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Taken in Bohemia, Czech Republic 

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What are some good yoga poses to do before bed???????????

Hi! 

Take a look at our post explaining “Sukhasana with a twist,” which is a great winding-down twist to do before bed. Other good poses to to are child’s pose, happy baby (lying down on your back while holding your feet up), bridge pose (lying down with chest and hips lifted), and a reclined twist (lying down with your knees to one side). Also try taking long inhales and exhales while doing cat and cow poses. Hope this helps!

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Aromatherapy

(Image from zentofitness.com)

Aromatherapy is the use of plant extracts to stimulate the brain through scent. Aromatic essential oils are used in candles, lotions, soaps, and other things to help our mood, energy, and health. Here are some scents and their benefits so that next time you shop for a scented candle or bath oil you know what to get!

Lavender - Calming, relaxing, and helps treat insomnia.

Eucalyptus - Great for headaches and opening up the sinuses if you have congestion.

Lemon - Refreshing, cheering, and promotes positivity if you ever need a pick-me-up!

Peppermint - A minty, energizing scent that enhances alertness and memory. It can also reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) levels!

Jasmine - Has relaxing properties that treat stress and anxiety. Pair a jasmine candle with a yoga or meditation routine to combat the blues.

Vanilla - Comforting and balancing. Use a vanilla-scented candle or bath product to promote restful sleep.

Rose - A sweet, floral aroma that soothes negative emotions such as anger, grief, depression, and stress.

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Yoga Pose of the Day: For Energy

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

When you're just getting up in the morning or stuck in an afternoon slump an invigorating yoga pose, like triangle pose, may be exactly what your body needs to fight fatigue and stimulate feelings of vitality. This active yoga pose is a natural energy-booster, as it stimulates blood flow through the body and opens the chest and muscles.

Straighten the front knee and extend the arm forward and then down to the shin or a block. Reach the other arm up to the sky, breathing deeply for five breaths.

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Natural Remedies for You

Well Scent. The Austin-based company creates amazing essential oils that can be used in a multitude of ways. As Stacey Shuman, founder of Well Scent, says, “Each blend was born out of a need to support the body through physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual transformation. It is our hope that these blends aid you on your journey to brighter days, whether you are striving to physically heal, maintain wellness or discover an innate sense of unshakable joy and everlasting peace.” We specifically suggest the “Pause for Peace” essential oil. This meditative and calming oil serves as a remedy for stress, tension, insomnia, and depression. Use in yoga, meditation, or before bed by putting a drop or two on the body or in the room. Check out some of their incredible products at their website: https://well-scent.com/ or on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WellScentApothecary

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Mind Retreat

Create a place in your mind where you feel safe and at peace. When you feel stressed or anxious just close your eyes and travel to that haven of your imagination. It is your place that no one else can go to where you can escape reality for a few moments to reconnect and ground yourself. 

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Hi, thank you for following me, i already followed you back:) your blog is awesome<3

Thanks <3 You're blog is super cool!

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Yoga Pose of the Day: For Sleep

A relaxing yoga pose before bed can make a world of difference if you have trouble sleeping or just want to stretch your body after a long day.  The goal of yoga before bed is to fully relax you. No power poses, just gentle twists and stretches like this soothing yoga pose for better sleep.

Sukhasana with a twist

Sit down with your left leg extended and your right leg bent and crossed over the left leg. Slightly turn to the right and place your right hand behind your buttocks. Your left arm can rest on the right knee. Control the depth of the twist using your arms, but don't get too far. Repeat for the other side. The twist should help you gently release all the tension stored in different body parts.  

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Sun and Serenity

Just before sunset, the sun casts a gorgeous glow over everything from above the horizon, creating a calming, serene vibe. Go out during this time of day to clear your mind and relieve yourself from all the stresses of the day. After all that homework and study, it’s essential to find time for yourself and r-e-l-a-x

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I am going to a spa in 3 days and I am not sure if I want a Thai body massage or a facial. Which one should I get? I can't decide!

The Thai Body massage will probably be more relaxing and use more naturalistic ingredients than the facial, which often uses oils that can break your skin out.  

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Check out our Spotify playist "ConsciousSound" for a blend of indie and soft pop music:

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Taken at Bear Mountain State Park

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Fall Into Nature

Fall is a beautiful season and a perfect time to get out of the house and immerse yourself in nature. Especially if you live in a city, where people and time can’t seem to stop, it can be easy to get caught up in the stresses of a fast-paced life. We all have things to do, places to be, and we often forget to slow down and appreciate life for its colors. That’s why it’s so important to find time to leave the bubble of society and take a breath of fresh air. 

During the fall, the leaves paint the world in splendid hues of red, yellow, and orange. Visiting a state park or farm, or going for a walk in a local park in the crisp fall air will calm the mind and melt away all your worries. Nature can allow you to rediscover yourself and make you realize that best things in life are right in front of you.

If you live in the New York area, Bear Mountain State Park, where this photo was taken, is the perfect fall getaway. Hike up to the top of the mountain to get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes. The colorful leaves during the fall make the location all the more scenic and make you feel as if you are witnessing a living painting!

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Herbal Relaxation

Tea,  the aromatic beverage prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves, has been valued for its healing properties since ancient times. (The Chinese used tea for the first time as a medicinal drink during the Tang Dynasty as early as the 10th century BC).  The following herbal teas are best to calm, soothe, and relax.  The general rule for preparing tea is to pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 1 teabag and steep for 5 minutes.

Chamomile: an aromatic tea that has a soothing and mildly sedative effect. Drink this after a hectic day to relax, before going to bed to help you sleep, or to soothe a sore throat.

Lemon balm: a refreshing tea that is valued for its calming effects. It soothes the nervous system but stimulates the heart at the same time.  It helps ease insomnia and calms headaches.

Lavender: an anti-inflammatory tea that soothes your stomach and reduces anxiety.

Peppermint tea: the peppermint oil it contains gives it its healing effects. It is associated with alleviating stomach pain and providing energy.

Ginger:  with its high levels of Vitamin C, magnesium, and other minerals, ginger root is extremely beneficial for health. It relieves nausea and motion sickness, reduces inflammation and muscle pain, and relieves stress. Research shows it even helps treat cancer.

Green: loaded with antioxidants, this tea improves brain health and can lower the risk of cancer and illness. Green tea has also been shown to boost metabolism, lower cholesterol, and help digestion.

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Yoga for You

Yoga is an amazing form of exercise that focuses on the breath and awareness of the body. It’s very individual, meaning that you can modify any yoga routine to what’s right for your body and needs. While it can be challenging and even tiring, yoga also soothes the body and mind. It’s a truly unique practice that promotes self-love and mindfulness, and the feeling of satisfaction after a sweat-producing or sleep-inducing routine can carry you through the entire day. 

Yoga With Adriene is a great Youtube channel that provides guided yoga routines that you can do at home cost-free. Her videos are perfect for any level, from complete beginner to seasoned practitioner. You can find a video for any purpose--strengthening core, helping digestion flow, easing back pain, or relaxing you before you to sleep. Adriene’s voice is soothing and her instructions are easy to follow! 

To start, we recommend “Yoga for Complete Beginners-20 Minute Home Yoga Workout” and “Detox Yoga: 20 Minute Yoga Flow for Detox and Digestion.” To maintain a long-term practice, follow her 30-days of Yoga video sequence. Namaste! 

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Meditation can be an invaluable tool for creating health, well-being, and personal and spiritual growth. When you first start to meditate you may find it difficult to let go of your inner voice that plagues you with racing thoughts. Guided meditations are a way of focusing the mind on the present rather than demanding perfect silence when the time isn’t right. The purpose of this guided mindfulness meditation, led by one of my favorite meditation gurus Tara Brach, is to diffuse your busy thoughts and step into the world of your imagination. Being guided allows for an effortlessness that may be difficult to achieve on one’s own.