Showing posts with label Stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stress. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Clary Sage Oil Uses and Benefits: Essential Oil Spotlight

Have you heard of Clary Sage?  This oils is known for its
calming properties calming properties and amazing skin
benefits!  Check out this blog article to learn more about
Clary Sage and why you should add this essential oil to your
list.

How do you use Clary Sage? 


Clary Sage Oil Product Description
Enriched with the organic chemical linalyl acetate, Clary Sage
is known as one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing
essential oils when used aromatically and internally. This
herbaceous oil can be used for a variety of purposes both
externally and internally. In the Middle Ages, Clary Sage was 
used for its benefits to the skin and has continued to be 
popular for its topical benefits. When applied topically, Clary 
Sage oil calms and soothes the skin. Clary Sage oil can also be 
applied to promote healthy-looking hair and scalp. If used 
aromatically, Clary Sage oil promotes feelings of relaxation in 
preparation for a restful night’s sleep.

Where to Buy Clary Sage Oil
To buy a pure and potent bottle of Clary Sage, visit the Clary 
Sage oil product page. 
At doTERRA, we know that essential oils must be pure and
potent in order to best fulfill the needs of those that use them.
Too often, essential oils available for purchase contain
contaminants and filler substances that weaken the essential
oil’s effectivity. With a sole purpose to provide pure and potent
essential oils, doTERRA ensures that their oils are free of
harmful contaminants and fillers through the 
CPTG Certified
Pure Therapeutic Grade®
 protocol. This protocol includes a
series of rigorous tests that determine the quality of each batch
of essential oils. When an essential oil batch passes through
the protocol and is found potent and pure, the oils are
packaged and sold. The careful testing and care of each
essential oil batch allows
for customers to confidently know
that the doTERRA essential oils they receive are high quality
and can effectively meet their needs.  
Clary Sage Oil Uses and Benefits
  1. Hairdryers, flat irons, crimpers, and curling irons can all
    make your hair look glamourous, but for how long?  With
    frequent use of a heated styling tool, hair strands can begin
    to break and split, making hair look damaged and
    unhealthy. Keep your hair looking radiant with this
    do-it-yourself Heat Protectant Spray infused with Clary
    Sage oil and Geranium oil. Clary Sage is known for its
    ability to promote healthy-looking hair and is a perfect
    essential oil to keep your strands looking stronger, longer!
     
  2. During your menstrual cycle, bring relief to your abdomen
    by using Clary Sage essential oil. Simply apply Clary Sage
    to the needed area of your abdomen and rub for a soothing
    massage. The natural chemical components of Clary Sage
    oil are among the most soothing and calming compounds,
    making Clary Sage an ideal oil for a soothing abdominal
    massage during the menstruating time frame.  
     
  3. After a long day of working, running around with the kids,
    or studying for an exam, treat yourself to a soothing bath
    with Clary Sage and Lavender. This bath with essential oils
    will not only excite your smelling senses, it will also work
    to relieve stress. With both Clary Sage and Lavender
    containing linalyl acetate, these two oils are some of the
    most powerful soothing, relaxing, and calming oils
    available.
     
  4. Do you ever feel like you’re breathing in toxic chemicals
    when you use hairspray? Try this homemade Herbal
    Hairspray 
    with essential oils, and avoid the thick,
    overpowering feeling of store bought hairspray. Using
    Clary Sage, GeraniumLavenderPeppermint, and
    Rosemary essential oils, this effective spray will hold your
    hair in place while reducing unwanted chemicals and
    enhancing your hair’s natural beauty.
     
  5. Why linger in stress mode when you can easily experience
    the relaxing and calming aromatic benefits of Clary Sage
    essential oil. For those off days, apply one to two drops of
    Clary Sage to the bottom of your feet or to your pulse
    points. Because Clary Sage has a powerful soothing aroma,
    applying the oil to these areas will promote feelings of
    balance and relaxation.
     
  6. Want to experience soft and silky hair without buying deep
    hair conditioning products or getting expensive
    conditioning treatments? Try making your own quality
    All-Natural Deep Hair Conditioner with this DIY recipe.
    You can choose a selection of your favorite essential oils to
    add to this recipe; however, we highly recommend using
    specific essential oils for hair use, especially Clary Sage due
    to its natural ability to promote healthy-looking hair. With
    this homemade conditioner, your locks will look, feel, and
    smell radiant.
     
  7. All too often, people get ready for bed, exhausted, ready to
    sleep the moment their head hits their pillow only to find
    that their mind wants to stay awake. Their heads suddenly
    fill with to do lists, activities of the day, or maybe even
    philosophical questions about the universe that cause them
    to stay awake or toss and turn all night. Sound familiar?
    Don’t let your thoughts eat into crucial sleeping time.
    Instead, relax your mind and body by using Clary Sage oil
    aromatically. Apply one to two drops of Clary Sage oil to
    your pillow to create a relaxing environment for a restful
    night’s sleep.
     
  8. Enhance your shampoo and conditioner with the addition
    of Clary Sage. For healthy-looking hair, add three to four
    drops of Clary Sage essential oil to your shampoo or
    conditioner. This herbal addition will leave your hair
    smelling naturally fresh and will help provide benefits that
    will leave your hair looking strong and beautiful.
     
  9. Combine the best of citrus and herbs with this uplifting
    diffuser blend. Add two drops of Clary Sage, two drops of
    Grapefruit, and 4 drops of Lime essential oils to your
    diffuser and experience a bright and sweet aroma. The
    strong citrus scent of Lime will promote feelings of balance
    and energy while helping lift the mood, while Grapefruit
    will provide a clarifying effect to the mind. The subtle hints
    of Clary Sage essential oil will aid in soothing and relaxing.
    Together, these essential oils provide a mood-boosting
    aroma that will relax and balance the mind and body.  
     
  10. Clary Sage oil contains linalyl acetate, which is a powerful
    chemical component that contributes greatly to the oil’s
    relaxing, balancing, and soothing properties when used
    aromatically and internally. Try experimenting with Clary
    Sage to see how this relaxing and balancing oil can best
    meet your individual and family needs. 
Plant Description
Clary Sage is a biennial or perennial herb that is fast growing.
In the first year of growth, the base of the plant produces
medium-green, course leaves. In its second year of growth, the
Clary Sage plant yields flowers from stalks with upright spikes.
These flowers are either violet or white in color. Clary Sage
essential oil is extracted from the flower. The Clary Sage plant
grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.1 

Chemistry of Clary Sage Oil
Main Chemical Components: Linalyl acetate, linalool  
 
The main chemical components of Clary Sage oil are linalool
and linalyl acetate. Linalool is a powerful constituent that can
affect both the mood and the body. As mentioned by the
doTERRA Science blog, a recent study shows that internal use
of linalool affects the monoaminergic system of the brain.*
When Linalool enters this system, it acts on multiple receptors.
Because multiple receptors are targeted, the effects of linalool
are more potent and long lasting than molecules that target
only one receptor. This effect supports the brain chemistry
balance in these receptors, which has the effect of reducing sad
feelings.* Another study suggests that ingesting linalool by
itself may facilitate the normal process of relaxation of the
blood vessels.*3 Linalool used internally is also thought to
promote relaxation in the body.4 In addition to linalool, linalyl
acetate contains relaxing and soothing properties when used
internally because enzymes in the body metabolize linalyl
acetate to linalool.5 Linalyl acetate is also part of the esters
group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and
balancing essential oils. To learn more about the chemical
properties of Clary Sage, visit the doTERRA Science Blog.

Oils that Blend Well with Clary Sage Oil
Clary Sage oil blends well with citrus oils such as LemonLime,
and Wild Orange, as well as other essential oils like
FrankincenseCypressGeranium, and Sandalwood essential
oils for diffusion.

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you
are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your
physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive
areas.

References
5. http://doterrascienceblog.com/essential-oil-metabolism/


*These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Monday, June 27, 2016

20 Minutes of Exercise Can Boost Your Mood for the Day

Written by Isabel Smith; Used with Permission by Reboot with Joe http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/benefits-of-20-minutes-of-exercise/
You're sitting at your desk at work and your boss throws another pile of papers in front of you to complete by 5pm. Believe me, we've all been there. Your heart begins to race, thanks to the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline, and your palms begin to sweat because those important plans you made tonight might need to be canceled. At this point your cortisol levels are rising and your blood sugar is beginning to go up as well.
You feel flustered, stressed and in a bad mood. Then you're faced with this decision: Do you spend your lunch break eating a meal you think will comfort you or go to the gym for 20 minutes to blow off some steam? You think food obviously because wouldn't a 20-minute workout be pointless?
Nope! It's not pointless. Get yourself to the gym! There is a huge benefit to a 20-minute workout. In fact, researchers found that 20 minutes of working out can help to promote better mood for up to 12 hours after you've finished exercising.
So if you're still contemplating, here are 5 reasons why 20 minutes of exercise can make you seriously happy.
  1. It's energizing.

    The unfortunate reality of working today is that we sit most of the time, which can make us feel tired and sluggish. Even 20 minutes of exercise can get us up and get our blood flowing, which helps to promote energy and mental clarity (a.k.a you get your work done faster and more efficiently).
  2. Helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol.

    Some stress is good, but too much isn't good for us. When we have ongoing stress (and/or not enough sleep), our bodies release cortisol - a stress hormone that can cause blood sugar to be elevated, disrupt work productivity, disrupt sleep and much more. In short, less cortisol is a good thing for happiness and productivity.
  3. Promotes release of feel-good brain chemicals.

    Chemicals like serotonin and dopamine are released when you break a sweat and those can trigger happiness.
  4. Promotes a healthy brain (long-term).

    In addition to serotonin and dopamine released with exercise, a chemical called neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is also released. BDNF can also help to protect the brain from emotional disorders and depression caused by stress long-term.
  5. Helps you relax and release some stress.

    Finally, even though it's only 20 minutes of exercise, the brain produces a hormone called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA to be released. GABA is a key neurohormone that helps to promote relaxation and also prompts serotonin (again, that feel good hormone) to be released as well.
If you're looking for ways to get moving in a short period of time, here's a few workouts for you to try:
After your quick workout, you're going to be craving a healthy lunch and will be energized to complete your project.
Isabel is a Registered Dietitian, wellness expert and fitness coach. Isabel has her own nutrition and wellness practice based in New York City, Isabel Smith Nutrition.

Friday, January 21, 2011

"T'S" to Tame Tension / The Lord Is My Pace Setter

by Brenda Nixon ~ Used by permission

Note from Lois: These tips would work for any age!  Good as marriage tips as well!

At times, we’ve all sensed rising tension as we discipline an unruly child. Kids can get cantankerous, we feel frustrated and get angry, arguments explode and reckless words can be said on either side. Here are tips to help ease the tension so you can successfully confront and correct behavior:

1. Talk in a quieter voice. Children, of any age, can easily misinterpret an adult’s higher volume as “being mad” at them. Then they become defensive, yell, and voices spiral into a shouting match. By lowering your voice, you display self-control and help children feel psychologically safe during times of conflict. With my daughters, I found that my calm, assertive voice weakened a storm on the homefront. Remember, you don’t have to scream to discipline.

2. Teach emotional literacy. If you’re annoyed, say so, and if worried, identify that feeling too. Naming your emotions helps children learn about you and to recognize their own feelings as well. Often I’ve said to my daughters, “I’m feeling disrespected” as a forewarning and to teach them about emotions. When kids are “emotionally literate,” they’re more able to tell you how they feel, rather than act out their feelings.

3. Take time out. During a disagreement with my children, I’ve occasionally removed myself briefly from the situation. By going to my room for a pause, I’m able to gain perspective, think through my response, and rejoin my daughters to skillfully correct their behavior. Rather than remaining in a tense situation, engaging in an angry outburst you may regret, and comprising your discipline skills, take a short time out.

©copyright 2006, Brenda Nixon. For helpful articles, books, resources, Brenda's bio, calendar, news and contact info, go to http://www.brendanixon.com/.


THE LORD IS MY PACE SETTER

A version of the Twenty-third Psalm from Japan as quoted in Mother Teresa's Life in the Spirit


The Lord is my pace setter ... I shall not rush.
He makes me stop for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity;
He leads me in the way of efficiency
Through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for his presence is here.
His timelessness, his all importance will keep me in balance;
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows;
Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours,
For I shall walk in the Pace of my Lord and dwell in his house forever.

Practical Tips to Fight Stress

compiled by Lois Breneman - 2006

Cut Down on Unwanted Mail: Eliminate 90% or More of Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers: 888-567-8688 or www.optoutprescreen.com     To exercise your right to Opt-Out of firm offers of credit and insurance, you'll be asked to provide your personal information (name, address, social security number and date of birth, but the last two are no required.
 
Unwanted Telemarketers' Calls - Remove your name: www.donotcall.gov or call 888-383-1222

Get a Free Annual Credit Report: www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228

Find a Zip Code - Just type in any address at  http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

Cloth Baby Carrier - The latest research says that parents should not let babies cry a lot.  Pick them up and cuddle them!  Through the years this advice has bounced back and forth, but consoling a crying baby is what I had always thought was best.  In fact, I used to rock my babies to sleep for naptimes and bedtimes as long as they would allow it.  When my babies were fussy, and I needed to do things around the house, I used a soft cloth baby carrier (no metal bars) to give security to my little ones and get housework done at the same time.  It was a lifesaver while trying to get dinner ready, often an hour when babies get fussy.  I've even heard that hour referred to as "arsenic hour," because of moms wanting to pull out their hair in all the frustration.  A baby carrier will help alleviate the stress.  The baby carrier I used was designed to carry a baby either in the front or the back.  It was also great for shopping, hiking or walking around the neighborhood, while at the same time giving the baby close contact with mother or daddy.  There are many brands of baby carriers available these days - a lot more than when my children were babies!  Do a search to find a good one or check out yard sales or consignment shops such as Once Upon A Child for a used baby carrier.  I saved ours for the grandchildren!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Life Stress Test / Christian Ways to Reduce Stress

Health Watch - Life Stress Test

By Dr. Tim Lowenstein, Conscious Living Foundation, P.O. Box 9, Drain, Oregon  97435

In the past 12 months, which of the following major life events have taken place in you life.  
1. Make a check mark next to each event that you have experienced this year.
2. When you're done, add up the points for each event.
3. Check your score at the bottom.

_____ Death of Spouse - 100
_____ Divorce - 73
_____ Marital Separation - 65
_____ Jail Term 63
_____ Death of close family member - 63
_____ Personal injury or illness - 53
_____ Marriage - 50
_____ Fired from work - 47
_____ Marital reconciliation - 45
_____ Retirement 45
_____ Change in family member's health - 44
_____ Pregnancy - 40
_____ Sex difficulties - 39
_____ Addition to family - 39
_____ Business readjustment - 39
_____ Change in financial status - 38
_____ Death of close friend - 37
_____ Change to a different line of work - 36
_____ Change in number of marital arguments - 35
_____ Mortgage or loan over $10,000 - 31
_____ Foreclosure of mortgage or loan - 30
_____ Change in work responsibilities - 29
_____ Trouble with in-laws - 29
_____ Outstanding personal achievement - 28
_____ Spouse begins or stops work - 26
_____ Starting or finishing school - 26
_____ Change in living conditions - 25
_____ Revision of personal habits - 24
_____ Trouble with boss - 23
_____ Change in work hours, conditions - 20
_____ Change in residence - 20
_____ Change in schools - 20
_____ Change in recreational habits - 19
_____ Change in church activities - 19
_____ Change in social activities - 18
_____ Mortgage or loan under $10,000 - 17
_____ Change in sleeping habits - 16
_____ Change in number of family gatherings - 15
_____ Change in eating habits - 15
_____ Vacation - 13
_____ Christmas season - 12
_____ Minor violations of the law - 11

______ Your Total Score

LIFE STRESS SCORES

0-149 Low susceptibility to stress-related illness

150-299 Medium susceptibility to stress-related illness.  Learn and practice relaxation and stress management skills and a healthy well life style.

300 and over High susceptibility to stress-related illness.  Daily practice of relaxation skills is very important for your wellness. Take care of it now before a serious illness erupts or an affliction becomes worse.

This scale shows the kind of life pressure that you are facing.  Depending on your coping skills or the lack there of, this scale can predict the likelihood of you falling victim to a stress related illness. The illness could be mild (like frequent tension headaches, acid indigestion, loss of sleep) or very serious illness (like ulcers, cancer, migraines and the like.)


Christian Ways to Reduce Stress
Author unknown ~ contributed by Annamarie Kresge, Virginia


1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say "no" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups - an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for "The Kid in You" every day.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
27. Laugh!
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
everything, it will help to keep your head out of the sand, regarding important issues that will effect you, whether or not you get involved.