The Daily Mind
Daily Steps To Mindful Living
Sleep is absolutely critical to our ability to deal with stress. But in a cruel irony, sleep is often hard to find when we’re under significant stress. Without sufficient rest, you’ll find your resiliency lowered significantly. [Read more…] about Ways to Stay Healthy While You’re Under Pressure
Originally posted on June 28, 2017 @ 11:46 pm
I’m not going to lie, I am guilty of spending more than I should every week at the vending machines in my office. Something about the convenience just makes those Funyuns look so good. I also think vending machines are just cool, especially those ones with the robotic arms that offer not just high-sugar beverages but a bit of simple amusement as well (unless it steals my dollar). I recently became interested in learning about a new type of vending machine though… CRACK-PIPE vending machines. [Read more…] about Why on Earth Does Canada Have Crack-Pipe Vending Machines?
Originally posted on May 23, 2017 @ 8:30 am
Most people know that medical marijuana has been used for many years to help sufferers of chronic pain to get relief, but what other medical benefits are there for using this natural drug?
Here are 10 unexpected uses for medical marijuana that you may not be aware of.
Our skin has large numbers of cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are cell membranes present throughout the body and are part of the Endocannabinoid system. This is involved in a number of physiological processes which include appetite, pain, mood and memory.
Because of these receptors, the topical application of cannabis oil has been found to relieve acne, itching and inflammation. Studies are also being conducted to see whether the oil can be helpful in treating eczema and psoriasis.
The endocannabinoid system in our bodies regulates muscle spasms and dilation of the airways. Because medical cannabis is a muscle relaxant it has been proven to aid recovery from acute asthma attacks by dilating the air passages in the lungs. CBD oil in particular has been shown to have great effects on the symptoms of asthma.
Studies have found that cannabis users have healthier levels of insulin than non-users. Further studies are being conducted to ascertain whether cannabis can be used as a treatment for diabetes sufferers.
Research into what causes Alzheimer’s has indicated that it may be caused by the build up of plaque and tangled fibres of protein in the nervous system. Cannabis has been found to reduce this build up and could be useful as a treatment.
While it has not been medically proven that cannabis has anti-tumour properties, it can provide relief of some of the symptoms associated with cancer such as depression, pain and nausea from treatments.
Because medical cannabis relieves pain and inflammation along the digestive tract, it can be useful in treating various gastrointestinal problems such as Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. It also helps to stimulate appetite which can mean that people who suffer from these conditions are able to maintain a healthy weight.
Glaucoma raises the pressure within the eye often resulting in blindness. Cannabis has been found to reduce this pressure and is being used to treat this condition.
Due to its relaxant properties, cannabis soothes the nervous system and helps it to calm down. This can be especially useful for people who suffer from anxiety.
Because cannabis is a muscle relaxant it can be very useful in reducing muscle cramps and spasms. This is particularly helpful for people who like to exercise regularly but are unable to do so because the pain associated with these cramps makes it too difficult.
As previously stated, the endocannabinoid system regulates our moods. Therefore, using cannabis can have an uplifting effect on our system and is very useful in alleviating feelings of depression.
And the good news is that medical cannabis does not produce the high that is generally associated with using marijuana. This is because the psychoactive properties have been removed. Therefore, daily activities like driving and operating machinery are not affected and senses are not dulled with the use of medical cannabis.
Originally posted on May 18, 2017 @ 3:52 am
We’ve given tips on how to quit coffee using meditation, but that doesn’t mean everyone should just give it up altogether. The key, as usual, is moderation, and if you love yourself a good cup of joe, there’s nothing wrong with that in my opinion.
In fact, studies have shown that coffee is good for your health – although we have to admit the results of these studies vacillate regularly. At the moment, though, the consensus is that coffee – in moderate amounts – is healthy. [Read more…] about 13 Reasons Your Brain Craves Coffee
Originally posted on April 24, 2017 @ 10:00 am
Night shift workers share a common problem. They feel tired at work even after a full night’s sleep. Nurses and employees of IT companies and law enforcement agencies are prone to lethargic periods within their eight or 12-hour work shifts.
There are many reasons for the fatigue. Ruling out medical conditions, it could be lack of exercise or too much exercise, eating food rich in sugar or dealing with stress and anxiety. The food you eat during your working hours can affect your energy levels, so it’s good to know which ones make you doze off or keep you awake. Keep these snack items on hand for you to munch on and help stave off that sleepiness and fatigue.
Besides the antioxidants, vitamins and other nutritious benefits, fruits and nuts are two classic snacks that give you a boost of energy. Nuts in general contain unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins and supplements that contribute to a healthy heart. For stamina, pecans are rich in Vitamin B3 (Niacin) which aids in converting the protein, carbohydrates and fats you eat into energy. Macadamia nuts have the same function and is rich in fiber and protein.
Keep in mind that nuts are high-calorie foods and you should eat only a handful. Eat them in raw or dry-roasted form as nuts coated with chocolates, salt or sugar defeat the purpose of healthy eating.
Fruits are a rich source of water, fiber, vitamins and minerals essential to energy production. All fruits are power boosters that keep you mentally sharp at work. Snack on bananas for potassium, apples for fiber, oranges for Vitamin C and folate, pineapples for Vitamin C and manganese and avocadoes for the good kind of fats.
Yogurt is an energy booster because of its protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It can be eaten alone or mixed with other food. Choose the healthy option of food to eat with yogurt, like granola, fresh fruits and chia seeds. Greek yogurt has twice the protein and half the sugar content in plain yogurt. It is also widely available since it has become quite popular. Make sure to go for the low-fat or fat-free alternative as Greek yogurt has more fat content than the plain one.
Cheese and eggs are protein-rich food that are not high in calories. A hard-boiled egg does away with the fats from frying oil. Pair it with unsalted crackers for a filling energy-giving snack. Another good source of protein is cheese which contains tyramine. Tyramine improves mental alertness and increases energy. Night shift workers can bring cheese sandwiches to eat during breaks for added vigor.
Like cheese, soy also contains energy-boosting and alertness-improving tyramine. Fortunately, there are many soy and soy-based food and snacks you can bring to work and have for break time. Soy milk, tofu with rice and cereals are just a few examples. Look for them in your grocery store.
These snacks are meals on-the-go that are perfect for fixing your lethargic mood during your work hours. They are protein-rich and have carbohydrates and fats as well. They come in various flavors and their ingredients come from different sources. Protein bars with plant-based protein and low sugar content are best for a healthy snack.
Night shift workers should take care of their health, especially nurses who are on their feet taking care of their patients. Taking these healthy snacks to boost energy will ensure optimum performance in the workplace.
Originally posted on April 9, 2017 @ 10:49 pm
Are those dark circles around your eyes getting darker by the day? Are you starting to dread nighttime because you know you’re going to be tossing and turning, not getting that much-needed shuteye?
You’re not alone. According to the CDC, an estimated 50-70 million American adults have sleep or wakefulness disorder of some sort. [Read more…] about Why You Can’t Sleep – and How to Fix It
Originally posted on March 24, 2017 @ 8:30 am
