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Introduction to Ayurceda: Pitta in Summer

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Welcome to midsummer.  The hottest time of the year.  Here, in the beginning of August, we are in the thick of it.  The sun is bright.  The ground sizzles, as do our skins when we sit too long without spraying ourselves with sunscreen or gulping beverages out of coconuts. We find relief in sprinklers, and notice the peace we feel while we are gazing at the beach’s gentle rolling waves.  Hot peppers grow and bean plants intertwine fences.  Lush and steamy is the air as we taste the salt on our ever perspiring lips.  We long for the fresh breeze of fall, and anything to remind us of the changeability of the seasons, the atmosphere, and our very bodies as we mentally, and physically digest the first half of the year to clear the path for the second half. 

woman laying in wine glass ornament

Nature has an energetic force. We observe it all around us at any given moment.  These forces thrive and spiral in the microcosm of the human body.  We react to these energies and harmonize with them.  The practice of this is known as Ayurveda, one of the earliest holistic healing systems.  It is a belief that everything is connected, and when it is in balance, we are healthy.  When it is disrupted, such as when we are injured, or eat poorly, or when there are shifts in the environment, we can feel less than optimal.  

In Ayurveda, overall health is determined by the mind, body and spirit being in harmony with the universe itself, and believe that every person is made of the five basic elements found in creation, such as earth, air, fire, water, and ether (or space).  These elements combine in the body to form the three doshas, or forces of energy, named vata, pitta, and kapha.  Each one is composed predominantly of two main elements. Vata is made up of mobile air and expansive ether.  Kapha is made up of dense earth and viscous water, while the metamorphic nature of fire and the unsettledness of water make up Pitta.  Each season has its dominant dosha. So do each of us. 

Sit in silence for a few minutes and notice the energies around you, and you may resonate with the overwhelming Pitta in your environment, depending on where you are in the world right now.  Take note of how you feel this summer, those of us in the northern hemisphere, and notice what you have been busying your time with.  Do you notice that the idea of taking a nap seems to be more inviting?  Are you craving the kiwi and watermelon, and other refreshing respites from the heat? Do you find yourself mentally going over the events of the year that has passed so far, chewing on it, digesting it, flexing the mind to focus on the intention of the sound judgement you must exhibit to prepare for the second half of this cycle around the sun?

If so, it is because we are in the Pitta season, the time of where the two elements of fire and water reign supreme over our constitution.  It is the season where we feel as if the world, and even ourselves, are on fire! According to the principles of Ayurveda, the Pitta translates to “warmth” or “transformation,” or “that which digests.”  Put plainly, it forms the necessary bile and fluid to flush and burn away impurities.  Unctuous is another word that floats around the Ayurveda community, and we’ll think of it as moist—the energies needed to digest, well, anything.  It is the energy that governs the metabolism, and reforms anything and everything that enters the body.  It is the energy of assimilation.  It is said that when a person is born, their Pitta is in total equilibrium with vata and kapha.  

Each of us has a dominant dosha, although we all have all three spiraling in us at once.  There are many quizzes all over the internet to determine which dosha is dominant in your body.  Yoga is a wonderful practice to get in touch and observe whatever constitution is affecting you at any given time.  It is both a physical exercise and a chance to check in with yourself mentally and spiritually, in moving meditation.  Many asanas(poses) are beneficial to each dosha.  It is the way we practice that can aggravate or pacify any extremes of energy moving throughout the body.  The object of balancing the pitta dosha while doing anything is tohave fun while doing it, soften your gaze, and allow freedom and creativity to flow in everything you do. 

fall trees at home

Each of us has a dominant dosha, although we all have all three spiraling in us at once.  There are many quizzes all over the internet to determine which dosha is dominant in your body.  Yoga is a wonderful practice to get in touch and observe whatever constitution is affecting you at any given time.  It is both a physical exercise and a chance to check in with yourself mentally and spiritually, in moving meditation.  Many asanas(poses) are beneficial to each dosha.  It is the way we practice that can aggravate or pacify any extremes of energy moving throughout the body.  The object of balancing the pitta dosha while doing anything is tohave fun while doing it, soften your gaze, and allow freedom and creativity to flow in everything you do. 

The attributes of the Pitta dosha are hot and liquid.  Think of steam as a drop of water hits scorching asphalt.  It is moist, and sharp, citrusy, sour, oily—all the qualities of summer.  Imagine.  The gentle hum of the fan wakes you in the morning.  Your body is lethargic.  You begin to move, and the sloth-y slink out of bed gives way to dragging feet across the floor, craving that morning iced coffee or tea to cool you off.  You are brave, and ready to take on the day with intelligence, laughing and singing all the way through it.  When we are aggravated or irritable, wracked with the discomfort of the season that rages inside, slow down.  Walk in nature. Meditate. Practice yoga or work out at eighty percent instead of one-hundred-twenty percent.  Flow softly, and observe, for our ability to sense what is going on in the body is governed by Pitta.  Our focus is on the exhale, the releasing of any pent up energy, and give yourself space.  You deserve it.

the light has come poem

The sun-beam of sentience and understanding that pitta exemplifies is the result of these fire and water energies transforming and gliding through us, within and without, cerebrally, emotionally, energetically, and tangibly.  It reminds us that less is more, and it is always enough.

For now, until the leaves begin to fall from the trees, we are in Pitta season. For some of us, it is their favorite time of year while others are counting down the days until we can sing holiday songs and bundle next to a cozy fire.  All of the energies in all seasons in each part of the world, defines our own Ayurvedic disposition, our overall design for health.  They each have their unique ratios in our bodies.  What we experience is also inside us.  We are truly the stream in the rolling river, our bodies a tiny universe within the larger infinite space.  And by seeing the elements dance and bubble inside us and in the environment around us, through all walks of life, we come to understand, observe, and appreciate the creation, and the forces within it.  

We may feel exposed or susceptible to these energetic powers, but we are also aware of them, and our vulnerabilities can be a source of our strength as we navigate the malleable dynamisms around us.  Once we connect with these energies, we can make choices that matter, ones that help support our natural inclinations and soothe our irritabilities, or any extremes we may be facing.  Whether we relate to the cheetah or the bear, the bird or the bug, we can begin to recognize how the doshas affect our lives, and our environment.  So the next time you are caught in the wind and rain, or hike towards the sputtering volcano, or sleep by the calmness of a lake, know that you are, in some way, symbiotic with everything around you.  Stay cool out there.

5 Ways to Energize Yourself Before a Workout

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Working out in the morning might be a monumental task if you aren’t an early riser. But a previous article on Namafit explains that morning workouts can put you in a good mood and improve your focus for the day. If you’re finding it hard to motivate and energize yourself for a workout, here are some tips to get you started — no matter what time it is.

Be sure to hydrate properly

You don’t have to wait until you feel thirsty before drinking water, as thirst is a sign that you’re already about 2% dehydrated. Before working out, you should already prepare your body by staying hydrated throughout the day. According to Self, not having enough fluids in your body means your heart needs to work much harder to pump blood — which means it will make your workouts feel more intense than they should. Plus, staying hydrated also reduces the possibility of guzzling too much water during the workout, which can upset your stomach.

Eat healthy carbs

Carbohydrates are an essential energy source, acting as the body’s main fuel during exercise. However, Healthline shows that not all carbohydrates are ideal pre-workout food. Simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and sweets, are only short-term sources of energy. Consuming these will make you feel tired even before your workout is over. Opt for complex carbohydrates instead, since the body digests it more slowly than simple carbs — giving you a more consistent source of energy for a longer period of time. Examples of these are whole grains, corn, rice, fruits, and vegetables.

Practice breathing exercises

Don’t immediately jump into your workout routine. Take time to do deep breathing before you start exercising, since it increases the oxygen in your blood, which also helps prepare your body for all the movement. Moreover, it releases tension and endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Consider adding deep breathing to your warm-up and reap its positive benefits to your immune system, mental health, and more.

Have some caffeine

Caffeine is perhaps one of the most popular pre-workout drinks. After all, it helps improve circulation, decrease muscle pain, and improve workout recovery. But there are many ways to drink caffeine aside from coffee. As explained on Pretty Me’s feature on Lean n Green coffee, many beverages make use of green coffee beans. These not only give you the energizing benefits of caffeine, but it comes with the added bonus of converting more fat and glucose to energy. Some are even combined with more powerful ingredients like L-carnitine, which helps further enhance energy production. If you’re not much of a coffee drinker, BBC Good Food’s article on tea explains that black tea and green tea have the highest caffeine content for your pre-workout buzz.

Ensure you’ve had enough sleep

The more rested you are, the better your mind and body will function. Sleep improves your concentration, mood, and focus, which makes you more efficient and prepared for your exercise. Having enough sleep also motivates you to stick to your plan to exercise. Exercising while you lack sleep, on the other hand, will make you feel fatigued faster — making it harder for you to complete your workout.

A good workout isn’t simply a matter of finishing your routine. A good workout is also determined by what you do to prepare for it.

    Healthy Nutrition Means Healthy Wound Healing

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    Wound healing depends upon a complex interplay of factors, from age and immune response, to nutrient supply.  One essential factor in wound healing is healthy nutrition. In this article we will explore what healthy nutrition is, the nutrition challenges in the older population, how nutrition affects wound healing, and how nurses can promote healthy nutrition in their patients.

    What Is Healthy Nutrition?

    According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 include an eating plan that:

    • Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
    • Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
    • Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
    • Stays within your daily calorie needs

    The Dietary Guidelines are a good starting point for healthy nutrition. However, there are a few other components that comprise healthy nutrition. One is intake of insoluble fiber. According to the Journal of Nutrition, supplementing the diet with insoluble fiber, such as that found in cereal grains has been shown to improve insulin resistance and diabetes risk. The Journal of Nutrition also describes medium chain triglycerides (MCT) as a fundamental, and often missing, piece of healthy nutrition. This especially applies to the elderly population. Lastly, the CDC notes reduction in intake of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) as an indispensable part of healthy nutrition. They write, “Adults and adolescents who smoke, don’t get enough sleep, don’t exercise much, eat fast food often and who do not eat fruit regularly are more likely to be frequent consumers of SSBs.”

    healthy bowl

    Nutrition Challenges In The Elderly Population

    While achieving healthy nutrition can be a challenge for anyone, for the elderly population, it is especially relevant. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Older persons are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. Moreover, attempts to provide them with adequate nutrition encounter many practical problems. First, their nutritional requirements are not well defined. Since both lean body mass and basal metabolic rate decline with age, an older person’s energy requirement per kilogram of body weight is also reduced.”

    The WHO goes on to describe the changes in nutrient needs that occur with aging, as well as the need for ongoing review of nutrient intake in the elderly population. One factor is malnutrition, which is associated with increased risk of disease. Further, they write, “Dietary fat seems to be associated with cancer of the colon, pancreas and prostate.” Degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer, are also diet-affected. 

    Of note, the WHO points out that, “Increasingly in the diet/disease debate, the role that micronutrients play in promoting health and preventing noncommunicable disease is receiving considerable attention. Micronutrient deficiencies are often common in elderly people due to a number of factors such as their reduced food intake and a lack of variety in the foods they eat.”

    In a panel discussion of the Nutrition Society, the Society’s President, Professor Philip C. Calder, Professor of Nutritional Immunology, University of Southampton, discussed age-related immunological decline and the immune response in the elderly population and that maintaining healthy immune response can be achieved through improving the intake of several nutrients including iron, zinc and vitamin E.

    How Nutrition Healing Affects Wound Healing

    For the elderly population, wound healing is a constant challenge. Successful wound healing involves many factors, but one crucial one in healthy nutrition. According to WoundResearch.com, “The role of nutrition in wound healing may be overlooked in the wound care patient. Like the specialty, it is often multifaceted, with many nutritional components playing a variety of roles in the wound healing process. Suboptimal nutrition can alter immune function, collagen synthesis, and wound tensile strength, all of which are essential in the wound healing process.”

    The wound healing process depends on three nutritional factors. First, an increased energy demand. As the WoundResearch.com points out, “Caloric needs during wound healing are estimated at 30-35 kcal/kg,15 or up to 40 kcal/kg if the patient is underweight, but may need to be individualized based on age, comorbidities, body weight, activity level, stage of the healing process, and  the severity, size, and number of wounds.”

    The second factor is fluid intake. In wound healing fluid functions to maintain skin turgor and promote tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Water also serves as a diluent for glucose, waste removal, and micronutrients.

    The third factor is micronutrient intake. Amino acids such as arginine and glutamate have been indicated to be important in the wound healing process. Moreover, vitamins such as A, C, and D have been shown to be beneficial in wound healing regardless of deficiency status, with deficiency showing impairment in wound closure. Minerals are also fundamental to wound healing, as zinc, selenium, and iron have been postulated as beneficial in wound healing.

    Steps To Better Nutrition

    Knowing that healthy nutrition improves wound healing empowers nurses to take active steps in improving the nutrition status of their patients. A basic starting point is to ensure adequate intake of foods rich in B12, magnesium and vitamins A, C and D. Further, the focus should be on high-fiber foods, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat milk and milk products. To prevent dehydration, the elderly should drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day, consuming at least 1.7 liters of fluid every 24 hours.

    According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Eating a variety of foods from all food groups can help supply the nutrients a person needs as they age. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy; includes lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt (sodium) and added sugars.”

    Lastly, according to Tandurust.com, increasing appetite can be achieved through the following steps,

    • Making a habit of eating meals at fixed time every day
    • Eating small meals frequently 
    • Eating together, which makes the atmosphere is pleasant and social
    • Eating sweet and fiber foods, which can increase fullness for a longer period of time, in moderate amounts
    • Avoid drinking tea and coffee frequently as this may reduce appetite

    The Art of Yoga Nidra – Its Practice & Benefits

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    In today’s competitive world, the constant workload and hunger to succeed has induced the feelings of stress, tiredness, and anxiety within our mind. 

    In between our hectic and stressful professional and personal lives, we all crave a few minutes of silence, peace, and relaxation. 

    Meet Yoga Nidra – an ancient yogic practice to find your mind in a more peaceful, collected state. A 45-minute session will provide various powerful benefits for your body, brain, and mind. And there are several Yoga Nidra courses online to help you master this ancient art of deep relaxation. 

    Chakra Meditation

    What is the Modern Practice of Yoga Nidra? 

    Yoga Nidra, widely known as “yogic sleep” or “effortless relaxation,” is the conscious state between wakefulness and sleep, allowing a sense of well-being and deep relaxation throughout your body. 

    Yoga Nidra originated from a tantric concept called Nyasa. The term “Yoga Nidra” was unknown in public till Swami Satyananda Saraswati introduced it in 1964. Effectively, Swami Satyananda modernized the practice of Yoga Nidra. 

    How Does Yoga Nidra Work? 

    As mentioned above, Yoga Nidra is a form of deep relaxation. A typical session lasts 30 to 45 minutes. The practitioner’s body rests comfortably relaxed in a savasana, i.e., corpse position, and the guru/teacher guides them through several stages with verbal instructions. 

    It begins with gradually developing concentration, asking ourselves what we want from life, and setting intentions to achieve those goals. 

    The teacher guides the student to concentrate their awareness on body sensations, breath, thoughts, and emotions, which develops “witness consciousness” – the understanding that we are more than our thoughts and recognizing ourselves as the one who is aware, i.e., the witness. 

    A forty-five-minute session of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to a 3-hour sleep. 

    Benefits of Yoga Nidra 

    Yoga Nidra has proven to rejuvenate your body by eliminating stress, sores, aches, and tiredness. Let’s dive into the 5 primary benefits of practicing Yoga Nidra: 

    1. Anyone Can Perform Yoga Nidra 

    The most significant advantage of Yoga Nidra is that it is one of the simplest and easiest yoga Asanas to perform. It doesn’t require any special efforts or endurance. There is no requirement to balance your body on one finger or place your foot behind your head. On the contrary, you have to let all that go during a session of Yoga Nidra. 

    All you need to do is to lie down in a corpse-like position, and your instructor does the rest. Therefore, this practice can get performed by anyone – from young children to aging individuals, beginners to advanced practitioners, and everyone in between. 

    2. There Is No Way to Perform It Incorrectly 

    Unlike traditional meditation practices that can be task-oriented or extremely specific, practicing Yoga Nidra can never go wrong. 

    As you lie down in Savasana, all you have to do is follow the instructor’s voice and maintain some subtle awareness of your body and breath. 

    The fascinating aspect of Yoga Nidra is that even if you fall asleep, you will still be doing it right, as your subconscious can still benefit from the practice even when the conscious mind checks out. 

    3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety 

    Amidst various ailments, stress and anxiety reside in some minds permanently. Yoga Nidra helps tackle and overcome these issues. 

    Yoga Nidra involves systematic muscle relaxation, and deep breathing helps calm your parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, promoting rejuvenation and stress relief. A state of deep relaxation gets induced that can’t get achieved through an average meditation practice. The stages of breath awareness and body scan alone help calm the nervous system, leading to better health. 

    A Yoga Nidra session fills your mind with fresh, positive thoughts, detaching the past or the future tensions, leading to a stress-free life. 

    4. Improves Sleep, Reduces Insomnia 

    If you are rolling on the bed for 1 to 5 hours before finding any sleep, then Yoga Nidra is the solution for you. 

    Sleep deprivation and insomnia lead to mental stress, disorders, and immune suppression. 

    Incorporating Yoga Nidra improves your sleeping pattern significantly. 

    How? Yoga Nidra is responsible for slowing down the wavelengths traveling in your mind once you enter a sleep-like state, i.e., yogic sleep. Sensing the body and mindful breathing triggers a relaxation response throughout the body, which balances the right and left part of your brain and controls sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to prepare your body for the yogic sleep. 

    There is a process that gets followed before shutting down your body and brain. Yoga Nidra trains your body and mind for this relaxation process for you to achieve a deeper state of sleep. 

    5. Changes Your Outlook Towards Life 

    Regularly practicing Yoga Nidra has all the potential to help you change, develop, or alter your lifestyle and routine for the better. 

    Over time, you’ll begin seeing the world with a different pair of eyes as you draw joy and strength from the present and your surroundings. Even in the darkest times, you will find it easier to discover a moment of happiness, joy, or appreciation. 

    By enhancing your ability as you move forward in life, Yoga Nidra enables you to enjoy every moment and cherish every opportunity presented in front of you. 

    A session with your inner self will allow you to develop a positive and fresh outlook on your life. During Yoga Nidra, the relaxation experienced would enable you to look at your personal and professional problems differently and tackle them with enthusiasm and promptness rather than getting defeated from the start. 

    If you wish to reconnect with yourself daily, bring more peace of mind into your routine, and achieve an ideal work/life balance, Yoga Nidra helps you significantly. 

    In Conclusion, No matter how much we try to avoid and deny stress, anxiety, and tiredness, these feelings are embedded in our habits and mindset. Therefore, they are not going to perish in one day. 

    When practiced with care, patience, and sincerity, Yoga Nidra holds power to drastically alter your feelings, mood, sensations, and more. It can make you feel relaxed and rested, energized, and soothed. 

    With so much to gain with minimal effort, a Yoga Nidra course online is worth exploring. For more information, visit mindeasy.com

    Hiring Personal Trainers, Massage Therapists, and Dance/Yoga/Pilates Instructors in Coppell, Texas

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    StretchLab is seeking personal trainers, massage therapists, and dance/yoga/Pilates Instructors to join our team. This is an amazing opportunity to gain experience in a new modality that is taking the fitness industry by storm.  

    stretch lab copper texas

    StretchLab is the industry leader in offering one-on-one assisted stretching. With Co-Founders coming from the Personal Training industry, Stretch Lab has created a variety of offerings to empower clients to ‘Live Long’. StretchLab has gathered a team of experts already certified in an array of related fields including physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, yoga, Pilates, and more. StretchLab prides itself on having the finest team of stretching professionals. StretchLab’s proprietary flexologist ™ training ensures that their client’s receive a world class stretching session. 

    Our Flexologists will provide one-on-one assisted stretches as well as lead guided group stretching classes for our clients. 

    Welcome to StretchLab, the most remarkably simple thing you can do to move better.

    Side Hustles to Help You Earn Money During the Coronavirus Shutdown

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    workstation on table with computer notebook and coffee

    The coronavirus pandemic continues to take a financial toll on households across the country. People everywhere are facing layoffs, decreased hours, and pay cuts due to restrictions and social distancing orders, and many are struggling to make ends meet as a result. While this situation is just temporary, it’s still very stressful.

    If you’re one of the millions of Americans affected by these changes, consider starting a side hustle to earn some income while you search for your next full-time position. You might be surprised by all the ways you can profit from your existing skills and hobbies. Check out the following flexible gigs for ideas!

    Online Freelancing

    Whether you’re skilled at writing, marketing, web development, or social media engagement, freelancing can be a great way to make money from home. For example, digital marketing is huge right now, so if you’re needing to fill in a gap and that’s your bag, do some freelancing! Online marketing experts are one of many who can offer their services via job boards, which could lead to a permanent position, improved portfolio, and perhaps even your own full-time agency someday—or it could just get you by until you’re ready for the next role. There truly are freelancers for just about everything these days, from legal services to graphic design, so whatever your field is, consider exploring your freelancing options.

    Dog Sitting

    If you love animals, pet sitting is a fun way to earn some extra cash. Dog sitting in your own home through pet daycare or overnight boarding can be great for people working from home. Either way, you’ll enjoy having a furry friend around to keep you company if you find yourself sticking closer to home. Just make sure your home is prepared for this job. Get rid of toxic house plants, check for choking hazards, hide or cover power cords, and secure trash can lids.

    Insurance

    Have you ever considered plugging into the insurance industry? It’s a solid career choice, or it can be just something to get you by. There is something for everyone in the field, from analysis and computations for introverts to sales and outreach for extroverts. Make sure you connect with a reputable company that you’ll enjoy working with, though, and check out employee reviews through sites like Indeed or GlassDoor

    Tutoring

    According to Education Week, the coronavirus outbreak forced the closure of over 124,000 schools in the United States, impacting at least 55.1 million students. As a result, online tutors are in high demand. Tutors can teach a wide variety of subjects without any specific qualifications—all you need is a reliable internet connection and strong communication skills. If this is up your alley, connect with students on tutoring platforms and job boards, and don’t forget to advertise your services on social media.

    Selling Stuff Online

    The e-commerce world is another opportunity to make money from home. Whether you want to get crafty and create your own products or dropship items straight from the supplier, selling stuff online can be an exciting and rewarding venture. You could even sell stuff from around your home! Sort through your belongings and look for things you no longer want or use, then post these on marketplaces like eBay to find your buyers. Decluttering your home can also help you stay sane when you’re spending more time at home. 

    Part-Time Jobs

    COVID-19 has caused a huge demand for workers in certain industries. CNN reports that several grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out restaurants, and delivery companies are hiring new employees right now, so this can be an excellent opportunity for part-time work. While these jobs may not match the salary of your full-time position, they can help you pay the bills for now. Just make sure you stay safe out there! Wash your hands frequently, carry hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing. 

    Whether you’re between jobs, need to take time off to watch the kids at home, or working reduced hours to care for someone who is sick, a side hustle can help you get by. Even if you’re one of the lucky few still working your full-time job, a side gig may be a good idea to help you build up that emergency fund during these uncertain times. One of these hustles might just turn into your new full-time career!

    Essential Oils: Self Care for Health, Healing and Optimal Wellbeing

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    By. Yvonne Taylor

    While shelter in place has caused shifts in our routines and activities it also gives us time and opportunity to focus on common self-care and new self-care options to provide simultaneous mental and physical self-care. To aid in self-care many are turning to exercise and mindfulness disciplines such as meditation and mind-body disciplines such as Yoga. Each discipline is helpful in providing physical and mental self-care with the use of essential oils optimal wellbeing can be achieved.

    Essential oils have been used in exercise practices for decades promoting phenomenal, healing results. To learn more about essential ois I had the privilege of interviewing  dynamic health and wellness healer, Kaileen (Kai) Cox. Kaileen’s integrative approach to self-care incorporates the use of essential oils in her massages and mindful meditation practices. 

    I had a chance to sit down with Kaileen to learn about essential oils and unpack jewels of information about these unique compounds and the health benefits  they provide, here’s what we found out.

    1. Y: What are essential oils and what are they used for?  

    K: Essential oils are made from the pure essences of plants and based on the plant essence they can be used for a variety of things. From reliving anxiety, soothing an upset stomach, decreasing inflammation and more.

    • 2. Y: There are many oils on the market and I have been told that not all oils are the same, what makes the oils different? 

    K:The efficacy of an oil can differentiate one oil from another. There are many oils on the market but some oils are made of synthetic materials which reduces the efficacy of the oil and can be dangerous to use.

    • 3 .Y: What should a person be looking for when they shop for an oil?  

    K: It is best to look for an oil that is 100% certified pure grade oils plant essence extract. Compound testing is done on plants before they can be labeled a Certified pure oil. 

    • 4. Y: In our previous correspondence you indicated that you prefer Doterra oils, why is that? 

    K: Of the vast amounts of essential oils on the market this is one brand of oil that meets the standards and rigorous testing to be labeled 100% Certified Pure. Doterra offers a quality product that produces maximum results with the use of a small amount of the product. 1-2 drops of most oils is what you’d need to resolve any manner of conditions to have a favorable result. Ultimately I prefer Doterra because I can trust every drop in the bottle with pure. 

    • 5. Y: Essential oils have been touted to have many healing effects for various conditions, in this time of great uncertainty anxiety and depression are at an all time high, what oils are recommended for these conditions? 

    K: It is common to pair anxiety and depression in the same sentence, but the truth is that both of these conditions are caused by different thought processes that produce each result. Anxiety is usually caused when one focuses too much into the future. Depression is usually caused with the thought process is focused too much in the past. These are common thought processes that can cause these conditions and is not meant to minimize true physiological factors like neurological, hormonal or other imbalances that may require care by way of medication or licensed medical/mental practitioner.  With that being said, lavender and wild orange essential oils can be helpful for anyone experiencing temporary bouts with Anxiety or depression. Lavender is the oil of choice to assist with anxiety and wild orange or a citrus oil is my choice for depression to serve as a pick me up. Lavender has calming properties while wild orange is a stimulant oil known to produce a joyful effect.

    • 6. Y: What physical conditions can essential oils help with (i.e. arthritis, inflammation, allergies)?

    K: Essential oils can help with many physical conditions two of which are some of the most common ailments in people, inflammation and muscular pain. Inflammation can sometimes be caused by some of the foods we eat, allergies and/or the environment. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference but I choose to turn to the Doterra massage blend, AromaTouch. It is very effective for inflammation. It is a combination of Cypress Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Marjoram Leaf, Basil Leaf, Grapefruit Peel, and Lavender Flower essential oils. For aches and pains, a combination of wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, ylang ylang and more make up Doterra Deep Blue Soothing blend. You can use the Deep Blue rub directly on the area of pain. To provide soothing support to aching muscles and for other occasional discomfort, I would try dōTERRA’s Deep Blue Polyphenol Complex capsules which delivers polyphenol extracts of frankincense, turmeric, green tea, ginger, pomegranate, and grape seed. 

     7. Y: How would you recommend the oils be used (diffuser, ingested—if possible, placed in a bath, placed on strategic parts of the body)?

    K: There are three ways that you can administer Essential oils to receive benefits these common methods are aromatic, topical, and internal.  Through smell we call this aromatic use of essential oils and the delivery is normally made by way of diffuser or a drop in the Palm of your hands and inhaled.  The second is on your skin or a  topical application which is placed directly on the skin either neat or diluted allowing the oil to absorb into the skin. I recommend diluting with a Carrier oil like fractioned coconut oils. It helps the oil stay on your body longer and is the safest way for your skin. The third is ingesting or internal use of  essential oils  allowing the oil to be transported throughout the body. and you should only do this with oil that are proven safe for internal use. You can make capsules yourself or buy them premade.

    • 8. Y: I have also been told that some oils are more potent than others ( for example You need to be careful when applying orange oil directly to the skin as it can produce serious burns to the skin) Is this true? What safety precautions, if any should one use when using essential oils?

    K: There are some oils that require that you use with care and caution Citrus oils are photosensitive so be mindful when using lemon and orange. Be especially careful with bergamot this oil is very sun sensitive, if you use bergamot you will need to stay out of the sun for 24 hours. Be mindful of some of the oils that you use because sometimes you can become sensitized to an oil. Do research and seek the assistance of a professional if you are new to using oils.   

    • 9. Y: Can essential oils help with athletic performance and general fitness exercises (beyond Yoga)?

    K: Essential oils are beneficial to all walks of life and performance in every part of life and are the gateway to intuitive development. Intuitive development is the foundation of mental focus, that leads into mindful movement and focused performance.  Doterra offers an oil called Breathe that provides helps with focusa mixture of Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Cardamom Seed, Ravintsara Leaf, Ravensara Leaf essential oils.

    The Intimidation of Yoga

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    It’s hard getting into any new hobby. Often you don’t know where to start or you don’t know what to wear the first time (shoes might be no but socks? do you bring socks? do I need to bring water or will I look stupid if I do?). When you do summon the courage to go, the first time is always rough. Keeping up with the speed while trying to understand what you are supposed to do, it’s really hard. Especially if you are upside down. And especially when doing something as foreign as yoga.

    Let’s be honest, the poses do not come  naturally. No one just casually finds themselves in a yoga pose prior to doing yoga. It’s not like you wake up one day and find yourself in a warrior pose. Which adds to the discomfort. Does it hurt because I am doing it right – or does it hurt because I am doing it wrong? All these thoughts do not encourage the zen feeling yoga has claimed to invoke. You look to others to see if they are doing the same thing and feel like it looks so much better when they do it compared to your awkward stance.

    Negative thoughts like that are not encouraging. They have caused a lot of people to give up on yoga. As a teacher I often hear “Yoga is too hard for me” or “I just don’t have the body to do Yoga”. It breaks my heart because the essence of yoga is that it is all inclusive and for everyone. It is very simple and easy and hence why it helps you feel connected and zen. The issue is that many teachers or practicing Yogis take it to the next level. I’ve been teaching for over three years, I walk into classes feeling intimidated! If I walk in and people are already in head stand I wonder if I am in the wrong place – an intense course in reverse blood flow or the morning stretch class I signed up for before going to brunch. I check instagram and so many teachers are inventing poses, doing handstands on one hand I wonder if I chose the wrong profession as I doubt I will ever be as good as them.

    girl doing yoga

    In true human nature we compare ourselves with one another and compete, instead of adhering to the essence of yoga – namely inner peace. Just because other people are not adhering to the core of yoga, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. If you aim to do yoga because it helps bring balance into your day and makes you feel better, then you are doing it right. Don’t do it wrong and compete with others. Try to do the poses so they feel like tension in your body is being released. You will feel the difference from that to pain. Focus on doing it right by leaving the class feeling better about yourself, not worse. Yoga is simple, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

    Check out my page if you have any questions lifecoachnika.com

    How to Start Meditating during COVID-19 Lock Down

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    Lock down – also known as the best time to start meditating. The induced anxiety of not knowing how this will turn out, how this will affect you, if your job is stable and and and – the thoughts and fears induced by this new situation don’t even being to cover the amount of anxiety we have toward the fear of the virus itself. Its hard to cope, and some of us find ourselves not being able to stop talking about it. You may know it by now, or if not, the best way to calm your mind is through meditation.

    The idea of meditation is to focus your mind on either a particular thing like the breath, on a particular thought – like loving & kindness. Which does mean, not focusing on any Covid-19 thoughts. This may seem hard and might require some energy, but its a first and healthy step in the right direction. All your thoughts on this topic won’t get you anywhere but digging yourself more and more into your own anxiety. You need to be forced to step out. Here is a simple and easy way to do it, and a great introduction into a meditation:

    Sit, stand, walk, whichever is most comfortable but make sure you are alone in your space.

    Count each breath in, count each breath out. Do it till you get to 10. If you feel you need more, do it again.

    That’s it! You have just meditated! If you lose count, that is ok, just start again and make sure you get to 10.

    It’s easier than riding a bike and will benefit your mental health and your happiness. Aim to do it once a day. I usually do it while brushing my teeth or while waiting for my work computer to start up. But if you can’t, just doing it once is already more than never.

    If you get bored of doing this, the next level up you can start to focus on where you feel the breath the most. You will notice this changes, sometimes it will be your nose, other times your stomach, other times your guts. The short check in with your body will move your focus away from being stuck in your head, to settle your focus in your body. It not only helps you, but you will notice how much easier it is to deal with matters and the people around you. You will be happier, just by counting your breaths. I dare you to try it.

    man wearing sunglasses meditating in front of a city skyline

    More of such tips & posts are on my site lifecoachnika.com

    ‘No Money Mo Problems’ – How to Deal With Financial Stress

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    It’s no secret financial problems are on the rise;  if businesses aren’t shutting down they’ll be laying off to keep them afloat.  Not to mention, the IRS being backed up forcing you to wait on stimulus checks, tax returns, even receiving state unemployment becomes an impossible task.  I myself am a bartender, this uncertainty of income has been looming over me since day one of shut down.  With the downtime I’ve been forced into I’ve come up with a few tricks I’d like to share to help compartmentalize and deal with this nightmarish stress.

    Roll With the Punches

    If you’re part of the population that’s been laid off or your business has closed you’ve probably had to apply for unemployment, grants, or loans. These are never a certain answer to our financial problems, they may fall through or deny you all together. That waiting period to find out if you qualify for any of these support systems can hellish. Instinctually you tell yourself that you’ll be accepted and the money will be coming any day now, though in the back of your mind, the “what if” factor lingers. Suppressing the “what if” factor can only make stress levels raise in negative ways. Analyzing and accepting the “what if” can be tough but healthy. Let’s say there is no money coming your way whatsoever. What ever is in your savings is all you have, it may not even be enough to cover your next mortgage or rent bill. This would panic any ordinary person, if you grasp the worst case scenario and accept it you won’t be caught off guard, you’ll be mentally prepared for it and know how to “roll with the punches”. 

    You Only Have Two Hands

    When I first started behind the bar, I could get flustered pretty quickly. When it got busy all eyes were on you, people impatiently waiting for drinks, food, or a check, as well as finding time to clean and restock. That can be a bit overwhelming when you have three rows of people across the bar. My mentor taught me a saying that helped me keep my head straight, “you only have two hands.”  I can’t tell you how many times I repeat that saying to myself on and off the job. So simple, for some reason it actually made the job a lot more enjoyable and me a better worker. If you’re doing everything in your power and are able to show what you’ve done, through applications, communications, or anything regarding your efforts dealing with financial support. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about when you deal with the banks or landlords. They are in the same world we’re living in right now there’s only so much in our power. More than likely this sky rocketing real estate market might finally come  down to an affordable margin after all of this.

    Enjoy The Little Things

    Now that you’ve stopped panicking since the last paragraph you have a bit more time on your hands. This whole quarantine business has us sucking in a lot of recycled air, meanwhile outside the pollution levels are at an all-time low. Try going for a small 30 minutes to an hour walk, by yourself, without your phone (unless you live in a bad neighborhood). Really take your time, don’t have a destination in mind, just wander, explore, ding dong ditch a house, people watch, enjoy the clean air, take that extra second to enjoy how calm everything is for once. This quarantine can be just as much of a blessing as it is an inconvenience. Now more than ever we can really “enjoy the little things”. When you’re home cooking dinner or meal prepping throw on some tunes. At some point your jam will come on, drop whatever you’re doing and dance your ass off, that’s right, go full on Risky Business or if you got the right tights and leggings you can have yourself a nice Flashdance moment. Maybe build an awesome pillow/blanket fort, camp out in the backyard, teach your dog how to fetch you a beer from the fridge, more than anything its okay to be happy right now.
    Everything is TemporaryHowever the outcome of any situation may be, it’s good to remember “you’re still alive” if you’re still breathing you’ll be just fine. Things can only get so bad and when they do it won’t last, literally “everything is temporary.” I hope this came to some use, thanks for reading. 

    Happy Trails.

    sunset on Hawaii beach