When did staying healthy get so complicated?  It feels like we are constantly talking about it.  More and more of us and our family and friends seem to be affected by serious or long-term illnesses or disorders.  The advice we are given seems to get more and more complicated and everyone has a solution, many of which don’t seem to really improve things.  So how can I make it a little easier?
These are my tips as a Nutritional therapist, Herbalist, Naturopath and a Nurse.
 
There are 4 pillars of health:

• Rest and Relaxation
• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Exercise

 
This week, get a nice pad, make out four columns on each page like the image above.

Fill out the pages for the next fortnight on a daily basis and  see what areas you are not doing well in.  These are the areas to focus on to improve.
 
There is probably 1 area that is neglected and one area that most of your efforts go.  It’s time to work smart not hard.  By balancing out the level of effort you put into each pillar, the better result you will see.
 
Rest and relaxation is often an area that gets neglected so this week take 10-30 minutes each day to switch of, put down the phone/tablet, find something that allows the tension to leave your body.  It can be anything from:

• Meditation
• Breath work – breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breath out for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds and repeat till you feel less tense
• Yin yoga/pilates
• Swim
• Walk in nature – woods/beach/lake
• Draw
• Read
• Journal

 
Over the next few months I’ll be covering ways to improve each area without increasing your stress levels.
 
 
You can follow carina at:
www.itsanaturalchoice.com
www.breaking-fads.com 
Rest & Reset webinars -  follow us on facebook
Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram:
@itsanaturalchoice
@welovebreakingfads
Rest & Reset

​Is it me or are we getting more and more tired?  More stressed?  More worn down? With less and less time to do things that bring joy?  Does even saying you need to find more time to do things that bring you joy sound a little strange?  A bit new agey? 

The thing is we are not robots and even if we were we would need to plug in, shut down for a while and recharge.  So why do we find the idea of rest so awkward?  When did the notion of being productive become so important it overtook the need to be healthy?
 
Over my many years of practice, I have seen this inability to take time for yourself create more chronic health conditions than I’d like.  I have seen people fight with themselves trying to make the healthy choice to rest for a while.  Normally feeling they have too much to do, too much rests on their shoulders, if they didn’t do it no-one would and then everything might just fall apart, they would look lazy.
 
The truth is that we are not built to keep going without adequate rest, but that’s not the whole story.  We have gotten too used to spinning too many plates, like a phone with too many tabs open we are draining the battery too quickly and eventually less and less will drain us more and more.
 
Myself, Janah Walshe and Vivianne Maloney decided, during lockdown, to come together and create an online series of videos to give the tools and knowledge you need to implement more meaningful rest into your lives without guilt.  To help create space for healing. 
 
We are sharing our Stress Module online for free for the next while.  You can gain access by following this link or at the end of this post:
https://rest-reset-s-site.thinkific.com/users/sign_up
 
This online module is packed with information on what might be causing your stress, how to recognise stress, what it is doing to your health and it is packed with tips on how to reduce stress, all of which can help your energy by removing what is draining you.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can follow carina at:
www.itsanaturalchoice.com
www.breaking-fads.com 
Rest & Reset webinars - follow us on Facebook.
Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram:
@itsanaturalchoice
@welovebreakingfads
Rest & Reset

As a nutritional therapist and Herbalist i see many clients with thyroid issues.  Having a sluggish thyroid can feel like dragging a ball and chain around all day. But fret not, thyroid warriors! There are natural solutions to help support hypothyroid conditions and regain your zest for life. So, shake off the thyroid blues and dive into some tips that will have you feeling like super(wo)man again!
 
1. Nourish Your Thyroid: Feed your thyroid some love with nutrient-rich foods like seaweed, Brazil nuts, and coconut oil. They're like the superheroes that keep your metabolism moving, fighting off that sluggishness like it's their job (which it is).
 
2. Stress Less, Chuckle More: Stress is the thyroid's arch-nemesis! Find ways to manage stress, be it through a daily dose of laughter, yoga, or leisurely walks. Your thyroid will thank you, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the happy hormones you'll generate!
 
3. Sleep Like a Sloth: Quality slumber is essential for thyroid health. Make your bedroom a cozy and tranquil haven, ditch the electronics before bed, and embrace the luxuriousness of a good night's sleep. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world.
 
4. Exercise with a Smile: Engage in regular physical activity that sparks joy! Whether it's dancing like no one's watching, hiking with friends, or trying out a new workout class, find an activity that makes you forget you're even exercising. Your endorphin-pumping thyroid will thank you.
 
5. Thyroid-Loving Herbs: Certain herbs like Ashwagandha, bladderwrack and Ginseng have a good reputation for supporting thyroid health. Incorporate them into your daily routine through teas, tinctures, or natural supplements. These little plant warriors will have your thyroid doing a happy dance in no time.
 
Remember, maintaining a healthy thyroid is an ongoing lifestyle. Stay consistent with your self-care routine and listen to your body. And if you need additional support, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional (if you are on medication for any conditions this is crucial).
 
 
You can follow carina at:
www.itsanaturalchoice.com
www.breaking-fads.com 
Rest & Reset webinars - follow us on Facebook.
Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram:
@itsanaturalchoice
@welovebreakingfads
Rest & Reset