Our sleep cycles are incredibly important — and getting enough restful sleep can make the world of difference when it comes to our energy levels! But with the pressures of modern life such as work, family and social commitments piling up, hitting the proverbial pillow at a regular hour is becoming an increasingly distant dream.
The thing is — without proper sleep, our productivity and well-being take a serious hit. So, what do our sleep cycles have to do with all this?
When we’re asleep, we go through different stages of being awake or being in deep restorative slumber. These stages are known as Non-REM (rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycles and they each play their own vital role in replenishing the body’s energy reserves.
During Non-REM sleep, which makes up about 75 percent of one's entire sleeping time, heart rate and breathing slow down significantly; meaning that cells can properly regenerate during this time. Furthermore, proper tissue growth in muscles and bones occurs during Non-REM sleep — making it key for athletes or anyone who requires physical strength for their job! On top of that, hormones like HGH (human growth hormone) are released during Non-REM; helping us stay leaner longer!
In REM sleep meanwhile — we experience vivid dreams due to heightened brainwave activity — which helps keep our brains sharp! Most importantly however — non-REM AND REM gets repeated throughout the night several times over until we finally wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
So chronic lack of the right hours of rest can set off a wave of patterns such as fatigue during the day; hormonal imbalances setting you up for mood swings or weight gain; poor concentration making your work suffer; weakened immunity preventing your body from fighting off disease etc. It is safe to say that getting adequate amounts of quality shuteye is essential for optimal energy levels!
To ensure that you get enough restful sleep every night — establishing a regular bedtime routine is key. Aim to turn off all screens at least an hour before going to bed and start winding down by reading a book or engaging in a light stretching session; relative darkness should be enforced within the bedroom too so opt out from having lights on while trying to snooze if possible. And lastly don’t forget to avoid large meals before hitting the sack as digestion problems might disrupt your slumber!
Need more tips on getting better sleep? Check out: 11 steps to a better night's sleep.
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Read part 1 first.
Let's talk specific laundry ingredients!!! What causes the problems with laundry detergent?
Many of us don’t think twice about the laundry soap we use, but many commercial detergents contain a frightening array of hazardous chemicals that can harm our health. From asthma to skin irritation, it is important to be aware of the toxins lurking in our laundry soaps — and consider safer alternatives.
From endocrine-disrupting compounds to carcinogens, here are some of the common toxins found in laundry soap:
- Phthalates - These have been linked to reproductive problems, developmental problems (with unborn babies) and hormone disruption, as well as heightened risk of asthma and allergies in children.
- Fragrances & Dyes - Common synthetic fragrances like linalool, limonene and ethanol can cause headaches and excessive sneezing when inhaled; while dyes used to give ‘freshness’ may exacerbate skin rashes, respiratory distress, endocrine disruptions, and other reactions. Dyes potentially cause cancer, disrupt the immune system, and can cause hypersensitivity, or hyperactivity.
- Triclocarban & Triclosan - These two preservative ingredients are commonly found in antibacterial soaps, yet are increasingly being added to detergents. They have been associated with antibiotic resistance as well as risks for tumors, endocrine disruption and impaired fetal development.
- Sulfates & Chlorines - Also known as anionic surfactants and bleach respectively, these two substances are known for causing undue skin, lung damage, and eye damage.
- Ethoxylated Alcohols & Phenols - These synthetic compounds can cling onto fibers during washing processes which could then be absorbed into our bodies via skin contact when wearing clothing washed with them; hence posing a risk for organ damage over time! These persist in our clothes, environment, and our bodies, and the bioaccumulation can cause symptoms of exhaustion, muscle weakness, and pain.
6. 1,4 diaoxane - This is known to cause cancer and yet it is still allowed. It is often not on the label, but other ingredients, like sulfates, are contaminated with it. It can also cause skin, eye, and lung irritation as well.
One thing to watch out for is that each of these has many different forms and names. They may appear on the label as something unfamiliar, or they may not appear on the label at all. The word "Fragrance" is a catchall word that protects companies from disclosing their "proprietary" ingredients, and leaves the consumer in the dark.
It is clear that palm-sized bottles of laundry detergents can often be more hazardous than you might think — but thankfully switching out conventional soap for eco-friendly options isn’t too difficult either! Investing in natural products free from parabens, chlorine bleach or artificial fragrances may take a bit more effort than just popping into your local store — but your family’s health makes it more than worth it!
Want to look these up? Google the ingredient + dangers of. Or the ingredient + ewg.org. There are many ways to research, and it can be frustrating to find the truth when companies want it covered up.
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I have been looking for a place to help me level up my fitness and I found one! It's fairly new to Tracy, CA, but there are many locations across the U.S. and Canada. If you are ready to get fit(and you have one nearby), look no further than The Bar Method! This exercise studio combines ballet, Pilates, and yoga elements for a low-impact workout that's designed to sculpt your entire body. They have several different types of 60 minute classes to choose from. Bar Method, Bar Method Cardio, Bar Flow, Bar Advanced, Bar Restore 30/30 (30 min workout/30 min stretch). They have 45 minute Express classes, and will add Restore 15 on the end of some of these with stretching. They also offer different workshops - so watch for those!
With its knowledgeable instructors, modern facilities, and welcoming atmosphere - you'll be sure to reach your fitness goals in style. Whether you're just starting out or looking for something more advanced - The Bar Method has the perfect class suited just for you! Everyone I've talked with at the studio loves the classes. TheBar Method even make it easy to reserve your spots with an app that's simple to use. And they have a cute fitness shop at the front as well - I would recommend the socks with grip (you workout in your sock feet).
I've been attending classes for the last 2 weeks, and it's kicking my butt in a good way! I was a little concerned about my previously injured shoulder (falling in an ice rink really did me in), but instead of aggravating the injury, I am feeling stronger and having less pain. That was a fantastic surprise for me! Beware of sore muscles, you will work every muscle you didn't know you had. 😂 I love the added benefit of better posture. So many of us sit at desks and have neck or back pain because of poor posture, and the instructors are very good at helping you to be in good form so you strengthen your muscles and prevent injury. I have found myself standing straighter and self correcting my posture at home!
The Bar Method Tracy will keep me coming back for more! I love the uplifting supportive community among the members & instructors! So if you want to take your exercise practice up a notch in a positive atmosphere, there's no better place than the Bar Method Tracy. They even have a fabulous deal to get started. Get ready... it’s time to "embrace the shake" with this high energy approach!
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Are you looking for a natural way to freshen up your home as a busy mom? Young Living Essential Oils and Thieves Cleaning products are two great solutions that quickly and easily keep your home smelling sweet and clean.
Using essential oils is an excellent way to enjoy natural scents and neutralize odors without the addition of chemical fragrances that harm our families. Here are some tips on how to use Young Living essential oil varieties in your home:
- Diffuse - The easiest way to refresh any room in your home is by using a diffuser! Add 5-6 drops of your favorite Young Living oil (like Lavender, Peppermint, or Lemon) into the diffuser and enjoy the uplifting aroma throughout the day.
- Spritz - Create an all natural room spray with water, a teaspoon of witch hazel, and 8-10 drops of essential oil – spray in any room to freshen it up instantly! You can also make up fabric refreshers by mixing ½ cup vodka, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 10-15 drops of essential oil and water in a spray bottle. (Use Purification to get rid of nasty odors, or Lavender to create a calm atmosphere in the bedroom)
- Deodorize - Place small cotton balls soaked in tea tree oil (or geranium) inside smelly shoes or add 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 3-4 drops of lemon oil or thieves into stinky laundry baskets before doing the wash.
For those times when you want a deeper clean, turn to Thieves Household Cleaner from Young Living! Not only does it have plant-based ingredients but it's formulated with the power of Thieves essential oil blend which makes surfaces sparkle while diffusing a pleasant citrusy aroma in the air! Try these simple steps for a fresh and clean home – you will be amazed at what a difference it makes!
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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.
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