“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” —Dale Carnegie

The idea of living a simple life with less stuff sounds attractive to many.

But often, they begin to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and defeated around the idea of owning less. That’s too bad.

Learning how to declutter your home and (and as a result, decluttering your life) doesn’t need to be as painful as some make it out to be. And the benefits are numerous.

The Benefits of Decluttering Your Life

There are many benefits to owning fewer possessions. Even then, it’s tough to move into action. That is… until the many benefits of getting rid of clutter reveal themselves:

Less to clean. Cleaning is already enough of a chore, but having to clean around things you have zero emotional attachment to (or worse, actively dislike) makes cleaning the house much more stressful.
Less to organize. Finding things suddenly become easier. Things don’t just “disappear” anymore. You can actually move around your home and enjoy the space, instead of moving around things that are in the way.
Less stress. Looking around at the clutter is a nausea-inducing sight once your home becomes cluttered enough. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to look around and see a home you love?
Less debt. Spending less time shopping for material possessions and adding to the clutter means your wallet and bank accounts remain fuller, your credit cards’ statements are lower, and your home doesn’t get filled with costly things you don’t need.
More financial freedom. Most American households live paycheck to paycheck (59% according to a recent survey done by Charles Schwab back in May 2019.) Nearly half of those surveyed carry credit card debt. Decluttering, paired with minimalism, will help you build up savings to keep you protected in case of unexpected emergencies.
More energy for your greatest passions. With less debt, more financial freedom, and a clean home, you can now focus your energy on the things you enjoy instead of worrying about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” This will ultimately make you happier.

Ok, so now you know the benefits of decluttering your life, but you may be getting tripped up by the very next question… where in the world do you begin?

10 Creative Decluttering Tips

If you’re struggling and need guidance on how to declutter, you’ll need to get creative with your plans. Here are several interesting decluttering tips to get you started on decluttering your home:

• Start with 5 minutes at a time. If you’re new to decluttering, you can slowly build momentum with just five minutes a day.
• Give one item away each day. This would remove 365 items every single year from your home. If you increased this to 2 per day, you would have given away 730 items you no longer needed. Increase this number once it gets too easy.
• Fill an entire trash bag. Get a trash bag and fill it as fast as you can with things you can donate at Goodwill.
• Donate clothes you never wear. To identify them, simply hang all your clothes with hangers in the reverse direction. After wearing an item, face the hanger in the correct direction. Discard the clothes you never touched after a few months.
• Create a decluttering checklist. It’s a lot easier to declutter when you have a visual representation of where you need to get started. You can use our decluttering checklist.
• Take the 12-12-12 challenge. Locate 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to be returned to their proper home.
• View your home as a first-time visitor. It’s easy to “forget” what your home looks like to a new visitor. Enter your home as if you’re visiting the home of a friend. Write down your first impression on how clean and organized the home is and make changes.
• Take before and after photos of a small area. Choose one part of your home, like your kitchen counter, and take a photo of a small area. Quickly clean off the items in the photo and take an after photo. Once you see how your home could look, it becomes easier to start decluttering more of your home.
• Get help from a friend. Have a friend or family member go through your home and suggest a handful of big items to throw away or give to someone else. If you defend the item and want to keep it, your friend has to agree with your reason. If they don’t agree, it’s time to get rid of it.
• Use the Four-Box Method. Get four boxes and label them: trash, give away, keep, or re-locate. Enter any room in your home and place each item into one of the following boxes. Don’t skip a single item, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. This may take days, weeks, or months, but it will help you see how many items you really own and you’ll know exactly what to do with each item.
• 
  
  
  
  
  

No matter which decluttering tip you choose to get started – whether it be one of these ten or one of countless others – the goal is to take your first step in decluttering your life with excitement behind it.
​
There is a beautiful world of freedom and fresh breath hiding behind that clutter. Deciding how to declutter your home is up to you. - Josh Becker

Once I gathered my coconut oil supplies, I immediately vamped up my sun exposure.  I was blessed with a hammock recently that allows me to lie outside when the sun is at its warmest even in the colder months here in Florida.  And it has sedated my senses and raised my immune function to fight off illness..

The gentle swing and sway of a hammock is widely regarded as one of the best ways to unwind, relax, and let the stresses of the day disappear, and not just by people looking to sell you a hammock! It all starts with your vestibular system.

hat rocking or swaying gently in a hammock can also help us fall asleep faster, encouraging a deeper state of sleep compared to a standard bed. This rocking motion can help increase the duration of stage N2 sleep, during which we experience a ton of rapid eye movement.

Hammocks have been used for insomnia, and for centuries, people in South and Central America have used them as their primary bed night after night. Beyond improving blood circulation and blood pressure, not to mention potential benefits for things as diverse as congestion and toxin buildup, hammocks also offer a clear, obvious benefit for mental health.

The natural swinging motion of a hammock is beneficial for those who have issues with their sensory system as it works to restore the vestibular system. Furthermore, the cocooning of the hammock around their body gives an added sense of security and comfort.

So what about your average daily exposure to sunlight?  Vitamin D is exponentially relevant in vamping up our immune system. And, you can get it from the benefits of an outdoor hammock.

Are you getting enough vitamin D? According to recent studies, there’s a good chance you aren’t. In 2009, researchers reported levels of vitamin D in the U.S. population had dropped between the years of 1988 and 1994, and then again between 2001 and 2004. Not only had average levels dropped, more than 75 percent of the people studied had inadequate levels of vitamin D in their blood.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with an increased risk for serious diseases. Reduced levels of the vitamin are associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Deficiency is also linked with multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia and more. That’s why it’s so import to get enough vitamin D. But identifying vitamin D deficiency can be tricky.
Our bodies don’t make vitamin D, so we have to get it from our environment. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun, but we can also get it from some foods. Lifestyle, race, age, and other factors can put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency

The truth is that it’s extremely difficult to tell whether you have a vitamin D deficiency. The only way to be absolutely sure is to take a blood test. Most people with a vitamin D deficiency won’t be aware of it. It doesn’t usually produce noticeable symptoms. However, symptoms are possible. If you are vitamin D deficient, you may experience:

• muscle/joint pain and weakness
• bone pain
• tiredness or fatigue
• depression
• increased illness

​Your body is designed to get the vitamin D it needs by producing it when your bare skin is exposed to sunlight. The part of the sun’s rays that is important is ultraviolet B (UVB). This is the most natural way to get vitamin D.

​Large amounts of vitamin D3 are made in your skin when you expose all of your body to summer sun. This happens very quickly; around half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn. This could be just 15 minutes for a very fair skinned person, yet a couple of hours or more for a dark skinned person.
You don’t need to tan or to burn your skin in order to get the vitamin D you need. Exposing your skin for a short time will make all the vitamin D your body can produce in one day. In fact, your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to turn pink. You make the most vitamin D when you expose a large area of your skin, such as your back, rather than a small area such as your face or arms.

The assumption that vitamin D supplements will protect you against diseases associated with low vitamin D levels is incorrect, according to Australian researchers. The report found that vitamin D supplements are immunosuppressive and may actually make diseases worse. 

Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor (VDR) influences the expression of over 1,000 genes, including those associated with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. According to the new study, supplemental vitamin D actually blocks VDR activation, which is the opposite effect to that of sunshine. Instead of positively impacting gene expression, vitamin D supplements appear to suppress your immune system.

Vitamin D has a remarkable role to play in your health, influencing nearly 3,000 of your 25,000 genes, and playing a critical role in your immune response. Vitamin D could rightly be described as a “miracle nutrient” for your immune system, as it enables your body to produce well over 200 antimicrobial peptides, which are indispensable in fighting off a wide range of infections.

It's been a few weeks and already the nation is boarding the wave of a global pandemic.  For many, the constant barrage of news media is enough to starve us all from the rest of the world, send us to our rooms, and lock the door with a deadbolt.

Sadly, every little aliment we feel now will be directly attributed to the onset of the Corona Virus.  A scratchy throat will have us questioning, "Am I starting to present symptoms?"  The every day aches in our joints will become more numerous and intense ensuring us that we are on symptom two.

I am not here to remind you the steps you should take to prevent the onset of the illness.  I am quite certain that you've already perused every available preventative site you could find.  I bet you're deep sanitizing, with what little products you can find on the shelf now, opening your windows for some ventilation to keep the virus at bay, and stocking your freezer and paper supplies as the mass hysteria goes on waiting for your own residential quarantine.

​What I am here to remind you is about a few articles I posted over the year on coconut oil and desiccated coconut.  

CAN COCONUT OIL PREVENT THE CORONA VIRUS FROM PENETRATING YOUR SYSTEM?

I DON'T KNOW.

What I do know is information I'm going to share with you again.  You make your own conclusion.  I can tell you right now I've got an extra coconut oil jar near my vitamins, and I am taking a teaspoon three times a day. While doing this, I've noticed a dry cough dissipate and the feeling of chest tickling disappear after three days.  Coincidence? Maybe?  A possible onset of a normal cold?  Possibly.  But, nonetheless, coconut oil does have its benefits in preventing illness.  

Nonetheless, I am sprinkling the desiccated coconut, too,  over everything like yogurt and salads.   

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health benefits. Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS,
  and other auto immune illnesses. - SARS is a complication to COVID-19

* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. 

* Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. 

* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

* Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

* Boosts energy and endurance.

* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 

* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. 

* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. 

* Reduces inflammation. 

* Supports tissue healing and repair.

* Supports and aids immune system function.

* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and FMS.

* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

* Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

Smoothie Recipe

1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
3 - 4 frozen strawberries
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
2 - 3 small pineapple slices
1-2 tsp. ground flaxseed
1 -2 tsp.. coconut oil (begin small, coconut can be a laxative)
2 tsp. desiccated coconut
1/2 tsp. raw honey
1/2 - 1 scoop protein powder (rice or pea)
filtered water to  barely  cover fruit

Place all in a blender. Whirl until smooth.  Unsweetened cranberry juice will prevent further UTI infections if you are prone to these.  Rice and Pea protein powders are hypoallergenic and will prevent further flare ups.  

Now that I've peaked your interest I ask you to check out coconut oil and its use in the AIDS virus.  It is splattered all over the internet with some compelling scientific studies.

Here an interesting study from Japan that is researching its benefits with the Corona Virus.  

You decide for yourself.  My job, as a writer, is to offer you some ideas to research to keep yourself safe.  But if you do decide to do this make sure your coconut oil is extra virgin, cold pressed.  

ORDER ONLINE BY CLICKING THE IMAGE FOR ONLY $7.44 AT WALMART

These are the months I feel the most fatigued.  I live in Florida and when the sun is at it's lowest and cool air abounds us, I fall into the sickly category.  These months are the most common days when a new chronic illnesses abounds and is diagnosed officially.  

This year I've tried something different.  Besides placing coconut oil in my shakes, I've taken to the habit of ingesting a teaspoon twice a day.  This is only during the months of December to March when rain clouds obstruct my view from my outdoor hammock and grounding.

So far, so good.  No sickness to take of note of and the fatigue is not as bad.  Remember, you must consume cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil.  Once I am reunited with my sun, I will resort back to just my smoothies in the morning. I will keep you posted after I've reached the end of March.  

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health benefits. Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

* Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS,
  and other auto immune illnesses. 

* Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases. 

* Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections. 

* Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

* Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

* Boosts energy and endurance.

* Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 

* Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. 

* Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. 

* Reduces inflammation. 

* Supports tissue healing and repair.

* Supports and aids immune system function.

* Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and FMS.

* Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

* Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

 

​We all should have one of these simple reminders in any place we frequent often.  The simple act of breathing correctly stimulates oxygen to play a vital role in the circulatory and respiratory systems. When we breathe, oxygen that is inhaled purifies our blood by removing poisonous and waste products that are circulating throughout our systems. Irregular breathing will hamper this purification process and cause waste products to remain in circulation. Digestion will then become irregular, leaving tissues and organs undernourished. Improper oxygen consumption will thus ultimately lead to fatigue and heightened anxiety states which may cause fibromyalgia. Irregular breathing can make it hard to cope and contribute to general deterioration of health. By careful control of our breathing pattern, we may not only rejuvenate our systems but counter the unhealthy effects of stress and muscle tension.

Many people in pain, unknowingly, practice paradoxical breathing.  This is short shallow breathing in which your belly is going in as you are breathing in.  Regular controlled breathing should have your belly going out as your lungs expand to take that nourishing breath in.  Try it.  Lie on your back and place your hand on your abdomen.  Does your belly swell as your lungs take in oxygen?  Or is there barely a lump noticed when you inhale?  This one simple exercise makes a strong mental note as to your intake of precious oxygen.  Now try this exercise:

*Lying on your bed

*Place your hand on your abdomen

*Breathe through your nose fully.  Fill your belly with air feeling it expand and lift your hand upwards. 


*Repeat three times.

*Mentally make a note to practice this throughout the day in sitting positions too.

Trigger points can be aggravated with out essential intake of oxygen.  On your bad days take special note of your breathing activities.  Practice more regulated, correct breathing to lessen flare-ups.

I have been waiting weeks since my initial purchase of the acupressure mat my son purchased for my birthday to share any news with you.  As you have noted from previous blog entries I had been experiencing terrible pain in my lower back area.  

Last year this incredible dilemma kept me bedridden for four days. So, naturally, I'm looking for an alternative to aid me in such discomfort.  Hence on the scene comes the acupressure mat.  My son had found it on the internet using key words such as: fibromyalgia, back pain, acupuncture.  

"Hey, Mom, your birthday is coming up.  What do you think about this?" he asked.

"Ah, I don't know.  Up close and personal it looks painful," I replied.

"Well, do you want to try it or not?  I can always send it back," he answered.

"Sure, why not? I can't keep handling this constant pain," I stated.

Well, it came.  And I touched it.  And it hurt.  Yep, it hurt my fingertips because my body is an electrical grid of painful impulses.  It had a nice black bag that laid comfortably on my bed. I left it there for over a week.

"Have you tried it yet?" my son questioned.

"Nope, looks painful.  Working on it though!"

"Well, I did, and yea it hurts, but after I was done my back felt different.  I didn't feel the side pain anymore.  Why not try it for a minute at a time?" he added.

I did.  I tried it for 30 seconds and got off.  OUCH! I thought.  But when the pain subsided, my back was invigorated and there was no pain.  Hmmmmm........ this is interesting.

So I laid on it the first week for 45 seconds.  The next week 1 minute.  The next week 2 minutes.  I'm up to 4 minutes now, and my goodness there is a difference!  I have not had back pain for 6 weeks! Someone has something helpful here finally.  I'm sold.  When I stop using the mat, my right side back pain begins again.  I can't live without it! And, best of all you DO BEGIN to get used to the initial discomfort.

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese therapy that is practiced by health professionals around the world. However plenty choose to enjoy the treatment in their own home!

Chronic pain statistics have shown many are trying alternative therapies to cope with daily pain. See below 23 proven health benefits of using an acupressure mat:

​1: NATURAL PAIN RELIEF

One of the key benefits of an acupressure mat is that it’s a natural form of pain relief.

With 191 million opioid prescriptions dispensed in 2017, and the US government declaring it a public health emergency, anything that can help manage pain in a natural way is sure to be desirable.

A major systematic review in 2014 looked at all the research surrounding acupressure and pain.

Findings were overwhelmingly positive and showed that acupressure was effective for a variety of different types of pain.

The study concluded that health professionals should consider the use of acupressure as a complementary therapy for managing the pain associated with many conditions.

2: PRODUCES ENDORPHINS

Many heath professionals recommend acupressure as the process is found to release endorphins.

Endorphins work in a similar way to opioids. Often referred to as ‘the body’s natural painkillers’, they help to reduce pain and produce a feeling of euphoria.

Research published in 2017 showed that acupressure can stimulate the production of endorphins which helps to block the pain signals reaching the brain.

3: LOWERS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Clinical trials conducted in Taiwan looked at the impact of acupressure on patients with hypertension.

During the trial it was found that blood pressure was lowered for a period of at least 30 minutes.

More research is needed to see the extent to which acupressure can reduce blood pressure on a long term basis, however the project proved it to be effective as a short term solution.

What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?

• Acupuncture and acupressure both stimulate acupoints. Acupuncture is with needles that pierce the skin, acupressure is non-invasive with manual pressure used to massage the acupoints.

4: EFFECTIVE FOR MANY SERIOUS CONDITIONS

Using an acupressure mat has also been shown to provide relief from a number of serious conditions.

A study conducted in Germany in 2012 looked specifically at the impact of acupressure mats on those suffering from chronic neck and lower back pain.

It showed that pain was relieved in both areas. The results also demonstrated the impact that the mat can have on the way the body processes pain.

Acupressure has also been shown to have a positive impact on patients coping with myocardial infarction.
An interesting project conducted in 2018 looked to see the impact acupressure had on heart rate and blood pressure.

Initially acupressure appeared to have little impact. However roughly 30 minutes after finishing treatment blood pressure and heart rate were found to be significantly lower.

5: AIDS WITH SPORTS INJURIES

For those suffering from sports injuries, results of a study conducted at the University of Otago revealed promising findings.

Acupressure decreased the reported pain scores in athletes with acute injuries but not anxiety levels.
The conclusion of the study was that acupressure could be effective in a sports setting, especially if there is limited access to medical care.

6: IMPROVES SLEEP

The number of people suffering from sleep problems is rising at a rapid rate. Research shows that acupressure can help.

A study in 2015 looked at the sleep of menopausal women and found that sleep was improved significantly following acupressure treatments.

A further more recent study focussed particularly on self-administered acupressure for symptoms of insomnia.

Respondents in the study were taught how to administer acupressure then monitored and asked to keep a diary to record the quality of their sleep.

It found that if individuals were shown how to apply the treatment correctly this could be used as a tool for treating the symptoms of insomnia.

7: MUSCLE RELAXATION

Those suffering from neck and back pain in particular reported that their muscles felt relaxed after session

8: INCREASES ENERGY LEVELS

Acupressure has been shown to help with fatigue and to increase energy levels.

An experimental study at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan focused on patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

Findings proved that acupressure can improve fatigue, and it was recommended that educational guides should be created to help patients take advantage of the therapy.

9: IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

Through a major study in 2015 it was found that depression, anxiety and stress can be positively impacted by acupressure.

Subjects were given treatment three times a week for four weeks and the results were positive.
It was found to significantly reduce depression, stress and anxiety, in this case for patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

10: BETTER DIGESTION

It might seem like an unlikely benefit, but acupressure has been shown to improve the quality of life for those suffering from digestion problems.

A 2015 research project looked at perineal self-acupressure which aided in the movement of bowel function and generally was found to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those suffering from constipation.

11: HEALTHIER COMPLEXION

Many manufacturers promote the fact that acupressure therapy, when applied directly to the face, can have a positive impact on your complexion.

Michael Reed Gach, PhD, an expert on acupressure therapy does suggest that the technique brings more oxygen to the skin which in turn improves the appearance.

However currently there is little evidence to substantiate the claims.

12: WEIGHT LOSS

A research project in 2010 found that acupressure, specifically ear acupressure, had a positive impact on weight loss.

In fact it showed that over the course of eight weeks BMI was significantly reduced.

There is little other evidence to prove or disprove the claim, however many manufacturers (like Bed of Nails) highlight it as a feature of the mat.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON 
13: POSITIVE IMPACT ON HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES

Acupressure has been shown to have a positive impact on chronic headaches.

Research conducted in Taiwan in 2010 compared acupressure with muscle relaxant therapy, and found that acupressure was much more effective.

Six months after just one month of treatment the effects still remained.

Consumer reviews of the Nayoya Acupressure Mat and Pillow back up this finding, with many mentioning how wonderful the mat can be for reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraines.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON Did You Know?

Acupressure mats originated from beds of nails, which were used in the early 1900s as a form of entertainment! There is now an acupressure mat brand named after the practice.

14: MANAGE YOUR OWN TREATMENT

The ability to manage your own treatment is a big selling point of the acupressure mat.

You can carry it with you wherever you go and use it as much or as little as needed to help you get a handle on your daily pain.

15: LITTLE OR NO SIDE EFFECTS

Use of an acupressure mat is found to have little or no side effects.

Research that looked at pain severity in female nurses with chronic back pain, determined that acupressure was effective in reducing pain but also that it was an easy therapy with no side effects.

However there are a number of people who should avoid acupressure including those with fractures for example.

16: LONG TERM USE

Research published about acupressure always highlights the fact that it’s a safe treatment option that can be used on a long term basis.

17: LOW COST

Compared to other therapy options for pain, acupressure mats are a relatively affordable choice.
They range in price from approximately $20 to $70 depending on the size and quality of mat that you’re looking for.

18: NON-INVASIVE

When you want treatment for a serious condition you might have been given a number of invasive options.
However acupressure is non-invasive so can be tried without the element of risk.

19: COMPACT

Acupressure mats roll up just like a yoga mat, so they’re compact. Ideal for carrying with you or storing away at home for whenever you need it.

20: PORTABLE

Many acupressure mats, like this VIVA natural linen organic mat, come with a bag, allowing you to take it wherever you want.

 It might be something you could keep at work for difficult days or use at the gym.

21: USE AT HOME

Acupressure is carried out by physical therapists in many clinics, however the benefit of an acupressure mat is that you can use it in your own home!

It’s ideal if you have pain that strikes without warning, as you have a pain relief option that you can roll out whenever you need it.

22: PURCHASED OVER THE COUNTER (OTC)

You don’t need a prescription to purchase an acupressure mat, they can be easily purchased from many different outlets.

23: ENHANCE YOUR YOGA AND MEDITATION PRACTICE

Regular users of acupressure mats appear to be reunited in how much their acupressure mat aids them in their yoga practice. Many users speak of another level of relaxation and how the mat adds a new dimension to their practice.

Others spoke of using it in meditation and how it can be used as part of a relaxation routine. - High points share from The Good Body.
​

I have to admit one of the more horrific nuances of fibromyalgia has to be the electrified nervous system we inherit when first diagnosed.  In the beginning, I couldn't make heads or tails as to what was happening to me. If an unexpected bill came in I'd focus on it for hours.  I had to take care of it, complete it, get rid of it, or make it go away before I could get on with my afternoon.

This insanity reached further when things broke in my house.  The septic system needed to be pumped and $300 had to be found quickly.  A tire blew and another $100 was placed on the credit card.  The other day my insurance company sent me a notice that my insurance premium hadn't been paid.  This is directly connected with my mortgage company and shouldn't be happening.  I had to call immediately! It was one minute to 5:00 PM.  Nonetheless, I had to get through! How could I get on with my night if I didn't connect to take care of this in the present moment?  I got through to the secretary, who forwarded me to my agent, who I'm sure left in that last minute.

But there was the ability to leave a recording. I had to leave a message!  I spoke of my disappointment as to why this bill wouldn't have been paid in a timely manner.  I couldn't understand why they would send me a bill notice that they clearly were supposed to pay.  As I'm doing so, I'm frantically looking through my mortgage app to find out when that bill was paid from their end.  AHHH HAH! It was paid 10 days prior.  I made sure I left that in the message making note of their incompetence.  

I thought I left a decent message that explained my dilemma.

In the morning I received a message from my agent, "Valerie I got your message last night and since you sounded so frantic, I wanted to call you FIRST before I returned any of my other calls.  It is now 8:05 AM, and I'm letting you know that bill has been paid.  It must have crossed in the mail with our billing department."

Frantic?  Did I sound frantic?  I must have.  Why else would he have mentioned that?

I don't want to sound frantic.  I used to sound concerned.  Lately, frantic has been used more often.  

I have been dabbling with apps these last few months trying to redirect my mind.  There was a day when I could easily calm my central nervous system.  Now, it seems to get the best of me.  There has to be a way to re insulate my wiring.  It seems my wires are fraying with little direction.  When wires fray, anxiety kicks in, and sleep is lost.  

About a month ago I found Headspace.  I immediately fell in love with the animated figures.  They were unique and talked to my heart and mind.  I tried other apps that boasted delightful nature scenes but fell short of motivation and direction.  Headspace offered that.  I downloaded the app.  It was free to start.

For the first 10 days I watched one minute videos and completed a three minute meditation daily.  I felt a difference.  There was a sense of calm blanketing me while I slept in the afternoon again.  I woke up calmer and refreshed from the day at work.  I also noticed I didn't feel those initial triggers that mounted all day long while dealing with a special needs community.  I was tapping into peace again and with little time and effort.

I don't get sold easily, but I did with Headspace.  I am usually a scavenger for all free downloads I can apply to my life.  This was different.  I wanted to delve into their library to see what else I could connect with to enhance more of this peace.  It's been a long time since  I've held hands with this friend and I wanted more.  So I bought into the year subscription.  It was reasonable, but most of all it was resonating a sense of well-being that I apparently lost upon the way.  

It’s hard to talk about Headspace without talking about Andy Puddicombe. So let’s start there. In his early twenties, Andy cut his Sports Science degree short to become a Buddhist monk. For over 10 years, his meditation training took him across the world to Nepal, India, Burma, Thailand, Australia and Russia. Eventually, he was ordained at a Tibetan monastery in the Indian Himalayas.

After completing his monastic commitment, Andy returned to the UK with the huge-yet-simple goal of teaching meditation and mindfulness to as many people as possible. To demystify the mystical, Andy set up a meditation consultancy and began working with politicians, athletes (that sports science background finally came in handy), and business leaders.

That’s when Andy met Rich Pierson, who needed help dealing with the stress of the advertising world. Before long, Andy and Rich were skill-swapping meditation for business advice. That’s when Headspace was born.

​Headspace was officially launched in 2010 as an events company, but attendees wanted to take what they learned home with them. Andy, Rich, and a small team decided to make Andy’s techniques available online so more people could experience the benefits of meditation anytime, anywhere. And that blossomed into the Headspace you see today: guided meditations, animations, articles and videos, all in the distinct Headspace style.

​Headspace has one mission: to improve the health and happiness of the world. And with millions of users in more than 190 countries, we’re well on our way. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, we also have offices in San Francisco and London.

You can try Headspace for yourself and learn the essentials of meditation and mindfulness with our free Basics course. If you enjoy it, then it’s time to subscribe. Once you do, you’ll have bite-sized minis for when you’re short on time, exercises to add extra mindfulness to your day, and hundreds of meditations on everything from stress to sleep.

I receive no royalties from Headspace.  I am so impressed with the overall detail in the site that I want to share it with my community.  Most of all, if I can make your life easier and a bit calmer than I've done my duty as your blogger.  Try it to today.  Download it for free, no credit card required, and see if you can gain a sense of semblance once again.  

I came upon a profound discovery that I must share.  If you haven't visited DAWGS footwear, you must. I want you to understand I receive no affiliate income from these shoes.  I am not trying to sell their concept to you.  I am simply going to share an enlightening experience with you.

Besides the bulging discs, degenerative spine, and neuropathy in the back, I was also recently diagnosed with arthritis in the heal.  Right before our family vacation I might add.  My doctor said it could be a touchy situation in the future due to the fact I am unable to take aspirin due to past pancreatitis.  Simply stated it will take me longer to heal with the other as needed medications I have.

I was devastated.  I could barely walk and I was three days to our annual vacation that does take a bit of walking. I had previously purchased Dawgs and had a new three strap heal in the back of my closet.  I had only worn it a couple of times because I felt it was a bit inappropriate for work.  

Desperate times call for desperate means.  They are pictured at the right, and, yes, I wore them to work.  I noticed less heel and back pain when I returned home.  I had a couple of days off before the excursion so I began wearing while running errands in preparation for trip day.   I noticed less and less pain each evening when I returned.  I thought to myself, "What the heck, pack them with your usual flops and see what happens when you leave."

On the trip I wore them EVERY DAY because I was noticing very little pain when I returned home in the afternoon.  After a couple of days out there was no pain.  You're not going to believe this but I walked 11,000+ steps a day and came home to the camper with NO PAIN.  This went on for the full two weeks vacation.

I returned home and went back to work.  Of course, I began wearing my regular work shoes.  Two days in the heel and back pain returned with a vengeance.  My mind made a connection that evening, "You've got to wear those shoes more often and get a few more!"

I began the next morning wearing the shoes and came home little pain.  By the following day the pain was non existent.  Let me share a bit of the Dawgs story with you:

​What feet do for us

• The feet are the foundation of your body; they support everything above them, including the hips. Feet that aren't properly aligned can contribute to stress pressure at the knees and hip joints.

• Feet are designed to help protect against heel-strike shock. With every step, shock waves travel up the body from the feet and impact our well-being.

• One main function of the foot is to absorb shock with each step. As the body shifts side to side with each step, the feet should support the weight and stabilize the body.

• Properly designed footwear can help absorb shock and prevent rolling of the foot, reducing stress on the feet, knees, hips and back.

The Most Common Problems

Plantar Fasciitus
Inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia (muscles and soft tissue connecting the ball of the foot and the heel). It is a stress irritation which, if not treated, can lead to progressive development of foot malfunction and discomfort.
Pronation
The foot rolls outward at the ankle. Some of the foot bones drop to a less stable position when the arches are too weak to keep them aligned properly.
Supination
The rolling inward of the foot. This can create relatively inflexible feet, often with a high arch, and a short or tight plantar fascia. As weight is transferred from the heel along the foot, the plantar fascia stretches very little and pulls sharply on its attachment to the heel.
Planus or 'Flat-Foot"
This condition results when weight placed on the foot is too far on the medial side. "Flat feet" are unstable and do not have a proper arch. In prolonged conditions body weight can cause misalignment of the bones of the foot –often leading to knee, hip and low back pain.

Of course, all of these can lead to more serious conditions and injuries; ankle problems, knee pain, leg pain, hip pain, lower back pain, and to other chronic pain conditions.

Well designed footwear can help reduce common complaints


What can DAWGS do for you?

DAWGS footwear helps by providing the following:

1. Stabilize the foot

2. Cushion the heel

3. Aid in shock absorption

4. Provide effective arch support

Our Ultra-Soft material is the basis for our footwear designs and helps ensure comfort. By incorporating sculpted foot-beds, comfort heel cushions and supportive heel cups along with structured arch supports, we provide ultimate comfort and support for our customers.

Our footwear meets and exceeds the needs of today's demanding lifestyles!

The best part is you are going to go on a site where the price is not going to break the bank.  The average shoe costs $24.99 and there are multiple sales continuously offering even further reduction.  I recently purchased a flip flop with the same design for only $11.99.