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Natural Medicine

8 Hacks for When You Are Sick at Work

The weather just got chilly here and now everyone seems to have a cold. But how do you survive the flu season when you can’t afford to take the day off? Here are 8 hacks for when you are sick at work.

1. Use your lunch break to sleep
When you are sick it is actually a good idea to eat less. You see digestion takes up a lot of vital energy and when you are sick you need that energy to go to fighting off the germs. Now I am not saying don’t eat anything. Fruits and vegetables are great. But, keep the heavy foods to a minimum.

You may need less food but you also need more sleep. Usually we get an hour lunch break and this is the perfect time to go and have a power nap. Science has shown that a 20 minute nap taken during the middle of the day is the same as getting over two hours of sleep during the night. However, you do not want to get more than about 30 minutes at nap time because then it will be too hard to wake up.

I suggest going down to the park (if it is warm) and having a sleep in the sun. The sun has a very physical impact on how well we feel and a few moments of rays can make a massive difference. At least get outside and clean your airways out with some fresh oxygen.

2. Drink green tea
Green Tea has been used by the Chinese and the Japanese for thousands of years. They have long considered it a medicine – not just a tea. And modern science is starting to back this up. Recent studies showed that those who drank green tea were up to 60% less likely to develop cancer. Green tea is fully of antioxidants and is a very relaxing way to detox your body everyday. When I get sick I try to drink two or three cups per day and it always makes me feel a little better.


Creative Commons License photo credit: ms.Tea

3. Drink a lemon, ginger and honey tea
In this post I introduced the Lemon, Ginger and Honey Tea. It is a hot drink that I learned when I was in Bodhgaya in India. I was told it was an ancient Indian combination and it was a powerful cold and flu fighter and preventer. They were right. It fixed my cold up a lot faster than normal and I haven’t had a bad one since – even when everyone else is sick.

4. Take a load off
Throughout the years at work you have probably clocked up a lot of favors. Every now and then we do things for people and they say “I owe you one”. Well, now is the time to call in that favor.

Go and look around the office and find someone who owes you a favor and ask them to help you with some of your work. Nine times out of ten they will be happy to lend a hand. It is a good way to make friends as it is a mutual helping – explain that you will help them next time they get sick.

5. Make a deal with the boss
One of the best things you can do is go to your boss and STRATEGICALLY explain to him/her why you need some of your work load assigned to someone else. Here is how you do it.

Go to your boss and explain that you are really quite sick but didn’t want to miss a day of work because you didn’t want to let the team down. Explain that you know how much pressure everyone is under and couldn’t live with yourself if you had a day off and left them in the lurch. Then explain that despite coming into work you underestimated how sick you really were and really would appreciate some help because you don’t want to produce poor quality work.

Your boss will love it.

Showing that you are a team player is a big advantage but also knowing when to ask for help counts for some points. This strategy allows your boss to see that you are trying but need some assistance.

6. Make use of “toilet” breaks
Sometimes you need a break when you are sick but you can’t exactly lay down at your desk. My girlfriend mentioned that she uses up her toilet breaks when she is sick by heading down to the cubicle, placing a rolled up jumper against the wall and having a short nap. You could probably get away for ten minutes at a time like this.

7. Give yourself an allotted time to be sick
One of the best things you can do when you are sick at work is take a short break and give yourself an allotted time to be sick. Just sit there for five minutes and groan and moan and feel awful. After the allotted time is up you should compose yourself, take a few deep breaths and head back to work revitalized and full of bravery.

8. Meditate on compassion
His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says that if you want to have the inner strength of a warrior you need to develop compassion. One of the best times to meditate on compassion is when you are sick.

If you are feeling lousy you can think about the fact that there are people out there who are feeling a lot worse than you are. This should give you a renewed sense of energy and vitality – a sense that you should keep working hard because things aren’t that bad.

The next way you can meditate on compassion is by the using the buddhist practice of Tong Len. Tong Len means “sending and taking” and is where you use your breath as a tool to increase compassion.

Firstly, breathe in an imagine that all the suffering in the world is coming in to your body and dissolving. You take on all the suffering of others so that others don’t need to experience it. Secondly, when you breathe out all your happiness and health goes out to others and makes them all healthy and joyful. Finally you make the aspiration that buddhist makes whenever they are sick:

“May all sentient beings’ sicknesses ripen on me right now while I am sick. May this sickness purify all sentient beings of their illnesses right now.”

top image:Creative Commons License photo credit: Lost in Scotland

Originally posted on May 1, 2008 @ 5:03 am

9 Effective Ways to Beat a Headache at Work

Work is stressful. It produces headaches. And headaches can be severely debilitating if you do not know how to deal with them properly. In this post I’m going to show you 9 really effective ways to beat a headache at work.

9 Effective Ways to Beat a Headache at Work

1. Drink some water
One of the first things you should do if you get a headache is re-hydrate yourself. A lot of headaches are caused by a lack of fluids – especially if you are sitting in a warm office all day, skipping meals and eating salty snacks!

I find that if I am working on the computer and I don’t drink any water I get a headache pretty soon. If I drink water the headache is gone within about half and hour. I have read a lot of studies showing that water can be used for the purpose. Some people will disagree but it seems to work for me.

2. Stretch your neck
Talking to my Chinese doctor recently I asked him whether a bad neck will cause headaches on a regular basis. He told me that the main source of headaches is a tight or out of place neck. 90% of the headaches that he treats are cured by working with the neck.

One of the best ways you can loosen your neck up is by doing a few simple stretches. Two minutes of gentle stretching can prevent hours of headaches.

Stretching your neck to avoid headaches

This first stretch is done by simple placing your hand on the top of your head and gently pulling your ear down towards your shoulder. You should feel a stretch in the neck on the opposite side.

Another neck stretch

This second stretch is done by placing your hands on the top of your head and pulling your head forward with your hands at the same time as your neck pushes backwards against the pressure. It is almost as if you are trying to push the top of your neck higher into the sky.

There are plenty of stretches you can do for your neck. Take is slowly and don’t do any stretch until you have researched it properly and are sure you are doing it correctly.

3. Learn some simple acupressure points
Acupressure is part of the ancient Chinese medical arts and it has been used to successfully treat headaches for thousands of years. The pressure points relating to headaches are designed to loosen up tension and open up your internal energy channels so that the “chi” or energy flows in a more unobstructed manner.

Let me tell you, this stuff works. My girlfriend had been suffering from massive migraines her whole life. She had tried every pharmaceutical drug, physio, chiro and even had CAT scans to see if there was anything wrong. Nothing worked. Eventually I persuaded her to go to a Chinese doctor and within two weeks her headaches were gone. Now she gets a monthly refresher and she hasn’t had a migraine since.

Tiger's Jaw Pressure Point for Headaches

This acupressure point is called the Tiger’s Jaw. It is a basic pressure point that you can use every time you get a headache. However, you should avoid this point if you are pregnant or have other health issues – then it isn’t so good.

To find the pressure point simply press your thumb and index finger together and find the highest point on the muscle. Relax your hand. Then, using your other thumb, firmly press the point upwards towards the index finger bone that runs through your hand. It will hurt. This is good. Hold the point for about a minute.

4. Discover the magic of headache fighting teas
When I was in India in 2005 I discovered a hot drink called a “Lemon, Ginger and Honey Tea“. The three ingredients, when mixed together, form a powerful healing agent that has been used in Indian medicine for over a thousand years. It is also wonderful for treating headaches.

I first discovered this drink in my local Indian eating hole. I went to the same restaurant in the town of Bodhgaya for two weeks in a row and struck up a friendship with the manager. He brought me this drink one morning when I was feeling sick and said, “Drink this. I have had one every day of my life and I have never caught a cold or had a headache.” I didn’t believe him but his friends who also worked in the restaurant claimed it had done similar things for them as well. It worked wonders for my sickness and I have been drinking them ever since.

To make a Lemon, Ginger and Honey Tea simply slice up some fresh ginger and throw it into a big mug with a teaspoon of raw honey, the juice of about half a lemon and boiling water. You can alter the amounts to your own taste but you must always have these three ingredients together – the whole is much bigger than the sum of its parts!

If you get headaches at work on a regular basis you can simply make a thermos of this drink before work and take it with you. Or, just keep the ingredients in the fridge at work and make it when you feel one coming on. The ingredients are cheap and the drink is extremely good for your longevity.

Another tea that is said to have headache fighting properties is peppermint tea. In Chinese medicine a lot of headaches are said to be caused by problems in the stomach. When you are constipated you almost always get a headache. Peppermint tea is a good way to relax your stomach and as such fight that headache.

5. Practice some simple Chi Kung breathing exercises
In high school I was taught a simple breathing exercise by my kung fu teacher. He said he used to use it when he was stressed and had a bad headache. It seems to have worked for me so I thought I would share it with you here.

How to do it –
To do it simply sit at your desk and place your right elbow on the table. With your right thumb block your right nostril and with your right index finger press firmly on your “third eye”. The third eye is simply the point right in between your two physical eyes and up a bit on the forehead.

Hold your fingers in this position and breathe in slowly through your unblocked left nostril. Try and bring the air all the way down into your deep stomach. Breathe out slowly and imagine sending the air up your spine to your third eye. Repeat this for about a minute with each nostril.

It leaves you feeling fresh, awake and much more relaxed. Your headache should vanish sometime during the exercise.

6. De-stress yourself
Stress itself is a big headache producer. We tighten up; tensing our muscles, frowning at the brow and pursing our lips.

However, de-stressing is not as easy as it might sound. There are a million causes of stress and as such there are a million solutions for stress. You need to find out what is causing your own personal stress and find the solution for it.

Some basic ideas include:

  • Deep breathing
  • Looking at the big picture
  • Drinking de-stressing tea
  • Catching up with mates at lunch
  • Reading The Daily Mind!
  • Meditating
  • Having a naughty sweet snack

Whatever it is that helps you de-stress you should try it and see if it helps your headache.

7. Get acupuncture asap


Creative Commons License photo credit: Keisuke Omi

As I mentioned above in the acupressure section, acupuncture is extremely good for headaches. And the great thing about acupuncture is that it last forever. The Chinese doctor is not going to give you medication that simply numbs the pain, he is going to get to the SOURCE of the headache and knock it on the head. Excuse the pun.

If your headaches are recurring you should go and see a reputable acupuncturist and ask them for some help. It is extremely cheap and you will find you have more energy and a lot less stress. It works wonders for you health.

8. Meditate
Meditation is one of my favorite solutions for everything! It is an effective method for treating headaches because it helps you loosen up, relax and helps your internal energies return to their normal pattern. From an Eastern medicine point of view, most headaches are caused by problems with the flow of these energies. Sort out the energies and you sort out the headache.

If you aren’t sure what type of meditation to do for a headache it is a good idea to experiment with the ones that seem to relax you. Simple breathing meditation or mindfulness meditation are some of my favorites.

9. Take some Aspirin
The easy way out. I don’t normally like to take pain killers because I don’t feel like it is a long term solution – it is like a band aid on a bullet wound. But, sometimes you need fast relief in order to be your best at work. Perhaps an aspirin is something you can do in the short term until you discover a long term cure.

Aspirin is a better solution that other pain killers because it is an anti-inflammatory that is also quite good for your blood. As an anti-inflammatory aspirin can help your body fight off the bugs that are causing a headache – assuming that is what is causing it.

Don’t take any painkillers without medical advice though. I am not a doctor. Aspirin is simply my personal preference.

Conclusion on work headaches

Usually a headache can be solved with one of these simple solutions. However, in some cases a headache is an indication of a more serious health problem. If you find that your headaches are regular and without an ascertainable cause you should head to your doctor to get a check up. Don’t be afraid – just get it out of the way so you can stop thinking about it.

Does anyone else have any other methods?

Top image:Creative Commons License photo credit: madmolecule

Originally posted on April 21, 2008 @ 2:19 am

5 Moisturizers To Add To Your Skincare Routine

A huge part of living a mindful and health-filled life is the routines and rituals that we have in place to keep us feeling our best. Part of feeling our best is also looking our best. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder and appearances certainly are not everything, there is still truth to the adage “when you look good, you feel good.” One of the essential elements to looking good is maintaining proper grooming habits and keeping our skin healthy. After all, our skin is our body’s largest organ, so our skin health is a fantastic indicator of our overall health.  [Read more…] about 5 Moisturizers To Add To Your Skincare Routine

Natural Remedies For Common Summer Woes

Just as the fall and winter months are known for colds and cases of flu, other problems arise in the spring and summer seasons. The cure can still be in the cupboard, from bee stings to sunburns and everything in between. Like most people, you prefer to take a more holistic approach to deal with common health ailments, at least as the first line of defense. While you may have had all your elderberries on hand to make syrups in the winter and other remedies to reduce bloating after all your holiday parties, let’s look at some natural remedies for some issues this summer.  [Read more…] about Natural Remedies For Common Summer Woes

4 Essential Oils to Relieve Menstrual Pain

Dysmenorrhea is never a pleasant experience, but there are many ways you can help relieve the discomfort and pain that come with it. Here are 4 essential oils to relieve menstrual pain and period cramps. 

Essential Oils to Relieve Menstrual Pain

1. Rose

Did you know that rose essential oil is packed with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties? The next time you experience menstrual pain, combine this EO with a carrier oil and massage the mixture onto your lower abdomen. 

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Rose essential oil is also known to help improve bowel movement and support gastrointestinal health. If you tend to suffer from constipation before your period, you can add a drop of this oil in your tea and drink before bedtime. 

2. Lavender

By this time, you might have realized that lavender essential oil is great for almost anything–and menstrual pain is no exception to its list of benefits. Lavender is known for its calming effects, and can help significantly reduce symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. 

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Moreover, lavender can help soothe the body and reduce anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety or depression before or during your period, try to put 5 to 7 drops of lavender essential oil in your diffuser. You may wake up feeling more inspired and energized!

3. Palmarosa

For some women, menstrual cramps occur in their low back. If you experience low back pain before or during your period, then considering using palmarosa. It helps reduce inflammation, and provides relief for aching joints and muscles. 

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Palmarosa essential oil smells just like lemongrass, and smells uplifting and energizing. If you feel fatigued and heavy during your period, a spritz of a palmarosa-infused blend should do the trick.

4. Basil

Basil oil is a natural muscle relaxant, and can help stop excessive uterine contractions. Research also shows that basil also helps reduce systemic inflammation, which is often triggered during hormonal changes. 

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To get the most benefits out of basil essential oil, mix 2-3 drops with rose, lavender, or any of the essential oils listed down here. If you’re applying topically, don’t forget to add a carrier oil.