A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #41: Take Off Your Shoes

Image by RBerteig via Flickr

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

One simple tip this week: take off your shoes!

I know, you paid a fortune for them / they’re super-cute / they’re “really actually comfortable.”

But they ain’t your feet and your tootsies know it.

Proponents of minimalist (“barefoot”) footwear call shoes “foot coffins” for a reason: they restrict natural movement, essentially freezing your muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments into a living rigor mortis. Some energy medicine specialists even say they cut you off from the true energy of the earth, preventing any kind of grounding and keeping you disconnected from the planet’s healing energy. Orthopedic shoes and inserts can minimize the “shoe death trap,” but the best solution is just to take ‘em off.

Wiggle your toes, do some ankle circles. Set your feet free.

If you’re up for it, get your feet dirty—remember, soil increases serotonin! Don’t forget regular pampering, either, with foot massages and callus removal

Do you go barefoot at home?

Do you go barefoot outside of your home?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #40: Relax & Focus in Just Ten Breaths

Image by Mike D. Logan via Flickr

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

At this point, you’re well aware of the amazing multitude of benefits from meditation and deep relaxation.

In case you’ve forgotten, a few ways your body, mind, and spirit can be affected by slowing down include reduced stress, strengthened immune system, enhanced emotional stability, and a greater sense of overall well-being. 

Today’s tip is one that you can practice anywhere, anytime—literally. All you need is your breath and one empty hand. It’s easiest to learn this with both hands, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can even do it with both hands full (while driving, for example, or while holding both a child and a grocery cart). Using gentle touch helps to ground your thoughts and awareness. It brings your attention to your body, which helps you to remember where you are, right here, right now.

Focusing on the rhythms of your breath immediately calms your mind, relaxes your nervous system, and brings you into a calm awareness of the present moment. It helps you to concentrate with a clear head and soft heart. You can practice this tip as often as you like!

Stuff to Know:

• Breath work and meditation should be used in conjunction with conventional medical or psychological care, not as a substitute for it. If you are suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, an eating disorder, or other psychological or emotional distress, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional before practicing meditation.

How to Relax and Focus in Just Ten Breaths

1. First, relax your hands. Rest your thumbs gently at the base of your same-hand index fingers.
2. Inhale as you slowly slide your thumbs to the tip of your index fingers. Exhale as you slide your thumbs back to the starting point.
3. Move your thumbs to the base of your middle fingers and repeat.
4. Repeat again on your ring fingers and pinkie fingers.
5. Then, repeat your pinkie finger again. Move your thumbs to the base of your ring fingers and repeat. Work your way all the way back to where you originally began.
6. After you’ve completed your index finger again, relax your hands. Take two long and slow breaths, savoring the moment.

Remember:

• Don’t force it! Just breathe and slide your thumbs along your fingers. It’s that simple
• Keep your breath gentle—do not over-fill your lungs or make noises. The simpler, the better.

Do you practice breath work during the day?

Do you have any tips for everyday relaxation?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #39: Enhance Your Hair’s Dark Tones with Coffee or Tea

Image by THOR via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

If you’ve been following along so far, you’ve already gotten tips on making homemade blonde highlights, and perking up red hues with hibiscus tea. Well, if you’ve got lovely chocolate-hued or raven locks, you’ll be happy to know that you can enhance your dark hair just as easily—and just as naturally, too!

This easy DIY home remedy will also help to cover stray greys and peek-a-boo light roots. If you’re a natural-born brunette, you might notice your hair getting mousy over time. And if you color your hair brown, you might want to add rich depth without spending a fortune.

My favorite all-natural, easy way to enhance dark hair is to simply use coffee or black tea! Unlike the blonde and red highlighting sprays, though, this remedy works best when your hair is completely saturated. So be sure to give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour—and try to avoid using light-colored towels for clean-up

Coffee will impart a rich, chocolatey tone; black tea will give your hair a deep tone with fantastic shine. If you’re feeling extra-bold (mmm, just like a fresh cup of coffee), use both coffee and tea!

And remember, if you are a blonde or redhead, be sure to check out my previous posts for tips suitable for your locks! (My hair has been just about every shade in the book, so believe me, I’ve done them all.)

Stuff to Know:

• This rinse is recommended only for hair that is its natural color or has been colored only with natural products, such as henna or herbs. If your hair has been chemically treated or if you go to a salon for highlights or coloring, please talk with your stylist first.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• This rinse is best used right away. Do not store it.

Coffee / Tea Hair Rinse for Brunette Highlights and Depth

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon brewed coffee, very strong. Do not use instant coffee, only freshly brewed.
• OR 1/2 gallon very strong black tea (use at least 5 tea bags and brew for at least 5 minutes)
• OR a blend of coffee and tea

To use:

• Make sure your coffee/tea has cooled completely before using.
• With a towel wrapped around your neck, align your head over a sink basin or bucket.
• Very slowly pour the coffee/tea over your hair until each strand is fully saturated.
• Comb through. Style your hair into a bun if possible, and cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap to prevent drips.
• Leave on for one hour, then rinse and shampoo as usual.
• Repeat as needed to keep you hair rich and deep!

Do you have dark hair or dark lowlights?

Have you ever used coffee or tea in your hair care?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #33: Walk There

Image by Keith Edkins via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

One simple tip this week: walk on your errands

How many times have you set out on a quick errand a mile or two away (or less), only to spend 15 minutes parking and sitting at stoplights? Consider the benefits of walking, instead. Stuff a Chico Bag in your pocket, bundle up or bring an umbrella if necessary, and get outside! If you’re like many of us, you already spend several hours a day sitting. Why add more when you don’t need to?

Why walk?

Besides boosting your metabolism, endurance, and spirits, a walk a day can fend off heart disease, diabetes, and other dis-ease.

As we’ve seen earlier this year, recent research has shown that the more time you spend sitting, the more likely your health will suffer as a result. Getting off your butt and walking to the grocery store, cleaners, restaurant, bank, or library provides too many benefits to argue: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and even financial and environmental benefits.

A short walk can help to clear your mind, boost your mood, and re-connect you with nature or with your spiritual practice. Walking saves gas money, doesn’t pollute, and helps you to relax, calm down, and even sleep better.

You don’t have to buy or wear new clothes or shoes. High heels can throw your body off balance and cause pain, but if you can walk in ‘em and find them comfortable, don’t let me stop you from trying. Just move. That’s what matters.

If you’re physically unable to walk, or if you live in a rural area where “quick errands” are ten miles away, you might consider getting outside once a day, anyway. The benefits of fresh air alone will be worth it!

Do you walk to your errands?

Do you ever walk in high heels?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #21: Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Image by Nicolas TACCHI via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

You knew it was coming, didn’t you?

You knew I wouldn’t ignore the physical, mental, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation when discussing natural health and beauty. And yet, some of you resisted. And you’re still resisting because you Just Don’t Want to Meditate. Or you Just Don’t Have the Time. Or you Just Don’t See the Point.

I won’t be coy and pretend it’s easy to learn or to practice. I won’t tell you you’ll gain psychic superpowers or solve all your problems overnight.

I will, however, remind you of the benefits of learning to meditate and of putting that practice to use.

These include:

• Reduced stress
• Strengthened immune system
• Increased productivity
• Greater sense of overall wellbeing
• Feeling of “purpose”
• Enhanced mental, emotional, and psychological stability
• Reduced anxiety, fatigue, and depression
• Regulated blood pressure
• Decreased heart rate
• Lowered levels of stress hormones, like cortisol
• Lowered cholesterol levels
• Regulated breathing and increased lung capacity
• Increased creativity
• Improved comprehension and memory
• Greater sense of living in the present moment
• Greater sense of compassionate self-awareness and acceptance

Beginners often start with a practice called “mindfulness meditation.” This easy-to-learn seated meditation increases your awareness of the present moment and brings calm, steady attention to the natural flow of thoughts streaming through your mind.

It requires no dogma, no faith, no organized religion or belief system—just steady breath and compassion for your own humanness.

Stuff to Know:

• Meditation should be used in conjunction with conventional medical or psychological care, not as a substitute for it. If you are suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, an eating disorder, or other psychological or emotional distress, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional before practicing meditation.

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

It can be easier to learn mindfulness meditation by focusing your awareness on only one sensation, object, or thought, such as your breath, a candle, or the concept of forgiveness. Set aside a quiet spot to practice and wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothes.

1. Sit in a comfortable position on a folded blanket, bolster, or firm cushion. You can also sit on a chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting in your lap. Adjust your position so your spine is erect. Sit with your head, neck, and spine in one straight line.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Begin to steady your breath by inhaling for a count of five and exhaling for five. After a few of these deep breaths, breathe naturally again. Notice the way the air feels as it travels in and out of your body through your nose.
4. Continually bring your awareness back to your breath, in and out, in and out.
5. Do not force yourself to concentrate. Simply notice when your mind wanders, and then gently bring your awareness back to your breath. Consistently returning to the present moment takes patience and dedication.
6. Be careful not to punish yourself for wandering thoughts. Thinking is the natural state of your mind. Meditation is not a competition.
7. Now bring your awareness to the object of your focus. This might still be your breath. If it’s an object, like a candle, soften your gaze.
8. Maintain your awareness. When your thoughts start to wander, gently guide them back to the object of your focus. Don’t fight the thoughts. Simply acknowledge them and let them pass, like clouds floating by or like ocean waves.
9. Do this exercise for 10 minutes a day, gradually extending your sessions to 20 or 30 minutes.

Remember:

• Start small! Even 1-2 minutes a day will bring you great benefits, when practiced every day.
• Don’t get too comfortable. You don’t want to fall asleep! If you easily doze off when trying to meditate, take the necessary steps to address fatigue and sleep problems outside of your meditation practice.

Do you meditate?

Do you have any tips for practicing meditation or establishing a practice?