Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Home:

Clutter represents a build up of too much yin (stagnant/stale/dead) energy in your home, which in turn can lead to confusion, a depletion of energy or procrastination.  The interesting part is you don’t even need to see the clutter to be effected by it.

I know from my own personal experience, there is no easier way to change any problem or situation in life than by having a serious clutter clearing session.  It simply shifts energy - and then your life moves forward.

Photo by triplezero

Clear Your Thoughts by Clearing Your Clutter:

Last week I had the urge to empty my head.  My thinking had become a little foggy, fragmented and scattered.  So for the past 3 days I have been on a major clutter busting frenzy, and I mean a whole 3 full days. No corner was left untouched.

Whilst my home is not big, and there is certainly not much excess stuff - I was surprised at the amount of clutter I did find.

I clear clutter regularly, yet, surprise, surprise more clutter had appeared since the beginning of this year.  That’s life with three boys.

I emptied every cupboard, even if it had no clutter.  I’m a firm believer that uplifting and refreshing an empty space (by wiping out and infusing it with essential oils or incense) removes any stagnant energy that may have accumulated plus it makes your home feel lighter.

I am now officially back in love with all my draws, cupboards, rooms and hidden spaces  - and the foggy thinking has lifted.

Clearing Clutter Moves Your Life Forward:

To inspire you find your clutter clearing groove I’ve shared a few games below which I have used over the years.  It’s all a matter of finding an approach that works for you. My personal favourite is to pretend I’m about to move overseas.

Enjoy.

1: Pretend You Are Moving - Overseas:

Act as if something great is about to happen in your life. You’re moving overseas, interstate, moving home or about to live on a boat.

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while now will know that at the beginning of last year I assumed the position that I was about to move overseas.  Yeah! After 2 months my home and life had never been so up to-date and organized.  It’s also worth mentioning that many great things started happening not long after.

You are welcome to read my guest post over at unclutter from July 2008.

2: Pick a Number between 1 and 10:

This is a great little game I learnt from space clearing expert Karen Kingston.   I’ve recommend her book Clear Your Clutter many times on this blog.

Simply choose a number between 1 - 10, write the number on a piece of paper, leave it somewhere obvious, and that’s the number of things you must clear from your home each day.

Trust me, this is actually quite a fun clutter game.

3: Start a daily 30 second clutter clearing habit:

Lack of time can no longer be your excuse for not clearing your clutter.   Anyone can spare 30 seconds to throw out at least one (and hopefully more) unwanted, unloved things from your home.

30 seconds requires virtually no energy, effort or thinking power.   This game is also perfect if you are feeling in total overwhelm at the very thought of clearing out your clutter.

To grow your 30 second clutter clearing muscle simply start with something easy like your clothes or a kitchen draw.  You then have 30 seconds to find one or two things that you no longer need.

To further boost your enthusiasm, here’s a fabulous super short video called  Weed out useless utensils by Peter Walsh

4:  Buy one thing then, throw two things out:

This game is easy and the rules very obvious.

If you buy one thing for your kitchen then make sure you throw out two things (from your kitchen) that you no longer need, that are broken, have missing lids, have expired etc.

If you buy a new pillow go through your linen closet and throw out two unwanted towels, sheets, pillow slips etc.

This is a great way to stop the build up of clutter with minimum of fuss.

* The emotional cost of clutter

* Simple solutions when you can’t shift your clutter

* Detox your home and feel brand new

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

Subscribe To My Articles By Email - It’s free:

 If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

Top 8 must know, Feng Shui success secrets:

Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Attract more positive energy now:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion.

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Body:

When you are disconnected from your body, you care more about emails, messages, the tv, media, gossip magazines and other people’s business than you do about your own physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Now - is always the perfect time to give your body the extra loving attention it deserves (and needs) on a regular basis.

  Photo by maddest hatter’s

Nurture it, detox it, care for it, rest it, hydrate it, pamper it, feed it wisely, colour it up, treat it to organics and exercise it.  Give your body everything its deserves, plus more, and notice the change in your energy and stress levels - not to mention your overall well-being. Your skin will glow, your eyes will twinkle and your face will smile like never before.

Simply remembering you have a body, more often, and tuning in to its messages (thirsty, hungry, pain, tired, fresh air etc.) is a great start.   Following are some simple suggestions which I’m trusting will inspire you (and myself) to look after our bodies just that little bit more.

Give Your Body The Quality Attention It Deserves:

1. Balance your female, male sides:

One of the keys to wholeness is balancing your female and male sides.  You achieve a harmonious flow between “energy in” and ” energy out”.

When your female and male sides are balanced you know when to ask for support, walk away, say no, take action or rest.   When your  two sides are balanced you can successfully achieve, without burnout or exhaustion. You have strong boundaries and know when you need to stop and receive. You feel grounded, centred and don’t waste your energies unnecessarily.

If you are not sure which of your sides is dominating, simply close your eyes, scan the left side (feminine) of your body, then your right side (masculine).  Observe which side has more tension, tightness or pain.

I, personally have found that when I take the time to stop and listen (to my body), it becomes fairly obvious which side is dominating. I know by simply having this awareness, I can begin to balance my thoughts and life, and then grab myself a massage or acupuncture treatment.

* 7 deadly sins of work/life balance

2: Go barefoot:

Going barefoot is healthy.  It’s grounding (that’s the point) and gives your feet some much deserved freedom.  Walking barefoot is a fabulous therapeutic exercise for your toes and feet.   The simple act of taking off your shoes, after a busy day, triggers a relaxation response.

If my yoga teacher were here she would be saying - spread your toes, feel the ball of your little and big toes firmly touch the ground. Feel the weight of your body evenly spread across your feet. You’d be surprised how often you have more weight on one foot, than the other.

Did you know there are over 60 barefoot parks that can be found in Germany and Austria.  You may even feel inclined to visit the society for barefoot living:

3.  Get your blood tested:

I recently had my bloods tested for vitamin and mineral levels. I found, to my surprise ( I eat very well), that my calcium and iron levels were particularly low.  Whilst I still felt great, long term deficiencies would eventually leave to more serious complications. Don’t wait until something goes wrong, you might not be absorbing the nutrients from your foods that you think you are, like me.

4. Give your body a louder voice:

Place your left thumb over left ear (as if you are wanting to block off the sound), place your right thumb over your right ear and cover your eyes with your fingers.  Turn your awareness inwards, and slow your breathing down.

Allow your body’s voice rise to the surface of your thoughts.

What can you notice, see or hear, when you pay attention to your inner body?

5. Give your body silence and stillness:

“When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself.  When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world”  Eckhart Tolle

Restlessness is a modern disease. Stillness and silence are a lost art. Why not try sitting still for 5 minutes without reading, eating, watching, or getting carried away with your thoughts.  Just be, and notice the restlessness inside.

Following are a couple of articles on relaxation yoga, giving you a few options to experience 5 minutes of stillness each day.

* Shake off your afternoon slump

* The lazy way to dissolve your fatigue

6.  Detox gently by drinking warm water:

My Ayurvedic practitioner shared with me that sipping warm water has a hormone balancing effect, strips your body of ama (toxins) and improves your digestion.  How magical is that.  For many years now I’ve drunk warm water instead of cool water.

* 3 easy one minute daily detox rituals

* 5 cheap ways to detox your body naturally

7.  Start your morning gently:

I’m a firm believer in how I start my morning sets the tone for my day ahead.  If I start rushed, my day is rushed.

Moving from a deep sleep (yin state ) to being fully alert ( yang state ), all in the space of a few seconds is not what nature intended. After all the sun doesn’t “rush” itself up each morning.

Create the space so you can gently transition, from your sleep to your awake state.

Two or three minutes spent belly breathing (whilst still lying in bed) is a very satisfying way to welcome your body into a new day.

Get up half an hour early ( if you need too) and enjoy a gentle early morning routine. I guarantee you will definitely notice a difference to the quality and flow of your day ahead.

8:  Lift the weight off your shoulders:

If a thought, situation or person is weighing heavy on your mind, then it will be weighing heavy also on your body.  Emotional baggage can be an incredible drain and burden on your body.

I,  personally have found removing clutter (lots and lots of it) incredibly healing for shifting life’s problems.  It always, always, without fail, brings a lightness, which in turn brings clarity to a situation. Clearing clutter, without a doubt, bring a feeling a relief and lightness to your body.

Start with the room or cupboard you are avoiding the most.

And, if you really can’t clear the clutter, then re-arrange your furniture and shift the energy around you.  A static environment around you, keeps you stuck in life.

* The emotional cost of clutter:

* Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life

* Top eight must know Feng Shui success habits:

9. Use a body brush and help your skin breathe:

Your skin is the largest eliminating organ of your body. Make sure the toxins are being efficiently removed by dry body brushing your skin each day before you hop into the shower.

It stimulates blood flow, removes dead skin cells and lets your skin breathe happily. It’s important to use a good quality natural fibre hand mitt or brush.

* Brush your troubles away:

10. Carry healthy snacks:

Avoid skipping meals or buying junk food on the go. Carry a little bag of almonds, cashews, dried figs or dates.  And, if you  have the time treat yourself to some home made bliss balls, they are packed full of nutrients, and require no cooking.

* Snack happy with bliss balls

* Combat afternoon fatigue with a fruit and nut energy drink

11. Remember to breathe - often:

Breathing mindfully reminds your mind, that you actually have a body.  Breathe to calm, soften, unwind and relax your stressed body parts.  Breathe to improve your mind body connection.  Breathe to improve your focus and concentration.

Inhale deeply to oxygenated, and exhale deeply to detoxify.

Did you know that 70% of waste is eliminated from your body via your lungs.  Breathing into your belly is one of the healthiest habits you can practice.

* 12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

12. Smile into your organs:

The energy behind a smile is healing and carries a high vibration.  I experienced many years the benefits of smiling into your organs from a Qi Gong practitioner in Melbourne. It was one of the most memorable 3 month courses I have ever done.

Smiling into your kidneys helps dissolve fear. Smiling into your liver helps dissolve anger.  Smiling into your lungs helps dissolve sadness.

Spend a few minutes smiling on your face.  Breathe into your smile and then send that smiling energy into your kidneys.  Keep breathing and smiling deep into your kidneys until you feel they are filled with smiling energy.

Now send smiling energy to your liver, heart, lungs etc.  Sometimes you will feel a little resistence with some organs, be patient and keep breathing and smiling.

The smiling mediation spreads a nourishing and uplifting energy to your inner core. It keeps your body healthy. Great to do, anytime of the day, if you are feeling rushed, stressed and frantic.

13: Eat sitting down:

The purpose of eating is to eat.  Support your digestion system and ensure you are getting maximum nourishment from your food by eating sitting down, in a peaceful and quiet environment.

Spend a few minutes making sure you have fully arrived at your meal so you can enjoy and appreciate fully, its taste, flavours, texture, smell and appearance.

* The yoga of eating:

14: Chew your food

Digestion begins in the mouth.  The more you chew the more oxygen is sent to the brain. Chewing relaxes your lower stomach muscles and triggers the rest of the digestive process. The macrobiotic lifestyle recommend chewing your food until it becomes liquid before swallowing.  Now, that’s going to take more than 10 chews per mouthful.

15. Make a regular date with your body:

Make sure you put yourself first on your daily “to do” list.  Here’s a great time formula to get you started.  1/2 an hour a day, 1/2 a day a week and 1 day a month.

Schedule a meditation, walk, jog, yoga session, organic cacao (chocolate) facial, rejuvenation retreat, massage, body treatment, pedicure, hand yoga, manicure, chakra balancing or spa visit.

* You deserve a daily self massage

* Relax and unwind with a yoga eye pillow

16. Stay hydrated. Sip water every 15 minutes:

Your body is predominately water and research shows that a mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy thinking.  Water is very clever as it hydrates your organs, improves concentration and detoxes your body - all at the same time.

If you are like me, and find drinking two litres of water a day somewhat boring then try sipping hot water or squeeze some lime or lemon juice into it or eat your water by having more fruit.

* 10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated

17. Move and stretch your body:

Your body is designed to move.

Squat,  twist, unhunch your shoulders, go to yoga, learn the tango, do wall push up’s next to your computer, try some face yoga, hand yoga, foot therapy or better still take a 20 minute power walk to release some of the tension from your body.

Whatever you do, move it.

* 14 fabulous ways to look after your body at work

* Walking meditation

18. Feed your body wisely - Avoid anger foods:

Deep fried, highly processed foods burdened your liver. In Chinese Medicine the liver relates to the emotion of anger. Keep your body and emotions happy by eliminating deep fried food and fatty food from your diet. A burdened liver makes for one grumpy person.

19. Start tongue scraping:

Each morning after oil pulling,  I scrape my tongue around 7 or 8 times with a metal tongue scraper.  The benefits of tongue scraping are awesome. It removes toxins, stops you swallowing the bacteria that has gathered on your tongue over night, enhances your sense of taste, improves your digestion and gently stimulates your organs.

Trust me, you will be shocked when you see the amount of  “sludge” that comes off your tongue first thing in the morning.

20. Embrace a chemical free life:

Going chemical free is a work in progress.  I’ve been on this journey for around 20 years now and still finding toxic things in my home.

Toxins can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through your skin, all of which burden your organs. Why not begin with your kitchen and stop ingesting chemicals by how you cook, clean and store your food.  For starters, switch your plastic containers for glass or bamboo, switch aluminum pots for stainless steel ones, buy natural dishwashing liquid, throw out plastic chopping boards and replace with bamboo or wooden.

For over 20 instant easy ideas read:

* Happiness Is Going a Little Bit Greener Everyday

* Detox your Kitchen Bench: Six Simple Things you can do Now:

21. Think kindly, talk kindly:

Do you talk kindly or cruelly to your body.  Now is the time to be mindful of the way you chat to your body. Every time you catch yourself saying something negative simply switch to a kind mantra.

My favourite at the moment is “Every cell in my body is loved and healthly” or you may prefer one from Louise Hay “I am my own best friend”

* Cancel, clear, delete negative thoughts:

22: Calm Your Nerves Bath Recipe:

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) sedates your nervous system.  It relaxes your muscles, releases toxins and is probably best known for reducing swelling. Magnesium is a mineral your nervous system and adrenals need in order to relax.

1 cup of Epsom salts (dissolve into hot bath water)

Tea light candle (create the mood)

* 6 special bath recipes for sleep, relaxation and healing

* An awesome shake that soothes your nerves

23: Improve your skins appearance:

Inflammation in the skin is more likely if you have acidic blood.  Improve your blood alkalinity and detoxification by simply taking liquid chlorophyll each day.  Click here and watch a great short video by Ananda who is a Naturopath and passionate about 100% natural skin care.  She’ll explain why she uses chlorophyll to look after her skin.

24:  Go outside: 

Nature never lets you down.  Nature has a very natural ability to ground and centre you. It is extremely healing, as it nourishes you with life force energy whilst calming you down, all at the same time.  Breathe in its energy up through your feet and notice the feeling that follows.

Try walking in nature, standing in nature or simply looking at nature (sky, tree, clouds).    Living in a busy concrete city jungle, encourages you to live in your head and split your energies off into many directions. Your body needs a regular dose of nature.

Let your feet touch the ground, grass or sand each day.  Let  your nose and lungs fill with fresh air each day.  Let your skin feel the sun and breeze.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole. Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

Subscribe To My Articles By Email - It’s free:

 If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

Detox your home and feel brand new:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

11 rules for being human:

Boost your energy now:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion.

By Carole Fogarty

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

Your nose is exceptionally clever. Simply by practising a few rounds of alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) for a few minutes each day, you can help restore any imbalances in your brain.  You can improve sleep, encourage a calmer emotional state, boost your thinking power and soothe your nervous system. How impressive is that!

Another interesting fact about your nostrils, is that you don’t breathe through them equally all the time.  Right now, you will be favouring either your left nostril or your right nostril. 

Left nostril for calming - Right nostril for energy:

Your nose is directly linked to your brain and nervous system. The Indian yogis believe that many diseases can be linked to disturbed nasal breathing which, I’m guessing, is why they perfected pranayama breathing thousands of year ago.

Breathing in, only through your left nostril, will access the right “feeling” hemisphere of your brain, and breathing in, only through your right nostril, will access the left “thinking” hemisphere of your brain.  Consciously alternating your breath between either nostril will  allow you to activate and access your whole brain.  Now, I’m sure that’s a very handy piece of information to know.

Yogic breathing, the perfect relaxation tool:

Alternate nostril breathing is something I first learnt about through yoga, many years ago, and then from Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the simplest and most user friendly relaxation techniques that I share at my retreats and workshops.  It helps greatly to calm a restless mind.

I encourage you to start today with an easy purifying breath practice - I’ve shared all the steps with you below.

You might also like to read more about alternate nostril breathing (pranayama) by starting with a great book called  The Little Book of Yoga Breathing: Pranayama Made Easy.

12 Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing:

1: Revitalizes you:

A few rounds of alternate nostril breathing is a quick pick me up if you are feeling flat, tired or even stressed. It provides your body with a much needed dose of extra energy.

2: Improves brain function:

When you mind is dull - concentration and clarity is poor.  Alternate nostril breathing brings equal amounts of oxygen to both sides of the brain for improved brain function.  Five minutes of alternate nostril breathing before an exam or interview is a great way to access your whole brain for improved performance.

3: Cleanses your lungs:

A daily five minute practice morning and night of alternate nostril breathing is great way to remove stale air and impurities from the bottom of your lungs.

It wasn’t until I started reading the The Tao of Natural Breathing by Dennis Lewis that I discovered something I did not know. 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs.

4: Calms an agitated mind:

I’m prone to worrying.  A few minutes of focused alternate nostril breathing is helpful (for me) in calming my  “over thinking” mind.   The ancient yogis believe that if you can regulate your breath, then you can control your mind.

5: Merges the left “thinking” brain and right “feeling brain:

Alternate nostril breathing optimizes both sides of your brain so you can access your whole brain, and all the benefits that go with it.

The flip side of course is, single nostril breathing can be used to activate, just the left”thinking” or just right “feeling” side of your brain for specific situations.

Try it out next time you need to drive your car.  Cover your left nostril with your thumb and breathe only through your right nostril for one minute.  This should keep you more alert when driving.

6: Encourage a calmer emotional state:

In times of emotional distress and upset, a few rounds of mindful nostril breathing will soften the intensity of over reactive emotional states.  The longer you practice, the more stable your thinking, and the calmer your emotions will become.

7: Improves sleep:

If you can’t sleep at night lay on your right hand side, gently close your right nostril and breath through your left nostril. This will allow you to access the right hemisphere of your brain which is calming.

8: Great preparation for meditation:

Alternate nostril breathing is a simple little trick that can be practiced for a few minutes before you begin your meditation practice.  It’s a very easy way to help you find your meditation groove.

9: Soothes your nervous system:

By focusing on your breath and deepening it, your brain will register this message and trigger the parasympathetic nervous system.  You have effectively switched your nervous system from a stressed response, into a relaxation response.

Single left nostril breathing (by closing your right nostril) will direct the flow of oxygen and energy to the right hemisphere of your brain, allowing once again, for the parasympathetic nervous system to be switched on.  Gosh, your breath and nose is very clever.

10: Regulates  the cooling and warming cycles of the body:

Left nostril is feminine, nurturing, calm and cooling.  Right nostril is masculine, heat, competitive and force.  Favouring one nostril more than the other can effect the heat or coolness of your body.

11: Clears and boosts your energy channels:

Slightly forced alternate nostril breathing improves and directs the flow of energy throughout your body - preventing sluggishness.  It oxygenates your blood and allows the energy (prana) in your body to be strong and flowing.

12: Enhances rest and relaxation:

A restless mind cannot relax.  Alternate nostril breathing melts away an imbalances between the right and left hemisphere of your brain and calms your thinking.  This is perfect for helping you access rest and relaxation far more efficiently.

An Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise - Purifying Breath:

Step one:  Use right thumb to close off right nostril.

Step two: Inhale slowly through left nostril

Step three:  Pause for a second

Step four: Now close left nostril with ring finger and release thumb off right nostril

Step five:  Exhale through your right nostril

Step six: Now, inhale through right nostril

Step seven: Pause

Step eight:  Use thumb to close of right nostril

Step nine:   Breathe out through left nostril

Step ten: This is one round. Start slowly with 1 or 2 rounds and gradually increase.  Never force.

Sit quietly for a few moments after you have finished.

There are many, many different techniques of pranayama such as inhaling for 4, holding for 4 and exhaling for 4.

Caution:  Do not hold your breath if you have high blood pressure.  More advanced methods of pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) need to be practiced with an experienced practitioner.

Practising on an empty stomach is preferred.

Join me:  If you are keen to experience an afternoon of deep, deep rest and relaxation (and you live in Queensland, Australia) then join me at my any of my  upcoming “Slow Down Therapy” workshop.   Click here for more details.

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or catch up with me on facebook.

Subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free - Yeah! 

If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

10 breathing tips to grab on the run:

Shake off your afternoon slump:

Power at your finger tips with hand yoga:

The lazy way to dissolve your fatigue:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion.

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Body:

A complaining body, sluggish thinking, sore eyes, stiff back, rounded shoulders, clenched jaw, drooping head, collasped chest, frowning face and tight neck are all signs that your body is suffering from lack of movement, fatigue, heavy thinking and/or stress.

Shift those energies and feelings by trying some face yoga, relaxation moves, foot reflexogogy, deep breathing, some stretching, squatting or even a little tai chi without having to leave your desk.  Enjoy.

 Photo by Myyogaonline:

1.  Stick out your tongue:

This is a great 30 second yoga tune up called simhasana or lion pose.  It’s fabulous for releasing tension in your face muscles, neck and jaw, as well as improving blood flow to your face.  No promises, but it may even help with wrinkles.

Sit up straight, place your hands on your knees and spread your fingers extra wide.  Now open your mouth wide, stick out your tonuge, further, even further, and let out a huge roar or sigh.  Completely empty your lungs of air.

Feels great doesn’t it.  Watch out Gene Simmons.

2.  Relax your jaw muscles:

Keeping your lips soft (not pursed) and slightly apart, will help greatly, relax and release tension around your jaw, cheek muscles and lips.

I often catch myself clenching my jaw and teeth (from excess thinking) and have found by simply opening my mouth (ever so slightly - you can hardly tell) it helps unlock my jaw, and relax my jaw muscles. You can even turn up the corners of your lips, into a half smile, to encourage the muscles to relax and soften even more.

3.  Squat because it’s good for you:

A simple squatting pose will lengthen your spin and help relieve any strain in your back.  It’s also great for strengthening and improving the flexibility in your hips, thighs, knees and ankles.  After all, squatting is what nature intended us to do, and  not to sit in a chair all day long.

Here’s a 2 minute yoga squat pose video to watch.

4. Lift your chest and spread your collar bones:

Rounded shoulders, collapsed chest and drooping head can create all sorts of problems in your body, not too mention restricting blood flow to your brain.  A slumped sitting position can also trigger a depressed feeling.

As my yoga teacher would say your shoulders should be sitting over your hips and head sitting over shoulders.  Re-arrange your posture, lift your chin slightly up, relax the shoulders, lengthen your spine and raise your chest.

Exercise your lungs by inhaling and exhaling extra deeply, in slow motion.   Filling your lungs, upper chest and collar bone area with extra air, will help open up and expand your lungs, release tension from your shoulders, open your heart and encourage you to sit healthier.

5. Face yoga:

Stress and tension held in your face, restricts blood flow and nutrients getting to your face.  Tension starting in your face can and will eventually spread down into your neck and shoulders.  So, please don’t underestimate the importance of exercising your facial muscles.

Face scrunch: Inhale through your nose, clench your fists and squeeze all your facial muscles tightly.  Now exhale and release your hands and let all then facial tension go with a releasing sigh.

Pinch your cheeks:  Improve the circulation to your face by pinching and pulling your cheek muscles.

Cheek puff: Fill one of your cheeks with air and then transfer the air from one cheek to the other.

You might also be interested in this great short video on cheek push ups.

6. Body twist:

I love body twists. They squeeze your organs helping them release toxicity, whilst massaging the muscles up and down the spine at the same time.  Sometimes I just can’t quite believe how stiff my spine can get and a body twist can certainly loosen it up.

1. Sit in your chair (shoes off)
2. Cross your right leg over your left knee (as in the picture above)
3. Take your left hand over your right knee and twist to the right
4. Breathe into your spine and gentler move into a deeper twist with your exhale
5. Repeat for 4 or 5 breathes
6. Now switch to the other side. Left leg over right knee. Right hand over left leg.
7. If your right legs on top, you are twisting to the right
8. If your left leg is on top, you are twisting to the left

* Great 1 minute video for a spinal twist in a chair.

7. Wall push up’s:

This is a simple idea that I picked up from Jennifer Jefferies at one of her workshops.   Give your upper body muscles some exercise by taking a five minute “body break” from the key board. Stand about arms length away from the wall and press your hands against the wall - at shoulder width.  Now off you go. Twenty wall push ups, one, two, three.

You may also want to check out Jennifer’s  Move Your Body Mouse Pad

8.  Relieve shoulder tension with finger dancing:

Dance your fingers happily up and down along the top of your shoulders. It’s a bit like playing the piano as your fingers pitter patter along any tension held in your shoulder muscles and up along the sides of your neck. This will increase blood flow and bring awareness into your shoulder area giving you the opportunity to drop your shoulders and spread and relax your shoulder blades.

9.  Give your feet marbles:

This little trick is like a mini reflexology session. Take off your shoes and place a golf, ping pong or smallish ball under the arch of your foot. Now roll the ball around, as it massages the bottom of your foot.

There are pressure points in your feet which relate to specific organs in your body so in effect your whole body is getting a work out. For a deeper massage you can stand.

Alternately fill a small box with marbles. Roll your bare feet over the marbles -  enjoy the bliss that follows. A couple of drops of the essential oil peppermint sprinkled over the marbles is very soothing for your feet.

10. Grab a can of food:

Another great suggestion from Jennifer Jefferies.

Take a two minute body break by grabbing a can of unopened tinned food. Grab the can with your left hand, now keep the elbow and top of your arm close to the side of your body - whilst pulling the can up towards your shoulder and then dropping back down towards the ground again. Repeat as often as you like, then switch sides.

11.  Inhale to oxygenate - Exhale to detox and eliminate:

Breathing is not just for your lungs, its for your whole body.  Rapid thinking and rapid breathing can stress and overstimulate your body. Calm and deepen your breathing, and your mind and body will follow - guaranteed.  It’s always a good idea to check the depth of your inhale and make sure it reaches all the way down to your belly. Don’t squeeze your belly as this will restrict your oxygen intake.  Keep your belly soft and open.

Spending longer on your exhale will remove old, stuck or stagnant carbon dioxide from the very bottom of your lungs, along with toxic bi-products the body has produced. Belly breathing is one of the healthiest and most rejuvenating breathing habits you can cultivate.

* Clever things to know about your breathing:

12.  Eye yoga:

Years ago I found a great series of eye exercises from Deepak Chopra which I’m sure you will love, and happy to share with you now.

Look straight up into the ceiling with your eyes (not your head), then move them to the right looking as far as your eyes can reach then move your eyes down, as far as they will go, then across to the left.

First start in clockwise direction then repeat in an anti clockwise direction. I personally feel this is an interesting exercise to do as you soon realize how little movement your eyes are often given when sitting in front of your computer or at your desk.

13.  Improve your thinking, hydrate your brain:

Drink water.  The brain is the first place in the body to become dehydrated.  Drinking water regularly not only hydrates your organs, it detoxifies your body and improves your concentration. Dehydration clouds your thinking. At least two litres of water per day is the recommended dose. If you find it difficult t drink 2 litres a day then try eating your water with fruit.

* 10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated

14.  Snack happy:

Keep your body happy by snacking on foods that fuel your body with all the good stuff it deserves.   A small handful of raw almonds offer protein and a good dose of the stress relieving mineral of magnesium. I often have raw natural almonds, dried figs and dates as a snack on the go.  Alternately try your hand at making your own bliss balls.  Yum.

* Snack happy bliss balls

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Womens Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

Subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free - Yeah! 

If you enjoyed this article  I’d really appreciate  a stumble:

More articles:

Super easy one minute daily detox rituals:

Boost your energy now:

Happiness is going a little bit greener every day:

10 inspiring Confucius quotes to grab on the run:

6 excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion.

Rejuvenate Your Body:

Every so often the internet buzzes with a new “cure all”, right now oil pulling is the thing. So what is it? And should you be doing it?

Oil pulling comes from Ayurveda where rinsing the mouth with oil is recommended for keeping teeth and gums healthy.

 Photo by soylentgreen’s 23

Why You Might Want To Try It:

If you want white healthy teeth forget harsh oral bleach and get yourself some sesame oil (not the toasted type, just plain cold pressed oil and organic if possible). By using the sesame oil as a mouthwash you can improve the health of your gums and teeth and help detox the upper part of your digestive system.

Earth Clinic gives details on the benefits of oil pulling and recommends using sesame or sunflower oil for detox benefits. Since Ayurveda favours sesame oil for oral health and as an antidote to the drying effects that ageing has on the body, that’s what I use and recommend.

How to Try Oil Pullling For Yourself:

First thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, take a small measuring cup and measure about 15ml of sesame oil. Pour the oil into your mouth, like you would a mouth wash, and begin moving it around, drawing it repeatedly between your teeth and making a chewing action with your teeth and jaws.

Keep actively working the oil around your mouth for a minimum of 5-10 minutes. Longer is better if you can. After 10-15 minutes the oil will become thin and white as it emulsifies with your saliva.

Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water and clean your teeth using a small amount of natural toothpaste. If you want to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper you will thoroughly remove toxins from its surface and stimulate your digestive system too.

If morning times are busy for you, you could practice oil pulling while showering, or doing other morning activities, so it doesn’t add minutes to your routine.

Bed Time Brush Up:

Ayurveda recommends massaging the gums with sesame oil before going to bed to prevent or help receding gums. For a quick night time boost to your oral health, you could pour a little oil onto the bristles of an electric toothbrush and then massage around your gums and over the surface of your teeth. For maximum benefit don’t rinse afterwards, just leave the oil residue in your mouth to work while you rest. It’s not unpleasant and makes your mouth feel very clean.

Sesame oil works as a great natural lip salve too, dip your finger into a small amount and rub it gently into your lips morning and night to protect them from chapping.

While the oil’s out why not spend a couple more minutes really looking after yourself?

Sesame Oil De-stress Routine:

To ease anxiety and improve sleep pour a little oil into the palm of your hand and massage into your forehead and temples. Rubbing warm sesame oil into the area between your eyebrows in slow gentle circles is particularly good for calming your mind and improving the quality of sleep.

Finally use a little more oil and massage it into your feet. Work up and down the instep to release tension from your spine, and across the soles of your feet to relax tension and help you feel grounded as you settle down to rest.

If you’re worried about getting oil on your bed linen you could sleep with cotton socks on which will also help keep your feet warm and draw tension from your head down into your lower body.

Note from Carole: I’ve just started oil pulling this week, I was originally going to use coconut oil as its made a huge difference to my face but I decided to go sesame oil after reading Ananga’s article and reading more information over at Earth Clinic.  Let me know what you think.

This is a guest post written by the gorgeous, Ananga Sivyar from Living By Design: Ananga is Anti-stress campaigner, maker of music for meditation, writer and calm coach. I can highly recommend Ananga music, she even has some free downloads over at her site.

You are welcome to come back and visit the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily Rejuvenation Tips over at twitter.

Subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free:

If you enjoyed this article then I’d really appreciate a stumble:

More articles:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

5 simple and cheap ways to detox your body naturally:

Attract more positive energy today:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Body:

Stress is contagious and secondhand stress is everywhere. You’ll find it on the TV, in the media, at work, driving in your car, on the other end of the phone, with friends or even at home.

Being in close vicinity, or even on the receiving end of friends, family, work colleagues or others, that are constantly stressed out, will eventually, (if you are not careful) trigger stress in you. Often it can happen in a split second, particularly if you are tired or run down.

Photo by BrittneBush:

Whilst you can’t avoid secondhand stress altogether, you can certainly protect yourself by remembering a few simple tricks to keep the shock waves of stress at a very healthy distance.

Protect Yourself From Second Hand Stress:

1: Breathe change into any situation:

Number one rule, stop holding your breath when confronted with stress. Remember to breathe.

A great tip I learnt many years ago was to spend longer on my exhales when in a stressful situation. A longer exhale (particularly from your belly) sedates your nervous system, relaxes your stomach and calms your thinking.  I know when my stomach is tight, my body is anxious. Keeping my stomach soft helps greatly at keeping second stress from agitating me.

If confronted face to face with stress, picture in your minds eye the other persons stress flowing away from you, with each one of your exhales.   You can still listen compassionately (if you choose) but energetically you are exhaling the second hand stress away.

2: Ground and centre yourself:

Breathing into your feet for a few minutes, can help ground you, when exposed to second hand stress.  When grounded you are less likely to be thrown off balance (with someone else’s stress), as you feel calmer and more centred on the inside.

Think of your feet more often, walk barefoot or massage your toes and feet, all help ground your energies.  Remembering to eat and drink water often also greatly helps ground your energies.  Fruit is very cleansing but not very grounding so eat something a little more solid.

3: Practice a daily restful habit:

The more grounded and centred you are the less likely external situations will influence you.  Ridding your body regularly of stress and tension through either meditation, yoga nidra or being in nature helps strengthen your inner core.

My personal favourite form of deep, deep rest at the moment is yoga nidra (conscious sleeping). Yoga nidra is a very healing state for the body to rest in.   It allows you to unburden totally and is considered deeper than sleep. It sooths your nervous system and balances your endrocrine system.  Grab yourself a yoga nidra CD and practice regularly.  The calmer and stronger your inner core the more resistance you’ll have to second hand stress.

4: Trust your instincts:

Trust your first “gut instincts” when confronted with second hand stress. If you are getting the urge to walk away, then trust that urge and walk away gracefully.  If your instincts tell you, this person needs your support then be there for them whilst being mindful of breathing at the same time.

Don’t let other people’s voices, opinions and stresses drown out your own gut instincts.

5: Remove the second hand stress:

If you are open, then please try some vibrational medicines. Bach’s Rescue Remedy and  Australian Bush Flower Essences have an Emergency Essence, both are great at clearing the stress.   Passionflower (herbal medicine) my favourite herbal sedative is great for calming your nervous system.

A space clearing mist is fabulous for cleansing any stress or tension from the amtosphere of a room, office or car.

Three potent herbal sedatives:

On finishing, I’d just like to add that if you are run down and exhausted ,you are more likely to become a victim of second hand stress. Making your health and wellbeing a priority goes a long way in protecting you.

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

Subscribe To My Articles by Email - It’s free:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.

More articles you may like:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

Boost your energy now:

3 potent natural herbal sedatives:

An awesome shake that soothes your nerves:

Limit yourself to toxic people

100 wise tips to feel better fast:

Relax and unwind with a yoga eye pillow: 

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Book Review:

“In our changing world meditation teaches our children to use their minds without external stimulation” Amy Hamilton

A few years back I was keen to introduce meditation to my two younger boys.  Not knowing where to start, I began researching and found a wonderful expert, author and teacher by the name of Amy Hamilton.

I borrowed a copy of Amy’s book from our local library and loved it.  The book is called Indigo Dreaming and includes 49 wonderful meditations especially for children.

 Photo by Eddi 07

“When you calm your body & your emotions, you restore yourself, and restore peace to the world around you.”  Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh

Each night as part of my boys bedtime routine I would read a different meditation.  I kept it short and sweet, no more than around 5 minutes, although some nights my boys asked for more. At the time my boys were 8 and 10.

A guided meditation has so many wonderful benefits.  It activates their imagination, teaches them relaxation skills, better equips them for stress, engages all their senses, gives them a positive experience and encourages a better nights sleep.

I followed Amy’s advice and allowed my boys to participate in the meditation (rather than trying to keep them quiet).  Jack my youngest would always like to comment and modify the mediation as he went along.  If he preferred doing something different such as imagining himself lying down rather than sitting, then I let him. Keeping it flexible I think was an important key.  Most of the time his eyes were closed.

When I interviewed Amy here is what she had to share about introducing meditation to children. I hope you find her advice as helpful, and as practical, as I did. Enjoy.

Amy’s Guidelines For Introducing Meditation To Children:

Be patient and don’t set your expectations too high (thinking that you will have your children sitting or lying perfectly still) like any new skill, meditation takes practice.

1. Don’t expect too much at the start
2. Be relaxed and calm yourself
3. Keep your language and instructions simple
4. Let them participate voluntarily
5. Make it fun and enjoyable
6. Explain to your children how good it is for them-they love hearing that it improves memory, helps them to concentrate etc
7. I always tell children it is like exercising their brain

Meditations for Children

Cater for all learning styles in each meditation:

Some children are visual learners. This means they will relate better to the meditation if there is a good description of what the pyramid looks like in their minds eye.

Some children are kinesthetic learners which means they would need to know what it feels like inside the pyramid.

Some children are auditory learners which means they respond well to words and sounds. A guided meditation is perfect for them.

All of  Amy’s 49 guided meditations cater perfectly for all learning styles. This makes it very easy for the meditation to speak to your child in their special way of learning.

Appeal to your children’s imagination:

An important ingredient, I believe, is to choose only those meditations which you know will capture your child’s imagination. What works for one child may not work for another.

I personally found my youngest son kept coming back to the same 3 or 4 meditations each night from Amy’s books, despite the fact there were 49 different meditations to choose from.

Make it fun and short:

Following is a brief version of the magic pyramid, a wonderful meditation from Amy’s book.  It’s my youngest sons favourite. It usually takes anywhere between 3 - 5 minutes which seems to be the perfect amount of time.

You imagine yourself sitting inside a pyramid. The air inside is warm you feel very calm and relaxed and there is no sound. You breathe in and out and feel the quiet in your body. Feel the quiet spread with each breathe until it fills the whole pyramid. It is serene and still. You say in your mind I am quiet ……. I am quiet………I am quiet.

Some of the meditations titles in Amy’s book Indigo Dreaming:

Sleeping cloak  -  Affirmation box - Bubble bath - Circle of light - Clouds - Crystal bed - Snow city - Shining star - Super hero - Tree house - Secret cave - Wizards Potion.

I have no hesitation in personally recommending  Amy Hamilton’s Indigo Dreaming book or CD if you are interested in introducing meditation to your children.

If you would like to become a  childrens meditation facilitator then Amy has recommend Sarah Wood Vallely from America.  There is a link given below in more resources.  I’m even thinking about doing myself as its offered as a tele-course, making it very accessible no matter what part of the world you are from.

More resources:

Indigo Dreaming: A Book of Meditations for Children buy from Amazon

Indigo Dreaming: Meditations for Children audio CD buy from Amazon

Indigo Kidz’s: Amy Hamiltons web site

Sarah Wood Vallely  Children’s Meditation Facilitator training

The fanastic five: Core meditation techniques for parents by Sarah Wood Vallely

A selection of articles about meditation and children:

Last months book review:

Walking meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

My inspirational reading list.

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

Subscribe To My Articles by Email - It’s free:

Similar articles:

Four ideas for minimizing your teens stress:

Top three fears facing teens today:

Walking meditation:

100 wise tips to feel better fast:

Relax and unwind with a yoga eye pillow: 

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog. I love writing it.

Editor of  Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Monthly Feature: Rejuvenation Tips To Grab On The Run:

Follow My Rejuvenation Tips On Twitter:

My monthly rejuvenation tips are intended to be a quick reminder (at a glance) for you stop, slow down, fuel your body, eat for energy, calm your breathing, soothe your nervous system, relax your shoulders, lose the frown, have a big stretch, spend some time alone, empty your head or grab a good dose of inspiration.

All tips come from my twitter account, so they are short, sweet and straight to the point.  The awesome tips are wisdoms I have learnt over the past 20 years from Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine along with yoga and meditation. Enjoy.

 Photo by carf’s

100 Rejuvenation Tips To Restore Your Well-Being: 

1: Be kinder to your intuition: Don’t let other people’s opinions and judgments drown out your own voice. Give your intuition a louder voice. Stay true to you.

2: De-stress: Place both hands on your heart. Breath in and out from your heart for 10 seconds. This will allow you to disconnect from any drama and come back to your center. 

3: My personal top 5 health tips: Breath into your belly, drink plenty of water, move, eat for energy and meditate. 

4: Yoga detox tea:   1/4 tsp coriander seeds, 1/4 tsp of cummin seeds and 1/4tsp of fennel seeds. Mix with 1.5 litres of hot water.  Sip throughout the day. (Note: This recipe was given to me by my Ayurvedic practitioner. I make this tea in my thermos each morning, so I can carry it everywhere with me)

5: Focus on relaxing all  parts of your head:  It will trigger the rest of your body to follow.  Soften and relax your forehead, eyeballs, teeth, cheek muscles, tongue and jaw.  Read: The lazy way to dissolve your fatigue

6: Cancel a complaining thought: Each time you catch yourself complaining, spend thirty seconds focusing on the opposite and increase your ratio between helpful and unhelpful thoughts.

7: Sleep Better: Let your bedroom breathe. Simplify with less busyness, less furniture, less storage, less ornaments & less nick knacks

8: Slow yourself down:  Start listening to your thoughts in slow motion.

9: Stop wasting energy on other people’s business:  Remember Byron Katie’s rule - There are 3 types of business. Your business, other peoples business and god’s business. Stick to your own business.

10: Sip hot water:  It removes toxins, has a hormone balancing effect and warms your digestive organs.

11: Tension buster: Take a deep breath in, open your mouth, stick out your tongue, now ‘let it all go” by saying aaaah! Feel the release from your jaw, neck and face muscles.

12: Be Kinder To You: Think kinder thoughts about yourself. Eat foods that are kinder to your body and allow yourself to rest.

13:  Take a chill pill: Close and soften your eyes, relax your tongue, unlock your jaw, now cup your hands over your ears, and listen to the sounds of the ocean playing inside your head.

14:  Sedate your nerves with music: Dr. Emoto shares, that by listening to the Blue Danube, it will nourish your central nervous system:  Read more about it here: http://tinyurl.com/5uz4gf  

15:  Soak your tension away: Treat yourself to a healing bath: I cup of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) added to your bath water will relax your nervous system, draw out toxins, relax muscles and even reduce swelling. 

16:  Un-hunch shoulders: Hunched shoulders block the flow of blood to your brain, hold in stress and can restrict your breathing. Un-hunch your shoulders and feel your neck and spine lengthen.

17: Stop holding stress in your face: Are you frowning, squinting, clenching teeth or have a tense jaw?  Then smile, and let all that worry, stress and tension go.

18: Headache buster: Hold this finger yoga posture for 3 - 6 minutes. Join the tips of your thumb, index and middle finger. Fold your ring finger into the base of your thumb. Extend your little finger. Relax hands on top of your knees.

19: De-stress your eyes: Try some Chinese acupressure.  Place your thumb and first finger, either side of the top of your nose, where your eye brows start. Close your eyes and hold firm pressure for a few minutes.

20: Calm yourself before bed: Dab the essential oil “vetiver’ onto the souls of your feet. Vetiver has a grounding and soothing effect on your nervous system.

21:  Eat your water: Fruit is 90% water.  Grapes and oranges can be as high as 98%  water content.

22: Natures sports drink: Watermelon, cucumber, honeydew and cantaloupe are an excellent sources of water, sugar and electrolytes.  Alternately here’s a  homemade organic sports drink recipe from Dr Nicole Sundene

23: Add a slice of lemon:  In case you get bored with the taste of water add a slice of lemon or lime. Studies have shown that children drink 45% more water when flavoured.

24:  Is your stuff draining your energy? Your stuff can be a burden, suck your time, money, energy and consume your focus (more than you think). Less is best.

25: Check in with your body:   If you are too busy living “in your head” you can easily forget about the basic needs of your body.  Stop, breath and ask your body if its thirty, hungry, needs a stretch or walk.

26: Dehydration facts: A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy thinking. Lack of water is the number one reason for day time fatigue.   

27: The power of water:  Water is essential for carrying waste material out of the body. It’s involved in nearly every bodily process including digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion.  It’s vital in transporting nutrients throughout the body.

28: Boost the Qi in your home: Cleanse arguments, sickness and stagnant energy with a sage smudge stick. (Note: I have personally used white sage now successfully for over 20 years)

29:   Suffering from overeating. Kneel in-between your heels with hands on your lap for 10 minutes. This yoga pose is called virasana. Use a blanket to sit on or for your knees, if you need too. 

30: Carry a water bottle: One of the simplest ways to keep a fresh supply of water flowing throughout your muscles, blood, brain and bones is to carry a water bottle everywhere with you.

31:  A Simple Meditation:  Breath in through your nose and tell your mind to stay focused on your breath.

32:   Is your back aching? Try  a yoga pose called, legs-up-wall, for 10 minutes. Its also great if you have been standing for too long: http://tinyurl.com/5b8rma

33: Lose the frown:  All it takes is less than 30 seconds to turn a frown into a smile.

34:  Touch is healing:  Ayurvedic medicine believes a daily self massage offers many well-being benefits to your body and mind.  Read more: You deserve a daily self massage.

35:  Start with an easy meditation style:  Try the very enjoyable walking meditation.

36:  Tests have shown that meditation can be more effective than a nap in improving performance and concentration.

37: Strengthen Your Focus: A daily meditation break, sharpens your concentration powers. Focus on your breath, a word or mantra for 5 minutes and notice the difference.

38: Remember to breath: On an average we have 26,000 breaths a day. How many are you aware of ?

39:  “Time a stick of incense. Once you know how long it takes to burn, you can use it to determine the lengths of your meditation sessions” Helen Tworkov

40:  Chinese acupressure tip for constipation:  Massage your index finger from its tip right down to the base. If you have diarrhea then massage from its base up to the tip: (Note:You are stimulating the meridans by using your fingers. A positive effect should be felt after several minutes)

41: Try the Bon Jovi Yoga chant: Sanskrit chants are awesome but this one is so full of joy and fun http://tinyurl…

42: Have your feet touched grass today? Many people feeling scattered have not touched any grass, earth or sand in days with their feet - only concrete and floors.

43. Strengthen your immune system: Laughter really is the best medicine. Visit the Mumbai yoga laughter club just for a minute. http://tinyurl.com/3a9bkq

44. Flick off other peoples stresses: Carry a piece of the crystal smoky quartz in your pocket or handbag. It will help absorb negativity.

45. Hand Yoga for Patience: Place the tip of the middle finger onto the tip of the thumb. It creates a flow of energy which promotes patience.

46. Eating water is better than drinking it: Water content of most fruit and vegetables is over 90%. Grapes and oranges can be as high as 98%

47. Stress Relief: It’s proven scientifically, playing the Blue Danube will nourish your central nervous system:http://tinyurl…

48. Conscious Breathing: Breathing in “I am calm”, breathing out “I soften” Repeat to the rhythm of your breath.

49. Instant Chilling Out: Inhale for 3-5 seconds then exhale for 3-5 seconds through your nose. Drop your shoulders then open your heart. Allow.

50. Enter your day consciously while still lying in bed and set the tone for your day.  Try some wake up yoga in bed:http://tinyurl.com/5z6m9s

51: Reduce caffeine intake: Swap one cup of tea or coffee a day for a delicious mug of miso soup. It is highly nutritious and can be made in an instant.

52:  “Life is like a mirror, you get the best results when you smile at it” Unknown

53: Strengthen your boundaries: Love yourself enough to say no to others’ demands on your time and energy. Stop, step back & reassess the situation.

54: Appreciate your hands: Your hands are a mirror for your body. Massage your fingers, joints, palms and back of hand for 5 minutes and your organs and body will benefit.

55: It’s time to turn your back to the world: Rest your heart, dissolve your worries and calm your nervous system with this simple yoga pose. http://tinyurl.com/6gcegc

56: Deep breathers tend to live longer: They are generally healthier and more relaxed. Take three deep, gentle slow breaths right now. Never force.

57: Breath is the movement of thought: Relaxed breathing equals calm thoughts.  Short quick breathing equals busy thoughts. 

58: Four great reasons to eat kiwi fruit: More potassium than a banana, 240% of daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, potent source of Vitamin E and low in fat

59: There are 11 different kinds of breathing: Noisy/quiet, fast/slow, regular/irregular, jerky/smooth, deep/shallow, mouth/nose, forced/effortless, high/middle/low etc.

60. Be kinder to yourself:  Think kinder thoughts about yourself.  Eat foods that are kinder to your body.  Allow yourself to rest.  

61. Invite serenity: Make a fist with your hands, wrap fingers over thumbs. The tighter you squeeze your thumbs the deeper & calmer your breath will be and the quieter your mind will become.

62. ” Smile, breathe and go slowly” by Thich Nhat Hanh

63. Breathing wisdom: Don’t pull your stomach in when you inhale as it reduces your oxygen intake. Your abdomen should expand and soften with each inhale.

64. “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it” Confucius

65. Is the way you are breathing making you sick or stealing your energy? Take a free breathing test now: 

66. Quality belly breathing: Gently place hands on your belly. You should be able to feel it soften, rise and expand with each inhale.

67.  Improve your sleep: Clear the clutter from under your bed, remove all electrical gadgets, computers, exercise equipment and work papers.

68. Inspirational quote: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” Confucius

69. Smile into your organs. It’s very healing to smile into your heart, then smile into your liver, kidneys and lungs.

70. Dissolve anger:  Breathe into your liver and feel the anger dissolve anger with each exhale.

71:  Adjust the speed of your day:  Take some time out and notice if you are rushing. Go for a walk or use your breath to slow yourself down.

72: Do nothing for 30 seconds. Put some space between you and your hectic schedule

73: Tranquilize yourself:  Slow your breathing down.  Breathing deeply into your belly, through your nose will calm your nervous system.  Your breath is a great tool for relaxation:

74: Zen eating: Enjoy the benefits of eating sitting down in a quiet space.. Walk away from your computer, turn off the TV and don’t read or talk.  Feel the difference.

75:  Stop regularly and notice the bigger picture of life. Pause, breath, feel your body and observe what you see, hear, touch, taste and smell around you.

76: Reward your body: Five minutes in a relaxing and very easy yoga pose will reduce fatigue, tension and lower blood pressure: http://tinyurl.com/54v6t3   All you need is a floor, blanket and an eye bag

77:  Calm yourself down: Close your eyes. The eyes are linked to your nervous system. By softening your eyes you can trigger the relaxation of your entire body.

78: Push away negativity and stress: Spend longer on your exhales and give yourself some much needed space.

79: Swap the butter on your toast for tahini, avocado or nut paste. I mix my tahini with local bush honey. Tahini is sesame seed paste packed with lots of good stuff

80:  Are you stressed? Check your face. Are you frowning, squinting, clenching teeth, jaw or pursing lips? Smile, breath and relax your face muscles.

81: Start 3 green habits today: Switch your plastic coat hangers to bamboo, switch plastic storage containers for glass and  switch plastic pegs for wooden.

82: Push away the flu: Repeat the mantra: “Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”.  Feed your body with healthy thoughts not fear.

83:  Have you been way too serious lately? Go ahead, be spontaneous? Start skipping, eat ice cream for breakfast or hug the next person you see. 

84: Notice your full breath cycle:  Experience the slight pause at the end of each exhale and before your next inhale begins.

85: Be kinder to your sleep. Your bedroom is not a multi purpose room. Calm, relax and de-stress its energy  http://tinyurl.com/5t9qlq

86:  Be kinder to your nervous system: Calm your nervous system regular by allowing 2 minute “priority you” time every hour.  Stop, breath and rest.

87:  Be kinder to your eyes: Don’t stare for hours at a screen. Give your eyes healthy doses of natural light, sunshine and movement(other than staring). Also treat your eyes to deep rest with a yoga eye pillow.

88: Stop holding your breath: It reduces oxygen flow to your body and tightens your chest, face, jaw and throat. Remember to breath.

89: Invite more pleasure: Treat yourself to a chocolate facial.  Organic cacao powder is extremely high in magnesium which an excellent stress protector.

90:  Protect yourself from other people’s stresses:  Pop a piece of smoky quartz or black tourmaline in your bra: http://tinyurl.com/5be5gt

91: Hug therapy: 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, 12 hugs a day for growth:

92: Toe hugs are “in”. Whilst at your computer, grab your foot & place your fingers in between your toes. Now hug, stretch and wiggle your toes and foot.

93:  Get unstuck: Always keep a copy of your favorite inspirational book close by. Open randomly and read a few paragraphs to bring relief to your current situation

94: Hug wisdom: Hugs lasting over 20 seconds create more trust.

95: Slow yourself down: Focus your mind on just one thing/object for the next 30 seconds. A calm mind can focus, a rushed mind cannot. 

96: Avoid toxic people:  Do your best to limit yourself to people who love drama and gossip, particularly when you are feeling fragile and exhausted.

97: Lift your worries with a Buddhist kindness prayer:   “May I be free of worry, May I be well, May I feel safe and at ease, May I be at peace”

98: Linger longer in a hug. A hug fuels your heart with all the good stuff and nourishes your sense of touch. Feel the healing power of a hug.

99: Buy a tongue scraper:  Scrape tongue 6 times first thing in the morning  to remove the toxins and bacteria that has formed on your tongue overnight.

100: “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.”  Confucius

Thanks for reading my post.  Carole

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

Stumble. if you liked this article.  Thanks:

 Subscribe To My Articles by Email - It’s free:

More posts:

7 deadly sins to work life balance:

11 rules for being human:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

15 essential things to know about your breathing:

10 Confucius tips to grab on the run:

How to focus on one thing at a time:

Clever tips for a great nights sleep:

Boost your energy now:

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

“You haven’t lost your smile, its right there under your nose. You just forgot” Unknown

Smiling is a very impressive function of the human body, that, when used often, can trigger a huge range of well-being benefits for your body, mind and soul.  The best part is its absolutely contagious.  Simply take a look at the photo below, and if that doesn’t bring a smile to your face nothing will.

 Photo by Ferdinand Reus:

Increase Your Daily Quota Of Smiles:

It’s very hard to feel stressed, angry or worried when you are smiling - even if you are faking it.  Research shows that a smile can change your mood, release tension (particularly in your jaw and neck), help you stay positive, boost your immune system, comfort another person, help you relax and even make you look younger.

I’m super keen to enroll in an upcoming Laughter Yoga workshop, which is what inspired me in the first place to go off and research the benefits of smiling and laughter.  When you think about it, life is meant to be simple, and you can’t get any simpler than smiling and laughing more often to improve your over all well-being.

So, to inspire you to smile more often, whilst keeping it simple, here’s some fabulous quotes on smiling that I’m trusting will encourage you to increase your daily quota of smiles.

14 Quotes On Smiling To Lift Your Spirits:

My favourite is from William Shakespeare  “A smile cures the wounding of a frown”

1: “Smile! If you can’t lift the corners, let the middle sag” Unknown

2:  “The world always looks brighter from behind a smile”  Unknown

3:  “Wrinkles merely indicate where smiles have been”  Mark Twain

4:  “Everyone smiles in the same language” Unknown

5:  “The shortest distance between two people is a smile”  Unknown

6: “A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks” Charles Gordy

7:  “A smile is something you can’t give away, it always comes back to you ” Unknown

8:  “It takes a lot of work from the face to let out a smile, but just think of all the good a smile can bring to the most important muscle of your body - the heart”  Unknown

9: Deepak Chopra says “The healthiest response to life is laughter” 

10: “Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available” Jim Beggs

11: “Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it” Unknown

12: “Wear a smile and have friends, wear a scowl and have wrinkles” by George Eliot

13: He who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger” Japanese Proverb

14: “A smile cures the wounding of a frown”  William Shakespeare

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

Subscribe To My Articles by Email - It’s free:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.

Rejuvenate Your Life and Subscribe To My Articles by Email - It’s free:

More posts:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

Boost your energy now:

10 Inspiring Confucius quotes to grab on the run:

Attract more positive energy:

How to focus on one thing at a time:

Click here to read a sample lesson:

These wonderful quotes were collected from a variety of web sites:

Smiley Collector:

Quote garden:

Quotes daddy:

Editor of  Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Soul: 

“What you focus on expands”

The more positive energy you are exposed to throughout your day the healthier and happier you will feel.  What you see, hear, feel, taste, touch, experience and think about - all contributes to your overall energy well-being.

Your energy is the most important thing in the world.  That’s why its essential to value your energy and be proactive in rejuvenating yourself with regular doses of positive energy, wherever, and whenever you can.

The flip side of course is, to pay close attention to energy drains from  people, places, situations, media, gadgets, foods and thoughts, and reduce your exposure to them.  A little bit of energy cleansing in your home wouldn’t go astray either.

Strengthening your energy well-being is a life skill well worth cultivating.

 Photo by Krypto:

I have been studying, and very mindful of energy, for over 20 years now.  My first in depth experience was in Hawaii studying the ancient Hawaiin  healing philosophy of Huna around 18 years ago, where we placed more importance on the unseen, rather than the seen.

It was after this adventure that I continued to study many other ancient cultures, and explored their ancient wisdoms about energy, some of which include Prana from India with Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, meditation and Vatsu Shastra and Qi from China with traditional Feng Shui,  Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

They all have taught me the same thing.  To take responsibility for my own energy well being, and to nurture, strengthen and grow my own Prana, Qi, Mana or energy (whatever you want to call it) as much as possible.

17 Way To Culitivate Positive Energy: 

Anything that grows your feeling of well-being is a positive energy.  Some suggestions are very subtle like the food you eat, whilst others are very obvious such as friends that leave you feeling great.

I trust one or more of my suggestions below speak to you, and in turn, inspire you to care for, and nurture your energy well-being just a little bit more than you did yesterday.

1: Stop eating anger food:

Deep fried, fatty, oily, heavily processed food puts stress on your liver, and the liver in Chinese Medicine is the organ that houses anger. Eat mindfully and notice the feeling your food gives you.

All ancient cultures place a great deal of importance on food, the preparation and cooking of, your state of mind at the time of cooking and honouring the food gods. Preparing a meal with love is one of the greatest gifts we can all give our families and friends.

“Eat with love, what’s grown with love, prepared with love, and served with love”  Maureen Whitehouse

2: Eat food that smiles:

If fruit and vegetables could smile, I’m guessing organic and farmers market produce would all be smiling.

Whilst I can’t afford organic all the time, I always buy lots of fruit and vegetables at our local farmers market.  The food has not traveled for hours in semi trailers, spent days in warehouses and then shipped off to supermarkets. The produce has had minimum interference, and I believe, the next best thing to growing it yourself.

Dead, tinned and over processed food does not smile.

3: Hang out with friends that grow your positivity:

Its worth taking note which of your friends leave you feeling inspired and energized or drained and depleted (most of the time). As we usually have such an emotional connection to our friends they can greatly alter our own personal energy well-being.

After 10 years or so, I now have great friends who continually boost my energy well-being, well at least 95% of the time.  Naturally there are times when we all experience low moments and that’s when true friendship can really shine.  A balanced energy exchange is the ultimate aim of any friendship.

4: Marinate for a day in positive energy:

From this day forward treat yourself to one whole day (once a month is a good start) that is filled with nothing but positive energy experiences to restore your energy well-being.  Treat yourself to simple pleasures, that bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Hang out with friends that make you laugh, books that inspire you, cafes that make the best coffees in the world and eat lots of yummy healthy food. Heh, why not treat yourself to an all organic day.

Avoid TV, newspapers, hectic places, junk food, trashy magazines, conflict and friends who gossip.  Turn yourself off from technology for one day.

5: Smell your way to positivity:

Aromatherapy can uplift the energy in a room and/or trigger positive thoughts and feelings.  A few quick dabs onto your wrist, or into an oil burner with one or more of your favourite essential oils, can boost your mood and uplift your spirits.

Ylang, Ylang is a feminine energy that brings peace love and tenderness. Lemon uplifts you emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

I personally have not used perfume for over 20 years, and have chosen to use essential oils as the alternate.  Pure rose oil is my favourite, it is the highest vibration of all essential oils and simply makes me feel wonderful.

6: Pack energy protection into your hand bag:

Bach’s Rescue Remedy is often called Yoga in a bottle.  The equivalent here in Australia is Australia Bush Flower Emergency Essence and both are exceptional in dissolving any stress and negative energies that you may have absorbed.

They can be taken orally as drops or sprayed under your tongue. If you find yourself in a very negative situation you can take a dose every half an hour until you feel back to normal.  Most good health food stores will sell Rescue Remedy and Emergency Essence.

7: Colour therapy:

Research continually points to bright colours  being a mood enhancer, and having a positive influence on your day. Red will give you a boost of energy and stimulate your immune system.  Blue is tranquil and peaceful.  Yellow lifts your spirits and offers you a positive feeling.

Colours worn close to your skin will have the most influence over your senses, nervous system and mood, so pay particular attention to the colour of your clothes, bed linen and underwear.  Yes, wearing yellow underwear will have you feeling great all day.

Change your underwear, change your mood:

8: Renew:

Spend time alone.

Being still and resting in silence is one of the most healing and restorative practices you can do.  All ancient cultures value silence, stillness and the breath as a way of cultivating positive energy.

Walking meditation:

How to focus on one thing at a time:

9: Read your way to positivity:

Let your eyes and mind feast on words that inspire and uplift your thoughts.  Stay clear of toxic words and stories in newspaper, gossip magazines and the likes.

10 minutes reading a book that speaks clearly to your soul, can literally turn your day or life around.  It has happened to me so many times over the years. I am deeply grateful to all the wonderful authors out there for sharing their stories.

If you don’t know where to start then you are welcome to zip over to my personal list of inspirational books.

If you have a book to share, that is not on my list then, please let me know.

10: Start your day with a smiling meditation:

Balinese Hindu priests use smiling as a healing tool.  They believe it dissolves “bad” energy and I believe them.  Bali is an island full of smiling people.  Always. I find it one of the most peaceful places in the world and one of the key reasons I facilitate my Womens Rejuvenation Retreats there.

Before getting out of bed, smile in to your face, smile deeply into your thoughts, smile into your eyes, smile into your ears, smile into your heart, smile into your lungs, smile into your kidneys and smile into your liver.

Smiling and breathing into your lungs dissolves sadness, into your kidneys dissolves fear and into your liver dissolves anger.

11: Laughter really is the best medicine:

Laugh, loud, long and often.  Laughter is the quickest and easiest way to snap out of a bad mood, release endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin.

There’s lots of ways to grow your laughter muscle.  Join a laughter club, smile at everyone you walk past, hang out more often with friends that laugh lots, put a smiley face on your coffee mug, fridge or pillow.  Alternately create your own laughter mantra, and repeat often  “The more I laugh the happier and healthier I become”

Grow your laughter muscle:

12: Cleanse your home:

To attract more positive energy into your home, you need to remove old stale unwanted energies that may be lingering in your atmosphere.

Negative energy has a way of sneaking into our homes via TV, telephones, newspapers, computers, visitors and those “negative” conversations we have with ourselves in our head.  Yes your thoughts leave an trail of energy in your home.

I personally found that the smoke of dried white sage, to be one of the best ways to cleanse and uplift the atmosphere in any room.  I have had great results consistently for over 20 years now.  If I move into a new home I burn the essential oil sandalwood for 2 - 3 week straight to remove the previous owners energy or if there has been a sickness in the home.

Rock salt sprinkled onto the floor and left for as long as you can, is used by many cultures to cleanse a space.  The Japanese have a pile of salt either side of their front doors to maintain the atmosphere and energy of their homes.

Of course churches have their own methods with incense, sound, holy water and candles.

13: Surround yourself with living things:

Life attracts life, and we need regular contact with the very basics of nature, being fresh air, sunshine and fresh water. Feel the grass, sand or dirt between your toes, listen to the birds, watch the busyness of the ants and insects and feel the good vibes that plants, flowers and trees offeryou.

Don’t become a slave to the concrete jungle of cities.  If you can’t escape it, then bring nature to you with plants, fish bowls, pets, windows open.  Studies have shown that a plant on your desk can reduce stress and uplift your spirits.

14: Brighten your mind:

Your thoughts will either bring you closer to attracting more positive energy or take you further away.

Do your best to catch dull thinking, and replace immediately with your own uplifting mantra.  One of my personal favourites at the moment is “Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”or “I trust”

Give yourself visual reminders of the extra positivity you wish to attract.  Place reminders beside your bed, on the bathroom mirror, fridge door, coffee mug or the steering wheel of your car.

Make friends with an affirmation:

15: Add positive healing sounds to your environment:

Unknowingly you can be constantly exposed to low levels of toxic urban noise, particularly with life’s gadgets and technology.  Become aware of the sounds around you, and notice their effect on your energy well-being.

The most healing sounds of all, are those from nature.  The next best thing are sacred sounds, chants, mantras or classical music.  It has been proven scientifically by Dr Emoto that listening to Blue Danube will soothe an agitated nervous system. His research has been quite extensive as to the healing (both physical and emotional) properties of many different pieces of music.

At the moment, I am continuously playing music from Krishna Das and Deva Premal.  Their music calms my home (crucial with 3 boys) and allows me to feel very nourished. I feel softer and less hurried, which is a very good thing.

The Blue Danube: A proven solution to overburdened nerves:

16: Yogic cleansing bath:

Cleanse negativity from your aura and removes chemicals from your physical body.  I personally have not done this one but a few of my friends have, and they all rave about how awesome it is.

It is suggested that you soak for 20 minutes each day for 7 days.  If you start to feel dizzy or weird leave bath immediately, as you have successfully loosened and removed some negativity from your physical and energetic bodies.

• 1 lb Baking soda
• 1 cup Sea salt

Six special bath recipes for sleep, relaxation and healing: 

17: Mindful breathing:
One of the simplest ways to infuse your body with positive energy is via belly breathing.  Deep inhales and exhales remove toxins, oxygenate your body and calm your nervous system.  A few minutes every hour is a wonderful positive energy habit to add to your daily life.

15 clever things to know about your breathing:

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

If you enjoyed this article I would really appreciate a thumbs up on stumble. 

Similar articles:

Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Boost your energy now:

The lazy way to dissolve your fatigue:

A valuable tool for a worried mind:

Walking meditation:

11 rules for being human:

Meaningful ways to slow down when feeling rushed:

Relax and unwind with a yoga eye pillow: 

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing. It’s my passion.

“Listen to an introductory audio by  Maureen Whitehouse author of Soul Full Eating”

Editor of  Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Soul:

“The 12-step chocoholics program: Never be more than 12 steps away from chocolate”

It’s simply wicked.  Very new, naughty, nice, nutritious and nurturing. It does however come with a warning.  Addiction is possible.

Raw cacao (cocoa) powder is all the rage, particularly with the raw food movement and I love, love, love  it.  Its one of the worlds most beneficial super foods.  Research shows it has four times more antioxidants than goji berries, ten times the antioxidant level of blueberries and thirty times the antioxidant level of green tea. It’s also a power house of nutrients.

But why eat it, when you can smother it all over your face and let your skin absorb the nutritional benefits.  Better still why not treat your mum to a chocolate facial on mothers day or become the Chocolate Goddess you’ve always wanted to be.

 Photo by DavyRocket’s

Licking Is Allowed:

The best part for you and I is the authentic chocolate facial is totally edible so you can happily lick away knowing that every delicious lick is fueling your body with the good stuff. In fact I’m a firm believer that if you can’t eat it then it shouldn’t go on your skin in the first place.

Cacao Is The No:1 Food Source Of Magnesium:

You can eat cacao beans (nibs) five or six will literally give you a boost of energy for hours along with a good dose of magnesium, your stress protector.

Cacao is the number one source of magnesium for any food. Magnesium is one of the most deficient minerals in the modern world today. Its a great brain food. It is also the number one mineral in the heart.  If you don’t believe me then zip over and listen to David Wolfe.

Cacao has a high serotonin content which gives you the feeling of well being. It can literally lift your mood.

World Cocoa Foundation - encourages sustainable, responsible cocoa growing. Did you know there are between 40 and 50 million people who depend on cocoa for their livelihood.  Do your bit for the planet and buy cacao powder from sustainable cacao farmers.

I’ve listed more great resources and the end of this article.

Your Stress Busting, Mood Boosting Chocolate Facial Recipe:

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons raw cacao powder most good health food stores will sell

3 tablespoons of  honey, manuka honey if possible (great anti-bacterial agent, deeply cleanses your skin, and opens up clogged pores)

2 - 4 tablespoons of organic yogurt

1 - 2 tablespoons of oatmeal (will exfoliate dead skin cells)

Optional ingredients:

Green tea powder (powerful antioxidant)

2 - 3 drops of the rose essential oil (my absolute favourite)

Prepare:

Mix the honey, cacao powder and yoghurt together into a paste.  Add enough oatmeal to create the consistency you want so it won’t drip off your face.  Add more yoghurt if too thick.

Spread all over face, avoiding eyes.

Leave on for 15 - 20 minutes:

Additional mood boosters:

Soft lighting, perhaps just candles.

Relaxing music

Bowl of strawberries

Foot massage

Naked Chocolate:

There is a fabulous book by David Wolfe called Naked Chocolate It shares the scientific and exotic properties of chocolate with over sixty different recipes.

Thanks for reading my article.  Carole.

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge or grab daily rejuvenation tips from me over at twitter.

More Resources:

World Cocoa Foundation - encouraging sustainable, responsible cocoa growing.

Listen to David Wolfe America’s leading nutritional guru talk about the health properties of cacao.

From the tree to the table. A fabulous slide show showing you the process of cacao bean going from the tree to your table.

Buy Raw Chocolate Powder Here: Organic Cacao Power,16-Ounce Pouch (Pack of 2)

Similar articles:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

15 Clever things to know about your breathing:

10 Meditation tips to grab on the run:

Meaningful ways to slow down when feeling rushed:

My inspirational  book list:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge,  facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Habits:

“The ancients defined concentration as the ability to focus the mind on one object for 12 seconds, approximately one breath” 

I’m doing my best to say “no” to distractions and encourage my mind to stay focused on one (significant) task at a time.  Sounds easy in theory, but in reality life is full of many lovely and not so lovely distractions, each doing their best to grab my attention and tempt me away.

Some days I feel like I have the concentration span of a 2 year old, and the simple task of writing an article is constantly interrupted with a sloppy wandering mind.  I’ve discovered however, that an overstimulated, rushed, ungrounded body and mind are open to being pushed and pulled around by the distractions of the world.

When I remember and honour a few simple mind/body rituals, I feel more in control and distractions are less likely to tempt me away.

 Photo by one man’s perspective:

Your Distractions Are Not In Charge, You Are:

I’ve realized (after all these years)  that if I nurture my body, and allow my mind time to arrive at the task before me -  distractions are less likely to occur.    If I haven’t, then I’m easily distracted due to scattered thoughts about the past, future and what if’s - or fuzzy thinking due to dehydration - or agitated nerves due to lack of food, rushing, anxious breathing, lack of movement or poor sleep.

For me personally, the calmer I feel on the inside and more nourished my nervous system, the greater my ability to keep my focus on one significant task at a time. I’m also more creative and productive.

Set Your Mind, Body and Environment Up To Win:

I trust you find one or more of these suggestions helpful. Please let me know what you think.  Feel free to share any of your successes for staying focused.

1: Arrive at your task. Get present:

Thich Nhat Hanh a Zen Buddhist suggests a little breathing ritual so you can feel settled and more present within yourself before you do anything.  Repeat slowly “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile”. Keep repeating gently until you feel you are here, right now.

2: Grow your concentration muscle:

A five minute daily meditation can sharpen your concentration powers.  Meditation can be as simple as being still and repeating a word or mantra in your thoughts such as, “I am calm, clear and focused” or “Peace”.   

Start with one minute ( if you have too) and gradually increase over time. It helps if you keep your eyes soft or closed and breathing relaxed.

Alternately for something a little different try a walking meditation, click here for details.   I find walking meditation incredibly soothing and very effective when I’m feeling rushed, agitated and scattered.

The purpose of your daily five minute meditation ritual is to let your mind know you are in charge and its not. Nor are the distractions.

3: Your breathing habits influence your state of mind:

Jerky, shallow, fast, constricted or tight breathing reflects that you live your days in a constant stressed out - push and pull state. When your breathing is calm your mind will be calm. When your mind is calm its easier to hold your focus.

Quality breathing (breathing down into your belly) can reverse fear, anger, stress and encourages clarity of the mind despite your external circumstances.  I do my best to adjust my breathing every hour. Remembering to breath regularly, I believe to be one of the best medicines you can give your body and mind.

Shallow breathing causes memory loss.The Taoists believe that loss of oxygen though shallow breathing is the primary cause of memory loss in the elderly.

15 Clever things to know about your breathing:

3: Clear your head and get centred with humming therapy:

This is perfect to do just before you are about to start a task.  Place one hand on top of your head and the other on your stomach.  Close your eyes and start humming.  Feel the hum reach the top of your head and flow down to your belly. Feel the soothing effects of each hum.  Humming clears stagnant energy, refreshes your mind and calms your nervous system.

4: Hydrate your mind, eat your water:

The brain is the first place to lose water and become dehydrated in your body. This in turn of course effects your ability to think straight.  If you find it tricky to drink lots of water then eat your water.  A bowl of grapes or orange slices are around 98% water.

 A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy thinking. Many practitioners have told me over the years that lack of water is the number No.1 reason for day time fatigue.

10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated:

5: Turn off the distractions:

The mind can be easily distracted by what it sees or hears around it.  Turn off phones, TV and the likes which might easily cause a distraction for you.  Simply take a look at the space around you and scan for any likely distractions. You’ll know what they are.

6: Satisfy your body first:

To hold your concentration you need the co-operation of your body.  If you are anything like me, I can’t concentrate to save myself if I’m hungry, restless, feel fidgety or need some fresh air.  It’s worth checking in with your body before starting your task to find out if its hungry, thirsty, needs a shower, a stretch or simply a walk.

20 ways to love your body more:

Top 5 self care priorities for the goddess in 2009:

7: Soften your body:

Hunched shoulders block the flow of blood to your brain. A frowning, squished up face holds in tension. Relax your shoulders, have a stretch, breath into your collar bones/shoulders, lengthen your neck and smile.

Practice getting more oxygen and blood flow to your extremities and brain , whilst detoxing at the same time.  Stand up & inhale a full breath. Hold your breath as you clench fists & tighten your leg and arm muscles; release slowly as you exhale. 

10 Yoga tips to grab on the run for the silly season

8: Stop feeling rushed:

Start your day in your body and not in your head. If you start your morning rushed by jumping out of bed and rushing down your breakfast then your whole day will be rushed.  When I’m rushing distractions happen far more easily.  Start your morning gently with plenty of time and notice how it effects the flow of your day ahead.

Rushing activates your sympathetic nervous system.  You are living in flight or fight mode.  Not a healthy way to live.  My article  Slow yourself down when feeling rushed has a great list of suggestions that you may find useful, if you are prone to rushing.

9: Exercise can help sloppy concentration:

Lack of movement and exercise can equal a lazy mind.   I find the days I miss my walks and yoga classes my mind and body are not as refreshed and therefore prone to stagnancy and sloppy concentration and thinking.

Yoga, tai chi and qi gong are exceptional exercises for strengthening your concentration muscle.

10: Get grounded :

When you are not grounded your mind and body are split. You miss vital guidance from the universe, get distracted easily, can’t complete tasks and overlook hunger and thirst needs.

The easiest way for me to get grounded is to rub and massage my feet.  Think of your feet now.  Is energy flowing down through your body and into your feet with each breath cycle, or is it stuck in your head?  Do you feel earthed, connected to the ground?  Have you be spending enough time in nature lately?  When was the last time your bare feet actually touched soil, grass, sand or rocks?  Have you been spending too much time in front of computers, TV or on your mobile phone?

To be grounded you need a balance between the natural world and the electronic world.

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime, or grab daily rejuvenation tips over at twitter.

If you enjoyed this article I’d appreciate a thumbs up on stumble. 

Similar articles:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

Boost your energy now:

11 rules for being human:

15 clever things to know about breathing:

Meaningful ways to slow down when feeling rushed:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing. It’s my passion.

Carole’s note:  I have been making my own ghee since late last year.  In case you don’t know Ayurvedic medicine (from which ghee comes) is the sister healing science to yoga and is thousands of years old. I’m currently seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner hence my interest in ghee. Blood tests recently showed after 6 months of eating ghee I still have healthy cholesterol levels.

Rejuvenate Your Body:

Ayurveda teaches that ghee (clarified butter) is a medicinal food.  Its excellent for good health when used in cooking or added to foods. It is one of the most ancient and sattvic foods known, healing to all three Ayurvedic doshas: Vata, Kapha, Pita.

“It is promotive of memory, intelligence, vital fire, semen, vital essence (ojas), kapha, and fat. It is curative of Vata, Pitta, fever and toxins.” — Charaka (author of ancient Indian Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita).

Ghee is perfect for cold, dry, stiff and airy Vata types, ghee adds heaviness and lubrication to the body in the joints and in the digestion.   Ghee is cooling and soothing for the fire-based ailments of Pittas, such as fever, acidity, and inflammation.

For all three doshas, ghee helps memory and is a healthy fat that is good for the liver and immune system, though Kaphas should consume it in moderation as it also helps build body mass.

(You can read more about ghee by googling “health benefits of ghee” or click here.

Ghee Requires No Refrigeration:

When buying ghee, or any dairy product, look for organic. All toxins like to settle in body fat, and especially mammary glands, which makes it important to choose organic animal products like milk and butter, otherwise they tend to be the most laden with impurities like pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and other drugs, and toxins found in air, water and feed.

An interesting fact about ghee, it requires no refrigeration. The lactose and milk solids have been removed.

How To Make Ghee With Organic Butter:

1 block of organic, unsalted butter

1: Place the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot and melt on medium-low heat. Adjust the heat until it begins to bubble nicely, without going too hot.  The water will begin to evaporate.

2: Soon foam will begin to accumulate quite a bit on the top, and the melted butter will be very opaque.

3: Stir occasionally for 15 minutes until the foam starts to reduce and break up, and the milky butter begins to look like clear, golden oil.

4: When there’s a bit of brown sediment beginning to form at the bottom of the pan, the ghee is ready. Be careful not to burn it during these final minutes of cooking. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, sterilize a jar and its lid in a pot of boiling water, then remove and dry with a clean towel.

Gently pour the ghee into the jar through a fine metal sieve, with or without cheesecloth lining it.  You only want to get the golden liquid oil and not the brownish sediment at the bottom of the pot.

Store closed; no need to refrigerate.

Use as you would butter or oil, in soups, cooked vegetables, stir into cooked rice or lentil dishes, or spread on toast and tea biscuits.

If you are a visual learner like me I’ve found a youtube video How To Make Ghee which may inspire you to cook a batch of ghee.

Guest post written by Claudia Davila from Frans House of Ayurveda:

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Zen Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing. It’s my passion. 

Rejuvenate Your Life and Subscribe To Our Articles by Email - It’s free:

More resources:

Ayurveda the science of life: by Deepak Chopra

Take a dosha quiz:

How to make ghee:  youtube video

Similar articles:

The yoga of eating:

Lift your mood with a chocolate facial:

An awesome shake to soothe your nerves:

Super easy one minute detox rituals:

10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge,  facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Book Review: 

“Make the effort to let go of your worries” Thich Nhat Hanh

Walking meditation is the perfect alternate if your body and mind are too restless to sit.  Its also a lovely change from the usual meditation practices. No great skill or understanding is required simply the attention of your mind - on your breath, foot steps and the ground. Of course your body must also co-operate with a smile.

Walking Meditation includes/DVD & CD-ROM

Practice Walking Meditation Inside or Outside: 

The beauty of walking meditation is that it can be practiced in your home, walking to your car, walking home from the shops, in nature or even in a public place. It is a marvelous healing tool for your body and mind to become one (via breath), to calm strong emotions, live more in the present moment, give focus to your inside world rather than your outer and draw excess energy and thoughts out of your head and back down into your body.

“Live your daily life in a way that you never lose yourself. When you are carried away with your worries, fears, cravings, anger, and desire, you run away from yourself and you lose yourself. The practice is always to go back to oneself.” 

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

April Book Of The Month:  Walking Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh:  

I have only recently deepened my appreciation for walking meditation.  In the past, I always felt that a walking or active meditation was some how cheating.  But due to my recent first hand experiences with it, and the guiding inspiration of a fabulous book called Walking Meditation by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and Nguyen Anh-Huong I now hold walking meditation dearly in my heart as a valuable practice.

The most difficult learning part for me was to slow down from my normal walking pace.  I love walking and I love walking fast so it took a little practice before I could ease myself into the gentle, slow pace of a walking meditation.

I’m thrilled to share this book with you, as my featured book of the month.

The Walking Meditation book is short, simple and very easy to read.  All instructions are super clear. An added bonus is that it comes with an instructional DVD and a CD that includes 5 walking meditations.  What more can you need. From memory I only paid around $15.00 for it on amazon.  Great value I thought.

The Aim Of Walking Meditation:

There is no goal. Walking meditation is not about arriving at your destination or rushing to finish your walk, but simply being mindful that you are walking and that you are breathing.  Your destination is here and now.

Walk leisurely and peacefully, with soft eyes and gentle belly breaths.

Four Guidelines For A Walking Meditation:

 “Walking meditation is meditation while walking” Thich Nhat Hanh

1: Gentle Belly Breathing:

 For your body to fully participate in a walking meditation you need to be aware of your breath.  Use a gentle belly breath to calm your thoughts, relax your body, hips, elbows, muscles, legs, face, eyes and ears. Place your hands on your belly to feel it rise and fall (optional).

Breath in “resting” Breath out “softening”.

2: Walking:

Walk with soft eyes, slowly and gently. Feel the sensation of each foot as it presses down onto the earth.  Notice your foot as it lifts up, touches the ground and is lifted up again. Follow the movement of every foot step with your mind and breath.

3: Counting:

To keep your mind focused on each step and each breath Thich Nhat Hanh suggests counting your number of steps to each inhale and each exhale.    It helps prevent your mind from getting distracted with other thoughts.

1 inhale for 3 steps, 1 exhale for 3 steps. This is only a guideline and it will be different for everyone. You might be 2 steps for an inhale and 4 for an exhale.

My inhales and exhales were not equal at first.  I kept repeating “resting” on the inhale and “softening” on the exhale until my mind and body relaxed more and I was able to balance my breathing rhythm.

4: Smiling:

Thich Nhat Hanh is a lover of smiles and half smiles (turn up the corners of your lips).  It is said a smile brings lightness to your feet, invites your body to relax and helps you settle more easily into the walking meditation. Not a bad secret ingredient I thought.

“Don’t bring anxiety and stress to the ground with your feet” Thich Nhat Hanh

Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion.

More Resources:

Zen and the art of walking: Article by Mary Jaksch Zen Master

Similar articles:

15 Clever things to know about your breathing:

10 Meditation tips to grab on the run:

Meaningful ways to slow down when feeling rushed:

100 wise tips to feel better fast:

My inspirational and personal development book list:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Home: 

“He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home” Goethe

Bedrooms have lost their identity. They are not multi purpose rooms to be used for all sorts of busy human activities, nor are they spaces to hide your clutter.  An unloved, crowded, busy or confused bedroom simply blocks a great nights sleep.

So ask yourself this question, “Is the energy in my bedroom relaxing me or is it draining or over stimulating me?”

 Photo by Gabriela Camerotti’s

8 Tips For Setting Your Bedroom Up To Win:

For over 8 years I taught Feng Shui (in a past life) which included the effects of electromagnetic radiation on our health.   Over the years I collected many case studies where insomnia and poor sleep were corrected, along with health, by simply creating a bedroom that felt light, peaceful and nurturing.

When you, remove all your electrical gadgets, remove stuff that stimulates you or causes you to over think, clear the clutter and simplify, the heaviness will lift, you’ll feel clearer and lighter, and be well on the way to creating the perfect environment for a great nights sleep.  Yeah!

1: Keep your bedroom free from electrical appliances:

Avoid over exposure to electromagnetic radiation (the unseen frequency emitted from electrical things) particularly near your bed head area. It can have a serious effect on your health, disrupt the pineal gland along with the production of melatonin and serotonin.

This means no phone, phone chargers, ipod charges, electrical clocks etc on your bedside table. Switch to a battery operated clock and move all your appliances and gadgets into another room.

Turn everything electrical off at the wall when not in use.

Are you allergic to wireless internet: An interesting article

2: Where’s your power box:

Move your bed if the bedhead shares a wall with your homes power box.  Electromagnetic radiation can pass through walls which I have witnessed many times with a device that measures the amount of radiation emitted from electrical gadgets, power points, appliances, fluorescent lighting etc.  Eight feet or more is generally a healthy distance from the power box.

3: Clear out the past from under your bed:

Remove all clutter from under your bed and stop sleeping on stuff from the past. It drains your energy whether you are aware of it or not. Get ruthless.

Draws built into the bed are fine as long as they are filled with stuff that you use often.

4: Uplift the energy in your corners:

Stagnant, heavy energy can linger in corners and drain the energy in your bedroom.  Give your bedroom corners a good deep spring clean.  Remove everything up off the floor and do your best not to overcrowd.

Once you’ve cleared out your corners (except for essential furniture), you may need to uplift the energy in one or more corners, particularly if they are dark, with lighting (lamp), colour (painting or other accessories) or plant.

5: Clear the clutter and clear your mind:

De-cluttering gives you an increased sense of well-being.  Just thinking about all the clutter, unused, unwanted, unloved, broken, doesn’t work, doesn’t fit stuff can leave you feeling drained and depleted. Go through every hidden space, draw, and cupboard in your bedroom, including your en-suite.

If it all seems too much then start a daily 30 second clutter clearing session.   Walk to a cluttered draw/cupboard and spend a huge thirty seconds grabbing one thing that you no longer need.  Thirty seconds a day amounts to 30 unloved and unused items being thrown out each month. The more you throw out the easier it will become.

How to change your life in 30 seconds is an article I wrote last month for a blog called, Dumb Little Man, check it out.

6: Remove the triggers for over thinking:

It can be as simple as 4 or 5 books beside your bed or looking at a turned off computer that triggers over thinking.

You know what you think about at night so its important to be honest with yourself and remove or hide everything that prevents your mind calming down.

Firstly remove all the obvious eg. exercise equipment, computer, work or study papers, TV etc.  Then, take a closer look at the colours, patterns, doona cover, decor or accessories that may be too bright or busy and stimulating your senses.

If you are renting a room and must have your computer or TV then take away the visual reminders by covering them up at night.  Quite a few of my students in the past used sarongs to cover their computer or TV.

7: Get your stuff up off the floor:

There have been many case studies linking depression to stuff being stored on the floor. Too much stuff on the floor is heavy and drags your energy down.  It also tends to indicate that you are stuck in life.

For a room to feel lighter and more spacious remove as many things as possible up from the floor and give them a proper home.

9 ways to soften yourself up for a great nights sleep:

8: Uncomplicate and simplify for peace of mind:

The simpler your life, the more energy you’ll have and the better quality sleep you’ll enjoy.

Simplify your bedroom space with less furniture, less storage, less ornaments and less nick knacks. It will make a huge difference to how your bedroom space feels, how you feel in your bedroom and to the quality of your sleep.

Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Additional sleeping hints:

If I feel overstimulated from a busy day, a few drops of the essential oil vetiver, dabbed onto the soles of my feet, helps draw excess energy out of my head and back down into my body.

I’d also probably be inclined to take a teaspoon of the calming herb passionflower. I’ve used it for over 8 years and its works every time for me.

 Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Womens Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.

Similar articles:

9 ways to soften yourself up for a great nights sleep:

3 potent natural herbal sedatives:

The emotional cost of clutter:

Simple solutions for when you can’t shift your clutter:

I dare you to act as if you are moving overseas:

More resources:

EMR Australia offering solutions for radiation at your and at home

Health dangers associated with EMF frequencies: An article

Just 5 minutes on a cell phone can trigger cancer: Interesting article

Declutter, declutter, declutter by Positivity Blog

Unclutter: A blog about getting and staying organised

Apartment therapy:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge,  facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats & Evenings

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

“The Guru Is Thy Self”

Hands are a mirror for your brain and body.  Hand yoga or hand mudras engage certain areas of the brain, body and/or soul and have a corresponding influence on them.

The effect of mudras can be intensified with your breath, mindfulness and focus.  Hand mudras can be done whilst either sitting, walking or lying down.

Dr Dharma Singh Khalsa says “A map of the brain shows that the nerve endings on your fingertips correspond to more areas of the brain than any other body area,  except perhaps the tongue and lips”

Photo by murilocardos

Hand Yoga Supports Healthy Fingers, Joints And Hands:

I’m a great lover of hand yoga particularly when meditating.   I sometimes get frustrated at the inflexibility or lack of co-operation from my fingers at times (some hand mudras are quite tricky), but I’m guessing these are the hand and finger positions I need to do the most.

I have come to appreciate that my hands work tirelessly for me.  They too need nurturing and different movements/exercises apart from the daily tasks I give them - to keep the joints and muscles subtle, flexible and healthy.

As I’ve been receiving quite a few requests of late to write about depression, I was thrilled to find a hand mudra to support the healing of depression from my favourite hand yoga book - Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands.

The author, Gertrud Hirschi has had first hand experience with depression in her life, which is why I felt it worthy to share the Tse hand mudra with you.  She strongly feels the Tse hand mudra coupled with the breathing exercise below, helped significantly recharge her batteries.

Tse Hand Mudra For Depression:

Kim Tawm an expert in the field of Chinese Medicine and author of a book on Chi Kung writes:  “Tradition says that this mudra chases away sadness, reduces fearfulness, turns away misfortune, bad luck and overcomes depression”

The Taoist monks believe you need to repeat this hand mudra exercise at least seven to forty nine times, but at least seven times.

The Tse hand mudra combines sound, breath and finger movement to open up and activate the right energy channels in your body and brain.  Read through a few times before starting as it is one of the more involved hand mudras.

Step one:

The way you breath can either stimulate or calm you. Start by getting relaxed in a position of your choice and focus on deepening and relaxing your breath.

Step two:

Looking at the palm of your hands move your thumbs to touch and just rest at the base of the inside of your little finger.

Step three:

Slowly curl your other four fingers over your thumbs whilst slowly inhaling through your nose.  It’s like making a fist with your hands except your thumb is not on the outside of your fingers but firmly covered by your fingers.

Step four:

Hold your breath and repeat the sound of Om (aum) seven times in your head while hearing the vibration of the tone in your right ear.  (I know it sounds a little tricky)

If you can’t hold your breath whilst repeating Om seven times, start with just one Om and slowly increase over the weeks.

Step five:

Now slowly exhale while gently pushing your navel towards your spine, in rhythm with your exhale breath.   At the same time open your hands and imagine all your worries and fears float away from your body. Let it all go.

A full deep exhale where you encourage your navel to move towards your spine has the effect of removing any stale, stuck, stagnant air and toxins trapped inside the bottom of your lungs.  In many of my yoga classes we are always encouraged to exhale fully, deeply and squeeze the navel towards the spine to expel as much stale air as possible.

Repeat at least seven times, enjoy and make sure you let me know what you think.

My Favourite Book On Hand Yoga:

Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands is an extremely well researched book and one which I am very happy to personally recommend.  The 52 hand mudra’s  demonstrated in the book, support the healing and relief of many physical ailments.  There is a picture for each mudra, plus an affirmation and herbal remedy suggestions.  The book includes acupressure points in your hands, chakras in your hand, Ayurvedic elements, reflex zones, meridian channels, planetary connection and even some palmistry.

If you feel drawn to hand yoga this is a great book to start your journey.

 Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Womens Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion. 

Similar articles:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Super easy one minute daily detox rituals:

My inspiritional book list:

Hand Yoga to prevent exhaustion and for rejuvenation:

An awesome shake that soothes your nerves:

More Resources:

Three awesome hand mudra’s  (3 minute youtube video)
Yoga For The Hands - card deck by Sabrina Mesko
Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands - awesome book by Gertrud Hirschi

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Monthly Feature: Rejuvenation Tips To Grab On The Run:

“Meditation Tip: Never turn your computer on until you have meditated.“

Research shows that meditation can bring a dramatic change to your life with a simple 10 minute a day practice.  Meditation can cultivate focused attention, concentration, a longer attention span and emotional stability. Long term meditation supports your spiritual growth whilst enhancing your intuition. For me personally, meditation allows me to feel calm, still and safe on the inside. It brings me back to me.

 Photo by Premasagar’s

Meditation Does Make A Difference:

“No meditator has every died from feeling restless, anxious or agitated during a meditation session.“ 

Meditation needn’t be challenging nor frustrating. Know there are many styles out there, and simple ways you can ease yourself into a practice of meditation.

Over the next few months I’ll be sharing posts on different meditation styles that I have explored and experienced over the past 20 years. They will  include walking meditation, Balinese smiling meditation,  green meditation, prayer, mantra meditation, mandala meditation, sound meditation, humming meditation, guided meditation, yoga nidra, zen meditation and autosuggestion/autogenous meditation

In the meantime enjoy, yet some more monthly tips on the run which I have hand selected from my posts over at Twitter recently.

10 Meditation Tips To Grab On The Run:

1:  A Simple Meditation.  Breath in through your nose and tell your mind to stay focused on your breath.

2:   “Relax your body, follow your natural breath, watch the sensations in your body, rest into natural silence”  Kam Meditation Instructor

3: Meditation joins the body and the mind via the breath.

4:  Conscious breathing is the most basic Buddhist practice for touching peace.

5:  “To meditate is to be aware of what is going on - in our bodies, our feelings, our minds and the world around us” Thich Nhat Hanh

6:  Tests have shown that meditation can be more effective than a nap in improving performance and concentration.

7: Strengthen Your Focus: A daily 5 minute meditation break, sharpens your concentration powers. Focus on your breath, a word or even a mantra.

8: “No one can be successful in the art of meditation without having passed through the gate of breathing”  Thich Nhat Hanh

9:  “Time a stick of incense. Once you know how long it takes to burn, you can use it to determine the lengths of your meditation sessions” Helen Tworkov

10: By meditating on words that embody your highest ideals, you drive them deep into your consciousness

A great collection of the very best 12 months tips to grab on the run:   100 wise tips to feel better fast:

Thanks for reading my post.  Carole

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you support my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion. 

Rejuvenate Your Life and Subscribe To Our Articles by Email - It’s free:

Similar posts:

15 Clever things to know about your breathing

10 essential yoga tips to grab on the run:

10 hugging tips to grab on the run:

10 tension busting tips to grab on the run:

10 tips to grab on the run to be kinder to yourself:

More Resources:

3 minute breathing exercises by Thicht Nhat Hanh (free)  http://tinyurl.com/9h2tov

Carole’s note:  I have personally used passionflower (in liquid extract form) for over 8 years now. Only wish I’d discovered it earlier. 

Herbal Medicine: Rejuvenate Your Body:

Do you ever feel like you need a pill to take the edge off your stress?

Well, a lot of us get stressed from time to time, and if you don’t want to take something that totally knocks you out, try a gentle relaxing cup of sedative tea or liquid herbal tincture instead of popping a pill.

 Photo by Chad

Opinions may slightly differ amongst herbalists as to what the best herbal sedative is, but I think we can all agree that the most effective herb is the one that works best for you. Here are three of my favorites, along with a brief blurb so you can get an idea, as to which herb may best suit your constitution.

Please always check with your naturopathic physician before combining herbs with prescription drugs. Do not take sedative herbs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

#1 Passionflower- The intricate purple flower has shown to be as effective as sedatives in the benzodiazepine (valium) family, the aerial parts of this herb are great for nervous tension and anxiety. In recent research, passion flower extract at 45 drops daily (tincture) was shown to be as effective as oxazepam (similar to valium).  This nervine herb is also “antispasmodic” which makes it great for people with constant nervous twitching.

#2 Ashwaganda- This is probably one of my favorite herbs, which is why it got the award for “Best Herb of 2007.” Unlike most of the sedative herbs that are designed to be taken at night or at least late afternoon, both ashwaganda and schisandra (listed below) are terrific “adaptogenic” herbs that help us tolerate our stressful days that much better. You can make some tea, or grab some capsules of the organic root and take two capsules twice a day.

This herb is specifically intended for those that are exhausted and agitated or debilitated by stress. In ayurvedic medicine ashawganda is a renowned anti-aging and rejuvenating herb.

#3 Schisandra- Referred to as “Chinese Prozac” this herb is commonly unappreciated and underutilized in American herbal practice.   Schisandra is the dehydrated mature fruits of a herb known as Schisandra chinensis.

Schisandra is a terrific day time adaptogen herb and should be taken as is recommended with Ashwaganda, two capsules with breakfast and lunch, or a cup of tea in the morning and afternoon. The berries can be made in to a nice aperitif for those with a low libido.

If you have any questions please leave a comment for Dr Nicole Sundene Naturopathic Physcian.

Guest post written by Dr Nicole Sundene from Kitchen Table Medicine

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Zen Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion. 

Rejuvenate Your Life and Subscribe To Our Articles by Email - It’s free:

Similar articles:

The yoga of eating:

20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

Boost your energy now:

Meaningful ways to slow down when feeling rushed:

10 inspiring Confucius quotes to grab on the run:

6 excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Lifestyle:

Low energy, exhaustion and fatigue are at epidemic levels.  Now is not the time to suck it in, grit your teeth, clench your fists and press on. Get wise and stop or dramatically reduce all unecessary energy drains.  It’s time to get clever and start rebuilding your personal energy levels now.

 Photo by maddest hatter’s

All suggestions below I have successfully applied to my own life. Some are a work in progress, like avoiding energy vampires, gossip and simplifying my life.

I strongly encourage you to start with getting rid of your excess stuff.  You’ll be amazed at how much energy you claim back instantly.   The lighter the energy in your home, the clearer your thoughts, the less distractions and the more prepared you’ll be energetically for tackling other habits and areas of your life.

Enjoy, the tips and start boosting your energy now.

12 Changes You Can Make Now To Boost Your Energy:

1: Lift your worry with a loving kindness prayer:

Worry drains your energy.  If you are a worrier (like me) or over-thinker, a mindful habit in the form of a mantra or prayer, can turn excess mental exhaustion  into a positive energy giving experience. Obviously the more you repeat this prayer the more positive energy will be fueling your body, mind and soul with.

“May I be free of worry, May I be well, May I feel safe and at ease, May I be at peace”

2: Calm the energy in your bedroom:

To wake feeling refreshed, the energy in your bedroom needs to feel deeply, deeply calming to all your senses. Your bedroom is not a multi purpose room.  Remove all things that might overstimulate your mind and body (e.g too many books, bright colours,  work papers, TV, computer, exercise equipment).

Clutter drains your energy. Uplift and lighten the energy in your room by throwing out or giving away all unused, unwanted, unloved broken or doesn’t fit stuff from your bedroom.

Remove as many electrical appliances from your bedroom as possible, particularly around your head area. Turn everything off at the wall at night.  Do not recharge gadgets next to your head while you sleep. Artificial electromagnetic currents from electrical gadgets can interfere with your health and well-being.

* The ultimate rejuvenation recipe for your bedroom:

3: Eat for energy:

Eating consciously is a very sensible way to refuel your body with energy.  Avoid dead, frozen and tinned lifeless food. Never skip breakfast and eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. Carry a bag of nuts or healthy nibbles with you so you are not tempted to buy junk food on the run.

Always eat sitting down in a relaxed environment to support your digestive system. Do not multi task while eating.  Go brown and eat a full range of colours in every meal.  White bread is an energy sucker.

* The yoga of eating:

* Energy suckers v energy givers:

4: Is your stuff zapping your energy?

Your stuff can be a burden, suck your time, energy and consume your focus (more than you think).

The less things you have to store, clean, insure, repair and look after, the more time you have to do what you love doing and the more energy you will have.  Life was not meant to be spent buying and looking after stuff.

* Six excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

5: Trust your gut and know when to walk away:

Your gut will tell you when to walk away from a situation, politely say no, change TV channels or turn it off.  Listening to your intuition and trusting “that feeling” in your stomach will prevent you from wasting buckets loads of energy on  people, places, TV, computer distractions, and many other situations. A big energy drainer for me is large indoor shopping centres. If I am there any longer than 1/2 an hour I’m drained.

* Limit yourself to toxic people

6: Ask for more hugs:

Touch is healing that’s why hugs are healthy.  Hugs nourish your sense of touch, comfort, calm and relax you in stressful times. Hugs simply fuel your heart with the good stuff and boost your energy.   Are you suffering from skin hunger? 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth.

* 10 hugging tips to grab on the run

* 20 ways to be kinder to yourself:

7: Go on a gossip diet:

Gossip is one of the biggest energy drainers around.  Giving your attention to gossip plugs you into it.  Receiving or sharing toxic gossip weakens your immune system and diminishes your boundaries. When your boundaries are compromised you have difficulty connecting to your centre, you feel scattered and pushed around by life.

8: Stop letting technology drain you:

Technology is everywhere. It’s busy, fast, flashy, instant, noisy, demanding and very, very stressful when it doesn’t work. Technology can push you to go faster when you don’t want too and keep you up late at night.

Technology doesn’t know boundaries so its up to you to create a healthy distance between you and your technology.

Have a technology free weekend with no computer, mobile phone etc.  Test it, and see how much energy you claim back.

9: Vitamin B12 boosts energy:

“Try B12 instead of coffee” Dr Mercola

I recently had my bloods tested for nutrient levels and discovered I was low in B12.   This is normal for me being vegetarian.  24 hours after having my B12 shot my energy levels improved greatly.  I then did a little research and found a fabulous video by Dr. Mercola explaining the energy benefits of B12.

Did you know that vitamin B12 is the largest vitamin that we know of, which is why it is not so easy to absorb. I personally have an injection every 3 months but apparently there are new oral sprays of B12 which I’m keen to try.

I highly recommend getting your blood tested for nutrient levels e.g iron, calcium, vitamin D etc.  It’s a much more accurate way of knowing you are well nourished rather than just taking a multi vitamin and hoping for the best.

10: Release the toxic burden from your body:

Sweat once a day.  Sweating regenerates your skin and helps detox the body.  Couple this with drinking lots of water and you are well on the way to gently detoxifying your body and releasing stagnant energy from your body. Less toxins equals more energy.

* Three easy one minute detox rituals:

* Five simple ways to detox your body naturally:

11: Lack of water; reason for day time fatigue:

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy thinking.  Lack of water is claimed to be the number one reason for day time fatigue.

Muscles are 75% water, blood around 84% water, and bones 22% water.  Water is essential for carrying waste material out of your body.  If waste remains in your organs and body you will feel tired and sluggish.

* 10 tips to grab on the run for staying hydrated:

12: Move your body:

When I exercise regularly I have more energy.  When I skip a week or not I notice a difference in my energy levels.  Exercise improves blood circulation, refreshes my mind, improves sleep and oxygenates my body.  I love my yoga and walks on our local beach.  Find a regular practice that suits you. e.g Qi gong, tai chi, pilates, aeoribics, belly dancing or latin dancing.  Anything that gets your body moving.

* 100 wise tips to feel better now:

 Thanks for reading my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

If you loved this article then I’d appreicate a stumble:  Thanks:

Similar articles:

7 deadly sins to work life balance

Attract more positive energy today:

How to focus on one thing at a time:

11 rules for being human:

Walking meditation:

Top 5 self care priorities for the goddess:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Soul: 

“Only when we are no longer afraid, do we begin to live” by Dorothy Thompson

I came across a great article this weekend that I knew I was meant to read.  (I’m sure you know that feeling.) It expressed everything that I felt to be true in my heart about life. It was simple yet concise, and I instantly knew I  needed to share it with you.  Fingers crossed you find it as illuminating and reassuring as I did.

 Photo by the awesome alicepopkorn:

“Life is just a chance to grow a soul” by Powell Davies

On a personal level, the 11 Rules For Being Human encouraged me to look at the bigger picture of life.  I had a sense of floating above my life and flicking away all the uncessary and unimportant.  It was a timely reminder for me to go with the flow (more) and welcome change and perceived obstacles more.   Life happens anyway, whether I choose to worry, stress or freak out about it or not.

Enjoy, and let me know what you think.   Rule number nine is my favourite.  What’s yours?

11 Rules For Being A Human Being:

Rule 1: You will receive a body:

You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around

Rule 2: You will learn lessons:

You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life.  Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons.  You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant or stupid.

Rule 3: There are no mistakes, only lessons:

Growth is a process of trial and error: experimentation.  The “failed” experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately “works”.

Rule 4: A lesson is repeated until learned:

A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it.  When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson.

Rule 5: Learning lessons does not end:

There is no part of Life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.

Rule 6: “There” is no better than “here”

When your “there” has become a “here”, you will simply obtain another “there” that will again look better than “here”.

Rule 7: Others are merely mirrors of you:

You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

Rule 8: What you make of your life is up to you:

You have the tools and resources you need.  What you do with them is up to you.  The choice is yours.

Rule 9: Your answers lie inside you:

The answers to life’s questions lie inside you.  All you need to do is look, listen and trust.

Rule 10: You will forget all this:

Rule 11: You can remember whenever you want.

Thanks to my local yoga centre (gold coast yoga centre) who had this gem of an article in their archives on-line.

A special thanks to you, for taking the time to read my article. Carole.  

You are welcome to come back and visit my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge anytime or treat yourself to one of my  Zen Rejuvenation Retreats in Bali, Australia or Italy:

I’d be thrilled if you supported my blog.  I love writing.  It’s my passion. 

Rejuvenate Your Life and Subscribe To Our Articles by Email - It’s free:

More articles:

100 wise tips to feel better fast:

Boost your energy now:

10 inspiring Confucius quotes to grab on the run:

6 excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life: