Well Being Essences

Well Being Essence Space Clearing Sprays can be used to: uplift,, recharge & restore balance by bringing calm and contentment. Simply spray over the head and allow the particles to settle around you like Fairy Mist. The exquisite Aromas captivate the senses and the Vibration & energetic imprint of Flowers, herbs, crystals and Nature all conjure up a feeling of being transformed to an exotic and Divine place in Space and Time.

http://wellbeingessences.com/

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation and Mindfulness

I have looked at phone apps, now that I have an iphone.
There are many to choose from on this subject.

One I have recently downloaded but not really used is 

Moodkit, which you can rate your mood daily and it gives suggestions of things to commit to do on a regular basis which are known to help to lift your mood.

I have a meditation app called the Happy App, which talks to you for 40 minutes with relaxation, best to wear with earphones as it has subliminal messages. 
You need to be able to commit to 40 minutes. 

You can change settings on it to have an ocean or bird theme.

 I also downloaded 'Overcoming Depression' from their store but have not received it.

There is a long list of apps you can get to overcome a variety of issues but am dubious about attempting anymore, now. 

Something I recommend and have subscribed to for a couple of years is the Headspace app, available on Android and iphone.

 I initially used it to help me to sleep, and not long after hearing Andy Puddicombes' voice, I would drop off and use it in the night if awake in the early hours although its not intended for that.

I probably haven't had the best benefit from using it as I haven't been present to follow the instructions.
https://www.headspace.com/

I am now on the section where he doesn't talk much, its all about silence as we are supposed to be an expert at meditating, but I still want him to talk!

The latest one I've downloaded, is Debbie Ford Overcoming Self -
Sabotage, Daily Om, which I have yet to try.

Yoga is also a good way to help, fluidity, flexibility and breathing all using tools in helping with depression.

 I use My Yoga Online, although since they have joined forces with Gaiam TV, I have not accessed as much, but can cost as little as £6/ week to access all the yoga videos and more, by many excellent well reputed yoga and inspirational teachers.

http://www.gaiamtv.com/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-health/11161367/Mindfulness-does-it-really-live-up-to-the-hype.html

In Pursuit of Happiness

In Pursuit of Happiness 

Judging by a lot of articles in recent magazines, January is a difficult year for a lot of people.
I, myself have been up and down for a few years, with the'festive' period being the most difficult for me this year.
A time when you are supposed to be happy and enjoying yourself,
Unavoidable Christmas music being played everywhere, including work, where concentration is key, and I was told 'bar humbug' which just compacts how you are feeling.

A few of the articles have resonated with me.

In the 'Stella' magazine, five experts give 5 tips on 'How to be Happy'

Ruby Wax:
Don't chase happiness
Keep your sense of humour
Find your tribe
Happiness is feeling good about who you are
Sleep as much as you can.

Gretchen Rubin, author of the 'The Happiness Project'
Be kind to your body
Self-knowledge is essential for happiness
Be flexible
Create a shrine to your passions
Invest in relationships

Paul Dolan author of 'Happines by Design'
Question how you evaluate and what makes you happy
Pay attention
Happiness is not about how you think about life overall, but your experiences during it
Embrace 'purpose'
Change what you do, not how you think

Vanessa King
Give to and help others
Ask for help
Get started
Use your natural strengths
Invest in experiences

Mattieu Ricard author of @Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill
Understand that happiness comes from within
Realise that happiness is not a given
Don't strive alone
Try to exist in a state of simplicity, where you can see what is important
Learn to what your stream of thoughts



I recommend finding one author that resonates with you and reading each paragraph with the heading and trying to work through those suggestions.
They can be found here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/11223904/How-to-be-happy-expert-advice.html

Health and Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Health & Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Came across this article today, as I have a bottle of coconut oil in the fridge from a previous healthy kick, I can make use of it with these recipes. Here are some of my favourites.

1. Coconut oil for healthy hair.

http://daily-diet.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/healthy-hair.jpg

Thanks to its moisturizing properties, coconut oil is an amazing natural treatment for the hair and scalp. If your hair is dry or damaged, massage 1-2 tablespoons of oil from roots to tips, wrap the hair in a hot towel and leave it for an hour or so before washing as normal. If your hair tends to frizz, you can also smooth on some coconut oil to tame it.

2. Coconut oil for supple skin.

Coconut oil has been shown to work excellently as a topical skin treatment, helping to moisturize, rejuvenate, and potentially prevent wrinkles. Take a small dollop of virgin coconut oil and rub it between the palms to warm it, then work it gently into the skin on the face or body.

3 .Coconut oil to combat skin conditions.

http://img.scoop.it/jP-ouMj7W0uAQ2mMo-w-A4XXXL4j3HpexhjNOf_P3YmryPKwJ94QGRtDb3Sbc6KY

As well as using coconut oil as a general moisturizer for skin, it can also be used for more specific skin ailments. Coconut oil has anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties making it a useful treatment for conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.

4.  DIY coconut oil exfoliant.

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/images/expeller-pressed_coconut_oil_organic_32oz.jpg

Forget the store-bought scrubs: you can easily make your own from home, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into it. For a super-simple exfoliant mix one part white sugar with one part coconut oil. Apply directly to the body in circular motions to gently remove dry skin. It will simultaneously act as a moisturizer, making the skin smooth and supple.

5. Coconut oil for face masks.

http://hippiechicchick.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/face-mask11.jpg

Coconut oil is filled with vitamins C and E which make it an ideal ingredient for including in DIY face masks at home. For a simple mask, mix 1 tablespoon coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Apply a thick coat to the face and leave it to soak in for 10 minutes before rinsing off.

 6. Coconut oil for a faster metabolism.

http://flatstomachdietplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/How-To-Get-Skinny-With-Diet-and-Supplements.jpg

Coconut oil is reportedly useful in increasing the body’s metabolic rate. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that speed up the metabolism and potentially aid in weight loss and weight control. Some studies have also found that consumption of coconut oil is helpful in reducing abdominal obesity.

7. Coconut oil for cooking.

http://essentialhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Fractionated-coconut-oil.jpg

While olive oil is traditionally used for cooking, it is actually known to oxidize at high temperatures. This can lead to the creation of free radicals. Coconut oil, meanwhile, is more resistant to heat, making it safer and healthier to use in cooking.

8.  Coconut oil to beat sugar cravings.

http://thecoconutmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/How-much-coconut-oil-should-you-take-a-day1.jpg

Getting enough good quality fats in your diet means you’re more likely to feel satiated. If you’re trying to lower your sugar intake but are being beaten by cravings, try eating a small spoonful of coconut oil. It’ll give you energy without causing a merry-go-round of spiking glucose levels.

For more info see:

 http://funorfacts.org/top-10-healthy-beauty-benefits-of-coconut-oil/2/

New Year, New Me!

I am not a big fan of the Daily Mail, but was flicking through it on a work tea break as someone had left it in the room.
An article by Paul Mckenna called 'I can change your destiny' caught my eye!

Here are things I picked out from this.

Biggest regrets of people heading towards the end of their life.

Wished they'd had the courage to live true to themselves not to the lives others' had expected of them Wished they hadn't worked so hard
Wished they'd had the courage to express their feelings
Wished they'd stayed in touch with their friends
Wished they'd let themselves be happier

Well, I can relate to all of those!

   Paul's instructions on how you can change your destiny included these ;

 Live your life without regrets
 List the people you love most
 Change you whole outlook

 Further instruction on how to do this and examples in the full article here.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2890698/How-make-2015-happiest-year-PAUL-McKENNA-S-life-changing-series.html

He also recommended keeping a journal to monitor progress in changing your life.

   Important things to remember:

It isn't what your're born with or what happens to you in life that determines your destiny - it's the     choices you make along the way.
No matter what's happened to you in the past, you'll always have choices about how you move           forward.
 Absolutely everyone can be happy.
When we live fully in the present, we have more powere available to us to do whatever it is we           want to do.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.

Natural Remedies for the Mind

Natural Remedies for the mind

I have long been an advocate for natural remedies and would always try to solve problems by natural methods at home rather than bother the GP.

This article popped into my inbox so, have just picked some slightly old looking rosemary from outside the flats!

Lets see how it tastes and any benefits noticed!
(I certainly need refocussing)

TO REFOCUS A MUDDLED MIND

You need: rosemary

Stress... it's terrible for your productivity, and even worse for your health with anxiety increasing the risk of fatal heart attacks and stroke by a fifth. So step away from the laptop and try inhaling some clarifying rosemary.

With its fresh aroma, rosemary is one of the most effective natural remedies for re-ordering a befuddled mind. Simply crush the fresh stuff in your hand, or enjoy a warming mug of rosemary tea.

It also has long term benefits, with studies showing that a key ingredient in rosemary, carnosic acid, is pivotal to helping the brain fight off free radical damage. 

http://www.womanandhome.com/galleries/diet-and-health/36029/3/0/natural-remedies

Its is drinkable, will have to drink daily to see how much much my mind is refocussed!

TO RELAX

Tried this remedy last night, not only does it taste lovely, it worked a treat!

You need: milk and honey

Combat fatigue, and make the most of those weekend lie-ins, by sipping on a tall glass of milk and honey before bed. Studies have shown that with its high levels of melatonin and tryptophan, milk is a key ingredient when it comes to easing yourself into a blissful sleep.

Heat milk in a saucepan to just before boiling and then add a drop of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of honey for a truly soothing bedtime beverage.

Read more at:
 http://www.womanandhome.com/galleries/diet-and-health/36029/1/0/natural-remedies#OTmz4KtKvATdKFTu.99

Aiming to be a better person in 2015

I haven't had a great 2014 and despite trying to treat various ailments holistically, finished 2014 on a bit of a low and feeling sorry for myself, especially as I didn't do any dancing or socialising over the festive period.

I am going to dedicate the naisygriff  blog to all things of interest to me on a health and wellbeing level and to a more fufilled and happy life in this my 5th decade!

I am to listen and dance to more music, to make new friends and socialise more, to be more organised and not give in to being tired when I come back from work.

I aim to be a better person.

In the last few years, I have been drained and unable to see my friends due to exhaustion, or due to the fact I was working when they have been available.

This has resulted in me losing my spark, having my flame blown out, no joie de vivre and having a strained relationship with my friends!

I am to do more exercise, yoga as my back allows and to get fit and get toned up!