Headaches :: Tips for Relief

Barometric Pressure Headaches... Man oh man, these things are the bane of my existence during season changes. Since I've been battling them this week I figured why not do a little thinking out loud style post with some of the actions that I've learned to help relieve mine over time. Per usual Thursday fashion I'm linking up with Amanda over at Running with Spoons - hope you're having a good time in Hawaii girl!!

• Cold Compress (on back of the neck)

This is one that I feel a lot of relief from. It can be difficult to find the perfect neck/head position, but what I have found that works well is lay flat and place the ice pack on the edge of a pillow so the neck is still supported. I suggest having 2 or 3 ice packs in the freezer ready to switch out as needed. 

• Cold Compress (on the eyes)

Not one of my favorites because my eyes tend to be sensitive with headaches and I don't like the cold on them, nonetheless it works. I suggest to lay or sit, whichever is comfortable with your head supported. 

• Turn Off the Lights

Whenever a headache is flaring up for me I prefer to be in a room with dim to no lighting. I have to walk into a room where there is light I try to do it slowly giving my eyes a little more time to adjust. 

• Put Down the Electronics

Our lives are surrounded by phones, tablets, laptops, TVs and so on, yet squinting at the screens will only make a headache worse. I used to think that no matter what I was feeling if my phone went off I needed to respond and was I wrong...the only thing needed is to let it sit and keep resting. 

• Close Your Eyes

For me when I lay (or sit) with my eyes closed I am forcing myself to stray away from paying attention to any distractions around me. I am making myself take the time necessary to feel better. I also like to let me body sleep as much as it needs to fight off the pain. Also goes hand in hand with the 2 above. 

• Take a Hot Bath (with epsom salts)

Epsom salts are an amazing addition to a bath whenever your body is in need of relaxation. When I have a headache my body becomes tense and so I like to take warm baths with epsom salts for my muscles. 

• Ask/Go for a Massage

Massages are a miracle worker to relieve my headaches, however they aren't always convenient with a busy schedule. If I am not home alone I will ask for someone to give me a quick neck/shoulder rub to try to work out some of tightness. If I am home alone I will try to rub my shoulders while laying on my stomach, or rolling with a foam roller. My gym also has a couple massage chairs so if I feel good enough to drive - or have someone available to drive me - I will head there. 

• Drink LOTS of Water

Headaches can be caused by or worsen because of dehydration. I don't see an instant difference if I chug a bottle of water...it's not like poof and my headache is gone, nevertheless I make a conscious effort to up my intake and consistently drink water because I know it can help. 

• Play Quiet Relaxation Music

This one is on the list of rarities for me, although at times I will turn on some soft piano music, very quietly in the background while I am resting and I have found it to be soothing.

*Disclaimer:: I am not a trained professional, I am just sharing what has helped me personally.*

Questions of the Day:

1) Do you experience barometric pressure headaches?

2) What types of things help you with your headaches?

❤ Nichole ❤

A Little of This. A Little of That.

A few weeks ago I was really struggling with finding happiness in my life. Why? Well, I wasn't really sure. I was feeling bogged down, run down and just like everything was a task. It's such an unsettling time when you know you aren't feeling quite yourself, but you can't exactly pinpoint why. 

In an effort to try to figure things out I began looking up different articles and quotes. Some I came across helped me to think and some didn't do a thing. I  also tried to evaluate when I thought I started to feel different and what might have been the reason for that. I am thankful to be feeling better and like myself again, but I am still trying to be conscious of my daily life and do what I can to stay that way. The other day as I was scrolling through bloglovin on lunch catching up I came across this article from Popsugar which stuck out to me. Since we all go through bouts of what I did recently I wanted to share from the article a few ideas of ways you can bring happiness into your life. 

• go for a walk

allow yourself sometime in the fresh air and clean your mind

• try something new

change up your routine a bit to not get in a rut of going through the motions 

• call a friend

talking to someone close to you can help you let out your worries, without even realizing you are

• unplug

much like going for a walk to clear you mind, unplug from technology for a little while and think

*something I'm personally not so great at doing on a regular basis*

• good ole fashioned game night

surrounding yourself with good company and fun competition can help you to laugh

• sing it out

sometimes simply letting go and singing at the top of your lungs is the perfect remedy to make you smile

*I do this a lot and know the cars next to me are like whhaa?"*

Source

• give a complement 

make someone else smile - it's contagious, you'll find yourself smiling too

• declutter

your office, your room, your car, your head - whatever at that time will help relieve unnecessary burden

• stay in the moment

just be, stop worrying about what is out of your control 

• rest up

a short break/nap can help your mind and body to reset to approach things in a different way

*I want to try this and see if by doing so I can gain new perspective by first taking a step back*

• know it's going to be ok

and that you will be ok

--

Never stop searching for happiness in your life, especially at those times when you need it the most.

Linking up with Amanda for TOL.

Questions of the Day: {my answers are throughout the post marked with the *}

1) Are there any of these that you already do?

2) What one(s) do you need to work on?

3) Is there one that jumps out at you that you want to try?

❤ Nichole ❤

Related Posts:

Happy = Healthy

Happiness Is A Habit

Trying Something New

For quite some time my mom and I have been talking about wanting to start taking yoga. As of recent I have been coming across more and more different pins/articles making me want to actually take the leap. One article in particular which caught my eye was about different yoga poses that can help with daily things we all encounter. I instantly bookmarked the page knowing that I would personally be coming back, but also because the next thought on my mind was it would be great to share with you. Now I am by no means a yoga expert. In all honesty right now the most I have done is that which is included on Wii fit, so please use your own discretion when attempting these poses. 

Pose for Anxiety: Pranayama Breathing

• How to:

  -sit with legs crossed comfortably resting your hands palm up on your knees
  -close eyes and inhale slowly for 6 counts and pause 2 counts before exhaling 
  -exhale slowly for 6 counts then pause 2 counts before starting again
  -repeat for 10 minutes
• Helps how:
  -slow, deep breathing can help to shut down your system's fight-or-flight state
  -creates sense of rest and relaxation 

Source

Pose for Headache: Reclining Cobbler

• How to: 

  -sit and put soles of feet together, knees pointing out to the side 
  -recline so your back is flat to the floor and place your hands on your belly
  -take 20 long and slow breaths in and out
• Helps how:
  -relieves tension in face, neck, back and hips - a prime cause of headaches

Source

Pose for Trouble Sleeping: Legs Up the Wall

• How to: 

  -sit with your body facing a wall
  -place your feet on the wall and wiggle your body forward until your butt touches the wall
  -take slow, deep breaths 
  -relax in this position for at least 5 minutes prior to bed
• Helps how:
  -is a modified inversion which allows nervous system to relax

Source

Pose for Back Pain: Sphinx to Child's Pose

• How to: 

  -lay on stomach with legs extended propped up on your forearms - elbows directly under shoulders
  -pull belly in tight, contracting your thighs, pushing into forearms as pushing chest upward
  -hold for 30 seconds then lower self to starting position
  -repeat 3 times
  -after the last time slide hips back to heels and extend arms out (child's pose)
  -hold here for 2 minutes
• Helps how:
  -sphinx pose aligns the spine 

  -child's pose is a soothing stretch for the lower back

Source 1 - Source 2

Pose for Tummy Trouble: Wind Removing Pose

• How to:

  -lie on your back bringing knees to chest and wrapping arms over shins
  -hold while inhaling and exhaling slow and deep 20 times
• Helps how:
  -gentle pressure this places on belly can help to regulate GI

Source

Pose for Bloating: Spine Twist

• How to:

  -lay on back with arms out to the side at the height of your shoulders, legs extended 
  -bend and lift right knee to chest keeping left on the floor 
  -turn head to the side so you are looking over your right shoulder 
  -lower right knee across your body to the left - place left hand on knee for deeper stretch
  -hold for several breaths
  -switch sides and repeat
• Helps how:
  -twists are believed to aid in digestion
  -works the abs

Source

Pose for Depressed Mood: Bridge

• How to:

  -lying on your back place feet hip-width apart with arms palm down on the floor
  -press into your feet lifting hips in the air - peel up slowly  
  -hold at the top for 5 breaths then slowly roll down
  -do 3 times
• Helps how:
  -back bends are considered energizing poses 

Source

Pose for Sinus Pressure: Downward Facing Dog

• How to:

  -begin in child's post with arms extended to the front 
  -press palms into the floor, curl toes under and lift hips up and back - forming an inverted V shape 
  -hold for 5 slow, deep breaths then lower back to child's pose
  -repeat at least one more time
• Helps how:
  -some pressure can be alleviated by being slightly upside down

  -promotes drainage

Source

**for us women**
Pose for PMS: Cow/Cat

• How to: 

  -begin on hands and knees placing hands under shoulders and knees under hips
  -inhale letting your belly sink towards the floor (cow) and pause
  -exhale and reverse arching your back up (cat) and pause
  -do this for a total of 20 times each way
• Helps how:
  -recommended as a way to ease abdominal cramping 

Source

And lastly here's a little yoga inspired giggle for the day!

Source

Questions of the Day:

1) Do you do currently do yoga?

2) If not, is it something you have interest in? 

2) Which pose would you find most helpful in daily life?

Namaste!

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

The Gold Or The Rainbow?

Hello, Hello! I hope the week is treating all of you well thus far!

While we all may not necessarily have a favorite color, we still tend to be drawn to them at different times. Have we ever stopped to think why this is so? I know I haven't. But, I did see something over on Huffington Post that helped to make a connection; colors can transform our moods and attitudes. 

BLUE: soothing

has shown to slow down heart rate and lower blood pressure

GREEN: relaxation

is associated with the environment making one feel refreshed

YELLOW: happy

causes a sense of joy, maybe even adding a pep in your step

PURPLE: confidence

rich and regal color to help one face obstacles 

BEIGE: calming

a warm and inviting color that can calm nerves

PINK: TLC

symbolizes love and acceptance

ORANGE: excitement 

a stimulating color which can spark creativity and enthusiasm 

Maybe it's never been the pot of gold we needed, just the rainbow itself. 

Questions of the Day:

1) Do you currently have a favorite color?

2) Have you ever noticed a mood change due to color?

3) What would you say is needed most in your life at this moment?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Thinking Out Loud with Amanda!

{Practical} Life Tips

I remember when I was younger hearing the acronym KISS - keep it simple silly. It is something that has stuck with me and comes to mind often. Life is complicated and honestly, it always will be. So, it's up to us to simplify what we can, when we can. It's hard, yet worth continually working on.

There are many "tips" out there that sound easier to do then they actually are in reality. This is why I always get excited when I come across a set that seems attainable. Over the past week or so I've felt the need to search for some extra pick-me-ups. Throughout my googling, I discovered a set of practical life tips and knew it would be just right for this Thursday's link-up with Amanda!

1. If you do not go after what you want, you'll never have it.

The only person who can keep us from going after what we want is us ourselves. We tend to point the finger at outside sources, but ultimately the decision is ours. Fear can be a major reason why we fall short. The thing is though... If we don't take the risk we will not have a chance of every getting where we want. Yet if we do, we end up having 2 possible outcomes; succeeding or being where we were to begin with. Don't be afraid to take the first step, who knows where it'll lead you.

2. If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. 

There is no way for others to know what you want or need without taking the time to communicate. Now, just because we make the effort to ask that does not mean the answer will be yes. We still will be told no. The thing is though, that by not asking at all we are guaranteed to never get a yes.

3. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.
Take our cars for example: if we do not push the gas the car does not accelerate, if we do not accelerate there's no chance of reaching our destination. The same goes for us. We all will have our setbacks, but the important thing is deciding to "press the gas," instead of staying idle. Each of us have a future awaiting and to get there we have to just put one foot in front of the other.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thursday!

Questions of the Day:
1) What things do you do when in need of a pick-me-up?
2) Are these three tips something you find useful?
3) What types of tips help you simplify life?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Overthinking

The ability to think is a wonderful tool that can also become very harmful. I definitely have the tendency to overthink when push comes to shove. Recently, I have noticed myself doing it more often with the realization that come fall 2014 I will not be headed back to what I have known for years, school. The good news is though that overthinking is something that we can overcome!

For a while now I have been interested to see if there were any tips or tricks out there to help us overthinkers. It just so happened a few days ago that I stumbled upon (and I mean literally, I was on the site StumbleUpon) an article that's topic was such. I hope you all find these helpful too!

1. Put things into a wider perspective. 
Stop and ask...will it matter in a week? a month? a year? 5 years? 10 years? A lot of the time we end up placing value on minor objects that will not be largely important down the road.

2. Set short time limits for decisions.
When you have too much time your mind has the opportunity to constantly debate things. However, by setting a deadline - and holding yourself to it - you are forced to stop the wheels and take action.

3. Become a person of action.

If you eliminate the element of procrastination, you then reduce your chances of second guessing.

4. Realize that you cannot control everything.
Trying to reach perfection can cause you to think, re-think and think again. It's important to remember making mistakes and or failing are part of life. Personally, this is something I have to work at regularly. I always feel I have to make sure everything is on-point before I put it to bed.

5. Say stop in situations where you know you cannot think straight.
Our minds tend to run at the worse times possible. If you are in a situation, physically or emotionally, where you are not able think clearly you have the power to tell yourself "no, not now."

6. Do not get lost in vague fears.
Vague fears are the "what if" thoughts that occur when we think about possible outcomes of scenarios. Life is full of unknowns and it's impossible to have all the answers.

7. Workout.
A great way to take your mind off things for a little while is doing some type of physical activity. 

8. Spend more of your time in the present moment.
Honestly, probably one of the hardest of them all. Stop thinking about the past and what should of been done differently. Stop worrying about the future and what could be. Be in the here and now.  

Questions of the Day:

1) Are you a person who thinks too much?

2) What do you do presently to stop overthinking?

3) Which items above do you feel would be most helpful?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Linking up with Amanda! 

Oh Mr. Sun!

Sunshine can make for a much better day, who else is with me? I know personally when I wake up to a bright light out my window, I instantly am in a better mood. I tend to feel more positive and energized when all I have done is open my eyes. I also have noticed over time that sunny days are the days I end up being more productive. It's crazy how one simple thing can make such a difference.

A better day is just one advantage of sunlight. 

There are actually many benefits associated with the sun - more of a reason to get up and get outside!

1) Builds the immune system

- increases white blood cells, which aid in the defense against infections

2) Improve metabolism

- raises metabolic rate through creation of vitamin D3

3) Healthier skin

- helps clear up skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne 

4) Sleep better

- regulates ones internal biological clock 

5) Stronger bones

- vitamin D maximizes calcium absorption 

6) Lowers cholesterol

- cholesterol stored in skin can be converted to vitamin D

7) Lower blood pressure

- improves circulation by dilating blood vessels

8) Helps to decrease depression

- releases endorphins and fights seasonal affective disorder 

All around the sun can help you feel healthier and happier!

Note: Although there are many benefits associated with sunlight know this is not me advising you to go sit outside for hours at a time. Please, still be smart and careful in your exposure to direct UV rays.

Questions of the Day:

1) Do you notice yourself in a better mood on sunny days?

2) Which advantages of sunlight were you aware of?

3) Are there any benefits that surprised you?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Information gathered from mindbodygreen.com & simplegreenorganichappy.com

Apologizing

Apologizing. A situation that can be difficult for everyone at any given time. But yet, we all like to receive an apology when we get hurt. So, why is it so hard for us to do when we have hurt others? Well, I found an article on NBC's today.com which lists reasons why apologizing can be hard. Although each circumstance is different, I believe these few items do a good job of covering all spectrums. 

• fear of rejection
• being given a cold shoulder
• some feel is a sign of weakness
• feeling vulnerable
• admitting incompetence
• prefer to stay in denial
• pride or ego getting in the way
• lack of empathy 
• don't want to face own flaws

Apologizing does not mean you are weak, does not mean you are incompetent, and does not mean you are wrong. It actually means that you are able to become the bigger person. To me, being the bigger person symbolizes strength and maturity. It takes a strong person to be vulnerable. 

Relationships are worth setting pride aside for 5 seconds to say just 3 simple words, "I am sorry." 

Questions of the Day:

1) From the list, which is the reason that causes you to avoid apologizing?

2) What helps you to be able to say you are sorry?

3) Is there someone who is in need of an apology from you?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Thursday link-up with Amanda!

Just Laugh?

Everyday we are surrounded with tips and tricks for how we can become healthier. We're told to eat this, take that, do this, do that. But, what if there was something that we could do daily, and as much as we wanted, that cost no money at all? It sounds too good to be true right? Well, it's not. 

So, what is it that I'm proposing we do you ask? It's actually quite simple...just laugh!

Believe it or not there are many benefits to laughter. While reading a few articles, I came across this from helpguide.org that I think sums it all up very well; "laughter is a powerful remedy to stress, pain, and conflict." And, it is something that each one of us have the ability to include in our lives. 

Laughing.

• makes you and others feel good

• boosts relationships

• is a natural pain killer

• decreases stress

• soothe tension

• improves breathing

• lowers blood pressure 

• makes you look younger

• gives a good workout

to the diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, left and back muscles

• can help you relax and sleep

• improves alertness, creativity, memory

• produce general well-being

Ways to laugh.

• watch a comedy movie/TV show

• share/look up a good joke

• go to your bookstore's humor section

• go to a comedy club

• have a game night

• participate in fun activities

• look at old photos/videos

• surround yourself with funny people

• do something silly

"Laughter is an instant vacation." ~Milton Berle

Questions of the Day:

1) What different types of things make you laugh?

2) How integral is laughing in your life?

3) Did you know there were so many benefits to laughter?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Happy = Healthy

There are many influences of happiness and they all affect each one of us in different ways. Somethings we are aware of and some we are not. One thing everyone should know however, is that being happy is good for you.

I found an article on Huffington Post, which was comprised of several things to know about happiness that are scientifically backed. I'm excited to share!

It's a choice. 

Almost 40% of our happiness levels are within our own control. 

The weather can influence happiness.

Light plays a role. Mild climates correlate to more positive moods.

Happiness has a fragrance. 

Smells can influence emotions in good and bad ways.

Giving to others can give you a happiness boost.

Selfless acts, no matter how big or small, make someone feel good.

Joy is contagious.

Being around happy people will make you yourself happier too.

Reflection can help you look on the bright side.

Past memories maintain self-worth and promote optimism for the future.

Getting sleep can help you retain more positive thoughts.

And on the reverse, a happy outlook will help you get a better night's sleep.

Practicing gratitude can help you lead a happier life.

Thankfulness lead to joyfulness and can even help lower stress.

Positive emotions can make you more resilient. 

Challenges are better accepted by those who hold optimistic attitudes. 

Our brains tend to have a negative bias.

We naturally dwell on negative, but you can wire your brain to focus on joy.

>>For more visit the article.<<

Source

Questions of the Day:

1) Have you ever associated happiness with your health?

2) What things listed here, if any, surprised you?

3) Which one did you find most interesting?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'

Pause and Relax

In a world that is run by agenda's and to-do lists, it's hard to find time to just stop, step back and relax. We don't take the moments we should for ourselves in fear that the pile of things we need to accomplish will continue to grow. Stress is something in which we all can relate to and I'm sure we all know is not great for our health. Which is why relaxation is very important. 

Since Sunday is considered a day of rest, it seemed appropriate to share relaxation techniques that help relieve stress I found on webmd.com. 

1. Meditate

Take a moment to close your eyes and slow down your thinking. This can help to calm your nerves and your body, as well as clear your head. 

2. Breathe Deeply

Deep breathing slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure. Give yourself a break from whatever you are doing and work against your stress. 

3. Be Present

Slow down and focus on the now. Every time you rush and hurry to do something or get somewhere you are adding more stress to your day. 

Source

4. Reach Out

A great way to manage the stress you are feeling is to talk about it to others. Find the support system you feel comfortable turning to and let it out. 

5. Tune Into Your Body

To lessen your stress, you have to first be able to understand what causes it. Pay attention to your day and note when you feel stressed and why.

6. Decompress

Place a warm heat wrap/towel around your neck and shoulders. While doing so sit back and relax each and every muscle, letting the tension diminish. 

Source

7. Laugh Out Loud

Laughing is a great pick me up and also has physical benefits. It lowers your stress hormone, cortisol, and increases endorphins, which boost your mood. 

8. Crank Up The Tunes

Listening to soothing music can lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. And busting out a favorite melody can always help take your mind off things!

9. Be Grateful

When you start to feel stressed remind yourself of what really matters. Remember the good things and celebrate accomplishments, big and small.

Source

We may not always have a whole day to dedicate to relaxation, but there are small things we can do each day to help us reduce the stress we feel.

Questions of the Day:

1) What ways have you found best to cope with stress?

2) Do any of the tips in this list stand out to you?

3) How do you like to relax when you can?

❤ Nichole ❤

Bloglovin'