Essential Oxygen

How To Keep Fit & Healthy When Travelling

By

Guest Post By: Stuart Cooke, blog writer at UniBaggage.com

travel luggage

When on your travels, keeping fit and healthy can often be the furthest thing from your mind. Even when you are at home and working with your usual schedule, putting the effort and time into maintaining your exercise routine and eating healthily can be a grind. So, when you are travelling it can be all too easy to go easy on yourself and allow yourself to slack off. If you are on a 1 or 2 week holiday then that isn’t a problem, in fact it can be good to take a little break and recharge, but when you are travelling for a longer period of time then it becomes essential that you don’t allow your health and fitness to suffer. Let’s take a look at how you can keep your fitness levels up and eat well without taking the enjoyment out of your trip.

 

Mix It Up By Eating In As Well

 

The biggest culprit of unhealthy living when travelling is eating out. It’s a given that you will eat out sometimes when travelling, it’s often more convenient, it’s a great way to socialize and it’s good to try the local cuisine and culture. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t eat out when on your travels, but if you are travelling for longer than a week or so then you should really balance meals out with eating in. This can save you some money and allow you to get some healthy food in on the days that you don’t eat out. When you are out in restaurants you can also consider healthier options instead of always going to the usual tourist favorites of burgers, chips, pizzas etc. You might even experience some healthy local delicacies that you weren’t aware of before.

 

Hydration Is Key

 

Be sure to always have a bottle of water with you, especially if you are travelling in a hot climate. Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Carry a refillable bottle to make it easier. Remember that you will probably be walking more while travelling and if you are in a hotter country you are likely to be sweating more as well so take that into account and drink more than you would at home. Often when you feel hungry you are really just dehydrated so by keeping your water intake up you will reduce your cravings for junk food.

drink water

Do Quick, High Energy Workouts

 

When travelling you want your workouts to take up as little time as possible, so you can spend more time exploring. Try to do your workout first thing in the morning as if you leave it you will end up putting it off all day and never getting around to it. If your hotel as a gym then get to it right after you wake up and choose a high intensity workout that will help you get the best results in as short a space of time as possible. If you don’t have a gym then don’t worry, you can always go for a run, but again keep the intensity high. Run at a faster pace than you normally would and try to include a 20 second sprint every few minutes. The hotter weather should also help you get the most of a shorter but more intensive run.

 

Forget The Taxis

 

Exploring is an important part of travelling and you can make the most of this by walking or renting a bike which will help you see more while also keeping your fitness levels up. Not only will this help you burn some calories, but it will most likely save you quite a bit on taxi charges. Don’t forget to pack some comfortable trainers that will allow you to walk or cycle in comfort, otherwise it may be too tempting to just jump on a bus or get a taxi instead of walking.

 

Five Underrated Foods For Gut Health You Need to Know About

By

Guest Post By: Lorna Frances

stomach belly gut health

We hear so much about gut health these days, that it’s certainly a talking point of interest. Of course, this could be contributed to by the fact that we all live such stressful lives, and stress plays a big part in gut malfunctions and conditions. Irritable bowl syndrome might not be caused by stress at its very core, but stress certainly exacerbates it, and makes matters worse.

Whether you think you’re living a stressful life or not, it’s certainly worthwhile having a sit down and real think about whether you can reduce the amount of stress you currently have in your life. In addition to that, it’s about changing your diet too.

Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t rocket science, but the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming. We can simplify it down and make it really easy – you basically need to eat as much fresh clean food as you can, avoid processed, fatty foods, and exercise regularly. In addition to that, don’t smoke, drink only in moderation, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep!

Of course, a lot of it does come down to the things you eat, and there are certain foods which are super-advantageous and beneficial for your gut. Some are high profile, and you’ll probably already know about them, but some might fly a little under the radar. Let’s talk about five of the most underrated foods you need to know about, to ensure positive gut health.

cabbage

Cabbage

If you know anything about probiotics, you’ll know that sauerkraut is one of the best foods you can eat to boost your gut health. Did you know that sauerkraut comes from the cabbage family and is actually a form of the vegetable? Any type of cabbage is great for you, and you can easily incorporate it into your diet. Cabbage is high in L-glutamine, which gives the cells in your gut the energy they need to do their work and to prevent any gastric upsets from occurring, whilst helping you absorb vitamins and minerals. In addition to this, L-glutamine is a neurotransmitter to the brain, which encourages relaxation and good mood.

apple

Apples

An apple a day! Yes, it’s true. An apple a day can be wonderful for your health and it can be wonderful for your gut too. The advantage of an apple lies in the combination of vitamins and fiber contained within it. An apple doesn’t contain a huge amount of fiber per se, but it also contains other things which are super beneficial, such as soluble fiber, and phytonutrients.

It is super-easy to incorporate apples into your day, simply munch away as a snack by throwing on in your bag, and forsake the chocolate bar or bag of crisps!

The thing which the gut loves about apples is something called polyphenols. These have a direct reduction of any inflammation in the gut and intestines, whilst also having probiotic features too. The result is an increase in bifidobacteria, which is all the good stuff you need!

 

Kefir

The milk version of kefir is the ideal option for great gut health, and you can usually find this in probiotic drinks, the type that you have once more day.

Kefir is a wonder drink for the gut, and it contains a huge amount of different types of good bacteria, including the famous lactobacillus species. These are basically the types of bacteria which you gut loves and needs. Kefir works to coat the digestive tract in a mucous layer and this gives the good bacteria a basis on which to colonise and do its good work. Kefir is both prebiotic and probiotic!

In addition, Kefir contains many different other nutrients, as well as potassium and plentiful calcium. When you drink it alone however, it can taste a little on the sour side, so it’s best to mix it with something, perhaps adding it to your morning smoothie.

 

Kimchi

If you love Asian food, you’re in for a treat! Kimchi is actually a meal, rather than a food itself, but it is something you should chow down on to grab some serious gut health benefits. A little like sauerkraut in its benefits line, kimchi is actually a mixture of garlic, chilli, peppers, scallions, spices and cabbage, which all work together for a true taste sensation. Aside form the deliciousness of it, kimchi is a fermented food, and we know that these are fantastic for their probiotic elements.

By helping to enhance the amount of good bacteria in the gut, studies show that kimchi helps to reduce inflammation, soothes any current conditions and helps to improve them, reduces bloating and has a whole host of other benefits too. If you don’t like your food too spicy, you can omit the red pepper and still grab the same advantages for your gut.

lentils beans

Resistant Starch

Finally we have one of the most beneficial foods you need to incorporate into your diet for your overall gut health – resistant starch. This is not digested by the human body, so it is left to do its good work instead. Resistant starch passes through the body to the colon and it is fermented there, helping to reduce inflammation and increase overall wellbeing.

You can get your intake of resistant starch by chowing down on lentils, beans, wholegrains peas and very starchy foods.

The fermentation process of resistant starch helps to create cells that congregate and line along the wall of the gut, where they can help to reduce that inflammation we just mentioned and work to reduce any disharmony that may have been there before.

These are five foods you need to add to your dietary roster, for the good of your gut health!

The Glass Ceiling Frustrating Women & Minorities in Business Today

By

Guest Post By: Ohio’s Online Master of Business School

The Glass Ceiling Frustrating Women & Minorities in Business

Women and Minorities in Business Statistics

Female-Owned Enterprises

Although the national average earnings of women and minorities have markedly increased since the 1970s, positions in both the business and the financial industries still show wide gaps in earnings between males and females.

Women are essential to the business landscape. 30 percent of all U.S. enterprises in 2014 were firms owned by women. That translates to roughly 9.1 million female-owned businesses. These businesses generated over $1.4 trillion in revenue in 2014. This influx of ownership translates to a growth pattern of 150 percent between 1997 and 2014, when compared with the national average.

The fastest pockets of growth are spread throughout the United States. The states with the most rapid growth in the number, employment, and revenues of female-owned firms between 1997 and 2014 are Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, North Dakota, Texas, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, and Georgia.

From a metropolitan perspective, the New York metro area led the way for female-owned businesses in 2014, with around 665,700. The Los Angeles area is second with about 427,000, and Chicago checks in at third with roughly 308,700. The Miami and Washington, D.C. areas round out the top five of this list, with about 242,600 and 206,400 female-owned businesses, respectively.

The healthcare and social assistance industry had the highest percentage of female-owned firms in 2014, with 53 percent of businesses owned by women. Educational services followed at 45 percent, and administrative support and waste management services checked in at a 37 percent clip. On the flip side, the construction industry had the lowest percentage of female-owned firms in 2014 at just 7 percent. This was followed by the transportation and warehousing industry, which saw 11 percent of businesses being female-owned. The wholesale trade industry featured only 19 percent of firms owned by females, a tick higher than finance and insurance, which only had 20 percent of industry business listed as female-owned.

Female Minority-Owned Enterprises

In 1997, there were 929,445 American businesses owned by minority-owned females. This represented 17 percent of female business ownership. This percentage shot up to around 33% by 2014. African-American women were the largest female minority group, as they owned roughly 14% of all women-owned firms nationally. Latina women was second on the list with an estimated ownership of 11 percent, and Asian-American women owned approximately 7 percent of all women-owned firms. Native American and Alaska Native women owned about 1 percent of all female-owned firms, while Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women owned less than 1%. It should be noted that in the case of Asian-American women, the percentage of firm ownership was higher in Hawaii (55 percent), California (18 percent), New Jersey (11 percent), and New York (10 percent).

These minority women-owned business generated substantial revenue. The 1,237,900 firms owned by African-American women generated $49.5 billion in revenue in 2014. Latina women owned fewer firms in 2014 (1,033,100) but generated more revenue ($71.1 billion). The biggest firm-to revenue ratio was found in the Asian-American women demographic, as 675,900 firms collectively generated $115 billion in revenue. Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women-owned firms combined to generate $11.9 billion in revenue spread across over 139,900 firms.

Despite the business acumen demonstrated through revenue generation, the pay gap between men and women has yet to close. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), women’s earnings did not measure up to male full-time wages when compared as a percentage. This percentage has fluctuated over the years. For instance, in 1979, women earned 62 percent of what men earned. This increased to 83 percent in 2004, but then tumbled to 76 percent in 2015. This discrepancy looms large in business specialist occupations, where women only earn 66 percent of what men earn.

The Glass Ceiling

Roughly 85 percent of corporate executives and board members are white men, a metric that creates a very real and very imposing glass ceiling. However, the financial benefits that stem from a racially diverse workforce should be relevant to the interests of white, male business executives and hiring managers. One of the key ways that corporations can remove the glass ceiling is by demonstrating behaviors that value diversity. This can be accomplished in three steps. The first step is to respect cultural, religious, gender, and racial differences. Step number two is to manage and work with individuals from different racial or cultural backgrounds. The final step is to promote overall demographic balance within an organization; one that relates to the demographic makeup of a company’s broader geographic area.

Being a diverse company has several tangible benefits. Ethnically diverse companies are 35 percent more likely to outperform non-ethnically diverse companies, and gender diverse companies are 15 percent more likely to outperform their non-gender diverse counterparts. Studies also indicate that a company’s earnings rise 0.8 percent for every 10 percent increase in racial and ethnic diversity they deploy.

Setting up a corporate platform of diversity is not without its obstacles. Companies may have to deal with harsh public criticism for advocating diversity. They may also experience lower ratings for competencies and performances. Additionally, they’re typically not rewarded by others for engaging in diversity-valuing behavior. Companies striving to break the glass ceiling can deploy several tactics to promote transparency in hiring and retaining women and minority employees. Large public companies including Facebook, Microsoft, and Google have led the way in this promotion by revealing internal data concerning the racial makeup of their workforce.

The Glass Ceiling

Original Post: https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/the-glass-ceiling-frustrating-women-minorities-in-business-today/

 

10 Ways Travel can Improve Your Health and Happiness

By

Guest Post; article originally published at Bookmundi.com

travel health happiness

With many of us taking longer trips away or even working and globe-trotting full-time, there’s never been a better time to travel. And, more and more evidence points to travel being good for our health and happiness. As well as cutting stress and the risk of heart disease, travel has some surprising benefits. These range from bolstering our relationships, to helping us define who we are. Read more about this, and the other positive effects travel can have below.

1. BOOSTS IMMUNITY

It’s strange but true; traveling could boost our immunity. A UK study conducted on mice showed their immune systems responded differently depending on the environment they were in. It’s the fact of being in a different location that is key. When we’re somewhere unusual, our bodies are exposed to new kinds of bacteria and produce antibodies, which protect us from future illness. Although more research needs to be done, it’s possible that spending time in new or even exotic locations might just be good for us!

What travelers say: I eat street food wherever I go. When I go to a new country from my home country in Australia I will sometimes get a stomach bug for a little while before quickly becoming accustomed to the local foods. Then if I travel to several countries in one trip I am usually a lot more immune and can pretty much drink or eat whatever I want! Call me irresponsible but after travelling Southeast Asia for 8 months I just started drinking the tap water after a while and didn’t get sick. I even drank the tap water in Northern mountainous areas of India (Gasp!). — by Crystal Egan from Castaway With Crystal

2. BUILDS STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS

Travel strengthens relationships
A couple on a trip to Rome

Apart from the inevitable arguments over who reads the map or gets the bigger bed, research indicates that when we travel with friends or family, we deepen our relationships with them. As we try new things and share moments along the way, we experience greater closeness. According to research by the US Travel Association, this could even help prevent divorce in the future. The study found that 84 per cent of couples who travelled together had better communication, and their relationships lasted longer.

What travelers say: When I started backpacking solo for the first time, about ten years ago, I experienced home sickness for the first time. It was in Panama and back then I could only speak a few words Spanish, that did not really help. Luckily Skype was already invented and internet was not too hard to find, so I called my family and friends and saw them on video, that really helped. After a few days that homesickness turned into a travel bug which never left. Over the last ten years I have been more abroad than at home in The Netherlands, but the bonds with family and friends are as strong as ever thanks to the wide range of online video calling options and social media platforms. — by Marlies Wolters from Dive o’clock

We set off to travel the world together long-term after only 6 months of dating, and fast forward to 4 years later we can say with certainty that it was the best decision we ever made as it developed an unwavering bond between us. When you travel you’re constantly in different environments, doing new things and solving problems outside of your comfort zone. It can be very stressful at times, so you learn a lot about your partner by being in difficult situations with them and getting through the challenges together. Before making a long-term commitment to one another we recommend for all couples to pack their bags and go on a trip together, to develop a strong bond and a healthy relationship that could last for many years to come. — by Will & Sandy from The Brit & The Blonde 

3. STRENGTHENS BONES

Traveling helps make bones stronger
Simply being outdoors in the sun and active does the body so much good

What traveler’sWho would have thought travel could be good for our bones? Well, it’s not travel per se, but the Vitamin D created along the way. Most of us don’t make enough Vitamin D naturally. Whether we’re hiking, skiing, sightseeing, or relaxing on the beach, when we travel, we spend more time outdoors, and the extra burst of sun helps our bodies produce the Vitamin D we need for good bone health and to avoid osteoporosis.

4. INTRODUCES NEW PERSPECTIVES

Traveling for perspective
Traveling helps us form new perspectives, and this leads to us to being more open-minded and trusting

As well as being good for our bodies, travel can benefit our minds. In fact, it can even change our whole outlook on life. Meeting new people and learning about different cultures makes us more open-minded and tolerant. And, as we see the conditions in which other people live, we become more empathetic. A global study by travel company Momondo revealed that travelling helps us form new perspectives, and this leads to us being more open-minded and trusting.

What travelers say: Immersing yourself into different cultures and ideologies, broadens your brain’s scope to new more interesting and fortified ideas, be it in business, science, religion, art or music. That missing puzzle-piece you were looking for in order to open a new business or the motivation you were looking for to change your lifestyle, that is what traveling brings you. When you travel you become more creative, more alive. — by Arturo Ambrosio Guerrero from Legend Travel Group

5. DEVELOPS HEALTHIER HEARTS

Travel develops healthier heart
Traveling reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases in middle-aged men

Whether we’re rushing through an airport, heaving our luggage up the steps to our hotel, or peacefully floating in the sea, on holiday we are more active than usual. Being on the move all day is great for our hearts. In fact, science has discovered a direct link between travel and heart health. In a study published in 2000, researchers from New York University found that taking vacations reduced the risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged men.

What travelers say: Do you know that feeling when you leave the plane in a new, unknown country? When you are excited about discovering a new city? Climbing to the mountain? Wandering through the national park? You may be tired, but it does not bother you at all — that is pure happiness. Do you think about work then? Does anything stressing you? No! When we combine physical activity, lack of stress and great joy, we get the perfect mix for our heart. I don’t know a better recipe for a long life than traveling. — Wojciech Kuzma from Fshoq! Travel Blog

6. MAKES YOU LESS MATERIALISTIC

Girl in snorkeling mask dive underwater with coral reef fishes in Cozumel
Having experiences beats possessing material things

It seems that we’re changing in quite a profound way. Research shows that we’re much more likely to value an experience — such as a holiday — over buying and owning a product. In other words, you can’t put a price on great memories. In 2014, San Francisco University published research showing that people believe life experiences — such as travel — are much more valuable than ‘things’. Since then, many other studies have found similar results, so much so that it’s even been labelled a trend to reject material possessions and aspire to have nothing.

What travelers say: As an avid traveler and a tour operator based in Indonesia, I have traveled to countless villages and small towns around and outside the country. During my travels I’ve found that more often people living in developing countries, rural areas or remote villages where people tend to have very limited resources and where quality of life isn’t very high, are content and happy. Visiting such places and staying with local communities, in the homes of farmers has in turn made me more appreciative of little moments in life and be happy with little things. — by Matteo Bierschneider from Wise Steps Travel

7. ENSURES BETTER PERIOD DAYS

No one likes getting their period on holiday, but surprisingly, there are a few reasons why it can be a good thing! We’re on our feet much more than usual, which can help relieve cramps. We’re probably less stressed, meaning we’re less likely to get a bout of PMS. And if we do, the increased vitamin D we’re absorbing can help. Yes — that’s right — vitamin D can help with PMS. A 2015 study from the US found PMS sufferers had significantly lower levels of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

What travelers say: If there’s one thing that helps during my period, it’s distraction. Just go out there and do new things and see new places. Enjoy the world and enjoy your life. And besides, they sell chocolate everywhere in the world! — by Anne from Anne Travel Foodie

8. INCREASES SENSE OF SELF

Travel Ignites a Sense of self
Whether it is asking for directions or striking a conversation with a stranger, traveling boosts our confidence

When we travel, we’re put into unfamiliar situations, and interact with strangers — especially if we’re doing it alone. All of this can lead to greater confidence and a better understanding of who we are. A recent study by Colombia Business School found that living abroad leads to a more definite sense of self, and can even help us gain clarity about the path we are taking in life.

9. DECREASES RISK OF DEPRESSION

According to research by the Wisconsin Medical Journal, women who took a vacation every year were less likely to suffer from depression than those who took a vacation every few years. This isn’t surprising, as sunlight, exercise and pleasurable experiences all increase our serotonin levels which can improve our mood. In fact, according to one study, merely thinking about a holiday you have planned can result in feeling happier. Plus, the activities we tend to do on holiday are proven mood enhancers — from getting more sleep and exercise to meeting new people and creating happy memories.

10. KEEPS STRESS LEVEL TO A MINIMUM

Stress free travelling
Traveling takes you away from work and the daily grind

Traveling reduces stress by taking you away — both physically and mentally — from the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re sunbathing in Greece, exploring Paris or watching a musical on Broadway, you are distracted from your ordinary commitments and experience less anxiety. Evidence confirms this. A 2017 study found that middle-managers who travelled for their holiday were less stressed than those who stayed at home. And reducing stress has proven health benefits — from better physical and mental health to an increased lifespan!

What travelers say: Every time I am on a vacation I completely unwind from my daily routines. Traveling makes me more aware of things and clears my mind, this is very useful in order to get ideas. For me, traveling has always been the most rewarding thing. Returning home I feel like a new person, it is a huge confidence booster. — by Peter Fischer Flórez from Costa Excursions

In a society that champions ‘busyness’ and success, taking a holiday is often deemed a luxury. In some workplaces, it is frowned on altogether. But this is changing — as more and more evidence points to how great holidays are for our bodies and minds. So, whether you’re thinking about booking a week in the sun or a year-long trip-of-a-lifetime, with so many proven health benefits, there’s simply no reason not to!

Top 10 Essential Oils for Maintaining Good Health

By

Guest Post By: Got Oil Supplies

essential oils

It is not surprising that people have been using essential oils for centuries now. Essential oils are natural healing oils. They help you stay healthy. They have amazing medicinal and therapeutic value.

What are the top 10 essential oils for maintaining good health?

  1. Lavender

Lavender is a versatile essential oil. It has a wide range of medicinal and therapeutic uses.

It helps alleviate acne, minor burns, insect bites, and skin allergies. It is a strong disinfectant which can be used to address wounds and cuts.

Add a few drops of lavender to hot water. You can inhale the steam to address sinus problems and respiratory infections.

Add a few drops of lavender to your bath water. A good soak helps to calm frayed nerves. It helps you sleep soundly.  

When you have a headache, you can rub the oil on your temples for relief.

lavender essential oil

  1. Chamomile

Chamomile is widely recognized as a soothing and gentle essential oil. You can use in your tea to calm your nerves and ease tension.

Used full strength or diluted, chamomile is effective for eczema, dermatitis, acne, and boils. It helps to soothe dry skin. It is also helpful for treating bruises, cuts, and wasp or bee stings.

Add a few drops of chamomile into a diffuser to help ease anxiety, irritability, depression, and insomnia. This essential also helps a lot of women dealing with problems associated with menopause or PMS.

  1. Peppermint

You can take peppermint tea if you are feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil and massage the balm on your stomach to relieve queasiness and abdominal cramps.

Add a couple of drops to lukewarm water and you have an amazing foot soak for your tired, weary feet.

You can combine a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, and pine with your choice of carrier oil. Massage the salve on your throat and chest to ease coughing fits and alleviate bronchial congestion.

peppermint essential oil

  1. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is a powerful topical ointment for a wide range of common ailments.

It is potent balm for many skin conditions including acne, eczema, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and warts. It soothes insect bites. A few drops of tea tree oil in unscented shampoo help ease psoriasis and dandruff.

  1. Lemon

Lemon essential oil is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties.

You can add one or two drops of the oil to water and use it as a gargle to help get rid of bad breath.

Add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo and you have a strong anti-dandruff shampoo.

Add some drops to your diffuser or your bath water to help ease stress and anxiety.

Blend it with aloe gel and you get a hand sanitizer to fight microbes.

  1. Orange

People like orange oil for its “happy”, citrus-y and uplifting scent.

Orange oil promotes a calm and joyful disposition. It is an effective anti-stress and antidepressant agent.

Orange oil promotes good digestion. It helps fight pimples and blackheads. It is also said to be an aphrodisiac.

  1. Grapefruit

Grapefruit can be used to bring down the inflammation of lymph nodes. It is also effective for oily hair and skin. It helps control acne and cellulite.

  1. Clove

Clove oil is an effective treatment for dental problems. It helps ease the pain and discomfort associated with gum disease and toothaches. It helps alleviate the small, fluid-filled blisters or cold sores on your lips when you have a fever or a viral infection. It also helps ease the painful canker sores in your mouth that make talking and eating difficult.

Dilute clove oil and you have an effective treatment for prickly heat rash, athlete’s foot, cuts, bruises, insect stings, and fungal infections.

clove

  1. Oregano

Oregano is an herb with a strong anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties.

You can use this essential oil to control fungal infections and athlete’s foot. It eases pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tendonitis.  It helps address shingles, herpes, and candida. It is also an effective treatment for warts and cyst.

  1. Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is multi-purpose.

It treats dandruff. It promotes blood circulation to the scalp to make hair lustrous and healthy.

It helps alleviate stress. It is an effective rub for headaches.

Rosemary oil is also said to help strengthen memory and brain function.

 

Essential oils help promote better health. You only need a few drops of your choice of essential oils to enjoy amazing health benefits.

This guest post article was provided by Got Oil Supplies. Got Oil Supplies is your one stop shop for essential oil container and accessory needs. And there is a 10% off coupon code available for new visitors if you sign up for our newsletter!

Non-Toxic Way To Clean Baby Gear [INFOGRAPHIC]

By

What do you clean your baby gear or children’s toys with? Are you confident it is non-toxic and completely safe for them to use after you’ve used those products on it?

Check-out the infographic below on various items you can clean with our 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (FGHP). Have confidence that our non-toxic, biodegradable FGHP will effectively clean everything as well as not leave any harmful reside like many other cleaning products do.

Baby Gear Cleaning

Reasons to Choose Yoga Over The Gym

By

Guest Post By: Ayushi Bhatnagar from Sharda Hospital

yoga

Getting healthier and fitter in life calls for lifestyle changes and continued efforts. Joining a gym to stay healthy is a common decision people make, but what if you cannot spare 2 hours every day to go to the gym?

That’s where yoga brings a great opportunity. Not only it does it help in developing a strong and flexible physique, but also offers calm and tranquility.

Although all forms of exercise help in keeping you fit, there are several reasons why yoga over the gym would be a YES for you. From increased focus to flexibility to health, we give you 9 clues for why you should be rolling out the yoga mat.

Why Yoga over Gym?

Here’s a roundup of interesting arguments about why to choose yoga over the gym.

 

  • A Bucket Full of Choices

 

You must be thinking that the gym also offers a variety of exercises including squats, lunges, crunches, etc. How is yoga any different?

To your answer, ‘Yoga can be different every single day.’ Want a challenge? Add pincha mayurasana or bakasana into your practice. Need to focus? Try natarajasana or vrksasana. Or if you’re seeking relaxation, practice savasana or balasana.

There’s always something new to learn in yoga. 

 

  • Lesss Injuries

 

Unless you’re trying any intensive yoga aasans, you can be sure to ward off injuries.  As in yoga, you learn to connect your body and mind. There are no rigorous workout sessions or pushing yourself to limits until your body gives up.

You are not pulling up heavy equipment that could you injury or muscle soreness. It’s just you and your whole self.

 

  • Flexibility of Place

 

Whether you’re on a vacation, caught up in work, or simply busy, you can practice yoga anywhere. It doesn’t require a formal setting, machinery, or any other equipment.

All you need is your body and a place where you can be free. On the other hand, gyms turn out to be restrictive in terms of time and space. If your work hours do not match the gym hours, you end up missing it most of the time.

 

  • Easy on Your Pocket

 

Again, no formal set-up is required, just you and your mat. On the other hand, when you register for a membership in the gym, you pay a huge amount. And, that is not it, if you are a beginner, you will ideally need the assistance of a personal gym trainer. Therefore, big bucks flowing out of your pocket.

In yoga, no critical training is necessary. If you need some guidance, there are plenty of great, yoga guru online videos available. Besides, you can wear any type of clothes that allow you to move freely.

 

  • No Competition!

 

Once you enter the gym, you can possibly feel the streak of competition running around. Be it the woman running on the treadmill next to you or the man lifting weight against you. 

In fact, people often do not hesitate in trying risky workouts for the same reason which might even hurt them badly. On the yoga mat, it’s just you with yourself. Competitiveness does not exist in yoga studios either. Everyone focuses on their own poses and try to feel the peace yoga brings to them.

 

  • Concentration Booster

 

While practicing yoga, you focus on the posture, breath, and the gaze. Distractions automatically tune out. If you try concentrating at the gym, the focus and silence are not exactly the same. Besides, yoga teaches how to control your negative thoughts and embrace who you are.

 

  • Gives Balance and Peace

 

Yoga chitta vritti nirodha which means yoga quells the fluctuations of the mind. It drains out the emotional clutter and helps you concentrate better. Simply put, it melts down the loops of regret, frustration, anger, fear, and desire that cause stress.

As a result, you experience peace and serenity in your surroundings. In other words, yoga brings mindfulness. You start to live in present, appreciate little things around you and enjoy life at its best.

 

  • Benefits from Head-to-Toe

 

Yoga is a full body workout. Unlike gym workouts, which works on particular body parts at a time, yoga bestows its benefits to every nook and corner of your body.

Where a gym workout is focused on strengthening muscles and cardio, yoga detoxes the body and improves the cardiovascular system. It also helps in keeping the mood calm. Practising yoga brings a sense of composure in oneself, further leading to get through any situation without feeling pressured and stressed.

Still looking for reasons to choose yoga over gym?

 

  • No Withdrawal Effects

 

The best perk of practicing yoga is – its discontinuance doesn’t cause any major effects to the body. On the other hand, quitting gym may result in losing the body tone. Moreover, there might be body pain and soreness of muscles.

Other withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, depression, guilt, tension, and discomfort, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and headaches.

Are you up for yoga now? If yes, then, you’re ready to love your curves and edges, your mind and soul. You’re ready to work on yourself in calmness and tranquility regardless of worrying what others are doing or thinking. It’s you and the benefits yoga will bestow on your body.

Contributor Bio – The blog is presented by Sharda Hospital and intends to spread awareness about better health through yoga. Sharda Hospital is one of the largest super speciality hospitals in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

11 Last Minute Burning Man Gift Ideas

By

By: Emmi Buck

burning man gift gifting

So you’re headed to the Black Rock Desert for a week of community, art, music, adventure, fun, hard work, and personal growth – but you haven’t figured out your gift yet? Have no fear! The below list of gift ideas are easy to procure, and tried-and-true crowd favorites on the playa! Have some gift ideas of your own to share? Let us know in the comments!

 

Pickles

Whether or not you like pickles, there are TONS of people at Burning Man that LOVE pickles, and pickle juice. The heat at Burning Man can leave you craving pickled goodness (hence why many camps feature this item) because it has nutrients that you need when dehydrated. Some benefits are: relieving muscle cramps, hydration (sodium + potassium), electrolytes, antioxidants (vitamin C + E), and gut health / digestion (vinegar/fermentation).

pickles

Help Out!

The majority of the time, people don’t need a trinket, necklace, or sticker… they’d LOVE to connect with you as a person especially while you help out! Keep your work gloves on you, and as you travel Black Rock City, look for people: moving heavy objects, struggling with a task, setting up camp, etc. Seriously, the best and most memorable gift you can give is to practice 7 of the 10 Burning Man principles at once by lending a helping hand. While doing so you’re observing: Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Radical Self Expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Participation, and Immediacy. Being a part of others’ experiences at Burning Man is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and those you’re interacting with. Bonus points: carry a charged drill around with you during build days and you’re an instant hero (especially for camps setting up domes)!

help out burning man

Organic Brushing Rinse (BR)

Oral care usually isn’t discussed on playa, but I’m here to tell you that it’s crucial! While you sleep (or don’t sleep), your body processes toxins and some end up in your mouth, creating some nasty morning breath (and stuff you don’t want to re-ingest). Give the amazing gift of taking care of oral bacteria, teeth whitening, bad breath, dry mouth, and so many other oral care needs by sharing your Organic Brushing Rinse with everyone! I’d guess it’s a 98% increase in chances of getting a playa kiss if you gift and use BR 😉

Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse biodegradable

Light-Up Gifts

While sometimes “MOOP-y” these gifts are extremely practical and easily found at many stores. Glow-sticks, glow-rings, glow-in-the-dark makeup, you-name-it; if it glows, it’s a great gift for “darkwads” or people who are out and about after the sun sets without being lit-up. To make your gift more sustainable, shoot for items that can be re-charged or batteries replaced if possible! Prevent bike and art car accidents by being visible at night and educating others on the importance as well. I’m an 8 year veteran and I still very occasionally find myself at sundown not totally equipped for night, so these are great gifts!

burning man at night

For Burning Man at night, always be wearing at minimum some lit object. A headlamp, and/or coat lights, wig lights, glow anything, EL wire on your bike, etc. is very important for safety!

Share Your Talents

Whether you’re great at singing, engineering, playing an instrument, bike repair, hula hooping, massage, listening, dancing, painting, language translation – or – honestly anything, share it at Burning Man. That’s by far the most genuine way to both gift and self-express at the same time. I’ll never forget my first time on playa not really having “gifts” and being nervous about bit. However, I was constantly being told various things (knowing I could help make a situation better with a talent, joke, or expertise) were the greatest gift I could give.

bikes

Local Treats

Do you live near a beach with a plethora of beautiful shells or beach glass? Perhaps your local trees drop beautiful leaves that you can make bookmarks from? Maybe you have some neat paper-weight worthy rocks you’ve recently dug up in your garden… No matter what you might have access to or excess of, gifts that have a local flare always warm people’s hearts!

beach glass sea glass

Infused Water / Alcohol

This is a really easy and extremely appreciated gift at Burning Man. It’s as simple as getting some water or alcohol (vodka tends to work best, but experimenting with various types and flavors is fun too) and some infusing items. Some fun combos include:

  • Cucumber mint water
  • Lemon lime water
  • Berry water
  • Raspberry basil vodka
  • Orange clove vodka
  • Cinnamon whiskey

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Since 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (FGHP) is non-toxic and naturally oxidizing, it’s a great eco-friendly all-purpose item at Burning Man. It can disinfect cuts and scrapes from playing on the interactive art, it’s great for getting stains out of clothes and rugs, it can disinfect cutting boards, cups, plates, cutlery (and pretty much anything you deem ‘dirty’). Sore throat? Gargle with some 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide. Ketchup on your favorite tutu? Blot with FGHP. Travel cup full of mystery liquid and dust? Rinse with FGHP. The uses are endless!

Essential Oxygen food grade hydrogen peroxide

Matches / Lighters

I love it when I still see friends carrying the personalized, glow-in-the-dark lighters I made a few years ago for my camp. They always say “it’s one of the best Burning Man gifts I’ve ever received!” Whether you’re lighting a camp stove, candle, palo santo stick, incense, or… *not advised* cigarette, many people at Burning Man would love to ask for a ‘light’ and receive their very own device for lighting things the rest of the burn!

lighter match

Home/(Camp)-Made Food

This becomes especially appreciated towards the end of the week+ in the desert. Many have run out of ideal provisions or fresh food, and are too exhausted to cook even if they have it. Offering a weary traveler passing your camp a plate of what you’re cooking, or bringing your extra breakfast burritos to the sunrise Tycho set will earn you legend status points at Burning Man. Even if it’s sharing half your orange at the temple – some of my best gift memories have been a nibble of delicious food when needed most!

A Shoulder To Lean On At The Temple

The temple is a place of very strong emotions. At times you can feel waves of sadness, relief, grieving, longing, remembrance, pain, anger, shock, disbelief, and so much more. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had or heard of others having life changing experiences there. All of them center around one thing: sharing. Whether you open yourself up and leave a note or momento that moves another person into a state of growth, or you comfort or listen to a fellow temple-goer – it’s a great place to gift compassion and empathy. Many people are either experiencing the temple for the first time, or working through a new grief/dilemma there, so be respectful of space and ask consent, but know that many people there would love  shoulder to lean on or an ear to just listen.

hug

Summer Fun Activities

By

Guest Post By: Ryan Varela

 

Summer is the season for different outdoor activities. This is also the perfect time to rest and enjoy doing things that will make you happy. If you have been working for the whole year and you feel tired, you can choose to take some summer leave. This is one way to replenish your energy and build your motivation.

 

Aside from the different individual activities, summer also gives you different options to enjoy with your family. It is the best time to reconnect with your kids and partner. And most importantly, it is the right time for you to explore the world. If you are feeling excited about the season but you still don’t have an idea on how to spend it, here is a list of summer fun activities to choose from.

vacation

Go for Vacation

It has been proven by experts that people who develop critical illness spent most of their adult life stressed and tired of their work and responsibilities. If you want to save your health, you need to go for a vacation for the summer. You can start listing down the different places you want to visit and narrow it down by choosing the perfect destination for this year. You can also consider a place where there is someone you know. You can take this vacation as an opportunity to visit the people who matter to you.

run running jogging

 

Take a Break from Work

Imagine spending the whole year working. That would be so stressful and you will certainly feel burned out before the year ends. Summer is the perfect time to take a break from work. Even if you are not planning to go anywhere, you can still enjoy the company of your family at home. There are different activities that can help you relax while you are not working. You need this opportunity and you have to grab it while the weather is warm and very inviting.

bike ride biking

Go for a Run or Bike Ride

Aside from the different activities that can make you feel relaxed and rested, you should also take advantage of the summer heat by going for a run or bike ride. These activities will not only help achieve a fit and healthy body but it will also make you feel better about yourself. With all the outdoor activities that you can do, you need to prepare your body for it. Running or biking during summer is perfect because the warm weather can help you sweat faster.

beach

Go to the Beach

Nature has its way to accommodate people in the perfect season. During summer, you will notice that the waves are calm and the sand is warm. It is the best time to bask under the sun. Go to the beach and just enjoy the blue horizon. You can watch the sunrise and the sunset. And to make the experience more rewarding, try water activities such as diving, snorkelling, surfing and others. You have all the day to enjoy when you are at the beach.

 

Go Camping

Summer is the best time to go back to nature. You can always do this with the kids or with some friends. Camping can make you feel relaxed and renewed. After the tiring days at the office and the stressful traffic jam in the city, you can go out and try to live a simpler life even just for days. Camping is a good way to connect to nature. You can enjoy sleeping under the stars and you can hear the sound of nature. This will certainly revitalize your soul.

mountain trekking

Go for Mountain Trekking

If you are a person who loves adventure and you are physically ready for some long walks, you can go for mountain trekking. This activity will help you harness your energy and it will teach you so many things about achieving a goal. Reaching the peak of the mountain will give you a view that will certainly take your breath away. But more than that, it can give you the confidence to live your normal life again and go for your dreams. The bright summer days will make this activity more enjoyable.

lake

Spend Some Time on a Lake

Now that the lake is clear and you can observe life in it, you will surely love to spend your summer days around one. There are different activities you can do when you visit one. You can stretch your fishing rod while you enjoy a small talk with your friend. Going back to the basic activities in life is relaxing and it gives joy to the soul.

 

Summer only happens once a year. Make sure that you are spending it right. The few days of summer can be the best days of your life if you know how to make it worth it. Consider the different activities enumerated above and make your personalized list of things to do on your summer break now.

 

Author Bio:

Ryan Varela is the CEO of Boost Health Insurance which provides customized and affordable health care plans for thousands of customers across the United States. Ryan has nearly a decade of experience in the health care industry and continues to serve the greater need to educate and deliver access to affordable options to those who need health care the most.

 

ABOUT

Essential Oxygen is a woman-owned, triple bottom line company that sees this planet and its people beaming with optimal health and promotes this vision by creating truly effective and clean natural products.

CONNECT

Customer Support

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Contact Us Here

The Love Letter

  • At Essential Oxygen we believe in creating truly effective, clean products. Want to learn more and start sharing your radiance?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.