- Control your stress. Yea, I know. It has been a HARD year for that. But there are things that can help! Talk to a friend. Try meditation or yoga. Even taking a break and watching your favorite Netflix show. Stress causes all kinds of issues, so working on that is important!
- Lighten your load. Learn to say no to those things you don’t really have time for. Really look at that to do list and see what is absolutely necessary. And remember, you can always ask for help. I know I am bad about that!
- Exercise. Doing even a little exercise will help you sleep better, thus giving you more energy the next day. And exercising can lead to higher brain dopamine levels, which helps elevate mood. And our kids and spouses appreciate that!
- Eat for energy. Foods such as whole grains, high-fiber vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils such as olive oil. That brownie is yummy, but will only give you a quick sugar high. Not even long enough to fold that huge pile of laundry!!
- Caffeine. A cup of coffee or other caffeine CAN help with alertness. But be careful, drinking it too late in the day, especially if you have problems sleeping.
- Drink water! One of the first signs that your body needs water is fatigue. Get the water in!
- And last but not least – if you are an oiler, Ningxia Red. So much goodness. Not a juice, but a puree of the wolfberry + oils. You get all the nutrients that makes it easier for our body to use. And all the antioxidants to get rid of the yucky built up stuff.
I don’t know about you guys with your kiddos, but my sweet 4th grade boy is a hot mess with his focus.
My title says a lot of homework, but really it is not SO MUCH. It just seems to take him SO LONG. And then he wants to take a break after two or three math problems. It seriously is so frustrating. And the thing that makes it harder is that he is so smart! His grades have always been great. We have tried a variety of things, including music while he is working. The music helps sometimes but not consistently.
Then we had a big breakthrough the other day. I ordered a new oil called Kid Power. Mostly because I heard it smells like an orange + vanilla ice cream cone. So I had to have it lol! Plus it is supposed to help with confidence and elevates mood. I think part of his problem is that he also gets overwhelmed. So. I combined the Kid Power with Geneyus, which is for focus and concentration. And BOOM. Moving through that homework! He asks for it now. And at our parent/teacher conference his teacher asked about it. Told me he was welcome to bring it and use it at school.
For all those parents out there that are on the homework struggle bus – I see you. I hear your frustration. I hope this blesses and helps you!
And for my friends out there with no kids and also struggle with focus - I use the kids oils too!
One of my goals for this year was to add some houseplants to the house. Bring more cozy in. So while it is April and I am starting a bit late, it is time!
We have a smaller home and the light in the house has never been all that great. Lots of indirect sunlight. I was so happy to find out I can still have beautiful REAL plants in my house.
Indirect lighting typically refers to any area of your home where sunlight passes through a medium, such as a window shade before reaching a plant. Plants that grow in indirect lighting should be placed in rooms with windows that get sunlight, but in an area that's away from the windows so they are never in the path of direct light.
After doing some research I found five houseplants that will take indirect light well.
Monstera Deliciosa
Commonly referred to as the "Swiss cheese plant," Monstera deliciosa is known for having large leaves with holes that allow dappled sunlight to shine through to the lower leaves. I just got this one and I am so happy!
Chlorophytum Comosum
This is also known as a “Spider” or “Airplane” plant. It is a beautiful decorative houseplant.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Better known as the "ZZ" plant, they are a great way to add foliage to an area of your home that doesn't receive a lot of sunlight. I also got this one!
Aglaonema
This one comes in pink, red, cream, white and gold and besides doing well in low light they are good for those that forget to water as often as they should!! That might be my next one! :)
Fittonias
Popularly known as the "nerve" plant due to its delicately veined, dark green leaves. They are cute and small and would be good tucked into a small grouping to shield it from too much light.
Here is a easy cleaning tip. Add a few drops of lemon oil to cool soapy water. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe leaves and remove dust from plants. With my dogs, my house gets super dusty and I am happy to have this tip!
