With Christmas around the corner, and Black Friday sales in full swing, it’s a great time to think about gift-giving with self care in mind. Whether you are buying for someone else, or feel the need to pick something up for yourself, I have listed some options along the theme of health and wellness.

1. FitBit – (or similar makes/models) Worn on the wrist, these devices keep track of numerous things such as heart rate, sleep quality, a step counter and the ability to monitor caloric intake. Most devices even have reminders to ensure you don’t stay inactive for too long.
2. Indoor Herb Garden – Having fresh herbs, veggies and salad greens always on hand can simplify cooking and enhance your culinary skills. You can buy an assortment of herbs already potted or try the hydroponic units that are compact enough for any kitchen counter.
3. Home Fermentation Crock – Fermented foods introduce good bacteria that help balance the digestive system. Based on an age old food preservation technique, you simply add the foods in a brine of sorts and let the magic happen.
4. Spinner Rings – Part therapeutic, part meditative, these handmade rings can help burn off nervous energy and induce a sense of calm. It’s a piece of jewellery that does more than just look good.
5. Energy Light Lamp – With shorter days and reduced sunlight, our moods dip and our energy levels wane. These lamps are intended to deliver a wide spectrum white light simulating sunlight but without the harmful UV rays. Just 20 -30 minutes per day can be a real pick-me-upper.
6. Weigh Scales with body composition monitors – An impressive assortment of weigh scales out there that not only monitor weight but can determine body fat and percentage of muscle and bone mass as well. There’s nothing like the holiday season to promote over indulgence so it’s always best to keep on top of it.
7. Personal Body Massager – Finding time to fit in a massage during the holiday season can be a challenge. Personal body massagers come in all shapes and sizes and are easy enough to use on your self. There’s no reason to suffer in silence with aches and pains.

 
Hopefully this list will get you thinking about an assortment of other gifts out there that have wellness in mind. Happy Holidays!

 
For many people, the holiday season is a stressful time. Even if you love everything about the holidays, it’s the time of year when calendars quickly fill up with social engagements and we have more things that need to get done. We scurry around town searching for the perfect gift for loved ones and do our best at balancing everyday commitments with all the extra things that need to get done. Add in elaborate meal prep and decorations and things can quickly become overwhelming.
All of this can leave you feeling stretched thin. And feeling that way does little in way of helping us cope. 
 
Unlike the fortunate few who are so organized they have their gift buying complete before summer, most of us race around trying to get ready, vowing that next year will be different (and it never is).  A great way to alleviate some of the stress of the season is by careful planning, even if it’s late in the year.
 
 
Fans of ‘To Do” lists understand how valuable making lists can be. It has a way of fooling the brain into believing you have things under control. Inexpensive spiral bound notebooks can be a lifesaver. Have sections for each person on your gift list and mark down ideas for them. Set up a timeline of when you want the decorations complete, the Christmas baking done, the Christmas cards sent. Make a section for recipes. There is nothing like scratching an item off a ‘to do’ list to give you a sense of accomplishment. In an ideal world, the holidays would simply be a time for family friends and fellowship.  But in reality, unless well planned out, it’s chaos.
 
Here’s hoping you will be so organized this holiday season, you will have time to take in its beauty!

Well I am not sure about you, but where I live, winter has come with a vengeance
bringing along with it cold temperatures, gusty winds and snow. So if you haven’t
already started stock piling your pantry full of immune boosters, now would be a
good time to start. Below I have listed a few must have items to keep you cough-free
and sniffle-less through the upcoming months.
 
1. Cinnamon – One of the most popular spices in the world, this gem is packed full of
antioxidants, and is known for anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and immune
boosting properties. A great way to take is mixing ½ teaspoon in 1 tbsp of raw
honey. Or sprinkle the ½ tsp. on your morning cereal every day.
 
2. Garlic – Tried and true, garlic has been used since ancient times for its medicinal
properties. More recent studies show that garlic and onions, which contain
compound allylic sulphides stimulate enxymes that detoxify cancer-causing
chemicals in the body. A head of garlic drizzled with olive oil and roasted in a 300-
350 degree oven for an hour yields a tasty spread that can be spread on fresh bread.
Or if you are brave enough, crush up a large clove and take with raw honey.
 
3. Oil of Oregano – Probably one of my favourite cold and flu busting remedies, a few
drops under the tongue at the first sign of a scratchy throat or runny nose seems to
nip things in the butt.
 
And if all else fails and you find yourself battling the bug, here’s a few old wive’s tale remedies you may want to try:

1. At the first sign of a cold, slice an onion, place it on the soles of your feet and

secure in place by wearing socks. Head off to bed for the night and let the onions
work their magic.

1. Keep a few onions in a bowl on your counter. The idea is that the onions will

cleanse the air of bacteria, being absorbed by the onions rather than finding a home in the lining of your throat. Change the onions once a week.
 
Here’s hoping that this winter season finds you healthy and happy!

​Today, the benefits of yoga are well understood. It has transcended the barrier of eastern vs. western medicine and is highly recommended by both schools for its reduction of stress and increase in overall health. But if you have ever set out to join a yoga class, you will quickly realize that there is a plethora of types to choose from. So how do you know what’s right for you? Understanding your own needs can help you choose.
 
According to yogic teachings, there are five koshas, or layers to the self:

1. Physical body (anna-maya kosha)
2. Energetic body (pranic)
3. Mental-Emotional body (mano-maya kosha)
4. Wisdom body (vijana-maya kosha)
5. Spiritual body (anada-maya kosha)

 
By aligning what part of your whole requires the help, you can choose a yoga practice that will be most advantageous to you. Here are some examples of types of yoga practices associated with each of the koshas:

1. Physical Body – needs associated with this kosha include balancing elemental forces. Practices such as Hatha and/or Ayurveda yoga are recommended.
2. Energetic Body – when it is suspected that chi or life force is blocked, pranayama yoga can be advantageous. Incorporating breathwork is particularly useful for any dis-ease of the energy body.
3. Mental-Emotional Body – So many of the illnesses that we experience as a result of emotions, fears and phobias can benefit from Bhakti, Mantra or Yantra Yoga.
4. Wisdom Body – Housed in the Third Eye center, this is the area of intuition, the higher mind, discernment. Yoga techniques of particular benefit to the wisdom body is Jnana Yoga as well as Dharana and Dhyana meditations.
5. Spiritual Body – when ailments occur as a result of unresolved issues in the spiritual body, Bhakti yoga is beneficial as well as Sangha meditations and mantras to connect to the Divine.  

 
There are thousands of yoga practices available and each one can be particularly beneficial during different times in our lives. Finding a yoga guru can be profoundly helpul. Check out gaia.com for help finding a yoga teacher and style that suits you best.