May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Mental Health Awareness Month was first observed in the United States in May 1949 by the Mental Health America organization. The purpose of this annual observance is to raise awareness about mental health and to educate the public about mental illnesses and the importance of mental health care.

Mental Health Month highlights the significance of trauma and its effects on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Established in 1949, Mental Health Month emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellness in people's lives, celebrates recovery from mental illness, and promotes prevention, effective treatment, and recovery from mental disorders. Good mental health is vital for overall health, and people can live fulfilling and productive lives despite mental health challenges.

How does Stress Affect you. and 6 tips to help

 How Stress Affects You

Stress can have a significant impact on both your physical and mental well-being. It can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to the development of health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. It's important to manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and seeking support from loved ones or a mental health professional.

Six Techniques to Help Alleviate Stress

Stress can be overwhelming, so it's important to take proactive measures to combat it. Here are some soothing ways to manage stress:

1. Practice deep breathing exercises to center yourself and achieve a sense of calm.
2. Engage in physical activity or exercise to release endorphins, improve mood, and reduce tension.
3. Spend time in nature, such as taking a walk or hike, to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
4. Practice mindfulness or meditation to focus your thoughts and reduce anxiety.
5. Listen to soothing music or sounds to promote relaxation and lower stress levels.
6. Make time for self-care activities, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book, to ease tension and promote relaxation.

Why is healthy digestion important?

Healthy digestion is essential for your overall health and well-being. When your digestive system is functioning optimally, it helps to absorb and break down the nutrients in the food you eat. This allows your body to get the energy and vitamins it needs to function properly. Additionally, having healthy digestion helps to reduce symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, and stomach cramps. It also helps to reduce the risk of developing more serious digestive issues such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Taking care of your digestive health by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is key to living a healthy lifestyle.

10 easy-to-digest foods and what to avoid at all cost

1. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a great easy-to-digest food, high in fiber, and a great source of energy.
2. Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest and great for a snack or part of a meal.
3. Brown Rice: Brown rice is a whole grain that is easy to digest and filled with fiber and other nutrients.
4. Apples: Apples are a great snack that is easy to digest and contains various vitamins and minerals.
5. Boiled Potatoes: Boiled potatoes are a great source of energy, are easy to digest, and contain various vitamins and minerals.
6. Chicken Soup: Chicken soup is a classic, easy-to-digest food that has many health benefits.
7. Fish: Fish is a great source of protein and is easy to digest.
8. Yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, and is easy to digest.
9. Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, and are easy to digest.
10. Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and other nutrients, and are easy to digest.

Foods to Avoid at All Costs:

1. Processed food: Processed foods are often high in sodium, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients and can be difficult to digest.
2. Fried food: Fried food is often high in unhealthy fats and is difficult to digest.
3. High-fat dairy: High-fat dairy products like cheese, ice cream, and butter are often high in fat and can be difficult to digest.
4. Red meat: Red meat is often high in fat and can be difficult to digest.
5. Alcohol: Alcohol can be difficult to digest and can have a negative impact on your health.
6. Caffeine: Caffeine can be difficult to digest and can have a negative impact on your health.
7. Spicy food: Spicy food can be difficult to digest and can cause GI distress.
8. Processed sugar: Processed sugar can be difficult to digest and can have a negative impact on your health.
9. Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners can be difficult to digest and can have a negative impact on your health.
10. Refined carbs

What are the signs of good gut health?

Good gut health is essential for overall well-being and can be determined by several signs and symptoms. Some signs of good gut health include regular bowel movements, improved digestion, increased energy, reduced bloating and gas, and improved mental clarity. Additionally, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise can all contribute to good gut health. If you are experiencing any digestive issues, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider for further advice and support.

What are the signs of poor digestion?

Poor digestion can manifest in a variety of ways. Common signs include abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, fatigue, and bad breath. You may also experience a decrease in appetite and/or weight loss. Additionally, you may notice an increase in gas, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, and acid reflux. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Foods that improve gut health

Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining gut health. Here are some foods that can help keep your gut healthy:

• Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir, as they are full of beneficial probiotics.
• Fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, as they are rich in fiber.
• Whole grains, such as oats and barley, contain prebiotic fibers that help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
• Beans, legumes, and nuts, as they are great sources of plant-based protein and also contain fiber.
• Healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts, help improve digestion.

By eating a variety of these foods, you can help improve your gut health and overall well-being.

Five steps to improve your gut health through diet

1. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Aim to include a variety of plant-based foods and limit processed foods.
2. Increase your intake of prebiotics, which are found in foods like onions, garlic, asparagus, and bananas.
3. Include probiotic-rich foods in your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
4. Reduce your intake of added sugars, which can contribute to inflammation in the body.
5. Incorporate healthy sources of soluble fiber into your diet, such as beans, nuts, seeds, and oats. Soluble fiber helps to feed healthy gut bacteria.

10 foods that are easy to digest

1. Oats
2. Bananas
3. Apples
4. Sweet potatoes
5. White rice
6. Eggs
7. Fish
8. Quinoa
9. Spinach
10. Greek yogurt

Foods that are hard to digest

Some foods that are known to be hard to digest include red meat, dairy products, fried foods, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and certain fruits and vegetables such as raw onions, celery, and artichokes. Eating slowly and chewing your food well can help with digestion, as can taking digestive enzymes or probiotics. Additionally, eating smaller meals more frequently may be beneficial.

How to improve digestion

Improving digestion can be a tricky process, but there are a few simple steps you can take to help your body digest food more effectively. First, make sure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, eating smaller meals more frequently can help keep your digestive system running smoothly. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your digestive system hydrated. Finally, exercise can help stimulate your digestive system, so try to get in some physical activity each day. With these tips, you should be able to see an improvement in your digestion in no time.

Create your Soul Soak Bath

 Soul Soothing Bath Oils.

Hi there! I want to talk to you about Soul soothing bath oils that are sure to help you relax and unwind after a long, stressful day. Essential oils are all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, and come in a range of scents and blends designed to help you relax and de-stress. I am confident you'll find the perfect oil for your soul-soothing bath!

Soothing bath oils

If you're looking for soothing bath oils, I would highly recommend trying lavender essential oil. It's perfect for relaxing baths as it has calming, soothing properties. Additionally, you could also try jasmine or rose essential oils to further relax your body and mind. For best results, add a few drops of your chosen oil to your bathwater and enjoy the calming aroma.

The best bath oils for soaking and soothing your stress

There are a variety of bath oils that can help to soothe stress, depending on your preference. Some popular and highly rated options include lavender and chamomile, which can help to promote relaxation. Epsom salts are also a great choice, as they can help to promote muscle relaxation. Adding essential oils to your bath can also help to promote a calming atmosphere. Try using lavender, rose, or jasmine essential oils, as they are known to be particularly calming. Whatever you choose, enjoy your soak and relax!

10 stress-relieving essential oils

Here are 10 essential oils that can help relieve stress: Lavender, Bergamot, Frankincense, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Rosemary, Clary Sage, and Peppermint. Each of these oils can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and provide calming effects. To use these oils, you can add a few drops to a diffuser or create your own blends with carrier oil. You can also make a relaxing massage oil by adding a few drops of these oils to a base oil like jojoba or almond.

Essential oils for the soul

Essential oils are a wonderful way to promote relaxation and peace of mind. With the right blend of oils, you can create a calming atmosphere and reduce stress. Lavender, Bergamot, and Ylang-Ylang are great for promoting relaxation and a sense of balance. You can add a few drops to a diffuser or mix with a carrier oil and apply it to the skin. You can also try adding a few drops to a hot bath or a foot soak for an even more relaxing experience. With the right essential oils, you can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere to soothe the soul.

Remember to refer to/ seek a professional to ensure that you will not have 

allergic interactions from any of the oils.

The Power of Herbs

10 Herbs For Health & Wellness

Hello! Here is a comprehensive list of herbs that can be used to treat a variety of ailments. For colds and flu, try elderberry, garlic, ginger, and echinacea. For digestive issues, you might want to try peppermint, chamomile, and fennel. For joint pain and inflammation, try turmeric, willow bark, and bromelain. For stress, anxiety, and insomnia, try passionflower, lemon balm, and lavender. Finally, for skin issues, you might want to try calendula, aloe vera, and dandelion. Hope this helps!

Remember to always check with your doctor to ensure that it's safe for you to take any supplements and herbs.

List of herbs for health

There are a variety of herbs that can be beneficial for health. Here are a few examples:

1.Turmeric: This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to reduce pain and swelling.

2.Garlic: Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiviral that can help boost the immune system and fight off infection.

3.Ginger: Ginger has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and nausea.

4.Cinnamon: This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can help reduce cholesterol levels.

5.Fennel: Fennel can help reduce bloating and improve digestion.

6.Sage: Sage is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can help reduce inflammation.

7.Lemon Balm: This herb has calming effects and can help reduce anxiety and stress.

8.Basil: Basil is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation.

9.Rosemary: Rosemary is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

10.Thyme: This herb is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Why Collagen

What is collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein that is found in the connective tissues throughout the body. It plays an important role in providing structural support to skin, joints, bones, ligaments, and more. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it is responsible for keeping our skin and other tissues strong and healthy. It is also important for maintaining healthy hair and nails.

What happens when we don't have collagen?

Collagen is an essential protein found in the body and is responsible for providing structure and strength to our bones, muscles, skin, and connective tissues. Without collagen, our skin can become dry, brittle, and saggy, our joints can become weak, and our muscles and bones can become brittle and prone to injury. In addition, our connective tissues can become weakened, leading to a loss of flexibility and mobility. All of these effects can have a negative impact on our overall health and quality of life.

What can I do to ensure I have adequate amounts of collagen in my body?

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to ensure that you have adequate amounts of collagen in your body. Foods like eggs, fish, and citrus fruits are especially high in collagen-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and certain amino acids. Additionally, there are many supplements available that can help you boost your collagen levels. These supplements often contain collagen-rich ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, keratin, or any combinations of minerals and vitamins that support collagen production. As always, if you are considering taking any supplements, it's important to talk to your doctor first.

Daily collagen boosting habits

Here are some daily collagen boosting habits that you can incorporate into your life: in addition to adding a tablespoon to my daily coffee I also recommend the tips below.

1. Eat a diet rich in collagen-promoting foods such as dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, nuts, and fish.
2. Take a collagen supplement, either in powder or capsule form.
3. Exercise regularly to increase blood flow and circulate essential nutrients to the skin.
4. Reduce stress levels to promote healthy collagen production.
5. Avoid excessive sun exposure to reduce the breakdown of collagen.
6. Use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
7. Use a retinoid cream or serum to promote collagen production.

I hope these tips help you boost your collagen levels and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant!

All my Best,

Trina