Feeling great in 2008

So the holidays are over and all the wrapping paper has been tossed into the recycling bin, we've eaten our fill and visited or been visited by friends and family and hopefully we have not spent our life savings this year buying gifts. It's time to bring in the new year with a stand for optimism and a new motto: "Feeling great in 2008".

Tips to get started. 

Get enough sleep

* Winter is hibernation time for most creatures and our bodies are no exception. We need enough rest; just look around our environment and you will notice plants are going dormant
and energy reserves are going underground.

*This is a good time to upgrade beds, pillows, blankets, space heaters and start a rest fitness program, as natural products as possible seem to help reduce allergy symptoms for some and that can significantly impact quality of sleep.

*Did you know that 8 hours of quality sleep between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. can help weight management, mood regulation, hormonal balance and productivity?

* Look at any habits that may interrupt good sleep, especially caffeine later in the day, including sodas, weight management formulas and some medications. I am not suggesting
that you change prescribed medications but you can consult with your doctor or medical professional about sleep issues and your prescriptions.

* Believe it or not having a snack before bed can help calm you and help get you drowsy, try
to keep your sleep fitness snack fairly nutritious, cheese and fruit, yogurt, a half a sandwich, having your blood sugar regulated before bed can help with not waking up groggy.

* Stress reduction, whether deep breathing, yoga, meditation, massage or appropriate vitamin supplementation are all positive ways to help regulate the body’s well-being and ultimately get
a good night’s rest and rejuvenation.

Check out these additional resources:

Whole Foods Markets - www.wholefoodsmarket.com to find a store near you where you can find supplements and natural potions for better sleep, you can get assistance from the Whole Body department staff.

Books. The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep, by Lawrence Epstein, MD, past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), presents a six-step plan to better sleep. In the book, Dr. Epstein offers tips for dealing with common issues such as insomnia, disrupted sleep, daytime exhaustion, restlessness, sleepwalking, and the many other chronic sleep conditions suffered by more than 70 million Americans.

Websites. http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/sidebars/sb31_1.html
http://www.ayurvedamed.com/methods/51/
http://insomnia.about.com/od/quizzesfaq/qt/Video_Mood.html

FEELING GREAT IN 2008 !!

Take care of the body, it's where you live.