I just don't have the time

I don’t have time to…

In our modern, and often hectic lives, this phrase seems to be thrown around with an almost unapologetic gusto. Bleated with pride as a badge of honour; “I would, but I don’t have time to (insert task/duty or meeting).”

The funny thing about people is that they will often go to great lengths to please others, yet they have a poor habit of letting themselves down often. One of the most common ways the ‘I don’t have time to..’ phrase is utilised is when it comes to exercise. It is not always a fun task, or endeavour, and for that reason people tend to put it off as long as possible in their lives. 

There may be a solution to this personal crisis. How about an exercise regime that takes just six minutes of exercise per week. You did read that correctly, just six minutes of exercise. It should be noted at this point that the overall time needed is one hour in total per week. 

The regime is really simple, and as mentioned involves only an hour of time per week. If someone is unable to devote one hour of their life to themselves and their own health per week then this probably isn’t for them. If, however they can devote that time then read on. 

The exercise is known as HIIT or ‘High Intensity Interval Training.’ The task itself involves doing just thirty seconds of highly intense exercise, and coupling it with a rest period, and repeating the process. For this exercise, you can use an exercise bike, a rowing machine, or just a patch of ground to run on. 

Due to the high intensity of the exercise, be sure to stretch prior to attempting any of this. It should also be pointed out at this stage that this should not be deemed as health advice, and appropriate medical advice should be sought before attempting any of the exercises mentioned. 

We’ll use the exercise bike as the example on this occasion, but you can use anything that elevates your heart rate close to its maximum.  First, start off on the bike with minimal resistance for two minutes, then crank the resistance up close to your maximum, and pedal as fast and as hard as you can for thirty seconds. Once your thirty seconds is up, take the resistance off and get your breath back for two minutes, then thirty seconds at your maximum once again. 

 

Repeat this process four times. That’s only two minutes of intense exercise. Do this three times a week and you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

There has been over two hundred studies conducted in the last decade that shows doing high intensity exercise has huge health benefits. Everything from lowering blood pressure, to even decreasing the risk of certain cancers and preventing diabetes. It also significantly lowers body fat.

Check out some further info here: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4319131.htm

 

Whilst committing to any exercise regime can be a daunting prospect, doing a mere six minutes per week shouldn’t be too arduous. Good luck!

Hayfever Season and Some Natural Remedies to Try

 Hay Fever Season

The area in which I live is rural, and in the distance there are a great many pine forests.  Lovely to walk in, but not so good when it comes to Allergies.

Pine trees produce amazing amounts of pollen, - yesterday I was watching clouds of it rising from the trees and wafting down the valley, giving everything  a yellow-green look.  Symptoms of hayf ever can vary, but may include those below

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Sinus pressure and facial pain
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Decreased sense of smell or taste

At best it is uncomfortable, at worst, quite debilitating.  There are various over the counter preparations which help, as well as some natural solutions

Natural Remedies to Try


 Eucalyptus Oil
This pure essential oil can be healing to aggravated mucus membranes. You can apply a drop on a cotton ball and sniff it several times a day, add a few drops to water (or to a nebulizer, if you own one) for a steam treatment, or use a few drops in your bathwater. 

 Quercetin: 

Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids. Although research is sketchy, many believe quercetin-rich foods (such as apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, capers and black tea) prevent histamine release—so they are “natural antihistamines.” Quercetin is also available in supplement form—a typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 mg per day.

Local Honey (My personal favorite) 

 Many believe that consuming locally produced honey, which contains pollen spores picked up by the bees from your local plants, can act as a natural “allergy vaccine.” By introducing a small amount of allergen into your system (from eating the honey), your immune system is activated and over time can build up your natural immunity against it.  I use local bush honey although I am currently researching getting my own hive.  

Apple Cider Vinegar

 Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy that is often suggested for a variety of health conditions. I’ve personally used it for allergy relief (and heartburn relief) with great success. The theory is that its ability to reduce mucous production and cleanse the lymphatic system makes it useful for allergies. It is also said to help digestion, weight loss and more so it is worth a try!

 Mix unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “The Mother” (that part is important) into a glass of water and drank this three times a day.

Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf  is a natural antihistamine that can be very effective as it naturally blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine.  It grows in many places (you should see my garden!)  and can be made in to a tincture or tea, but for allergy relief, capsules made from dried nettle leaves are the easiest and most effective option.
Nettle leaf can also be used in combination with other herbs to make a soothing herbal tea for allergy relief. It is often mixed with peppermint leaf and sometimes red raspberry leaf to make a refreshing allergy relief tea

Hopefully, some of these remedies will work - I have tried them, and I think they help.  Let me know if you try them.

And if everything else fails, you can still enjoy a southern hemisphere spring :)

While my friends from the other side of the world welcome Fall

That's it for now from Lynda at www.simplyessential.com 

Natural Skin Treatments That Work Wonders – Part II

I wrote about natural skin treatments earlier in the year. You can read the article on the link if you want to check it out.

I thought given its popularity, it would be worth doing a recap on some of its points, and I hope to add a few extra’s in there as well.

Given that Simply Essential has been in business for over eighteen years to help people with various skin problems, it should come as no surprise that we like to look at natural alternatives to traditional medicines and treatments. Often, the pricey anti-aging cream, or the colourfully bottled eye cream simply take what’s already in nature, and in some cases in our own homes and gardens and sell it back to us under the guise of cosmetics. It is quite brilliant when you think about it.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for skin treatments, and I sincerely believe that many of the products out there today are wonderful. I found myself chuckling recently when a television commercial sprung up with a line to the effect of; “we’ve taken the essence of nature to….” I thought ‘why take just the essence?’

Unfortunately, due to our consumerist nature, we would sooner believe the tv commercial due to its clever marketing than the organic products you may see around the supermarket.

Anyway, I digress. Check out some of these home health hacks to get your skin looking in great shape;

Suffering from saggy, baggy, been-up-all-night eyes?

You may well have heard of these remedies before, but a try these few things to help you look refreshed and somewhat more awake. Try using two cold teabags on your eyes for five minutes in order to reduce swelling, and puffiness. You can also try cutting slices of cucumber to place over your eyes as well. One slightly lesser known treatment is to freeze (yes, freeze) two spoons, and place them on your eyes to help reduce puffiness. Please ensure you warm the spoons enough so as not to suffer freezer burn.

Have a cut or abscess and nothing to dress it with?

Ok, so you may need a seat when you read this, but a potato actually has healing properties. Wait, what? Yep that’s right; the common potato actually has certain properties which can draw out infections. Simply grate some potato, and apply to the wound. You may wish to hold it there with some gauze, and replace every few hours or so.

You can also try using garlic for similar purposes. Allicin in garlic is similar to using penicillin. It is a great anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal treatment and can help heal a myriad of wounds. Garlic can cause damage to the skin if left too long. Ensure you don’t leave it on the skin for longer than 20-25 minutes. You can make a mix of 3 crushed garlic cloves and 1 cup of wine, blended, let stand for 2-3 hours and strain. Apply to the wound with a clean cloth 1-2 times a day.

Dull, lifeless skin?

A common herb many of us have in our cupboards is turmeric. Turmeric is a natural anti-sceptic that can help minimise scars and marks. Mix one tablespoon of turmeric, with enough pineapple juice to make a paste. Apply the paste to your face, and leave until completely dry. Remove the mask with warm water. Try this two to three times a week to help clear your skin and minimise the effects of sun spots.

Natural Cold Sore Relief

If you suffer from cold sores, then you need to read the feedback from this  customer

I personally feel really moved by their testimony - they have only identified themselves as 'x'.    I am so happy that I have been able to help him/her.  Maybe it can help you too?  Thank you 'X' for taking the time to write your review.  It is feedback like this that has allowed me to sell this product & help folk  for the past 18 years :)

Life changing. Really.

Posted by X on 19th Jun 2015

I bought Virasoothe once I had hit wit's end with my cold sores. I was getting them with alarming frequency for 2 weeks at a time, they were moving above my lip, and looked and felt horrible. Abreva wasn't doing anything.

I bought virasoothe after seeing it recommended on a forum dedicated to cold sores. And, okay, the internet is full of crap, but when you're desperate, you start to do things you know are stupid. That having been said, I saw a statistically significant number of people talking about the effectiveness of virasoothe. I'm pretty sure that that day, on the 2nd cold sore of that month, I sat on the couch, crying and ordering 5 different remedies to try. Don't judge me.

Since the arrival of virasoothe, I have not had a cold sore. It has been several months. The second I feel the itch, I put some on and the blister never forms. My boyfriend also gets cold sores, and he came home with the beginning of a blister, put some of this on, and the thing never erupted.

When you're at wit's end, and ready to try anything, it's a really wonderful day that your act of desperation ends in success. I don't know that the stuff will work for everyone, but it certainly works for me. 

 

Virasoothe Original - Natural remedy for cold sores.

Natural Remedies for Age Spots

Many of us have age spots, (also known as liver spots,) and most of us do not like them, especially when they are on the face.  Just looking in the cosmetic department of any store tells us that while we as individuals do not like them, the cosmetic industry loves them, as evidenced by the large array of expensive lotions and potions to treat them.  Those of us with a Celtic heritage are more likely to get them, especially where there has been extended sun exposure.

 

Spots can be a variety of colors, and while harmless, they can disguise something more sinister – Melanoma, so getting a skin check occasionally is important.  It takes a long time to develop these spots, and it will take time to fade them out, but persevere, you can get rid of them!

Apple cider vinegar is a very effective treatment for age spots.  Apply with a cotton bud or finger, leave on for 20 minutes or so and rinse off.  For an even stronger mix, blend with a little onion juice (not recommended prior to a romantic interlude!)

To speed up the process, you can mix 3 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar into a mug full of water (hot or cold), and drink this twice daily for a month. This will not only improve your age spots, but it will also give you a healthy young glow and make you feel energized and active. 

Aloe Vera Juice is also effective – simply rub on the spot and leave it to do its work.  Aloe does not need to be washed off

 

Lemon Juice will also bleach them and eventually they will no longer be visible.  You need to use fresh lemon, not the stuff in bottles.  

 

Castor Oil is also helpful, just rub on the spots twice daily and you should see visible results in about a month. 

 

Sandalwood.  (A personal favourite) You can make homemade pack with two tablespoons of sandalwood powder, two teaspoons of rose water, and one teaspoon each of glycerine and lemon juice. Apply this pack on the spots and allow it to dry naturally. Use cold water to wash it off. Repeat a few times a week until your brown spots disappear.

I use Sandalwood oil, glycerine and lemon juice.  It smells great, and seems to be helping

Have you got Age Spots?  Do they bother you? Do you treat them with anything?

6 Great Herbs For Home Health

There are a myriad of natural alternatives for modern medicine. Even better to note is that many of these natural alternatives can be found in and around our own homes. You will also find that the majority of the herbs mentioned on the list can be bought for relatively cheap.  Below is a list of common herbs and some of their uses. Many of the issues they can help with you will be aware of as they are often mentioned in old wives tales. Hopefully there are a few gems amongst them that you can make use of.

Rose

Roses are more than just a beautiful gesture to a loved one. They can also assist with a whole range of ailments. Rose petal preserves may help alleviate symptoms of PMS by helping to reduce the irritability of menstrual cramps. Inhaled, rose oil can help soothe asthma, calm anger, alleviate depression, reduce headaches, and even lighten the feelings of resentment, grief, and jealousy. Cool huh?

Stinging Nettle

Nasty to the touch, but it has its uses. Stinging nettle can combat inflammation and swelling. When taken in capsule form, it can also reduce redness and irritation in eyes.

Ginger

This is merely a glimpse of gingers powers, but its health benefits are endless (don’t take that literally. I mean, I’m sure its uses are finite, but you get the idea). To start with, ginger helps with nausea and motion sickness. It can help with blood flow. It helps the body release the proper enzymes to break down food so nutrients can be dispersed easier. It is a great natural immunity booster, and tastes great too!

Garlic

One cooking’s favourite additives. Use in any dish to bring an intense flavour to your cooking. Not only great to cook with, garlic also helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the US National Health and Medical Research council, consuming half a clove of garlic per day can help decrease bad cholesterol  by nearly 10%. Your breath may not thank you for it, but your heart will.

Dandelion

This is more than just a pretty flower. Dandelion has been used for centuries to aid in many cures. Dandelions roots and leaves can be used to cleanse the liver, treat diabetes, acne, anaemia, high blood pressure, cancer and urinary disorders.

Parsley

This herb is known more as a garnish on your plate than a health supplement. Parsley has a high level of chlorophyll which can help boost immunity, clear toxins, and lower inflammation. Parsley also contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that has been linked with reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.

This is a mere glimpse of what your garden can provide you with health benefits and cures. There are a myriad of other herbs, flowers, and vegetables that can also assist. Hopefully there are a few things on the list you should be able to find in at home. Happy gardening!

Living Life on Purpose

Many of us live our lives in a perpetual state of unconsciousness. There, I said it. I know it is harsh, and I won’t be surprised if you are scoffing at the mere thought of a comment so audacious. It is indeed a harsh comment to make. I pose the question to you though; how purpose-filled is your life? It may not be easy, but being brutally honest with yourself in this case is a wise move. Us humans don’t seem to grow so well when we remain in our comfort zone. When you take a realistic audit of your life, and your daily doings, how conscious are you of your decisions and movements?

Do you set goals? Do you work towards those goals, and keep them in the forefront of your mind every day? If you don’t, then is it possible that you are merely drifting through life? Do you think if you say to yourself “Gosh darn it, I really need to lose weight” it is magically going to happen? Or, maybe, just maybe if you set a goal and write it down then it may be more likely that you will lose weight?

If you answered ‘yes’ to the latter then you are on the right track. Living life on purpose begins being conscious of your decisions (even your lack thereof), and how they affect where your life goes. By setting a goal to lose ten kilograms by xxx date, you are making a decision to change your behaviour, and as a result, the shape of your body. By further breaking up the goal into smaller pieces, you will be able to start living on purpose. As an example your goal may look like this:

By (date) I will have lost ten kilograms, look, feel and be healthier.

By (date) I will have lost five kilograms towards my goal of losing ten kilograms by (date).

In order to achieve this goal, I will go to the gym for one hour, three times per week. I will reduce my meal portion sizes, and reduce my sugar intake.

I will also stop eating chocolate every day.

Obviously this is just a guideline to go off. The moral of the story is that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is the same theme that runs through any endeavour you undertake. Whether that is sports, education, or life in general.

Make a decision to be decisive. Consciously choose to make choices. Purposely live your life on purpose.