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10.19.2011

Caffeine and quitting it.

I love coffee. I am not a person who drinks a lot of coffee but I love coffee that is rich and robust. Full flavor roasts that really leave the smell and taste with you like a savory treat.
But I am in need of giving it it up for health reasons. (why caffeine can pose risks)
I don't drink sodas or other caffeinated beverages so this is really just about the coffee and perhaps the chocolate (that will have to be later!)
So my approach...
Spend the next week of mornings drinking some caffeinated teas. After that week, switch to decaffeinated teas.
There are many varieties of both green and black decaffeinated teas and now a days there are so many herbal teas with no caffeine...you can really have fun! I personally love Triple Leaf Jasmine Green Decaf tea. It's decaffeinated naturally to maintain much of the antioxidant levels.

Wish me luck and let us all mourn that cup of coffee in the morning for me at least for now until I can heal my nerves a bit!

below are some links to alternative caffeine resources
please feel free to share your caffeine free routines!

http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/163/

http://www.mycaffeineaddiction.com/top-10-coffee-alternatives-avoid-the-negative-effects-of-caffeine/

I am also looking into making some delicious butter candies and I am going to explore the coffee flavor without the caffeine!

10.17.2011

The nervous system

What does the Ergonomics of Economics, Relaxation Techniques, Anxiety, Stress, getting easily distracted and nervous system weakness have in common?

Me
Probably lots of us

So, how do we get from being overly stressed to being content amid stress?

The ergonomics of economics is a concept that came flashing across the mind screen one day and I have decided to follow up on that one. It is essentially the concept of creating a more comfortable workplace environment for more productive and loyal employees. The research indicates that simple and affordable changes are possible to make work less stressing and fatiguing on the workers themselves, creating an all around different work experience. I wholeheartedly agree that the work environment is crucial to a happy employee and should be valued much more than it is at the current time. And that is not even beginning to take into account the sub human and totally horrific working conditions in less fortunate areas. ***

That being said, I wish there was a way to be ergonomically fitted to every situation in life. I have found it is extremely helpful in motherhood for both mother and child. I seem to achieved a great success just lately with being much more aware and sensitive to this area of my own life. I like to be available to my daughter for whatever may arise and I don't have the time for migraines and depleted days that mimic stress completely unrelated to her in any way. So I compiled this resource list and tried to share with you how I beat impossible odds this past week. I have prayed many a moment for more strength and I have asked friends and family to help in praying for the pain management. Since I have been doing just that and watching what I eat and drink. I feel able to handle everything which, given the current symptoms, would have seemed nearly impossible. Wow. Give it a try folks and keep on moving!

If we can apply the cushy ergonomic concept to anything, then we can bring contentment with us wherever we go.

Relaxation Techniques are essential:

"A variety of different relaxation techniques can help you bring your nervous system back into balance by producing the relaxation response. The relaxation response is not lying on the couch or sleeping but a mentally active process that leaves the body relaxed, calm, and focused."

Eating Healthy, exercising, and avoiding certain substances can keep the nervous system at a more equal and balanced level. This promotes overall wellness. You can find webMd Tips here.

Learning about stress and its effects on the body can be helpful in compelling you to do something helpful for yourself before it is a more serious problem.

"The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands release corticosteroids to increase metabolism which provides immediate energy. The pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which also affects the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands then release epinephrine and norepinephrine which prolongs the fight-or-flight response. The Stage of Resistance is a continued state of arousal. If the stressful situation is prolonged, the high level of hormones during the resistance phase may upset homeostasis and harm internal organs leaving the organism vulnerable to disease."

Knowing the symptoms and effects of anxiety and what these things can mean in your personal experience. Are you nervous at appropriate situations or is your body just telling you that you are?

Having trouble focusing can be a symptom of nervous system distress. So when you have times when you are stressed, anxious, and easily distracted, remember that there are tips and tools available to help treat your symptoms and reduce the reaction your body is having.

Ultimately we are looking for an overall homeostasis. Even for the healthy among us, there are things your body could really use to being running at a more optimum. Congratulations! You can do something about the way you feel in you physical sense which will improve all areas of your life. YES!

Don't count "the Miles" count the I love you'

10.16.2011

Once a large dirt area filled with dozens of prairie dog homes...now the Santa Fe RailYard Park









Over the past several years, Santa Fe has revamped it's Railyard area. The Old Santa Fe Railway still runs on the weekends from Santa Fe to Lamy with different festive events. The train itself has been active for many many years, but with the new RailRunner bringing folks from Albuquerque, the whole area is changing. New stores are popping up, some restaurants and night life and even some green housing units. There are new gallery spaces and some of Santa Fe's already thriving businesses have gotten a face lift. Overall the project has been quite transformational for the entire community. The Santa Fe Farmer's Market got a new building, Warehouse 21 was rebuilt, and this lovely outdoor park was added to make this area a complete family outing extravaganza! Today there was Zydeco music playing outside the Second Street Brewery and people were dancing and enjoying the bright warm sunshine. A quick bite at Flying Star after playing in the park and then back home for a quiet evening. Thanks Santa Fe for relocating all those prairie dogs and building our families a really nice place to hang out!