Relax!

The past 8 months I have been on what I like to call a "health journey." What is a health journey exactly? Well, typically it's making great choices on a day to day basis. I don't entirely mean food and exercise, but also spiritually, and mentally.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to make time for yourself no matter what! I am a very busy woman, but if I don't take care of myself and my needs I will fall apart. A very wise woman at my church told me that it's okay to say NO. This was initially a foreign concept to me. If you don't say no when you need to, your not helping that person out and most likely you will fall apart in the end.

My mother is a super hero that was born with a battery. I don't have one memory of her relaxing from early morining until late at night....not even a minute. I know I got this trait from my mom, but truth is....sometimes you have to SLOW down for your own well being. If we are too busy, it can effect us spiritually! We lose sensitivity to our surroundings because we are so focused on getting our tasks completed for the day. Can you imagine how many times you missed that small little voice because you were so busy trying to complete your "to-do list".

I don't think I have ever been busier than I have this month! So why is it that I feel so much peace and joy in my every day life? I try to balance my life out as much as possible and take time for myself. Your whole being will be happy with you if you do that.

This blog went a completely different direction then I intended, but that's okay because I believe there is a purpose for everything and maybe somebody needed to hear this. Below are some of the things that I do to help me with stress of every day life, and I believe that it has changed my life entirely.

*PRAY!!! Talking to Jesus first thing in the morning is precious. It will make all the difference in your day, I promise. I love to pray in the dew of the morning (you don't have to of course). I love it because it's quiet, and I feel completely alone with Him.

*WATER right away! Drink water first thing when you wake up, and then consistently through the day. This is definitely something I need to work on.

*Eat 6 small meals a day! (Don't skip breakfast! This is so important!)I usually eat oatmeal with flax, stevia, fruit, and cinnamon. yum! No processed oatmeal! I've also been eating clean (this is what my original post was supposed to be about, but I will write about it soon!)

*Studies show that its a great idea to make sure each mini meal is a combo of a protein and a carb. I don't necessarily mean grains, but fruits and veggies! Eat your veggies!

*JUICING! Amazing for your health. Ease yourself into it, there are great books out there. Try to juicing mostly veggies with a small amount of fruit because of the sugar. My favorite is carrot and apple which has proven to cure diseases! (e.g the Juiceman) You will get more energy then what coffee offers, AND you won't crash. I promise!

*Work out! Find something that you enjoy that works with your life. I love to RUN. For me, it takes me out of my little life for an hour and helps me focus. It's a great cardio exercise and amazing for your body. This helps with stress so much!

*Skin Brushing- This maybe a foreign concept for many of you. Skin brushing is exactly what it sounds like. It's a brush that you use on your body pre-shower or bath to get your body circulating properly. The brittles are kind of tough so it hurts a bit at first, but over time you will look forward to it!

*Bath/hot shower- This is one of my favorite stress busters. Many health book authors also agree that a hot bath or shower will de-stress your body and mind. I like to do this after work, or when I'm settling in before I eat. It also helps me make good food choices.

*READ YOUR BIBLE- I like to do this before bed. Why? Because what is a better way to close your eyes and head off to dream land then reading the Word? You hear so many things about how t.v and bad movies trigger nightmares and bad sleep. Reading my bible just gives me peace and joy that helps me to sleep.

There you have it! These are some of the tips that get me through the day feeling good and strong. We don't only owe it to ourselves to treat our bodies with respect, but we most definitely owe it to JESUS. All we have belongs to Him anyway.

Email me if you have any questions. Stefpinto1@aol.com I would be happy to chat with you about my post, or anything else.

Love you all. God bless you!