Category: Health & Fitness

Who do you know that can’t get on board with a massage for relaxation? Once your therapist warms up their lotion or oil, it’s hello serendipity and goodbye to trouble.

Although a massage for relaxation will work wonders on your mind and soul, it can also heal your body.

If you’re able to find two 30-minute stretches of time throughout your work week, you’d be making a very wise choice in the name of self-care.

Those massages will target your muscles, immune system, hormones, blood circulation, and so much more.

That’s quite a bit for one hour a week! Let’s take a closer look.

Forget Your Tension Headaches

Do you suffer from tension headaches? Do you feel them start at the back of your neck and travel to other areas of your head?

Tension headaches hinder blood flow to the brain. And, as you know, massages are likely to include your neck.

That gentle kneading will help return some of the blood flow to your brain.

Research indicates headache sufferers are likely to experience diminished pain after just one week of regular massage therapy.

Boost Your Immunity

A study completed by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles demonstrated a Swedish massage’s effect on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

After 45-minutes with a therapist, patients’ immune systems were found to be functioning at higher levels.

Perhaps, in time, you can swap out one of those 30-minute massages for a 45-minute Swedish massage.

You’d simply be adding your immune system to the long list of systems in your body that are reaping the benefits of regular massage therapy.

Increase Your Flexibility With a Massage for Relaxation

If you’re new to yoga and want aid in your flexibility, mix a massage for relaxation into your weekly routine.

Perhaps you’re adding meditation into your morning activities. Mastering that lotus position is tough if you’re not fully flexible yet. Regular massage therapy will help you get there.

Boost That Seratonin

You know how a good run can leave you feeling on top of the world? That serotonin boost is a blessing, a natural high provided by the body.

Well, you don’t have to let that rush end with your workout. Studies continue to support the notion that two 30-minute massages per week increase serotonin levels by nearly 30%.

Lower Your Blood Pressure

Is your doctor showing increased concern for your blood pressure? In Korea, a study was carried out on patients who were about to enter cataract surgery.

Evidence found that every patient who received a hand massage prior to surgery went in with lower blood pressure.

What better way to start surgery? And why not take advantage of this perk in our every day lives, too?

Promote Better Sleep With a Massage for Relaxation

Relaxation seems to go hand in hand with sleep. That lovely serotonin also goes hand in hand with melatonin, the hormone that tells the brain it’s time to slow down.

A massage for relaxation is so perfect and wholesome for the body that it manages to strike a perfect balance between serotonin to enliven us and melatonin to make us feel more relaxed.

Patients who experienced regular massages reported near-instantaneous improvements in their sleep patterns.

Rid Yourself of Typing Strain

Are you part of the legions of workers who spend their days in front of a computer screen? Perhaps you can schedule one of those bi-weekly massages after work.

As your massage therapist moves from your back to your neck, they’re likely to make a stop at your arms, boosting circulation in that area and alleviating some of the strain your wrists are feeling.

Pick Your Fancy

You can spend these 30-45 minutes each week in any number of ways. A Swedish massage is sure to promote total body wellness with its gentle, long strokes.

A deep tissue massage will use slower, more forceful strokes to wash away some of those chronic aches and pains.

A sports massage will feel similar to a Swedish massage, with its primary goal to relieve and prevent sports-related injuries.

A prenatal massage can really make your pregnancy a far more enjoyable experience.

You don’t have to suffer through all those lower back and muscle aches and pains.

Hopefully, taking time for a weekly prenatal massage during pregnancy will ingrain it enough into your weekly routine that you’ll keep it up, even after your little one arrives.

A Massage for Relaxation Can Even Be Done At Home

Don’t let the healing effects of a massage stop when you leave the spa.

You can learn to give yourself a massage for relaxation at home. Target areas include your hands and neck – two areas that work nonstop for us throughout the day.

Our feet and knees also do a lot of the work for those of us who don’t get much of a chance to sit throughout the day.

If that’s the case, you can certainly learn to massage your feet at home or immerse them in a healing foot soak.

Why not cap off your day with some time spent in a massage chair? We all love our shows, so why not heal the body at the same time?

An OSIM massage chair, for example, will work out those sore muscles right from the comfort of your own home.

Make An Appointment Today

Although a massage for relaxation may seem like an indulgence, it’s so much more than that.

We probably don’t consider yoga for back pain or meditation an indulgence, but all three of these activities have similar, positive effects on our bodies.

They promote relaxation, release stress, and boost our immune systems.

While we want to give all of ourselves to our families, our jobs, and our overall contributions to those around us, taking one short hour every week for a relaxing massage will only make us stronger.

Why not make an appointment today and commit to total body health and happiness? You and everyone around you will reap the rewards of these 30-minute moments of bliss.

The keys to a healthy life are available to everyone, although they don’t always appear in the same way.

This is because there is a whole world of resources available to change your life for the better. Everyone’s body and mind works differently, which means defining the healthy life for you will likely be unique from what works for someone else.

However, there are a few basic principles to remember when beginning your fitness journey.

Here are three rules to live by when taking the steps to a healthier life.

1. Your Diet Is Your Fuel

Our bodies work like machines, and they need the proper fuel to perform their best.

Looking at food as fuel means understanding more than carbs, fats, and protein. You have to be aware of the nutrients and added benefits some foods can have. Beyond energy levels, the food you eat every day has a significant impact on your mood, memory, and more.

As such, it works better to focus on improving your eating habits rather than dieting for a temporary amount of time. Habits are more permanent. They can open new doors to the healthy life without feeling restricted to a set plan.

However, diets are a great way to start exploring these new habits. They get you excited to try new foods and eating styles while educating you on what works best for your body.

Over time, you become more mindful of how you feel throughout the day as a result of the food you intake.

2. Exercise Goes Beyond Physical Benefits

Speaking of being more mindful, you will likely see a boost in productivity, positivity, and focus as a result of regular exercise.

This is because an increased level of movement to burn calories also increases the level of blood and oxygen reaching your brain.

If you aren’t sure which form of exercise is right for you, the best advice to take is don’t be afraid to find out. Remember, exercise can be anything from walking for an hour a day to swimming, yoga, lifting weights, or biking.

To discover your go-to movement, take it one step at a time. Go to a yoga class or sign up for a week of training at a gym. Maybe even check out a roadmaster bike review, get yourself a pair of wheels and hit the trails!

3. Combining Your Efforts Boosts Performance

No matter if you start your journey to the healthy life with better eating habits or more movement in your body, you have to combine these efforts.

Think about it this way – without a healthy diet, you may just be wasting your time at the gym. Similarly, eating well will only take you weight-loss journey so far without some added physical activity.

For the best results, work as hard in the gym as you do in the kitchen and grocery aisle.

This will transform your body from the inside out. You will feel the differences as you look in the mirror and take note of your energy throughout the day.

Live the Healthy Life You Deserve

Ready to begin making better health choices?

Clean out the kitchen and start fresh with delicious eating options your body will love.

Get a jump on your new, healthy life with one of our quick and easy Weight Watchers recipes here.

Are you trying to live a healthier life?

If the answer is yes, then you’re definitely not alone. Wellness foods and other products are on the rise in 2017 and show no signs of losing popularity anytime soon.

As with any trend, many companies try to jump on the bandwagon. It can be difficult to find products that are truly good for your health and know which ones aren’t worth your time.

To make it easy, we’ve created this short guide to 5 products that have proven health benefits. Here are some healthy living products to add to your diet right away:

1. Coconut Oil

You’ve probably heard all the hype about coconut oil and there’s a good reason everyone is obsessed. Coconut oil offers many different vitamins and minerals, but it won’t just improve your health on the inside.

Coconut oil also has benefits when used externally too. It makes a great natural moisturizer, hair conditioner, makeup remover and more.

Swapping out coconut oil for some of your chemical-ridden beauty products is an easy way to live more healthfully.

2. Maca Powder

Maca powder might be the most exotic on the list, but it’s been proven to be beneficial to overall health. Maca is high in vitamin C, as well as copper, iron, and other essential minerals that are hard to get in the typical diet.

Not all maca powder is created equally. It’s important to choose a high-quality, all-natural supplement, such as Isula Nature maca tablets and powder, to get all the benefits that maca has to offer.

3. Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 supplements are essential to many functions of the body. They’ve been proven to help with many different conditions such as anxiety and heart disease, and helping to support a healthy pregnancy.

One concern many people have with omega-3 is the taste. Omega-3s often come from fish, which makes fish pills a popular choice for those seeking the vital nutrient.

We suggest trying a gummy vitamin or liquid form of omega-3, as this can often eliminate a ‘fishy’ taste.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is a healthier way to get your caffeine boost in the morning. It’s loaded with crucial antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals.

Most of us have heard green tea is beneficial, but still, most don’t want to switch over from their classic cup of coffee. To make it a little easier, try adding green tea into your everyday meals. It goes great mixed with a fruit juice or in a smoothie.

5. Nuts

One of the healthiest snacks you can eat is something you probably see in the grocery store all the time. Nuts are full of healthy fats and protein which make them of the healthiest snacks you can reach for.

To get the most health benefits, try to select raw ruts. Many nuts are covered in a salty outer layer, but remember that excess salt consumption can be bad for you.

Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. For best results, add these five items into your diet and you’re almost guaranteed to feel a little better.

Do you have other go-to items to be healthier? Share them in the comments below.

Have the stresses of daily work and home life been weighing on you recently?

Did you know stress can affect numerous aspects of your health, both physical and mental?

While stress and its side effects can seem never-ending and exhausting, there are some simple lifestyle tweaks that can help you manage stress-related symptoms.

Here are five rejuvenating wellness activities that you can try to alleviate stress in your life.

1. Watch What You Eat

While dieting can seem overwhelming on a list of wellness activities, you don’t have to jump into a rigorous regimen to reap the benefits.

Start with simple diet goals. For example, you could try to cut back on foods that irritate your digestive system.

If you’re a breakfast person, try including berries which often contain high levels of vitamins and antioxidants.

Green vegetables such as spinach or broccoli are another source of healthy foods that you can include in your wellness diet.

2. Hydration for Wellness

Along with some simple adjustments to your diet, be sure you’re giving your body enough hydration. Doctors recommend eight glasses of water each day.

Try to start each day with a glass of water with lemon to give your body a jump-start and flush out your system

If you enjoy coffee or tea, you’re in luck. Both contain high levels of antioxidants, which are beneficial for your immune system. Just be careful not to overdo it, as the caffeine present in these drinks can counteract your hydrating activities!

3. Exercise and Yoga

When you exercise, you’ll boost your endorphins and serotonin levels which act as natural anti-stress chemicals in your brain.

Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, especially if you work in an environment where you are sitting all day long. Your daily exercise can be as simple as a jog or brisk walk, or as strenuous as weightlifting.

If you’re interested in trying new wellness activities, yoga can help relieve pain, increase flexibility, and balance your stress levels. Learn more about how chiropractic and massage professionals can help with stress-related pain.

4. Focus Your Breathing

Along with yoga, one simple wellness activity is to spend some time each day focusing on your breathing.

Learn to take slow breaths using your diaphragm. Imagine your belly expanding and contracting as you inhale and exhale. On its own, or paired with meditation or prayer, breathing exercises can give you a sense of peace and relaxation.

5. Set Realistic Goals

While work-related activities may not seem standard among other wellness activities, they are important.

If you find yourself stressed over work, try to break your days up into simple tasks. Start by making sure your daily to-do list is manageable. Only write down three or four things that need to be finished immediately.

By tackling only the most crucial tasks, you’ll find yourself worrying less about staying on top of work.

De-Stress with These Wellness Activities

Fitting these five simple wellness activities into your daily or weekly routine can have a major positive impact on your stress levels and overall health.

Do you have a favorite wellness method that works for you? Let us know in the comments!

It’s amazing how many benefits hemp protein offers. If you’ve never tried it, there’s no better time than now.

Using this powder doesn’t even need to be complicated. It can be worked into so many of the foods you’re already eating on a daily basis.

It’s also a great way to keep living green.

Before we discover the top 5 ways to use it, let’s talk about the many health benefits it provides. Then we’ll teach you simple ways to make it a part of your healthy daily diet.

Now let’s dive in.

What are the Benefits of Hemp Protein?

Maybe you’re an athlete in training or even just a moderate exerciser. Perhaps you’re not even that physically active.

No matter where you’re at in life, hemp protein powder can provide tons of benefits that will make your life healthier.

These include:

• An increase of protein intake
• Improved heart health
• A decrease in the risk of osteoporosis
• Cleansing of the colon
• Killing sugar cravings
• Give the immune system a boost

But what are the best ways to take it?

Let’s find out!

1. Shakes and Smoothies

If you’re already drinking shakes and smoothies, incorporating hemp protein powder into them is a no-brainer.

By adding 2 tablespoons into your shake or smoothie, you’ll start getting all the great benefits that this natural protein provides. It’s easy and you can do it any time of the day or night. The best part is, you’ll barely taste it!

Give it a try in your shakes and smoothies.

Then click here to pair it with top quality CBD oil.

2. Mix It in with Your Cereal Every Morning

If you’re a breakfast cereal eater, you’ll love how easy it is to mix in hemp protein powder with your favorite cereal.

Get the extra protein you need to make it through to lunch without your stomach growling or feeling hungry.

In a bowl of cereal, all you need is 2 tablespoons of powder and you’re good to go.

Use it every morning (or night if you’re a cereal-for-dinner kind of person), and start experiencing the benefits.

3. Put It in Your Oatmeal

This is perfect for those who enjoy a heartier breakfast than cereal.

Not many things hit the spot like a warm bowl of delicious oatmeal in the morning. Oatmeal provides nutrition and comfort on a cold morning. Adding hemp powder to it makes it even more beneficial.

Mix 2 tablespoons of powder with 1/2 cup of dry oats for a healthy and hearty breakfast every morning.

4. Muffins for Any Occasion

Some people like muffins for breakfast. Others eat them for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack.

Maybe you just don’t feel like cooking dinner and a muffin will hit the spot.

Muffins are some of the most versatile foods out there, and hemp protein powder can be incorporated into them.

Add 1/2 cup of powder into a recipe like this and get great tasting, healthy muffins for any occasion.

5. Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love ice cream? But you probably don’t think of it as healthy.

With some hemp protein powder, that can all be changed.

This simple recipe can give you all the benefits of hemp protein in a delicious ice cream snack.

The best part? You don’t even need an ice cream maker.

If you need a sugar-free ice cream alternative to mix it in with, check out these 5 delicious options.

Wrap Up

Hemp protein has so many health benefits and can easily be incorporated into the foods you’re already eating.

Comment below to get into the discussion about the many benefits this protein powder provides, and the different ways to use it.

You’ll be glad you did.