Detox your Makeup Bag: THIS SATURDAY!

BEAUTYCOUNTER POP UP SHOP!

Saturday, January 10 11-4pm

We are hosting local makeup artist Maggie Kerr for this one day only event! Maggie is teaming up with our nutritionist, Sarah Philipp, to help you detox your makeup bag and learn how to use nutrition for a naturally healthy and radiant complexion.  Start your new year with non-toxic, allergen-free, all natural cosmetics.  Product information and demonstrations are included. All products available for purchase.  

Learn more about the products here

4-7-8 Relaxing Breath Exercise

"Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders."
Andrew Weil, M.D.

This exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

  • Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

  • Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four (4)

  • Hold your breath for a count of seven (7)

  • Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight (8)

  • This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

Take this exercise with you everywhere you go… traffic, the grocery line, your desk, watching tv, etc. Set an alarm on your phone if you need the reminder.  Just a few minutes per day may be the key to better stress management.

Mindful Holiday Eating

The holiday season is upon us! A common tradition to celebrate includes feasting on rich foods and decadent sweets.  What a perfect opportunity to really enjoy this abundance!

Here is a quick reference for using mindfulness to make your holiday dinner a unique experience and not just a delicious meal.  

Mindful Eating Exercise

1. gratitude.  Look at everything in front of you.  Acknowledge your abundance. (Where did it come from? How long did it take to prepare?  Who prepared this meal? How much money was spent to share such a bountiful meal?) Take a moment to be truly and genuinely grateful for all of it.

2. less is more.  Do not fill your plate.  If you take heaping portions you may be eating to get full, when you really only need to eat until you no longer feel hungry.  Try the different foods and get more of those things you really like if you are still hungry.

3. slow down.  Spend more time chewing, smelling, tasting, and talking with those around you.  Get the most out of this special feast by making it last.

4. breathe.  It may sound silly to add this step, but it is pretty common to get so caught up in the  excitement of the holiday that you forget to really take those deep, satisfying breaths.  Take a few moments during the meal to take a nice slow deep belly breath with a slow peaceful exhalation.  Your digestion will be better and your body will be more relaxed.

5.  savor.  How does it smell? Is that a hint of cinnamon? When is the last time you enjoyed this food? Enjoy the taste, smell, and texture for as long as possible.  

Happy Holidays!