I can’t afford to hibernate over the winter, it is important to maintain my active lifestyle! When it’s cold, your body works harder to maintain your core temperature and therefore expends more calories in this process 🤭
The list is virtually endless when it comes to the benefits of walking, particularly during the darker and colder winter months where a focus on mental wellbeing in just as important as the physical benefits!
Walking is a form of weight-bearing exercise (because you carry your own body weight) which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, regulate cholesterol, improve balance, strengthen bones, increase muscle strength and endurance, reduce the risk of diabetes, improve cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, and also help to manage joint and muscular pain 🤗
Bad weather often means fewer people outdoors! This translates to a quieter, more peaceful experience in nature and cities 🧘🏻♀️
You know that distinctive and calming smell when it rains? Well that’s called petrichor. Rainfall and winds are known to disperse pollution in cities, so a walk in a city during wet or windy weather means you’ll be breathing in purer air.
In green spaces, especially forests, plants and soil release compounds in the air when they mix with water. Inhaling these compounds have been shown to improve our mood, enhance respiratory health and immunity! These benefits linger for longer in woodland and forests and are twice as abundant than in open land. 🌲😊🌲
These prickly giants make hiking in the desert an unforgettable experience! If you had the fortune to visit Arizona in the United States, you must have spotted long, Cactus plants alongside the highways. These iconic Saguaro Cactus plants are the largest of their species in the country, with an average height of 40 feet in length and 2 feet in width. Saguaro fruits are a renowned delicacy among the tribes of the USA and Mexico. They are known for their sweet edible pulp, used in making jams, wines and fruit preserves.
Besides their Culinary uses, Saguaro fruits are also used for treating many health disorders. They have high moisture retention to hydrate your body and are loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 and other key minerals to nurture your organs and enable better functioning! These fruits are also loaded with antioxidants to shield your body from many infections and disorders 🤗
Sirsasana or headstand is one of my favorite postures, and has been for many years! There was a time when I would request a headstand on every class I went to whenever the instructor asked us what we wanted to work on. To this day, I practice headstand for at least 10 minutes, 6 days a week.
Headstands provide a host of health, beauty and mental advantages, and it literally takes less than five minutes to reap its rewards. Headstands can boost circulation, increase focus, aid in hair health, improve digestion, and strengthens your shoulders, arms and core!
Before you begin, remember that while you are learning headstand, it is best to practice with a teacher until you find your bearing. This posture is healing, but only if you are doing it properly and safely. If you have any neck or back issues, you will most likely want to skip this posture until you are recovered 🤗
Household plants serve more benefits than just decoration. A wide variety can purify the air of harmful chemicals, prevent acne, reduce stress or even release water into the air to prevent sore throats and dry skin. The best part is that they are often cheap!
Pothos plants are one of my favorite and are arguably one of the easiest plants to grow and actually thrive on low light and neglect! These plants serve to purify the air of formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide while also helping eliminate odors. Pothos can also help alleviate eye irritation after long days of staring at screens.
One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens. Plants depend on us for care and in turn, they take care of us by improving the air we breathe and making our space more beautiful! I also think plants are hopeful 💓 As they grow and blossom, they can be an important reminder for us of things to come 🤗
Essential oils smell great, reduce stress, treat fungal infections, and help you sleep. They are concentrated extractions from plants. A process called distillation turns the “essence” of a plant into a liquefied form for many medicinal and recreational uses.
There’s a wide variety of essential oils available. Some are valued for their pleasing aroma while others have powerful healing properties. Here are a few of my favorites & what I use them for 🤗
There is something magical about a beautiful piece of jewelry—when your necklace or bracelet shines, don’t you feel like you shine just a little bit brighter too? That’s what I love about healing crystal jewelry! Not only do you get that boost from wearing something beautiful that makes you feel beautiful, but you also get the added benefit of the energetic properties of whatever crystal you choose!
Crystal jewelry has been used for centuries to promote healing, protection, and spiritual growth. Wearing crystal jewelry can help to perpetuate these benefits in your life. Crystals are believed to have powerful vibrational energy that can be harnessed and used for good. By wearing crystal jewelry, you can tap into this energy and use it to bring positive changes 🤗🤍
Dark grounding stones like onyx, black tourmaline, garnet, and smokey quartz are a few of my favorites!
Watching the sunset provides a great opportunity for reflection. The peacefulness of the moment has always allowed me to tune out distractions and focus on my inner thoughts and feelings. It’s a great way to reflect on the day, achievements, and aspirations. 🧘🏻♀️
Watching the sunset can also boost your mood! The act of watching the sun go down can be a calming and awe-inspiring experience that can help you feel more relaxed, present, and content. It’s also a great way to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, which can help boost your overall well-being.
My favorite part of watching the sunset though is it can also help improve sleep quality. Sunsets produce a red and orange light spectrum that can help regulate your circadian rhythm, also known as your body’s internal clock. This can lead to a more restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep 😌💤
When you hug a tree you release a hormone called oxytocin – known as the hormone of love, trust, & all the warm & fuzzy feels. Tree hugging is good for us humans & being labelled as a ‘tree hugger’ in my opinion isn’t an insult, it shows that we are in touch with the natural world.
When we start to understand that everything is energy, we gain a better understanding of our place in the world. You are a living energy field. Your body is composed of energy-producing particles, each of which is in constant motion.
So, like everything & everyone else in the universe, you are vibrating & creating energy. Quite literally this means that the energy that flows through us, flows through all living things including all plants & trees 🌳🧘🏻♀️
Water aerobics is a fun, easy way to get your body moving! It consists of being submerged, usually about waist deep, in water and moving your body in various ways to take on the water’s resistance.
Aquatic exercise doesn’t put pressure on bones, joints or muscles! Just like land-based exercise, water aerobics and swimming can be effective strategies for improving cardio fitness, building strength, boosting your mood, easing joint pain, sleeping better, and reducing your risk for diseases! 🏊🏻♀️🏊♂️
You don’t know what you’re missing if you’ve never owned a Himalayan salt lamp. It’s like having an open window – a softly glowing natural source of fresh, clean air – on your desk, in your living room, next to the bed, or anywhere you choose to put it!
Himalayan Salt Lamps are made from pieces of Himalayan salt crystals. They serve as beautiful interior decorations and act as natural sources of light. Combined with a light source inside the lamps, the chunks of salt produce negative ions, which yield positive effects on indoor air. Salt rocks can help cleanse the air by attracting the water molecules from the atmosphere around it, including any particles. As the salt lamp heats up, the water is released back into the air, but the particles are trapped. Effectively, cleaning the air of dust, pollen, smoke particles, animal dander and other allergens!
Even if you aren’t interested in holistic approaches to health or wellbeing, the undoubtable power of salt lamps is very interesting! Plus who doesn’t appreciate cleaner air?? 😊
There is a very good reason we use this saying when we want someone to pause, take a moment and look at the brighter side of things. For thousands of years, Ayurvedic healers have been using the rose plant in herbal remedies, teas, oils and skincare formulations. It can be used as dried, preserved, juiced, distilled, or a as powder or tincture!
According to Ayurveda, rose primarily balances sadhaka pitta, the subdosha of pitta that governs the emotions and how it impacts the heart. Rose soothes the heart and emotions and can assist in healing from past griefs so that one can move on and enjoy the present moment 🌹🤗🌹
Did you know harvesting firewood has many rewards: exercise, satisfaction, saving money, and the security of having your own fuel supply for winter warmth 🪵🔥
Instead of just cutting green wood and letting it dry over the summer, I prefer going after aged hardwood, those dead trees that are losing their bark. I call this “vintage firewood” because it has aged like fine wine. If you love a blazing hot fire, this is your ultimate fuel! 🙌🏻
Henry Ford once said, ‘chop your own wood and it will warm you twice.’ 🪵🔥😄
Why you should be lazy and leave your leaves in your yard 🍂 🐌
As leaves begin to blanket yards across the country this fall, you may be tempted to clear away the crunchy foliage. Not so fast! Bagging up your leaves and sending them to a landfill is by far the worst thing to do. Fallen leaves can provide critical wildlife habitat and benefit soil health! All sorts of creatures rely on that for their survival as a place where they can find food and cover, and in many cases even complete their life cycle.
A hearty leaf cover provides a habitat during the cold winter months for critical pollinating species such as bees, butterflies and moths. Other critters including amphibians and small mammals like chipmunks can also benefit from shelter provided by leaves 🐝🦋🐿️
To best support wildlife and soil health, leaves should be left where they fall 🫶🏻
Imagine regaining strength, flexibility and balance while finding inner peace. That’s the magic of Yoga ✨🧘🏻♀️✨
Yoga combines breathing exercises, meditation, and poses that are proven to benefit mental and physical strength. Slow movements and deep breathing increase flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength. Consistent yoga practice improves depression and can lead to significant increases in serotonin levels!
As I build on my practice, I have really begun to notice my strength develop! Especially in my upper body where I have spent time working on and adding inversions 🤸♂️
I’m in Florida this morning, and found a patch of Bidens alba we could pick and eat for breakfast!
The plant is easy to identify, with its daisy-like flowers and prickly seed heads. The taste of Bidens is rich and green. It tastes like it’s good for you, but not in a bad way 🌱🤗
Both leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked and have an amazing capacity for healing! 🙌🏻 Astringent, anti- inflammatory and anti-infective, this plant can heal any number of irritations and infections externally and internally!
Do you like doing home remedies for skincare? If yes, you need to try frozen cucumber 🥒
Cucumber itself contains an abundance of vitamins - particularly B Vitamins which are great for your skin! This soothes inflammation, fights breakouts, gives you glowing skin & is almost free!
How to use it -
✨ Take a fresh cucumber and freeze it
✨ Cut the top portion and rub the cucumber in upwards strokes first, and then once the cucumber is a bit soft, start rubbing in circular motions until it’s completely soft.
✨ Cut a slice of the top most portion and discard it. Put the cucumber back in the freezer to use it the next day. You can leave the cucumber juice on your face for 5-10 minutes and then wash it if you want or just apply moisturizer on top or it 🥰
As a nature girl I’ve always said there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! For those living in the world’s north, it’s getting colder and colder each day as the winter season approaches. Did you know colder air is good for the brain? 🧠
Colder air boosts your brain activity, improves focus, and helps you think more clearly. Numerous studies show that our cognitive functions improve in colder weather. We’re prone to quicker decision-making and staying calm when our body needs more energy to keep us warm.
Food for thought - should we start eating salmon outdoors in the colder months for a double brain-boost? 🤔
As I watch the squirrels busily collect seeds/nuts in my garden, I am reminded of their often undervalued role in our ecosystem. Squirrels are an excellent reforestation agent! Every year thousands of new trees grow because they forget where they buried their nuts 🥲
Essentially, they are planting seeds for the trees so maybe we should start thinking about them as nature's gardeners 🌳🐿️
Ancient and old, the standing ones have been with us since our beginning. Trees are the wisdom keepers, they hold and support birds, animals and insects, and are the lungs of the planet. Their exhalation is our inhalation. These sustainers of life are wonderful gateways to the other worlds as the tree spirits are multidimensional.
Trees have long been a revered and respected part of myth. Yggdrasil is the ancient Norse Tree of Life. The Tree of Knowledge is spoken of in Genesis. Trees are sacred in India and some are found in the very heart of temples. The Bodhi tree is said to have protected Buddha.
Do you feel the trees talk to you, on some level, as you walk amongst them? Do you speak with them or give them a hug?
Whether it's scaling the tallest mountains or simply breathing in the fresh air of the hills in your backyard, hiking is a way to disconnect and reconnect with Mother Nature.
In today’s world of chaos and constant stimulation, it’s hard to quiet the mind and think. Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health. Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression.
I can’t help but love taking in the sights, smells, and feelings of nature!
I love beaches. I love sand and shingle and rocks. Walking barefoot along a beach rests my heart and lifts my soul. It is one of my favorite things to do in the world!
Did you know sea swimming is known to actively improve your health and wellness with calming immersion and exposure to sunshine. Ocean waters contain an endless supply of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, trace elements and micro-organisms which have antibacterial effects and can even work as natural antibiotics. These components are absorbed by the skin when you swim and even by inhaling a sea mist.
A day by the shore is so much more than just a fun activity 🤍🧜🏼♀️
Ever wondered why meditation retreats and monasteries of all spiritual traditions are often found in the mountains or deep in the forest?
Meditating outdoors activates our senses, making our practice more alert and wakeful. When we sit on the ground during our nature meditations, our body’s rhythm synchronizes with the earth’s natural vibrations. This harmony greatly enhances the experience of meditation!
The calming effects of nature can help you reduce stress and feel more relaxed. 🦋☀️🦅🌲
One of the main super benefits of basking in early morning sunrays is to get your daily dose of vitamin D naturally ☀️🤗
Sunbathing and tanning often get a bad rap due to their associations with skin cancer but mounting evidence shows healthy sun exposure isn’t only safe but necessary!
Daily morning sunlight is also crucial for setting your circadian (day-night) rhythm. When we get sunlight early in the day, evening melatonin production begins earlier. This helps us fall asleep more easily at night.
Don’t you just love gifts from nature?! I found these Milky Quartz while hiking this morning 😍
It is said that milky quartz represents powerful healing energy and helps to promote emotional balance. When used in meditation or prayer, it can help bring about spiritual awareness and enlightenment. This makes it ideal for those looking for greater insight into their life path or career decisions.
You can use this crystal by carrying it with you throughout the day or placing it in a central location in your home or office. The stone’s purifying energy and properties can help you experience the world for what it really is. It frees you from negativity and encourages you to find beauty in every corner of the planet! 🦋🌳🥾
Have you ever thought about how therapeutic a breath of fresh sea air is? The iodine, salt, and magnesium present in sea air mist stimulate the immune system and ease the symptoms of respiratory problems. The negative ions present in the ocean air balance serotonin levels, and improve your overall well-being, making you feel happier and healthier 🤗
Cheers to living the salt life, or at least enjoying it for a little while during your vacation 🤙🏼
Did you know moving water is “white noise” and can sound different to each person?
Whether it’s a tumbling waterfall, a pounding surf, or a gentle, trickling stream – I am naturally drawn to water in motion. The repetitive nature of things like flowing water induces a type of light hypnosis, instantly taking me to my happy place!
Researchers believe that the sound of water can guide the neuronal waves in our brain, allowing for this calming effect. 🦋🤗🌞
You feel better when you walk barefoot, don’t you? Ever wonder why this happens?
The Earth is full of wonderful and potent energy and when there is a barefoot contact, free electrons from the Earth can be absorbed by our body. This energy can nourish your body, mind, and soul. This concept is known as Earthing! The mind-body connection is undeniable, as is this technique’s direct effect on reducing stress and improving mood.
Earthing has several astonishing health benefits!
Reduces inflammation Reduces cortisol Increases energy Reduces fatigue Increases healing speed Decreases pain Improves mood Restores balance in the body
There’s something a bit magical about water, you know?
Cold Water Health Benefits & Reasons to Swim In Natural Waters (as Much as Possible)
* Less muscle soreness – improves recovery * Reduces body pain and inflammation * Boost your immune system * Improve circulation * Boost your brain power * Manage anxiety, stress and depression * Increase alertness, clarity and energy levels * Release endorphins (happy hormones)
How close is your nearest swimming hole? In the meantime … I’m heading out for a dip.
Everyone wishes to have a skin which glows with health and vitality, however achieving it is easier said than done. High pollution levels, exposure to sun and general environmental conditions take a toll on the skin – leaving it dull, dehydrated, and damaged.
Did you know flowers prove to be an effective antidote to skin problems? They contain natural extracts which are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Coupled with anti – inflammatory and hydrating properties, flowers and products with floral ingredients make for an excellent addition to anyone’s skin care routine.
Hibiscus, Rose, Jasmine and Lotus are a few of my favorites!! 🌱🌷🌻🌹
