Posts Tagged ‘Vitamin D’

Aug
4
2011

Take a “Time Out” This Summer: Mental Well Being

Categories: Mental Well Being, Quick Tips, Stress

We tend to focus on eating right as well as our physical well-being.  While these are most definitely important we cannot neglect our mental well-being.  People often do not know how to slow down or how to take a moment to be in the moment. Some people have never heard of mental well-being and perhaps npw is the time to give it a try!  Summer is an excellent time to get on the right track for your mental well being journey.  Most of us claim to be too busy to take “time out” for ourselves and that it is just another thing to remember to do! BUT to be mindful of your mental well-being is no joke.  Without peace, calmness and serenity people quickly become stress balls, which as we all know stress is the cause of a lot of our diseases today.

Why try starting a mental well-being regime in the summer?

  • The days are longer, therefore you will feel like you have more hours in the day to incorporate time for yourself.
  • More day light hours usually translates into happier people because you are able to get more Vitamin D, if you are feeling happier you are more likely to have the desire to try something new as well as stick with it.
  • In a lot of cases people tend to be on holidays in the summer therefore you will feel more relaxed to start a new regime, once you get a good hold of what works for you, you will be more likely to follow through in the the fall and winter with your mental well-being routine

What can you do to help your mental state?

  • You can always try yoga which will focus on mental and still your physical well-being.
  • Meditation can be simple.  Don’t start with high expectations.  Start small and work your way up.  It can be something as simple as thinking about positive thoughts for 5 minutes a day.  This can greatly put things in perspective for you.  Repeating positive thoughts for 5 minutes in the morning sets you up for a productive day.  When people say they do not have time for this, I say try setting your alarm clock 5 minutes earlier.
  • Try to lay down flat on your back while listening to relaxing music.  Start by relaxing your eyes, your nose, your checks, your ears and basically you work from head all the way to your toes, by really focusing on your body and nothing else.
  • Be mindful all day long.  What does this mean?  This means look after yourself and your mental state all day long.  Stress that you can cut out right away is stop “people pleasing”.  People pleasing really messes with your mental state and can actually become quite dangerous to your body.  Stay true to yourself! When we think of toxins, we often think of doing a cleanse to clean out all of the bad foods we have been eating, but never underestimate the power of toxic relationships!  Get rid of them!  We must always respect one another, but you do not have to make it your mission to love everyone and spend time with everyone that walks into your life.  Set boundaries and learn how to say “no”.  You can say things politely and with respect.  Just remember, if you do not take care of yourself, no one else will… this especially rings true for your mental well-being.  No one can read your mind and make all your stresses go away, only YOU can.
  • You can try finding solace in spirituality.  It does not have to be religious based.  Find what ever works for you.
  • Take a bath! Soak your feet or just take a walk.
  • If you really truly feel bummed out there are safe and natural supplements that can definitely help.  Fish oil with a high concentration of DHA essential fatty acid, vitamin D, a good quality multi can also do wonders!

Lastly, taking time to smell the flowers is never a waste of time.  Repeat this over in your head three times. Life is a beautiful thing and while working hard is a wonderful trait to have there has to be a balance.  It may not seem like it right now, but it catches up with us.  I myself love to work and I love seeing the hard work pay off, but I notice how the quality of my work goes up when I take time for myself.  At the end of the day there is no recipe for how to nurture your mental state, so just do what is best for you!  As always we thank you for reading and we look forward to helping you at a location near you!

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Apr
9
2010

How to Improve Your Childs Concentration

Categories: Kids Health, Parents, Stress

Nordic Naturals DHA for: Brain Development, Focus and Concentration. Teenagers, Adults and Pregnant woman can use this excellent high quality source of DHA.

I get many emails from parents who are concerned about their childrens lack of focus.  Below are the tips that you can use to help improve your childs concentration.  Hope you enjoy the read!

Concentration problems are extremely common these days, but there are many things we can do to help them along the way.  First we will discuss the safe supplements you can give them: 1. A good quality fish oil 2.A B-Complex. 3. A good multivitamin. This is simple but a good start. 

 
1. Fish Oil: They can take either liquid or capsules.  Also if your family is vegetarian or allergic to fish they can use Flax oil instead, but Fish Oil is the best choice because it is more concentrated in Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s).  Just a reminder that there are two EFA’s: EPA and DHA.  EPA is good for inflammation, skin conditions such as eczema, heart and joints.  DHA is what children need for concentration, focus, and development of a healthy brain. 
 
Good Brands: Nordic Naturals, Nutra Sea or Norweigian Gold Fish oils.
 
2. B-Complex.  Royal Jelly comes in softgels and it is rich in B vitamins, Amino Acids, and it is great for the immune system.  I took Royal Jelly all throughout University and I never had to have coffee.  It provided me with stamina, focus, and concentration instead of false energy which is typically what students use to get through the day.  It also helps you with stress. Royal Jelly is more expensive than a plain B Complex, but it has the added benefits for the immune system.  If cost is a concern a B-Complex is a great start.  B-Complex comes in capsules, tablets, as well as liquid.  Liquid is not the best taste, but it is possible hide the taste in a shake or juice.  Capsules are the easiest to swallow and are definately convenient.
 
Good Brands For Royal Jelly: Honeslty, Royal Jelly by Alive Brand is fantastic.  I take this one still everyday.  I never travel without it.
 
Good Brands for B Complex: Alive, or Sisu are great choices.
 
NOTE: for dosages and specifics it is best to go over this in the store.  Dosages depend on the size of the child, not necessarily the age.  I am always at the Oakridge Mall Alive Health Centre in Vancouver BC.  If this is no where near you we have lots of stores in BC, Alberta and Ontario.  If this is not close to you feel free to call the Oakridge location @ 604 263 3235 and we can do mail orders.
3. Lastly, a multi vitamin would be a great addition.  Depending on your childs size you can give them an adult one.  If they are a smaller frame, not putting on weight, then definately give them a teenager multi. 

Extra Tips

  • Extra Vitamin D is also safe, helpful, and it is very inexpensive.  This is fabulous for mood (happiness).  
  • I know this is obvious, but make sure they are drinking water.  Sometimes a lack of focus is as simple as dehydration.  
  • In terms of diet, make sure they are not getting too many sweets and sugar, try to balance this.  Pop is the worst which you probably already know.  Sugar can make kids tire so fast.  They drop like a rock. 
  • If your child has a hard time concentrating after lunch they may need to adjust their diet, eat smaller meals, but more frequently throughout the day to balance their blood sugar.  
  • Lastly, but probably MOST IMPORTANTLY, keep them active!  Even if you feel your child is not into sports, expose them to lifestyle activities, like hiking, skiing, or swimming.  Also, encourage them to play and get outside.  When they learn to sit inside all day on the weekends and after school it is hard to break the habit.  When there is time for play, they can complete their homework faster, but of the same quality and their concentration increases dramatically.

Our kids are our future, let’s help them be the best they can be.  As always, we look forward to helping you in the stores at which ever location is nearsest you!  See you soon!

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