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6 Things That Weaken Your Immune System

February 8, 2021

Over the past several years we have gotten further away from the natural lifestyle that God intended for us to live for the best health we can have on this earth. Instead of turning to the products and resources He has placed here for us, that are meant to attack the root problem, we turn to medications and other expensive treatments that just stop the symptoms and ignore the true problem…while at the same time creating even more health side effects we didn’t bargain for.

6 Things that Weaken Your Immune System

1. Lack of Vitamin D – Vitamin D is very important to a strong immune system. More and more evidence is showing that a vitamin d deficiency is a big culprit in increased susceptibility to infections and illnesses.

2. Stress – Chronic stress has been shown to suppress protective immune responses, weakens our internal organs and leave us more susceptible to disease. It actually really confuses your immune system. It triggers immune overreactions and under-reactions. The overreactions can leave you struggling with autoimmune symptoms. Immune system under-reactions could leave you catching every cold, flu, or other bug that’s going around. It’s a hard one to avoid, but it is one that we all need to reduce in our daily life for optimum health.

3. Sugar and Processed Foods – Consuming refined sugars can cause chronic inflammation in the body, and it has been shown to shut down white blood cell production for up to five hours. Processed foods and diets high in sugar can cause gut damages (the first line of defense in the immune system), and cause other organs, such as the brain, heart and liver to not function properly.

4. Lack of Good Quality Sleep – It’s not just getting enough sleep, though it is important to get at least 7 hours, but you also need to be sure you are getting GOOD QUALITY sleep. When you aren’t getting enough quality sleep, or enough sleep in general, your immune system won’t be able to function properly. Try turning off your devices at least an hour before bedtime and sleep in a dark, cool (but not cold) room.

5. Lack of Physical Touch – Physical touch has been shown to boost the immune system. Hugs strengthen the immune system…The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates stimulates the thymus gland. This regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells. Hugging also induces the “stress buffering effect”, where the individual who is hugged often is less likely to become sick due to stress-induced illness.

6. Using Harsh Chemicals and Cleaners – In order to keep the immune system continuously protected from very harmful bacteria and viruses, the microbiome of our skin requires some level of pathogens and bacteria. Using all these harsh cleaners and anti-bacterial soaps destroy the natural dirt that our body actually relies on to stay healthy. Researchers have found that exposure to outdoor microbes (such as dirt) is linked to a stronger more robust immune system.

6 Things to Boost Your Immune System

After finding out everything that damages our immune system, it’s always nice to know what we can do to get our defenses back up and in working order again.

1. Probiotics – Did you know that your gut health and immune system are linked? Seventy to eighty percent of your immune tissue is located in your digestive system. The gut is often the first entry point for exposure to bad bacteria, so protecting your gut is an important part of keeping your immune system in good condition. This is where probiotic foods and supplements some in. Probiotics are good bacteria that help you digest nutrients that boost the detoxification of your colon and support your immune system.

2. Vitamin C and D – Vitamin C foods contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that getting enough Vitamin C in your diet may help to reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections and shorten the duration of some illnesses, such as the common cold.
Knowing that the lack of Vitamin D leaves us much more susceptible to illnesses and infections, it stands to reason that getting more Vitamin D will help to boost our immune system. Traditionally, the human vitamin D system begins in the skin, not from the foods you eat. You can consume supplements or Vitamin D rich foods such as raw milk and wild-caught salmon, whitefish, sardines or tuna, but the most effective way is through natural sunlight.

3. Eat Whole Foods – A strong immune system starts in your gut. Think of the gut as the first line of defense against enemy invaders. That means what you put into your digestive system has the power to either harm or help you. Eating whole, organic foods helps to provide your body with the nutritional ammunition it needs to fight of sickness, and protect your gut from damage.

4. Exercise – Staying active and incorporating exercise into your daily and weekly routine is important to a strong immune system. It not only keeps your body in good shape and gives it energy to fend off nasty invaders, but it can also improve the gradual deterioration of the immune system.

5. Herbs – Antiviral herbs inhibit the development of viruses and boost the immune system, helping it to attack viral pathogens that are harmful to the body. Some of the top antiviral herbs include Echinacea, Elderberry, Garlic, Licorice Root, Oregano and Sage. You can incorporate these into your health routine through herbal teas, essential oils, and cooking.

6. Proper Hygiene – It goes without saying that proper hygiene (washing hands after coughing or sneezing, or if you are sick) is important for making sure we avoid germs and bad bacteria. But here is something you may NOT know: don’t clean too much! There is a balance…and you know, a little bit of dirt and mud and GOOD bacteria is also good for the immune system.

Take a Deep Breath: Mindful Breathing for Mental and Physical Health

August 29, 2020

man wearing black cap with eyes closed under cloudy sky — Photo by Kelvin Valerio on Pexels.com

When was the last time you actually stopped and examined the way you were breathing? ……That long ago, huh?

Why is breathing so important? Is there a proper way to breathe? What does taking deep breaths do to the brain and body? Can we change the way we breathe?

I don’t think many people, even those who are health conscious, really understand just how important breathing is, and how much we are actually limiting our breathing these days and causing harm to our mental, emotional and physical health because of it. I am hoping to take a little more in-depth look at what breathing is and how we can improve it for better health.

How Breathing Works:

Wait a minute…don’t we know how breathing works? After all, we all do it all day every day without even thinking about it. Well, that’s part of the problem. We don’t even think about it. Something that seems to be done so easily and without much thought…we tend to take for granted. Our body does it naturally, so we don’t even put any thought into how it does it. Nor do we truly understand just how important proper breathing is for our health. Yes, that’s right, breathing WRONG can hurt you!

Under normal circumstances, with the help of our diaphragm, we inhale to get oxygen and exhale to rid our body of carbon dioxide through the lungs.

But when we’re stressed, anxious or upset, the way we breathe changes. Instead of deep, lung-filling breaths, we start taking short, shallow breaths. Instead of our diaphragm doing the heavy lifting, we use our shoulders to inhale and exhale, which can make anxious feelings even worse. Using specific breathing techniques and breath control, however, means that you’re paying more attention to your breathing and being mindful about the way you breathe in and out.

Benefits of Mindful Breathing:

-Mental Clarity/Brain Health – Getting more, and better, oxygen to your brain is very beneficial to a healthy brain and clear mind. Mindful breathing switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the stress-inducing neurotransmitters, leading to relaxation and a quiet mind.

-Pain Relief – Have you ever thought about why we are told how to breathe when we are struggling with bad stomach pains, or when pregnant women are going through labor? When our bodies are in pain, our muscles tend to tighten up, which can often times make pain worse. Mindful breathing techniques can help to relax our muscles and ease the pain. We can stop fighting the pain (which really makes it worse) and start working with it.

-Heart Health – Practicing proper breathing techniques and exercises can help to lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health. In 2013 the American Heart Association recommended breathing exercises as another way (beyond medicine and diet) to control blood pressure.

-Better Posture – Poor posture is caused by a number of things, but it can also be linked to your breathing! The neck, back and chest muscles play a role in facilitating breathing in those with an under-functioning diaphragm. You may notice you start to sit or stand straighter as you learn to breath better. It leads to better movement, too, as muscle tension is reduced, and the weight on joints is more evenly distributed.

-Detoxification and a Better Immune System – Oxygen is essential to carry nutrients around our bodies. Proper breathing supports our lymphatic system, which is a very important part of cleansing the body of bacteria, viruses, and other potential health issues. If we don’t efficiently remove carbon dioxide through breathing, other organs must take over the task, causing additional stress and increasing our risk of illness.

-Stress/Anxiety – Have you ever found yourself taking a couple deep breaths when you are super tense, nervous or in a heated argument? Have you ever thought about doing that long term? When we’re stressed, our brain releases cortisol. Breathing deeply and mindfully, you are telling your brain to calm down and relax. Allowing more oxygen to enter our body it frees up pathways to remove the stress-hormone from our system. This results in deeper breathing, a slower heart rate and a sense of calm.

Types of Breathing Exercises:

-Pursed Lip Breathing – Pursed lip breathing is a technique that allows you to control your oxygenation and ventilation. When you purse your lips and draw out your exhalation, it stimulates the autonomic nervous system and promotes relaxation. It removes stale air that can become trapped in the lungs, and it decreases the amount of breaths you take in an effort to get enough oxygen.

You want to release tension from your body. Sit up straight, relax your shoulders and release your tongue from the roof of your mouth.
Inhale deeply through your nose for about 2 seconds.
Purse your lips and breathe out slowly for about 5 seconds.

-Yoga Breathing – This technique is used for focus and relaxation. It sounds a little weird, but you’ll get the hang of it. And you can see why people do it to help focus on the present — it’s hard to think of anything else when you’re wondering which nostril is next!

Start on the right side. Place your right thumb over your right nostril as you breathe in through the left nostril.
Take your right ring finger and place it over your left nostril as you exhale from the right one.
Leave your ring finger where it is over the left nostril and inhale from the left.
Then switch to the right side. Put your thumb over the right nostril and exhale through the left.

-4-7-8 Breathing – This is proclaimed as one of the best techniques to help you get to sleep. Because you have 8 counts to let the breath out, you’re forced to slow down your breathing. This slows down the heart rate and helps you relax.

Exhale through your mouth and then close it and inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold the breath in for 7 seconds.
Release it in 8 seconds, and repeat at least three times.

-Diaphragmatic Breathing – Also known as “rib cage breathing”, Diaphragmatic breathing is a type of deep breathing technique that uses the diaphragm, causing your lower torso to expand and then relax as air moves in and out of the lungs. Your belly moves during this breathing but your chest does not rise.

Practice at first while laying down on your back with your knees bent.
Put one hand on your chest and the other below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm as it moves with the breathing.
Breathe in through your nose slowly, counting up to 10 if possible as you inhale. The hand on your chest should stay still, but you should feel the hand on your rib cage move as your diaphragm expands.
Tighten your stomach muscles as you exhale through your mouth. Let your diaphragm relax. Try to fully breathe out (counting up to 10, if possible) before inhaling again.

-Breath Counting – This is another technique for relaxation that will help to keep your mind from wandering too far. You’ll be surprised at how much concentration it will take to keep yourself on count.

Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and take a few deep breaths, then settle into a pattern of “normal” breathing.
When you exhale, count “one.” The next time, count “two.”
Do this until you have exhaled and counted to five, then start the pattern over.

3 Areas to Improve for Better Sleep

August 15, 2020

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Good sleep patterns and habits are essential to good health. But, I think we can all admit that it is never easy to establish them…or to keep it consistent.

Now, sometimes things are out of our control and we may end up out of routine, or have some days where we struggle with sleep: Holidays, vacations, sickness, stressful situations, or you are on a crunch time for a project. However, too much of this, and not enough solid sleep can really take a toll on our bodies and cause harm to our health.

But how do ensure a good night’s sleep? What can we do when sleep seems so elusive? While there are many reasons we could not be getting enough good sleep, and many things we can do to try and fix that, here are a few of the big ones you can try:

1. Essential Oils:

Lavender – Lavender oil has a calming effect and can be a good stress reliever. Both of these can help induce a better sleep.
Frankincense – Frankincense has been shown to reduce the heart rate when inhaled. It also may help reduce anxiety and depression and give you a sense of grounding.
Cedarwood – Cedarwood has a soothing and calming effect on the mind and helps to ease tight muscles, helping to relax you and prepare you for a better sleep.
Bergamot – Bergamot is a relaxant. It can help reduce nervous tension and works as a stress reliever. It can help relieve feelings of depression and anxiety.
Vetiver – Vetiver oil has been used in aromatherapy for relaxation, alleviating emotional stress, anxiety and insomnia.

2. Food/Herbs and Supplements:

Passion Flower – Ever struggle trying to get to sleep because your brain just won’t turn off because of all that anxiety? Passion flower has calming and anti-anxiety effects. In fact, studies have shown that passion flower is one of the most powerful anti-anxiety natural sleep aids that doesn’t cause lingering tiredness the next day.
Walnuts – Good for the brain and heart! Walnuts, interesting enough, contain Omega-3s to help fight depression, anxiety and boost mood. It also contains the hormone melatonin, which induces sleep when it is released at night by the brain’s pineal gland.
Kiwi – Kiwi fruit contains high amounts of serotonin. It has been shown to increase sleep time AND efficiency by about 13% and 5%. The serotonin in kiwi may also help boost memory, mood and fight signs of depression.
Magnesium – Magnesium is a calming nutrient. higher magnesium levels can help induce a deeper sleep (plus help you avoid painful charlie horses in the middle of the night). Dark chocolate, almonds, pumpkin seeds and spinach all contain good doses of magnesium.

3. Surroundings:

Darkness – Darkness limits distractions and helps your mind concentrate on sleeping instead of looking at everything around you. It’s much easier for you to get sleepy in the dark than when surrounded by lights. Especially unnatural lights. Which brings me to my next point…
Technology Free – The blue light from your technology can really disrupt your sleep cycle. Spending time on digital devices close to bedtime can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which helps determine when you feel sleepy versus awake. It’s also been shown to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin, which is the hormone that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Cool Temperatures – Have you ever struggled to fall asleep when you are too hot? Did you know that a slightly chilly temperature helps decrease your body’s internal thermometer? That can initiate sleepiness and ensure you stay comfortable throughout the night. Just not TOO cold. 😉
The Right Pillow and Mattress – It can be very hard to fall asleep and remain asleep when you are struggling with pain in your back, hips, shoulders and neck. Make sure you have a good mattress and pillow with good support, and that keeps your body in good posture throughout the night.
Noise Colors – Experts say that a sudden change in noise while we are sleeping can wake us up or keep us up (can anyone here testify to that?). But by listening to low-level background noise, your brain will be less alerted to changes in sounds compared to when it’s silent.

With a number of options available — including white, pink and brown noise— what “color” noise is best for sleeping? The truth is, there isn’t one specific type of sound that is going to make everyone sleepy. You may have to experiment with different ones to find out which one you like and works best for you:

Brown Noise – Brown noise is considered a layered sonic hue that has a sound like a low roar. It’s known to promote relaxation and improve focus. Examples include: a strong river current, strong wind, waterfall, thunder or heavy rainfall.
White Noise – White noise is a consistent ambient sound that can help mask disturbing sounds. Studies have shown that is can help reduce agitation and stress. Pure white noise is said to resemble a “hissy” sound. Think of the sound of a TV or radio tuned to an unused frequency, a fan, air conditioner or softly humming refrigerator.
Pink Noise – Pink noise is white noise, but has been described as “less harsh”. Some examples include: leaves rustling in the wind, waves on the shoreline, and steady falling rain. Pink noise may also boost brain activity associated with deeper sleep and even lead to improved memory.

What helps YOU to get a good night’s sleep??

5 Ways to Enjoy Winter This Year!

January 28, 2020

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Cold, holidays, ice, snow (if you live in the right parts of the world), fires in the fireplace, afternoons and evenings curled up with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. Some cozy days, some gloomy days, some sunny days, some grey days. There is a lot about winter to be excited for…and a lot that just makes us feel down and gloomy (especially if you are not a fan of winter…and live somewhere where winter is really blah).

But there is good news! When winter starts to get old and get you down, here are some ways to keep up good health and good attitude for these remaining grey winter months:

1. Food

What you eat affects so much. Your health AND your mood. Make sure you are eating good whole foods, no processed foods, sugar and dyes. When consuming fruits and vegetables, make sure you are eating the ones in season. Eating fruits and vegetables out of season can cause a whole lot of other problems. You can check out my article HERE about eating in season, and for a list of good winter produce.

2. Essential Oils

They can’t change the weather, but they can help to boost your mood over the dreary winter months. They can also help to keep up your immune system to make sure you stay healthy…which, for me, is a great mood booster. Some winter oils to place into your diffuser are Peppermint and Lemon, Lavender, Wintergreen and Orange, and…should you want a little taste of spring along with a mood booster, Jasmine is also a favorite.

3. Sleep

All year ’round good sleep is essential to good health and mood. Develop good habits of getting to sleep at a decent time each night and stopping the technology time in bed to get better quality sleep.

4. Embrace Cold Weather

This one may be a little hard for those who don’t like cold weather…but there are a lot of benefits to the cold. Use it as an excuse to move. Get out there and warm up with some exercises like a brisk walk to get the heart rate up and the lungs working. It helps stimulate the brain and help to wake you up and improve mood, trust me. We can’t change the weather or the season we are in, but we can use it to the best of our abilities and embrace all the different beauty and health benefits that God has given each season of the year.

5. Fellowship

When it’s cold and ugly outside we really don’t want to go out. SO! It’s a good excuse to curl up at the house with family (or friends) and play some games, watch a movie, and just enjoy each other’s company. Maybe even with some hot tea or hot apple cider. 😉 Don’t use the cold and blah days as an excuse to isolate yourself. Being around your loved ones can really help to improve your mood (at least, most of the time) 😛

Glowing Beautiful Skin – What to Do and NOT Do

June 21, 2019

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Our skin reflects what is going on in our body.

What happens in our gut effects what happens throughout our entire body. So you begin with the gut to cleanse the skin. Here is a list of some of my favorite “do”s and “don’t”s for healthy skin, starting with…

What Goes Inside

NO gluten – Gluten can cause inflammation and cause irritation to the gut and digestive system. Remember, what happens in the gut effects the rest of the body. Plus, the gluten in the U.S. today is highly processed and grown with chemicals that can do lots of damage to the body.

NO dairy – The dairy industry today is quite a bit different than back in the olden days. Especially that from cows. Dairy can cause inflammation and it can cause your skin to produce excess sebum which leads to clogged pores and more acne.

NO sugar – Sugar can break down the collagen in your body and your skin can lose its elasticity. It can also cause inflammation. Opt for an antioxidant honey instead.

NO highly processed foods – All the extra sugar and chemical intake from these foods wears down the collagen and elastin in your skin. It also causes inflammation in the skin, which can lead to acne breakouts. (NOTE: Processed foods can be kind of tricky to define. It’s probably a good idea to know what processed foods are.)

Stay hydrated – Even when you don’t feel like drinking water adding some cucumbers and watermelon to your diet (especially during the summer) is a delicious way to stay hydrated. 🙂

EAT probiotics – The good bacteria in probiotics helps keep your gut healthy. Having a healthy gut helps to have healthy skin.

EAT Omega-3s – Your omega-9 fatty acids are great for glowing skin. They can help soothe inflammation that can be a cause for acne breakouts as well.

EAT Vitamin C – It is well known for having antioxidant properties, and can also help against sun damage. Citrus fruits and vegetables are a great natural source of this important vitamin.

EAT Bone Broth – Bone broth is high in collagen which can help reduce inflammation and improve the skin’s elasticity.

What Goes Outside

Clean and treat your face at night. Your face gets dirty throughout the day, and your makeup can clog your pores, causing more breakouts.

Switching your products too regularly might not agree with your skin. Give the product time to work.

Look at the ingredients. Avoid chemicals and synthetic scents and colors. The closer to nature your products are, the better for your skin. Do you know how much FOOD you can put on to help your skin health?? There are a lot I could name, but I’ll just give you three favorites.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar can help to kill pathogens and helps to cleanse the skin. It contains potassium and magnesium to help balance gut bacteria, which is vital to skin health. It is also a more inexpensive product…and it can go a long way.
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil can help strengthen the epidermal tissue, ease sunburns and is even a good makeup remover. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, plus a lot of healthy fats that help nourish the gut and improve immune function. A way to improve your skin health from the inside out!
Raw Honey – RAW honey is full of enzymes, nutrients and vitamins for the skin. It also contains antiseptic qualities that can help with rashes, scars and wounds, and may help to reduce breakouts and contain moisturizing properties.

Essential Oils

Lemon – Lemon just seems to brighten up everything! And your face is no exception! It is antibacterial and it can help lighten dark spots and tone the skin. avoid applying lemon, or any citrus oil, to your skin that will be exposed to sunlight or UV light for 24 hours.
Lavender – Lavender contains antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics that make it great for the skin. It is one of the more gentler oils so it can be soothing for itching and burning skin. And soothing to the nose as well.
Frankincense – Frankincense has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may help to strengthen and tone the skin and may improve elasticity. It may also help to reduce the appearance of scars and acne.
Tea Tree – Tea Tree oil has long been used in Australia to help fight inflammation, break outs and some redness on the skin. It is usually very gentle on the skin and is great when combined with a carrier oil…such as coconut oil.

5 Healthy Holiday Tips

December 12, 2016

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Thanksgiving and Christmas. Two of the most exciting days of the year. It’s a time for family to gather together, there are delicious smells coming from the kitchen, the weather is getting colder (well… maybe, if you’re in the right place), and there are all those wonderful holiday traditions. But there is that one annoying little bug hiding in the corner, just waiting to jump out at you.

I know it’s hard to keep looking and feeling your best during these holiday months. There are so many tempting sweets this time of year and with the busy schedule of everyone on the family it is easy to let ourselves go and ignore our body’s warnings. I fall into the trap almost every year. And just about as many times… I end up regretting it. These are special and happy times and it is a shame to let sickness get in the way of enjoying these times with friends and family to the utmost.

Here are a few tips you can try to make this holiday season just a little bit more enjoyable.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is vital for your health. Being dehydrated weakens your immune system and can make you susceptible to sickness, especially during the holidays when we tend to ignore our bodies amid all the excitement of the season. It’s recommended that you drink half your body weight in water every day… but that is not the only way to stay hydrated. Getting more fruits and vegetables in your diet has many positive impacts on hydration status.

2. Stay Active

Exercising with a busy schedule is tough, but it is key to keeping our muscles strong (and I don’t just mean like Hercules), keeping our shape and giving us energy. Strong muscles and body help keep spasms and back back pain at bay, and help support the rest of the body. It doesn’t take much, a simple 10 minutes a day will help a lot.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

Recharge! Lack of sleep really puts a strain on your body and weakens you. I can testify to that. Though there is so much to do during the holidays and we may be tempted to stay up just a few more minutes to complete that last task, we might want to listen to our body and leave it for the morrow. Sometimes it is necessary to stay up a little later, we do have responsibilities after all, but it is important that we don’t go overboard and make it a regular habit. Be smart and know when it is time to stay up and finish that project and when it is time to give in to the calling of your bed. 🙂

4. Manage Stress

Stress zaps energy from our bodies and can also cause physical pain (headaches, muscle cramps for example). Take time to relax during the holidays. Breathe and let the hustle and bustle leave your mind. I have found that curling up with a good book or reading passages of scripture will do wonders.

5. Self-Control

Don’t eat every sweet thing set before you. Sugar is your enemy. It can drain your body of all the good nutrients and leave you with a very inflamed and irritated gut. Indulging in a few special treats here and there is OK, but be sure and feed your body the protein and vitamins it needs to help balance glucose and insulin levels. Don’t overdue your dessert portions… and listen to your body! Stop when it tells you.

Believe me, a happy gut and body will treat you well. Though hard at times… it is worth it. 🙂 So what do you say? Ready to chase away the blue Christmas this year? Are you up to the challenge with me?

So let’s talk! What are some ways you have found to help your body make it through the holidays with a smile?

4 Simple Ways to Get Your Brain and Body in Gear for Each Day’s Adventures

August 2, 2016

Walking Or Running Legs In Forest, Adventure And Exercising

Each day and its events are gifts. New adventures to live and lessons to learn. Fun times to spend with family and friends, or maybe you are working today or going to school. Whatever the day holds for you, you want to be able to have energy to do what you need or want to do, and you want to be able to enjoy it as much as possible. But let’s admit it, there are those days when the alarm goes off in the morning and you just wish you could stay in bed. You can’t seem to get yourself going. You, half asleep, prepare for the day and slowly make it through the list of things to do (or most of them).

We all have many days like that. But how can we avoid them? Well, we can’t always avoid them. But here is the good news: We can help to lessen those days.

Here are some tips that can help you get your brain motivated and make you feel ready and alert for each new adventure.

1. Exercise

Keeping physically active is so important to your body’s health. Your brain included. Exercise increases the heart rate and gets more oxygen pumped to the brain. It also helps to release hormones that aid in the growth of brain cells. It helps us be more awake and alert and eager to get our day accomplished. So take just a few minutes a day to get that heart pumping. Do a few jumping jacks, take a short brisk walk around the block, and get ready for the day!

2. Food

While we know that eating food for fuel is a must, keeping our energy up, eating the right food is essential. The food we eat (and don’t eat) affect every part of our body, and God created foods to help each part. You probably grew up hearing certain foods referred to as “brain food”.

Green leafy vegetables
Salmon
Blueberries
Avocados
Walnuts

These brain foods, rich in antioxidants and good fats, vitamins and minerals can help improve overall brain function and memory and help your body to fight diseases.

3. Rest and Sleep

A well rested brain keeps the body functioning efficiently. We all know that when we are well rested we perform our duties much better and we are better equipped to tackle the day’s “To Do List”. Sleep has also been known to enhance memory and help improve performance of challenging skills. You are also better equipped to fight sickness. So let your brain relax at the end of the day. Clear your mind of stress and events from the day and get plenty of sleep.

4. Prayer and Bible Reading

What better way to get a healthy brain than to go to its Creator! Take all your stress and the things that clutter and slow her brain down and talk to God about them. Ask Him for help in clearing your mind and trusting Him with everything you worry about. He wants you to have a healthy brain, too.