Keep Your Home A Healthier Place Without Toxic Chemicals
The whole purpose of eating healthier and working out is to keep your body in good shape and reduce the risk of serious conditions and disease. There are many hazards we can’t avoid, such as air pollution, unless you take drastic steps, like never leaving the house. But even inside your home there are dangers lurking and some of those can come from chemical laden cleaning products. You can keep your home a healthier place without toxic chemicals by using more natural cleaning methods. Some of these will also save you money in the process.
Don’t waste money when you clean the bathroom or the kitchen sink and keep your environment chemical free with this handy kitchen aid.
White vinegar may not have the same health benefits or cooking uses as its cousin apple cider vinegar, but it makes an exceptional cleaner for all sorts of jobs. It’s non-toxic, can be used around children, pets and even when family members have allergies to other cleaning products. It has a natural deodorizing, anti-fungal, antibacteria and degreasing ability because it’s mildly acidic. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the tub and sink, then let it set for a short time and wipe it clean. Pour some in the toilet, let it set and swirl with the toilet brush and it will be clean and deodorized. You name the job, it will do it. If you need more power, spray the area with vinegar, sprinkle some baking soda on, watch it bubble and scrub. Best of all, white vinegar is super cheap. A 64 oz bottle only costs about two dollars.
Throw away those drier sheets and keep your family healthier.
You won’t find a list of ingredients on your drier sheets because companies aren’t required to list all the chemicals used. There are carcinogens, endocrine diruptors and many other hazardous chemicals that can affect your family’s health. Acetaldehyde is commonly found in dryer sheets since its used in low cost fragrances they use. It can damage the kidneys, lungs and nervous system. What’s funny is that its regulated for outdoor use, but not for products used inside your home. A non-toxic alternative for dryer sheets is a dryer ball. You can make your own felted wool yarn, but they’re relatively inexpensive when you buy them at large discount chains. I just bought a set of six for ten dollars. You use three to four per load and they last for 1,000 loads.
Get rid of dust mites and freshen your mattress with baking soda and essential oils.
This one takes a little patience and time, but not hard work. If you want to reduce the number of dust mites and freshen your mattress, mix a cup or two of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender helps you sleep sounder). Put this mixture into a mason jar with holes punched in the lid with a nail, a cheese shaker or even the leg of old panty hose. Shake it on the mattress and let it set for 8 hours or more. Vacuum it off thoroughly. Wash your bedding in hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and dry it in high heat to kill off any mites in your bedding.
- Microwave the juice of one lemon in ½ C of water for three minutes. Keep the door closed for another two minutes and then wipe it clean with a dry cloth. It will sparkle.
- A paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be just what you need to remove rust stains from sinks. Apply it to the area and give it time to work before you use a scrubbing sponge to finish the job of removing the stain.
- Cleaning mineral deposits from a tea kettle or pan is easy. Boil vinegar in the kettle and it comes off easily.
- Are fleas a problem? FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth works well. Vacuum, sprinkle it onto the floor and let it go for about hours, then vacuum the area again. You will have to repeat daily for 3 to 4 weeks to ensure you kill all fleas, since that’s the length of their lifecycle and all the eggs have hatched.
Health Benefits Of A Massage
Whether you’re trying to “unkink” a muscle after a tough workout or just need a little help to relax, a massage is a perfect way to do it. However, there are other health benefits of a 
massage that you might not know about and a few that could help you overcome serious conditions that create chronic pain. Even Mayo Clinic, considered the best hospital in the nation, applauds the use of massage as a complementary form of medicine, particularly for painful conditions.
Relax and help relieve anxiety and other conditions with a massage.
If you’ve ever suffered from TMJ—temporomandibular joint pain, to the point you’re ready for surgery, consider a deep massage to help you before you take that option. Some studies show that massage can be a non-invasive way to relieve the pain of TMJ. It’s also a help for soft tissue strains and injuries, myofascial pain syndrome, sports injuries and headaches.
Digestive disorders can be helped with massage.
Just the relaxation that comes with a massage is good for many digestive disorders. However, massage can also benefit those who have a sluggish colon, which causes constipation. If the digestive process slows, it can cause issues that also range from diarrhea to nausea. Massage can help stimulate the digestive process and aid in the release of enzymes that aid digestion and removal of waste products. Massage is also great in helping to relieve gas and bloating and improving the stomach muscles to prevent future problems.
Look to massage therapy for aid in relieving pain from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia causes intense muscle pain, tightness, twitching and burning. There are tender points in the body and totally draining fatigue in some cases. People with fibromyalgia may have insomnia, fibro fog, feel nervous or depressed. They may also have dry eyes, dry mouth, abdominal pain and numbness in various areas of the body. While medications and regular exercise are often used to help control this condition, massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic therapy can also be a huge benefit.
- If you’ve ever rubbed your neck, temples or head in an attempt to relieve a headache, you probably already understand how massage can help it.
- Lack of sleep can lead to several serious conditions, including heart problems. It can also cause weight gain. Massage can help when lack of sleep comes from stress.
- Getting a massage on a regular basis can also reduce both the upper and lower numbers of your blood pressure.
- Massage not only helps circulation and improves posture, it also helps give your immune system a boost. You’ll be less prone to infections when you get a massage on a regular basis.
Habits That Will Help You In And Out Of The Gym
If you have successfully created a workout habit and stuck with it, you’ve developed habits that will help you in and out of the gym. The first habit of successful people, both in life and in the world of fitness, is to create goals and the path to reach them. Setting a goal is the first step to achieving that goal and it can take you further in life than you ever thought possible.
Creating a schedule to achieve the goal.
Getting fit is not a one time shot and anyone with any experience working out knows that. As a personal trainer, I normally handle the exercises used to reach the goal, but my clients know that they have to put in the time. They make sure that workout time is in their schedule and leave nothing to chance. No matter how great your goal, if you don’t take steps to achieve it, it becomes a wish. Making sure you take the time each day to work on your goal will lead you to success.
Mental toughness is often learned in the gym and is a trait of successful people.
Mental toughness is the ability to continue on working long after others have stopped. It’s knowing you’ll achieve your goal and refusal to accept failure. If you’ve ever worked toward your highest potential in a gym and didn’t quit until you’ve achieved your goal, you’re developing mental toughness. People with mental toughness have the edge over others who don’t. They are strongest when demands on them are the greatest and the conditions are at their worst.
Do what you love and enjoy every minute of it.
Sure, working out can be tough, but it still can be fun. Getting into shape shouldn’t be a punishment. Whether you alternate between the gym and something active you love, like biking, hiking, swimming or dancing or whether you simply love working out in a group or the joy you feel when you accomplish a fitness goal, savor every minute. You’ll do better in life when your life’s work is something you love and you throw your whole heart into it, just as you will when you learn that getting fit and staying should be fun.
- All you can do is your best, never compare yourself to another. If you’re giving 100%, eventually the best you can give will be even better. Don’t compare your performance with any one’s, just work to improve yourself.
- Surround yourself with like minded people that are also geared toward success. In the gym, like in life, enthusiasm is contagious and can drive you toward success.
- Your results in both life and the gym depend on the amount of effort you put into getting them. That doesn’t mean you can’t love what you’re doing, it just means you have to work hard.
- Consistency is important and pays big dividends. To achieve anything you must work at it regularly.