Digital Detox – Cut Down on Screens This Summer

The kids are almost out of school, and the countdown to summer break is on at our house.  As a mom of a 9 and 11-year-old, I am looking for ways to keep them off screens this summer.

It’s no wonder that digital detox camps and low-tech resort vacations are on the rise.  I just read that kids ages 8-18 now spend, on average, of 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 of which are spent watching TV, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.  Those numbers are scary and made me want to try a digital detox in our house or at the very least, cut down on screen time over the summer months.

A digital detox is like a food cleanse, except instead of bad food, you cut out screens. Phones, iPad, computers, and TVs take us away from each other.  We know that screens make us less focused, that constantly checking our email, text and Facebook makes us less productive and disconnected from our real lives.

Here are some ideas cut down on screens

-       Move your phone out of the bedroom at night and don’t let kids have screens in the bedroom

-       Don’t allow screens at the dinner table

-       Increase outdoor activities: hiking, biking, sports, gardening

-       Read a book, off line

-       Walk in nature

Looking for more information on how to find balance in the tech heavy world? Check out Sabbath Manifesto, a site that provides tips on how to slow down our lives in an increasingly hectic world and learn how to take part in their Unplug Challenge.  Another site I like is Folk Rebellion, a movement and lifestyle brand that encourages and inspires people to become mindful of the technology they use. A portion of all their profits are donated to the Children and Nature Network, which helps to create a world in which every child can play, learn and grow outdoors.

Hope you get to disconnect from technology this summer and connect more with family and friends!

Wellness and Anti Aging Benefits of Soaking in a Mountain Hot Spring

The weather has warmed up here in Truckee, and I decided to get outdoors and enjoy a little sunshine. I knew I wanted to be near the water and a beautiful view. I decided to check out Sierra Hot Springs, so I headed to Sierraville, CA ready to soak up the sunshine and all those minerals.

Sierra Hot Springs is located on 700 acres bordering National Forest Land. The location is about an hour from major Tahoe Ski resorts. Keeping with its hippie commune roots, clothing is optional at Sierra Hot Springs. There’s a cafe and lodging if you want to stay overnight. And if a day soaking in hot water isn’t relaxing enough, the resort has a sauna, cold pool, and massages for you to enjoy.

A hot spring’s healing powers are fueled by the large concentrations of minerals (sodium, calcium, and sodium bicarbonate, and selenium, to name a few). When these minerals are absorbed into the body, they can help with a variety of common health complaints.

In her article, The Ancient Healing Powers, Susan Harzler, talks about the benefits of soaking in a natural hot spring:

1)   Improve Circulation - Bicarbonate hot springs are thought to help with blood circulation, hypertension, nervous imbalances, and atherosclerosis.

2)   Boost Immune System - Some proponents believe that iron content in hot springs, along with other trace minerals, might help build your body's immune system, making it stronger and more able to fight infections.

3)   Detoxify - It is believed that bathing repeatedly in hot springs can help tone your autonomic nervous system and normalize your endocrine system, as well as release toxins in your body through sweating.

4)   Reduce Stress - Everyone stepping into the natural hot waters of mineral hot springs immediately relaxes. There are so many health benefits found in relaxation from improved sleeping patterns and nutrient assimilation to creating healthy digestive tracts. The National Sleep Foundation says insomnia causes even more stress in your body, which can wreak even more havoc. The buoyancy of the hot springs can also help increase the range of motion of muscles and joints.

5)   Other conditions - According to the website Alternative Doctor, bathing in sulfur-rich hot springs helps treat dry scalp and arthritic pain, as well as internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders.

If you get a chance, visit a sulfur bath and enjoy the soak. There are hundreds of hot springs in California, and if you are looking for one here is a good place to start

Healing with Essential Oils

Essential oils have become popular over the last few years for their relaxation benefits, but now people are beginning to tap into the health benefits of using oils from seeds, stems, roots, flowers, and plants that are extracted and distilled.

My yoga instructor, Nikki Dean, here in Truckee, introduced me to essential oils and their many health benefits. Essential oils can help with allergies,  muscle aches, fatigue, digestion, depression and so much more.  You should acquire some basic knowledge of the usage and precautions of essential oils prior to using them. It is recommended that most essential oils be diluted and not applied directly to the skin, apart from lavender and tea tree oils.

Here are nine common essential oils and their healing properties:

• Cedarwood:  Aids in the removal of body fat and is used externally for cellulite and the retention of fluid in the tissue. Also used for the respiratory system - a drop in a half cup of water to gargle for sore throat or with a few drops of Eucalyptus in a steaming bowl of water to reduce nasal and lung congestion. Eases bronchitis, coughs and colds. Can be added to shampoos or facial washes to reduce oily secretions. Helps to clear chronic conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

• Frankincense:  Antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, digestive, and sedative. Slows down breathing and produces feelings of calm. Ideally used for meditation. Effective for respiratory congestion. Its astringent properties may relieve heavy periods. Stimulates production of new cells.

• Lavender: Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, sedative. Soothes the spirit, relieves anger, valuable in manic-depressive cases. Has a sedative action on the heart, assists in bringing down high blood pressure, relieves insomnia, relieves muscular spasms and rheumatic pains. May be useful in nausea, vomiting and colic. Keeps insects at bay. Purifies the air. Promotes growth of new skin cells, great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils, fungal growths, and scarring.

• Lemon: Antacid, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericide, diuretic, emollient, insecticide, and laxative. Helps to clear thoughts. Tonic to the circulatory system, liquefies the blood and aids flow, thereby easing pressure on varicose veins. Used to bring down high blood pressure. Helpful in nosebleeds. Eases painful cold sores. May be helpful with constipation and cellulite. Relieves headaches and migraines. Soothes insect bites and stings.

• Lemongrass: Antidepressant, antiseptic, bactericide, diuretic, fungicide and insecticide. Stimulates the mind, lifts the spirit. Stimulates appetite, helpful with colic and indigestion. Prevents spread of contagious diseases. Great for aching muscles. Relieves fatigue, assists with jet lag. Aids in the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

• Patchouli: Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, fungicide and insecticide. May cause loss of appetite. Due to its strong astringent properties, may be helpful for loose skin, especially after dieting. Seems to curb appetite also. Excellent in cases of diarrhea. Its diuretic properties are useful in cases of water retention and cellulite. Known to increase libido. Relieves effects from insect bites. Tissue regenerator which helps regrowth of skin cells and the forming of scar tissue. Heals rough, cracked skin.

• Peppermint: Analgesic, anesthetic, antispasmodic, astringent, decongestant, expectorant, insecticide and stimulant. Said to relieve states of anger, hysteria and nervous trembling, excellent for mental fatigue and depression. On the body, it has a dual action: cooling when hot and warming when cold. As a remedy for colds, it halts mucous and fevers and encourages perspiration. Good for travel sickness, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, colic and nausea. Its stimulating qualities are useful for shock, vertigo, anemia and dizziness. Its cooling and pain relieving action seems to ease headaches, migraines and toothaches. Not liked by insects and vermin.

• Rosemary: Astringent, digestive, diuretic, and hypertensive. Good for mental strain. Revives the senses. Clears headaches and migraines, especially when connected to gastric problems. Helps ease gout and tired, overworked muscles. Normalizes blood pressure. Could ease colitis, flatulence and stomach pains. Seems to relieve menstrual cramps and light periods. Its diuretic properties may be useful with water retention during menstruation.

• Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericide, expectorant, fungicide, and insecticide. It has a refreshing, revitalizing effect on the mind, especially after shock. Its most important usage is to help the immune system fight off infectious diseases. Sweats toxins out of the body. Indicated for influenza, cold sores, and gingivitis. Provides relief from chicken pox to rashes caused by insect bites. Reduces pus in infected wounds. Clears pores and blemishes caused by chicken pox and shingles. Useful with burns, sores, sunburn, ringworm, warts, herpes and athletes foot.

Once you have explored some essential oils, you may want to start creating your own blends. Growing Up Herbal offers step by step instruction on how to create signature blends.