6 Ways to Naturally Relieve Stress

This week, I noticed some of my telltale signs of stress - shallow breathing, holding my breath, feeling anxious. Maybe it was that my 14 month old son has started waking up in the middle of the night on a regular basis again (at least once per night, plus waking up earlier in the morning). Maybe it was all of the discussions my husband and I have had over the past 1.5 weeks with relation to family items. Maybe it was the extra strong coffee I made.

I was running around feeling productive because I was getting so much done around the house, yet I could not stop feeling anxious when I sat down for 5 minutes. After a few minutes of reflection on how I arrived at this point, I focused on how to relieve stress at home. Here are the 6 ways to naturally relieve stress that I use on a regular basis.

Running

A good cardio workout helps to get the blood moving through the body, oxygenates the blood and the brain, and gives a rush of energy. Running helps me to reflect, process and clear my mind. Running on a regular basis helps me to stay calmer and be more patient with my toddler.

Going Outside

Breathing fresh air is always good for our bodies! A walk around the walk for 5 minutes has helped me many times to calm down, relax and regroup. There is something about nature that is calming. Going outside can be a walk around the yard, the neighborhood, or running an errand.

Cleaning and Organizing

Organizing clutter, like piles of clothes, toys and other random things lying around, by putting it away in its rightful place is therapeutic. Cleaning out weeds in the garden or the yard helps to focus my mind on one task instead of my mind running in many different directions. Scrubbing dirt helps to get some of the aggression out.

Talking

Keeping emotions bottled up can increase the stress level. A quick call or text message to my husband or a friend to let them know of an aggravating situation eases the tension. No details need to be given, just the point of acknowledging the stressful situation helps my mind to refocus on moving forward.

Prioritizing

Being a full time stay at home mom is a 24x7 (plus more) job. Keeping the toddler changed, fed and happy while keeping the house clean and in order is a monumental task on most days. I constantly have to tell myself that the game has changed and I need to change my expectations by prioritizing. Focusing on one room per day or spending 5-10 minutes cleaning up clutter is more realistic.

Taking a Bath

Taking a bath with calming essential oils like lavender is a great way to unwind the mind and the body. After the running, the cleaning and organizing and carrying around a 24 lb toddler, my body aches. A hot bath is the perfect solution for my achy body. The quiet time helps me to reflect and the hot water relaxes my tired muscles. I am always ready for sleep afterwards.

These are some of the techniques that I use to help myself relieve stress naturally. Though an adults-only all-inclusive beach vacation or a regular massage at a spa sound heavenly, they are not always possible or feasible. Techniques that can be used on a daily basis to keep myself calm and sane work better in the long run. I can assess how stressed I am and if I need to do anything about it. Remembering to focus on myself for a few minutes every day is a great reality check.

>> What are some of the ways that you relieve stress on a daily basis??
  

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A Perfect Family Day

More than one year later, my husband and I are still trying to figure out how to balance family time and personal time. Today was a perfect day. We balanced family time and personal time very well. We even enjoyed a homemade meal on the breezeway patio!

Local Strawberry Picking
Family time (with extended family).

Plant Shopping
My personal time.

Homemade Grilled Pizzas
With homemade pizza crust and a dessert pizza using the freshly picked strawberries from this morning.

>> What does your (realistically) perfect day look like??
 

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A Vegetarian Thanksgiving

If you have been reading my blog for some time, you might remember that last year, I decided on not eating turkey on Thanksgiving. After watching Food, Inc., I swore off industrial farming and went down the local path for meat. And then, I went vegetarian. This year, I enjoyed all of the delicious side dishes and did not miss the turkey at all. Here are the three vegetarian items that I prepared for the Thanksgiving meal with my husband's family.

Easy Cranberry Sauce
I absolutely love homemade cranberry sauce, more on the tart side. This recipe comes from Savory Sweet Life. I adapted it by using turbinado raw sugar instead of the brown sugar and honey instead of the white sugar.

Toasted Almond Butternut Squash Tart
This recipe from Whole Living magazine was a huge hit last year, so I made it again. I used an all-natural pre-made pie crust and rolled it out to an oval right on the Silpat liner. My favorite part is the toasted almond layer under the butternut squash.

 

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups
Kiersten from Oh My Veggies inspired me to make these scrumptious little pieces of heaven (recipe from Domestic Fits). Roasting a pie pumpkin was super easy. I might have used just a little too much of the organic, fair-trade semi-sweet dark chocolate I bought, but I decided that you can never have enough chocolate. The tip to filling the bottom of the cups is to put about half of a teaspoon of chocolate in the bottom. With the back of the spoon, move the chocolate to the edge, hold the spoon, and move the muffin cup around with your finger. (note: this photo is from a previous batch when I used regular sized muffin tins)

>> What are your favorite holiday side dishes and/or desserts? Bonus points if they are vegetarian!
  

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I Purchased Green Baby Shower Gifts

Last time I purchased baby shower gifts, I did not purchase the gifts off the registry. Most of the gifts were already purchased and there was nothing left that was catching my eye. To be quite honest, I wanted to purchase a product that would be useful and was made from organic cotton. Being eco-friendly means that I take part in educating and introducing others to a more environmentally friendly way of living.

I am purchasing gifts for two occasions: upcoming baby shower and a recent birth of a friend. I am happy to say that I purchased one of the items off the registry. Kudos to the mama-to-be for adding the Aden and Anais product to her registry.

Baby Shower Gifts

Aden and Anais for Target Burpy Bib

 

Charlie Banana Reusable Organic Cotton Wipes

  

Birth Celebration Gift

Whole Foods Gift Card to help out with groceries. This is the second child, so the mom is reusing a lot of the same items, including cloth diapers!

>> How do you interweave registry gifts with your own eco-friendly ideas?
 

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To Run or Not to Run?

To Run or Not to Run?

That was the question this afternoon! My goal for this evening was to complete a cardio workout. My options were spinning class, elliptical machine, or running outside (cannot pass up the amazing weather). I was laying out my options to a friend at work. I mentioned that I probably would not go for a run and my reasons. To be honest, I sometimes chicken out. Some runs are amazing; some runs are not so good. I am always apprehensive because I hate having bad runs. I realize that not every run will be a great run, but I sometimes do chicken out. It happens to the best of us!

As we were ending the conversation, my friend said, "You're going to go for a run."

I looked back at him with surprise, "I'm going to go for a run?!?" Did he know something I did not know?

"You're going to go for a run."

"Ok, I'm going to go for a run." "Why?"

"Because I cannot."

I knew exactly what he meant. I understood. I smiled and nodded.

"Because I cannot go for a run, you are going to run for me."

My friend was in a really bad bicycle accident and experienced great injury to his leg/foot. He cannot run. I can run. I went for the run. I felt amazing! I sent an email to my friend thanking him.

>> What motivates you to "run?"
 

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Three Philosophies Essential to My Life

When I began to think about what is essential in my life, so many different thoughts ran through my head. I gave myself one day to process all of the thoughts and come up with three philosophies that are essential to my life: family and friends, eco-friendly and sustainable living, and spirituality.

Family and Friends – I cannot express how much support and love my family and my friends have showed me throughout my life. I am only now beginning to realize the power of this support network. My husband and I have been blessed over the past year to connect with some great people. We hope to continue building these friendships.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Living – My blog is all about living an eco-friendly, organic, natural, homeopathic, non-toxic, and green life. I am sick of wasting the precious resources that are given to us. Reusing, reducing, and recycling are my philosophies in life!

Spirituality - I have so much to discover in this area. I am only beginning on the journey to discover my religion and the power of prayer and humility. I find that being spiritual helps me to find peace and satisfaction in this materialistic world.

Although I can think of many more things that are essential to my life, these three philosophies are my goals for 2012. If I continue to enrich my life with family and friends, eco-friendly living, and spiritually, I know that I will live a happier and more fulfilled life.

>> What is essential to your life? Like Nordic Naturals on Facebook and share your story in the What's Essential contest for a chance to win great prizes!

What's Essential Contest: Nordic Naturals wants to hear what is essential in your life so that you can inspire others. The  has been designed to get you motivated by writing about the essential and meaningful parts of your life. You could win a trip to California, a Canon Vixia HF M400 camcorded, or a one-year supply of Nordic Naturals. Contest runs through April 30, 2012 and is open to residents of USA/CAN (excluding Quebec).

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My Eco-Friendly Weekend Activities

Between work, friends, and family, I have had a pretty busy week. I have not posted as much as I would have liked to. Nonetheless, my mind has been racing with lots of fun eco-friendly activities and plans for this weekend. I am highlighting some of my eco-friendly weekend activities.

1. Carpooling - offered to pick up our friends twice this weekend.
2. Garden - going to start some of my seeds and begin planning for others. I still have a few cold weather and companion plant seeds to purchase.
3. Reusing/Recycling - cleaned out half of the old/expired bottles from the fridge door. Recycled the plastic ones (yes, Rumpke accepts them!) and kept the glass ones for bulk bin purchases.
4. CSA - downloaded the application, will print at work and fill out.
5. Haircut - asked my mom to cut my hair. She is pretty good at cutting my hair with a little style in it.

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New Year's Day Traditions

Happy New Year!

Our plans for New Year's Eve celebrations have varied over the past few years. However, our New Year's Day activities have always been focused on spending time with family or friends. Instead of staying up way too late and drinking way too much, we prefer to spend the first day of the new year with the people we love. Today's plans are focused on spending time with friends, enjoying delicious "slow food." I am preparing Giada's Panettone Bread Pudding. Panettone is always part of our holidays traditions.

>> What are your traditions for the first day of the new year?
 

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Green Motivation Monday - Swap Your Clothes

This post is part of the Green Motivation Monday series.  The purpose of these weekly posts is to offer motivation to take a small baby step in the green and eco-friendly direction.  Of course, I will be taking the step right along with you.  I will let you know how I did and I hope you let me know what you were able to accomplish.

Motivation: Update your wardrobe the eco-friendly way by swapping clothes with your friends and relatives. Make it a fun girls-night event!

My Progress: I mentioned the clothes swap to 2 of my girl friends. They are both excited to get rid of some clothes and find some new pieces! Over the next week, I will clean out my closets to find items that are too big, too small, or that I have not worn in over one year. Then, I will schedule a girls night to do the swap.
 
If you have any clothing, shoes, outerwear, or accessories that are too big, too small, or no longer the apple-of-your-eye, consider doing a swap with your friends or relatives. Pick pieces that are gently used and freshly laundered. Of course, you can always donate them, but the exciting part of doing a clothes swap is that you give and others give back to you. In the end, you have "new" clothes that you can wear. Choose friends and relatives who are within a few sizes of your size so that everyone can walk away with a "new" item.

I am doing my first clothes swap with a friend in the next few weeks. I am very excited to go through my closets and find items that I know she can wear. I have a lot of nice pieces, but sometimes, I just wear the same 5-10 pieces and forget about the rest. If she enjoys wearing them, then my mission has been accomplished.

P.S. Clothes swaps are also great for children's clothing!

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Connect With Me on Google+

I am sure most of you have heard that Google is evolving the technology to connect bloggers and readers. I created my Google+ profile and added the widget (red g+ button) to the bottom of my posts. I am currently trying to build my personal one, but I also provided a link to the All Natural Katie blog below.

I invite you to add me to your Google+ circle.
I will return the favor by adding you to my circle!

My personal Google+ Link: https://plus.google.com/103324525626912958198
All Natural Katie's Google+ Link: https://plus.google.com/105484807230497049003

If you have any questions, please let me know. I am still learning about this new feature, but I already like the Facebook feel of it. If you have not heard of Google+, check it out.

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There is a Place and a Time

I have a small group of "green" ladies at work. I love chatting with them about organic foods or the latest discovery of a nasty chemical that is added to processed foods. However, there is a place and time to have these types of conversations. This week, I learned this lesson the hard way. Let me tell you about my experience.

I am currently working a team made up of a few men who are 40 years old and older. We have a pretty good team dynamic and have been working well together. During one meeting, we got on the topic of soft drinks (pop, soda, whatever you call it). As usual, I got on my soap box about the nasty ingredients in soft drinks, especially in diet soft drinks. The team knows that I eat organic and shop at Whole Foods, so it should not have been a surprise that I have an opinion about the health hazards of soft drinks. A few minutes into this discussion, and I was being told that they hope I continue this "excitement" about healthy living as I get older, followed by laughing.

What is this supposed to mean?!?

This is not some fad that I'm going through, this is a complete change. Obviously, I haven't gotten the point across that this is my lifestyle now.

Did they put me down because I am younger and therefore, not as "wise?"

I might not be as wise about life in general because I am younger, but I bet I know a whole lot more about healthy, green, and eco-friendly living.  I am going to try not to take this personal. I am going to take this as a challenge to get my point across better and know when to keep my mouth shut.

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A Greener Holiday Season [#CTWW]

This week's challenge comes from Mrs. Green. 

Share ideas on eco-friendly gift giving.  We're looking for anything which helps us choose "green" gifts that will please the receiver. Feel free to offer links, do-it-yourself projects, etc. ... the more creative the better.

December holidays are one of the most wasteful holidays.  This year, I am in full green-force and am going to challenge my husband and myself to improve our wasteful habits. Here are two areas I am going to focus on:

Reduce the environmental impact of gift packaging.  Gift giving can be so wasteful if you take into account gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, tape, and even the plastic packaging that the gift could come in.  Here is what I do before and after the gift giving occurs.

1. Choose gift bags over wrapping paper.  Gift bags can be reused at least several times.  I usually keep mine in a storage bin in the basement.
2. Use newspaper as wrapping paper.  I only do this with my husband.  I would be afraid that our extended family would think I am crazy.
3. Reuse tissue paper.  If the paper is not too crinkled, I straighten it out and fold it.  I've been able to reuse at least 50% of the tissue paper I receive with the gifts.  I sometime use it as lining between pots, pans, and dishes.
4. Reuse boxes.  I save smaller boxes that come in the mail and use them for gift wrapping.
5. Create your own tags.  Use any scraps of thick paper or magazine cutouts to glue together a personalized tag.
   
   My Challenge: I am challenging myself with making the 3-hour gift exchange session with the in-laws more green.  Usually, the big, black plastic trash bags come out and they are stuffed with wrapping paper, tissue paper, and any other trash.  Are you cringing yet?  I am!

Give eco-friendly gifts. We usually purchase gifts that our family requested, so it is a little difficult to buy truly green gifts.  Here are my strategies:

1. Avoid buying gifts that come in plastic package.  The less packaging the better.  Cardboard boxes can be recycled.
2. Add a *bonus* eco-friendly gift.  Even if you're shopping off a list of specific items that were requested, throw in a small eco-friendly gift like an all-natural lotion or lip balm.  
3. Create homemade gifts.  Every year, my sister-in-law creates tree ornaments with her twin girls to gift to their grandparents.  Look in your yard or a local park to see what natural elements (pinecones, sticks, acorns) you can incorporate.
   
   Eco-Friendly Gift Idea: Succulents are easy to grow and divide.  Take a leaf off an existing plant, leave it on the windowsill in indirect sunlight for a few days, and then put the end into soil.  The leaf will wither and die, but will sprout new succulent growth.  I am successful most of the time at growing a new succulent.  Purchase a small terra cotta pot or reuse a pot you already have to plant the succulent and give as gifts.  Succulents require specific soil, but you can mix it yourself.

I will be focusing on my two challenges above to reduce the waste our extended family produces from gift giving and adding a small eco-friendly gift to get my extended family thinking about making small changes themselves.  Change starts with you.  All it takes is one little gift that can start a conversation and open up someone else's eyes to a whole new way of living.

Be the change that you want to see in the world!

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!  

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Thank You to My Work Friends

My coworkers will probably never read this post, but I still want to put it out there.  I am blessed to be working with a great group of women (and men).  Most of us are great friends and feel comfortable relying on each other during stressful times, which we can happen every day in our job.  From times of just needing to vent about a difficult team members to providing a shoulder to cry on when someone is experiencing challenges in their personal lives, we are there for each other.

My day job is being a Business Analyst.  I work in a group made up mostly of Project Managers and one other Business Analyst.  I've had to work over 10 hours each day this week (and it's only Tuesday, ack!), but my work friends have been there to provide moral support.  I tell them thank you every single day because without them, I would go crazy.  I am praying to God that I made it through this week without an emotional breakdown.

>> Whether you work during the day or take care of the kids and the household during the day, how do you handle challenging times?
 

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Weekend Summary - Friends and Exercise

The weekend is coming to an end.  I wish I had another two days to enjoy, but I am grateful for the two days that I have had.  This weekend was filled with many fun activities.

On Saturday, I enjoyed a nice run throughout our neighborhood.  The fall is perfect for running because of the cool weather and the gorgeous colors of the leaves turning.  I also enjoyed my first Garden Tea Party.  A coworker friend invited a few of us to a Garden Tea Party.  The weather was comfortable, the sun was shinning, and we enjoyed a three-course meal with tea in a very beautiful back yard garden.  I always love connecting with other ladies who can offer great advise about life, family, and kids.  This day was very fulfilling.

On Sunday (today), my husband and I went on a bicycle ride with our friends.  The two hours on the trail gave us opportunities to enjoy the scenery below.  Plus, biking is a great workout!

The trail goes through a wooded area along side a river:

>> What did you enjoy most about your weekend?

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