The holiday season is synonymous with baked goods, treats, and more treats. There are too many options for overindulging in high-calorie foods. From office holiday parties to gatherings with friends and family, it’s safe to say that there is no shortage of food. And after all, the new year is right around the corner, which means that you can put off working out until then, right? Wrong! Just because your workout routine is disrupted by the holiday bustle, you do not have to avoid physical activity altogether. 

Movement is important for all members of the family, and if you have children it is especially vital for their development. Physical activity supports growing muscles and works to boost brain development. Not to mention, it helps kids burn off extra energy to help tire them out for bedtime. 

To help you stay active this holiday season, we encourage you to wrangle the family and connect with them by engaging in the following simple activities. They’ll keep you and the kids moving!

Enjoy A Winter Nature Adventure

Perhaps you live in an area that is blanketed in snow, or maybe the weather is wonderfully chilly. Going outside for a run may not seem enticing, and we don’t blame you. Instead, consider a winter activity, especially if there is snow. You can try sledding, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, or head to the slopes for a snowboard or ski session. You can simplify it all and have a fun nature walk or scavenger hunt where you look for pinecones, animal tracks, or festive decorations. Playful outdoor exploration encourages curiosity and gets kids moving and away from screens. 

Create An Indoor Obstacle Course

You do not have to go outside to have fun with the kiddos. Grab your pillows, chairs, cardboard boxes, and more to make a safe obstacle course in your living room. Kids love testing their gross-motor skills, and an obstacle course is a fun and simple way to keep them engaged. The silliness and laughter that will ensue will be cherished memories. That is the kind of holiday fun you want to remember forever. 

Go On A Holiday Lights Walk

Shorter days mean that you can see holiday lights before it gets too late, so a holiday lights walk will not interfere with bedtime. Grab some hot tea and take a walk through your neighborhood, or a neighborhood known for extravagant lights. Kids love spotting their favorite displays and walking together is a great way to incorporate light movement into your evening routine. 

Visit A Local Playground Or Park

Outdoor play is beneficial, even in colder weather. Fresh air helps to boost mood, support immune health, and provides natural vitamin D, which is beneficial during cold and flu season. A quick daytime trip to the playground can help kids burn off energy and support physical development. Just make sure to bring layers, hats, gloves, and more to stay warm. 

Involve Kids In Holiday Decorating

From putting the lights up and wrapping presents to placing ornaments on the tree, there is never a dull moment during the holidays. There is always something to be done, and you should invite the kids to participate. They can help sweep pine needles, set the table, stir a stew, or anything else that needs completing. These types of activities help encourage independence, coordination, and practical life skills. 

Try A Festive Dance Party

It’s your turn to DJ! Or maybe you let your children DJ the holiday dance party in your own home. Put up the lights, get in your holiday jammies, and start dancing. Dancing aids coordination, balance, and self-expression. Plus, it helps to burn off energy and boost mood during darker winter months, during which adults can develop seasonal affective disorder.

SHARE:

The post Fun Ideas To Stay Active Your Kids This Holiday Season appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Have you ever been in bed attempting to go to sleep, but you just end up staring at the ceiling at two in the morning? That’s not uncommon for people with insomnia. Although sleeping pills and other downers may help you sleep, they are not long-term solutions, nor are they the safest for your health. 

A recent, large analysis suggests that people with sleep troubles may soon be able to sleep with ease. There are certain forms of exercise that may rival medication and therapy when it comes to improving sleep. The researchers stated that gentle, intentional movement, such as Tai Chi, yoga, or even a brisk walk, can boost sleep time and help you fall asleep more easily. There was even one practice that emerged as a standout, offering benefits that may last years. 

The Standout Sleep Helpers

Researchers looked at over 20 clinical trials that tested different exercise programs, including yoga, Tai Chi, walking, jogging, and strength training. They compared those exercises to standard care and lifestyle changes. In their analysis, they found that several forms of exercise delivered several benefits, especially jogging or walking, yoga, and Tai Chi. In fact, yoga was associated with two extra hours of total sleep time. It also improved sleep efficiency by nearly 15% and reduced the time it took to fall asleep by 30 minutes. 

Walking or jogging were more beneficial for reducing overall insomnia severity, as they lowered insomnia score by nearly 10 points. That is enough to make a significant difference in daytime energy, concentration, and mood. 

Tai Chi turned out to be the most beneficial exercise for sleep. If you do not know, Tai Chi is a slow, Chinese martial art that combines deep breathing, graceful movements, and a meditative state of mind. Tai Chi was able to improve every sleep outcome measured in the analysis, from duration to overall quality. It was able to add over 50 minutes of sleep per night, shortened sleep latency by nearly 25 minutes, and kept people from waking up as frequently. What’s more impressive is that the benefits persisted two years after starting the practice. 

The Science Behind It All

• Tai Chi: It helps relax muscles while activating the parasympathetic (the rest and digest) nervous system. That works to lower the physiological hyperarousal that is common in people with insomnia. In the long-term, Tai Chi may help reduce inflammation, support healthy circadian rhythms, and boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor. 
• Yoga: It works to enhance body awareness, mindfulness, and breath control, all of which work to reduce anxiety and calm an overactive brain. Additionally, yoga may help improve flexibility and be quite restorative. 
• Walking or jogging: Both of these exercises help increase energy expenditure, which can lower stress hormones like cortisol and enhance melatonin production. Both of those translate to deeper stages of sleep and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. 

How To Optimize Your Sleep

If you currently struggle with insomnia, you do not have to completely overhaul your fitness routine. According to the study, the type of exercise matters more than the amount of exercising you do if you want to improve sleep. If you tend to wake up frequently throughout the night, yoga and Tai Chi may be more beneficial. If you struggle with daytime fatigue, jogging or walking are better options. Finally, if you’re striving for both short- and long-term sleep benefits, consider practicing Tai Chi.

SHARE:

The post Science-Backed Exercises That May Help You Sleep appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

In the world of health and wellness, gut health, detoxing, weight loss, and immunity are typically the most discussed topics. You may also hear about hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and natural detoxification. What doesn’t receive a lot of attention is lymphatic health. Perhaps you have heard of lymphatic massage, but there is more to detoxing the lymphatic system than a simple massage. This article covers how you can support the often neglected lymphatic system. 

What Does The Lymphatic System Do?

On average, there is about three times more lymphatic fluid than blood in the body. The system constantly works to carry immune cells, nutrients, and waste products through hundreds of lymph nodes. The lymphatic system does not have a pump, so lymphatic fluid only moves if you move. Lymphatic fluid contains white blood cells that fight infection, in addition to proteins and waste products that have to be eliminated. 

As lymph passes through the nodes, it filters in order for the body to remove toxins, debris, and damaged cells. That is one of the primary ways that the body keeps inflammation under control. That means that your immune system works better and the body can recover more quickly when lymph is flowing. When the system slows down, you can experience brain fog, fatigue, swelling, and puffiness. That’s why supporting lymphatic flow is a great way to help the body stay as healthy as possible. 

Why Does Lymphatic Fluid Get Stuck?

Present day sedentary life is not kind to the lymphatic system. Lack of movement from long hours of sitting means that your muscles are not squeezing lymph vessels like they should. Even being a little dehydrated can make lymphatic fluid thicker and more difficult to move. Other common things that cause lymphatic fluid to get stuck include:

• Chronic stress, which alters breathing patterns and blood flow
• Daily exposure to environmental toxins
• Tight clothing that compresses vessels
• Poor sleep, which reduces drainage at night

These things slowly build up over time and can make it harder for lymphatic fluid to flow freely. Continue reading to learn about everyday habits that can keep lymph flowing.

Rebounding And Inversions

Rebounding is a low-impact exercise that involves jumping on a small trampoline, also called a rebounder. It is especially helpful for lymphatic flow because the up-and-down movement works like a pump for your entire system. A few minutes of light bouncing can make a big difference. If you do not have a rebounder, lie flat on the floor with your legs resting up against the wall. That encourages fluid from the lower legs to drain back towards your core. 

Contrast Therapy

Although the Ice Man, Wim Hof, has been promoting cold plunging for years, contrast therapy is now a part of the lexicon. It is the act of alternating between hot and cold as a way to stimulate circulation and lymphatic fluid. The heat dilates blood vessels and the cold constricts them. Going back and forth between the two creates a pumping effect for lymphatic flow. You can sit in a sauna and then take a plunge in a cold bath. You can even end your hot shower with a minute of cold for some benefits. 

Lymphatic Massage And Dry Brushing

Gentle massage can help support lymphatic flow, but lymphatic massage is not the same as deep tissue massage. In fact, lymphatic massage is very light and it almost feels like the skin is being stretched. Begin at the collarbone area to help activate the system before working on other body parts. Dry brushing is another option that you can do yourself. Use a natural bristle brush and move in light strokes toward the heart. That helps stimulate circulation, supports lymphatic flow, and leaves the skin feeling softer. 

Walking And Gentle Movement

Walking is the easiest way to encourage healthy lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions and even a short walk involves a lot of muscle contractions. Break up long periods of sitting with a few minutes of movement. If you have a desk job, take a walk on your lunch break instead of watching a video on your phone. Other gentle activities that encourage lymphatic flow include yoga, Tai Chi, or stretching.

SHARE:

The post Simple Ways To Support Lymphatic Flow appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

So…you have decided to cleanse. First of all, we want to commend your decision to do so, as it is a great investment in your overall health. Think of cleansing like taking your car in for service. Sometimes, you just need to flush the systems and replenish it with new fluids so it can drive smoothly. That’s exactly how you want your body to run: smoothly. While eating right and drinking water may be on your mind, you may also be wondering how to workout during your cleanse. 

“Can I exercise while cleansing?” This is a question we receive quite a bit. We give a resounding “YES” to this question, but suggest that you listen to your body in this time of change. You are eating fewer calories and may not have the energy that you usually do. Listen to your body in order to exercise safely. Physical activity actually boosts the detoxification process, as it stimulates lymphatic flow, blood circulation, respiration, and promotes sweating. Additionally, it may improve digestion and the function of the kidneys, lungs, liver, and more. 

One thing to note about exercise is that it is not the leading role in your cleanse. The best workout routines to do while cleansing are ones that elevate your heart rate slightly and help you break a sweat. Be kind and gentle to the body as you transition into this new dietary pattern and you’ll reap the results without suffering. No matter if you are doing a 10-day or a 20-day cleanse, the following workouts can help promote detoxification and support cleansing efforts. 

Foam Rolling

Is this even an exercise? That is up for debate, but it is a form of myofascial release, which essentially releases the lymphatic fluid in your muscles. Foam rolling does more than just benefit your muscles! The connective tissue found throughout the entire body also receives the benefits that come from foam rolling. By releasing the tension in the tissue, you promote vitality within the fascia, which are small fibers responsible for giving muscles shape and tone. 

Light Cardiovascular Exercise

Aerobic exercise is a form of exercise that gets your heart going. The lungs take in oxygen for the body’s necessary detoxification processes. It’s important to understand that you have to keep your heart rate steady by maintaining intensity. That’s when you’ll experience the most benefits. Some examples of light cardio include walking, cycling, hiking, using an elliptical machine, or engaging in a few quick interval circuits. 

Dance

Yes, dance…as if nobody is watching. If you hate walking on the treadmill or cardio in general, you can amp up your heart rate by dancing. Pump up the jams, literally, and dance whether you are alone or hitting up the nearest Zumba class. In fact, Zumba is a top-notch cardiovascular workout! A detoxifying workout does not have to be conventional; rather, it can be a fun activity that feels good for your body. Zumba classes are usually very supportive and, more importantly, fun as can be!

Rebounding

This is a fun exercise that’ll take you back to the days of being a carefree child. Rebounding is a form of exercise that involves jumping on a small, springy trampoline (a rebounder). Due to its low-impact nature, it is a great cardiovascular exercise for older adults. The low-impact bouncing stimulates the lymphatic system, while also improving circulation and cardiovascular health. Some research suggests that it may even benefit bone density and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Yoga

Could yoga be the quintessential detoxifying exercise? Some people think of yoga as glorified stretching, but it is a great way to improve flexibility and enhance core strength. Don’t worry about mastering 100 poses or grounding your flow. The point of yoga is to give frequently used muscles attention and love, and to build strength in small muscle fibers that don’t get a lot of love. By twisting, stretching, bending, and folding, you can help soothe the body into a lean, mean, detoxifying machine.

SHARE:

The post 5 Detoxifying Workouts To Do While Cleansing appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Everyone can do it anywhere, any time. This form of exercise may not be as impactful as a full-body, high-intensity interval workout or long distance run, but walking does do surprising wonders for the body. Walking aims to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving circulation. Walking also benefits your mental health, releasing endorphins that boost your mood to improve the overall mental state. 

There is something to be said about getting out of the house or office to go for a walk. It’s like a release that frees your mind and body from the confines of home or work. Research confirms that changing scenery, especially if you can see nature, has positive effects on mental health. As far as from a physical standpoint, walking in the middle of the day can help reduce the risk of lower back and knee pain, particularly if you do it on a regular basis. 

It is very exciting to see more and more research emerging about the benefits of walking. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which basically means each walk can last 30 minutes. Aim for about 5,000 steps or more per day. If you regularly hit that mark, consider the following tips to make your walk more effective. 

Try Interval Jogging Or Speed Walking

If you don’t want to engage in a full 30-minute jog, consider incorporating a faster pace at select times during your daily walk. Health experts suggest that doing interval-based training during your walk can improve cardiovascular health. You can walk for two minutes and then speed walk for 30 seconds to one minute. Continue alternating between walking and fast walking, or even light jogging, and you will notice the difference in how your body feels. You can increase the interval times as your body adjusts to the new walking regimen. 

Walk Along A Hilly Path

Sure, walking on flat ground is perfectly fine, especially if you have knee or foot issues. Walking downhill can help improve muscle strength in your lower extremities, in addition to reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. If you don’t have hiking trails accessible to you, find a hilly neighborhood and you’ll be good to go. Interestingly enough, walking downhill puts less stress on your breathing and heart rate. Walking uphill, on the other hand, challenges the cardiovascular system and can benefit people with knee problems. No matter if you are going downhill or uphill, remain consistent with your routine so that your body can get used to walking in hilly areas. Lastly, don’t be afraid to return to a flatter path every now and again to make life easier on yourself. 

Maintain A Quick Walking Pace

Movement is better than no movement at all, but walking at a snail’s pace will not enhance your walk. Walking briskly counts toward your 150 minutes of moderately-intense aerobic activity that health experts recommend. It can be tricky to know your heart rate during your walk, but a great way to keep up the quick pace is by listening to upbeat music. Push yourself by listening to songs that are at least 100 beats per minute (BPM) and you will move with the music. You can search the web or streaming platforms for songs with that BPM. If that pace is a little too quick for you, you can slow down every other song to help maintain consistency. The last thing you want to do is stop walking!

SHARE:

The post Here’s How To Make Your Daily Walk More Effective appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

No matter how old you are, a fall can affect your quality of life. It all depends on how you fall and the surface on which you fall. When you are over the age of 65, though, even minor falls can result in major injuries, such as hip fractures, head trauma, or broken bones. One report found that one in four older adults fall annually within the United States. After you fall once, your chances of falling again double. 

Besides compromising independence and quality of life, falls can bring about financial worry. That all depends on the extent of care that you require while recovering from the fall. The following tips can help you reduce your risk of falls, whether you are at home, a care facility, or out and about. 

Fall-Proof Your Home

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most falls occur within the home. Fall-proofing the home doesn’t mean that you have to do extensive renovations or anything like that. There are simple changes you can make, such as the following:

• Add better lighting
• Increase the placement of light controls to avoid walking to switches
• Keep walking areas free of clutter
• Install railings on both sides of any stairs/steps
• Mount grab bars in high slip areas, such as the bathroom
• Use motion- or voice-activated electronics
• Place cookware and high use items in places that are easy to reach
• Use night lights
• Attach carpets firmly to the floor with nonslip pads
• Wear nonslip footwear
• Secure cords out of the way
• Maximize open space by rearranging your furniture

Keep Your Hands Free

Your hands are some of the best tools you have for keeping you upright. If you stumble, you instinctively reach out to grab onto something for stability. Unfortunately, that is also why a lot of people break their hands and wrists. They attempt to brace themselves on the ground, instead of rolling. That said, keeping your hands free means that you can easily grab onto something if you lose balance. Keep your hands available at all times by using backpacks or shoulder bags when possible. Consider taking more trips to and from the car if you buy groceries, only carrying one or two things at a time. You can also use a grocery delivery service that brings items straight to your door.

Engage In Balance And Strength Training Exercises

As you age, your physical capabilities decline. Available data suggests that muscle mass loss occurs at about 1% annually, with up to 50% loss by the age of 80. Some older adults also develop sarcopenia, a musculoskeletal disorder that causes declines in muscle mass, performance, and strength beyond what occurs as part of the natural aging process. The body changes with the decrease in strength, which is why balance worsens. For this reason, it is beneficial to keep up with balance, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises. Doing various movements that encourage core strength can help you maintain strength and stability. 

Improve Sleep Hygiene

According to researchers, poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of falling across many age groups. Poor sleep can cause daytime sleepiness, attention problems, and poor balance, all of which increase the risk of falling. There are many ways to improve your sleep, but some common recommendations are listed below:

• Limit screen time or blue light exposure at least one to two hours before bed
• Stick to a pre-sleep routine
• Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day
• Skip caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bed
• Limit daytime naps, especially those in the late afternoon
• Go to bed only if you are tired
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and peaceful
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a neighborhood walk

Use Support Equipment

Canes, rollators (a type of walker), scooters, and regular walkers can be useful supportive devices that reduce falls. Within recent decades, mobility devices have made substantial improvements. Walkers are very lightweight and easily transportable. Newer scooters are now capable of higher speeds and smoother movement on uneven terrain. A walking cane can also encourage you to stay active, while providing support at the same time. If you love animals, consider getting a service dog to improve quality of life.

SHARE:

The post 5 Practical Tips To Prevent Falls appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summertime…and the weight loss is not so easy, especially if you have been struggling with weight for a while. The dream is to look “summertime fine” or “bikini ready,” but that is not easily achievable for everyone. The reality is that summer is hot, which can make you less motivated to exercise. It is also a time to attend picnics, barbecues, pool parties, and more, all of which provide unhealthy snacks, drinks, entrees, and desserts. 

There are many factors that make it difficult to lose weight during summer. We aim to detail three primary reasons that may be inhibiting your weight loss efforts. These issues do not get in everyone’s way, but they can be big obstacles for those struggling to get rid of some extra pounds. 

Changes In Routine

Whether the kids are out of school or you are taking time off work for vacations, summer is a common season to experience a change in routine. Seasonal schedule changes and other deviations from your regular day-to-day can hinder weight loss efforts. Summer camp drop-offs, errands, work, and more can force you to put exercise and healthy eating on the back burner. 

If you find yourself in a situation such as this, take a moment to reflect on your schedule. Try to identify areas during which you can prioritize your health. Dropping the kids off in the morning when you would typically be exercising? Consider taking a walk on your lunch break. Don’t have time to go grocery shopping or plan your meals? Try to order groceries online or enroll in a meal prep service. 

More Opportunities To Indulge

Cookouts, al fresco dining, and vacations are all events or experiences that make food a focal point. Making s’mores at the campfire, going for ice cream after dinner, or grilling hot dogs and burgers by the lake are just a few examples of summertime indulgences. All of these foods and food experiences make it a little harder to lose weight. 

If you want to stay on track and maintain weight loss efforts throughout summer, try your best to enjoy balanced meals, enjoy dessert in moderation, and limit your alcohol intake. If you happen to be at a cookout, scan the food options and think about how you want to build your plate. Walking up to the full spread and piling it on is the first mistake that leads to overeating. Ideally, pick one protein, limit your carbs, and select vegetables for the remainder of the plate. For dessert, choose a small piece of the one you want to enjoy the most. Really savor that flavor and be present in your enjoyment of that treat. 

Weather Changes

It can be very discouraging to go outside when the weather is hot and humid or dry and desert-like. Perhaps smoke from wildfires (depending on their occurrence and your location) or extreme humidity can make spending time outside near impossible. In these situations, you may want to swap your regular workout or exercise routine for lazy, sedentary activities inside where the air conditioning is blowing strong. 

Additionally, it’s possible to experience physical and hormonal changes during warmer weather. These changes can cause fluid retention, which can lead to modest weight gain and bloating. Very hot weather may even slow down your metabolism! 

Although all of these factors make it difficult to lose weight, it is not impossible to lose weight during the summer. You can counteract all of these roadblocks! Instead of exercising outside, attend a fitness class inside an air-conditioned studio. If you have central air conditioning at home, consider doing a workout in your living room. There are many online videos and apps that make working out anywhere possible. Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, even if you are retaining a little more fluid. It’s very common for people to remain in a state of dehydration during the warmer months. 

SHARE:

The post 3 Reasons Why Losing Weight Over Summer Is Difficult appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, or bumpy. When a flare up occurs, it is highly uncomfortable and can be extremely difficult to avoid itching the affected area(s). Symptoms start to flare up if you encounter an irritant or allergen, and you have to use one or more remedies to stop the itching. 

More often than not, itchiness is the most common symptom, although itchy patches of skin can begin to ooze or crack from excessive scratching. Itchiness is the result of an overactive immune response, causing irritation or inflammation in the skin. The urge to scratch that itch can interfere with social life, general concentration, and your ability to sleep. To help stop scratching when you have eczema, give the following strategies a try. Some (or all) may not work for you, so keep experimenting until you find what works.

Stress Management

Stress is a common trigger for eczema and can worsen the severity of a flare up. Chronic stress, which stems from financial insecurity or major life events, can have a major impact on eczema. For this reason, dermatologists encourage eczema patients to develop stress management methods, such as: 

• Meditation: There is more than one way to meditate, people! You can experiment with solo meditation, guided meditation, or even walking meditation. Yoga and Tai Chi are also excellent forms of moderate exercise that promote stress reduction. 
• Limit social media time: According to mental health experts, spending too much time on social media can cause stress. Additionally, consuming too much news can cause high stress, so put away your socials and news sources to help curb stress. 
• Sleep: The average adult requires about seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Failure to get enough sleep can ignite symptoms. Make sure to go to bed at the same time every day and keep the bedroom at a cool temperature. 

Moisturizers

If your skin is dry, then you will likely feel itchy in problem areas. With eczema, dryness occurs because of issues with the skin barrier, which is the outer layer that retains moisture. To combat dryness, apply moisturizers to help preserve the barrier and its function. Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer at least twice daily, especially after bathing. There are oil-rich eczema creams and ointments, which are thicker than lotions and slightly more effective. Moisturizing daily can help reduce the number of eczema flare ups, according to research. 

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a possible treatment for atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. This therapy involves the use of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which researchers believe act on nerve endings that cause itchiness. One study found that 93% of people using UVB as eczema treatment reported relief after a couple weeks. 

EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychological therapy commonly used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some early research suggests that EMDR may relieve the itchiness associated with atopic dermatitis. It may also help reduce daytime scratching and increase self-control, which ultimately improves overall quality of life. During an EMDR session, you will visualize the discomfort and itch while a therapist stimulates your eyes to move. Alternatively, the therapist may expose one or both ears to certain sounds that help you adapt to the discomfort of an eczema-related itch.

Cold Compress

By applying a cold compress to the affected area, you may help relieve itchiness and inflammation. This is a remedy that can be applied whether you have eczema or not. To make a cold compress, soak a towel or washcloth in cold water. Make sure to wring it out before applying to the itchy areas. Once you do this, make sure to apply a moisturizer for ultimate relief. Avoid applying an ice pack directly to the skin, as this can increase burning or itching. 

Habit Reversal Techniques

This is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves changing your behavior and relationship to your eczema itch. This is something that you practice with a therapist or counselor. During your sessions, you’ll focus on disrupting the “itch-scratch” cycle and learn techniques to distract yourself from that itch, all while promoting mindfulness.

SHARE:

The post Effective Tips To Stop An Eczema Itch Without Scratching appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The big day of feasting will be here before you know it. You can go into Thanksgiving guns blazing, or you can take a more prepared, methodical approach. Although the former is more common, the latter may help you feel less bloated and better about yourself. Should you find yourself slipping into a food coma after gorging 3,000+ calories, you will need the tips in this article to get you back on track.

When you finally peel yourself out of bed after a reckless night of feasting, there are a few ways you can tackle the day. The first option is to lounge about and continue to pick at leftovers. The second option is to rise before dawn and race to take advantage of in-store Black Friday deals. Now, the third option is truly what this article is all about: getting yourself out of bed, donning your athletic clothes, and readying yourself for a workout. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide to working out the morning after Thanksgiving.

Start Slow

Whether you are a routine gym rat or someone who walks on occasion, there is no need to go hard straight out of the gate. That is especially true after you put your body through a night of excessive caloric intake. You won’t have a lot of energy and the body will have spent most of the night digesting all of that food and drink. Ease into your workout, starting with a gentle walk around the block a few times. There is no need to hit the neighborhood block in a full sprint. Once you engage in some mild cardio, you can decide how you proceed from there. 

Get In Your LISS

Low-impact steady state (LISS) aerobics can help warm up your body and elevate your heart right. When you get your blood pumping, you get your digestive system rolling. Consider pedaling on an exercise bike, or head out on a bike ride around the neighborhood. Jogging or running will cause your stomach to bounce, which isn’t something you want after a night of heavy eating. Begin your LISS at a leisurely pace for about five minutes. You’ll start to feel better at that point, and then you can increase your speed and resistance. Ideally, your aerobic workout should last 15-20 minutes. 

Time To Train

Once you finish your 15 minutes of aerobics, get ready to hit the weights for some strength training. You probably won’t have the energy for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or even a full-body workout that leaves your muscles tired. Ideally, you want a moderate-intensity circuit that helps to target all your major muscle groups, while also working the cardiovascular system. Try the following circuit in the order as the exercises are listed. Complete the following three groups twice and your body will feel way better than it did after the big meal. 

First group:

• Bench press 3 sets of 10 reps (3×10)
• Standing rows 3×10
• Bodyweight lunges 3×10 per leg

Second group:

• Military press 3×10
• Barbell bicep curls 3×10
• Bodyweight squats 3×10

Third group:

• Tricep extensions 3×10
• Cable lat pull-downs 3×10
• Leg press 3×10

Time To Digest

Your tummy may or may not feel iffy the morning after Thanksgiving. That is why you must hydrate with water from the moment you wake up. Try your best to avoid dehydrating beverages, such as alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and soda. Replenishing the body with water will help you detox all of that alcohol, turkey, pie, and stuffing from the night before. Consider a green smoothie for breakfast, or some chia pudding or oatmeal. In addition to water, your digestive tract is begging for fresh ingredients and fiber!

SHARE:

The post How To Work Out The Morning After Thanksgiving Dinner appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

For whatever reason, being on vacation means abandoning all of your knowledge about health. That may not be true for everyone, but it is for a lot of people. Many people think of vacation like a free pass on their diet, a chance to enjoy dessert for breakfast or cheeseburgers and such at will. Perhaps you kick back by the pool and enjoy a variety of cocktails before building sandcastles at the nearby beach. 

Depending on where you travel, staying healthy on vacation can prove to be a challenge. Sometimes, you may have the intention to maintain your healthy diet, but your destination doesn’t offer the right foods that cater to your eating habits. Plus, finding a healthy place to eat may be the last thing on your mind after touring a museum, doing a hike, or walking for hours through the city streets. 

At the end of the day, though, enjoying real food, not fried food or burgers, fuels the body and provides it with the necessary nutrients it needs to function optimally. Naturally, you should indulge while traveling, especially if the place you visit is known for certain specialities. Be a wide-eyed tourist if you see a flaky croissant in Paris, France, or a big plate of drunken noodles in Bangkok, Thailand. You will find your stride, but do your best to consume a balanced diet during your travels. Hopefully, the following tips will help you stay healthy on vacation.

Pretend That You Are Eating At Home

Vacation is not a time to disregard your normal eating habits and budget constraints. It’s very easy to overspend on vacation, especially if you are traveling in a place where the U.S. dollar is not as strong as the local currency. When booking a trip, it can be beneficial to try and find a place to stay that has a kitchen or kitchenette. By shopping at local grocery stores and pre-making food, you can save a little money and eat foods that comply with your diet. You should eat out and try different restaurants, but preparing some meals, especially breakfast, can help start your days off right.

Plan Ahead

If you have a little kitchen at your AirBnb or vacation rental, consider loading up on some healthy snacks. That is a pro traveler’s tip because packing some local fruit, in addition to bars you bring from home, can save you from eating unhealthy snacks between meals. If you like to use meal planning with apps and such, you can use them to plan meals around regional food at your destination. That works whether you are traveling regionally or internationally. If you drive to your destination, though, you have a better chance of planning your meals. You can bring exactly what you need in order to prepare meals during your vacation!

Make Sure Your Snacks Are Health

Speaking of planning ahead, make sure you are covered in the snack department. Whether you have a six-hour car ride or a 10-hour flight, having a variety of healthy, non-perishable snacks can make the difference in your traveling experience. Not only that, but packing snacks can save you money! You don’t have to stop at convenience stores or gas stations to pick up chips or processed cereals and pastries. Having healthy snacks can also reduce your likelihood of feeling terrible while traveling. Great snacks to bring include:

• Trail mix (without candy or chocolate pieces)
• Bananas
• Apples
• Packets of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter (to go with your apples)
• Reusable, insulated water bottles to hold smoothies, iced herbal teas, and water
• Homemade energy bites (or healthy protein bars)

Pack The Remedies

Staying healthy while on vacation is just about keeping your diet in check. Bug bites, sunburns, earaches, and more can happen just as much or more on vacation as they do at home. If you have specific remedies for these things, make sure to pack them! It can be beneficial to have the following while traveling:

• Healing salve (for rashes, stings, and bug bites)
• Hand sanitizer (helpful in many situations)
• Natural bug spray
• Lots of vitamin C (in addition to low-sugar electrolyte powders)
• Sunburn remedies
• Ear infection remedies
• Natural sunscreen

Keep Stress Levels Down

The last piece of the puzzle is to keep your mental health in check while traveling. It is easy to experience a burnout and spiral out of control, but doing small things can bring you back to center. Sure, the right foods and natural remedies can keep you healthy, but too much stress can derail your health. Take note of how your body feels on vacation and consider experimenting with a few simple stress-relieving techniques. You can engage in different breathing exercises, practice guided meditation, or do a couple sun salutations and other yoga poses. Even some morning and evening stretching can bring stress levels down, in addition to preparing you for walking or other vacation activities.

SHARE:

The post 5 Tips For Eating And Staying Healthy On Vacation appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.