holistic health

We've all been there. You're trying to get to sleep but your mind is running a million miles an hour. It's like your brain is running a race, and it's hard to shut it off as you are staring off into the darkness. Whether you're worrying about the day that just passed or anxiously anticipating the day ahead, it can be difficult to drift off into dreamland when your thoughts are spiraling out of control. Here are some tips on how to calm your racing brain and ensure that you get a good night's sleep.

Ningxia Red is a delicious, nutrient-dense drink made with wolfberry puree, and other super fruits like blueberry, pomegranate and other natural ingredients. This drink packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and minerals that help nourish your body while calming your mind. Enjoy Ningxia Red in the morning or afternoon for added energy, and its benefits last as it also enhances your relaxation so you get better sleep.  I was surprised at the sleep benefits of this drink because I got it specifically for it’s energy boosting power.  But it packs a punch for both!

Essential oils are incredibly versatile tools for calming an overactive mind. Try diffusing essential oils such as Lavender, Peace & Calming or Stress Away for added relaxation benefits at bedtime. I have used each of these in turn.  If I just generally need relaxation, I use Lavender, if I’m feeling anxious about the next day, I use Peace & Calming, if I am super tense and stressed out, I use Stress Away. If diffusing isn't an option for you, apply the oil topically on the bottoms of your feet or behind your ears for similar effects.  You can also make a room spray with some witch hazel and a few drops of essential oil.  

When our minds become overwhelmed with thoughts it can be helpful to write them out on paper instead of trying to keep them in our heads. When we take these swirling thoughts from our heads and put them down on paper they become tangible items that we can address one by one instead of leaving us feeling like we're spinning out of control mentally. Journaling is also therapeutic because it allows us to find creative solutions to our problems that we may not have thought of before writing them out on paper. This has been so helpful for me and I often use this for ideas that pop into my head at all hours of the night. Once it is written down, my brain can rest.

Finally, try praying before bedtime. Prayer offers comfort during difficult times and can help clear away mental clutter so that you can relax enough to drift off into dreamland peacefully. Even if prayer isn't part of your regular practice this could be a great time to start! Quieting the mind through prayer can be incredibly effective in helping reduce stress and anxiety so that you can get some much needed restful sleep each night without any racing brain chatter interruptions!     Plus, prayer helps us remember to stay thankful even in moments when our minds feel overwhelmed by worry or fear - which often leads us naturally into relaxation and peace! So give yourself permission tonight (or every night!) to take some time for yourself - and then let go and let God - knowing that He will provide what you need both today and tomorrow!

A racing brain makes it difficult to fall asleep at night. If you find yourself struggling to silence your thoughts, give one of these four methods a try. These are my tried and true solutions and they make bedtime so much better! Ningxia Red helps relax your body and mind, while diffusing essential oils like lavender creates a calming environment in your bedroom. You may also benefit from journaling your thoughts before bedtime and/or spending a few minutes in prayer. With consistency and patience, you can train your brain to quiet down so you can get the restful sleep you need.  It is a journey, and some days will be more difficult than others, but getting a good night’s rest is possible!  

Think of your home as a haven, a place of refuge and respite from the hustle and bustle of the world. But, if you’re like many people, you’re using air fresheners to mask bad odors – whether they be pet odors or just general household smells. Unfortunately, air fresheners are not doing us any favors when it comes to our health. Let's take a closer look at why air fresheners can be so detrimental to our bodies.

Candles, plug-ins, and spray air fresheners are the most common types of air fresheners used in homes. Candles are made with wax that contains toxic substances such as lead and paraffin. Plug-ins use electricity to power an aerosol canister, which releases chemicals into the air. And spray air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause endocrine damage and lung damage.

The chemicals released by these types of air fresheners can have serious long-term effects on our health. One type of VOCs found in some popular brands is phthalates, which has been linked to neurological damage, endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive issues, lung issues, and more. In addition, these chemicals cause air pollution, lingering in the air for hours after they’re sprayed and can build up over time leading to chronic exposure which can be even more dangerous than short-term exposure.

Fortunately there are some alternatives to chemical air fresheners that won't put your family's health at risk. For instance, natural scented candles made with soy or beeswax are safer options because they don't contain toxic pollutants like regular candles do, but use caution with these, some are still hiding chemicals. I prefer not to use any myself. Essential oils diffusers are the best way (in my opinion) to add pleasant aromas without releasing dangerous chemicals into the home environment. Another option is baking soda; simply sprinkle it around your home or add it directly into your vacuum cleaner bag for an extra boost against pet odors or other strong smells!

If you're looking for an easy way to make your home smell better without jeopardizing your family’s health then try one of these alternatives instead of chemical based products! From natural scented candles made with soy or beeswax to essential oil diffusers or baking soda – there are plenty of options available that will help create a healthy home environment while still providing pleasant aromas! With these simple steps you can keep your family safe while still enjoying their favorite scents in the comfort of their own home!

Vitamin D is a powerful nutrient that you and your family need in order to stay healthy. It helps your body absorb calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in your immune system, heart health, brain development, and more. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get enough vitamin D from our diets or sun exposure. So let’s explore why this vital vitamin is so important and how you can make sure you and your family are getting enough of it.

Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from food sources like dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes, which is necessary for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, with a reduced risk of fractures. A lack of vitamin D can lead to a condition known as rickets, in which the bones become soft and weak, and osteoporosis, in which bones become brittle and weak.

Vitamin D has been shown to help protect against various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and ovarian cancer. One study showed that women who took a daily vitamin D supplement had a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not take a supplement.

Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in mental health by helping regulate mood disorders like depression or anxiety and cognitive function. One study found that people with higher levels of vitamin D were less likely to experience depression than those with lower levels. (Here is another study) Additionally, several studies have found that vitamin D can help to improve cognitive function throughout life—it has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia later on down the line!

Vitamin D has been shown to help prevent respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. One study found that people who took a daily vitamin D supplement were less likely to experience respiratory infections than those who did not take a supplement.  Additionally, vitamin D can help boost immunity against colds and flu by acting as an antioxidant in the body—and it even has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

Vitamin D is necessary for pregnant women and their babies. A lack of vitamin D during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth and low birth weight. Additionally, vitamin D is essential for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system

Get out in the sun!!  We need at least a half hour of mid-day sun exposure daily.  And eat the plants and other foods filled with Vitamin D!  However, most people don’t get enough vitamin D from their diets or sun exposure alone—so supplementation is often necessary if you want to reach optimal levels of this important nutrient. Fortunately there are several ways to supplement with vitamin D safely and effectively! First off, look for a high quality supplement that contains other nutrients that work synergistically with vitamin D to provide maximum absorption into the body’s cells. Or look for a source that combines with calcium and other nutrients to support bones specifically.  Additionally opt for supplements made with natural sources such as fish oil or cod liver oil; these forms provide the most bioavailable form of this vital nutrient and has the added brain benefit of Omega 3 fatty acids! 

Taking care of yourself means taking care of your body too—and ensuring adequate levels of vitamin D is an essential part of doing that! This powerful nutrient helps strengthen bones and teeth while boosting immunity against colds and flu viruses—not to mention its potential benefits for mental health as well! Fortunately there are several ways you can supplement with this essential nutrient safely—just make sure you talk to your doctor first before beginning any sort of supplementation program. Taking good care of yourself now will pay off big dividends down the line!

Many holistic moms are looking for ways to get their daily dose of vitamin D without using dairy products. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get vitamin D from your diet without relying on dairy. Here’s how!

The most natural way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D is by soaking up the sun. Just 10-30 minutes a day of direct sunlight can give you all the Vitamin D you need, plus it helps improve your mood as well. If you don’t have access to the sun, or if it’s not sunny out, there are other options.

If you don’t want to rely on dairy, there are still plenty of foods that can provide you with Vitamin D. For example, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna contain high amounts of Vitamin D, as do egg yolks and beef liver. Other non-dairy sources include mushrooms, algae, certain plant milks (such as almond milk), fortified orange juice, and some types of breads. It’s important to check food labels for specific nutrient content so that you know what you’re getting in each product.  However, it is best to get Vitamin D from natural, rather than fortified sources.

Another option is to take a vitamin D supplement. When choosing a supplement, look for one that has at least 1000 IU (international units) or 25 micrograms per serving and comes from a reputable source. You can also ask your doctor about any additional supplements they recommend for optimal health benefits.

Getting your daily dose of vitamin D doesn’t have to mean relying on dairy products—there are plenty of other sources available! By taking advantage of things like direct sunlight exposure and naturally occurring food sources, plus adding in a daily supplement if necessary, holistic moms everywhere can easily meet their dietary needs without compromising their values or lifestyle choices. With these tips in mind, getting enough vitamin D should be easy peasy!

We all know that getting enough Vitamin D is important for our health and wellbeing, but where does it come from? As it turns out, we can get a good portion of our daily recommended dose of Vitamin D from the sun! Let’s explore what vitamin D is, how it’s made in the body, and how you can get your daily dose of sunshine.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps keep bones strong and healthy. It also regulates levels of phosphorus and calcium in the body, which helps with muscle function, nerve signaling, and boosting immunity. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to direct sunlight.  This means that if you are spending time outdoors without a sunscreen or protective clothing on (gasp!), you are actually doing your body some good by getting your daily dose of sunshine!

So how does this process work exactly? When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit our skin, they trigger a process in which cholesterol-like molecules called provitamins produce vitamin D3. This vitamin D3 then circulates through the bloodstream to be taken up by organs including our kidneys and liver. Here it is converted into an active form of the vitamin called calcitriol, which can then be used by the body to help maintain healthy bones and muscles.  The amount of UVB radiation that reaches us depends on many factors such as season, time of day, latitude, altitude and cloud cover – so if you want to maximize your exposure to this sunshine vitamin make sure you get outside when possible!

When it comes to getting enough Vitamin D there are two ways to go about it - either through food sources or through direct sunlight exposure on unprotected skin. Eating foods rich in Vitamin D, like fatty fish like salmon or tuna, as well as eggs, mushrooms. and algae can help provide some extra vitamins for those days when you don’t get outside much. Additionally supplementation with a high quality supplement may also be beneficial for those who live in areas with limited access to natural sunlight year-round or for people who have trouble absorbing Vitamin  D due to medical conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn's Disease.

Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping bones strong and healthy as well as regulating levels of phosphorus and calcium in the body - making it an essential part of any holistic mom’s diet! Fortunately getting enough Vitamin D doesn't have to be complicated; simply spending 10-30 minutes outside each day without sunscreen will give you your daily dose of sunshine while helping protect against deficiency related illnesses such as osteoporosis or rickets. So next time you find yourself stuck indoors looking out longingly at warmer weather outside don't forget that not only do you deserve some fun outdoor time - but that fun outdoor time can also provide your body with some much needed nutrients too! That's one way we moms really can have it all!