Stress Less by Keeping your Life Balanced Pt.1

Do you feel in your LIFE right now that there is no end in sight, and no Hope for change in the situations that are pressing down hard in your Life today?  I can Truly relate to how your feeling, I have had some times in my Life where I thought I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. There are so many people living today that are feeling completely “OVERWHELMED” with Life. You have to take the time to slow down and listen to your soul and your body, there are many things in your Life that you are doing or are going on around you that may be causing you undue stress. Since your Life is going at a such a fast pace , you don’t even think about the things that are causing it and you remain in that Stress state of life never actually considering that you just may have a Choice.

Let’s go back for  moment and and take a look at your Priorities in Life, that is a huge factor in your life and the Stress you endure on a day to day basis. Everyone is living in different seasons of their lives, so everyone’s priorities will be different to them. A huge cause off feeling overwhelmed and off balance is due to the fact that we are not living by our priorities. You may be living on Auto Pilot and just doing what is thrown at you or may be doing the things you are “supposed” to do imposed by families  and or the culture around you. To regain some control in your life , you must determine what your priorities are at this point in your Life You have to think about the activities your doing in your day, and figure out if this is something you choose or something that has just become a habit , does or do these activities get you where you want to be in Life, are they aiming towards your Goal, or are they taking you away from your Goal for your Life?  That right there is a Huge reason why you could be Overwhelmed and Stressed with Life, Your not running your Life with the Priorities that are most important to you in this season of your Life.  It is time to do some real soul searching to determine what your priorities are in your life. You need to pull your values list out as  well and refer to it as you choose your priorities . Defining your priorities is an important step in balancing your Life.

Here is a list of Values …..Pick about 20 of them, and then I will give you a list of Priorities that I would like you to put in order for for yourself to give you an accurate feeling of where you are in Life and what is most important to YOU right now in your Life.

ADVENTURE                  TO CATALYZE                 TO CONTRIBUTE                        TO RELATE

Risk                                       Impact                                          serve                                                   be connected

the unknown                       Move forward                              Improve                                             Part of a Community

Thrill                                    Touch                                            Argument                                          Family

Danger                                 Turn on                                         Assist                                                    To Unite

Gamble                                Unstick Others                          Endow                                                    To Nurture

Dare                                    Coach                                             Strengthen                                          To nurture

Endeavor                           Encourage                                     Minister to                                          Be Linked

Experiment                        Influence                                      Grant                                                    Be bonded

Venture                                Stimulate                                      Provide                                              Be With

BEAUTY                 PLEASURE           TO FEEL                         TO DISCOVER

Grace                          Have fun                    emote                                Learn

Refinement               Sensual                       To Experience                  Detect

Elegance                    Bliss                            Sense                                  Perceive

Attractiveness          Be Amused                  To Glow                            Realize

Readiance                  Be entertained           Be With                             Uncover/discern

Magnificence            Play Games                  Energy Flow                     Distinguish

taste                            sports                           in touch with                    Observe

TO CREATE                    MASTERY                                    TO LEAD                                  BE SENSITIVE

Design                                  Expert                                                Guide                                            Tenderness

Invent                                   Dominate field                                 Inspire                                          Touch

Synthesize                          Adept                                                   Influence                                      Perceived

Imagination                        Superiority                                      Cause/Arouse                               BE Present

Ingenuity                             Primacy                                              Enroll                                            empathize

Originality                           Preeminence                                    Reign                                              Support

Conceive                             Greatest                                              Govern                                           Show Compassoin

Plan                                     Best                                                     Rule                                                  See

Build                                    Outdo                                                 Persuade

Perfect                                Set standards                                    Encourage

Pick out about 15 to 20 of  these values that are most important to you and write them down.

Now check 6 to 8 things that are most important to you at this point in your Life……..

*raising well rounded children

*Close relationship with Spouse

*Close extended family

*health and well-being

*meaningful Work

*long term relationships

*supportive community

*creative pursuits

*travel and adventure

*financial freedom

*spiritual Life

*beautiful home enviroment

*recreation and fun

*community service

*personal growth

*giving to those in need

*time to relax

*being respected

*being self-employed

*being well-read

*education

*spending time in Nature

*taking care of enviroment

Now you can add some of your own, please do your best and put them in order of importance, not all of them , maybe 6 to 8 of them, according to your own life.

These few exercises will give you a start on what is most important to you in your life right now, which will help you when you have to make those list of to-do’s and what you really have to get done, which is what is next……What and Who is controlling your schedule and or To-Do List!!!!

Now that you know what is most important to you right now in your life, it is time to line it up with what you are doing on a daily basis right now. Most people use some kind of to-do list, so lets take a look at your list and calendar. The list of activities and appt. , did you make the choice to add them? Do you have your child signed up for an organized activity?  Was that on your list of values or was quiet family evenings on your list of values?  Were you looking for an activity that your kids could to together? An activity they could bond together with and teach them self respect , then you have chosen a great activity , one that is in line with your values and priorities.

Then there are the responsibilities you have taken on without really thinking it over , and some of those are causing you overwhelm and stress, As a mom who has and is raising four children, you just can’t let them choose for themselves every activity that they want to do, or you will go completely crazy…..believe me!!!  You have to say no, it may sound selfish but you have to stick with what lines up with your priorities as a family and those you want for you kids as well and learn to say no once in a while. As far as your to-do list goes, are you putting down all the activities or are you letting others just put things on your plate to do as well, have you become the go-to person for all those around you?  I know I did, and it almost led me right into the hospital You can’t become everyone’s dumping ground. I was always one who wanted to help people out all the time , but after awhile it became too much and I just couldn’t keep up , I became Overwhelmed!!!!  I had to learn to say ” I am sorry, that is something I am not going to be able to get to” It certainly helped my Life become less stressful .

You have to learn to but the Shoulds in your life and daily activities. You may have things in your life right now because you feel that you should be doing them, Ask yourself “Why?  Why should I be doing this. if the answer is in line with your values and priorities , then maybe they need to be on your to-do list, if not then you need to remove them immediately or put steps in place to remove it from you life. Do what is important to you.

You need to gain balance in your life and to do that you need to gain balance and control over your to-do list. Start making conscious decisions about what you may be adding (or subtracting) from your Life.

Who is Controlling My To-Do List?   Not going to write out or draw the whole chart put put the baisics down for you and you can make chart from there and use it daily to see what you need to add or subtract from your Life, then I will follow up with next post on getting deeper into finding balance to your life thru Faith!!!! (extremely Important to achieving Balance in Your Life)

OK, first on your paper should be…...Task or Activity, draw a line down the paper and the next big block on top should be Necessary, then According to Priorities , then Someone else put on you, Can you stop doing,  Start Doing

OK that is all at the top of your paper with each one in bold in a box with lines going down page to list your activity and check off according to your Values and Priorities. This should help you clean up your to-do list with your values and what is important for you to be doing right now in your season of Life. Let’s start getting our Lives back in Balance , there is alot more to go but this should keep you busy for a bit………

Life Today is Stressful but with the Living Word in your Heart, You can Stress Less

Face it, in today’s time as I hear all the time, Today’s kids are just so….., In today’s World we have too much …….In today’s word there is to much technology…….etc!!!!  Really in today’s World it is virtually impossible to avoid STRESS!!!!  Everyone is carrying Stress to some degree or another, some are so over-stressed they can’t even survive in today’s World, that saddens me!!!  Today there are more remedies to reducing Stress, it has become a whole new Business in itself….Really, think about it, there is Self-Help Books, Massage Therapy geared and aimed for Stress, there is Stress Reduction through Meditation, there is e-courses, there are regular courses on how to deal with stress, and the list goes on and on!!!!!!  It is absolutely unbelievable how much is out there for people to try and reduce their STRESS and go back to what you would call the “Simple Life” What is the Simple Life?  Does anyone even know what the Simple Life is , what are you aiming for when you say “I just want to live the simple life with no stress?? but no one can seem to attain it. Many of us cry out like Job:…..” The Church inside me never stops ; days of suffering confront me. ( Job 30:27) The answer to is that you will never have a life that doesn’t come with trials and circumstances it it…….We have to go back to the Bible!!!  That is the Key to STRESS my friends.

I am one to say that I lived almost 20 years under huge amounts of stress, sometimes the stress got so bad I had actually thought about ending it all. That is sad , I had lost my Hope!!!  I had lived in what you would and my therapist called a Victim Mentality for almost 20 years , that is a long time, so my Changing of my mindset was not going to happen overnight. I stil feel I am a work in progress but I am very happy to say today , that I live a much happier, Stress Free life then I have ever lived before and it is only going to get better and do you know how and why……..How, because I am going to continue to read the word daily and impiment each of his words into my life, I am going to live for Jesus, be more Godly!!!! and Why, Simple …….because I love him and I want my relationship with God to grow more and more each day. There is a way to relieve, reduce and deal with your stress without having to spend tons of money with all this New Business of apparently helping people deal with their stress when all you have to do is open your Bible and start buidling that foundation with Christ now, read his Word, create your own personal relationship with him and see how much life becomes much easier to deal with, how much stress you will loose. If we only stressed and worried about the things that we have direct control over , we would reduce our stress and worrying by 90% ——that is Amazing, by going to the Lord , You can reduce the stress and maybe find that Simple Life you have been looking to attain.

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take the yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30   I know so many people have heard and listened to that scripture but so many do not know how they can receive rest for their souls……First and Foremost, You need to Come to the Lord, It is the first thing you must do to be free of your stress and worry , for without him, your life has no real purpose!!!  We simply run from one activity to another seeking to fill our lives with Purpose, Peace and Happiness , and it doesn’t work, We work ourselves into a tizzy of stress for the things we desire , only to crave more.

If we do not know our Purpose in Life , our true meaning of existence , Life is very meaningless, Yet God created each of us with a special purpose that only your one unique self can do. Much of the Stress comes from not knowing who we are or where we are going. We are all going to go through tribulations in Life, it is unavoidable, but how we react to our trials is the real issue here ….that is where Stress is born, The trials will either break us or make us stronger!!!  Which way would you like to go?

Are you building your relationship ( the foundation of your Life ) are you going to the Lord daily? Is your Salvation based on a prayer you prayed once or is it growing out of a committed relationship to Him?  You need to NOT conform to the World and its pattern, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind , then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is -His good, pleasing and perfect Will.

Until you have fully committed yourself to the Lord, until your foundation is deep into the Lord , you will never be able to discern what his His Perfect will is for your Life. Who we are under pressure reveals who we really are, the Storms of life wash away the what is really around us and we present to the world and expose what lies in our Hearts. God allows the storms to hit us, so we will turn to him in our times of trouble and be cleansed of the sin that we never able to perceive in times of ease. Again, the times and trials in our Life will either soften our hearts and make us full of faith or make us angry and brittle , full of doubt and unbelief…..Causing Stress to come alive.

When it comes right down to the nitty-gritty …..there are two motivating factors in life;…Fear or Faith!!!  All Fear and Stress/Worry is a form of Fear which stems in a lack of Faith in God. Stress arises when we try to serve Fear and God at the same time, ( which is Impossible) “Unless the Lord builds the house, it’s builders labor in vain…..In vain you rise early and stay up late , toiling for food to eat. Psalm 27; 1-2

The only way to rid our anxieties (stress/worry) is to look them right in the eye and deal with them right at the root. We may not want to face some of those things that are in us, but we must if we are to ever be free of them. If we are not merciless with our sins it will be merciless on us. It will keep us from an intimate relationship with the Lord. It is extraordinary what tremendous power there is in even the littlest of things to distract us from God, We must stand our ground , and refuse to to let the thorns of this world ruin us and take the Word of the Lord from us. The devil know what distracts us with all the cares of this world and we will never be a threat to him or fulfill the call that is on each of our lives if we keep letting the devil distract us from God.  We will never bear any fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Isn’t it wonderful that the only thing that cannot ever be taken from us , is the only  thing we really need anyway?  Chose to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to his words and learn from him. “ You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed . Choose what is better and it will not be taken from you. Luke 10 41-42  Take the Lords word and put them into daily practice, spend everyday with the Lord putting a deposit of true riches into your heart.

God has blessed us with a most powerful tool; his living Word, the Bible. It can be your spiritual sword, separating our faith from our fear……Stress merely indicates an area of our life where our flesh is still on the throne. The Life that is totally submitted to God is marked by the trust born out of a thankful and grateful Heart.

Proven that your Attitude Can Change your World

Keeping Your Attitude a Grateful One In the early phase of recovering from cancer, I did a lot of feeling sorry for myself. I also would say out loud several times a day how tired I was or how miserable I felt etc. I sulked and would say to my husband, why me?! Then I started learning more and more about the battlefield of the mind and how I was prophesying my ill-health instead of my recovery and future robust health. The devil had me right where he wanted me. Down in the dumps, miserable and defeated. I made a commitment to turn it around. Instead of being negative, I rephrased my self-talk into positive proclamations. For example, even if I felt crappy, I would say, “tomorrow is going to be a good day” or “I will feel better after a nap”. I also never called the Cancer “mine”. I am very cognizant of this, even to this day. In writing about it on my blog or talking about it to a friend, I never say “my Cancer”. I don’t own it nor does it own me. If your health is being challenged, I encourage you to examine your mindset and attitude. We do have power over our thoughts and attitudes and they do impact our health outcomes!

10 Things You Should do Daily

1. Drink enough water.  And be sure you are eating enough and the right things to give you energy. Many times moms just grab whatever is handy to stop their belly from rumbling, like the crust from Susie’s sandwich, or the last of Billy’s eggs. Find a few protein packed choices to keep handy. And keep a water bottle/glass close by all day long.

 

2. A quick clean of the floors, sweep, swiffer, or vacuum the high traffic areas. Don’t necessarily wait until everything is all picked up and perfect. A daily maintenance sweep will go a long way.

 

3. Quick swipe the bathrooms. When brushing your teeth, use a “dirty” towel to wipe the sink and counter. Grab a wad of toilet paper and wipe any sprinkles on the toilet seat and flush.

 

4. Gather and dispose of trash, especially dirty diapers and food trash. Take your bag around the house to pick up strays.

 

5. Throw load of laundry in wash, dry, and put away. If you are overwhelmed with the huge pile you have, just commit to one load.

 

6. Determine at breakfast time what you are having for dinner and make necessary arrangements. Put something in the crockpot, take something out of the freezer, make a list if you absolutely have to go to the store. Even better, know the night BEFORE what you are making. That way you can thaw what might need to go in the crockpot.

 

 

7. Do the dishes. Putting them off only makes it worse. Just do them. When you use a large pot or dish, go ahead and rinse and wash if possible. It won’t take up space in the sink or on the counter and won’t make you FEEL like you have a huge pile waiting.

 

8. Spend some time with your children. Watching them, listening to them, talking with them. This day will never come again. It may be a CRAZY day, a crazy time in your life, but do your best to love your children and listen to them with their silliness and their drama. Let them know they are important to you.

 

 

9. Spend some time with your spouse. It is easy in the chaos of raising kids to let too much time pass between some quality couple time. Make sure to kiss your spouse in the morning and to kiss them goodnight. Do your best to give/get a hug before leaving the house. Spend 5 minutes chatting about your day and not JUST about the kids.

 

10. Have some quiet mom time. Wake up early if you can. It is important to get a jump on the day and a few minutes to clear the cobwebs is crucial. Use this time for prayer/meditation even if you have to do so while making the coffee or getting a shower. Or have a few minutes to yourself after they go to bed.

stressedoutmom.com

God will give you more than you can handle: I guarantee it.

What a Great Reminder of how much we need the Lord on a Daily Basis, moment by moment to get us through our Lives….God Bless Lisa

all our lemmony things

There’s a certain phrase I’ve come to really dislike.

All my life, I’ve heard this phrase whenever I go through a rough patch. *And by rough patch, I mean a prickly, gnarly patch that leaves me bleeding to near death*. You’re probably familiar with those kinds of “patches”.

“God will never give you more than you can handle” is the phrase I’m referring to.

And it’s a sweet sentiment, really. The people who say it are speaking from caring and concerned hearts.

BUT–it isn’t true.

I know that sounds harsh, but I promise I haven’t suddenly lost my mind or have become an angry-with-God bitter woman who hates the world. Actually, when I realized the simple fact that God can–and will–give us more than we can possibly bear, it got easier.

And it all started to make more sense.

I’ve often trudged through trials that overwhelm me. Ever since my…

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How 2013 has Changed me Forever for 2014 and Beyond!!!!

First and Foremost, Happy New Year to Everyone!!!! 

I did not sit and write this out, I am just for the first post of the year, going to write it as I feel it!!!!  Taking that Jump of Faith  I guess you could say……Wow, 2013 was one of the hardest years I have ever had. I went through so much, and there is no need to get into all the details of what I went through because it is the Outcome of what happened that is what is so important. I was living in the most toxic , negative world anyone could have ever been living in, and maybe living isn’t the proper word, I was existing ….I was so stressed out, I let everything that was going on, and yes there were some serious issues going on but I let them all get to me that I ended up having a few Anxiety attacks, but now I look back and even though they were tough to go through, I am so glad I did or I would not be here with such High Hopes for the year of 2014 and how much I have changed and what I have in store not just for myself but for so many other people who may be going thru just a smidgen of what I went through last year, I am here to help. My blog is going to be turned into  a full-blown website with courses, e-books , Facebook Support groups, and so much more. My main topic of course is going to be helping people deal with Stress, and that Yes, you can still live a peaceful life even with the worst issues going on around you, Who Knew???  Guess what?  God Knew!!!!  That is one aspect of 2013 that I am going to really be reflecting on this year and that is learning how to get out of anything as long as you have the Lord by your side. The Lord saved me and Blessed me in so many ways this past year and now it is my turn to give back to those who are suffering and think there is no Hope!!!! There is always Hope!!!!

There are so many avenues of Stress that I will be covering this year on my site and blogs, and I am working with some awesome people now getting it all together so I can have this up and running this month, I thought it would have been up by now but all good things come in their own good time, In the meantime, I will be blogging away at least 2 days a week, maybe even more, and it all wont be just Stress and how to deal with it, there are so many great ways of dealing with Stress and I will cover as many that were taught to me, and I even have some Meditation coming in as well. We all now that when our bodies are full of stress, that they are completely unbalanced,so I had to make a lot of changes there as well too, I have changed it all, my eating, my thinking, my spirit, it all has to balance together to make you  feel whole, and that is what is going to be so wonderful this year as I grow my website, I will be discussing how I learned how to eat better, or Healthier, I went All Natural, and yes, I went to Oils, how exciting was that for me, I still am learning so much about Oils but they also played a Huge part in helping me with my stress and so many other issues pertaining to my Health.

I have gone from buying soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent to making it all myself, and Yes, I will be incorporating all of that wonderful DIY into my site as well.

So you can see why I am so excited for the 2014!!!  I have so much to share with so many people, and I am planning on growing bigger and bigger , I am being taught Reiki, Herbs, taking , took courses on Coaching,Mindful Stress Reduction, and so much more…….. Wow, are you getting as excited as I am.

The bottom line here, is that I went from the bottom of the pit, and I FINALLY SURRENDED MY LIFE AND ITS TROUBLES TO THE LORD, and with that came so many Blessings. I am so Hopeful, and I still have so much to do when it comes to the site and what I am exactly going to be doing, but I have the Lord right next to me, and this is my Year, 2014 is the Year that I give back. There was a reason why I went through so much , and yes, I could be sitting here crying over it and having a huge pity party but that would be the most selfish thing I could ever do, I am changing my mindset from Victim to Winner!!! The Lord has Graced me with his Mercy and Salvation and I am here now to show others that they too can get through anything for the Lord is our Rock, He never changes and he is always there for us.

The Lord is my fort where I can enter and be safe; no one can follow me in and slay me. He is a rugged mountain where I hide; he is my Savior, a rock where none can reach me, and a tower of safety. He is my shield. He is like the strong horn of a mighty fighting bull.  Psalm 18:2

So , I know this was not the best post I have ever written but this one comes from the Heart, In 2013 I found out that What I  think determines the way I feel, and What I feel determines the way I act. I no longer hold that victim mentality , I know learn from all I have been thru for the Lord takes the Bad and turns it into Good for those who Believe. Do you Believe?  Do you have Faith and Trust in the Lord? Well, I know I have complete 100% Faith and Trust in the Lord, for I  have seen what he has done within me, I am a new person, and this New Person is ready for the New Year of 2014 and I am going to make it one of the Best Years ever, and the only way I can see it being one of the best Years ever is by sharing with everyone , serving, and Helping as many people as I can.

 I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

That is what he has told me, I went from feeling like I had no future at all, to hope and excitement that is just beaming from my heart, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for me to share with the World!!!!

I have learned how to live a Balanced Life through my Mind, Body and Spirit and I have full intentions of sharing everything I was taught with everyone who wants to learn how to go from existing to Living a Life of full of Hope and Love, there isn’t a day that goes by that I am not grateful for another day to learn and serve the Lord in anyway he leads me too.

 

his is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

 

Oils, Herbs and the Lord!!!!! Oh My!!!!!

My recent oil obsession extends beyond using the likes of grapeseed and vitamin E oil to moisturize my skin. I’ve also really gotten into using essential oils for aromatherapy lately, and these babies work surprisingly well for things like boosting concentration, helping with hangovers and general stress relief, I am loving this too much!!!!  and Herbs Oh my that is a whole nother blog in itself!!!!!!

I’m not new to essential oils entirely. A friend  introduced me to tea tree oil right at the time I was learning about herbs and ones that help with Stress. —I found out real quick that all the oils and lotions at  Bath & Body Works “Warm Vanilla Sugar” Spray — was full of toxic crap. So I started dabbing a little tea tree oil on my neck and wrists instead, sometimes mixing it up with peppermint or cedarwood or rose hip seed oil. They all smelled so pretty! I had no idea, however, about potential skin/health/brain benefits. Really had no idea at all what these Oils could do and how healthy they were for you, so of course I was off on a New Adventure and this one is a good one, I started downloading all e-books I could find, going to the Health food stores and finding out all the Information I could on everything but especially on how to reduce stress thru Oils and Herbs and Wow, is all I can say!!!!!!!!

I’ve since learned that rose hip seed oil has anti-aging and skin-healing properties. Cedarwood oil  can be an insect repellent (try combining with citronella oil). Tea tree oil is also good as an acne spot treatment, an antibacterial agent and — when combined with peppermint & vinegar — a kitchen counter cleaner that doesn’t make me want to die (can’t stand the smell of most houses on cleaning day).

But only very recently have I begun to appreciate the effects of essential oils on moods and matters of the mind. Lavender, lemon balm, eucalyptus … name an essential oil and it’s alleged to help with some specific mood or mind matter. It’s tempting to dismiss it all has hippie nonsense — I did, for years — but there’s actually been quite a bit of scientific research done on aromatherapy in general and some essential oils in particular.

Here are a few of the best essential oils for relieving stress, promoting good moods and improving mental focus at the same time.

Lavender. Lavender oil is considered one of — perhaps the most –medicinally useful botanical for stress relief, anxiety relief and short-term memory improvement. The lavender plant contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate that can pass through the blood-brain-barrier and quickly affect brain activity. In an April 2012 study, volunteers underwent mood assessments and brain scans after inhaling lavender oil. Compared to a control group, the lavender oil group categorized themselves as more relaxed but also sharper; brain scans showed increased activity in theta and alpha brain waves, associated with the conscious mind being disengaged.

Lemon balm. The herb lemon balm (aka Melissa) has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. In Europe, it’s still commonly used to help with stress, anxiety and insomnia. But though lemon balm is known to calm the mind, it can also improve memory and increase ability to concentrate and solve problems. In a 2003 study, British students given lemon balm capsules performed better on computer memory tests and tests of calmness. There’s also been research demonstrating its positive brain benefits for dementia patients when used as aromatherapy.

Rosemary. Rosemary aromatherapy can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting calm and contentment, while simultaneously boosting mood and mental performance. A recent study showed a compound in rosemary oil (1,8-cineole) can help improve mental speed and accuracy.

Vanilla. So the Bath & Body Works vanilla spray had to go, but vanilla itself — pure vanilla — is a great scent to have around. According to a study from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, patients who breathed vanilla-scented air while undergoing MRIs reported 63% less anxiety than an unscented air group. The scent appears to have general mood enhancing and stress relieving affects; it may also improve cognitive performance thanks to its anti-inflammatory power.

This superb aromatic essential oil blend contributes actively to your quest for serenity and relaxation. Thanks to their relaxing olfactive properties, the selected aromatic extracts facilitate a good mental balance and help to manage the daily pressure in case of tension, of temporary stress.The delicate fragrance of cedarwood Atlas and the lemony aromatic accents give real olfactive pleasure. – See more at: http://www.puzhen.com/zen-essential-oil.html/#sthash.G868Kt0Z.dpuf

 

Ylang Ylang

This essential oil has great benefits to heart health. It resolves issues such as palpitations of the heart, eases the body tension and helps to balance the hormones of the body. It also has high therapeutic effects to ensure that people sleep well at night after the stress of the day. It is also good for the skin especially for skin tones that range from normal to dry skins. Essentially, Ylang Ylang stands out in a niche of its own.

Geranium

This essential oil is the key in boosting the immune system and it is also very important in handling issues that relate to menopause in women. It balances the hormones in the body and it is also good for mature skin and can be used for other forms of skin care. Generally, geranium calms the nerves and it uplifts and balances the body system.

Frankincense

Both historically and in line with ancient traditions, this oil has a rich background. Botanically known as Boswellia Carterii, this oil is quite soothing and calming. It is one of the best options in putting the body and soul at ease. This beautifully fragranced and richly endowed oil works against various forms of irritation and lack of sleep. As with most essential oils, it is also good for the body and helps to relieve the nerves when it is tense or exhausted. Frankincense is a good option and delivers high value to its users.

Bergamot

This essential oil which is also known as sunshine oil. Botanically known as Citrus Bergamia, it helps in ensuring that energy flows freely throughout the body. It is also good to handle emotionally based issues (anxiety, stress and depression can easily be handled with the use of this essential oil). The beauty of this product is that the user can determine how best to work the application on the body. It can be used strictly as a bath product or for body use.

Rose

Premenstrual syndrome can sometimes lead to hormonal imbalance and this can lead to certain levels of discomfort to our nerves. Rose essential oil is very good for handling this issue. It is good on the nerves and also very calming and soothing to the skin. It is pertinent to note that some individuals have a uniquely sensitive skin and when this scenario arises, the best bet is to make use of rose essential oil.

Passionflower

While passionflower has long been considered a “folk remedy” for anxiety and insomnia, a few studies have shown that the herb may actually be comparable in effectiveness to benzodiazepine drugs, which are used to treat stress. Though not proven, it is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed.

Passionflower is available in a variety of forms, including infusions, teas, liquid extracts and tinctures. It is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or nursing. Consult your doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you are taking other medications.

As you can see there are many many Oils for Stress Relief and then there are Blends already made up that you can just spray on yourself, I still have a lot of research to do, but I am loving this and I hope to have a great e-book done soon to help others who are in the position I was in just not that long ago, but it is not just the Oils and Herbs for which I highly believe they work so much better then any drug that can be prescribed to you but I also fully 100% believe that the Bible , the Word has done Wonders for me and my Stress levels, I have come to know God in such a way that our relationship has built up to an intimate one where I spend almost an hour each morning with him, and I meditate as well on the word that I have read that specific morning and when I do, I wait on the Lord to speak to me, the Lord has saved me these past few years, and Highly recommend that you start reading the Word, because without God in your Life, you will live in Darkness and no Oils or Herbs can help you then. I fully believe in keeping your body Healthy for that is where the Lords Spirit dwells , so my quest to keep  my body as Healthy as I can is coming from, then there is your Mind, Wow, your Mind , it has to be renewed Daily with the Lord’s word, Positive Alive Words that come only from the Lord, and of course your Spirit!!!! and as long as you TAKE THE TIME TO BE WITH THE LORD , YOUR SPIRIT WILL GROW EACH DAY,  and you will start feeling and everyone will start seeing such  a huge difference in you because your Living for the Lord now and that makes each day worth living. Each day is a Gift, so don’t waste another day, take it and rejoice in it, no matter what your going thru, Rejoice!!!!! Sing the Praises of the Lord!!!!  Be Grateful every day for what the Lord has given you and you will find out real soon how Happy your Inner Heart will become. God Bless!!!!!!!!

This superb aromatic essential oil blend contributes actively to your quest for serenity and relaxation. Thanks to their relaxing olfactive properties, the selected aromatic extracts facilitate a good mental balance and help to manage the daily pressure in case of tension, of temporary stress.The delicate fragrance of cedarwood Atlas and the lemony aromatic accents give real olfactive pleasure. – See more at: http://www.puzhen.com/zen-essential-oil.html/#sthash.G868Kt0Z.dpuf

This superb aromatic essential oil blend contributes actively to your quest for serenity and relaxation. Thanks to their relaxing olfactive properties, the selected aromatic extracts facilitate a good mental balance and help to manage the daily pressure in case of tension, of temporary stress.The delicate fragrance of cedarwood Atlas and the lemony aromatic accents give real olfactive pleasure. – See more at: http://www.puzhen.com/zen-essential-oil.html/#sthash.G868Kt0Z.dpuf

Faith in Action, Keeping my Trust!!!!

Faith in Action, I am dealing with a Horrible situation for which I have no control over what so ever, so I am counting on the Lord to take care of this, I am surrendering this to the Lord. I pray that my son gets the help he needs and finds the Lord for himself and gets to live a Life , one that the Lord  would be proud of .

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for^(A) and assurance about what we do not see.^{(B) 2} This is what the ancients were commended for.^(C)

³ By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,^(D) so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended^(E) as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.^(F) And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.^(G)

⁵ By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”^[a](H) For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him^(I) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

⁷ By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen,^(J) in holy fear built an ark^(K) to save his family.^(L) By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.^(M)

⁸ By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,^(N) obeyed and went,^(O) even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹ By faith he made his home in the promised land^(P) like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents,^(Q) as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.^{(R) 10} For he was looking forward to the city^(S) with foundations,^(T) whose architect and builder is God.^{(U) 11} And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age,^(V) was enabled to bear children^(W) because she^[b] considered him faithful^(X) who had made the promise. ¹² And so from this one man, and he as good as dead,^(Y) came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.^(Z)

¹³ All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised;^(AA) they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance,^(AB) admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.^{(AC) 14} People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.^{(AD) 16} Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.^(AE) Therefore God is not ashamed^(AF) to be called their God,^(AG) for he has prepared a city^(AH) for them.

¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.^(AI) He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, ¹⁸ even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”^{[c](AJ) 19} Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead,^(AK) and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.^(AL)

²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons,^(AM) and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

²² By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.^(AN)

²³ By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born,^(AO) because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.^(AP)

²⁴ By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.^{(AQ) 25} He chose to be mistreated^(AR) along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶ He regarded disgrace^(AS) for the sake of Christ^(AT) as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.^{(AU) 27} By faith he left Egypt,^(AV) not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer^(AW) of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.^(AX)

²⁹ By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.^(AY)

³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.^(AZ)

³¹ By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.^[d](BA)

³² And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon,^(BB) Barak,^(BC) Samson^(BD) and Jephthah,^(BE) about David^(BF) and Samuel^(BG) and the prophets, ³³ who through faith conquered kingdoms,^(BH) administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,^{(BI) 34} quenched the fury of the flames,^(BJ) and escaped the edge of the sword;^(BK) whose weakness was turned to strength;^(BL) and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.^{(BM) 35} Women received back their dead, raised to life again.^(BN) There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. ³⁶ Some faced jeers and flogging,^(BO) and even chains and imprisonment.^{(BP) 37} They were put to death by stoning;^[e](BQ) they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword.^(BR) They went about in sheepskins and goatskins,^(BS) destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸ the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves^(BT) and in holes in the ground.

³⁹ These were all commended^(BU) for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,^{(BV) 40} since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us^(BW) would they be made perfect.^(BX)

Hebrew 11  (NIV)    

Constantly Tired? Here Are 10 Herbs to Increase Energy, Vitality, and Adaptability

How difficult is it for us to achieve a work-life balance? How much more difficult is it to achieve a life-energy balance?

And does it not seem that there are never enough hours in the day to achieve any balance at all?

You’re not alone. Your days may seem that way, but in truth the balance is always there, always available and always achievable.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t difficult, but a few ancient herbal formulas will certainly help you achieve the balance you never thought possible.

Skip your daily sugar boost, coffee or red bull because in the long-term they will always let you down.

Adaptogenic herbs will give you sustained energy and vitality while allowing your mind to think freely, calmly and without excessive stimulation.

Adaptogenic herbs demonstrate a nonspecific enhancement of the body’s ability to resist a stressor. Modern herbalists say adaptogenic herbs are plants with properties that exert a normalizing influence on the body, neither habit-forming, over-stimulating nor inhibiting normal body function, but rather exerting a generalized tonifying effect. They increase your resistance overall against physical, chemical and biological stressors.

Herbal formulas found in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine restore a healthy stress response typically using traditionally prepared as formulas. However, each herb can be taken on its own in the appropriate dosage depending on your specific requirements. For the exact dosages, please consult with a master herbalist or natural health practitioner well-versed in herbal formulas to increase energy and vitality. Here the ten best adaptogenic herbs:

1. RHODIOLA

Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot, Aaron’s Rod) is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Its effects are potentially mediated by changes in serotonin and dopamine levels.

Used for centuries in Asia and Scandinavia, Rhodiola is still relatively new to the Western market, but its popularity is growing, in large part because of what an incredibly versatile — and relatively inexpensive.

2. MACA

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It has been harvested and used by humans in the Andean Mountains for centuries.

Darker colored maca roots (red, purple, black) contain significant amounts of natural iodine, a 10-gram serving of dried maca generally containing 52 micrograms of iodine.

It is highly beneficial for reducing fatigue, enhancing energy and endurance, as well as being a superlatively effective adaptagen for everyday living. Maca contains 55 phytochemicals that are known to have vitality-enhancing effects in the body, in addition to being incredibly mineral dense and nutritious.

Maca has the ability to heighten libido and improve semen quality. Its favorable effects on mood, may decrease anxiety and improve sexual desire. The effects of Maca are due to the root’s unique nutritional profile, which provides optimum levels of nutrients utilized by the body’s endocrine system. It may even alleviate medication-induced sexual dysfunction caused by pharmaceutical antidepressants.

3. ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the premier restorative herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known to help stabilize mood and support optimal physical and emotional well-being. It is also known to improve memory and focus and endurance. It is believed to reduce the effects of stress on the body. The berries and leaves of ashwangandha are locally applied to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers.

4. SCHIZANDRA

Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a deciduous woody vine native to forests of Northern China and the Russian Far East. Its berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. They are most often used in dried form, and boiled to make a tea. Medicinally it is used as a tonic and restorative adaptogen with notable clinically documented liver protecting effects. It supports the immune system, relieves anxiety, increases energy, and it can improve mental clarity. It’s sometimes called the “five flavors berry,” because it tastes sour, bitter, sweet, salty and acrid all at once.

5. CORDYCEPS

Considered the “ginseng of mushrooms”, Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) are known to have a truly awesome effect on endurance and stamina. Research has shown that Cordyceps are highly effective in treating respiratory ailments, enhancing aerobic performance, increasing sex drive, strengthening the immune system, as well as having anti-stress properties. Researchers have also noted that a polysaccharide isolated from Cordyceps has a hypoglycemic effect and may be beneficial for people with insulin resistance.

6. PANAX GINSENG (ASIAN GINSENG)

Panax ginseng roots are taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants. It is perhaps one of the most studied medicinal herbs in the world — and might be one of the most widely used. It is a proven anti-inflammatory, can regulate blood sugar and can even inhibit some characteristics associated with cancer.

It’s used most commonly to promote a sense of well-being and endurance, as an anti-depressant, for memory and calmness, for energy (it’s one of the ingredients in most energy drinks).

7. HOLY BASIL

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) has been found in many studies to be equivalent to many modern painkillers. It is also know to protect from radiation poisoning. Within the tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to alleviate stress, headaches, colds, digestive problems and inflammation. Recent studies have also shown that it’s also a powerful antioxidant and may even be able to reduce blood glucose levels and cholesterol.

8. ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus has a history of use as a herbal medicine and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Either alone or in combination with other herbs, has potential benefits for the immune system, heart, and liver, and as an adjunctive therapy for cancer.

Found to help restore compromised immune response due to excessive stress and toxicity from the environment. Cited as being extra beneficial for those with chronic immune deficiencies, it is recommended above Echinacea for its ability to provide deeper assistance to those who’ve consumed large quantities of antibiotics and have become susceptible to infections. Astragalus is consumed through capsules, tinctures, or in a tea. For best results, it is used for several weeks to several months at a time.

9. HE SHOU WU

He Shou Wu (Fallopia multiflora) is also known as polygonum multiflorum, and is predominantly referred to as such in Pubmed. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic to slow down the aging process. It is a restorative herb, calming to the nervous system, and has also been shown to promote hair growth, alleviate insomnia, and may aid with learning and memory.

10. REISHI MUSHROOM

Traditional Chinese medicine uses reishi to “calm the spirit.” Reishi,
(literally “supernatural” mushrooms) have been used for more than 2,000 years, making them perhaps the oldest mushroom to be used medicinally. They can be helpful to reduce anxiety, alleviate insomnia, combat fatigue, and lower blood pressure.

In today’s modern age, with unparalleled stress and toxicity, it is more important than ever to fortify and protect one’s body from potential harm. While diet, exercise, and rest are key components in maintaining excellent health, the use of vitality enhancing herbs is indispensable. Their ability to increase energy, immune response, mental clarity, libido, and over-all homeostasis of the body make them a truly worthwhile investment of time and money. They are safe and easy to use, without side-effects and contraindications like pharmaceutical drugs. In light of their value, they are an obvious choice for anyone wanting to go a step beyond go health and on to higher vitality.

This article was written by John Summerly, and appeared in Prevent Disease on April 26, 2012.

John Summerly is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.

Calm Your Mind & Relieve Stress

 

Stress has silent, but incredibly harmful, impacts on our health, happiness and our beauty. It weakens our immune system, can lead to weight gain and causes premature hair graying. Calming our mind, relieving stress and banishing depression is the first step to happiness, healthiness and beauty and here are some ways to do just that.
1. One of the simplest natural ways to reduce stress is by taking Ginseng.
Ginseng provides additional support to the adrenal glands and helps to create more hormones that help to reduce stress.
2. A study that appeared in a Korean medical journey in the Spring of 2004 found that applying a few drops of peppermint oil to the forehead and temples reduced physical and perceived symptoms of stress and anxiety.
3. Passionflower is one of the most effective herbs for relieving stress according to a 1985 study. Taken as a juice, as an infusion,
in capsules or as a tincture passionflower has been found to be equally as effective as oxazepan (a standard drug for anxiety and stress).
4. Other natural herbs that can be used to eliminate stress include: St John’s Wort, lavender, valerian and licorice root.
5. Aside from herbal remedies, meditation is another way that relaxes the mind and body. It doesn’t need to involve complicated mantras; it can simply be as simple as sitting quietly by yourself and breathing in a slow, controlled fashion. Visualize breathing in
white light and exhaling black smoke. 5-15 minutes of meditation per day can have a profound impact on stress.
6. Progressive muscle relaxation is a popular relaxation technique that was created by Edmund Jacobson in the late 1930
s. Because your muscles become tense and tight throughout the day, this technique teaches you how to slowly relax every muscle in your body to reduce tension and anxiety. To begin progressive muscle relaxation lay down somewhere quiet and comfortable.
Breathe slowly then tense and relax each part of your body from bottom to top one at a time. For example, start with your toes, then your feet and calves, moving up to your thighs, buttocks and so on.
7. Acupressure is another natural stress relief method. Acupressure uses many principals from traditional Chinese medicine that can be implemented by anyone at home. The same acupoints used in acupuncture can be used in this
technique, which requires pressure instead of needles to get the desired effect. A common acupressure point to relief stress, for example, is found on the largest crease on the inner wrist, in line with the little finger. Acupoint 15 is found on the middle finger just above the nail on the side closest to the thumb. To use an acupoint simply press on the spot with your finger for about a minute.
8. Enjoying a long, hot bath is another great way to achieve total relaxation and calm. Hot water has the ability to soothe tight muscles and joints, as well as reduce stress and tension in the body. You may also find a hot bath can help you sleep better at night. To make a bath even more enjoyable try some calming music, soft lighting and add some lavender oil.

Be Happy
9. If you are feeling depressed with no obvious explanation then you may be deficient in vitamin D. Try to get more vitamin D into your diet from foods like fish, eggs, dairy products, animal meat and fortified cereals. Plus, get more time in the sun as sun rays are one of the most important sources of the vitamin.
10. Tryptophan is an amino acid necessary to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Studies show links between depression and low levels of tryptophan, especially in women; and it was shown to be better than placebo for treating depression in two small studies. L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are both tryptophan supplements, simply being different stages in the production of serotonin. There are, however, some concerns about the purity of L-tryptophan supplements, some of which have been found to contain contaminants and impurities. CAUTION: 5-HTP should not be taken with St. John’s Wort or SAMe.
11. Foods are one of the best ways to improve mood, and these mood enhancing foods are the most effective for feeling a million dollars.  Turkey is high in phenylalanine which the brain converts into dopamine which has been found to elevate mood and increase motivation. Coffee boosts metabolism and energy levels while also activating the brains pleasure centers making it an  effective mood enhancer. Milk contains tryptophan which makes serotonin – often referred to as the brain’s Prozac.· Kale contains high levels of folate. Low levels have been linked to depression so upping your folate levels will help to keep negative moods at bay.  Foods that taste good trigger the production of endorphin’s so eat foods you enjoy to enhance your mood.
12. Drop a few drops of rose, clary sage and ylang ylang essential oils into your bath in the evening for a mood enhancing, uplifting blend.