Natural Remedies To Beat Insomnia

It is common to have a sleepless night on occasion but insomnia is an inability to sleep for a number of days at a stretch and this impairs daily functioning. Chronic lack of sleep has been linked to a number of health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. In order to avoid alternative medicine, it is important to try natural remedies that will help you develop a proper sleep schedule. 

Light exposure

Those who have trouble falling asleep at night or have a delayed sleep phase syndrome need more light in the morning. Light exposure plays a crucial role in telling the body when to sleep and when to wake up. It is ideal to take a walk first thing in the morning for about half an hour. If you find that you are waking up too early in the morning, you need more light late afternoon and you could try walking outdoors for two to three hours in the evening. 

Meditation and relaxation techniques

There are a number of benefits of meditation. When you practice meditation regularly, it can help promote sleep and reduce stress hormones. If you have trouble sleeping, Earl Hailey from Patch MD suggests looking into natural sleep aids that are gentle on the body before doing anything drastic. Meditation involves consciously directing your attention to your breathing so as to increase awareness and relax the body and mind. There are different ways you can make the most of meditation including visualization, relaxation response and mindfulness. Meditation and relaxation can help improve sleep and are an ideal solution for insomnia.

Acupuncture

Acupressure and acupuncture can help with insomnia. Research has shown evidence that it can help and can cure insomnia in the long run. 

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy oils have been used for many years as a remedy to help people fall asleep. It is a very soothing oil and studies have proven it to be very effective for insomnia. Put a lavender sachet under your pillow or add a couple of drops of lavender oil to a bath, it will help with sleep. There are many other aromatherapy oils which help with sleep like patchouli, ylang-ylang, and chamomile. 

Diet

What you eat has a significant impact on how you feel and how you sleep. In order to deal with insomnia, you need to limit the intake of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Caffeine and nicotine can cause insomnia and will keep you awake for long hours in the night. Alcohol consumption can also result in nighttime wakefulness. Additionally, you need to cut down on sugar because it can cause an uneven blood sugar level and will disrupt your sleep schedule. Consume foods that make you fall asleep. Opt for carbohydrate snacks like whole grain crackers before bedtime. You also need to include foods which are rich in vitamin B6. Deficiency of magnesium in the body can lead to cramps, pain, muscle tremors and irritability. Hence, you need to consume foods that are rich in magnesium like wheat bran, legumes and seeds, cashews, almonds, green vegetables, and whole grains. 

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is an herbal supplement which can calm the nerves and relieve anxiety. It is a supplement which includes valerian which helps in insomnia. 

Ayurveda

Ayurveda treats insomnia as a vata imbalance, vata regulates circulation and breathing in your body and people who suffer from the imbalance often deal with anxiety, irritability and insomnia.  The Ayurvedic method of treating insomnia is to apply oil on the head and feet. You can use coconut oil or sesame oil for the purpose. 

Chamomile tea

Chamomile has proven to be very effective for insomnia. It is an herb that is used to handle muscle tension and reduces anxiety which helps induce sleep. You can sip a cup of chamomile tea post-dinner but do not drink it very close to bedtime.

Before you take any drugs to deal with insomnia, try these highly effective natural remedies for your body. It will help you develop a sleep schedule that will benefit your mind and body in the long term. Remember that chronic insomnia might take some time to be treated and if you do not see any results through these natural remedies, it is best to consult a doctor. Be kind to your mind and body and allow it to rest. Do not expect results in 24 hours. These remedies will work on your body slowly and if you maintain consistency, you will see significant results.  

Is It a Good Idea to Get a Puppy/Dog When You Have Small Children?

To many people, dogs and kids just go together. Others are afraid the pet might harm the child. The answer is to choose the dog carefully and train it well. If the family has a dog before the babies start coming, the owners can opt for dog obedience training or train the dog themselves to prepare it for when the baby comes home.

Choosing the Dog

Choosing the age and breed of the dog carefully will also be important. If there is no dog in the home when a baby is born and brought home, the family might wait a few months before introducing a puppy or dog to the household. This gives mom time to get used to caring for a baby before she has to worry about dog obedience Training.

When the time has come to pick a dog, choose a dog that fits your home and family members’ needs. For instance, don’t get a shaggy, long-haired dog if someone in the family has allergies. Short-haired dogs that don’t shed much are good choices. Then, groom them daily. Wiping them with a dryer sheet daily will get rid of dander and loose hairs.

Choose a dog that needs the amount of exercise you are prepared to give. Large hunting type dogs need lots of exercise and space. If the family has small children, pick a mild-mannered dog breed that is more likely to be protective of children and forgiving of small children’s movements.

Mixed breed dogs are hardier and less prone to genetic diseases. It is a little harder to predict their adult size and personality, but worth the effort. Tiny dogs may not be a good choice for homes with small children.  Seeing-eye dogs who did not make the final cut or other dogs that were trained for one purpose but did not work out are worth considering because they already are trained.

Dog Training

For both existing and new dogs, it is a good idea to consider dog obedience training when introducing a baby or young child to the family mix. Dog training options start at one-day options, 6-day packages, and move to 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week packages. Each step up in the length of training adds more commands and learning.

The one-day training offers training collar and treat pouch with instructions, all day training, and added nightly homework for master and dog through e-mail. The trainer could gear the training to the new baby in the house scenario.

The longer training times do more training and offer the pet owner video updates on the dog’s progress and lessons to take home to educate yourself and all family members on the dog’s commands.

Getting Ready for a New Dog

Preparing for a new dog correctly can affect the success of the pet adventure. Before bringing a puppy or new dog home, prep the house and family for pet ownership. Get the kids to put away their things so belongings won’t be damaged by the dog. Consider baby gates to confine a new dog to a safe area. Purchase all the puppy or dog equipment in advance and have it set up and ready for the dog to settle into. Give the children some training and rules to follow for safety. Getting a puppy or dog for the family with small children can be a wonderful thing with the correct choice of a dog, preparation, and training.

Start the Day Off Right With These 4 Routines

Don't let a groggy morning drag down your day. Instead, incorporate some new daily habits that make the early hours more enjoyable. Check out these routines that will help you start the day off right.

Let Light In

Image via Flickr by pockethifi

Before turning in each night, do you close all the blinds and curtains in your home? This simple habit could be making your mornings rougher because you're going from extreme darkness to bright sunlight. 

Instead, try leaving your shades cracked. You don't have to keep them all open, but allowing some light to come in naturally will help ease your transition into the day. If that's not an option, consider getting a sunrise alarm clock that brightens slowly to wake you up.

Stay Unplugged

If you immediately start answering emails, checking the news, or scrolling through social media feeds, it can start your day off with a twinge of anxiety or make you feel rushed to get going. Keep the first minutes after you wake up technology-free so you can begin the day feeling relaxed. 
Consider getting a separate alarm clock rather than using the alarm on your phone so you aren't looking at a screen right away. Then, create a tech-free morning routine that sets the tone for a great day. Get a programmable thermostat so you can wake up to the perfect temperature, then sit down with your coffee or a healthy breakfast. Read a few pages of a book, write in your journal, listen to music, meditate, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet before the day begins.

Get Moving

Exercise in the morning is linked to enhanced mental performance. By moving your body shortly after getting out of bed, you'll be able to start the day with a clearer mind and ready to take on your work, errands, or other activities.

You don't have to squeeze an entire workout routine into your morning to reap the benefits of early exercise. In fact, just 10 minutes of movement is enough to get your mind working more efficiently. 

Consider exercises that are easy to complete in a short period, such as a brisk walk around the block, a 10-minute yoga session, or even just some pushups or situps.

Freshen Up

If you've always been someone who showers at night, it might be time to rethink your routine. A morning shower can be a great way to improve your circulation at the beginning of the day. It can also perk you up if you're still feeling sleepy. For the best results, try taking a cold shower. A chilly temperature is more effective at boosting your central nervous system, stimulating the adrenal glands, and increasing blood flow.

With a few small changes to your daily routine, mornings can feel much more enjoyable. You might even find these early hours to be your favorite part of the day once you try these tips. Consider adopting one or more of these changes to make your mornings relaxing rather than rushed.

Top Gift Ideas for Your Mom

No matter how grown up and independent we become as individuals, the importance of a mother in our life is irreplaceable. Mommies are known to care for their kids selflessly and tirelessly in every phase of their life. She is probably the only person on earth who does not expect anything in return of the efforts she makes, but an even a moment of attention from her kids make her face lighten up. It only makes sense if you thank her for all she has done with a gift that she would love. Whether you are looking for a mother's day present, or one for her birthday or just a gift without any occasion, picking a present without any occasion can often be confusing. Here are some great gift ideas that you can choose for her.

Jewelry

Women may have different tastes in fashion and style but all of them do have a thing for jewelry. Their style may be either bare minimum or gaudy, but either way, you can never go with jewelry. Another added advantage is that they are lifetime pieces so you do not have to worry about losing a memory unlike what happens with toiletries, perfumes, etc. Moreover, there is a lot of flexibility in terms of budget and design when it comes to jewelry. Choose a piece in real diamonds, gold, gems Swarovski or even Sterling Silver if there are budget constraints. You will definitely find something that fits both her taste and your budget.

Watches

If she is into watches or if she is a working woman, a watch would make an exceptional present. Just like jewelry, a good watch can last her a lifetime. It is not only a lifelong keepsake but can also make a style statement and has a lot of utility as a time-telling device. There are various different types of watches available in the market so you will easily find something that fits her taste. If you are looking for something that would be a great blend of class, trendiness, and budget then Zenith Watch would be a great pick.

Kitchen and Culinary

Many moms just love to cook and hoard kitchen supplies. They can spend hours in the Ikea's kitchen section without refusing to budge. If your mommy is one of the kitchen lovers, you can choose from a large number of kitchen supplies and appliances for her depending on your budget. It could be anything ranging from a set of professional kitchen knives to alates kitchen appliance such as an instant pot. Try to find out if there is something on her wishlist that she is meaning to buy and surprise her with it.

Craft Supplies

Anyone who has even a teeny bit interest in DIY and crafts dream of getting craft supplies or a shopping voucher to a craft supplies store as a present. If your mommy is a craft lover, get her the latest Sizzix machine or the latest Distress ink set or even a shopping voucher from Micheal’s. The possibilities are endless and she will remember that present for life. Bags Bags and women go together. There is no woman on earth who does not use a handbag. Figure out what is your mom's style and get her a leather bag that she will fall in love with. You can buy a Coco Chanel or even an Aldo or Charles and Keith depending on your budget. However, if you can save and buy something like a Louis Vuitton, you will be giving her a lifetime keepsake.

10 Awesome Birthday Party Ideas That Special Someone Will Never Forget

Organizing a special birthday party for someone doesn’t have to mean the traditional cake-cutting and dancing. There are lots of great ideas you can consider if you want to create fun memories in the lives of that special person.

Make a Booking or Get Them Tickets to a Music Concert

That special person has a favorite music star or band they enjoy, why not get them music concert tickets to the musician’s performance and the special person will cherish that forever. Music invokes strong emotions in everyone, they rejuvenate the mind and body and bring back those fun memories. Make their birthday unforgettable by booking tickets to such music concerts. You can learn more about awesome birthday party ideas on this store.

Take them to a Classy Wine Tasting Night

Taking your special person for an evening of wine tasting is one pleasurable way of enjoying different flavors. This is one of the most awesome birthday party ideas if you are on a budget. In addition to wine tasting, there are numerous guide books you will find at wine-tasting events where you can learn about wines from different countries.

Organize a Sky Diving Adventure

Sky Diving is an amazing adventure of a lifetime. It may be scary on your first attempt but it becomes pretty fun thereafter. Make their birthday an absolutely terrific one, especially if the special person has never sky-dived before. There is no adventure sport that is as thrilling as sky-diving, it creates fun memories that will never be forgotten.

Spend the Night Out Camping and Hiking

Another awesome way to create fun birthday memories is to organize a hiking trip and a night of camping. Start with a hiking trip before retiring to a night of campfire with great wine and delicious meal. You can add lots of music, dancing, and even outdoor games to make it more awesome. Hiking and camping is an amazing opportunity to reconnect with that special person in your life.

Organize a Blackout Sleepover

The Blackout Sleepover idea may seem to be boring in the beginning but you will quickly discover how fun it is. If your awesome special person prefers a personal experience without the usual booze, dancing and loud music, then a blackout sleepover will create an awesome experience. Simply turn off all electrical appliances and the light, then bring the dark space alive with lighted candles. Arrange some blankets, pillows and remove all furniture out of the way to prevent guests from tripping over.

You can arrange the beddings to form a circle and then enjoy some creepy games while conversing with some light drinks and snacks. This is a simple, yet glamorous way of celebrating the birthday of a special person.

Make Bookings for a Seaside Villa

Everyone does have the dream of having a lavish birthday party at some point, and if you can afford the finances, you should consider booking a villa and inviting the special person in your life. You can invite the person’s close friend to enjoy the beautiful scenery with some seaside foods and drinks to enjoy. Having an outdoor party on the seaside without intrusion from strangers is awesome.

Spend the Day at Old Age Home or Homeless Shelter

Giving back to society is perhaps one of the greatest fulfilments of one’s lifetime. If your loved one or that special person loves giving, you may want to buy lots of gifts such as toys and food for people being housed in shelters and those in the aged people’s homes. One of the greatest birthday gifts you can get is to be kind to others on your birthday, it brings fond memories and sense of accomplishments.

Organize a Naturist Birthday

If that special person is a naturist, it will be a great pleasure for them to organize a surprise party at a beautiful scenic location surrounded by nature. It will be much more fun when close friends of the celebrants are invited to such beautiful scenery. It could be in the middle of a quiet stream, unexplored garden and even in the mountains, as long as there is no interference from the outside world.

Organize an Open-bus Road Trip

Birthday celebrations on an open bus road trip are quite uncommon. If you know the special person in your life enjoys traveling, it will make some sense to organize an open bus trip in a town or city he or she has never travel to.  They will surely want to take pictures and even stop over to wine and dine. A road trip birthday celebration is worth trying, especially for long-distance travel lovers.

Go on A Cruise

Depending on your destination, you can spend between a few hours and a day on a Cruise to Another country, just to celebrate your birthday. There are cruise ships with lots of convenient and cozy places to celebrate birthdays on board. You may take your own food and drinks or pay for a package including the meals and drinks. Whichever way you want it, organizing a cruise ship party for a special person will create lasting fun memories.

In conclusion, there are lots of other awesome birthday tips and ideas, you can think of, but it pays to understand the hobbies of that special person, doing this will ensure that you don’t go overboard when trying to satisfy them. If you don’t know much about the person, you may want to do some research by asking from their friends, and colleagues, what exactly they enjoy doing most or what they fantasize about.

Based on information gathered, you can now decide on the most suitable birthday activities to “wow” them. You don’t have to spend too much to create that awesome birthday for those special people in your life, it only takes a bit of creativity and planning. With the suggestions highlighted here, you will surely find the most suitable birthday activity that will suit the need and fantasy of your loved ones.