bothered, which means you aren’t the most cheery of people. Too much exhaustion and extreme sleepiness on a constant basis can lead to things like depression or substance abuse. For instance, when you are having trouble sleeping, the bath didn’t work, and you have a choice between a pill or sleepy time tea—GO FOR THE SLEEPY TIME TEA! The last thing you want is to depend on a pill to get you to sleep. Besides there could be side effects.

There are plenty of reasons why sleep is so important. Try your best to get a good night’s rest. We know that lifestyle (being a student, business person, parent, etc) can play a major role in one’s ability to relax before sleeping. If you are having trouble and you have tried all the other natural options, then consult an expert like your doctor. As always, know your body and do what is best for you.

The EE 411:

Benefits of Sleep

  • Prepares you for daily activities
  • Regulates your weight
  • Helps you stay organized
  • Helps you control your emotions
  • Reduces stress
  • Helps your performance
  • Helps your heart
  • Improves memory
  • Can positively impact life expectancy –of course longevity depends on other factors as well
  • Aids in repelling depression

Sleep Guidelines for Different Age Groups

  • Newborns 11-18 hours
  • Infants 14-15 hours
  • Toddlers 12-14 hours
  • Preschoolers 11-13 hours
  • 5-10 year olds 10-11 hours
  • Teens  8.5-9.5 hours
  • Adults 7-9 hours

Tips for Better sleep

  • Aromatherapy (Lavender, Chamomile, etc.)
  • Herbal teas (Chamomile, Lavender, Sleepy Time)
  • Relaxing/ Baths
  • Meditation before bed (like a light yoga)
  • Gentle music
  • Your favorite pajamas or sleep wear ^-^

Share with Us: What helps you get to sleep at night?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)