Tips for Having an Enjoyable Vacation

As many of us are embarking on weekend getaways and longer-term vacations, it is important that the time away from home is life-giving and not overly stressful. Yes, there are details that must be considered, logistics to sort out, and unforeseen challenges that complicate our plans, but by being intentional about the experience, we set ourselves up for a more enjoyable trip. 

Set Goals

As you’re preparing for the vacation, take some time to envision your goals for the excursion. Are you hoping to meet up with people who live in the area? Do you want to eat your meals out, cook them, or a combination? Think about how many activities you want to do each day--typically scheduling fewer planned events will leave you downtime to recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Reduce Screen Time 

We often go on vacation as a way to get out of our routine lives, and spending too much time on our phones or social media can get in the way of being present to the vacation experience. Try not to give into the phone and instead get active, go exploring, read, journal, or play a game. 

Have No Plans

By overplanning, we may think we have the perfect itinerary. When things don’t go as smoothly as we’d hoped, or something unexpected happens, though, we can feel disappointed. Instead of feeling tied to plans, try to spontaneously experience each day, moment to moment. When you wake up, listen to your inner voice about what sounds most inspiring. Are you excited by a local market, museum, or activity? Maybe you want to stay inside and cozy up with a book. If trying new foods or restaurants speaks to you, wander around the neighborhood until you find a place that looks good. By having no specific plans, you can immerse yourself in the area you’re visiting and find hidden gems that weren’t originally on your itinerary. 

Be Thoughtful about Work

Sometimes it’s impossible to take a true vacation from work, so finding a balance of accomplishing your responsibilities and also prioritizing the vacation is important. Prior to the trip, set boundaries about communication with co-workers. Set a plan for yourself that includes how often you’ll check your email, how available you will be to troubleshoot, and which dates/times you’ll be unavailable. 

Consider a Staycation

We can experience the benefits of vacation in our own backyards! Think of embodying a vacation mindset and explore a nearby neighborhood, try a new restaurant, or participate in a cool event, all the while staying curious about the experience and present to the current moment. 

Be Mindful

Finally, one of the best things we can do for ourselves while on vacation is to practice being mindful. Here’s a brief video that gives us 3 tips for being mindful during vacation:

References

Forbes. How to take a stress-free vacation from your stressful job. Retrieved from  

https://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45iifj/how-to-take-a-stress-free-vacation-from-your-stressful-job-2/#7821a28446ed

Gelles, D. (2017). How to Be Mindful on Vacation. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/well/mind/how-to-be-mindful-on-vacation.html

Goldstein, E. (2018). Tips for Bringing Mindfulness to Your Next Vacation. Retrieved from 

https://www.mindful.org/tips-bringing-mindfulness-next-vacation/

Real Simple. (2019). Internalize These 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Vacation Every Time. Retrieved from https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/travel-planning/stress-free-family-vacation-tips

Summer Farmers Markets

In our opinion, there’s nothing that says summer quite like getting local produce and goodies from a farmers market. Picking out a bunch of green kale or unique patty pan squash, sampling squeaky cheese curds, buying fresh maple syrup, talking with a local farmer, and socializing with neighbors are a few of the experiences you can look forward to at a market. The beauty of farmers markets is that they benefit all of us--the farmers, our communities, and our bodies. 

Why farmers markets are awesome:

• They contribute to building local food economies. Farmers are able to experience rapid sales of their produce, on a weekly or consistent schedule, with low costs since the produce goes directly from the farm to the individual purchaser. 

• Eating seasonally happens naturally, because farmers bring produce that is at peak freshness and ready to be consumed. 

• Many of the farmers who participate in the markets use organic growing methods. The result is healthier food for our bodies that doesn’t rely on the use of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, genetic modification, and other toxic processes.

• Did you know that food typically travels 1,500 miles to get to you? By shopping at farmers markets, you help reduce the amount of natural resources needed to bring food to you and help reduce or eliminate the need for plastic packaging. 

• The market becomes a place where individuals can become engaged in food policy issues through conversations with local farmers. While at the market, you may become aware of upcoming campaigns, initiatives, or volunteer opportunities to support farmers and community health in general.

• Farmers markets provide access to healthy, local food, which is extremely important in areas where quality food is not available. In low-income neighborhoods, having a farmers market can increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and can be a place for conversations about balanced, healthy, affordable eating. 

• Use the farmers market as a perfect reason to get outside! Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and socialize with other community members. 

OnMilwaukee has created an up-to-date guide on the farmers markets throughout Milwaukee and other surrounding areas. Take a look at their list to learn specific details about each market! Many of them run into the Fall, so try to stop by when you have some time. 

https://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/festivals/articles/farmers-markets-guide.html

References

CUESA. 10 Reasons to Support Farmers Markets. Retrieved from https://cuesa.org/learn/10-reasons-support-farmers-markets

Farmers Market Coalition. Farmers Markets Support Healthy Communities. Retrieved from https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/education/farmers-markets-support-healthy-communities/

Matthews, D. (2016). Farmers’ Markets play a vital role in America’s changing economy. Retrieved from https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/articles/farmers-markets-america/

Saul, R. (2011). The cultural significance of Farmers Markets. Retrieved from https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/the-cultural-significance-of-farmers-markets/

CBD in Chinese Medicine

By: Amanda Gawrysz, L.Ac., MSOM

With the growing awareness of CBD as a potential health aid, the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes may seem like a new concept in the western world; but it has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In China, hemp is believed to be indigenous to the country and has been cultivated for 6,000 years. It has not only been used medicinally, but also in fiber production for rope, fabric, netting, and seeds used for food and oil. Hemp seeds are the most popular and most regularly used part of the cannabis plant in medicine today due to its laxative properties. Historically, however, all parts of the plant were used including the flowers, leaves, and roots. Besides the seeds, the flower is actually the most mentioned part in ancient Chinese medical texts. This is due to the higher concentrations of CBD and THC in the flowers compared to the roots and leaves. 

Historical uses of cannabis date back 2,000 years in Chinese publications. The Chinese Emperor, Shen Nung, who is considered the father of Chinese Medicine, produced the first book describing the healing properties of herbs. CBD which is derived from Cannabis sativa (known as da ma in Chinese medicine) was among the 50 fundamental healing herbs in his book. 

The benefits of cannabis were first described in Chinese medical literature in the text “Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica.” This text was published in the first to second century AD and is still in clinical use today. The text argues that prolonged consumption of cannabis “frees the spirit light and lightens the body.” The authors state that cannabis is able to “break accumulations, relieve impediment and disperse pus.” According to this text, cannabis has acrid and balanced properties. It is said to govern the five taxations (excessive use of the eyes, excessive lying, sitting, standing, and exercise) and the seven damages (over-eating, cold food and drink, climatic extremes, rage, fatigue, grief, and fear). It is said to benefit the five viscera (the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen), and to quicken the blood.

Taking CBD allows our bodies to go back into a state of homeostasis or balance and enables the endocannabinoid system to function at maximum capacity. Studies are showing that CBD and acupuncture work very well together. Acupuncture and CBD both release a chemical known as adenosine. Acupuncture stimulates the release of adenosine to increase the body’s capacity to tolerate pain; while CBD increases the ability of adenosine to fight inflammation which may cause pain. When used in combination, they both boost the endocannabinoid system, enhancing the body’s own tools for combating disease and fighting a wide range of physical problems including not only pain, but also mental illness, anesthesia, seizures, and spasms. 

Meridians are the pathways through which the life force (qi) travels through the entire body. Scientists are speculating that there is a direct connection between meridians and the endocannabinoid system, which explains acupuncture’s reputation for effectiveness. As Dr. Vincenzo di Marzo, lead researcher at the Research Council of Italy, said, “The endocannabinoid system so far is the only endogenous system of chemical signals that is involved in everything.” A Chinese medical practitioner may say that it manages our complete life force.

Acupuncturists stimulate the nervous system with the use of points and needles that help break up blockages in the meridians. This allows for the release of endocannabinoids that are needed to biochemically balance us out. On the other hand, CBD oil activates cannabinoids by stimulating the endocannabinoid system to produce homeostasis. Both operate on a cellular level.   

Furthermore, links are being found between the endocannabinoid system and opioid systems. They are found to share areas of the brain that are related to and control sensations of pleasure, reward, and pain. Both opioid and cannabis containing THC can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. These two systems can influence each other.

Scientists are beginning to discover that acupuncture and CBD oil therapy work very well together. Most studies looking at the relationship between acupuncture and the endocannabinoid system suggest that acupuncture stimulates or mimics endocannabinoid activity. The ultimate aim of Chinese medicine is to promote self-healing by restoring homeostasis, and this idea is not too different from the function of the endocannabinoid system. In fact, studies now suggest that one of the ways acupuncture works is through none other than the endocannabinoid system itself!

When choosing CBD oil it is very important to do research. Hemp is known to be a particularly absorbent plant and must be grown with organic hemp seeds in organic soil as it pulls toxins from the soil in which it is grown. At Mke MindBody Wellness, we are now carrying Will Allen’s Beyond Organic local cold pressed and full spectrum CBD oil that is cultivated and bottled with purity in mind. 

References:

https://cbdoilusers.com/cbd-oil-traditional-chinese-medicine/

https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a6267098425e40008273a32/how-acupuncture-interacts-with-the-endocannabinoid-system

https://www.marijuanabreak.com/the-use-of-cannabis-in-chinese-medicine

https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-the-use-of-cannabis-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-n726