"Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated." ~ Confucius

18January2010

Stop Nail Biting 

I have been a nail-biter since I was a little girl and it is one of the hardest habits to break because so many of us aren’t even conscious that we are doing it as we are chomping away. With today’s health issues, like H1N1, it is not only an unsightly habit but an unhealthy one as well.

I discovered a simple way to quit: apply nail polish. No, not the yucky tasting stuff but do a manicure and polish your nails in a pretty colour, no matter how short they are. It will subconsiously remind you of what you are doing as you life your hands to your mouth and because you’ll want to keep your manicure pretty, it may stop you in your tracks. Plus, a manicure is a way of taking a few minutes and doing something nice for yourself. I haven’t bitten my nails in almost two months now and they actually do look pretty now. It doesn’t get any simpler. Good luck!

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13January2010

Flowers Improve Mood 

A reader, suggested a post on flowers’ effect on moods so here it is. Other than making your house look pretty and smell great, flowers can impact your mood. Studies show that cultivated flowers can not only improve your mood but can also elicit a more positive social behaviour! (Evolutionary Psychology) Who knew?

Flowers that are mood enhancers include:

  • sunflowers & gerbera daisies – cheery, lift mood
  • forced bulbs such as hyacinths and tulips – lift mood, make us feel Spring is coming
  • lilies – peaceful, calming

The colours of flowers also impact your mood. For example:

  • yellow – raises optimism
  • red – energizes
  • white – relaxes
  • pink – calms

Finally, the scent of flowers can evoke responses in you but in this case it depends on what you associate the flowers with subconsciously. For some, roses will remind them of their beloved grandmother’s perfumes while others will think of a cheating ex-boyfriend! So, if you’re feeling a little blue or lethargic, grab yourself a bunch of fresh cut flowers to brighten your day. It can be as simple as that. Thanks for the suggestion, Peanut!

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11January2010

Dry Eyes and Flax 

Several weeks ago, I visited the ophthalmologist because I noticed my vision had been blurrier in the morning for some time, even with my glasses on, and only clearing up by mid-afternoon. I also found that I was seeing things through a haze and it wasn’t because of dirty eyeglasses, either. The eye doctor found nothing wrong with my eyes and informed me that my problem was due to dry eyes. Good news but how did one fix it without having to continually put lubricant eye drops in? Many people have success with flaxseed oil, the doctor told me, and he sent me on my way with some eye drops.

I’ve been taking one 1000 mg. capsule of flaxseed oil daily for over a month and I have to say that it worked! I kept forgetting to put the eye drops in but after about two weeks of the flaxseed oil, I noticed that my eyes were less dry and my morning vision was much better. It’s been a month and my dry eye problems are a thing of the past. The best part is: no drops, no medication, just natural source flaxseed oil which is a source of omega 3 and essential fatty acids! How simple is that?

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