Wikimedia Commons

Why a Little ‘Me Time’ is Important for your Health and Well Being

By Aurelia Williams

As mothers, it is in our very nature to nurture and care for others. We play doctor, cook, chauffeur, teacher, lawyer, and the occasional referee as well, and yet most of us don’t take time off for ourselves. I bet you can remember the last time you did a load of laundry, the last time one of your little ones gave you a hug or perhaps the last time one of your kids did a little artwork on the wall (smile), but when was the last time you took time out for you?

It isn’t selfish to carve out a little ‘me time’ – it is actually a great way to nurture yourself and a wonderful way to rejuvenate yourself. As a matter of fact, it is very important to be sure to take time out for yourself. I made a vow a long time ago to be sure to take time for myself, away from home. I have a loving husband and 4 children and I make sure to do something for me monthly (often times more). Whether I am alone or with girlfriends, I find the time that I spend dedicated to me priceless. My girlfriends and I have created what we call a ‘Girls Day Out’! This is where you pal around with your friend or friends and just have fun (childless fun). Just imagine being able to drink an entire cup of tea or coffee before it gets cold or actually eating your entire meal without having to share it.

Be sure to steal a few hours a week for yourself to get away. If for some reason you can’t leave the house, perhaps just take some quiet time for yourself after the children are in bed and treat yourself to a good book, a bubble bath, a nice movie or anything else that you get enjoyment from.

You remember that saying? If mama ain’t happy, nobody is happy? Well, I tend to agree with it, so try to take time off when you can to replenish your mind, body and spirit. Usually after just a few hours of ‘me time’, you will feel totally renewed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle just about ANYTHING (even that pile of laundry!)

About Aurelia

Aurelia Williams is a certified Life Coach and author of Journey To Joy a clear-cut step-by-step action guide to help you claim the happiness you deserve. Grab your copy today! To find out more about Aurelia’s coaching visit today and sign up for your complimentary session with the Real Life Coach

Contest

Don’t forget to leave your feedback on this post. One lucky commenter will win the Journey to Joy Gift package that includes:

1.    A free session with the Real Life Coach, Aurelia Williams
2.    A copy of the Journey to Joy e-book
3.    A $25 Bath and Body Works Gift Card

All you have to do for your chance to win is comment on this post and the others in the Journey to Joy blog tour. For each comment that you leave your name will be entered into the drawing for the prize. Comments must be more than 15 words long and relevant.

A winner will be chosen at the end of the blog tour and announced on Monday March 1, 2010. Be sure to provide your email address in the provided space so that you can be contacted in the event that you win.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some more tools to help with a little “me time”:

Energy Drink!!!

Here’s a recipe from an herbalist who drinks this every morning and afternoon.

4 oz. Thai-go

2 oz. Noni

1 oz Mineral Chi

Every morning for energy and joints. If I am really tired and run down, I repeat it in the afternoon. Has kept me going through some extremely stressful times.

Easy Aromatherapy Bath Recipes for Women

Blend the essential oils with one teaspoon of carrier oil or milk and add the

blend to your bath.

PMS Relief Bath

5 drops bergamot

3 drops geranium

1 drop rose

For PMS Fluid Retention

2 drops lavender

4 drops juniper.

Order your products and essential oils at my website - http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Count down to the next Certified Herbalist Course. Still time to register at:

http://certifiedherbalistcourse2010.eventbrite.com

In these stressful and hectic times this upcoming article by Aurelia is much needed.

So if you aren’t subscribed to my blog you need to subscribe now so you won’t miss this blog tour stopping by Mom’s Healthy Blog this Wednesday, February 24th.

More stress relievers

Nature Sunshine will send Nutri-calm to Haiti this week when you order 3 bottles. This supplement helps nourish the nervous system and relieves stress, depression and nervousness. A good dose of the B-complex vitamins makes a big difference. One of my favorite supplements. I can really feel the difference when I take my Nutri-calm and my family can too. When my nerves are frayed sometimes my daughter will ask “Mom, have you taken your Nutri-calm?”

See all of this week’s specials with Nature Sunshine at:
http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest

~~~~~~~
More great tips on living healthy during stressful and tight economic times at my
Chicago Holistic Examiner column:

Living healthy during tight economic times

Photo by Anissa

As women mature some may face those hormonal ups and downs such as hot flashes but the good news is herbs can help.

Flash-Ease™ [Glandular] contains black cohosh, a popular herb native to the West. It is widely known for its ability to help support the mature woman’s body as she encounters normal glandular imbalances and physical changes. In fact, women have used it for decades to help “keep cool” during menopause. Flash-Ease is a potent, timed-release version of this trusted herb.

Women have been so pleased with their experience with Flash-ease they make sure to always have it on hand.

Try this great herbal blend today and take advantage of this week’s specials:

Flase-ease
$2 OFF – $12.50

Buy 4 Get 1 FREE – $58.00

Check all the specials for the week with Nature Sunshine at:
http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COUNT DOWN TIL THE NEXT CERTIFIED HERBALIST COURSE
Still time to register if you would like to learn about the Wonderful world of herbs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check Chicago’s Holistic Examiner’s latest posts:

Product recall on granola bars

Drinking two or more sodas a week doubles your risk of pancreatic cancer

Interview with Chicago’s south suburban herbalist on Herbalist Tips Podcast

Have a great week!!!

X-Action Gel – Regular price is $32.25

Now get it for $10.75 (member price)

Add products like Pro-G-Yam cream to balance hormones and X-Action (Women) to also help your libido.

Also check out the other great deals this week:

-    Sinus Support – Encourages proper nasal function.
-    Nutri-Calm – Soothes frayed nerves with vitamin Bs.

See all the specials at WEEKLY SPECIALS AT NATURE SUNSHINE at http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest

More tips for your sexual health under CATERGORIES – SEXUAL HEALTH.

~~~~~~~~~~

Black History Month Health fact from BlackDoctor.org

Madam C.J. Walker first woman millionaire died of kidney failure a terrible condition many Blacks are still dying from today.

Read more here along with common causes of kidney disease and how to prevent kidney disease at BlackDoctor.org

Here under TESTIMONIES you can read a story of one man who improved his kidney condition with herbs that strengthen the kidneys.

Make it a GREAT WEEK!

Dr. Ian Smith sat down with members of a congregation from a church in Ohio that had several members with diabetes. He pointed out that African-Americans are twice as likely to die from diabetes. The fitness expert Bob Greene did a diabetes boot camp with the church ladies showing how much hidden white sugars people eat regularly with a diet that includes sodas, ranch dressing and donuts. Things like sodas can increase the risk of diabetes by 83% Dr. Oz stated. Dr. Oz says cut out the white stuff, like white flour, white sugar and white salt.

Fitness expert Bob Greene says things like strength training 3 times a week will help battle diabetes. He has a website called www.thebestlife.com with great tips.

Dr. Ian Smith of the 50 million pounds weight loss challenge says 6 million Americans don’t even know they have diabetes but he stated with passion that people shouldn’t wait til it is a crisis situation to do something about your health. Change over to better eating habits, exercise and weight loss now! Graduate of Harvard College, Dr. Ian admits he comes from a traditional background of eating the high fat, fried foods diet like most African-Americans and changed over. Dr. Smith is also the author of six books, the #1 New York Times Bestseller Extreme Fat Smash Diet, the #1 New York Times Bestseller The Fat Smash Diet, the New York Times Bestseller The 4 Day Diet, the critically acclaimed The Blackbird Papers (2005 BCALA fiction Honor Book Award winner), Dr. Ian Smith’s Guide to Medical Websites, and The Take-Control Diet.

Oprah’s chef came out looking so great after changing over to a healthier diet and had lost over 50 pounds. He was diagnosed with diabetes and said both his parents had diabetes so he was considered and made some changes in his life.

Dr. Oz reminded everyone the importance of loosing the belly fat. Measure your waistline and make sure you are not over the unhealthy measurements.

Join my fan page on facebook to get more tips on healthy recipes and to continue to stay abreast to health in the news headlines.

You can learn a little more about your herbalist Marguerite Wright by listening to an interview I did recently with Dr. Daisy on her Healthy Tips podcast.

Check out the interview HERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 1, 2010 Marguerite Wright of www.motherknowsbest.net is a blogger, natural health educator, radio show host, herbalist and health consultant. She has studied with some of the top master herbalists in the Chicago area and nationwide. Marguerite teaches online health courses and offers private consultations.

Recent media headlines reveal that heart disease is a number one killer. Breast and prostate cancer is also widespread. Headlines report that this may be the first generation where the parents will out live their children. This is a major alert to get educated on basic health guidelines to turn health issues around. Getting to the root of these issues involve lifestyle and fitness changes along with learning about the wonderful world of herbs and how they activate, build, and cleanse the body of toxins.

Statistics show more people are turning to natural alteratives treatments. This course Marguerite is offering shares the first steps people need to take to successfully changeover to a natural, wholistic program. This six session course presented on webinars covers the basic knowledge of herbs and nutrition. Sign up for this online Certified Herbalist course to learn the steps to leading a healthy lifestyle with herbs, basic nutrition and fitness plus the knowledge of the body system.

For more information contact Marguerite Wright, Herbalist and Health Consultant, Dixmoor, Il, 708-575-3968, email: momsherbs@gmail.com, website to register: http://certifiedherbalistcourse2010.eventbrite.com.

Photo by Roland Lipski

Mineral Chi tonic helps the adrenals, boost energy.
ON SPECIAL THIS WEEK
(32 oz) – $2 OFF = $24.15
(32 oz) – BUY 4 GET 1 FREE = $104.60

Mineral-Chi contains the following renowned Chinese tonic herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost and maintain balance in the body’s energy system:

Gynostemma herb

Lycii berry

Schizandra berry

Eleuthero root and rhizome

Astragalus root

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root

Reishi mushroom (ganoderma)

Ginger rhizome

Ginkgo biloba leaf

~~~

Nature’s Noni Juice is an amazing fruit that hits ‘every’ cell in the body and helps balance the body’s pH.

Just to name a few of Noni’s benefits:

Helps digestion
Boosts immunity
Repairs ‘Leaky Gut’!
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Depressant
Anti-Parasitic
Anti-Oxidant
Anti-Histamine
Stronger bones
Fights Cancer
And I could go on and on.

Nature Sunshine’s Nature’s Noni is NON-RADIATED, has a good flavor and from Hawaii. It is scientifically proven to be six times higher at boosting the Immune System than the competition!

Try this cockail daily:

Nature’s Noni 2 Tablespoon
Mineral Chi Tonic 1 Tablespoon
Coral Calcium 1 Scoop

Mix and add in water or juice. Take twice daily (morning and evening).

Mineral Chi Tonic on SPECIAL this week!
(See the Weekly specials and SHOP at my Nature Sunshine site. You can purchase your Nature’s Noni and Coral Calcium here too.)

Photo by Alex Bramwell

It is almost tax time. Election time is coming up in different areas. Families are struggling to keep their heads above water during these tough economical times. Parents have so many responsibilities. How can we handle it all without becoming totally stressed out? We have to put ourselves first. Take time out and do something to boost our energy and de-stress. Yoga is a great tool for this. Even if you just take 10, 20 or 30 minutes a day, it is an unbelievable way to stretch the body, focus on breathing and just totally go to another zone where you are clearing your head and get into poses that aren’t so difficult but release stress and tension. Yoga is so good for the spine.

Stress is one of the roots of many illness

More women are dealing with fibroid tumors and stress is linked to this. Hypertension is a growing health issue that connected to stress also. Get a yoga mat, a good DVD and a nice quiet spot in your home and give it a try. Work your way up if you can’t do all the poses at first. After time you will be able position your body in the various yoga poses and feel all the wonderful benefits.

I recommend Shiva Rea who has many great yoga DVDs. She shares yoga techniques on beautiful locations that help you to take yourself away from it all. Yogaworks is another line of great instructional yoga DVDs. If you have OnDemand TV you can find great yoga shows to check out before you buy the DVD. I am not an expert in yoga but I do love the results I get from a good yoga session. It is invigorating, relaxing and helps me tone and stretch my body.

Visit my Amazon estore today and shop for all your yoga needs.

Start your day off with this great smoothie recipe for energy boost:

After a good yoga stretch get out your bullet or blender and blend these ingredients together:

Morning Energy Smoothie

1 frozen banana
2 or 3 frozen strawberries
About ½ cup of blueberries
1 cup of almond, rice or soymilk
1 Tablesp of Vitawave
(Liquid multi-vitamins and minerals that really gives an energy boost. Find on my Nature Sunshine website).

You can also add other herbs and health juices by Nature Sunshine for a great energy smoothie.

Ultimate Greenzone – For a green smoothie add a scoop of this powdered supplement for added protein-rich grains such as quinoa, amaranth seeds, brown rice, millet and spirulina plus nutrient-rich greens such as kale, broccoli, alfalfa, chlorophyll, artichoke, asparagus, parsley, spinach and chlorella and more amazing ingredients. This will boost energy, curbs appetite and you will feel great!)

Nature’s Noni juice – The Noni fruit is an amazing fruit from the tropics that has so many benefits from being a cancer fighter, helps keep you regular, it is a natural pain killer, anti-yeast and anti-parasitic and helps to balance your blood pressure naturally.

Shop at My Nature Sunshine link and Amazon estore for products highlighted above.

A panoramic view of Petit Mountain. Yoga can mentally take you to another place like this.

A great week to stock up on your weight loss and fitness needs.

MetaboMax Free
Boost metabolism, increase energy and burns fat, also helps to curb appetite. People have gain great results with MetaboMax Free along with healthy diet and exercise. Has a synergistic herbal base of ginger and chickweed. Special formula with no caffeine.

$2 OFF – $27.95
Buy 4 get 1 FREE – $119.80

Metabomax Plus
This is also a great herbal blend including Green Tea to help boos metabolism, energy, evens help maintain cholesterol levels already within normal range and decrease circulatory fat deposits.

$2 OFF – $27.95

Buy 4 get 1 FREE – $119.80

~~~~~~~~~

DVDs 50% off on Amazon!

Great deals on Amazon too for your fitness, weight loss and fitness gear needs. Fitness, Jillian Michaels, Yoga, DVDs and more.
20% off on select athletic shoes.
Plus books on dieting, fitness, and healthy eating.
Go to Mother Knows Best Amazon estore and grab these specials while you can.

Click on banner below:

~~~~~~
Stop by and check out the latest post at Chicago Holistic Examiner.

Updates on the latest in Health in the news.

http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest

Carbo Grabbers with Chromium
$2 off – $16.25
Buy 4 get 1 FREE – $73.00

•  Helps reduce the conversion of some starches to calories.
•  May help reduce available calories.
•  Minimizes the need to entirely avoid certain favored foods.
•  Helps the body’s efforts to maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range.

Fat Grabbers
$3 off – $36.95
Buy 4 get 1 FREE – $159.80

•Helps decrease the body’s absorption of fat.

•Helps maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Here are two great products that many people have had much success with when they use along with a sensible dietary plan and exercise. Some people have found Fat Grabbers to help with lowering high cholesterol too. It is suggested to take 4 Fat Grabbers with every meal. Fat Grabbers are also good for curbing the appetite. Try these supplements for a safe and healthy weight loss plan.

Place your order here: http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest

Seek your herbalist for a full program to lower cholesterol naturally and get off cholesterol lowering drugs.

Photo by Ariel da Silva Parreira

Great Health and Wellness webinars going on this week. Sign up for the FREE ezine at www.motherknowsbest.net to get all the details.

If you missed Chicago Holistic Examiner’s most recent articles stop by. The latest articles are on:

- Have more sex in the new year for better health

- Doctors misdiagnose women with HIV, hepatitis and herpes

Read full articles at:

http://www.examiner.com/x-27680-Chicago-Holistic-Health-Examiner

Make it a great week!