Entries by Melody Thacker

Are you over stressed? Is everything piling up and weighing you down? Maybe you've tried pharmaceutical or herbal remedies, but weren't happy with the results for whatever reason. You might just want to try a proven natural therapy that has been used for generations to releive stress and make you feel better. So what is this miracle cure that makes us feel so great? It's laughter. Laughter is good medicine, it's nature's way of easing tension and helping us relax. So, take time to laugh every day and you'll be feeling better in no time.

How does laughter work exactly? Laughter works on several levels to make us feel better and less stressed. First, laughter works to relieve stress physically. When we laugh, stress hormones in our blood, like cortisol, are actually reduced. Laughter also gives us a mini workout, which improves out health and releases hormones that make us feel happier. Lastly, when we laugh, it helps boost our immune system. The stronger our immune system is, the better we feel and the more prepared we are to combat stress.

Laughter helps us emotionally release stress as well. Our bodies are designed to release excess emotions physically through acts such as laughing and crying. When we laugh, it releases some of our negative emotions as well. It can also change the thoughts that promote our emotions. Laughter helps us think more positively, worry less, and be less stressed. Even if laughter doesn't promote positive thinking, it can make you forget about your negative thoughts and feel better.

When you are laughing with friends or loved ones, you are also forming social bonds. When we are bonded with people, it promotes supportive relationships that can make us feel more supported and less burdened, so we feel less stressed out about our situation. Did you know that laughter is contagious? That's why it's easier to laugh with a group.

What can you do if life just isn't that funny? What if you can't find anything to laugh at? Fake it. Yes, that's right, fake laughing. A study done on forced laughter found that when participants were asked to watch a movie and either not laugh at anything or laugh at the jokes whether they thought they were funny or not. After the movie, participants filled out a survey on how much they liked the movie. Believe it or not the people who laughed rated the movie as significantly better and funnier. Laughing, forced or not, improves the way you view the world and helps to fight stress from your everyday life.

In addition to stress relief, laughing has also been shown to help you eat less, boost your immune system, increase your pain threshold, and even help you heal faster. Don't delay. Laughter is good medicine, go see a funny movie, share a joke or laugh for no good reason at all, and start laughing your way to a less stressful life today.

Focused deep breathing exercises can help you relax, and relieve tension and stress you've built up during the day. Many of our everyday lives tend to be too fast paced, causing us to be in a constant state of arousal, even if we have nothing to be excited about. This can cause emotional problems as well; including irritability, anger, and depression along with physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Relaxation breathing can relieve these symptoms, help you deal with addictions, aid in weight loss and can also be used to calm yourself before you go to sleep. There are a number of techniques and methods, it's just a matter of finding the right one for you.

The first step is to find a good position to be in for your breathing exercise. Each technique may suggest a different position including: lying on your stomach, lying on your back, sitting cross legged, sitting on your feet with your knees facing forward, or standing. No matter what the method suggests, you need to be in a position that makes you comfortable. If you're not comfortable, you're not going to relax no matter how you breathe. So find something that works for you. You may also try periodically changing positions throughout your breathing exercises; in fact, some techniques recommend it.

The next step is to use the proper breathing technique. Normally, we tend to take short shallow breaths. Breathing exercises involve taking longer, deeper, fuller breaths. This type of deep breathing changes the percentage of carbon dioxide in our systems, putting us in a more relaxed state. To accomplish this type of breathing, you should be sure to breathe by pulling your stomach in and out (toward and away from your spine). You should also make sure your shoulders stay relaxed; if the shoulders are moving up and down, your breathing is too shallow. An appropriate deep breath should bring out the stomach, chest, and collar bone.

The appropriate deep breath is very slow. It's best to allow about 5 to 6 seconds for each inhale and the same for each exhale; however, it is more important for you to focus on your technique rather than your pace. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and exhale though your mouth. A common yoga technique is to tighten your throat when you exhale so it sounds as if you're whispering.

Do your best to focus your attention on the breathing. The whole point of doing breathing exercises is to clear your mind of stress, not give you a better opportunity to focus on it. You'll probably find your thoughts wandering; just try to bring your mind back to your breathing when you do. As you have more and more experience, you'll begin to find it easier to focus on your breathing and relaxation rather than the worries of everyday life.

You may also find it helpful to practice visualization exercises while you're breathing deeply. Picture each muscle in your body and focus on it feeling relaxed. Once that part of your body is relaxed, you can move on to another part. You may also choose to focus on the stress physically pouring out of your body through your fingers and toes.

Whatever method you use deep breathing is a great way to reduce stress, help you lose weight, quit smoking and get to sleep or simply unwind at the end of a long busy day. Isn't it time you started practicing deep breathing?

Most of us would love to be able to remember things better. Whether you're a student studying for a test or an adult who's becoming more forgetful as you age, you're probably looking for something to enhance your memory. The best way to optimize your memory is to eat right and exercise, both your brain and your body. If you find that your regular diet isn't helping enough, there are safe, natural foods and supplements that will help give your memory the boost you're looking for.

Here are some important nutrients that will help enhance your memory along with other great side effects:

Choline. This is the main nutrient required in the production of acetocholine, the most essential chemical in retaining memories. Choline can be found in fish (particularly anchovies), eggs, liver, soy, and various nuts.

Vitamins. Getting enough of the B vitamins and vitamin C are essential for the production proper brain function. B vitamins have even been shown to raise scores on IQ tests. Taking a daily multi-vitamin like Watkins Superfood Multiple will ensure that you get enough of these vitamins.

Pyroglutamate. This is an essential amino acid that can be used to improve memory, concentration, coordination, and reaction time. It improves reception of neurotransmitters and aids in the production of acetylcholine. It is found in dairy products, fish, fruit, and vegetables.

Phosphatidylserine. This chemical has not only been shown to improve memory, but also to concentration, mood, and resistance to stress.

Omaga 3 Fatty Acids. These "good fats" can be found in fish, including: tuna, salmon, and mackerel. They can also be found in certain nuts and oils. This boosts the amount of acetylcholine and serotonin in the body which improves memory and mood.

Ginko Biloba. This is used to improve circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Ginko improves memory and gives you an energy boost. It has been show to help memory loss from normal aging and Alzheimer's. Be careful how much you take, it can have side effects due to its blood thinning properties.

Vinpocetine. This supplement is derived from the periwinkle plant and increases circulation. It has been proven to improve decision making and problem solving skills.

Carnitine. This is an essential amino acid that improves memory and brain function and mood; it also has antioxidant properties. Acetyl-L-carnitine is essential in the production of acetylcholine.

Glutamine. Another important amino acid for brain function. Along with the improved brain function, glutamine is an energy booster can help you break your addictions to stimulants. It also helps balance neurotransmitters and blood sugar levels.

Getting one or two of these nutrients can help you feel better and improve memory, but if you want to have optimal functioning and memory, it's best to get as appropriate amounts of each of these nutrients from diet and supplements. Watkins Brain Plus can help to bring back your memory while protecting you against age-related mental decline. It contains many of the nutrients mentioned above including; ginkgo biloba to help increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain; brahmi to enhance focus and concentration; L-tyrosine and natural herbs to promote mental alertness; and soy lecithin to provide phosphatidylserine and choline, which are essential for optimal brain function.



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

If I'm honest I'll admit that I wasn't feeling that great for months but then I almost ended up in the hospital with a severe asthma attack. I noticed I was getting tired faster and just couldn't get motivated to go for a walk. There were a number of contributing factors to my getting sick, stress, weather, allergies, a virus and my poor body just couldn't cope any longer. I'm sure smoking didn't help either.

Getting sick should be my wake up call, I didn't smoke for nearly a week so it's a great time to quit. Now that I'm feeling better and back to my normal routine it's a hard habit to break. The cravings are hard but it's the habit I'm having the most trouble with I think.

I'm trying to reach for a glass of water rather than a smoke and there is no smoking in the house. I'm hoping that in a few days I'll be less antsy and be able to focus better. What's you story and what are you doing to quit?

We all know that the best thing that you can do for your health is to stop smoking. But it's easier said than done. Are you trying to quit, or maybe you've been thinking about it for awhile? Why not join us on a journey to stop smoking for good. Whether it's you first time quitting or your tenth time you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

I'd like to share this interesting site with you today Quit Net, it looks like it might provide some excellent resouces and support.

Let us know what's working for you, and what's not by posting you comments!

Are you entering menopause? If so you are probably experiencing the sudden heat, flushing, sweating, and heart palpitations associated with hot flashes. This symptom of menopause is not only uncomfortable, with episodes lasting up to thirty minutes, it's also severely distracting in your life. There are medical treatments that can help with hot flashes, but they can be extreme. You can always dress in layers, or turn the air conditioning up to high, but that's not always practical. So why not try a more natural remedy first? You don't have to live with the dreaded hot flashes, soy has been used for centuries to help relieve some or all of the symptoms associated with hot flashes.

Soy contains natural chemicals called isoflavones, which are a type of phytoestrogen a plant estrogen. These compounds are similar to and act like human estrogen in your body. Studies have shown that women who live in countries with a higher soy consumption have fewer hot flashes than women in cultures that don't eat soy. Many women who begin adding soy to their diet report fewer and less severe hot flashes. While soy does have the benefits of acting like human estrogen, it's effects are fairly weak. Women with mild to moderate hot flashes report decreases in their symptoms, but women with more severe symptoms may not experience as much relief. There are additional health benefits of soy as well, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting bone health.

Soy can be found in many different forms. There are various types of soy food products and supplements. Watkins makes a great-tasting soy beverage that contains 50 mg of naturally-occurring soy isoflavones, the compounds in soy that are thought to be responsible for many of soy’s health benefits. SoyNilla also contains FiberAid®, a cutting-edge dietary fiber from arabinogalactan that promotes intestinal health and has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels. Plus additional calcium and magnesium enhance the effects of soy in promoting strong bones; soy lecithin supports brain function, and Chromium Chelavite® supports your body’s metabolism. You get all this in a convenient high-protein, high-calcium, fat-free, cholesterol-free dry mix that can be blended with water, milk, or your favorite beverage for a smooth, creamy-tasting drink that takes only seconds to make. You'll find Watkins SoyNilla is a fast, convenient way to add soy to your daily diet.

As with any supplement or dietary changes, there may be concerns associated with soy. One is that because it acts as an estrogen in the body, it could effect the chance of breast cancer. It's always important to have regular mammograms and do self exams, even if you don't consume soy. Monitor your soy intake, consuming more than 50 grams per day may increase associated problems. Always consult your doctor or medical expert before making major dietary changes; they can help you figure out if soy is right for you.

While you can't avoid going through menopause, you can alleviate some of the symptoms. If you have problems with hot flashes and night sweats, eat right, exercise, and add some soy to your diet.

You may want to eat healthier, so to insure your success you should make your own healthy eating plan. Eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean that you have to do without the foods you love. You just need to make some compromises and maybe some new choices.

Start your plan by setting yourself up for success. If you're going to eat healthy, that means you need to throw away all the over processed, junk foods and bring in healthy food instead. Read labels and empty your cupoards of refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats and high sugar foods. Stock up on a variety of healthy choices, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy and lean meats. You'll get off on the right foot by setting yourself up for successful healthy eating.

You know yourself better than anyone, if you know over restricting yourself will doom your plans take baby steps instead. You could also allow yourself one day a week to indulge in your favorite unhealthy food. It's a steady diet of unhealthy foods that you want to avoid. As you adopt a healthier eating style your tastes will change and you won't want those empty calorie foods any more.

For fast grab and go snacking clean and package your fruits and vegetables. Sort them into snack-sized plastic containers or zipper bags before you store them in the refrigerator. When you make your healthy foods easy to grab, you will be less tempted to grab some pre-packaged junk foods instead.

Finally, ask a friend or your family to hold you accountable for your new diet. Why not find someone who wants to start eating healthy, too, and form a buddy system? That way you can swap recipes and meal ideas with each other. Better yet, get your entire family involved in a healthy eating plan.

Well, the new year is just about here and many people are making resolutions. How about you, is this the year that you are going to lose weight, save more money or quit smoking? Those are great resolutions but have you thought about setting a "Family Resolution" for healthier eating habits this New Year?

Whether it's intentional or not, generational traits are passed down from each generation of parents to their children, and their children and so on. When Mom and Dad live a fairly healthy lifestyle, odds are that the children will do the same. On the other hand, if the parents believe that being on a diet means skipping the super size fries and drinking diet soda, we can surmise the outlook that the children will have.

There is no time like the present to start making healthy choices. New Years is the perfect time to make your family resolution together and agree to adopt healthier eating habits. It will be easier to do with the support of everyone in the family.

The easiest change a family can make is to start with the foods that you eat. You may want to incorporate exercise into the habits; however starting with food is a small step with measurable results. More than anything you and your family will need a change of mindset.

Sit down together as a family and get input from everyone. Discuss the health risks, looking and feeling better and talk about wanting to be around for your children for years to come. Make an agreement that there will be no sneaking junk food. Have everyone look for creative healthy recipes so that it doesn't seem like you're only eating boring rabbit food.

Forcing or demanding your family to have healthier habits is a sure fire formula for failure. If you can make your family members feel like they are part of the decision and truly understand the importance of it, you will achieve positive results.

Agree to hold each other accountable. Give your child permission to question why you are eating a donut! Agree to support each other and never ridicule. Remember digressions are only temporary set backs, not failures. With the whole family on board failure will not be an option.

Watch for healthy eating tips in out next article and check out these healthy lifestyle tips and recipes.

Diet and exercise. You probably hear it all the time, on television, in magazines, from friends and family, and from your doctor. If you want to lose weight or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, you need to combine diet and exercise. Well, the reason you hear it all the time is because it's absolutely true. There are many important things to do to stay healthy, but the most important steps for good healthy weight loss are diet and exercise.

If your goal is to lose weight you will need to cut out 3,500 calories from your diet to lose one pound. That's about 500 calories per day. This might not seem like much, but when you actually put it into practice, it may be harder than you think. Consuming less can make your metabolism slow down so you still don't lose weight. In comparison, if you jogged at a moderate pace you can burn 740 calories in one hour! Plus, exercise builds your muscle mass so you'll burn up more calories while you're just sitting around.

So, if exercise is so effective, why not just work out and skip the dieting? Well, dieting isn't just about eating less food; it's also about eating the right foods. If you get the proper nutrients, your body will work better and your exercising will be more efficient. You will feel stronger, and be able to work out longer.

Have you tried to reduce your intake of sugars and carbohydrates, but find that it only increases your cravings for them? Many health experts recommend reducing sugars and refined carbohydrates in your diet because too many may lead to increased weight and other health problems. But this can lead to uncontrollable cravings.

Watkins unique Carbo control™ blend helps to balance your blood sugar levels, reduce appetite and cravings. Reduce Plus is excellent for anyone on a high-protein or low-carbohydrate eating plan, and everyone who wants to control weight and balance blood sugar levels.

Watkins TheraTrim­ with Appestat and EGCG is all-natural, ephedra-free supplement with Appestat provides the benefits of green tea and many other herbs to help you reach your goals. TheraTrim not only promotes safe, effective weight control, it may help to enhance your mood and feelings of well-being.

With Watkins Weight Management System, you can still enjoy eating your favorite foods. We'll just help you eat less of them by helping to control your appetite and cravings, and we'll help you to burn up more of the calories that you do eat by increasing your metabolism and fat burning.

When starting a diet and exercise plan, remember to start with small steps. Tell yourself that you'll work out 3 days a week, or eat fruit instead of a high fat snack once a day. Concentrate on what you are accomplishing and don't focus on what you're not. If you do more gradually, you're sure to be thinner and healthy in no time. For best results, take Watkins TheraTrim,™ Watkins Reduce Plus and Watkins Superfood Multiple combined with a sensible eating and exercise program. Consult your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.


The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires the following statement: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.