Natural Fix For Anxiety

In this video I'm talking about some safe, natural options for those with Anxiety. 

Yes I dealt with anxiety - for quiet a while.  For me it was a revolving door, as I was also dealing with Bowel issues at the same time.  One played off of the other.  Either way I felt controlled by both situations and it took a lot of experimenting on my part to find what worked.

Please realize that what worked for me may not work for you.  And at the same time I'd also like to say, don't give up looking for options if you have anxiety.  I had the option of medication back then...but I kept looking.  This is not to say there is anything wrong with medications for anxiety.  They can be a life saver, I know.  But I also know they can become a crutch,  and many never look any further, and become dependent on them to function.  I'm all about empowering others on helping themselves.  So take about 10 minutes and watch the video and see if anything sounds do-able for you or someone you know.  

And don't take my word on it - take my ideas and do some research as there's so much information out there. I hope this gives you a place to start. 

Emerging From A Cocoon

I am a nature lover!  Always have been - and it hasn't been till the past few months that I've really started to honor that part of me on a regular basis.  Years ago  I  watched the film of a caterpillar spinning itself into a cocoon and then later the transformation as the butterfly emerges.  An event most don't see or think about,  not realizing what even happens to get them there.   Even when just a kid I felt the magic of nature and knew that only something/someone good could have cared enough to create such beauty.  It wasn't till I was much older that I appreciated a spiritual presence in nature and gave more thought to the calming happiness I always felt when really paying attention to my surroundings when outdoors.

Granted I live in suburbia - so while I can step out my door to see the grass and trees and sky, I find I like to have that quiet, mysterious-like feel, when I'm off by myself somewhere a bit more private.  I also find VERY early mornings or odd hours at night a way to connect in a spiritual way with what I think of as Spirit or God, or the Universe.  Thank goodness for porches!  lol  I also used to like tents and forts and caves and 'hide-a-ways' as I always could find ways to appreciate the silence. Enjoying the quiet moments have intensified for me and I find myself seeking them out regularly for my own peace of mind and pleasure.

I've been taking these past few months to go within a bit more - to sort through what feels right and good to me.  It seems ongoing and yet I do feel progress.  My 'cocoon' timeline differs from the butterfly.  Yet I feel more confident with not 'knowing' exactly how some of the things I want for myself will come to be.  Kind of like the caterpillar winding up for the eventual transformation.  He just knows.  And it hasn't failed yet.

One thing that has come up resoundingly for me during this time is that Life Is Supposed To Be Fun.  I believe this with conviction!  And yet I can admit that it had become a fleeting thought  reserved only for when I was stressed to the max!  I'd realize I needed to relax and enjoy.  Happily I am trying to do it more often...daily, when I can.   I realized I had to DECIDE to make it a habit.  And it's working.  Treating myself or someone to some Starbucks, playing new music on my computer at work, bringing in a water fountain to work, watching more comedy, sitting down by the Niagara River anytime of day absorbing the magnificence so many don't really see or feel, exploring FUN places to volunteer, doing my morning yoga moves, meditating, strawberry picking with family-remembering doing the same when a kid.  

The point I'm making here is that I DECIDED to do this.  For me this has made it more of a habit and I can feel a shift in my overall outlook.  And it feels really really good too.  (patting self on back lol!)

The way to anything I have wanted in my life has always come when I decided I wanted something and an underlying belief that it would come about. What has made it easier has been taking more time out to just enjoy.  It never seems to fail.  I still try to encourage folks who have emotional and physical concerns to make that part of their life a priority.  Some look at me and I can see what they are thinking.."How is THAT going to improve what I am dealing with?"  They feel the need to worry and stress about it. But I know better now.  And happily some have taken on the challenge.  I love seeing the light in their eyes that they are allowed to even consider it!  

Here's to learning how to have the faith of a caterpillar to get where YOU are wanting to go in life. Start preparing for a pleasant outcome!  

3 Simple Ways To Take Control Of Your Health

#1 - One Step At A Time

Whether it's starting for the first time or needing to 'reboot' a health regime that doesn't motivate you - I find keeping it simple helps me to get on a path that feels good to make a routine.

Begin with something that feels 'easy' is always a great way to introduce change into your routine.  This could be something as basic as buying a nice water bottle or glass that encourages you to implement more water drinking.  I found a great glass with lid that is BPA free....or a nice stainless steel water bottle is great too - I love 'lemon water' or water with a few slices of cucumber for a refreshing change - whatever helps you get that intake up!  This way you'll look forward to your next glass of water!

#2 Get Up Earlier

Becoming an early riser has definitely worked for me.  Having had some sleep issues over the years, I've made my life less stressful by not worrying about it anymore.  Instead I make my schedule work for me and if that means getting up between 4-6am most mornings, then that's what I do now.  Sure I tend to go to bed earlier, but hey, that's what DVR's are for! ☺

 

Getting up earlier allows me to EASE into my day.  I have time to meditate, do some stretching or yoga, pack my lunch - even do some laundry or go shopping!  I've been known to hit the grocery store at 6am!  Even if it's a half a hour earlier, make that work for you, whether it's quiet time, exercise or getting something knocked out so you don't have to deal with it after you get home. Right now I have my mini egg quiche's going in the oven with healthy veggies added...breakfast for a couple days or a snack- yum!



#3  Take YOUR Magic Supplement

Ok...I'm being a little silly here, as there is no magic pill (not one, 

anyway).  However for YOU and you alone there is something you can take everyday, that is very specific to you and your life.  Whether it's your age, current health, lifestyle or diet - somewhere in that mix is room to improve.  For example if you are past 40 taking something that works on inflammation can't hurt.  (Turmeric, Ginger, Devil's Claw)  Or if you are a female of any age - Herbs that support the hormonal system (Ovaries, Thyroid) can change your life!  If you have ANY stress in your life - don't blow it off as 'not much I can do' - There is always something you can do to counteract the effects on your body and mind over time.  A great B complex -whether a pill, or powder (green drink) in my opinion is essential - 'daily' even more so than a multi vitamin.  (my opinion of course)  If you live in the North - a vitamin D3 supplement is another easy yet noticeable supplement to use to your benefit.  I have seen big changes in clients as well as myself.  Hey even the open minded medical minds can't deny the benefits they see with many quality supplements. 

So 3 simple ways to start on or get back on the path to health and feeling good.  Any of these are a great way to implement self motivation techniques into your daily routine. I don't care how old you are, or if you have numerous health challenges - you can always feel better which makes it easier for the next step, and the next.  

And of course I am here to guide you with any questions!

Will I Be On Oprah?

Having just returned from a week of volunteering and attending the Seduction of Spirit event in Chicago with the Chopra Center (yes my daughter and I met Deepak Chopra, MD!)  I am refreshed with my intent to keep balanced!  ☺

As for my debut on Oprah or OWN network- well, let's just say it's possible! ;o)  HARPO productions were there filming Deepak for an upcoming show, and my daughter Rachael and I were in the audience, so ANYTHING is possible!  Exciting!

I will be sharing more of what I learned while away in the  near future, as the info I gathered reinforced my beliefs that we DO have control over our lives, health, work, relationships, money etc!!  Yay!  Yet what I wanted to concentrate on today is helping you develop a 'Spiritual Retreat' for yourself, whenever you need one! 

I find when I work with clients or talk to small groups, one of my questions is to ask "what do you do regularly to combat stress, or de-stress when having a tough day (or week, month etc)?"  Most people sit for minute or so before answering...and more often than not, they don't have much to share!  I find this a shame!  What I find and maybe you do too, is that we tend to scramble for some way to 'relax' or 'veg out' when we have really reached the end of our rope!  I find this can be the old, too little, too late approach!

This week I am working on figuring out what 'floats my boat' as far as calming me, inspiring me and just helping me find some quiet and relief from my thoughts and worries.  Sometimes I really want clarity and some PEACE from what's been in my face all day!  So I'm looking at CDs and downloading some music for my Ipod, I'm looking for comfy and pretty pillows I can use to sit on or prop my back up with, and I'm getting some incense this weekend to use for smudging - I still have some sage I've used in the past, but we used incense every day at the Chopra event.  If you are not familiar with smudging, it's been around for EVER, and the basic idea behind smudging is that the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as it clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space to be regenerated.  Works for me!  Plus if you love the scent it just 'FEELS' good!  Can't hurt in my book.(I could use a boatload at work!)

Some benefits I've noticed:  Calmer, better mood, things irritate me less, more ideas, laugh more, sleep better - just to name a few.   Could this work for you?  Hmmm - I see some health benefits in the making! 

A pretty plant, music/Ipod, comfortable surroundings - are you getting inspired?  Having this space set up in your home- even a small corner somewhere, can draw you in when you are walking past to help set the mood for some quiet time to get connected.  We can ALL  use a little me time these days - even if it's a few minutes once or twice a day!  Start setting the stage for something that I know can make a difference in your everyday - time for some long awaited inspiration!   Have a wonderful weekend!

rt2health@yahoo.com