12 Benefits of Daily Dry Body Brushing

I’m a big advocate of following both morning and evening routines.  It’s a great way to align yourself for an amazing day, and enjoy peaceful sleep in the evenings.

In amongst my morning routine, I’m a huge advocate for dry body brushing. 

Did you know the skin is the largest organ of our body?  The benefits of dry body brushing are enormous, and here’s why…

12 benefits of daily dry body brushing:

1. Stimulates the skin
2. Removes toxins 
3. Glowing skin, making it smooth with a beautiful sheen
4. Prevents ingrown hairs and bumpy build up
5. Stimulates hormone and oil glands by unclogging pores
6. Increases the blood flow which helps tighten the skin (perfect for those that sit at a desk all day!!)
7. Exfoliates
8. Increased hydration & absorption of nutrients
9. Helps muscle tone
10. Feels so good on your skin
11. Evens distribution of fat deposits
12. Reduces cellulite

Things you should know:

• You can dry body brush before or after your shower
• Don't brush your legs straight after shaving  
  • Shaving exfoliates the legs.  Brushing over this may irritate the skin.  It’s best to wait a day.
  • Each stroke needs to be brushed approximately 7 times
  • Brush your knees & elbows twice (ie: 14 times)
    • Allows the hardened dry skin to be exfoliated and also increases blood flow.  This is also where toxins are stored.
    • Choose a natural dry body brush which isn’t covered in chemicals 

Click here to view / purchase the best selling Bodecare Dry Body Brushes in Relauncher's Online Store

Happy Brushing!

Alison

Interview with Shakti Grace, aka The Holistic Chef 

I've been wanting to introduce you to Shakti Grace for a quite a while, and we've finally with reckoned our busy schedules so we can bring you an interview piece!

Before we get started with the interview, I wanted to tell you a bit about Shakti.  She's an incredibly talented person in so many ways.

She is known as The Holistic Chef who runs workshops, private catering and basically makes AMAZING food which will have your body beaming from all the delicious nutrients.  Shakti also has her own nutritious blend called Shakti's Superfood Blend.

I trialled the blend a month or so ago, having it every day for a couple of weeks.  I added it to my smoothies & juices (both at home and when I was out at a cafe), and also mixed it through my breakfast.  It's non-intrusive and had me feeling absolutely amazing within a few days.

I could go on and on, but I'll let you get on and read the interview....!

Alison xx

First up, can you tell us a little about yourself? I’m a spiritual seeker, with the intent to assist others where I can. I’m a Holistic Chef / Educator and Qualified Yoga Teacher, Breathwork Facilitator and Reiki Master.   I sometimes try to surf as a beginner and I’m pretty wild about Crystals and Vipassana meditation.  I’m also an initiate into Native American traditions.....and I love silly things, funny people and beings that walk their path in grace, integrity and purpose….and I just adore double cups of strong English tea. In a more serious way, I would say I’m a Holistic Health Advocate, Chef and Educator, spreading my passion of Wholefoods and Superfood Nutrition and Holistic Wellness.  The philosophy being that there are many parts which make the Whole on the Path to Optimum Wellness and Happiness; including mindfulness practice and energetic healing, alongside the healthy nutritional ways of being.  Within this I also offer a product to assist this process that I formulated and created, Shakti’s Superfood Blend.

As the founder of the amazing Shakti’s Superfood Blend, can you tell us about this amazing blend?

Shakti’s Superfood Blend (SSB) is a consciously sourced, potent blend of Micro Algaes – Spirulina and Broken Cell Chlorella and West Australian Bee Pollen as the main stars, with the supporting cast being, Wheat Grass, Barley Grass, Maca, Mesquite and Chia. All of the ingredients except the Pollen are Organic, Bee Pollen is a wildcrafted product.

SSB has only 8 ingredients and is mostly algae and pollen and free of additives, sweeteners, fillers, and flavourings ~ simply Goodness.

Shakti’s Superfood Blend (SSB) is my baby so to speak.  I am so passionate about getting it out there to people and offering them the opportunity to try something which is so simple to implement into your daily life.  I feel so happy when people who are searching for a healthier way, find something so easy to help them make the shift; & when the already converted find the product awesomely beneficial.

What are the different ways of taking the blend?

The easiest way to take SSB is in good quality water. The grooviest way is in some sort of magical smoothie elixir or fresh juice. I do suggest that a fresh berry, banana, fresh herb lemon juice smoothie with some sort of live probiotic beverage like kefir or kombucha is really fantastic, with the addition of some virgin coconut oil.

Some clients love it on their yoghurt or cereal, for me it is very green so a smoothie is the way to go!

How much and how often?

The suggested use is 10 grams or a dessertspoon at least once a day, early in the day before or a while after eating is best, so it can sink straight into your system. Algae is super easily assimilated so then this complete wholefood protein can benefit you straight away.

An afternoon dose can be really great way to curb sugar cravings and the afternoon slump.

What ingredients are in the blend?

Spirulina and Chlorella (broken cell wall) ~ Micro algaes

WA Bee Pollen ~ Wild crafted and Sustainably harvested

Wheat grass and Barley grass ~ sprouted grassed that are super alkalizing

Maca Root Powder ~ a wonderful root vegetable and adaptongenic tonic

Mesquite ~ a pod from Mexico

Chia Seeds ~ historically a seed from Mexico, I use Australian

Where can people buy the Shakti’s Superfood Blend?

Online from my website or from select retailers currently in NSW, QLD and soon VIC & TAS.  

I'm unable to sell the product in WA at this time due to pollen regulations but I'm working closely with the Bee Keeper to change this.  We don’t want to hurt the bees in any way by cross contaminating.

You also run amazing workshops.  Can you tell us a bit about them?

Yes I do.  I love sharing my passion with others in person. I'm quite nervous about public speaking (which is hard to believe as I do like to talk!!), but when the topic is about food, healthy eating and holistic wellness, well I just feel so in alignment, and tend to get pretty excited!

My workshops are more like an intimate dinner party, without the wine, and are pretty action packed 3 hours (or so) affairs, which include a meal, notes, recipes, loads of samples of what we talk about and usually some take home treats.

The current topics are:

• Superfoods
• Optimal preparation of Bone Broths, Slow Cooked Meats, Medicinal Ghees and Quinoa (the grain everyone wants to know how to prepare optimally)

When’s the next workshop?

There are workshops in Sydney, and Brisbane at the moment, with Melbourne to come on board any day.

Sydney is Superfoods on May 25 and will be the last one of this kind until late September or so.

I am aiming for a Bone Broths one in Mid July.

Brisbane is a weekend with both topics at a fantastic organic food store and café – Wrays Organics June 22 & 23, and a mini workshop on the Gold Coast at Mrs Flannerys Benowa June 19 and lastly, Melbourne I am looking at June 1 OR 2 at the LG Kitchen in South Melbourne.

It’s very exciting to be going into 3 states now.

Relauncher’s List:

Juice or Smoothie… Smoothie / Elixir – it’s just easier for me, love both

Savoury or Sweet… Oh, both!

Inside or Outside… Inside if it’s my Bed, Outside in the sun and the ocean preferably, so both have their place i guess!

Favourite 3 things in your everyday bag… Oh wow, Alison I only have one handbag, so it’s my all the time handbag.  My wallet, My ipad and my keys, practical but true…

Listening to….  Bhakti yoga, every morning Deva Premal, Snatam Kaur or Subway Bhaktis, later….Xavier Rudd I love him so much! And to be honest constantly listening to nutrition podcasts or podcasts in general, on lofty out there sacred geometry, spiritual kind of things, and interviews with teachers on spirituality and wellness, plus I listen to the Vipassana book the Art of Living every week. 

Reading…. I tend to not have time, I have about 10 ayurveda and yoga books to read beside my bed including Prakriti by Robert Svoboda, a really fantastic book and I read articles on nutrition and spirituality as much as I can – I am a nerd!

Favourite colour…Purple

I can’t live without… The feeling inside that I have a purpose, and the knowing that I am doing my best to move forward on that path by doing my best to humbly embody that purpose….and my cups of tea!

Movie pick… Dead Poets Society and The Big Blue

Thank you so much Alison for this opportunity.  I love love love what you do and your beautiful glowing energy and enthusiasm, I feel very blessed we have connected. Thank you for supporting small business and women in business….so very much.

Love Shakti xxx

Connect:

website | twitter | facebook

The Holistic Chef and Shakti's Superfood Blend are also listed in Relauncher's Directory.  Click here to read more

Umeboshi Plums, The Ultimate Superfood

written by Cassie Mendoza-Jones, Elevate Vitality

Umeboshi plums are the ultimate functional superfood - a true example of "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" ~ Hippocrates.

They're a salty and sour plum from Japan which have been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health complaints. Umeboshi plums are highly alkaline and antibiotic. In fact, in the 1950s, Dr Kyo Sato, a Japanese doctor, isolated a highly antibiotic extract from the Umeboshi plum which could destroy dysentery (staphylococcus) germs. Take that, antibiotics!

Umeboshi plums are sometimes call the "Japanese Alka-Seltzer" because of their use in treating digestive upsets like constipation, diarrhoea, bad breath, motion sickness, morning sickness and lack of appetite.

They're also excellent at treating hangovers because of their ability to relieve symptoms of dizziness, nausea & fatigue, and because they're so highly alkalising. They are useful in inflammatory stomach conditions like ulcers too, but aren't aggravating.

Umeboshi plums contain high amounts of citric acid, making them beneficial in fatigue as the sour plums help to break down and excrete excess lactic acid, which may build up from eating too many acidic foods like sugar, refined dairy, refined wheat and other grains, alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Umeboshi plums alkalise, balance and cool the digestive system. Plus, they're the perfect hangover cure!

How to take it:

Umeboshi Vinegar

Add a splash of the salty vinegar to soups, stews, casseroles or on veggies, meat or salad.

Umeboshi Plums (eaten whole)

A little more hardcore than taking the vinegar.  You can boil the plum and drink it as a tea or just eat one a day as a general preventative and over-all wellbeing booster.

Umeboshi Paste

Mixed into sauces or used as a salty condiment (maybe scrape a little on some sourdough toast with avocado and poached eggs).

I have often recommended clients take some Umeboshi vinegar if they're feeling a little queasy or out of sorts*.  I've had a few clients tell me they don't want to take it because of the high salt content so this post is especially relevant if you're worried about that. Obviously if you have a highly processed diet, then adding extra salt into your life isn't ideal.  But if the majority of your diet is comprised of whole, unprocessed, fresh foods, then you really wouldn't be consuming huge quantities of salt, or sodium anyway.

Salt has had a bad rap in the last few years, but it's the same as giving all forms of sugar a bad name. Processed sugar isn't good for us, but some natural sugars are ok in moderation. Same goes for salt. Processed white table salt? No thanks. Unprocessed pink Himalayan real salt? Sure, and here's why:

Salt is very "yin" and "grounding", and can even strengthen one's energy.

Salt is clarifying, purifying, alkalising and centring. It stimulates the kidneys, which then promote fluid metabolism and a "moistening" effect which benefits dryness in the body (especially helpful in winter, when dryness from heat-producing activity of the body and heaters, hot showers, hot baths etc may "dry" your energy and your body actually craves fluid for balance.)

Salt is also highly detoxifying and purifying (hence why I LOVE Epsom salt baths) - a little salt can purify and counteract the negative effects of some unhealthy foods and drinks as well as detox and re-balance your body after long-haul flights.

The Doctrine of Signatures is an ancient principle in herbalism which suggests that a plant or substance will sometimes have an appearance that suggests its use (e.g. the four chambers of a heart, and it's red colour, suggest it's beneficial for heart health and research shows that lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, is beneficial in preventing certain heart conditions. This is one of many examples). 

"Salt... is a grounding crystal that takes us down into the body / mind where well-centred concentration of matter attracts a clear perception of its opposite: Spirit (non-matter)"  ~ Jacques De Langre, in Seasalt & Your Life

Do you crave salty foods? You could be in need of some real, whole salt, which will reduce cravings within a few weeks.  Pink Himalayan sea salt (or whole sea salt) contains 84 elements naturally found in our bodies. It can help support a healthy pH balance in our cells, nourish our adrenal glands, support our energy and mental clarity, and regulate water content in the body.

"Salt has the most descending characteristics of any substance we eat. It relates closely to our root chakra, the lower foundation area of the body. The key emotional quality of this chakra is security, without which smooth social interaction and other vital activities fail. A... proposition in Chinese physiology states that the kidneys rule the emotions fear and insecurity. Our desire for salt may reflect an internal wish for a more emotionally safe foundation, particularly in a modern society characterised by tremendous change and uncertainty. The anchor of security provided by salt is something to be highly valued. However, too much of an extreme substance such as salt causes its properties to reverse - kidney damage, fear, rigid legs and pelvis are all symptoms of a poor emotional and physical foundation resulting from excess salt." **

Of course, it's always good to use common sense when trying to elevate your vitality, so don't use excessive amounts of salt, but don't be scared to use some real salt as well. A miso soup when you're feeling flighty, some Umeboshi vinegar when you're feeling a little out of whack; these should do the trick wonderfully.

Hey there ~ a few little notes:

* If you have high blood pressure, kidney / renal disease or heart complications, I don't advocate adding salt to your diet and would recommend you speak to your GP if you have any concerns about the salt in your diet.

** This quote, and a some of fascinating info in this post, was taken from one of my favourite books, Healing with Whole Foods - Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, by Paul Pitchford. This book is invaluable and if you've ever wanted to know more about nutrition, the energetics of food, the traditional Chinese perspective on food and healing or um, how to heal with whole foods, then grab yourself a copy.

Connect

website | facebook | twitter

Cassie is also featured in Relauncher's Directory

Read more about Cassie & her Naturopathy Business Elevate Vitality here

Woohoo, I'm so excited to release the details about our upcoming Raw Food Workshop!

Lauren, a Certified Raw Chef from Ascension Kitchen and myself have been working hard to bring you an amazing workshop which will cover demonstrations and tastings, along with giving the background to the nutrition behind many of the ingredients.

Set in a stunning location on Sydney harbour, tickets are strictly limited to create a comfortable, intimate event for YOU.

Make sure you check out Lauren't site too.  You'll see all her incredible recipes and some great videos! Click here

To find out more information and to secure your ticket:

click here for ticket purchases

click here for group ticket purchases (2+ people)

Mother's Day at Karrinyup Shopping Centre in Perth

As many of you know, I was born and raised in Perth.  My local was Karrinyup Shopping Centre.  Over the years, this shopping centre has been remodelled and it's still a place I visit most trips back to Perth.

I was contacted and given the bits and pieces that are going on this weekend for Mother's Day.  For those of you in Perth, here's the deal...

Karrinyup Shopping Centre ~ weekend long Mother's Day Celebration

Michael Battersby (Centre Court): 11am – 3pm Saturday 

Gary Lynn (Food Court): 11.30am – 2.30pm Sunday 

Awesome Balloons (Centre Court): 11am – 3pm Saturday, (Food Court) 11.30am – 2.30pm Sunday 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide Display (In front of Woolworths):Saturday & Sunday

Gift Wrapping (Ground Floor, opp Pumpkin Patch): 11am – 5pm Saturday, 12pm – 4pm Sunday          

Enjoy & Happy Mothers Day!!

5 Tips to a Happy Life

The majority of people out there want a happy life!  We feel so much better having a positive attitude rather than a negative one.  At times though, it just seems easier to be negative, and we  need to stay reminded about keeping our chins up and looking on the bright side.

Here are my 5 steps to a happy life…

1.  Find your passion

Passion comes from the heart rather than your head.  Follow your heart and see where it leads you…  To read more about this, click here  

2.  Dream big and then go for it

Create a Dreams List, then work out which ones you want to go for.  This will  help you realise your passion by doing this!  To see how to create a Dreams List, click here  

3.  Realise that happiness is a choice

People choose to be happy ~ it's not a gift or a situation they are in.

Realise this and remember it.  You are totally in control of your level of happiness.

4.  A sense of humour

Make sure you laugh.  Life isn't meant to be too serious!  Finding your sense of humour, even in the bad times, can help lift your mood which can lead to happiness.

5.  You deserve happiness

If necessary, tell yourself on a regular basis that you deserve to be happy.  This is a really important step to remember!

Happiness is not luck ~ it's a state of mind.  What makes you happy?

Expert Naturopath Laura Burton from Burton Health says...

• Be grateful for the good in your life. It’s easy to slip into a negative state, but the more negativity we put out, the more negativity we receive.  Train your brain to be grateful and happy.

• I keep a journal every day to write down the good things which have happened, along with what I am grateful for. It doesn’t have to be anything too profound, just something as simples as “I am grateful the sun was shining today” or “I am grateful for the smile I received from a stranger”. Try to write down at least 3 positive things each day.

• Be aware of your mental chatter. If you find yourself stuck on a negative loop stop, think of something positive which makes you feel good for half a minute e.g. if you love to swim in the ocean, put yourself there, remember how it feels to dive into the crystal clear water, how energising it is and how happy it makes you feel. Just doing this for 30 seconds will help to relax your mind and body. 

Long term stress takes its toll on the nervous system and the adrenal gland so if you just can’t seem to get out of your funk no matter how much brain training you do, go and see your naturopath. We have some beautiful herbs that help to nourish your nervous system and tone up your adrenal gland to reduce anxiety and worry.

To find out more about Burton Health, click here

 Source

Interview with Personal Stylist, Kandy Russo from What Will I Wear?

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Fashion and style has been my focus and interest most of my life.  I am very fortunate to be able to indulge one of my passions on a daily basis. I come from a design background.  After leaving school I completed a Degree in Fashion, and by the age of 20 I had my own design studio and work room. Success came with winning Designer of the Year with a pleated gown when  I was designing and manufacturing  2 different womenswear ranges, and creating individual  bride gowns along with wedding party ensembles. Back to the present day! I launched What Will I Wear? in August 2004 - a service based business offering Wardrobe Rescues and Personal Styling.  I work as a Stylist with Westfield Sydney and Bondi Junction.

♦

What are your colour predictions for this Winter?

The ‘hue’ of the season is emerald, as declared by Pantone the international colour house.  Apart from emerald and green there is a lot of colour this season my best bet is soft shades. Even the ‘Camoflague’ look reflects green and all it’s shades. The emerald colour trend will continue through Spring Summer 13/14 in the guise of spearmint and it’s related hues ~ close cousin Blue and Chambray.

Another key colour is Red and Burgundy or Shiraz ~ beware of these colours if you are blonde or fair, because they  are over powering to wear successfully unless you are blessed with dark hair and skin.

‘Monochrome Black & White’ a trend that always works.  Metallics - gold & silver are very ’now’ and if not over done looks ‘new-age’, either in metallic fabric, sequins or plastised fabric finishes.

The key this season is texture, texture, texture ~ an important element to remember when putting your new wardrobe together.

 ♦

What are some ‘must have’ items we should buy this Winter, to see us through the colder months & provide value for money?

The ‘must must have’ is a pair of Ankle Boots to wear with leggings, jeggings and or skinny jeans in black shiny or dark denim.

Invest in a coat or vest / gilet  ~ a very important new piece for this season.  There are some fabulous wool coats and jackets in beautiful colours.  If you feel you can’t add colour then go for leather or sherling in a  jacket or vest.

Giorgio Armani Flat Boot 

The next ‘must have’ accessory is a tote bag and add a clutch for a ‘now’ look. The clutch will take you from desk to dinner and the tote will carry it all! Hoping for a cold winter as the Beanie is an essential, there are loads around and some will make you smile.

A new bag is always an instant wardrobe update, look for a ‘Satchel’ bag shape worn across the body, this is a piece to invest in as it is a ‘classic’ style and looks right now and it will last.

Manzoni Bag

  ♦

I’m a big advocate of layering for Winter. What would you suggest? 

The best way to start layering is with a smooth silhouette, start with an Everyday Tank  www.whatwilliwear.com.au/store/  Basics and Wardrobe Staples.  Add your leggings or skinny jean, a tee or over piece, a little stretch skirt if your top isn't long enough to cover your tail, then add your long line cardigan or gilet.  Pull on your ankle boots, wrap a scarf  around your neck, throw your coat over and beanie on (weather permitting), and your satchel across your body.  You'll be all layered up and ready to go!

  ♦

Accessories can make an outfit. Which accessories are you loving, and where do we buy them?  

I am loving my tote bag, my Aqua Italia ankle boots from www.edwardmeller.com.au, and my sunglasses  www.sas&bide.com.au.  Also, my Kate Spadegold satchel bag from David Jones is a favourite, my clutches are Mimco and vintage - I have been collecting for years!

Always accessorize with a yummy lip colour.  My fav’s are Chanel and YSL. This year add a little fur in the shape of a fox tail slung from your bag.

My favourite ‘value for money’ accessory haunts are Diva, Sportsgirl and Recycleshops.

 Edward Meller Boots

 ♦

Do you have any online fashion retailers you can recommend?  It’s not always easy to get to the shops…!

The sites I watch and shop from are:

• www.net-a-porter.com  ~ the best!  
• www.shopbop.com ~ a fave, and love the product
• www.glassworks-studio.com  ~ great basic European fashion 
• www.theiconic.com.au ~ the latest Australian growing success with fun Australian street fashion.

Relauncher’s List of Questions....

Heels or Flats….  A platform with a heel looks ‘new’, heels should be ‘blocky’ and the hip new flats are pointy toe ballet. The flat ‘like a pancake’ is the ‘must have’ shoe for Spring Summer

High boots or Ankle boots… Ankle boots are the look and if you have the legs for them a better buy  

Bright or Black…  Softer shades work best this season, neon is dead. Black is OK as long as it is  textured that is velvet, sheer, crinkle, sequin, suede, patent, croc… get the idea?

Gold or Silver…Love both, gold is more AW13

Favourite handbag… Dolce & Gabbana neutral number with handles and across body strap

Favourite designer… Marc Jacobs, Celine, sass&bide… “oh only one!”

Most likely to see you in which shopping mall / shopping centre… Westfield Sydney City, David Jones, Myer, Westfield Bondi Junction and Oxford Street Paddington

Connect:

Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram            

Kandy is also featured on Relaunchers Industry Directory.  

If you'd like to read more about Kandy & her business, click here

Interview with Joanna Brown, Nutritional Love Health Coaching

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach and founder of Nutritional Love Health Coaching. I'm based in Bondi / Tamarama and also coach clients in the City.   What inspires you? Being part of a health revolution with other positive, passionate health coaches. Society is beginning to wake up to today’s unhealthy reality and wanting to make significant change to the way they live. Although, with so much contradicting information and advertising out there it can be confusing and frustrating to understand what is healthy and what’s not. This is what keeps me motivated and inspired to make a difference and teach others how to live happier, healthier lives.

What brought you to the world of Health & Lifestyle Coaching?

I spent several years working in the corporate industry until I finally reached burnout. From then on I was determined to build a life with more meaning and do something I loved every day. I learnt Transcendental Meditation which helped me gain clarity and confidence about what was important to me.  I then discovered the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and my passion for health and wellbeing became my new career.

  Joanna preparing some healthy snacks

What’s your most favourite aspect about your job & business?

Seeing the positive changes in my clients so soon into their program.  They are filled with enthusiasm as they finally making healthy food and lifestyle choices with ease. With this, their self-love and acceptance grows and it’s wonderful to see.

How do you spend quality me-time?

Walking along the bondi-coogee coastal route, reading books on psychology, love and relationships and treating myself to a massage or reflexology.

What are 3 things currently in your handbag?

My stainless steel drink bottle from the Relauncher!  An ipad for blogging when a creative moment occurs and my two favourite hemp organic lip tints in berry and terra.

Answering Relauncher’s List of Questions…..

Favourite type of tea?  Peppermint ~ great after a meal to soothe digestion

Smoothie or Juice? The Green Alkalizing Juice from The Health Emporium

Type of Milk?  Almond

Sweet or Savory?  Savory

Gym or Yoga?  Yoga. The great outdoors is my gym!

Reading….  ‘Getting the Love You Want, A Guide for Couples’ by Harville Hendrix

Listening…  Pink!

I like to treat myself to… the finest dark chocolate (snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of herbal tea)

Favourite hangout…  The M Café on Fletcher Street, Tamarama. They do an amazing brekky bowl!

Connect with Joanna Brown, Nutritional Love Health Coaching:

website | facebook | twitter

Joanna is listed in Relauncher's Directory.  

To find out further details about her business, click here

Live Aspire Blog Event

I recently spoke at the Live Aspire Blog event held at Iku Wholefood in Darlinghurst.

It was an absolute privilege and pleasure to speak to the attendees about my journey, and how Relauncher has evolved over time since launch of the business. 

Connie fromconniechapman.com also spoke about her journey of transitioning from a full time job into running her own business.   

Connie Chapman, conniechapman.com & Alison Morgan, Relauncher

Ursula Williams, Alison Morgan, Jessica Nazarali 

Ursula & Jessica are the Live Apire Blog Creators

Live Aspire Blog is a great way to connect with other business women and bloggers. Upcoming event dates:

• 26th May
• 30th June
• 11th August
• 22nd September
• 24th November 

For further details, click here 

10 Tips for Dealing with Stress

Throughout life, we all go through varying amounts of stress.  Here are my 10 tips to help your manage and negotiate yourself through stressful times.

Source

1.  Get more sleep

Stress interrupts our sleep.  A lack of sleep can also cause increase the levels of stress.  In these situations we have to focus more on trying to get a sound sleep as difficult as it may be.

Focus on your breathing whilst in bed.  This will help calm the mind down and allow you to eventually drift off.

Try to allow 7-8hrs per night, a routine at bedtime and a calm environment.

2.  Meditation or at minimal, being mindful throughout the day

Meditation is so powerful in calming your mind and allowing your body and brain a rest during stressful times.  I learned my meditation technique through Science of Stillness, and can highly recommend this! Click here to read more

If you are extremely busy and truly don't think you have time to learn meditation, begin with being mindful during periods throughout the day.  You can practise this anywhere.  

An example is in the shower.  Rather than thinking about what is on your to-do list, focus on being in the moment and really enjoy that shower.  Your mind will have an opportunity to calm and you will really notice a difference!

3.  Nutrition is key

I'm a great believer that nutrition is the key to your health.  Make sure you are fuelling your body with greens and large doses of vegetables, simple non-processed foods and a couple of pieces of fruit each day.  Oh, and lots of water too!

Your body will thank you for it, and your boosted immune system should see you throughout the particular stressful time. 

4.  Exercise & movement

I always talk about exercise and movement.  Stress increases the levels of adrenalin and cortisol in your body.  If you don't exercise and move these hormones out of your body, panic attacks can begin to occur.

Exercise and move yourself daily to keep stress hormones at bay.  A brisk walk in fresh air can often do the trick - or shadow boxing in the toilet when no-one is around!

I recently went to a Gwinganna Retreat seminar and the Doctor said:

 if you're having a heated disagreement with someone, ask them to pause the conversation while you go to the toilet.  Walk into the toilet, shadow box for 4 minutes, then flush the toilet, wash your hands, walk out and say to the person, "now, where were we?" 

Your head will be clear, the adrenalin will have been removed from your body, and you'll be able to have a much better conversation:)  

5.  Breathe deeply

Focused breathing releases tension.  When you're stressed, your body constricts and your breathing becomes shallow.  

Breathing deeply allows more oxygen into your body and calms the nerves allowing you to deal with the situation more effectively.

6.  Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes

In addition to avoiding caffeine, alcohol & cigarettes, you should also avoid refined sugars.  They cause energy crashes and result in you feeling irritable.  I imagine, especially around 3pm...

See my recipe section for health, sugar free solutions.

7.  Write it down and see if it is really worth getting stressed about

Sometimes we blow things out of proportion.

Write it down, revisit and see if it really is worth stressing about....!

8.  Keep a list and cross them off as you go

So satisfying.

Write down what you need to do, then cross it off.  You'll be amazed at how much you get done in a day.

9.  Take time out for yourself

Life isn't just about a to-do list, work and stressful situations.  Put a pause button on your life, then get out and enjoy it.  Even if it's only for an hour.

Taking yourself out of a stressful situation for a moment can be extremely beneficial.  Meet up with a friend, watch a movie, get your hair done, go shopping, visit a cafe........  Oh, and have a laugh too!

10.  Talk to someone

Talking can be extremely helpful. This can either help distract you or release some of the built-up tension.  Venting your anger to a friend can also work if you're really annoyed or stressed about something!