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