Are you reactive? Can’t let things go? Would you like to shift out of overdrive? Many people think that being “neutral” means you are indifferent or simply don’t care. Neutral is not the same as being in the middle of the road or stuck. Being “neutral” means you are in place where you don’t react in a knee jerk manner, triggered by stress. Stress, especially chronic stress can create a new “normal” making chaos and drama the status quo. This heightened state of emotions changes perception and interactions. It doesn’t take long before you forget that you are in control of your emotions and reactions. Want to learn about your own Stress Reaction?

Your brain is designed to store memories and to make associations between events that happen and when the stress reaction is triggered there is a “fast track” bypassing rational thought creating a knee jerk reaction. Often, looking … Read the rest

In a recent study,  volunteers who said they were really stressed out ate dark chocolate for two weeks. When tested, scientists found reductions in stress hormones and other stress-related biochemical changes.

“The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) during a period of 2 weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy human volunteers,” the scientists said in the press release.

Metabolic Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Energy, Gut Microbiota, and Stress-Related Metabolism in Free-Living Subjects.   J. Proteome Res., 2009, 8 (12), pp 5568–5579

Ok so Chocolate really does have great health benefits. Sugar on the other hand can be very damaging and anyone who struggles with cravings knows this.

Another study, presented in late 2008 at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual meeting, found that sugar is addictive to rats. Sugar binges changed the levels of the rats’ brain chemicals that … Read the rest

Have you seen people who are simply radiant? Or perhaps you have noticed the glow in children’s cheeks? Do you think it is too late to have that radiance come through when you smile? Are you bogged down in the details of everyday living that you have lost your sense of awe at the miracles of everyday life?

While life happens and you can’t always control it – what you tell yourself about what is happening makes all the difference in your experience. The habit of negative or fearful thinking becomes a pattern setting up fear to rule all your decisions. Fear is usually not based in reality but based in emotion. Emotions distort reality and come out of the past – old experiences.

In my experience, fear based reactions come from the experience of never having enough. It may seem like a contradiction, but the way it was for … Read the rest

The nutrient, Alpha Lipoic Acid, is not talked about much, yet it is safe to take and yields great health benefits such as:

• energy production,
• blood sugar control,
• help to decrease discomfort from Diabetic neuropathy (may need 800 mcg or more a day)
• supports brain health
• detox support

Lipoic Acid in involved in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy. As sugar is metabolized to produce energy it is converted to pyruvic acid. When adequately oxygenated, this is broken down by an enzyme containing Thiamine, Niacin and lipoic acid.

Ok, think about what happens with the stress response, breathing becomes more shallow, decreasing oxygenation of tissues, building up acidosis. Diet is usually higher in sugar as well. If you are suffering with increased pain in joints or stiffness, the lactic acid build up may be the problem. Without oxygenation, the sugar that gets converted to pyruvic acid cannot be metabolized leaving … Read the rest

Today almost half of workers “love their job” according to Ranstad, a global HR provider.   Even more interesting is that over half, 60% feel the love coming back from their employers!  This is a shift given that in 2007 70% of workers disliked their jobs!

“This could point to feelings of gratitude and appreciation for being employed when so many have been laid off. ”   Eileen Habelow, Ph.D., senior vice president of organizational development for Randstad

Let’s break it down based on Randstad’s survey:

• 66% feel the love because of the work they do
• 11 percent because of their coworkers
• 10% because of their employers
• 9% because of pay

Older workers cite their contribution as a main reason  for staying in the job while younger workers like the experience they are getting.

With over half of the workers saying they do not believe their job is going anywhere, 30% … Read the rest

Cortisol, also known as the “stress” hormone, has many important roles in the body and is probably responsible for many of the common complaints people have today whether it is weight gain, or problems with memory, focus and concentration, sleep, fatigue, pain and even premature aging.

Required by the body to perform vital functions and never before has the human body ever had so much of it consistently released and circulated throughout the body. The more you understand about what cortisol does, the more you may be motivated to take charge and do something to balance this critical hormone. Believe it or not the solution is very simple and has its own self reinforcement built in.

Moderate to severe stress is now being experienced by 75% of population daily. This is up over 25% in the last 5 years. Stress is something many people can’t really define but simply experience. … Read the rest

Using essential oils in your home provides a truly fresh experience. Using therapeutic grade essential oils brings nature into your home. Did you know that therapeutic grade oils are NATURALLY anti bacterial, anti fungal? If you have pets, children, and or are simply coming and going throughout your day, using a diffuser with certain oils  will minimize germs, naturally refresh and eliminate odors while at the same time uplifting your mood, improving focus and concentration.

Try Peppermint for Focus, Concentration

Organic Tea Tree for fungus, bug bites

The artificial “room fresheners” are chemically created and can be the source of asthma, allergies and reactions like headaches, fatigue and or hyperactivity.

Essential oils work in the body and are quickly transported to the rest of your body through the olfactory system – your nose.   Depending on what plant species the oil is from determines its health benefits.  Want to learn … Read the rest

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

“”It would be simple enough thing to do if only simplicity were not the most difficult of all things.”  Carl Jung

Ask yourself what is truly important to you and what makes you happy.  Do you give yourself the time to restore yourself every day?

Here are some suggestions to reduce your stress:

• Slow the pace WAY down!
• Learn to say “NO” more often. Are you a pleaser? Do you feel you SHOULD be available to everyone?
• Seek help to shift your beliefs, release anger or resentment and to learn new ways to assert yourself.
• Evaluate your lifestyle, eating habits and stamina. We are exposed to more toxins today than ever in history. Your energy, weight, and even mood can be the result of an overload of toxins that have compromised your body’s metabolism and vitality.
• Stop the “ROLLER COASTER” of caffeine, sugar, nicotine, overeating, diet pills,

… Read the rest