 Stressmas!
Have you come across the term ‘Stressmas’? A word play on ‘Christmas’, it highlights the amount of strain, anxiety, and tension that people can experience at this time of year. As much as many of us love the festive season, let’s be honest, it can be a difficult period too. Why is this? Because Christmas memories are biased. They are based in childhood when things are magical and memories are of Santa, presents, food and family time. Naturally so, those memories don’t include the exhaustive preparation, the endless cooking or the pots and pans to scrub. Christmas can be a really special time of year, but it is also a huge hassle, especially for those who bear the brunt of the responsibilities. Can you relate? I know I can! Giving to others is expounded as a classic characteristic of Christmas, but it is also important to give to yourself. You have the right to enjoy Christmas just as much as anyone else. It is not realistic to assume that this time of year will be relaxed and symptom-free simply because it’s Christmas. Just because things are supposed to be fun and festive, doesn’t mean that they are or that you have to be. Let's try to accept that it can be a stressful time and allow yourself to have feelings about that. Here are some quick Christmas survival tips: ☆ Expect to get stressed ☆ Make some alone time for yourself ☆ Choose which elements of Christmas you want to adopt ☆ Find time to exercise – it’s a great way to de-stress ☆ Share the load ☆ Lower expectations, of yourself and of Christmas ☆ Give more time to preparation. ☆ Finally, and most importantly, make Christmas your own. What I mean by this is, if you want to be with family, do it. If you want to be alone, do it. If you want to eat Chinese, do it. If you want to go on holidays, do it. Ask yourself how you would like Christmas to be, and little by little, move in that direction. It might not be perfect this year, or any year, but by honouring yourself and what you want or need, more balance can be found and ‘Stressmas’ can turn back into Christmas. Best wishes, Jannah. Our next Rest & Reset online workshop will look upon the theme of restoring balance in our lives. An ideal opportunity to take 2 hours out for yourself at this busy time!!! By teasing through topics such as busy & rest, yin & yang, masculine & feminine, introvert & extrovert, Jannah will support us to move from polarity to balance the opposites. Looking forward to seeing you then, Vivianne, Carina & Jannah.
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 The last few years have been surreal, for me it has been pandemic like everyone else but my own personal journey included being diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer (Metastatic Breast Cancer/MBC) and at the same time developing programs with some wonderful women.
Breaking Fads has been my baby with Shona my amazing sister in law - this is a program that is no-noncense, weight management and health program tailored to 5 hormone types. I have been using this system for over 15 years with clients and it has evolved over those years into a reliable system i use to help clients find what suits them to get the best results, it removes all the noise we hear from the media and social media. You finally learn wha works for you and quit trying and failing by using what doesn't clearly work for you. You can see more about this on Instagram @welovebreakingfads The second program i have been working on is Rest and Reset, with Vivianne and Jannah. I cannot say enough about these women, they have become my tribe and i love them both dearly. As prat of my cancer journey I have come to realise that Rest is a vital part of any recovery i wish to have, and I am well aware that stage IV is seen as Terminal, Palliative but anyone who has met me knows I don't deal with these medical absolutes. I am a great believer in let's wait and see shall we. I have also had to give my body a massive reset, Physical, emotionally and spiritually.j This course began as something myself, Vivianne and Jannah felt drawn to writing but it has become something bigger, something very organic and we have all loved being part of it. The world needs more help in slowing down and smelling those roses. This course is 12 monthly webinars aimed to help provide tools to help anyone who needs to create space, understand what their body needs and deal with the stress that this world throws at them.. To find out more follow this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sh/PxbP2Yj/RestResetWorkshopSeries?source_id=f462bcf3-8701-404f-8d71-23a175ce4837&source_type=em&c=Zd5MzeoWZ__tnzblKvMBCpSta94R7ANJEpKNC20UO0qP8uGXP5LtFg== This cancer has been a valuable teacher, ironically, it hasn't just taken form me, it has given me many gifts in return. I am doing really well, 2 1/2 years in and still healthy and finding ways to do so. I'll write some more on what i'm doing to help strengthen my body to fight, to counteract side effects of the few medications i'm on and what is helping me deal with the rollercoaster of emotions that come with this diagnosis. I wish you all well, and remind you to smell the roses/lillies/sunflowers/jasmines whatever the flower you choose, just don't miss the wonder of this life being busy just getting through it  I was recently asked what would I do for someone with chronic sinusitis. Usually I would want to ask so many questions but this was all the information I had to go on so here is my general advice for sinusitis (inflammation of the mucosa of the sinuses) Chronic sinus inflammation, in my experience, will be accompanied by some form of gut inflammation, which commonly is linked to a food intolerance. The sinusitis is a symptom of a deeper issue. As a naturopath I believe in working on the route cause rather than the symptom. So I always start with WHY
So with most cases of chronic sinusitis I would do the following:
If you are aware of any digestive issues, however insignificant you think they may be, deal with those first and you may notice the sinus issues goes as a result. You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Rest & Reset webinars - https://bit.ly/3UKdkZH Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads Rest & Reset  Ireland has a fascinating herbal history, a history that is still handed down by a few. We have always used nature to keep ourselves healthy. Even just 2 generations ago, our grandparents would have used food remedies far more, they would have kept themselves healthy, aware that a trip to the doctors wasn’t always an option so they had to be more careful with their health.
My grandmother would eat garlic daily for her heart and immune system, my brother was talking only the other day of how she used to crush garlic and put it into a spoon of pickle and shove it into our mouths when we were sick. I was out on Inishboffin, staying at the fantastic family run Murrays hotel(Doonmore). Walking down to the pier there was an array of colourful flower, some were herbs and others flower. The main herb I noticed was Red clover – Trifolium pratense, a fabulous herb to help the lymphatic system. It can be used in a mix for gout, whooping cough, chronic degenerative diseases, eczema, psoriasis and so much more The flowers, leaves, roots and seeds are edible, the flavor is similar to alfalfa. As a herb it has been used as:
Another herb I noticed was Wild thyme – Thymus serpyllum – part of the mustard family The leaves and flowers are edible and have a cress like flavor. As a herb it has been used as:
The aroma was amazing but really these herbs would have helped the islanders as medicines in the past. I saw many herbs but another important one was Rhodiola – Rhodiola rosea An important herb for strength and stamina, often used in times of stress but not suitable to everyone. It has historically been used for:
As always, speak to an herbalist before taking any herbs. You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Rest & Reset webinars - https://bit.ly/3UKdkZH Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads Rest & Reset  We are being given so much contradicting advice about diet and health, eat less fat, eat more fat, don’t eat eggs, eat eggs, no carbs, high carb, food combining, ketone diet, caveman diet, cabbage diet, fresh air diet (yes that is a thing, all be it not a sensible one), the list goes on. So what are we meant to do?
Well take a step back, take a breath and pick the sensible choice. I am a firm believer in if it’s not broke don’t fix it, our diets weren’t broken, we survived thousands and thousands of years eating what we could source locally. We ate organic, natural whole food diets way before they became trendy. Yes, life wasn’t perfect and people had health issues, often due to lack of food, rather than eating the wrong thing or lack of hygiene. So my very simple advice for general health is take your diet back 50 years, before the boom of processed, convenience, fast, faddy foods. When foods were more nutrients than chemicals. This simple change brings huge benefits.
You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Rest & Reset webinars - https://bit.ly/3UKdkZH Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads Rest & Reset  It’s beginning to look a lot like winter, that crispness in the air, the dark evenings, not leaving the house without your warm coat. I love this time of year, it’s a time to rest, cocoon and nourish yourself.
This is one of my favourite winter warmer recipes and as an added bonus it’s simple, made in one pot and nourishing. Lentil & sweet potato cottage pie Ingredients
Method
You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Rest & Reset webinars - https://bit.ly/3UKdkZH Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads Rest & Reset  I work with 5 Bodytypes, each based on a hormonal system. Each has different needs, physical, nutritional, emotional and spiritual. In this article I’m going to focus on what type of rest each needs. To find out your Bodytype take my quiz on Instagram @welovebreakingfads or at www.breaking-fads.com
Nikki type (Pituitary) Nikki is a thinker, most likely to be a professor/scientist What type to rest does Nikki need most: Mental rest = schedule short breaks regularly, write your nagging thoughts down before bed, gadget free time, meditation Sensory rest =turn off the gadgets and technology, get out in nature, read a book. Kate type (Thyroid) Kate has the soul of an artist and a very inquisitive mind What type to rest does Kate need most: Creative rest = notice the beauty in things, have images of art you love around you Sensory rest = see above Maya Type (Adrenal) Maya is a born leader and likes control What type to rest does Maya need most: Physical rest = go to bed early, deep breathing, restorative exercises (yin yoga, Pilates, tai chi) Spiritual rest = Volunteer for something close to your heart, grounding work (reiki, meditation, yoga, Tai chi) Lilly type (Reproductive) Lilly is the mother of the group, looking out for everyone else What type to rest does Lilly need most: Mental rest = see above Emotional rest = talk about how you feel, write it, draw it. Jess type (Reproductive/Pituitary) Jess is the modern woman, she is adaptable with lots of energy What type to rest does Jess need most: Social rest = catch up with an old friend, one to one interactions, take a night off from social activities including online. Spiritual rest = see above If you need all 7 types of rest, you just need a full stop and a reset. You are burning yourself out and have probably ignored the signs your body has given you till now. Check out the Rest & Reset workshops below, If you want to join our November webinar on Bodytypes and Rest follow this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sh/PxbP2Yj/RestResetWorkshopSeries?source_id=c6a5be8b-569b-4409-b17d-7e928b393ee5&source_type=em&c= You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram, Join Facebook group – The Natural Health Tribe, Rest & Reset @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads  Rest is getting enough sleep, or lying on the couch for an hour or going on holidays for a week, right? Wrong! Rest is so much more and in the fast paced world we live in there are so many different forms of rest we need that we didn’t need before. Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith identified 7 Types of rest: Physical rest Signs you need this Body aches & pains Leg swelling after long periods of sitting Back pain/spasms What you need Sleep Naps Being passive Small hourly movements Yoga Stretching Massage Using a foam roller Removing anything obviously creating the problem Mental rest Signs you need this Mind racing Can’t switch off Can’t remember what you came in for Poor memory recall Lack of concentration Befuddled What you need White chestnut Bach flower Breathing exercises Meditation Stop trying to do everything – cut out the non-essential activities Social rest Signs you need this You say things like “can I just get a minute to myself” Everyone needs something from you What you need Spend time with people who don’t need anything from you Alone time Identify who drains you Spiritual rest Signs you need this Work for the wage not the passion Feel your work doesn’t have meaning or make a difference Feel like you are not contributing What you need Reconnect with what lights your fire Do something meaningful – work, charity, home Sensory rest Signs you need this Sensory overload syndrome Irritated Agitated Angry Feel good at the beginning of the day but agitated and irritable by the end What you need Switch of some of the tech – phones, social media, computer Take time somewhere peaceful/quiet Spend time in nature without any technology Emotional rest Signs you need this Hiding our feelings Always keeping emotions in check Feel like if others really knew what you were going through What you need Talk to friends, family or in therapy Write down how you feel, get it out onto paper Find a form of release – karate, boxing are good options when done with supervision Laughing yoga Dance Scream Creative rest Signs you need this Struggle to be innovative Can’t brainstorm Problem solving is not your strong point What you need Allow yourself to see beauty in anything – Art Music Dance Nature People The rest you need the most is always the one you will struggle the hardest with. Check out next week’s article about how each Hormonal Bodytype will need some of these forms of rest more than the others.. I'll show you how to find out your Bodytype to see how to support your body the best you can! You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: It’s A Natural Choice We love breaking fads Join Facebook group – The Natural Health Tribe @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads My next webinar is on Wednesday 16th November  Over the next few weeks I’m going to share something sweet, something with spice & something that’s naughty & nice with my pumpkin recipes.
Let’s kick off with something from the middle east with a hint of spice! Pumpkin & pomegranate soup Serves 2-4 (depending if you go back for seconds) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Ingredients
1.Heat the oil in a large, heavy based, saucepan over a medium heat. 2.Add the onions and sweat for 3 minutes till soft & more translucent 3.Add the pumpkin, cumin, turmeric, garlic & ginger & sauté for 10 minutes (softened but not browned) 4.Add the maple syrup & continue cooking until the pumpkin appears caramelised 5.Add the stock & turn the heat down to low, simmer for a further 5-10 minutes. The pumpkin should be soft & you should still have some liquid in the saucepan 6.Set aside to cool 7.Add the yoghurt to the cooled contents of the saucepan, then blend till smooth. 8.Toss the pine nuts and chopped kale in a hot frying pan for 1 minute. 9.Pour the soup into your favourite bowl, season with salt & pepper, garnish with the toasted pine nuts, kale, a sprinkle pomegranate molasses & pomegranate seeds 10.Serve with some warm and crusty bread You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: It’s A Natural Choice We love breaking fads Join Facebook group – The Natural Health Tribe @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads  Storing your fruits and vegetables is a vital part of getting the best out of them. This year we have so many economic issues that we don’t want to be wasteful with our food.  Here are some Tips:
You can follow carina at: www.itsanaturalchoice.com www.breaking-fads.com Follow her journey on Facebook & Instagram: It’s A Natural Choice We love breaking fads Join Facebook group – The Natural Health Tribe @itsanaturalchoice @welovebreakingfads |
AuthorCarina Kennedy was formerly a Nurse, now a Nutritional Therapist and Herbalist living in the west of Ireland. Her passion is food, health and teaching clients to gain control of their life with simple techniques. Archives
February 2022
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