Sometimes knowing what is best for yourself can be tricky, especially with all the pressure from advertisers to do this or do that-buy our product, and it will make you great. If the truth is told, the human body needs very few things to stay balanced and remain healthy and vibrant. Let’s take a closer look at some of those things that you are doing that may not be so good for you and some incredible natural options that you will love.
No, you don’t have to shower 7 days a week
How often do you shower daily or weekly? Contrary to popular opinion, showering too frequently damages your skin and your entire body’s ability to heal. The skin has a delicate balance of natural oils and hot water, and scrubbing damage these. Not only does your skin dry out quicker with excessive showering, but the essential oils needed for healing are no longer present.
According to Dr. C Brandon Mitchell of George Washington University,
“ Your body is naturally a well-oiled machine. A daily shower isn’t necessary.” If you must shower daily, Dr. Mitchell suggests not lathering the whole body but just the stinkiest areas, like your armpits and personal areas. Doing this will help to keep the precious oils intact.
What kind of body lotion do you use?
Do you suffer from dry skin? Perhaps from over washing (wink, wink). What you choose to moisturize with can make a huge difference between healthy and vibrant skin and thirsty, rapid aging skin. If you don’t already know it, your skin is the largest organ in your body and the first line of defense against dangerous bacteria and pathogens. Slathering chemically-laden products on top of this essential organ messes with its ability to keep you safe. Sure, product manufacturers and advertisers alike would have you believe that their product is “the one” that you need for beautiful skin. Turn the bottle over and read the directions. If there are more than five ingredients in the product, or you can’t pronounce any of the ingredients, chances are you don’t want the product anywhere near your skin.
The great news is that you probably have some of the best natural moisturizers around right in your kitchen. It may surprise you to know that you don’t have to invest half of your life savings in a special skincare routine – just check your pantry for the following:
- Coconut oil – Yes, coconut oil is fantastic to cook with, but it is also a soothing skin oil. If you have issues with atopic dermatitis – generally associated with dryness, try a small amount of coconut oil on the area, and you will be impressed. Researchers found that coconut oil is one of the best natural solutions to ease the itch and dryness of atopic dermatitis.
- Aloe vera – Not only can aloe vera soothe burned skin, but it is also a mighty moisture trapper. According to studies, mucopolysaccharides within aloe are responsible for its super moisture-retaining properties. Whether combined with another natural oil like sweet almond oil or used on its own, pure aloe vera gel should be part of your daily skin routine.
- Avocado – Do you like avocado toast? This rich fruit is loaded with healthy fats that are good for overall health and well-being and radiant skin. One of the best ways to use avocados in your skincare routine is to make a creamy mask and treat your face once a week. Simply smash up an avocado, add a few drops of oil and some honey for a treat your skin will love. Spread evenly over moist skin and let sit for about thirty minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
Furthermore, drink plenty of pure water and eat lots of green leafy vegetables and brightly colored fruits. Doing this will keep your skin healthy from the inside out!
Are you hiding from the sun?
Our ancestors spent all day in the sun gathering food and building shelters. There was no such thing as sunscreen in the old days. Today, we are seemingly afraid of the sun – running away from its bright and warming rays. We slather our skin with so much chemical-laced sunscreen that not even a stray ray can penetrate the skin. Although it seems like this is the right thing to do – everyone else does it right – it is harmful. Again, we have those chemicals seeping into the bloodstream, getting stuck in our body and causing a whole host of health problems down the road. Not only that, but we deny ourselves one of the FREE supplements there is – the sun!!
Regular exposure to sunshine is the best way for the body to convert cholesterol to vitamin D, which is necessary for bones, blood cells, and the immune system. Regular exposure to the sun also improves your mood, reduces blood pressure, and can protect you from dangerous health conditions like heart disease and even cancer. Of course, there is an intelligent way to get plenty of sunshine and a not-so-smart way. The key is not to get burned – limit your exposure so that you are building up time in the sun several times a day and don’t overdo it!
Where and how do you exercise?
There is the type of exercise and the location where you are exercising; both are important when it comes to exercise. Long and challenging workouts in the gym might be your thing, but your body may be suffering. Gyms are full of environmental pollutants, including noise, bright lights, stale air, electric and magnetic fields (EMFs, radiation), and chemicals. As you sweat, your pores open up and take in all of this “non-goodness.” On the flip side, exercising outdoors in the fresher air and sunshine does not trap us in the same unhealthy environment. So, the first option is always outdoors if you can – walk, hike, kayak, garden or enjoy any other physical activity under the sun instead of in a gym.
The second important issue when it comes to exercise is what type of exercise you are performing and for how long. Moderate to mid-range intensity exercise seems to be the most beneficial in the long run for health and wellbeing. Burnout comes quickly when you push too hard, and you may find yourself experiencing some of these symptoms,
- Feeling depressed
- Frequent injuries
- Issues with sleeping
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Compromised immune system
The body requires rest to health, and if you are pushing too hard, you might be denying your body this necessary time to recovery and recharge.
When it comes to exercise, keeping it varied is best. There are four basic types of exercise, including endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Be sure that you are performing exercises in each category for a well-rounded workout. Try to spend at least 30 minutes a day moving your body.
You gave up sugar… but have replaced it with this
Sugar is a demon for sure. It has absolutely no nutritional value and contributes to inflammation in the body, leading to all kinds of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and others. If you have given up sugar and sugar-filled foods, that is fantastic! This is one of the best things that you can do for better health and wellbeing. However, if you have replaced refined sugar with sugar substitutes, you are going down a perilous path. Artificial sweeteners are often sweeter than sugar but contain zero calories – this is their lure and how they are marketed to the masses.
Sadly, artificial sweeteners may cause some dangerous side effects in the body and are not an excellent option for those giving up refined sugar. Keep in mind that anything synthetic is foreign to the body and of no value, and potentially harmful. Instead of using artificial sweeteners to satisfy your sweet tooth, try natural sweeteners like pure stevia leaf ( not refined), raw honey, and maple syrup. Remember, even with natural sweeteners; moderation is always the best option.
Additional ways to care for yourself include eating a clean diet, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and being grateful every day!
-The WellDaily Team
