Research has found that people who practice gratitude consistently sleep better, have lower blood pressure, exercise more, have fewer aches and pains, and feel more alert, optimistic and alive. Socially speaking, grateful people are more outgoing, and they’re less likely to feel lonely or isolated. Feeling grateful, especially when you’re dealing with life’s challenges, takes effort. Here are some ways to cultivate your sense of gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal, write thank-you notes, live more mindfully and practice meditation. Cultivating gratitude takes time and practice, but the longer you do it, the more physical and psychological benefits you may see.

The state of your mouth can offer valuable insights into your dental, oral and overall health. Any bleeding when you brush your gums is a sign that you should see your dentist. Unhealthy gums can affect your overall health. Atherosclerosis, clogging of the arteries, has a strong link to gum disease. Pain on biting might mean a cracked tooth. Sugar sensitivity usually indicates a cavity. Tenderness to cold might just need a change of toothpaste. Tenderness to hot is likely to be more serious. The only way to find out, for sure, what’s going on is to see your dentist.

Our lymphatic system has been described as the sewer system of the body, collecting waste products from around the body and delivering them to the liver for filtering. If the lymphatic system gets sluggish, waste products and toxins can build up and we might notice more infection, digestive changes, and overall sluggishness. Castor oil is absorbed with the help of heat into the tissues supports lymphatic movement. This helps with gentle lymphatic drainage and detoxification support. Easy Castor Oil Pack; apply some organic castor oil over the whole abdomen, cover with an old towel, apply a hot water bottle and relax for about 30 minutes, 5x a week. Not during menstruation.

Grieving the loss of a family member or a close friend is among the most painful of human experiences. The passage of time can ease these feelings, but grief can persist indefinitely. People who are grieving may find these coping strategies helpful: Write about your feelings in a journal. Talk to others who are grieving and share stories about your loved one. Also, you may want to finish a project they started, or volunteer for a cause they cared about. Spend time with family and friends to avoid isolating yourself. Ask for what you need, whether it’s practical help or emotional support and remember to accept help when it’s offered.

Party time: Drink a large glass of water and have a healthy snack before going to a party; add a few healthy choices in and minimize the treats. This can be a good time of year to add in a probiotic or digestive enzymes to help with the sugar over-indulgence. Alcohol – make a spritzer or use soda water to cut down on pop use. This will lead to better sleep and a happier person the next day! Don’t throw away your exercise regime – from a class at the gym to a simple walk, keep moving over the holidays. This helps to keep your mind clear and digestion moving. Be mindful – deep breathing, yoga or a simple meditation can help with holiday stress.