5 Key Changes That Improved My TMJ Health
- Revamping My Diet
- We eliminated sugar, caffeine, most dairy (especially for my husband, who has IBS), and processed foods from our diet.
- Our meals now focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, with einkorn as our primary grain.
- We also incorporated supplements that promote joint health and overall wellness, which have surprisingly improved the strength and appearance of my hair and nails.
- Chiropractic Support
- Regular visits to a specialized chiropractor have been beneficial, as they help us maintain proper alignment and use tools that help us keep that alignment longer.
- I wear a custom night splint that allows my jaw to slide rather than clench, primarily protecting my teeth rather than fully preventing clenching.
- Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
- I’ve worked diligently to manage my mindset and emotional responses, as well as to balance my hormones.
- Previously, I was prone to anxiety and often magnified small worries. By focusing on affirmations and embracing positive truths, I’ve made significant strides in my emotional well-being. The Big Think course was key for me in growing my mind to be prepared for new big things!
- Targeted Supplementation
- Addressing deficiencies in the body is vital, particularly concerning joint health, gut function, and detoxification issues like tinnitus.
- In a world where our bodies can sometimes falter, providing high-quality, bioavailable supplements can help us reclaim our health. Remember, healing is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.
- Prioritizing Sleep
- Quality sleep is foundational to overall health and wellness. Ensuring I get restorative rest has been a game-changer in my journey.
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Learning from Local Friends
Why Take the Homebrewing Kombucha Made Easy Course?
Comprehensive Learning
Expert Guidance
Hands-On Experience
Community Support
What You Will Learn in the Course
Ingredients and Equipment
- Water: Learn about the importance of the type & temperature of your water
- Tea: Discover the best types of tea to use
- Sugar: Understand which sugar is preferred and how it feeds the yeast and bacteria during fermentation.
- SCOBY: Learn all about the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) and its crucial role in fermentation.
- Starter Tea: Understand the importance of your starter and its role in the process.
Fermentation Process
Safety and Troubleshooting
- Cleanliness: Ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination.
- Safety: Avoid exploding bottles (from carbonation!) with some practical tips.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature to promote healthy fermentation.
- Mold Prevention: Learn to identify and prevent mold growth on your SCOBY.
Mastering the Art of Kombucha Brewing
1. Natural Sunscreen
- Non-toxic ingredients
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Environmentally friendly
2. Aloe Vera Gel
- Natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Hydrates and soothes skin, especially when lavender is added
- Can be used on hair and scalp for hydration
3. Homeopathic Allergy Relief
- Minimal side effects
- Gentle on the body
- Targets the root cause of symptoms without negative effects
4. Natural Insect Repellent
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Safe for all ages
- Pleasant natural fragrance
5. Homeopathic Bug Bite Relief
- Reduces itching and swelling naturally
- Safe for all skin types
- Can address underlying deficiencies that attract bugs
Embrace a Natural Summer
I had a moment while driving in the car on the way to work one snowy morning... I can't believe I am telling you this, but it's true. I thought, 'What if I ran into the ditch so that I couldn't make it to work today?' That's how desperate I was for change. For me, that looked like both job changes and physical ones, like finding tools to support my body and mind so that I didn't break down altogether.
Enter WavWatch, one of those tools. Designed to support people in various aspects of their well-being, in this blog, I'll share three ways WavWatch contributes to my health and wellbeing as an educator, addressing concerns from everyday stress to more significant health challenges.
(Read to the end for a discount code if you're interested in one for yourself!)
- Stress Reduction and Anxiety Management: some of the settings on WavWatch support general stress and anxiety. This has provided me so much help because it helps my body and mind calm after the long day at work and allows me to more efficiently complete the tasks I need to get done so that I can spend more time with my family.
- Resilience through Traumatic Situations: WavWatch stands as a beacon of support during challenging times, providing a sense of normalcy and routine even through traumatic situations. Its capabilities ensure that teachers can navigate health challenges without compromising their dedication to their work. I have found it extremely helpful to help my body process after really tough days working with student situations so that I can show up my best the next day.
- Promoting Physical Well-Being: Beyond bigger support, WavWatch promotes physical well-being by helping me maintain health in myself and my family -- we've been sick less often. Teachers (especially those of us with kids!) know how key this is.
You can learn more about how the WavWatch works here and use code ANDREAO100 for $100 off!
Why Highly Sensitive People are Drawn to Caring Professions Like Teaching
1. Learn to let go when your lessons don’t go as planned.
2. Give yourself permission to say no.
3. Your empathy is the superpower your students need.
If you are stressed-out and sleep-deprived, it is likely that you are turning to refined sugars and caffeine to get through the day. The problem is not your morning cup of coffee or enjoying the taste... the problem is when the resulting blood sugar crash leads to an afternoon coffee or sugar craving and then another, and another, and another...
Once the cycle has started, it’s very difficult to achieve a state of balance until it's broken. When the body’s natural energy rhythms are off, these issues can pop up: raging food cravings, weakened immune system, increased inflammation in the body, weight issues, difficulty with restful sleep, and more.
In order to proactively care for your body, soul, and mind, it is important to break the cycle. Some people can quit caffeine and sugar cold turkey. Most people struggle with that, though. Since sugar and caffeine are addictive, withdrawals are common, usually in the form of headaches and fatigue. Gradually reduce the amount you’re consuming AND find a replacement that will truly fuel your body's need for energy. Often we also become attached to the routine, so it is important to find something else that can be just as emotionally satisfying. I have LOTS of great healthful fuel ideas in Abundant Life Community.
It's not that you have to go the rest of your life without birthday cake or an occasional cappuccino. These foods are meant to be enjoyed in very occasional moderation. If daily indulgences begin to take their toll on energy levels, take simple steps to regain control and reconnect with feeling naturally alert and energized all day long. It's 100% doable!! But it starts with belief, mindset, and practical action steps. Having a cheerleader can be SO beneficial along the way, too. I'm starting a natural energy challenge mid-April if you would like practical steps, a mentor to walk you through it, and the determination to complete what you start! Contact me if you're interested, and I'll ask you a few basic questions to ensure that this challenge is right for you.