As we dive into the height of summer, it's essential to find ways to keep cool and comfortable. It will be over 100 all week where I live - over 110 several days - totally crazy heat just in time for everyone to be outside for 4th of July celebrations! Be sure to keep your family, pets, and gardens well hydrated and cared for. This week, I'm sharing natural tips to help your family beat the heat and enjoy the sunny days ahead. See below for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do when it happens.
🌟 Tips to Beat the Heat and Prevent Heat-Related Illness:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you're not thirsty. When it's hot, drink more than half your body weight in ounces. Enhance it with slices of cucumber, lemon, or fresh berries for added flavor and nutrients.
Get electrolytes in your system. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes and water—these must be replaced! Try coconut water, sea salt, Ningxia Red, or Vitality Drops in your water.
-Avoid alcohol, sodas, and caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you.
2. Eat Cooling Foods:
- Incorporate hydrating and cooling foods into your meals. Cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens are perfect summer staples.
- Make chilled soups or smoothies to keep meals light and refreshing.
3. Natural Cooling Remedies:
- Keep a spray bottle filled with water, witch hazel, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil in the fridge. Spritz on your face and neck for instant refreshment. (Carefully avoid eyes)
- Use aloe vera gel, or Lavaderm after sun spray from the fridge to soothe and cool sun-exposed skin.
4. Create Shade:
- Encourage indoor activities during the peak heat hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
5. Dress Smart:
- Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Hats and sunglasses are essential for protecting from the sun.
6. Take Breaks in Cool Areas:
-Regularly move to shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool down.
-Protect your skin from sunburn, which can affect the body’s ability to cool down.
8. Limit Outdoor Activities:
-Schedule strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
9. Know Your Risk:
-Certain individuals, such as young children, older adults, those taking certain medications, and those with chronic illnesses, are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and should take extra precautions.
10. Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars:
-Cars can heat up rapidly, even with the windows slightly open, leading to dangerous conditions quickly.
11. Acclimatize to the Heat:
-Over time, gradually increase the time spent in the heat to allow your body to adjust.
Understanding the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is crucial, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities are frequent. Here’s a detailed guide to help identify and respond to these heat-related conditions.
🌞 Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down effectively, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and insufficient fluid intake. It's a condition that can lead to heat stroke if not addressed promptly.
Key Signs and Symptoms:
1. Heavy Sweating: Profuse sweating is a primary symptom as the body tries to cool itself down.
2. Cool, Clammy Skin: The skin may feel cool and moist to the touch despite the heat.
3. Paleness: The skin may appear pale.
4. Muscle Cramps: Painful cramps can occur, especially in the legs or abdomen.
5. Fatigue: A feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness is common.
6. Dizziness: Lightheadedness or a feeling of faintness may be present.
7. Headache: Often, heat exhaustion is accompanied by a throbbing headache.
8. Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting can occur.
9. Fainting: In severe cases, fainting may happen due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
10. Rapid Heartbeat: The pulse may become fast and weak.
Immediate Actions:
- Move to a cooler place (shade or indoors).
- Loosen clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water with electrolytes or sports drinks.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin or take a cool bath.
- Elevate the legs slightly to improve blood circulation.
- Rest and avoid physical activity.
🔥 Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening condition where the body's temperature regulation system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels quickly. It requires immediate medical attention.
Key Signs and Symptoms:
1. High Body Temperature: Core body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
2. Hot, Dry Skin: Skin may feel hot and dry due to a cessation of sweating, although sweating may still occur in some cases.
3. Red, Flushed Skin: The skin may turn red as body temperature increases.
4. Rapid, Strong Pulse: The heart rate may become very fast and strong.
5. Throbbing Headache: A severe headache is often present.
6. Dizziness or Confusion: Mental state changes, including dizziness, confusion, agitation, or even loss of consciousness.
7. Nausea or Vomiting: Severe stomach upset or vomiting.
8. Seizures: In extreme cases, heat stroke can cause seizures.
9. Altered Mental State: Delirium, slurred speech, or coma may occur.
Immediate Actions:
- Call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Move the person to a cooler environment (shade or air-conditioned area).
- Try to cool the person rapidly using whatever methods available:
- Immerse in a cool bath or shower.
- Spray with cool water from a hose or misting bottle.
- Apply ice packs to armpits, groin, neck, and back.
- Fan while misting with cool water.
- Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or not fully alert.
- Continue cooling efforts until emergency medical help arrives.
Recognizing and acting on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can save lives. Always take preventive measures and respond promptly if symptoms arise to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones during hot weather.
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Motherhood is a full-time job, and moms often find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Despite this, it's possible to do it all and still have the energy to enjoy life. In this blog post, we'll explore four key things that can help moms maintain their energy levels and live a balanced life: sleep, eating well, NingXia Red, and exercise and add some practical daily tips.
Sleep: The Foundation of Energy
Sleep is a crucial aspect of maintaining energy levels, but we understand that getting enough rest can be challenging for moms, especially those with infants. While it may be difficult to get a full night's sleep, there are steps you can take to improve the quality of your rest:
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body that it's time to wind down.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to create an optimal sleep environment.
- Take short naps during the day when possible, even if it's just 20-30 minutes.
- Share nighttime duties with your spouse or ask for help from family and friends.
Eating Well: Fueling Your Body
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy, such as whole grains, lean or plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are some tips for eating well as a busy mom:
- Plan your meals in advance to ensure you always have nutritious options on hand.
- Keep healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits & veggies readily available.
- Consider meal prepping to save time and reduce stress during the week.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Stay away from energy drinks, caffeine, and processed foods.
NingXia Red: A Nutrient-Packed Boost
NingXia Red is a powerful antioxidant drink made from wolfberries, essential oils, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. This natural supplement can support overall health and wellness while providing a much-needed energy boost. By incorporating NingXia Red into your daily routine, you can experience increased vitality and improved mental clarity. I found this when I was pregnant with my 7th child and had been dragging all day, and falling asleep at the dinner table every night. The very first day, I did not fall asleep early and I felt the benefits throughout my pregnancy, through labor and delivery, and breastfeeding, and I kept right on going - I have been drinking it since 2012. I still feel the benefits!
Exercise: Energizing Your Body and Mind
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining energy levels and promoting overall well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This can include activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga. Exercise not only helps to increase energy but also reduces stress and improves mood. Here are some tips for incorporating exercise into your busy schedule:
- Break up your workouts into shorter sessions throughout the day. 10 minute workouts can do amazing things!
- Involve your kids in your exercise routine, like going for family walks or bike rides.
- Choose activities that you enjoy and look forward to doing. I love dancing, so zumba and bar classes are my favorites!
Practical Daily Tips for Maintaining Energy
Finally, here are some helpful daily tips for managing your energy levels as a busy mom:
- Prioritize tasks the night before and focus on accomplishing the most important items first.
- Delegate responsibilities to your spouse or older children when possible.
- Set aside time for self-care, such as reading, journaling, or taking a relaxing bath - or even just take a long "break in the restroom." Ask for support from your spouse, friends, and family for this.
- Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress and maintain focus.
- Use essential oils that support your adrenals or help you be alert.
While motherhood can be demanding, it's possible for moms to do it all and still have the energy to enjoy life. By focusing on sleep, eating well, incorporating NingXia Red, exercising regularly, and implementing practical daily tips, you can maintain your energy levels and live a balanced, fulfilling life as a mom. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your accomplishments – you're doing an amazing job!
***If you need a supportive community and have health goals that include more energy, less stress, better sleep, lowering inflammation, or losing weight, check out the Jumpstart.
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Hey, moms! Tired of feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and like you'll never have time to take care of yourself? Well, it's time to debunk these common myths about motherhood once and for all! We often hear myths and stereotypes about motherhood that can leave us feeling discouraged. These myths can create unrealistic expectations and even prevent us from taking action to improve our well-being. It's important to recognize that these myths don't have to define our experiences as mothers. The truth is, you don't have to live with constant exhaustion, overwhelm, or neglecting your own self-care.
Let's look at 3 mom myths.
Myth 1: It is inevitable that you will be exhausted.
The truth is that while motherhood can be demanding, it doesn't mean that you're destined for constant exhaustion. Check your priorities! It's ok to leave the least important things by the wayside for a season. Obviously, your family is #1! But to take care of your family, you must have energy! And the go-to can't be energy drinks, coffee, or other stimulants which wreak havoc on your adrenals. Prioritize sleep (when you can), fresh whole foods, exercise, and water. Add in my favorite antioxidant drink that kept me from falling asleep at the dinner table when I was pregnant with my 7th child, and you will be set! These may seem simple, but they make a world of difference and you will feel vibrant and alive. You can do it all and still have energy.
Myth 2: You will be overwhelmed.
Although motherhood comes with its fair share of challenges, it doesn't mean you'll always feel overwhelmed. Learning effective time management strategies, setting boundaries, and asking for help when needed can significantly reduce feelings of overwhelm. Developing these skills goes a long way to help you better manage stress and maintain a sense of balance in your life. Keep yourself organized and stay on top of things so they don't pile up, delegate tasks, and take breaks to recharge. This will ensure that you can handle the demands of motherhood without feeling constantly overwhelmed. Overwhelm is a state of mind, and by staying organized and maintaining a structured approach to daily tasks, you can effectively prevent it from taking over your life.
Myth 3: You will never have time to take care of yourself.
Self-care is crucial for all moms, and it IS possible to make time for it despite a busy schedule. By intentionally carving out moments for yourself (even just 5 minutes at a time if that's all you can manage during certain seasons), and integrating self-care practices into your daily routine, you can not only support your own well-being but also be better equipped to care for your family. Join a book club, learn meditation, just relax and enjoy some music, exercise, or indulge in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. While some of these may require getting help so you can do them, many are possible on a day to day basis by carving out a little time.
I wish I had someone tell me these things when I was younger, I learned them little by little, many times the hard way - by crashing and burning. If you are ready to take some time for yourself, take control of your health and well-being both physically and mentally, join me for the Jumpstart. By participating in this program, you'll gain access to a meal plans, schedule, and recipes, exercise routines, mindset mastery, and a supportive community of like-minded moms who share your goals and aspirations. The Jumpstart program provides guidance on creating sustainable habits that lead to increased energy and overall well-being. It is all designed to help you feel more energetic and less stressed, while promoting better sleep and releasing chronic inflammation.
Don't let these myths hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and balanced life as a mom. All you need are some tools, knowledge, and support to debunk these misconceptions and embrace a healthier, happier version of motherhood. With a little guidance and determination, you can overcome these myths and thrive as a mom, proving that it's possible to find balance, energy, and joy in motherhood.
Sign up for the Jumpstart program today and start your journey towards a more vibrant, resilient, and fulfilled life as a mom.
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Being a mom is a full-time job, and it can be exhausting. Between taking care of the kids, managing the household, and finding time for your spouse and yourself, there's barely enough energy left over to keep up with your daily tasks. If you find yourself feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get or how often you take breaks, then it might be time to look into why you have no energy as a mom.
Identifying the Cause of Your Fatigue
The first step in getting your energy back is determining what’s causing it to dip in the first place. It could be something as simple as an unhealthy diet or too much stress. On the other hand, there could be underlying medical reasons why you’re feeling so tired all the time. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about possible tests to find the underlying cause and solutions or lifestyle changes that may help. Sometimes a simple allergy or food sensitivity test can uncover a food that is causing issues.
Finding Ways to Recharge
Once you know what’s causing your fatigue, it’s time to find ways to recharge. This will look different for everyone but generally speaking, holistic moms should focus on eating healthy foods that are high in nutrients and antioxidants as well as incorporating exercise into their daily routine. Removing foods that cause issues can also make a big difference. Additionally, taking some “me time” each day—whether it's reading a book or taking a hot bath—can also help you feel more energized and relaxed overall.
Boosting Your Energy Levels
Finally, try boosting your energy levels naturally by adding certain supplements into your diet such as B vitamins or iron if needed. A multivitamincan also be beneficial for providing extra nutrients and minerals that many busy moms don't get enough of in their diets alone. Taking these types of supplements can make all the difference when it comes to increasing energy levels and improving overall health and wellness.
It's no secret that being a mom takes a lot out of us physically and mentally - but there are things we can do to help us stay energized throughout our hectic days! By identifying what's causing our fatigue and making some necessary lifestyle changes such as eating better and exercising regularly, we can boost our energy levels naturally - which in turn helps us become better moms! As long as we remember to take care of ourselves first, we'll have plenty of energy left over for everything else!
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Are you looking to get more energy in your life as a mom? Come join the club! Every mom experiences daily moments of exhaustion - whether it be from juggling the demands of work and family or simply dealing with the everyday hustle and bustle of life. However, having more energy can create countless benefits that can improve your quality of life.
Here are just a few reasons why having more energy is essential for moms:
- Increased productivity - Having more energy means being able to accomplish tasks faster and in less time. This spells good news for busy moms who are always on-the-go! What could you accomplish if you were more productive?
- Improved focus - With a boost of energy, moms have an easier time staying focused on their job, parenting duties and other projects throughout the day. This would mean less time circling the house because you forgot what you were just about to do.
- Better mental health - When energy levels are low, it's easy for feelings of depression or anxiety to creep in. On the reverse side, having more energy boosts mood and reduces stress levels. Higher energy=feeling good all over!
- Heightened creativity - With higher levels of alertness comes more space for ideas to flow freely and creatively. When creativity flows, there is nothing that can stop you!
- Higher self-esteem - More energy gives moms a feeling of accomplishment when they're able to check off items on their never ending to-do list! We all feel better about ourselves when we can see our progress.
Having more energy can be incredibly empowering as a mom! Simple changes like eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest can go a long way towards increasing your daily motivation and drive. So take the necessary steps today to start seeing results tomorrow – you get one chance at this life – make it count!
Need more energy? Read this.
My blogs contain some affiliate links.
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
Thank you for supporting us!