Grow Lighter

Are you someone who falls culprit to fatigue? Often running on an afternoon pick me up whether it is the carbs/sugar or even caffeine to help you keep going? Fatigue is often overlooked because of the busy world we live in today. We are usually running on little sleep, starting our days with electronics, over-caffeinated, dehydrated, irritable, and too busy to notice.

The last time we talked, I was sharing with you about the environmental exposures we encounter regularly, and knowing this information, I hope, has encouraged you to take control of your health in small but monumental ways. Drinking clean water, eating whole foods, taking care of your lymphatic system, and keeping your carbon footprint light are all wonderful ways to live your life. As I follow up with the last conversation, I want to share some important ways to strengthen the mind and body and grow lighter this season. 

ASHWAGANDHA

This incredible herb has been shown to decrease anxiety because of its support to the adrenals. When we think about our body’s needs for regulating their response to our environment’s stressors, we want to be able to feel calm and available to respond with clarity — that is how ashwagandha is helpful; it creates a balance for our adrenals to work the way they are designed. It also has powerhouse anti-inflammation properties along with regulating blood sugar levels. Ashwagandha can be taken by a capsule, or if you’re like me — you can take it in powder form as a shooter every morning. 

ADAPTOGENIC MUSHROOMS

Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake maybe you’ve heard of some of these or even noticed how more and more people are finding out about all the wonderful benefits to these magical mushrooms. Regularly eating or supplementing these mushrooms isis vital for the human body to navigate life because they are excellent for the immune system, adrenals, anti-inflammatory, and have been known to help the body adapt ‘adaptogenic.’ You can find a mixed mushroom, or isolate one at a time, knowing what each one brings to the table. I am drinking mine as tea with a combination of reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane for their immune-boosting traits. 

TIME MANAGEMENT

We live in a world where being overworked is praised or looked at as hard-working and this needs to be addressed. Your precious energy should be guarded — like a pot of gold. You don’t want to give it all away the minute someone asks, right? Slowing down, looking at where you are dividing your time and choosing where you want to invest yourself is crucial for owning your life. This includes but not limited to: guarding your sleep schedule, guarding the time you want to spend with family, time you need to move your body, time spent alone and doing things that bring you joy. Having a healthy boundary around the times you cherish is essential for fighting off a burn out later. 

SUNSHINE

This essential vitamin is usually over administered (spending hours outside is just as harmful) or nonexistent, sunshine should be a daily regimen like taking a vitamin orally. Sun exposure is great for us for the enrichment of Vitamin D but also as a natural mood-booster, prevention of cancer, improves the health of your eyes, and creates a healthy immunity. Spending ten minutes outside with your face, hands and belly exposed to the sun is the best way to get the absorption from the sun without the harmful chemicals found inside of sunblock. Creating a routine for yourself that you can find a place to sunbathe even within the home should be at the top of your list. 

SEAWEED

Need a way to supplement iodine, tyrosine, many of your B vitamins, protein, essential amino acids and get a good source of omega-3 fats? Seaweed is your friend! It has been shown to reduce free radical damage, support your thyroid function, promote gut health and improve blood sugar control. There are various types of seaweed and maybe you recognize some of these names: blue-green algae like chlorella and spirulina, green/brown algae like nori, kelp, Atlantic dulse, wakame. The green/brown algae is great for cooking, adding to soups, stews, dried sprinkled on salads or stir fried vegetables. The blue-green algae are wonderful supplements and can even be found in some plant-based protein powders!

A few notable mentions: moving your body daily, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, drinking plenty of water, quiet time to yourself, and reading are all great ways to slow down, creating a life that is free from stealing your time and your health. 

Here’s a recipe with healing benefits that is simple and satisfying:

4 cups of Vegetable Broth

1 cup water

1 Medium Onion, chopped

2 Large Carrots, chopped

2 Celery Stalks, chopped

2 Fennel Stalks, chopped

1 4oz jar of artichoke hearts, halved

10 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 can pinto beans, drained

1 bay leaf

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

A few sprigs of fresh dill, chopped

1 bunch of kale, chopped

1 handful of dried Nori leaves

  1. Add 1/4 cup vegetable broth to the bottom of your pot, add all the vegetables through artichoke hearts and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the broth and water along with the rest of ingredients leaving out the kale, nori and fresh dill till the end. 
  2. Get the liquid up to just before a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Allow to cook for 35-40 minutes. Add the kale, nori and dill and let sit for another 5 minutes. 
  3. When serving you may add fresh cilantro, avocado or a squeeze of fresh lime. Salt individual bowl to taste. Enjoy!

Hali Benson, a certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Practitioner, helping clients heal through nutrition, yoga and mindfulness. You can find her under the name of Blossom Services at https://blossom-services.com/.     

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