News: September 2015

You're one click away from feeling awesome!

It only takes a few minutes of simple self-massage on your ears to help ease pain, reduce tension, promote relaxation, and regain your focus. Watch how, follow along, and feel the difference!

Goodnight tablets, goodnight phones ...

... and goodnight to the old lady whispering, "Check your e-mail one more time!"

What do you do when you can't sleep? E-mail? Facebook? Online shopping? Watch T.V.? Read an e-book? If so, you're not doing yourself any favors. All that bright light emanating from your devices stimulates the optic nerve and sends messages to the brain that it's time to be awake. We are inherently sensitive to changes in light and staring at light when it's dark outside can disrupt our circadian rhythms. If this becomes a habit, and we neglect to sleep for an essential seven to nine hours per night, the negative health results can be devastating. Here's the SHORT list:

• Changes in mood patterns
• Anxiety and depression
• Decreased motor performance
• Decreased cognitive performance
• Impairment of memory and concentration
• Poorer communication and decision-making
• Higher risk of accidents
• Relationship problems
• Decreased productivity and creativity
• Job dissatisfaction
• Increased irritability
• Increased risk-taking
• Weight gain
• Increased risk of metabolic disorders and diabetes
• Increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack
• Increased risk of some cancers
• Impaired immune response

So although watching television or catching up on social media may seem like a relaxing way to end the day, it's probably keeping you awake at night. Instead, give the following a try:

• Turn off all electric devices one hour before bedtime.
• Keep your sleep environment quiet, cool, and dark.
• Take a warm bath or shower.
• Practice deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. You can do it along with me in this video.
• Try using a device or app that provides white noise or soothing sounds like rain or the ocean. I use Sound Sleeper for both my toddler and myself!
• If you have digital clocks, cover them or turn them towards the wall so the light won't interfere with your sleep.

Begin changing your nighttime ritual tonight and notice the improvements in your physical, mental, and emotional health. This is no joke. Sleep is not a luxury - it's a necessity!

Source: Massage Magazine, July 2014

What's new with me ...

I hope you all had a restful Labor Day weekend, and are enjoying this beautiful weather.

I unfortunately had a stomach virus during the long weekend (if you value your health, do not have children), but I am so relieved to be feeling like myself again!

I'm also happy that Sienna seems to be thriving at her new "bid kid" daycare. She's recently caught the Frozen movie obsession and is now wailing out "Let it Go" almost constantly. We must not call her Sienna. She is to be addressed only as Elsa or Anna - whomever she chooses to be at the moment. Enjoy the new photos!