10 Tips
to Help You Get Outdoors & Respiratory Seasonal Support
Staff
members share some of their ideas on how to help you destress, enjoy the Spring
and manage seasonal allergies.
Hiking,
Walking and Essentials with Claudia, Susan and Erica.
10. Walk or hike every day! According to NIH, walking may "lower
your risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and
diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, help you burn more
calories and lift your mood." Walking is something we can do solo,
with a partner, children or parents many times. Take a walk around your
neighborhood, area park or high school track and for added benefit, hop onto
one of the nearby Appalachian Trail areas.
9. Want to enjoy the outdoors but don't have a lot of time
during your day? How about taking a blanket to your garden and enjoying supper
with the backdrop of Mother Nature. According to the Department of
Environmental Conservation, "Even five minutes around trees or in green
spaces may improve health. "
8. Get a small pack of supplies together beforehand so
when the weather is nice, you can just head out the door. Ideas for your to-go
pack? Herbal
Armor All Natural Insect Repellent, Badger
Mineral Sunscreen, Dr.
Bronner's Lip Balm, Redmond's
First Aid Bentonite Clay, Active's
Organic Coconut Water packets for your water bottle (electrolytes!), The
Healthy Grocer bulk nuts, seeds or trail mix and Gluten
Free Quest Protein Bars.
Susan
Kiskis taps into Ayurveda & Yoga for seasonal support.
7. Try Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing).
This pranayama (breath work) practice, helps to open up nasal passages.
- Close your right nostril with your
right thumb.
- Inhale through your left nostril.
- Close your left nostril with your
right ring finger and open your right nostril.
- Exhale through your right
nostril.
- Inhale through your right
nostril.
- Close your right nostril with the
thumb, exhale and then inhale through the left nostril.
- Continue the exhale, inhale on
each side before switching nostrils.
6. As we move into Spring, the weather moves from cool to warm.
Now is the time for a Spring cleanse and preparing the body for warmth.
- Incorporate spicy foods to aid
digestion and energy.
- Curb your fats and oils. Try
lighter foods, less oil, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Try a few days of a kitchari (rice
& lentil dish) cleanse. Get the recipe.
- Incorporate bitter (arugula,
dandelion, zucchini, kale, coffee- yes I just gave you the green flag to
drink coffee in moderation), pungent (greens, ginger, red pepper,
radishes) and astringent (apples, broccoli, turmeric) foods into your
diet.
- Minimize dairy products. Dairy
products during this time of year may increase mucus production and might
contribute to a sluggish feeling.
5. Incorporate a brief yoga asana (pose) practice into your
daily schedule and do it outside, barefoot in the grass! Connect yourself to
the ground on a warm, dry day.
Asanas: Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Utkatasana (Chair),
Virabhadra (Warrior poses) and Dandayamana Janushirasana (Head to
Knee). Plus, a round of Breath of Joy can invigorate you while bringing you
into a gentle flow-like practice.
Nancy
Mayne gives ideas on helpful supplements and go-to's.
4. Consider natural supplements which demonstrate
antihistamine effects - Stinging Nettle, Quercetin, Vitamin C and
Bromelain.
3. Staying well-hydrated may help lessen allergy symptoms.
2. Keep your nasal passages clear of dust and other allergens by
using a Neti Pot and/or Saline Nasal Spray.
CJ
shares Gardening advice.
1. Cure your garden itch by planting summer vegetable seedlings
indoors now. Tip: Plant your seedlings in leftover eggshells and sit them in
your leftover egg carton. Eggshells give seedlings a kick start with their
nutrient-rich shell. Lake Valley organic seeds are available at The Healthy Grocer!
