Homestead Herbs & Healing | holistic living
  • Start Here
  • Homestead
  • Herbs
  • Healing
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Snack
  • DIY
  • Minimalism
  • About Me

Hello party friends,

sorry for being late to the party, but I've had a super stressed week and didn't make it in time. But better late than never, right? 

My feature is also a "timeless" one because it contains a bunch of tips on how to be environmentally conscious on a daily basis, and not just on Earth Day: 21 Ways to make Every day Earth Day from The Style Safari.

Which of these things do you already include into your lifestyle? :)



Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin
Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Amy at A Day of Small Things - Pin
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!


You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!



Hello dear all,

seeing as my boyfriend and I have started looking for a house to buy (!!) which isn't going to be a big house for sure (but it's super exciting either way!!), I thought that this blog post on 7 Ways to Thrive in a Small House from Serving Joyfully was the perfect feature to match my current interest :)

How about you? Do you all own a house? Do you live in a rented flat like I currently do? Would you rather like to live in a small house or a big mansion?! Honestly, I would love to live in a little cottage in Britain or Ireland, or in a timber cottage in Scandinavia, haha!

LET'S PARTY!



Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin
Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Amy at A Day of Small Things - Pin
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!


You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!

reading time: 5 min



Stress Awareness Month takes place every April, and since I myself am under a lot of pressure lately, I want to take this opportunity and remind us all to ease up a bit. 

Stress isn't only a joy killer, it can also lead to a number of major health problems, from bad skin to life-threatening heart attacks. Stress-induced symptoms also include a low immune function, moodiness, weight gain or weight loss, insomnia, low libido, hair loss, digestive issues, stomachache, headache, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

Here are some strategies I use for coping with stress:


1. Create a Routine

In times of emotional instability I find it very helpful to have a routine that will provide a sense of steadiness and security. It doesn't have to be a super impressive routine (because that will again cause stress), but make sure to add at least one self care element to your morning routine, and one to your night routine. 

In my case, I like to do yoga in the morning, or at least some stretching if I don't have much time, and make myself a nourishing breakfast like oatmeal with nuts and berries, or a smoothie with some superfoods like spirulina, maca and turmeric added to it. In the evening, I always write in my gratitude journal, and I also take the time to either lotion my face, massage my hair roots with rosemary essential oil, or rub in some coconut oil. That way I feel like I'm taking care of myself every day, and that gives me a sense of peace.


2. Inner Peace through Outer Order

Similar to having a set routine, you can create a calm (and calming) environment by decluttering a messy closet, an untidy desk, or crowded countertops. That way you will feel more in control, more comfortable and self-composed in times of turmoil and stress. 

Another way to achieve inner peace from without is by getting back in touch with your body. What ever it is for you: yoga, meditation, going for a run, or simply taking a walk outside. Do it! But be gentle about it. You don't want to cause any more physical stress to your body.


3. Balance your Hormones

To respond to stress, your body is built to release the hormone cortisol aka the aging hormone. As you can imagine, hormonal imbalances (and premature aging) have become increasingly common with today's fast-paced modern lifestyle. To naturally balance your hormones with your diet, opt for healthy fats such as avocados, coconut oil, almonds and chia seeds (omega-3s), use adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, holy basil (tulsi) and ginseng, and add as many leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, spinach and collard greens to your meals as possible. Food is medicine! 

Sleep is also a very simple but powerful way to balance your hormones! Use essential oils such as clary sage, lavender and rosemary to fall asleep more easily. 


4. Be Present

One key aspect to reduce stress is to focus on the now. There's really no need to worry about the future or about all the things that are still on your to do list that will overwhelm you if you think of them too long. Instead, be in the moment. Take a break, breath. What do you have to do NOW? Do that, then do the next thing. One step at a time. 

To make being in the now easier, place one hand on your tummy and slowly breathe against your hand. Focus solely on your breathing for a couple of breath cycles. Then go on with your day. Repeat this a couple of times a day.


5. Better Time Management

The most common reason for mental stress is time. Or rather: a lack of time. To manage your tasks, learn to prioritize them. Then, according to your priority list, do one task at a time. Don't try to multi-task! Here are some tips on "decluttering" your to do list.

Peg a time limit to each task. E.g. finish task A by 10am, task B by 3pm, and task C by 5:30pm. Also schedule time for breaks. Have the discipline to stick to your set time frames. Don't even answer any e-mails outside of your set time slot for answering e-mails unless it requires an immediate response. 

Also, learn to say "No"! Don't take on more than you can handle - be honest with yourself and with your colleagues, clients or whoever you feel obliged to.


6. Use a Reminder

If you are like me, you will forget all about your intentions and will get caught up in the tricky trap of physical, mental or emotional stress anyway. In that case, having a reminder to bring all the great techniques to mind can help. This can be a set alarm that will remind you every other hour or so to take a one minute break, drink some water and do your breathing exercise. Or it can be an actual app like Big Stretch Reminder or Breaker.


7. Keep Perspective

Believe me when I say that the world won't stop turning once you allow yourself to be less stressed out. Ask yourself: "What is the worst thing that could happen if I didn't manage to do/finish this?" Even if it's a huge project with a deadline, try to keep perspective - because let's be honest, nobody will die if you don't hand in this or that project in time. Obviously, do your best! But don't drive yourself frantic.



8. Have Something to Look Forward to

To make a nerve-wrecking situation or phase more endurable, plan some future fun: the light at the end of the tunnel! Whether it's ordering a book you've been wanting to read, a relaxing spa weekend at the end of your project, booking a weekend trip, scheduling a hair appointment - whatever keeps you going :)
 

9. Make the Best of It

Last but certainly not least: Make the best of it! As encouraging as it is to have a reward awaiting you at the end of your stressful time, don't just live for these ups. Also "appreciate" the downs and live them to their full potential. Making lemonade from life's lemons, you know? Happiness is not a goal, it's a decision you can make - every single day! Even in shitty moments.


https://www.marilynstreats.com/thursday-favorite-things-336/

This was featured at the Thursday Favorite Things link party! :)


You may also enjoy:

https://be-alice.blogspot.com/2016/12/5-ways-to-de-stress-and-relax.html
5 Ways to De-Stress and Relax

https://be-alice.blogspot.com/2017/05/dealing-with-anxiety.html
Dealing with Anxiety

♥

Maisy



Hello friends, 

it looks like I'm not really able to keep up the weekly meal plans, but rather biweekly uploads, which is also okay. I stick to very similar meals anyway, so it would get boring very soon to see the same dishes over and over again :)


Hello folks,

Earth Day is just around the corner (it's the 22nd of April), and as you may know if you are a frequent visitor of my blog, I usually post something to celebrate Earth Day in one way or another. Last year my boyfriend and I went to visit our baby tree we've planted three years ago, and this year we baked some yummy chocolate basil cupcakes that look like tiny trees! 

As you can imagine it makes me very happy to see other people raise awareness of our planet, so this week I'm featuring Earth Day Activities for Kids from Fivespot Green Living :)



Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin
Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Amy at A Day of Small Things - Pin
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!


You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!

reading time: 2 min


What better way to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) than with a batch of healthy and delicious cupcakes that look like tiny planted trees? 

(How about buying local produce rather than international, not leaving the water running while brushing your teeth, using your bike or public transportation instead of your car, choosing a gas-efficient car, switching off the light when leaving the room, making your own beauty products, using a natural cleaner, replacing those plastic bags with tote bags, lowering your meat and dairy consumption, starting a backyard garden, planting a tree, volunteering to pick up litter, ...)

Alright, alright, there are numerous better other ways to protect and help our planet, but making these plant-based cupcakes is also a great start! Don't you agree?

As a matter of fact, research has found that eating a more plant-based diet can help the environment by cutting your carbon footprint, conserving water and preserving animal and plant habitats. Who knew eating cupcakes could actually help make the world a better place?! :)

reading time: 4 min




Episode 2.
 
What you see in this picture is not a weirdly shaped measuring cup, but a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups have actually been around since the 1930s, but just now – almost 100 years later! – they are gaining popularity worldwide. I've been using mine for 6 months now, and I'm never going back to tampons! 

But what is a menstrual cup, and how does it work?

A menstrual cup is a bell-shaped feminine hygiene product and an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads. It is made of flexible medical grade silicone, and unlike tampons and cups it doesn't absorb the menstrual blood, but collects it. The stem is used for removing the cup (see instructions below), similar to the string attached to tampons. Every 2 to 12 hours (depending on the amount of flow), the cup needs to be removed, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted. 

But why use this weird looking thing instead of a tampon or a pad?


Why You Should Use a Menstrual Cup

  • less to no leaking
  • up to 12 hours coverage
  • no unpleasant odors 
  • no surfactants, adhesives and additives such as bleach (as with tampons and pads)
  • earth-friendly due to less waste
  • reduced risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
  • reduced risk of vaginal mycosis or other yeast infections
  • cost-effective (about 30$ per cup that can be used for up to 10 years)
  • get to know your body better!

The average woman uses approximately 20 tampons per cycle. That's 240 tampons each year that pile up on the landfills!



How To Use a Menstrual Cup

1. Sterilize your menstrual cup by boiling it in water for a few minutes, either in a pot or the microwave.

2. With washed hands, tightly fold the (cooled!) menstrual cup using your favourite folding technique – I prefer the Half V aka Punch Down Fold.

3. Squat down, gently separate the labia with your free hand, and insert the cup like a tampon without an applicator. Relax.

4. To seal the cup, grip the base (not the stem) and turn the cup one full rotation in either direction. This ensures that it is fully open. You can also run your finger around between the cup and the wall of your vagina, making sure that the cup is not still folded.

5. To remove the cup, pull gently on the stem until you can reach the base of the cup. Pinch the base of the cup to release the seal (you will feel the seal break and hear the air enter the cup) and continue to pull down to remove it. After the cup has been removed, empty the contents in the toilet, rinse the cup with water (make sure to clean the tiny air holes at the rim!), and reinsert.

TIPS: If you have trouble removing your cup at the beginning, don't worry, and don't panic! It is physically impossible to lose anything in the finite space that is your vagina. Your cup will come out, so just try to relax, and try it again :) I find that pressing down the cup with my vaginal muscles helps to push it out, making it easier to grab the base.

When travelling or in a public toilet with no sink in reach, bring a bottle of water with you into the stall and rinse the cup out before inserting, or wipe it clean with soap-free baby wipes.

6. At the end of your circle, sterilize it again by boiling in water for 5-10 minutes. Do NOT use regular soap to clean your cup because they contain perfumes which can cause irritation to your vagina and cause an imbalance to your natural pH. Instead, use a fragrance-free, mild soap, or 1 tbsp of baking soda.

7. Allow your cup to dry. Store in a clean cotton bag or other breathable container – nothing airtight!

Remember that it may take a while to get used to using a menstrual cup. So take your time :)


Which Menstrual Cup is the Right One?

There is an overwhelming amount of menstrual cups offered on the market, and it can be quite daunting to decide which one to go for, especially since you can't return the cup once you've used it. There's the DivaCup, the EvaCup, the MeLuna, the Lunette, the Yuuki, the Intimina cup, the Mooncup, the Super Jennie... The list goes on and on!

I did my research and compared several brands in terms of their holding capacity, firmness and length. You can take a test such as this menstrual cup match to see which cup is best suited for your needs. Make sure to get your cervix height checked (either measure it yourself using your finger, or have your gynaecologist measure it for you, which is what I did) before taking the quiz!

Helpful facts to determine the right menstrual cup for you:
  • your age
  • your average menstrual flow
  • your activity
  • height of your cervix
  • strength of your pelvic floor muscles
In my case the cup needed to be flexible enough to do yoga, firm enough to resist my strong pelvic floor, big enough to accommodate my heavy flow, and long enough to match my high cervix. Eventually I went for the Yuuki cup which comes in two different types, SOFT and CLASSIC, and two different sizes: size 1 is the smaller one for lighter flow and younger women, size 2 is the bigger one for heavy flow and active women or women who have given birth. Plus, the cup comes with a cute disinfecting box. I chose the CLASSIC size 2 one even though I haven't given birth yet, and I'm very pleased with it!

It feels so much safer, cleaner, and just overall better :) 

 
Have you heard of menstrual cups before? And have you ever used one, or would be interested to try it? 
Let me know in the comments!


♥

Maisy
 


Hello fellow party people!

Today's party seems to revolve almost entirely around food, so what better opportunity to share this great guide on 12 Ways To Not Waste Food from Comfort Spring because let's be honest - I'm sure that each and everyone of us, including me, hast thrown away food at some point. Perhaps for a good reason, but probably not unavoidable. 

Speaking of avoiding wasting food, here's a helpful overview on where and how to store which food to make them last longest!

Time to party! 


Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin
Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Amy at A Day of Small Things - Pin
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!


You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!

Newer Posts Older Posts Home

THIS IS ME

Well, hello! My name is Maisy (pronounce: macy) and I’m the creative spirit behind this blog. You are welcome to join me on my journey to a more natural, slow-paced & healthier life!

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

TRENDING THIS MONTH

  • How To Marie Kondo Your Life (and not just your stuff)
  • Hot Wintry Butterbeer (vegan)
  • DIY Easy Electroculture Plant Antenna
  • Ayurvedic Breakfast Porridge (+ the best granola topping ever!)
  • Healthy Banana Split Brownies (vegan)

Categories

  • Ayurveda 17
  • beauty 39
  • breakfast 71
  • dessert 204
  • diy 48
  • fermenting 6
  • fictional food 19
  • foraging 25
  • gardening 8
  • gluten-free 128
  • healing 67
  • herbs 21
  • homestead 109
  • main course 43
  • minimalism 38
  • snack 100
  • sugar-free 112
  • zero waste 44

GET IN TOUCH

Name

Email *

Message *

Powered by Blogger.

Archive

  • ►  2023 (9)
    • ►  March (3)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (3)
  • ►  2022 (65)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (6)
    • ►  July (6)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (6)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (7)
    • ►  February (7)
    • ►  January (6)
  • ►  2021 (60)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (6)
    • ►  October (6)
    • ►  September (8)
    • ►  August (6)
    • ►  July (7)
    • ►  June (6)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (3)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2020 (22)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (6)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2019 (22)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  October (4)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (3)
    • ►  June (2)
    • ►  April (2)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ▼  2018 (68)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (1)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (10)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ▼  April (8)
      • Friday Favorites - Week 422
      • Friday Favorites - Week 421
      • Dealing with Stress
      • Weekly Meal Plan CW 14
      • Friday Favorites - Week 420
      • Earth Day Cupcakes 🌱 (environment-friendly)
      • How & Why To Use A Menstrual Cup
      • Friday Favorites - Week 419
    • ►  March (12)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (11)
  • ►  2017 (154)
    • ►  December (13)
    • ►  November (10)
    • ►  October (35)
    • ►  September (13)
    • ►  August (11)
    • ►  July (9)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  May (13)
    • ►  April (13)
    • ►  March (16)
    • ►  February (11)
    • ►  January (9)
  • ►  2016 (101)
    • ►  December (9)
    • ►  November (13)
    • ►  October (9)
    • ►  September (12)
    • ►  August (9)
    • ►  July (14)
    • ►  June (9)
    • ►  May (6)
    • ►  April (7)
    • ►  March (3)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2015 (75)
    • ►  December (6)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (7)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (24)
    • ►  June (6)
    • ►  May (6)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (8)
    • ►  February (6)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2014 (41)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (15)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (6)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (3)
  • ►  2013 (7)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  October (1)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  June (1)

SEARCH THIS BLOG


total page views

Most Popular Posts

  • Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies (vegan & gluten-free)
  • 12 Easy Hairstyles For Shoulder Length Hair | Long Bob
  • Ayurvedic Breakfast Porridge (+ the best granola topping ever!)

Privacy Policy


Copyright © Homestead Herbs & Healing | holistic living. Designed by OddThemes