I love to shop. When walking through grocery stores, clothing boutiques, and even The Home Depot, I always come up with excuses for why I need that new product or household tool. While these new additions to my life make me smile, I truly find more joy in shopping for others. Now that I’m living an organic, low-toxin lifestyle, I’ve sought new gift ideas that focus on health, wellness, and being beautiful organically. I’ve attended holiday events, scoured the web, and read through some of the 2014 Hottest Toy lists. So whether you write to Santa, the Holiday Armadillo or just need to give a gift, here are some of my favorite thoughtful healthy holiday gifts focused on wellness.
Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
Family Fitness at Home Tips: Pretty Wellness TV, Episode 5
We’re back with episode five of Pretty Wellness TV after a week of strep throat. We lounged around a lot indoors and then it got cold. So, we transitioned our workouts to indoor activities. Here, we share what we did and how we made fitness fun.
Please comment and let us know how you stay fit when cooped up inside your home.
Research: Acupuncture Adventures
If somebody told me years ago that I would get used to needles pricked all over my body, I would have laughed. Despite always being intrigued by health and wellness trends, my fear of those tiny daggers kept me away. About six years ago, however, when trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, I was desperate to try all-natural methods. It was then that I was introduced to acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an Asian/Chinese modality that’s been around for thousands of years. Thin needles are positioned into certain points (meridians) on the body in an effort to balance the energy flow (chi) throughout. Oftentimes, each patient’s needs are assessed upon the initial visit with a full-body exam and blood work. Once the treatment begins, thin needles are tapped into various points on the skin from head to foot. Treatments last 15-45 minutes, depending on the practitioner. Acupuncture isn’t a one-time fix, follow-up visits are often suggested depending on the symptoms. Many acupuncturists are certified through the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM.) In addition, some doctors are integrating acupuncture into their practices and can be certified through the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA.)
Book Review: ‘Thrive’ by Arianna Huffington
I was proud to be a laser-focused workaholic.
I used to boast about my multi-tasking skills. I even went so far as to connect my work computer to my elliptical with a bungee cord so I could read emails and trade publications while exercising.
I remember bragging to a top-executive that I only slept three hours a night, so that I could exceed everyone’s expectations as a new mother and superstar employee.
I skimmed books, listened to podcasts and networked with many women about finding a way to “have it all.” Even when I changed my career to focus on my family values, I was still conditioned to live a harried life. I scheduled my day from early morning to late evening and multi-tasked through much of it. Additionally, I felt like every item on my to-do list should be achieved with high merit.
I thought I was thriving because I was “successful” with a promising career and beautiful family. Oh, how I wish Arianna Huffington’s Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder
A Quick Fix for Peace and Presence
Living on the shoreline for the past 10 years, I only occasionally saw the beauty of the beaches. I knew the sights were pretty, but was running too fast to appreciate the feeling of calmness they could bring to my life. Now, after a second cancer diagnosis, visiting Walnut Beach is one of my favorite pastimes. Just being around the shell-covered sand and glistening water brightens my day and teaches me to breathe, be in the present, and find peace in any situation.
The “old me” thought she knew peace. To her, peace of mind meant being successful in the workplace. Of course, for a working mother, that came with its own unique set of hurdles. But the old me didn’t see those hurdles as negatives. Instead, she looked at them as opportunities to become even more successful.