EFT Tapping & Therapeutic Aromatherapy for Weight Loss and Wellness

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by Jaya Pancholy

Both of these holistic modalities, together with the integration of nutrition-supplements-custom protocol, offers science backed-ancient wisdom supported successful plan for weight loss.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are concentrated natural plant extracts that retain the natural essence of their source to promote health and well being. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption. True aromatherapy is the skilled use of genuine essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Science, education, and experience allow aromatherapy to become a holistic art truly. Aromatherapy has lots of benefits including manage pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety, soothe sore joints, treat headaches and migraines, alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, ease discomforts of labor, fight bacteria, virus, or fungus, improve digestion, improve hospice and palliative care, boost immunity, may help with asthma, insomnia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, peripheral neuropathy, menstrual issues, alopecia, cancer, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, menopause, weight loss. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the most popular essential oils are clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, ginger, helichrysum, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, peppermint, Roman chamomile, rose, rosemary, tea tree, vetiver, ylang-ylang.

Emotional Freedom Technique EFT is proven to be A fast and gentle way of discharging emotional distress and limiting beliefs at both the conscious and subconscious levels. EFT is supported by many scientific studies- helps with clearing physical-emotional issues. EFT focuses on a specific problem that uses finger tapping on Chinese acupuncture points, discharging emotional distress, limiting beliefs on conscious and subconscious levels. EFT therapy uses eight points of the tapping sequence, Tap each point seven times while repeating your reminder phrase.

  1. Eyebrow (at the innermost point of the brow)
  2. Side of the eye (at the outer edge of the socket)
  3. Under-eye (lower edge of the socket)
  4. Under nose
  5. Chin
  6. Collarbone (near the clavicle)
  7. Underarm (just below the armpit)
  8. Crown of head

Bringing Up Baby: Tips And Tricks For New Moms And Moms-To-Be

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Photo via Pixabay by Fancycrave1

by Emily Graham

Being a mom is a hard job, despite how easy some manage to make it look. Whether you choose to stay at home or go back to work, learning how to take care of this tiny human while not completely neglecting your own needs is difficult. You and your baby must get used to each other, develop a rhythm and figure out what works best for both of you. That may mean choosing between breastfeeding or bottle feeding, getting into a good sleep routine, or figuring out the baby’s care while you go back to work. To top it off, you want to make all of this work without spending a fortune.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ease the transition for both you and the baby. Sometimes, you’ll need outside help; others times, you may need to take a moment to sit down and breathe deep. Knowing your limits is important, since being a new parent can test them often.

Before baby comes

Once you know your due date, the clock starts ticking. While you don’t have to get everything done at once, there are plenty of things that need to be done. Plan for where the baby will sleep and look into a regular crib and a bassinet, the latter being something you can keep in your room when baby first comes home. Look for ways to save on a crib and any other baby gear you need by checking second-stores or with friends who have items they want to get rid of. The same holds true for clothing — there’s no need to spend a lot of money on baby clothes since they outgrow them so quickly.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have enough maternity wear that will work pre- and post-baby. Again, you don’t need to overspend here, especially if you can get hand-me-downs. If new clothes are in your budget, look to stores like Target or Macy’s to find casual and professional maternity wear. You can usually find extra savings online if you dig a bit.

You also want to make sure you have several nursing bras on hand for after baby’s arrival. These are especially important for quickly being able to nurse your baby wherever you are. Certain stores provide additional discounts when you bundle sets

Ask for help

Many new moms feel they can’t ask for help because it signifies that they can’t handle the task of being a parent, and that’s simply not true! Everyone needs a helping hand during the early days of parenthood, whether it’s learning how to help the baby latch on for breastfeeding or cleaning the house. Think of some things you could use help with and set it up as soon as possible. This will make it easier for you to focus on baby and stress less about everything else. For example, consider hiring someone to help clean the house. (Most Americans spend between $25-$50 per hour for routine house cleanings) If that’s too expensive, ask friends or family if they can help with quick tidying and laundry the first few weeks. If sleep becomes an issue, ask for help with the baby on occasion so you can get a few hours of sleep. Remember, new parents need all the help they can get.

Make time for yourself

This task is often easier said than done for new parents, but it’s absolutely essential for your health and mental well-being. Too many sleepless nights, coupled with a crying baby and poor nutrition is enough to make any mom feel out of sorts. That’s why it’s so important to look for ways to take time for yourself. Try splitting up tasks with your partner so you can sleep or just take a shower. Also, find ways to incorporate small bouts of exercise wherever you can. This can mean strapping baby into a stroller or finding a sling you can wear so baby can nap while you get some fresh air. If you find that you’re getting overwhelmed or can’t control your feelings. Put your baby in the crib and walk away. Take 10 minutes to breathe deeply and recenter yourself. Do it as often as you need to as you adjust to parenthood. If for any reason you feel like you could be suffering from postpartum depression, reach out to your doctor immediately.

It’s important to be careful about how much information you take in while preparing for the baby. There are lots of websites and books devoted to the art of parenting and to helping new moms get ready, but some of that advice just may not be right for you, or it may not apply to your situation. Taking it all in at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed and under=prepared, so think carefully about what will work best for you and don’t worry about the rest. With a little planning and some help from the people you love, you can prepare for and bond with your child in no time.

How Disabled Parents Can Ensure Future Financial Security

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Image courtesy of Pixabay

By Janice Russell

It’s natural for parents to worry over their children’s future.  As someone with a disability, you might have unique concerns, especially when it comes to your family.  By thinking through all your financial ins and outs, you can have more peace as you look ahead.

Examine retirement options

It’s important to plan ahead when it comes to retirement, and know what your options are.  If your employer offers a retirement plan, your employer shoulders the bulk of the risk involved, and hires an outside resource to make plan-related decisions on your behalf.  There are several versions of employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a defined benefit retirement plan, a 401(k), a 403(b), or a 457 plan.  Oftentimes your employer not only takes on the risk involved with these investments but will also match contributions to a point.  These are typically solid choices.

You can also set up a retirement account without an employer involved.  There are IRA accounts, SEP IRA accounts, and SIMPLE IRA accounts.   It’s important to think through various factors, such as your age, rate of return, and how many years you have until retirement.  Most people benefit from discussing their specific options with a financial advisor, who can examine your existing debt, savings, and income, and help you develop your best retirement solution.  If you are weighing different plan options and aren’t sure if you are on track, you can use a retirement calculator tool to help tally your figures.

Understand healthcare options

Healthcare is a concern at any age, especially as an older adult.  Keeping your eyes on your future choices can help you with determining changes you should make now.  As an example, many people expect to rely on Medicare in their senior years, but Medicare does not provide coverage for things like dental care, prescription drugs, and vision exams.  Medicare Advantage plans can help meet those needs, and you can use a plan finder to examine what is available where you live.  Seniors should be keenly aware of their options, since as ElderLawAnswers points out, you must enroll in Medicare the year of your 65th birthday.

Another resource is an HSA, or Health Savings Account.  NerdWallet explains you can set up your own HSA account if your employer does not provide one, and either way, those funds will stay with you throughout your future.  An HSA offers certain tax advantages, and both now and in the future you can use those funds for approved health-related expenses.  The more you have set aside, the more confident you can be you about meeting your own medical needs, now and down the road.  HSA funds can also be used to cover healthcare expenses not met through Medicare.

Do some estate planning

There are several legal documents you should put together with your children’s future in mind.  For instance, establishing guardianship creates a safety net for your kids if anything should happen to you; be sure to name both temporary and permanent guardians.  This ensures your children are not caught in limbo during tragedy, put under the protection of the state while matters are sorted out.

If your children are young, a trust is another good choice.  It will ensure an adult of your choosing manages financial decisions on your children’s behalf.  Establishing a financial Power of Attorney might also be a good choice, in the event you become incapacitated and need another adult to step in.  Along those same lines, a Healthcare Power of Attorney might be in order.

Some people have specific preferences regarding their personal end of life arrangements, and a Living Will or Advance Directive can spell those out.  While these don’t protect your children financially, it’s often a relief to family members to know what your desires are in the event of a tragedy, and it removes the burden of those decisions from their shoulders.

Making a solid plan can mean peace of mind for your family’s future.  Ensure you have arrangements for retirement and healthcare in place, and establish your legal documentation.  A firm foundation means quality of life for you and your loved ones.

Self-Care for New Parents: Do This for Yourselves During Those First Few Months

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by Emily Graham

The first three months with your baby will contain some of the most stressful and surreal moments of your life. Newborns need around-the-clock care as they adjust to life outside the womb. Meanwhile, you’re learning everything as you go, from feeding to swaddling while you pray that you don’t mess things up somehow. If you carried your baby, you are also doing all of this while your body is going through an extreme healing transformation and you recover from giving birth. And while family and friends are always there to help, in the end, it’s up to you as parents to see after this tiny, fragile, and adorable human’s health.

While you’re all wrapped up seeing to your infant’s well-being, you can’t let your own self-care fall by the wayside. You can’t be there for your baby if you do not feel like yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Self-care during the first three months focuses on those particular things you need to do to support yourself so you can be the best new parent you can be.

Hire Help If Needed

A clean home is a happy home — there are even psychological studies that back it up. A dirty and cluttered home can lead to feelings of depression and fatigue. Dirty homes have also been correlated with higher levels of cortisol in the homeowners. However, when you are a new parent, you barely have time to breathe, let alone clean your house from top to bottom. During this time of your child’s life, bite the bullet and hire help when you need it. A one-time interior house cleaning in Irvine, California, will cost you about $109 to $227, but it will save your sanity.
Talk to Your Doctor If You Feel Depressed

According to the American Psychological Association, postpartum depression (PPD) affects one out of seven new moms. If you feel overwhelmed by negative emotions that are more than the typical baby blues, you may be one of those mothers. Symptoms of PPD include extreme changes in appetite (either overeating or undereating), feelings of worthlessness, uncontrollable crying, fear of being alone with your infant, misery, sleep disorders, troubles with concentration, ideas of hurting yourself, and racing, scary thoughts. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible or find a psychologist or other licensed mental health provider. Postpartum depression is a very real and very treatable psychological disorder — you don’t have to deal with PPD alone.

Get Moving — If Just a Little

If you just gave birth, your body may not be ready to jump into a hard workout, but even light exercise can have huge benefits for both your physical and mental health. Getting up and moving doesn’t just get your blood pumping, it also gets happy chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins pumping throughout your body. These nifty neurochemicals enable positive feelings while reducing pain and anxiety. Talk to your doctor about which exercises are safe for you, and don’t worry about working out with a goal of getting your “pre-baby body back.” When you exercise, do it to feel good so you can be a happy and healthy parent to your baby.

The first months of an infant’s life are a blur of learning, love, and gross stuff every now and then. It’s easy to get caught up in your child’s needs, but when you neglect self-care, you can’t be the best parent you can be. If you need help around the house for cleaning or lawn care, hire it. If you feel depression that seems more serious than your typical baby blues, talk to your doctor. And if your body is ready, enjoy the benefits of light exercise to reduce stress and anxiety. Most importantly, enjoy your foray into the world of parenthood!

I AM

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I AM Whole & Complete … I Am Joyful … I Am Healthy … I Am Prosperous.

If you believe that, then you’re already creating those things in your life, for what we truly believe we create. This is a basic truth of how our universe works. If you’re not feeling those things, then you are still in the self-discovery process.

My personal journey to discover and test life, as well as healing my body, mind and spirit, took several decades. I’ve gone through the dark night of the soul … a few times! I’ve tried MANY methods and teachers to find my “truth” and the practices what work for me. I also discovered that I chose to become a human being quite simply to experience the exhilarating adventure of remembering that I AM a spiritual being of energy, vibration and consciousness of pure, divine love – the most powerful force in the universe. And I especially wanted to be a part of the awakening happening right NOW on Mother Earth. This is an exciting time, but also one of great challenges.

Each of us has our own unique spiritual path to enlightenment, or to lighten up the darkness that is the human experience. But to do that, we all must find a way to transmute our human conditioning of lack, limitation and separation that our belief systems and resulting emotions have instilled in us. At a very basic level we must learn how to:

  1. RELEASE what does not serve our highest good = the negative thoughts (often unconscious) and emotions (often repressed/depressed.)
  2. REPLENISH with positive, after releasing the negative.
  3. RECONNECT to our highest, most powerful selves connected to source energy & wisdom.

When we do these things with enough consistency, our vibration increases to love-based rather than fear-based. THIS is when the so-called miracles happen, for we are truly powerful creators.

I invite you to do the following exercise for a few minutes to see how powerful you are. You need to be in a quiet, uninterrupted place, sitting comfortably with your spine supported and your arms & legs uncrossed.

Take several SLOW, DEEP, FULL BREATHS.

* On the OUTBREATH – release all the air from your lungs, and VISUALIZE all the tension leaving your body.

* On the INBREATH – visualize pure, divine energy filling your body, going into the place where you were holding the tension.

* Continue to do this until you feel more relaxed and peaceful, putting all your focus into the visualization.

* The next step is to take a few more deep, full, slow breaths visualizing divine energy entering your HEART. Feel your heart being filled up with loving, source energy – more and more with each breath.

* When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes just enough to read the following, one at a time with each inbreath, releasing any resistance or tension with each outbreath – OUT LOUD if possible:

I AM WHOLE & COMPLETE … I AM ENOUGH … I AM LOVED … I AM FULLY SUPPORTED … I AM BLESSED

Do you feel any difference from before you began the exercise? If so, you tapped into your powerful self. The first step is in being fully present in the moment, focusing your mind’s attention on what you want to do and knowing that it is possible.

We have all chosen to be here now, at this amazing time in human history, to BE our most powerful selves, and together with other like-hearted & minded people, co-create a world of peace, prosperity, joy and respect for all life on Mother Earth. What we believe we create. It begins with each of us. BE THE MIRACLE.