hydration - Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator

Immune Boosting Strategy

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:17:55 +0000

Who needs scary movies anymore?

I know I don’t, as a recovered Germaphobe, all I have to do is turn on the news and BAM…niggling little fears of real life, creepy, crawly unseen threats start gnawing on my ‘oM shanti’ state of mind.

While it can get really scary out there, there is a lot we can personally do to boost our immune system and support our body’s natural “Threat Protection” troops as our first line of defense.

We may still catch a few bugs, but our resiliency to them and our ability to recover will dramatically increase.

This is what I do when I feel that tell-tale tickle in the throat, general achey-ness or fatigue…

Become Aware ~ First I notice that I am not feeling well. I might notice that I’m getting tired faster, feel grumpy, stiff, or stuffy and congested. Because I know that my body never ever lies, it’s a great source of information.

So the next time you tune in and notice something is not just right, celebrate. Yep, listening to your body is one of the strongest things you can do for your health and happiness. You know your body better than anyone, even your doctor, so pay attention to it and treat it right.

Think Positive ~ Then I consciously choose to stay well . Do you remember that tag line, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste”? Well, it even more true when it comes to the state of health you want to enjoy. When our body speaks to us through sensations or symptoms we either a see this as a choice to stay as well as possible or we make a choice for the status quo.

Be Proactive ~ Then I take action. When my I feel something coming on, I start the day lots of H2O-bviously Better Skin (water), even more than usual, and follow that with a power breakfast of greens and protein. I get my essential oils out, the Lemon and a synergistic essential oil Protective Blend. I use the Lemon throughout the day for it’s natural detoxifying quality and I drop a few drops of Protective Blend in the back of my throat every 2 hours because it’s super high in anti-oxidants..

I eat only foods that I know would support my body and stay away from the white dietary devils, sugar, flour, and processed dairy. Bone broth is one of my favorite healing foods because it’s soothing, nourishing, warm and hydrating.

I also go into active-inaction. I rest and allow myself to be quiet and still. I take a nourishing bath with Essential Oils and Dead Sea Salts. I keep warm and don’t allow myself to get chilled feet or hands. I don’t rush to do anything, even if it takes all day, that is okay by me cause I am T-I-R-E-D. It takes a lot of energy to for the body to heal and even more to ward off microbial treats. If at all possible, I spend time cuddling with my hubby. (bonus hint here – cuddling boosts your immunity).

When you know that life is going to be more stressful…like that upcoming wedding, adult kids move back or parents in need of parenting, a sick spouse, lots of travel, moving house or a job change…be sure that you tune in to what your body is saying. Yes, it’s a balancing act and balance is dynamic.

Balance is fluid, supple, agile and it shifts in response to the circumstance…stiff, static and rigid balance, sweet one, there really is no such a thing.

Tell me…

Have you been ‘too busy’ and ignored your body only to end up sick? Do you have a Super Self Care tip to share with me? Comment below, you just might inspire someone!

Email me to learn about the resources I use and recommend.

resources

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21078173

The post Immune Boosting Strategy first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

Coconut Water find the best and leave the rest

Rommy Kirby — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:22:41 +0000

I have been a huge fan of coconut water of the years. I clearly remember first time I walked out of a Hot Yoga class, downed my very first coconut water, and felt ahhhh-mazing!

I drank and recommended Zico for about 3 years before other companies jumped on the bottled coconut water band wagon. These days I drink and recommend a different company for those of us that don’t live on a coconut plantation. Actually, my daughter introduced me to it.

First though, you might wonder about the why & what of coconut water

from Harmless Harvest

It’s a great sports drink.

Sports drinks are really great synthetic chemical concoctions that are ultimately difficult for our organs to process. While coconut water is easier to digest, has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium. Studies show that coconut water replenishes the body better that plain water and as well as sports drinks.

Here’s a little taste test for you…

let your favorite sports drink get to room temperature and taste it. Right away, you’ll notice the flavors of the chemicals, food coloring, and processed sugars. YUCK!

It is a natural remedy.

Like most plants, coconut water may even have medicinal properties.

Coconut Water has been used in tropical climates for health and vitality. It’s incredibly more hydrating than water because of the natural vitamins and minerals. In Jamaica they use it to support kidney function. According to Ayurveda it promotes digestion and a clearing of the urinary path. Mariners used it during long journeys to stay healthy. During World War II and in remote regions it was used as an emergency intravenous hydration and resuscitation fluid.

Because it’s a tropical, I use it in my spring and summer detoxes to aid alkalization of the body and ease discomfort.

So which coconut water am I drinking these days?

While I truly prefer to pop a straw into a freshly opened green coconut in the tropics, like you, I make the best with what I have. My coconut water of choice is called Harmless Harvest.

It’s deliciously thick, nutty, and sweet and so so good for you.

If you’re like me, when possible, you want to buy from a company that thinks about sustainability, the environment, as well as working conditions. Check their website out, find out about the company and how the produce and package.

Next time your in your local whole food grocer, look for it in the refrigerate section!

Thanks to FoodBabe for her diligent research into the growing and bottling practices of coconut water, arguably the fastest growing segment in the beverage and health food industry.

Tell me…

Do you drink coconut water? How do you use it? Personally, I drink it straight up no ice.

resources….

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/truth-about-coconut-water

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDQQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpublication%2F231969159_Coconut_water_uses_composition_and_properties_a_review%2Flinks%2F02e7e51efe25ac44e5000000&ei=9XYHVOSSLIWUgwTz1YGYAg&usg=AFQjCNEi1p2EwJjNU0quB7qiSoTlf6LP6w&bvm=bv.74115972,d.eXY

http://foodbabe.com/2014/07/15/how-to-buy-the-healthiest-coconut-water-and-avoid-the-worst/comment-page-5/#comment-1390955

The post Coconut Water find the best and leave the rest first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

Simple Strategy to Stay Healthy

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:47:05 +0000

Just because everyone else in the house or at work has the crud doesn’t mean that you have to join them in their misery. To be honest, staying well when everyone around you is sick is a totally doable if you know what to do.

Over the Christmas holidays, my house seemed to be ground zero…

One daughter came home with a cough and sore throat, the other daughter complained of fatigue and sore throat, my nephew actually had strep and my hubby…my poor hubby was the sickest he has ever been in his adult life.

And I…well I managed to stay healthy using this simple strategy.

Staying well in the face of illness doesn’t take monumental effort but it does take determined focus and intention.

Start using this strategy now so that when everyone around you is dropping like flies with wicked colds and nasty flu, you can stay healthy.

This is exactly what I did to stay well…and I slept with one very sick, feverish, chill shaking, gnarly coughing machine.

Stay healthy strategy…

Make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep. When you sleep your body is repairing itself. That’s why when you are sick, all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is THE most productive thing you can do to get well.

Stress happens. We all have stress! It’s how we process it and perceive that makes the difference. Remember, nothing lasts forever, the boss will get over it, the kids will get better, the cold and virus will go away. Give yourself at least 5 minutes a day of focusing on your breath or move your body in a meditative way to increase your stress resiliency.

If you do feel something coming on…go into rest mode. This means if it isn’t necessary to life support for yourself or your family, don’t do it. You have a sacred obligation to take care of yourself.

Stay hydrated. I know I say this all the time, but your cells need water to do their job well.

If you do feel something coming on…start right now to flush your body with hydration. This will also boost your mental power so that you can make better health decisions. It will help your body to process out virus and bacteria that may not have sunk their claws into you…yet.

I add a drop of Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit essential oil to my water when I know that my immune system is challenged.

Start eating more citrus fruits and drinking fresh juices to up your vitamin C levels. I recommend Just Cranberry from R.W. Knudsen. Here’s a recipe.

Be sure that your vitamin D levels remain optimal. A study done in 2010 shows that Vitamin D is an effective strategy against influenza. According to Dr. Mercola, optimal levels are therapeutic at 50-70 ng/ml year-round.

Get cultured. Stop eating sugar and start eating fermented foods with live cultures. These live cultures are full of beneficial bacteria that will fight harmful bacteria. Stack your team and populate your gut with them. My go to’s are, Inner Eco Original Coconut Water Kefir and Farmhouse Culture.

Studies have shown that cultured and fermented foods reduce fever, coughing, runny nose and antibiotic use in children. Just think what it will do for you.

Eating your probiotics is favorable to supplementing because bacteria in fermented and cultured foods will colonize your the lining of your digestive tract with more diverse strains of beneficial bacteria. BONUS – makes for great skin!

Basics that you know but probably over look when stressed and caring for others…

Wash your hands more often. Stop using that antibacterial soap because it’s killing the good bacteria on your skin as well. I use an Essential Oil Based Foaming Hand Wash in my home and in my yoga studio.

Take high quality animal based Omega-3 Fats. Good for the brain and for your immunity. I’ve been using a particular omega for a while now and noticed a sharp decline in illness, migraine and hot flash.

Use natural immune support. Oregano, melaleuca and thyme are just a few that will support your immunity against those tiny microscopic villains of illness. When everyone around me is sick, when they get essential oil application, I get essential oil application. Always.

Check out this video to see how awesome your body is at chasing down and eliminating those nasty villains.

Staying healthy and well is not rocket science, complex or expensive, but getting well can be time consuming, financially draining and difficult.

Tell me…

What 1 strategy from this article do you want to start doing to help you stay well? Already do these things…share your tip below.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/06/flu-attack.aspx#_edn6

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Leyer+G+Pediatrics

The post Simple Strategy to Stay Healthy first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

3 Elegant Holiday Strategies

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:20:57 +0000

I love Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years!

But these celebrations, long nights and short days can make for one really long, stressed out holiday season that can set us up for blues and flu. Bah-humbug and Yuck!

Because I know how brutal stress can be, the havoc it can wreak on your health, your skin, and your relationships so I want to share with you my Holiday Survival Kit.

First, there are 3 elegant strategies……that will help you enjoy this holiday season more, however you celebrate and what ever you do.

These are simple, easy, action steps.

But here’s the thing…they are just as easy not to do, okay, so you really must set an intention to keep it easy, do the easy and reap the benefits.

Stay Hydrated. You know I harp on this, I know I harp on this. For very good reason. Here’s what happened to me a few weeks when I let travel get the best of me and didn’t stay hydrated. I got a migraine…a full blown, throw my guts up, everything hurts migraine. Because I was so dehydrated, it took me a few days to fully recover. Click here for my tips.

Get enough sleep. Seriously, sleep is important. There is truth in the term Beauty Sleep. Click here for my tips.

Lighten your load. Look at your to do list for today. Chances are there is at least 1 thing you can take off. Delete it, scratch it off and don’t give it another thought. No one will ever know and if your mother finds out, she’ll forgive you.

Remember chronic stress adds pounds and inches to the waistline and it weakens our immune system. Because of the added stress, we all need a little more support and self care this time of year.

Tell me…

What is your #1 tip to thriving during the holiday season?

The post 3 Elegant Holiday Strategies first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.

The Smart Person’s Guide to Water – Stop The Every 20 Minute Pee Break Cycle

Rommy Kirby — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 14:43:44 +0000

Stop the “Every 20 Minute Pee Breaks”

courtesy of signicturesdotnet

You know irritating it is…

…you get ready to leave your house and you think ‘oops, what if traffic is bad’. So you stop, turn around and head to the toilet just to be sure.

…or how about when you’re on that deadline, and , you’ve been sipping water all day to keep you brain functioning at optimal…but…grrr…have to pee AGAIN!

…you’ve been on hold for 30 minutes and finally reached a real, live person…and bummer, you have to ring off to use the loo

…and most irritating…you’re just about to drop into the land of nod and, suddenly…‘no, surely not, no, I’ll make it through the night, oh yeah, I better get up and go pee’…you throw the covers back, leave your comfy spot and stumble to the toilet with half closed eyes hoping you will be able to fall back to sleep.

It happens to all of us. Especially, when we are focused on health, cleansing, weight release, optimal brain function or anti-aging.

All the experts tell us, drink water. Drink half your weight in ounces as a maintenance level. It’s so easy to give up on ever being well hydrated because all those pee breaks seem to eat away time.

Try this trick for staying optimally hydrated for optimal brain function, high productivity and H2-Obviously Better Skin.

Chunk It

Just like you chunk together errands and tasks, drink your water in chunks throughout the day.

Sipping water all day will make you need to pee every 20 – 30 minutes. Your hard working kidneys will feel like they are running a marathon every single day because they don’t get a chance to recover.

Instead, drink your room temp or warmer water in 16-24 ounce chunks 3-4 times a day.

Drink 16-24 ounces of water in 3 – 10 minutes for optimal results.

Benefits

kidneys will begin to flush out sediment
digestion will be stronger
increased productivity because of fewer pee breaks
better brain function because its easier to stay hydrated
boosts immunity
decreases inflammation
speeds recovery and healing

Optimal times to drink

Upon rising ~ Drink 24 ounces of water within 10 minutes of waking because your body is dehydrated when you wake up.
1 hour before meals ~ This will help to stimulate peristalsis in the digestive system without diluting precious digestive juices.
2 hours before bed ~ No one wants to wake up to pee. Take control and plan to avoid it and you will be able to process water through by bedtime.
1 hour before workout ~ Do this and you may not have to carry water or stop for that water break…unless you are over exercising…in that case, consider working with your body instead of against it.

BONUS Daily Detox Tip
Add a drop of lemon essential oil for added detox support. If you’re using essential oils, be sure that you have the best quality. Send me an email and I’ll tell you the oils I trust.

Tell Me Beautiful…

How much water to you drink a day? What is your best hydration tip?

The post The Smart Person’s Guide to Water – Stop The Every 20 Minute Pee Break Cycle first appeared on Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator.