Living Responsibly…It’s only Natural!

Sheryl Eaglewoman

Welcome! This week’s column is addressing stressful living. We all experience it at one time or another. Some live it. How can we live healthier, happier lives and still live in the "real world"? First, you need to stop and be reflective for a moment. Ask yourself, "Why am I doing everything I’m doing when it is too much of a load to maintain a decent level of contentment and ease in my life?" If your answer becomes a list, write it down. Look at your answer(s), hard. Let’s face facts. A lot of the stress we create in our lives comes from not doing what we want or should be doing. So… what aren’t you doing that would create contentment and well-being in your life? Maybe you could be taking the time to read a great book or go to a play or take a long hot soak in the tub? Take a close look at what you are doing to give back to the universe. Anything? Lots? You know, life is a circle of give and receive. If you are feeling a great "lack of" in your life, maybe you need to give more. Recycle, volunteer, donate, phone those you care about, spoil yourself. Yes! Spoil yourself. How are you ever going to give to others if you don’t care for and give to yourself?

Not ready to deal with all of "The Big Stuff"? Then let me give you a few tools to get you "there" until you are ready for making significant changes.

Consider doing:

  1. • Sit quietly at least 15 minutes daily. I know… just do it.
  2. • Surround yourself with colors and scents that comfort you.
  3. • Drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weigh 100 lbs. you would drink 50 oz.
  4. • Start a journal. By writing, one gains clarity that lends to creating less stress in one’s life.
  5. • Exercise. Walk, run, swim, dance. Just move!
  6. • Eat wholesome, organic foods.
  7. • Laugh at yourself.
  8. • Smile! People smile back because it feels good.

There are many supplements available that can provide excellent support in lowering stress levels. Supplements would include vitamins, minerals, protein, etc.

Supplements to consider taking:

  1. • B complex
  2. • Multi mineral blend
  3. • Antioxidants
  4. • Essential Fatty Acids such as flax or fish oil
  5. • Amino acids such as GABA or L-Theonine,

Herbs are an excellent choice in aiding one’s health. Always purchase organic or ethically wild-crafted products. Look for "Fair Trade" labels. Herbs can be found in capsules, vegetarian or gelatin (animal origin); tinctures (alcohol or glycerin extracts) and in bulk (loose for purchase in desired quantities).

Herbs to consider taking:

  1. • Rhodiolia
  2. • Holy Basil
  3. • Panax Ginseng
  4. • Eleutherococcus senticosus
  5. • Coleus forskoli

Homeopathics are a wonderful, non invasive way of inspiring the body to heal. Homeopathy is a theory of healing based on the "Law of Similars", where the substance that creates a symptom will, in a potentized dilution (a homeopathic), reduce or remove said symptom.

Homeopathics to consider:

  1. • Coffea cruda
  2. • Passiflora incarnata
  3. • Chamomilla

Additional choices:

  1. • Bach Rescue Remedy. Every household should have it!
  2. • Choose additional appropriate flower essences.
  3. • Adopt a pet.
  4. • Full spectrum lighting for your home and workplace.

Things to avoid:

  1. • Violent influences from any source.
  2. • Negative people
  3. • Pesticides
  4. • Artificial ingredients

You know, it really is all about you. So take responsibility for your life, your freedoms. Be aware of your choices. Make the changes you know to. It’s too hard you say? A day of struggle for a lifetime of choice and contentment is a small price to pay. The price of freedom is freedom itself. If you want your life to change, change something in your life. Start with something simple from the choices above. Pick just one and go with it. By spring you won’t recognize yourself. You might even find yourself smiling more!

The Question of the Week: Can you take herbs and pharmaceuticals at the same time?

Answer: Sometimes. Herbs vary widely in their effect and range on a person so it is always best to consult a pharmacist or a couple of excellent texts to confirm the safety of taking natural remedies and prescription drugs at the same time.

Have a question you’d like to see addressed by Sheryl Eaglewoman? E-mail your question to sheryleaglewoman@livingresponsibly.com for "The Question of the Week".

Natural Health Consultant, Sheryl Eaglewoman, offers Private Consulting, Lectures and Education, specializing in all areas of natural health, including herbal, homeopathic and organic diet. Contact her at www.livingresponsibly.com or 406-892-1116.