The Side Effects of Stress and 15 Stress Management Techniques

Unfortunately, stress is a common factor in our lives, from work to personal life. Stress is a natural and healthy response in some situations, but suffering through chronic stress can have lasting side effects on your health. Luckily, there are many stress management techniques available to help relieve stress and anxiety for a happier and healthier life. Read on to learn more about the impact of stress on our health and what you can do to help manage it.

What Causes Stress?

On a very basic level, stress is caused by experiences that your body perceives as challenging on a physical, mental, or emotional level. Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone when changes or challenges (stressors) are experienced. Your body then produces physical and mental responses.

Stress isn’t always a negative response, as it can help you adapt to stressful experiences to help your body better manage the situation. Short-term, acute stress is perfectly natural and easily manageable. On the other hand, long-term, chronic stress can have a serious impact on your health. Prolonged periods of stress without the ability to relax or recover can have lasting effects on your mind and body. Poor stress management can also lead to the development of unhealthy coping habits such as excess drinking, eating disorders, and even drug use.

Common Causes of Stress

Caring for a family member	Increase in financial obligations
Chronic illness or injury	Job situations
Death of a loved one	Mental health
Divorce	Moving to a new home
Fear and uncertainty	Traumatic event
Getting married	Unrealistic expectations
Health conditions	World events

Symptoms of Stress

Aches and pains	Jaw clenching
Anxiety or irritability	Muscle tension
Chest pain	Panic attacks
Depression	Racing heart
Exhaustion or trouble sleeping	Sadness
Headaches, dizziness, or shaking	Stomach or digestive problems
High blood pressure	Weak immune system

The Side Effects of Stress

Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)	Heart attack
Asthma attacks	Heart disease
Changes in sex drive	Heartburn
Depression	High blood pressure
Digestive issues	Irritable bowel syndrome
Fertility problems	Skin problems
Flare-ups arthritis	Ulcers
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)	Weight gain or loss

Stress Management Techniques

Yoga

When feeling stressed, stretch it out. Yoga is the perfect way to wind down and relieve stress, as it has the potential to get both your body moving and your mind resting. If you are home, set up a quiet space to dedicate some time to focus on your poses, breathwork, and even meditation. You can release even more tension by doing hot yoga in a sauna. No space for a yoga mat? You can still destress with some simple sitting and standing yoga poses.

Sleep

Sleep seems to always be on lists for better health, and for good reason! A lack of sleep can seriously contribute to increased stress levels if you are feeling tired throughout the day. Unfortunately, lack of sleep can cause stress… and stress can cause lack of sleep. If you find your mind racing with stress before bedtime, it might be time for a new nightly routine. Dedicate some time to unwind before bed to help you sleep better and reduce stress the next day.

Sauna Use

Using an infrared sauna offers a wealth of health benefits, and one that everyone can benefit from is stress release. For starters, your sauna session can be your own personal escape to have 20 minutes all to yourself. On top of the mental break, infrared saunas can help ease muscle tension you may be feeling from stress and can help improve your sleep, which in turn helps reduce stress. You can also add sound therapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy to your sauna session to add extra touches of relaxation.

Meditation

Meditation brings short-term stress relief as well as lasting stress management benefits. There are many different forms of meditation to try – each one is unique and brings its own appeal. You might develop a mantra that you repeat in your mind as you take slow deep breaths. Or, you might take a few minutes to practice mindfulness, which involves being in the moment. Another option is guided imagery where you imagine yourself being in your “happy place”.

Leisure

Leisure activities can be a wonderful way to relieve stress. Yet, many people feel as though their lives are too busy for hobbies, games, or extra fun. Building time for leisure into your schedule could actually be key to helping you feel your best. When you feel better, you’ll perform better, which means leisure time may make your work time more efficient. Whether you find joy in caring for a garden or you like making quilts, hobbies and leisure are key to living your best life.

Digital Breaks

Looking at a screen all day and all night can lead your mind to constantly be running. The pressures of news stories, social media, work, and other obligations can be hard to escape when we are always engaging with them. Start dedicating some screen-free time to your day to decompress from a digital overload, and try to do it right before going to bed to help you wind down. It’ll be better for your mind and be a nice rest for your eyes.

Exercise

Physical activity is key to managing stress and improving mental health. And the best news is, there are many different kinds of activities that can reduce your stress. Join a gym, take a class, or exercise outside. Keep in mind that there are many different ways to get more physical activity in your day, too. Walking, yoga, strength training, kayaking, hiking, and spin class are just a few different examples of ways you can get stress relief through exercise.

Creative Outlets

Getting in touch with your creative side may have been easy for you during childhood, but if you’ve lost touch with your penchant for artwork, it’s not too late to pick it up again. If you aren’t into drawing or painting, consider coloring in a coloring book. Adult coloring books have risen in popularity and for good reason – coloring can be a great stress reliever. Try out different creative outlets to see what fits your style best. Who knows, maybe you’ll make a new hobby out of it!

Breathing Techniques

Just focusing on your breath or changing the way you breathe can make a big difference to your overall stress level. Breathing techniques can calm your body and your brain in just a few minutes. The best news is, they can discreetly be done anywhere. So whether you’re in a stressful meeting or you’re stuck in traffic, breathing exercises could be key to reducing your stress no matter which situation you’re in.

Aromatherapy

You’d be surprised just how many aromatherapy health benefits there are, especially when it comes to your mood. If you’re feeling stressed, try some essential oils to help put you in a better mindset. When you need a bit of calm and relaxation, enjoy the scent of classic lavender. Need to reinvigorate your mind? Peppermint and citrus essential oils can have you feeling refreshed.

How to Prevent Stress

Cut out Stressors

This one might seem obvious, but the best way to reduce your stress is to cut something stressful out of your life. Get rid of the things that are adding to your stress so you can experience more peace. Watching the news, being constantly connected to your digital devices, and consuming too much caffeine are just a few of the things that may add more stress to your life. Making some changes to your daily habits could be instrumental in helping you feel better.

Time Management

If you’re trying to squeeze 20 hours worth of work into 16 hours, you’re going to feel stressed. Reducing your workload could be key to helping you get through the day feeling better. Honing your time management skills can allow you to minimize the stressors that you experience, and better manage the ones you can’t avoid. Be okay with saying no to things that will overload your day and create a to-do list to better organize your time.

Diet

Emotional eating and reaching for high-fat, high-sugar foods can provide a temporary sense of relief, but add to your long-term stress. Refined carbs, like cookies and potato chips, can cause a spike in blood sugar. When your blood sugar crashes, you might experience more stress and anxiety. Instead, consume a healthy diet that can help you combat stress over the long haul. Foods like eggs, avocado, and walnuts support mood regulation and energy balance.

Social Support

Having supportive people in your life is the key to stress management. Whether you need to vent or simply want a distraction, have a family member or friend that you feel comfortable confiding in for support. You may also need to expand your network. Join an organization, attend a support group, or get professional help if you find that approach better-suited for your needs to help reduce stress.

Time for Yourself

At the end of the day, one of the most efficient stress management techniques is making time for yourself. Stress stems from being overwhelmed, which typically stems from being stretched too thin with other obligations. When you put yourself first, you allow yourself to decompress and reconnect with what is important. Remember, the best way to be there for others is by showing up as your best self. Make time for yourself every day, whether it’s a full-blown spa day, a 20-minute sauna session, or a 10-minute yoga and meditation session before bed.

Finding the best stress relief strategies for you may take some experimenting. Some strategies may take practice, too. But it’s important to keep looking for the tools that will help you manage life’s inevitable ups and downs in a healthy way. Keeping stress at a manageable level is important for your overall wellbeing, so use these tips to help manage and prevent stressful moments in your life.

13 Ideas to Give a Fun & Healthy Father’s Day to Your Dad

This Father’s Day, treat your dad to something that will leave him feeling great! Whether it’s healthy Father’s Day gifts that your dad can use and enjoy every day or a day filled with healthy activities, nothing really quite beats the gift of wellness. From outdoor activities like golfing to giving the gift of an infrared sauna, there are plenty of things you can do to make a memorable Father’s Day for him.

Healthy Father’s Day Gifts

Infrared Sauna

Giving the gift of an infrared sauna is giving the gift of ultimate health and wellness – and all to enjoy at home! Your dad has gone through a lot to raise a family, which means there is probably a bit of parental stress he has gone through over the years. Luckily, stress relief is one of the many health benefits of using a sauna. Show your thanks to all the hard work your dad has put in with this ultimate Father’s Day gift.

Smartwatch

Whether your dad is tech-savvy or not, a smartwatch is a great gift to give for Father’s Day. From keeping track of text messages and calendar updates to fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, smartwatches offer a number of benefits to improve your dad’s day. There are many styles to choose from as well! This gift option is perfect for dads who value both health and style.

Eyewear

Everyone uses eyewear to some degree. Sunglasses, computer glasses, eyeglasses, and readers are common parts of someone’s eyewear collection, so why not help dad add another pair to his collection? Glasses can be a personal style choice, so if you aren’t sure exactly what your dad wants, you can always give a gift card to a place like Warby Parker so he can go in and find the perfect fit and style for him.

Cooking Tools

There’s a stereotype of dads loving to grill, but many love spending time in the kitchen as well. There are a bunch of cool kitchen gadgets out there today. Pressure cookers, high-tech blenders, and air fryers are all popular items right now for the dad who already has all the basics. If you’re looking to get him something he’ll use every day, look into getting him a new knife set, cutting board, or pots and pans to take his kitchen to the next level.

Food Delivery Service

Is your dad not so much into cooking himself? Make it a bit easier with a food delivery service subscription. You can order boxes that send fully-prepared meals or just the ingredients to make a recipe at home. This can also be a great option for dads who do like to cook, but are looking for new recipes and ideas to try! In addition to meals, you can also send your dad snack box subscriptions – from international snacks to healthy snacks.

Bathroom Accessories

This one might seem a little off the beaten path for gift-giving, but bathroom accessories can be great for your dad – and they might be things he hasn’t thought to get for himself yet. While bathroom gifts might get a good laugh, they can really be a game-changer for adding comfort to a bathroom. The Squatty Potty has great reviews, and easily installed bidets have been a hit product recently. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Shaving Kit

Want something a little more sophisticated for your dad’s bathroom? A fancy shaving kit can be the perfect addition to his countertop. There are plenty of razor styles available depending on your dad’s preferences, whether he likes a more modern razor or one with a traditional touch. And don’t forget to add the accessories. An exfoliator, shave butter, and post-shave cream can help give your dad the smoothest and most luxurious shave of his life.

Audiobook Subscription

Is your dad a fan of books, but doesn’t have the time to read? Or is he someone who is into podcasts and wants to become a bookworm? An audiobook subscription might be the answer for him. This Father’s Day, gift him a subscription to an audiobook service so he can explore the world of listening to their favorite and new books. Listening to audiobooks is perfect for sharpening minds, using during

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Whether Dad is listening to his new audiobook subscription or training for a half-marathon, he needs light-weight, noise-canceling headphones to improve the experience! Look for a pair that is sweat-resistant, comfortable, wireless, and has great sound quality. Though gifts are always great as surprises, asking your dad if he likes a certain style (over-ear, earbuds, etc.) can help ensure he has the perfect fit.

Masterclass Membership

Give your dad access to a library of more than 80 online lessons taught by industry experts, including science courses from Neil deGrasse Tyson, cooking classes from Wolfgang Puck, and basketball basics from Steph Curry. Each Masterclass lesson lasts about 10 minutes and there are typically 20 lessons per class, so he’ll have time to take courses across a wide range of topics during his yearlong membership.

Healthy Father’s Day Activities

Explore Outdoors

Nothing quite beats some fresh air. Spend some quality time outdoors with your dad this Father’s Day and enjoy the summer weather. The best part about this activity is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. Want to take it slow? Go on a nice stroll or leisurely bike ride. Into sports? Take your dad golfing or to the tennis courts. Looking for a bit of adventure? Try kayaking or exploring a new hiking trail. The possibilities are endless!

Take a Class

One great way to keep the mind sharp is by taking classes. Sign up for a class or workshop with your dad and find a unique way to bond this Father’s Day. Who knows, maybe it’ll start a new shared hobby. Whether your dad is interested in learning more about glassblowing or wants to hone his cooking skills, there is a wide range of classes to choose from depending on what your dad’s interests are.

Have Family Time

At the end of the day, the most meaningful gift you can give your dad on Father’s Day is family time. Gifts and activities are always a great addition to family time as an extra celebration of your father, but time together is the most important gift. Family time doesn’t have to be in person, either. Give your dad a call on the phone or on video to simply catch up and say thank you for all the years he spent raising a family. It means the world and is priceless.

This Father’s Day, really step up your gift-giving! These Father’s Day gift ideas are sure to impress your dad and really show him how much you appreciate all he has done for you. And by helping your dad improve his health, you’re also giving him the gift of a long and happy life.

13 Ways to Upgrade Your Daily Routine for Better Health

Many people made New Year’s Resolutions for better health, and the most effective way to achieve those goals is by having a healthy daily routine. Your daily routine consists of all of your habits, and forming healthy habits is key to all good daily routines. These actions structure your day and make the difference between operating at peak efficiency and struggling to make it through a poorly-planned day. From infrared sauna use to stretching every morning, find ways to upgrade your daily routine below!

How to Make a Daily Routine for Yourself

The key to good daily routines is forming good habits and putting the effort into adopting healthy habits that you can easily incorporate into your routine. A habit is something that is done regularly or repeatedly, and creating regularly healthy habits is essential for your wellbeing. The structure of your daily routine and the habits you chose to follow can have a major effect on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Healthy habits that are done on a regular and consistent basis can be the difference between operating at peak efficiency or struggling to reach your health goals.

Example of a Healthy Daily Routine

Wake Up and Stretch

Stretching in the morning improves your energy levels, improves your circulation, relieves any tension or pain from sleeping the night before, encourages good lymphatic function, and prepares your body for the day ahead. If you have an infrared sauna, a quick hot yoga session will really invigorate your day.

Start your Day with a Glass of Lemon Water

Make your first sip of the day be refreshing lemon water. Simply add the juice of half a lemon to your glass and drink it to enjoy a refreshing start to the day. Lemon juice reduces your body’s acidity levels, which in turn protects you against inflammatory diseases such as fungal infections and osteoporosis.

Eat a Good Breakfast

Fuel yourself with a healthy mix of protein, slow-release carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Sensible options include yogurt with nuts and berries, a vegetable omelette, and low-sugar granola bars with a piece of fruit. If eating a full meal in the morning isn’t your thing, try packing in nutrients through healthy smoothies.

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that becoming even slightly dehydrated can lead to lowered mood and decreased concentration? Keep water or other low-sugar drinks on hand to sip throughout the day. If you need to, set an alarm every hour to drink water until it becomes a natural part of your healthy daily routine.

Have a Healthy Lunch

Even the busiest of us can grab a healthy lunch. You just need to think ahead! Avoid too much fat at lunch time, as it promotes afternoon lethargy, which isn’t going to help you get through a busy day. Opt for fresh and whole foods that will power you through the afternoon until it’s time for dinner.

Get Moving in the Afternoon

Most of us have a mid-afternoon “slump” somewhere between 2pm and 4pm, but you can keep yourself going through the day by choosing a healthy lunch and taking some moderate exercise in the afternoon. This doesn’t have to be strenuous. Just a 10-minute walk and a few stretches at your desk can work wonders.

Sit Down for Dinner

Life can get hectic, and it can be easy to grab a quick dinner at the end of the day. Make an effort to slow down in your healthy daily routine and actually sit to enjoy your meal. Whether it’s a homemade dinner or a to-go meal you ordered, sitting down for dinner allows your body to start to wind down from the day.

Pick Up Your Home

Whether you are aware or not, the physical space we live in has a large effect on how we behave. A messy home can all have a negative impact on our mental state and our health. This doesn’t have to be a deep clean, but picking up your home from your daily activities can cut down on frustration and give you a fresh start the next day.

Avoid Screens for the Last Hour Before Bed

Turn off your phone and computer at least an hour before bed to help calm your mind and prepare yourself for sleep. The blue light from phone, computer, and TV screens can keep your brain in a more active state, so find a pre-bed activity that cuts down on screen time to help you wind down and improve your sleep.

Happy Couple Enjoying Infrared Sauna for Mental Health

Take Time to Relax

Find a healthy activity that relaxes you every day. This could be reading, spending time with a pet, or meditating. For ultimate relaxation in your healthy daily routine, invest in an infrared sauna. With a plethora of health benefits packed into a 20-minute session, sauna use is one of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate health into your daily life.

Journal About Your Day

Journaling has become a popular part of many peoples’ healthy daily routine, and for good reason. It helps you collect your thoughts at the end of every day, which is great for mental stimulation. It can also be helpful for planning out your next day so you can go to sleep ready to take on the next morning when you wake up.

Take Vitamin C Before Going to Sleep

Take half a teaspoon of buffered vitamin C powder in a glass of water before turning in for the night. This is a quick, effective means of reducing the acidity in your body. It will also ensure that you go to bed well-hydrated, which will help you wake up with a clear head and ready to take on the next day.

Go to Sleep at a Reasonable Hour

It sounds obvious, but if you want to feel your best then you must get enough sleep. Most experts recommend that we get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Some of us can get by on six hours of sleep, but be honest with yourself – if you feel better having had more sleep, bear it in mind when setting your alarm clock.

Setting a healthy daily routine can set you on the path toward a healthier and more efficient lifestyle. Incorporate as many of the above tips for good daily routines into your life as you can and start to form healthy habits that will have lasting benefits on your wellbeing. Good habits take some time to form, and bad habits can be difficult to break, but the end result is well worth it in your daily routine!

How to Deal with Burnout: Recovery, Tips, and More

During this day and age, for many of us the lines between work, play, and personal time have started to blur. With everything merging into one, burnout happens to the best of us. Working from home, disrupted routines, and the overall business of the world can lead to stress, uncertainty, and fatigue. Luckily, putting a focus on your mental health can help you learn new habits that will improve your wellbeing in the future. Learn about burnout and find ways to avoid it, or how to recover from it, below.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It can affect anyone and is namely caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Burnout can be caused by personal or professional stress and is often exasperated when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. General symptoms of burnout include:

Lower resistance to illness
Pessimistic outlook on work or life
Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion
Irritability and behavior changes

Demotivation and detachment from your work
Depleted energy levels
Detachment in personal relationships
Lower productivity

The 5 Stages of Burnout

Burnout can affect anyone, at any time in their lives. However, burnout is most common in people between the ages of 25 and 44. As with any illness, symptoms of burnout change from person to person, however these five stages are commonly observed:

Stage 1: Honeymoon Phase

When we undertake a new task, we often start by experiencing high satisfaction, commitment, energy, and creativity. In this first phase of burnout, you may begin to experience predicted stresses of life, so it’s important to start implementing positive coping strategies, such as taking practical steps in your job or prioritising your mental health. The theory is that if we create good coping strategies at this stage, we can continue in the honeymoon phase indefinitely. Common symptoms include:

Job satisfaction
Readily accepting responsibility
Sustained energy levels
Unbridled optimism

Commitment to the job at hand
Compulsion to prove oneself
Free-flowing creativity
High productivity levels

Stage 2: Awakening

The second stage of burnout begins with an awareness of some days being more difficult than others. You may find your optimism waning, as well as notice common stress symptoms affecting you physically, mentally, or emotionally. Common symptoms include:

High blood pressure
Inability to focus
Irritability
Job dissatisfaction
Reduced sleep quality
Lack of social interaction
Lower productivity
Unusual heart rhythms

Anxiety
Avoidance of decision making
Change in appetite or diet
Fatigue
Forgetfulness
General neglect of personal needs
Grinding your teeth at night
Headaches

Stage 3: Chronic Stress

The third stage of burnout is chronic stress. This is a marked change in your stress levels, going from motivation, to experiencing stress on an incredibly frequent basis. You may also experience more intense symptoms than those of stage two. Common symptoms include:

Lack of hobbies
Missed work deadlines and/or targets
Persistent tiredness
Physical illness
Procrastination at work and at home
Repeated lateness for work
Resentfulness
Withdrawal from relationships

Uptake of escapist activities
Anger or aggressive behavior
Apathy
Denial of problems at work or at home
Feeling threatened or panicked
Feeling pressured or out of control
Increased alcohol/drug consumption
Increased caffeine consumption

Stage 4: Burnout

Entering stage four of burnout is where symptoms become critical. When burnout is talked about more generally, this is the stage that is often referred to. Continuing as normal is often not possible, and it’s key that you seek intervention. Common symptoms include:

Having an escapist mentality
Feeling empty inside
Obsession over problems
Pessimistic outlook on work and life
Self-doubt

Social isolation
Chronic headaches and stomach problems
Complete neglect of personal needs
Desire to “drop out” of society
Desire to move away from obligations

Stage 5: Habitual Burnout

The final stage of burnout is habitual burnout. This means that the symptoms of burnout are so embedded in your life that you are likely to experience a significant physical or emotional problem, as opposed to occasionally experiencing stress or burnout. Common symptoms include:

Chronic sadness
Depression
Chronic mental fatigue
Chronic physical fatigue

How to Deal with Burnout

Burnout Recovery Tips

Accept Help when Needed: One of the big symptoms of burnout is social withdrawal. When recovering, make an effort to open the door to help when needed. Whether it’s through coworkers, friends, or counselling, using your resources and accepting help when needed can help relieve stress and improve your situation.

List Things that Overwhelm You: It can be easy to get lost in worrying about the things in life that are overwhelming. Instead of letting these thoughts take control, make a list of the things that are on your mind. This will help you visualize what is happening and better focus on what you can do to find solutions.

Set Boundaries: Burnout is easy to achieve when you’ve spread yourself too thin. Set boundaries for yourself, especially during a time of burnout recovery, so you can give yourself the adequate space to feel better while putting better habits into place to avoid burnout in the future. It is okay to say no, especially when it comes to your health.

Focus on Your Capabilities: Don’t let the symptoms of burnout make you feel like you aren’t capable of achieving things. Focusing on your capabilities highlights your strengths. If you are recovering from burnout, try to only take on tasks that you know you can achieve and feel confident in to boost your confidence and motivation.

Understand Your Weaknesses: Your weaknesses are an important factor in burnout recovery. Instead of beating yourself up over them, take time to remember that weaknesses are not failures and are instead a chance to continue growing. Don’t commit yourself to tasks that make you feel frustrated or underprepared – both feelings can further burnout.

5 Ways to Avoid Burnout

Meditate: Burnout is felt heavily in the mind, and meditation might be just what you need to help quiet it. By learning how to meditate, you can learn how to manage your thoughts and feelings before they become negative. Pair meditation with breathing exercises or time in an infrared sauna for a full mental reset to really avoid burnout in the future.

Exercise: Getting active in any way is a proven way to help reduce stress and avoid burnout. If you find yourself getting in a rut or feeling overwhelmed, simply get your body moving and your blood pumping. Not only does this help your overall health, it also is a great mood booster and distraction from whatever might be on your mind.

Make Time for Yourself: As mentioned earlier, burnout often happens when you spread yourself too thin. Dedicating your time to work, relationships, and other external factors can become draining. Block out time for yourself every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. We highly recommend a home spa day to create an escape and truly pamper yourself.

Allow Yourself to Unplug: Constantly being plugged in can take a real toll on your mental health. Whether it’s work emails always on your phone or the need to check social media, looking at a screen doesn’t allow you to take a break from continually being engaged with a screen. Give yourself time often to unplug and give your eyes and mind a break.

Establish a Support System: Having people on your side can definitely make a lasting impact on avoiding burnout. Your support system will help lift you up when needed and staying social can be a distraction from the other things in life that might be overwhelming. As overplayed as it may be, we’re all in this together. Strong relationships truly help.

Burnout is a very real experience many are having today. Try to take the steps to avoid burnout and make it a large priority of yours to put a focus on your mental and emotional health. Make time for yourself, praise yourself for your wins, and form a support system that can help you through the tougher times.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it is totally understandable – it can happen to the best of us. However, if it ever extends past the one-off stressful days and develops into a desire to withdraw from life, reach out to a professional to determine how to get you on the road to burnout recovery.

Spring Exercise Tips & Outdoor Workouts to Enjoy this Season

Spring is officially here and the weather is here to prove it! What better way to celebrate than enjoying the great outdoors? Now that the weather is warming up for the spring, take advantage of the change in season. Read on to find workouts and activities to do outside to get fit in nature while enjoying the nature around you, along with tips on what to do before and after your spring outdoor workouts to keep you feeling healthy all season (and year) long!

Tips for Outdoor Workouts

Have a Warmup Session

Warming up for exercising outdoors is just the same as if you were about to do a gym workout. Warmup sessions help prepare your body for movement, which helps reduce your risk of injury or strain during your workout. Try some stretches and low-intensity exercises to get ready to work out in nature safely and effectively.

Dress Appropriately

The right clothes can make or break your outdoor workouts! With so many different outdoor activities, be sure to check which gear you might need to be safe during your excursion. Wear something that is breathable and comfortable for what you’re about to do, and double-check to see any additional items like harnesses, life vests, or helmets are needed.

Wear Sun Protection

Even if Earth Day takes place in the spring and not during the hotter months of summer, the sun can still definitely take its toll if you aren’t prepared. Always put on sunscreen when doing a workout in nature and consider wearing other sun-protective items like hats or light jackets to keep the sun damage at bay.

Stay Hydrated

Hydrating is one of the most important things of any workout, especially if you are exercising outdoors! Outdoor workouts typically mean exposure to the sun and less access to fresh water, so be sure to bring a water bottle to ensure you stay healthy and avoid serious dehydration.

Recover with an Infrared Sauna

Hitting the sauna after working out can make your outdoor fitness efforts even more worthwhile. Not only will your muscles heal quicker, but you’ll also feel more rejuvenated and extend the benefits of exercising well past your workout. Using a sauna enhances the muscle recovery process by increasing blood circulation and helps relieve muscle tension.

9 Ways to Workout in Nature

Biking

Cycling has plenty of benefits for both the mind and body. To start, it’s a great lower body workout that works your quads, hamstrings, and calves. It’ll also help you get your cardio in, and therefore improve your cardiovascular health.

Plus it’s non-weight-bearing, which makes it a good option for people dealing with joint pain or injury. Pedaling while maintaining balance and steering also improves your coordination. A bike ride is great for your mental health too! Cycling can relieve stress and boost mood, plus it’s a great opportunity to bond with your friends and family.

Hiking

Hiking can be a peaceful walk in the park or a heart-pounding workout. Hiking tones your lower body, and upper body if you use poles. It’s great cardio to keep your heart healthy and boosts bone density as a weight-bearing exercise. Feeling stuck? Hiking can improve creative thinking and problem-solving. As you make your way down the trail, you’ll hear nature sounds like birds and rushing water. These sounds are proven to have a calming effect. Hit the trails today, and see the health benefits of hiking for yourself!

Jogging

Jogging is often defined as running at a pace less than 6 miles per hour and, like running, it improves your cardiorespiratory health and boosts your mood. Aside from the physical health benefits of jogging, there are also many psychological benefits as well. Some of these include increased mental flexibility, confidence, stress relief, and the emotional boost of the runner’s high. Jogging is a cardiovascular exercise. Such activity sends more nourishing blood to the brain, which can help you think more clearly. It also releases your natural mood-elevating compounds.

Kayaking

Lovers of kayaking often say the biggest draw is the peace and serenity of being on the water. Research shows that kayaking has benefits to our physical and mental health. Kayaking works your upper body, increasing muscle strength in the back, arms, shoulders, and chest. It also works your core strength and leg strength for kayakers. It is also low-impact, creating a smaller risk of injury or strain, and improves your heart rate and cardiovascular health. Paddling has mental benefits, too. Being out on the water has a calming effect on the brain, and can help lower stress and anxiety levels.

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is an excellent workout while getting you some quality time exercising outdoors. Few activities provide such an extensive range, from upper body training to leg work and core strength building. At the same time, it’s also a fairly low-intensity and fun thing to do. SUP outdoor workouts can be as laid back or intensive as you want them to be. Paddle around calm waters and activate your core, or step it up by doing SUP yoga to help engage your muscles for a full-body workout.

Rock Climbing

Exercise is all about engaging your muscle – from your heart to your biceps and quads – and asking those muscles to perform work. And when it comes to activating and training a diverse range of muscles, few exercises rival climbing as climbing is a more complex movement than most exercises. No climbing surface or route is quite like another, so the work you ask your muscles to perform during a climb changes each time you exercise. Make sure you have the right safety gear in place and see nature in a way you haven’t seen from the ground!

Sports

This is a broader option for exercising outdoors, which makes it an option for nearly anyone! From tennis to soccer, find a way to get active on the court or the field to really enjoy being outside. Playing a sport with someone is a great way to be social and bond while reaping the benefits of exercise and being outdoors. You certainly don’t have to be a pro to play a sport! Play with someone who is on the same level as you to have a friendly match. Who knows, maybe your one-time outdoor sports workout may grow into a new hobby!

Swimming

Swimming is another great low-impact exercise, which means it allows people recovering from injury to stay fit without straining their bodies. The water also provides resistance, which increases muscle strength and tone as you swim. Lastly, swimming stretches your muscles and increases flexibility. Swimming helps you relax and destress. Floating in the water dulls the sensory information that can overwhelm, creating feelings of calm. The rhythmic movements and breathing can also provide meditative benefits.

Yoga

Seeking some peace and stability, while enjoying the fresh air? Outdoor yoga could be for you! The combination mind-body workout of yoga pairs perfectly with the all-over health benefits of time spent outdoors. Feel your worries melt away as you breathe in the fresh air and focus on your wellness. Contact with nature has been found to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, help mitigate disease, and reduce stress levels. The combination of peaceful yoga with nature makes for a great mental and physical exercise this spring.

This spring, make a point to get outside and be active! There are plenty of outdoor workouts for every skill and activity level to “spring” into fitness for anyone. Use these tips and ideas to workout in nature and fully appreciate the change in season while keeping your body healthy and happy.

How to Use Essential Oils for Sauna Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has long been used by many civilizations and is still being enjoyed today. Ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Greek cultures used this practice of using aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for various purposes. The term was originally coined in 1937 when it was discovered that lavender essential oil had medicinal properties to help relieve burn victims. Now, the use of essential oils for aromatherapy has become widespread, being used for homeopathic remedies like reducing pain, soothing sore muscles, preventing depression, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep.

Spending time in an infrared sauna is relaxing on its own, but you can enhance the experience even further by incorporating essential oils. It is important to note that essential oils are very strong and should be diluted or used with a carrier oil to avoid too much exposure. Learn more about the 10 best essential oils for sauna usage, and how you can utilize different scents for a range of revitalizing uses, from relaxation to reinvigoration!

Best Essential Oils for Sauna Aromatherapy

1. Birch
In traditional Finnish saunas, birch is one of the most commonly used scents, featuring a minty smell. Birch essential oil offers a wide range of health benefits, including bacterial and fungal prevention, pain reduction, improved circulation, skin toning, body detoxification, and skin condition treatment. This essential oil contains both Salicylic Acid and Methyl Salicylate to help cure ailments such as ringworm and eczema. The antiseptic properties not only clean the body, but they clean the sauna as well!
2. Cinnamon
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up during your sauna use, diffuse some cinnamon oil during your next session. The warmth and spice of this essential oil isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but is also an invigorating sensation for the rest of the body. Cinnamon essential oil is wonderful for soothing sore muscles and can be used as a natural decongestant if suffering from a cold. This oil also reduces inflammation, promotes blood circulation, boosts mood, and improves metabolism.
3. Citrus
The citrus family of essential oils comes in a number of scents, with lemon and orange being some of the most popular. Starting off your day with an invigorating sauna session filled with zesty citrus notes will wake you up more than a glass of orange juice. On top of giving you a boost of energy, citrus oils feature anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and antidepressant properties. Avoid using these types of oils before going to bed, as they will most likely wake you up instead of creating a calming effect.

4. Eucalyptus
While peppermint and lavender oils have topped the list of most popular essential oils for a while, eucalyptus essential oil has been climbing the ranks. This refreshing oil eases mental exhaustion and offers many health benefits. Eucalyptus has a pleasant scent that works as a deodorizer and helps kill germs and bacteria in the air. Because of this, diffusing eucalyptus oil helps aid in respiratory issues. If you have any wounds, this oil is germicidal and antimicrobial, meaning it aids in faster healing while soothing at the same time.
5. Frankincense
Using frankincense in your sauna is a particularly great choice if you are fighting a cold or other sicknesses. This essential oil comes from the Boswellia carterii or Boswellia sacra tree and has been known to aid in enhancing immune system performance. Some studies show that using frankincense can help fight certain cancers and lessen the negative side effects of chemotherapy. Using this essential oil is also great for preventing signs of aging, improving digestion, and balancing hormones.
6. Lavender
Lavender essential oil has long been a favorite for aromatherapy. Known for its soothing properties, this oil is wonderful for winding down after a long day. The relaxing scent helps calm headaches and promote a good night’s rest, but other healing properties of lavender include burn and wound treatment, anti-aging antioxidants, diabetes protection, and improved brain function. Sitting back and relaxing in a sauna with lavender aromatherapy is sure to be a restoring experience.
7. Peppermint
On the opposite end of calming lavender is peppermint oil. Peppermint essential oil is a stimulant and boosts energy. If you’re having trouble waking up in the morning, sit in a sauna and diffuse peppermint oil to awaken the senses. On top of boosting energy and mood, peppermint contains antispasmodic properties, making it a perfect natural remedy for stomach ailments such as nausea. The cooling properties of this oil will make for a truly reinvigorating sauna session.

8. Pine
If you suffer from headaches or congestion, pine essential oil may be the remedy for you. Offering the refreshing scent of a forest, diffusing pine oil in your sauna is a totally unique, natural experience. It can be particularly helpful as a natural decongestant, helping loosen phlegm in your lungs. The anti-inflammatory nature of pine oil also aids in reducing joint pain, relieving headaches, boosting mood, and treating acne. Don’t use before bed, as pine oil is known to boost focus and energy.
9. Sandalwood
For increasing mental clarity and boosting memory, sandalwood essential oil is a great addition to your aromatherapy sessions. Researchers have found that this scent is calming like lavender, but without the drowsy effects, leading to a feeling of harmony. Sandalwood is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-spasmodic, and can help lower blood pressure when applied to the skin. Using this oil for sauna aromatherapy would be a great option for sauna meditation and relaxation.
10. Tea Tree
Widely known as one of the best essential oils for fighting infections and boosting your immune system, tea tree oil is a must-have for aromatherapy. Many use this oil when feeling under the weather, as its antiseptic properties are highly effective for fighting respiratory issues and sicknesses like the flu. Other conditions that can be treated with this oil are athlete’s foot, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Because of its healing strength, be sure to dilute this essential oil, and avoid contact with your eyes and nose.

Depending on your desired results, try mixing different essential oil combinations. It may take some tries to find the perfect blend, but every attempt is sure to be a positive one! Some simple combination ideas include citrus + peppermint for an energizing experience, pine + birch to go woodsy, and lavender + sandalwood for mental clarity and relaxation. Simply place a few drops of your favorite oil in a small container and place it in your sauna to be heated and enjoy. Pair the aromatherapy with sauna chromotherapy and halotherapy at home for a truly spa-like experience.

New Year, New You: Healthy New Year’s Resolutions Challenge

In 2021, start off the year with a challenge. Rumor has it that it takes 3 weeks to make or break a habit. While experts question the validity of that statement and we wish it were that easy, we definitely think 3 weeks is a great amount of time to get a start on new habits. That’s why we put together this 3-week Healthy New Year Challenge to get you started on the right foot going into 2021.

Follow this New Year’s resolution challenge to keep you on track so you can truly stick to your resolutions and actually reach your health goals in the new year – whether that means eating healthier, exercising more, being more mindful, or making more time for yourself..

New Year Challenge: Week 1

Day 1: Dedicate an Hour Completely to Yourself

Life can get busy, and 2020 sure was hectic. It’s easy to get caught up in things that don’t allow you to have you-time. Block off one entire hour to yourself (or more!) to focus on you. Mark it on your calendar, put up a “do not disturb” sign, and enjoy some time dedicated to things that give you a mental break like reading, using a sauna, or watching a show.

Day 2: Cut Down on Social Media

Looking at a screen all day can lead to overstimulation, especially around the holidays, which can lead to mental exhaustion. Whether for an hour or for the whole day, unplug for some time to focus on non-digital activities that benefit your new year health. Spend time with family, pamper yourself with a home spa day, work on a hobby, or just relax.

Day 3: Get in 10,000 Steps

Walking 10,000 steps a day has been a highly-recommended activity to help maintain physical health. Immediately jumping to 10k a day can be difficult, so instead dedicate just one day to reaching your goal and pay attention to what lifestyle changes you can make to make it a long-term habit.

Day 4: Do a 16-Hour Fast

The 16:8 fast is a great way to do a mini gut reset and dip your toes into the world of intermittent fasting. During this, you will do a 16-hour window of fasting and an 8-hour window of eating. People typically choose to eat lunch and dinner then fast through the night and breakfast the next day to maintain a somewhat normal routine.

Day 5: Practice Breathwork

Sure, breathing is an activity we do without even trying, but putting focus into your breathwork can be great for your mental health – something greatly needed after the whirlwind of 2020. Learn some new breathing exercises that help you slow down, destress, and find some mental clarity throughout your day-to-day life.

Day 6: Cook a New Recipe at Home

Spice up your daily menu by researching healthy recipes to whip up in the kitchen. Look for healthy recipes that include nutritious ingredients such as vegetables and fruits. Summer is a great time for produce, so your recipes will be nutritious and delicious.

Day 7: Rest and Journal

At the start of this 3-week new year challenge, take some time to sit down and write down the things that you are grateful for. Visualization of your accomplishments, blessings, and experiences helps highlight the positive things in the last year. Writing the items down can be a therapeutic exercise for your emotional and mental health.

New Year Challenge: Week 2

Day 1: Go to Bed 1 Hour Earlier than Normal

Sleep is another important basic need for your health, but it is easy to let life (and the holidays) get in the way and eat into your sleep time. Not only does sleep allow your body to rest and recover, it can help prevent illness as well. Today, budget an extra hour to go to sleep early and allow your body to fully rest.

Day 2: Connect with a Loved One

If 2020 was anything, it was definitely a lesson on connecting with people. It can be easy to lose touch with loved ones, but it is just as easy to reach out and say hello. Make a friend or family member smile by sending a quick note – and set aside some time in case that quick note turns into a long conversation!

Day 3: Try a New Exercise

If you’re doing the same workout every time, you are sure to get bored of the same moves every time. That, and your body isn’t getting as well-rounded of a workout. Look up new workout routines to help mix it up and keep things interesting. Pro tip: Using a sauna after a workout makes it even better.

Day 4: Do an 18-Hour Fast

Pick it up a little from Week 1 and add two hours to your intermittent fasting! An 18:6 fast is 18 hours fasting with a 6-hour window to consume your daily calories. This timing is very popular and is a sustainable way to fast on a regular basis. Though just 2 hours longer, this longer fast helps you burn more fat and better stabilize blood sugar levels.

Day 5: Meditate for 30 Minutes

We’ve mentioned breathing exercises, and meditation falls right into the same vein of new year health. Meditation helps you center your mind and find ways to shift your mentality into a calmer, more accepting state. Meditation can be a few minutes or a few hours depending on how deeply you want to go.

Day 6: Plan a Weekly Menu

Knowing what you are going to eat throughout the week is a great way to stay on track with health, time management, and budget goals. Think about what your week ahead looks like and plan how often you will cook at home and when you will eat out. Try to plan at least 3 at-home meals this week to start cutting down on expensive and unhealthy eating out.

Day 7: Rest and Journal

Halfway through the challenge, use your journaling day to think about the future. If you’re wondering how to keep New Year’s resolutions, this is one very helpful way! Writing down your goals and taking time to consider what really matters to you helps you visualize what needs to be done and also helps with setting more realistic expectations for yourself.

New Year Challenge: Week 3

Day 1: Cross an Item Off Your To-Do List

Having too many things on your plate can lead to frustration and stress. Instead of worrying about your whole list, use this day to knock out a big-ticket item on your list that you have been putting off. Once the task is complete, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and relief that it is finally done. Taking your list task-by-task makes the list more manageable.

Day 2: Plan a Group Zoom Call

Seeing friends in person hasn’t been the easiest thing this year, but we are lucky to have the technology to connect in different ways. Organize a group video call with friends to bring back a sense of being social. You’d be surprised just how uplifting it is to simply laugh with friends over Zoom.

Day 3: Be Active Outside

A daily dose of fresh air is great for you physically, but it is also a great activity for mental health. Being stuck inside all day can lead to negative feelings, especially if you don’t have much natural light. Brighten up your day and invigorate your mind by getting outside for at least 30 minutes.

Day 4: Do a 24-Hour Fast

The final week of your new year challenge includes a full 24-hour fast! On top of the additional fat burn and blood sugar management that comes from extra hours of fasting, this is also a great test of will power. If going from morning to night without food doesn’t appeal to you, try starting and ending at lunch time so you can still get a meal in during the day.

Day 5: Add Yoga to Your Workout

Yoga is a great way to challenge your body in new ways. Spend 30 minutes stretching, activating your core, and tapping into new movements you might have thought weren’t possible! Step it up by doing hot yoga in a sauna for added health benefits. Not only is yoga great for the body, it’s also a perfect time to try meditation for your mind.

Day 6: Meal Prep for the Week

Now that you have been cooking more at home and have the weekly menu planning down from last week, take it a step further and cook all your meals for the upcoming week. Preparing your meals for the week not only helps you cut down on time cooking throughout the week, it also allows you to keep an eye on every ingredient you are consuming.

Day 7: Rest and Journal

At the end of your 3-week new year challenge, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect back on how you feel, what worked for you, and what long-term changes to make in your life to continue with your healthy New Year’s resolutions. Documenting your accomplishments is a great thing to look back on if you ever feel as if you are losing motivation.

Knowing how to keep New Year’s resolutions is always a common concern as a new year rolls around. Use this 3-week challenge to start off 2021 on a great, and healthy, path. Whether you find health in the kitchen, gym, sauna, or journal, any step you take is a step in the right direction for this next chapter!

Getting a Home Sauna: Where to Put a Sauna in the House

Getting a sauna for your home is an exciting addition to your home health regimen. But before you can use it, you need to figure out the best place for it to go! Indoors or outdoors, large or small, DIY or prebuilt – there are a lot of considerations to think of when it comes to preparing for your home sauna! These tips below will help you determine the best spot in your home to enjoy your new sauna.

Why to Put a Sauna in the House

While many spas and gyms offer access to saunas, that access is unfortunately not always guaranteed. From saunas being too full with other users or spas and gyms simply being closed, there are a few things that might hold you back from using a public sauna. With a home sauna, however, you have total freedom in sweating whenever and however you want. Having a sauna in the house gives you the opportunity to have your very own health and wellness tool tailored to your needs.

Some home infrared sauna health benefits you can enjoy at any time include:

Weight Loss & Increased Metabolism
Temporary Muscle Pain Relief
Better Sleep
Detoxification
Decreased Appearance of Cellulite
Eased Joint Pain & Stiffness
Reduces Stress & Fatigue
Improved Skin Conditions

Along with the health benefits above, infrared sauna use has also been shown to help enhance workout performance, create an environment for mindfulness, and provide a sanctuary at home. Whether you’re considering a sauna in the house for on-demand spa days or for reaping the long-term benefits of daily use, a home sauna is sure to help you meet your health and wellness goals.

Outdoor Sauna from Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas

Choosing the Right Home Sauna for You

Outdoor vs Indoor

Outdoor Sauna: Outdoor saunas of course require an outdoor space. Choosing an outdoor sauna is perfect for those with backyards – especially if a pool is nearby for a quick dip after a sauna session. Things to take into consideration with an outdoor sauna include space, proximity to a power source, privacy, and potentially a structure to help protect the sauna exterior from natural elements.

Indoor Sauna: Indoor infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular as they provide luxury and health benefits right in the comfort of your own home. No matter where you live, you can likely make an indoor sauna fit in your space. From placing one in the corner of a small apartment to having an entire room dedicated to sauna use, choosing an indoor sauna allows for a range of options for everyone (and every space) to enjoy.

Large vs Small

Large Sauna: Large saunas are the epitome of luxury, but they do require extra space in your home. If you plan on having more than three users at a time or want extra space for activities like hot yoga, dedicate the extra space to have a home sauna of your dreams. Outdoor spaces typically lend themselves to more space for a large sauna, but you can also place one in your home if you have a large, open area.

Small Sauna: Small saunas are great for single-person use or areas tighter on space. The size of small saunas make them incredibly versatile, fitting in bedrooms, bathrooms, small yards, or anywhere else you desire. If you have a 4’ by 4’ space in your home, you can likely fit at least a one-person sauna. While smaller saunas don’t allow for group sessions or hot yoga, they still offer all the same health benefits as a large sauna.

Prebuilt vs Build-Your-Own

Prebuilt Sauna: A prebuilt sauna is a great option for people who want a simple installation. You still get all the bells and whistles of an infrared sauna, but without the planning! These saunas come in many sizes and can be placed anywhere inside or outside where there is a stable, flat surface and room for ventilation. Prebuilt saunas only require light assembly and are ready to go once you have them connected to a power source.

Build-Your-Own Sauna: Building your own DIY sauna is always exciting, as you can customize it to be exactly what fits your needs. These saunas take a higher level of planning, as they require careful calculations and measurements so they can fit seamlessly into your home. Building your own sauna is great for creating an at-home spa experience that perfectly fits your home decor. DIY saunas are more popularly done indoors and in bathrooms or pool houses.

Woman Using Infrared Sauna to Boost Immune System Naturally

Placement Considerations for a Home Sauna

Use the Right Flooring Materials

If building your own sauna, the most suitable floors are made of plastic, ceramic, exposed concrete, or stone. The floor should be sound and heat insulated. If, however, you decide to use a premade home sauna, the flooring is already designed with premium cedar or North American basswood that hold up to regular infrared sauna use. Premade saunas can be placed on nearly any surface as long as it is level and sturdy.

Try to Place Near a Shower or Pool

Traditionally, people jumped from the hot sauna to frozen waters. For you, jumping into a pool right after a home sauna session can replicate that refreshing feeling. If your layout allows for it, make the transition between sauna and pool an easy one and have them close. If you do not have a pool at home, a refreshing shower achieves the same effect! Install your sauna in a bathroom for quick and easy access to a shower that will help you feel fresh after.

Have Access to Adequate Power

For infrared sauna use, you will need access to a 240-volt connection. While plugging in a prebuilt home sauna should be simple, especially for indoor use, be sure to double check your connections and contact an electrician if any concerns or issues arise. When building a DIY sauna, involving a licensed electrician in the process will help ensure safety for prolonged use. Ensure the wiring for your sauna is clear of any water or any other hazardous conditions.

Be Wary of Moisture Levels

Make sure there is adequate drainage around the base of your home sauna so water cannot pool around the base of the sauna. It is also important to consider the humidity levels of the area of your choice, as an environment that is too damp may affect materials over time. Additionally, while our outdoor saunas are constructed with engineered wood on the exterior, too much exposure to natural elements over a prolonged period may impact the exterior of your sauna.

Having a sauna in the house is sure to make every day feel a little more luxurious and a lot healthier. Whether you’re looking to improve your health or simply create an at-home spa experience, take the above tips into consideration to ensure your home sauna is exactly what you need!

50 Ways to Improve Yourself During Self Improvement Month

September is Self Improvement Month, which gives us a perfect reason to take a look at our lives to see how we can improve. Finding ways to improve yourself can be an uncomfortable, but necessary, task. It forces us to analyze what is and isn’t working on a very personal level, which results in change that can greatly improve quality of life. From getting healthy to organizing your home, check out these ideas to help improve yourself this month and beyond.

The Benefits of Self Improvement

Increase Self-Awareness

The first benefit of self-improvement is that it requires you to become more self-aware and get to know yourself better. It makes you question yourself and face reality for what it is, however harsh it might be. Self-awareness is an ongoing journey. So, in order to be on the path of self-improvement, it is important to never lose touch with yourself.

Cultivate Self-Love

Self improvement cultivates self-love and compassion. By seeing yourself grow with every passing day, you build on your confidence and self-esteem. Self-improvement is about focusing on what matters to you and overcoming any mental hurdles that might be stopping you from reaching your highest potential.

Enhance Strengths

Self-improvement allows you to identify your personal strengths and play on them. From relationships to careers – knowing your strengths is important for every sphere of your life. It gives you a better understanding of what you are seeking and where you are likely to thrive and excel. It helps you set life goals and make them happen.

Overcome Weaknesses

While identifying strengths is an important aspect of self-improvement, so is identifying your weaknesses. The goal of improving yourself should be to look beyond those weaknesses that are stopping you from achieving greatness. Accept your weaknesses, identify where they stem from, and be determined to overcome them.

Step out of Your Comfort Zone

Choosing to work on improving yourself requires you to step out of your comfort zone. It lets you face your fears, try new things, and challenge yourself. There will be times when you will discover a new side of your personality, but there will also be times when you will fail. Don’t let those failures bog you down, as life begins outside your comfort zone.

Increase Motivation

Self-improvement and motivation go hand in hand. When you see yourself developing as a human being, you are filled with optimism and the drive to push yourself to do better. It is a continuous cycle that needs you to maintain your motivation levels and be committed to continuous growth.

Improve Physical Health

Improving yourself is often spoken of in terms of focusing on your actions and mindset, but it can also apply to your physical health. Being physically healthy impacts your mental state and can help you approach life in a new way. Be active for 30 minutes every day, get plenty of sleep, eat well, and invest in items like an infrared sauna that will provide many health benefits.

Understand Mental Health

One of the biggest benefits of self-improvement is the positive impact it has on mental health. When you work on yourself, you get to know yourself better which lets you handle your thoughts and emotions more effectively. You begin to understand why you are experiencing certain emotions and learn how to tackle them with time.

Heal Relationships

When you work on improving yourself, you automatically improve your relations with those around you. The key to combat conflicts and build meaningful relationships starts with looking inward and developing yourself first. Moreover, when you strive to have a positive self-image, you are bound to nurture healthy relationships.

Improve Decision Making

Good decision making skills come from a place of clarity, self-awareness, and confidence which is a direct result of self-improvement. When you know what you want to achieve out of a situation and set your goals accordingly, you are able to make better, informed decisions.

Find a Sense of Purpose

Self-improvement and personal development give your life purpose and meaning. They help improve mental and physical well-being by keeping you on the right track. With a sense of purpose, you learn to accept all the challenges that come along the way because you have your eyes set on what really matters – the ‘bigger picture’.

Gain More Clarity

Mental clarity is a tough state to attain. However, when you make self-improvement the primary goal of your life, you begin to start becoming more authentic and removing the clutter from your life. Gaining clarity allows you to stay focused and not engage in anything that takes you away from your goal.

Self-Improvement Ideas

Keep a to-do list.
Stay organized.
Do your most important task first every day.
Practice mindfulness.
Practice gratitude.
Pursue a hobby that you love – just for fun.
Have a motivational vision board.
Start a morning routine to do every day.
Journal regularly.
Have a go-to activity to get you out of a rut.
Create a mission statement for your life.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Start meditating.
Practice self awareness.
Focus on increasing the skills you’re good at.
Be comfortable asking for help.
Give praise to people you spend time with.
Take constructive feedback positively.
Save for retirement.
Spend money on experiences (not things).
Spend less than you make.
Stop negative thoughts.
Be your own best friend.
Drink enough water every day.
Get enough good sleep.

Learn ways to manage stress.
Have a weekly exercise routine.
Keep track of routine doctor appointments.
Create a meal plan.
Master the art of conflict resolution.
Stop procrastinating.
Improve your body language.
Invest in your health.
Read something new every day.
Check in on loved ones.
Create a bucket list.
Ask for feedback.
Acknowledge your flaws.
Leverage helpful resources.
Avoid negative people.
Get a mentor or coach.
Reduce the time spent on social media.
Stick to a 30-day challenge.
Let go of the past.
Show kindness to people around you.
Take a break.
Seek personal development opportunities.
Practice active listening.
Volunteer your time.
Actively participate in your community.

How to Improve Yourself Everyday

Personal development lasts far beyond Self Improvement Month, and meaningful changes can take place with just a few daily changes to your regular lifestyle. The key to achieving growth is sticking to it and continually making a conscious effort to improve yourself every day.

Sauna Bathing for Peaceful Minds and Healthy Hearts

By Dr. James DiNicolantonio www.drjamesdinic.com

Most people use saunas for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and socializing. 1 The most commonly reported benefits with sauna use include improvements in pain, mental issues, and sleep 1 – something all of us could benefit from right now. However, emerging evidence suggests that sauna is not only beneficial for our mental health but also our heart health.

In fact, regular sauna bathing is associated with reductions in hypertension, fatal cardiovascular events, sudden cardiac death, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and all-cause mortality. 2, 3 Sauna bathing 2-3 times per week, versus 1 time per week or less, is also associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of venous thromboembolism. 4 Epidemiological studies find greater reductions in cardiovascular risk with frequent and regular sauna sessions of at least 20 minutes in duration. 2 ,3 , 5

Sauna-Bathing-for-Peaceful-Minds-and-Healthy-Hearts-Header

For most saunas, in order to elevate heart rate above 100 beats per minute the session needs to be longer than 10-15 minutes. The real magic with sauna bathing likely occurs somewhere around the 25 to 30-minute mark (when the heart rate reaches around 120 beats per minute or higher). 5

Two clinical trials in patients with at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor found that 30 minutes in the sauna improves systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 6, 7 One of them noting improvements in arterial stiffness.6 In heart failure patients, sauna sessions also significantly reduce blood pressure 8 and also increase cardiac and stroke indexes, reduce systemic vascular resistance and increase ejection fraction. 9 These benefits may have to do with improvements in oxidative stress and increases in the production of nitric oxide leading to better vascular relaxation and blood flow. 10

Two weeks of far infrared sauna sessions significantly improves systolic and diastolic blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, fasting glucose, body weight, and body fat. 11 Far infrared sauna therapy also improves ventricular arrhythmias, heart rate variability and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with chronic heart failure 12 and vascular health in patients with at least one coronary risk factor. 13

Woman-Doing-Aerobic-Exercise-for-Heart-Health

Combining aerobic exercise with frequent sauna bathing may confer the greatest heart health benefits. Indeed, 15 minutes of aerobic exercise followed by 15 minutes in the sauna improves mean arterial pressure, arterial stiffness and pulse pressure, benefits that were retained even after a 30-minute recovery period. 14 Sauna bathing also lowers heart rate. Indeed, one study noted a 9 beat per minute reduction in resting heart rate after a 30 minute sauna session. 5 And another study found similar benefits with a 25-minute sauna session finding reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. 15

During a sauna session there is an acute increase in heart rate and blood pressure but afterwards there is a reduction. 15 An effect similar to what occurs with moderate exercise. Additionally, after sauna bathing there is a significant increase in parasympathetic activity but a reduction in sympathetic activity leading to an increase in heart rate variability. 5 Considering that hypertension, fatal arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and acute myocardial infarction are associated with reductions in heart rate variability 5 an improvement in this parameter with sauna therapy may lead to significant cardiovascular benefits.

In summary, sauna bathing is safe for most individuals and appears to lower blood pressure, improve artery health, heart rate variability, and resting heart rate. Sauna therapy also increases nitric oxide dilating blood vessels and reducing oxidative stress. All of these effects are likely why regular sauna use is associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

References

1 Hussain JN, Greaves RF, Cohen MM. A hot topic for health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey. Complement Ther Med 2019;44:223-34.

2 Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK. Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clin Proc 2018;93:1111-21.

3 Laukkanen T, Khan H, Zaccardi F, et al. Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA internal medicine 2015;175:542-8.

4 Kunutsor SK, Makikallio TH, Khan H, et al. Sauna bathing reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism: a prospective cohort study. Eur J Epidemiol 2019;34:983-6.

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