EcoSalon | Conscious Culture and Fashion » sleep

Skip the Sleeping Pills, Get a Nightstand

Leigha Oaks — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:58:20 +0000

One of my favorite interior images is the nightstand shot; it’s a soulful glimpse into the most personal of practical spaces. I always find myself studying the details and styling of bedside tables.

Here are five essential (and pragmatic) items to rest on your nightstand that will help you rest easy.

1. Literature: Reading a book for 15 – 30 minutes before attempting to retire into sleep can help prepare your brain and body for the rest it deserves. Leave the non-fiction in the living room, fictional content tends to quiet the mind most effectively.

2. Light: The lower the ambient light levels during your nightcap reading, the better (optometrists everywhere are nodding disapprovingly). Turn off your bedroom light and read by lamp light instead. There’s an added bonus here, too – you won’t have to leave the bed to turn off the light when reading lulls you into sleep.

3. Water: There is a plethora of water carafes and cup products (this one is handsome) begging to lounge on your nightstand. Pour a little water into the cup at night before retreating to bed, allowing you a cup ready for sipping if you wake up parched (and if your cup is already full, you won’t need to turn on the light to pour). If all the midnight sipping has you heading to the bathroom, skip turning on the light, which can interrupt your natural melatonin levels during sleeping intervals.

4. Notebook & Pen: We all have thoughts that keep us from sleeping. Whether you wake up in the middle of the night with a stroke of creative genius, or simply remember your dentist appointment the next day – having a place to write it down allows your mind to release the thought and drift back into sleep.

5. Indulgence: This is something that flirts with your senses or your soul. If your nasal passages love a great scent, keep a candle or diffuser on your bedside table (think aromatherapy scents for sleep and relaxation like lavender or peppermint eucalyptus). If leafy green vegetation calms your mind, keep fresh cut flowers or a houseplant next to your bed. While fresh petal blooms are indulging, opting for a healthy houseplant requires way less maintenance. Perhaps a picture of your loved ones or your favorite travel experience lends you a warm fuzzy feeling? Keep one indulgence that suits you.

You’ll notice two things missing from the five essential items, an alarm clock and cell phone. Keep your alarm clock on your dresser – crossing the room to hit snooze will mean you are more likely to wake up on time. Turn on the light and your chances of oversleeping dwindle even more (back to the melatonin interruption). Leave your cell phone in another room, or at least on the dresser, keep your connection to socializing and work far from your slumbering mind.

Select a nightstand that has storage – hidden compartments allow for the rest of your nighttime needs without creating two square feet of chaos next to your dreams. Keep your hand cream, lip balm, ear plugs, sleep mask, and the rest of your nighttime novelties tucked away. Keeping your bedside sanctuary clean and uncluttered gives your chaotic day a hint of order at the end (and beginning) of each day.

Images: Rue Magazine, Fritz Hansen, & Pia Ulin

Can’t Sleep? 20 Natural Tips to Stop Tossing & Turning

Mike Sowden — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:46:32 +0000

For some, bedtime is a nightly battle of tossing, turning and exhausted frustration; believe me, I’ve been there myself. As with any of life’s imbalances, there’s usually an underlying reason for insomnia and although stress and tension are usually the root cause, there are natural solutions to help you get the rest you deserve. Try some of these ideas and see which ones work for you.

Before going to bed, stretch out.

The day’s tensions are held in your body, so a gentle, relaxing stretching session. Even a brief one can do you a world of good.

Wear comfortable clothing – or none!

You might be surprised to find that going to sleep in your birthday suit helps you get more relaxed. Or, simply changing the type of PJ’s you wear can work wonders. If you’ve been sticking to cotton or flannel, try bamboo, which breathes well.

Skip the bedtime TV show.

I know a lot of people that like to fall asleep to the TV, and if that works for you, great. But if you find yourself wired after watching Colbert or the midnight sci-fi flick, take the hint and turn off the tube. With all those flashing images, TV stimulates the brain and that’s the last thing you need if you’re trying to sleep.

Unplug electrical appliances in your bedroom at night.

The subtle electrical hum might just be enough to keep you awake, not to mention digital numbers or standby lights. If you use an alarm to wake up, keep it at least 3 feet from your bed.

Keep your workspace separate from your bedroom.

Using your laptop in bed, or even having your desk right next to your bed will keep stress and sleep intertwined – not a good combination. If you can, remove clutter your sleeping space and make it harmonious and beautiful. Perhaps some beautiful art or make an altar of special objects – anything but the office supplies!

Snack smart.

Is it too health-nut of me to remind you not to drink coffee or eat sugary snacks before bedtime? Hey, even a few bites of dark chocolate were enough to keep me up an extra few hours one night recently, so watch what you eat in the evening. Good choices are nuts, cheese, and nut butters.

Is your mattress uncomfortable?

Are you using the right pillow? Make sure your sleeping situation is exactly right for you. If you’re tossing and turning on a regular basis, it’s probably time for a different mattress.

Keep oxygen circulating in your bedroom.

If you don’t like to leave your windows open, at least crack them or use a small, circulating fan. The white noise might help you sleep better, too.

Aromatherapy

Try aromatherapy to help you relax and sleep. Some great essential oil choices are lavender, ylang ylang, clary sage, vanilla and more. Saffron Rouge, our favorite online beauty and personal care shop, has a wonderful selection of organic essential oils and – our editor’s favorite – a roll-on herbal Sleep formula containing lavender.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that regulates sleep cycles and synthetic melatonin pills are a gentle, over-the-counter option for helping you get to sleep. There are a few contraindications and potential side-effects, so do your research before taking it, but in general melatonin is considered a very mild and helpful supplement.

Listen to relaxing music

Try ocean sounds or a meditation podcast, but make sure your stereo doesn’t stay on all night with lights and electrical feedback to keep you awake!

Tea

Try the old standard for nighttime relaxation: chamomile tea. If that’s too wimpy for you, check out the recipe for EcoSalon’s Sweet Dream Elixir. If you consume dairy, a glass of plain old warm milk can help, as well.

Save shower or bath time for your evening ritual.

The warmth and the water will help you relax, unwind and wash away the stresses of your day. This is especially effective if you use some of those essential oils in your bath.

Valerian root

This is a well known drowsiness-inducing herb. It is generally considered safe, with few side-effects, but as with any supplement, do some research and chat with your health care practitioner before deciding if it’s the right remedy for you.

Kava

The Hawaiian kava root is also well known for its relaxing properties. I tried it a few times when I was living on Maui and I can tell you that it does have a soothing, relaxing effect without any major hangover or side effects. But kava root is not the ideal herb for everyone. Do some research before trying it, and get pure kava powder.

Wear a sleep mask.

We sleep best in total darkness, and those little slivers of light from the streetlamp outside your window or the bright numbers of your digital alarm clock are enough to be a distraction. Simply slip on a mask and enter your own dark cocoon.

Save bedtime for relaxing activities.

You’ve turned off the TV, now what? Read a book (but not a thriller!) or journal just before going to bed. Or, try a little yoga.

Write your worries or your to-do list.

If your mind is racing, grab a notebook and write everything down. Write write write until you’re out of things to write about, until you’re tired, even bored – then you’ll be able to shut your eyes and sleep.

Use a pleasantly scented dream pillow.

It sounds strange, but German scientists found that certain smells help us dream better, while other, unpleasant smells play a part in disturbing our dreams.

Slow, deep breathing.

Before you go to bed, do some deep breathing – this will help relax you. Anytime you notice your mind has drifted away from your breath, gently bring it back. Or do this meditation lying down in bed and you’re sure to fall fast asleep.

Each week here at EcoSalon, the editors choose a post from the archives that we think you’ll love. The original post can be found here.

Images: Raul A., j/f/photos, helgasm, Aaron Escobar, buidl-lemmy, avlxyz, bedzine, Bohman, bitmask, kanko, krikit, ClatieK, nhhsp, fabaudrey, michael reuter, OUCHcharley, craftycrafty, tranchis, kaibara87, lepiaf.geo, Stephen Mitchell

Can’t Sleep? 20 Natural Tips to Stop Tossing & Turning

Sarah Irani — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:10:51 +0000

Before going to bed, stretch out.

The day’s tensions are held in your body, so a gentle, relaxing stretching session. Even a brief one can do you a world of good.

Wear comfortable clothing – or none!

Skip the bedtime TV show.

Unplug electrical appliances in your bedroom at night.

The subtle electrical hum might just be enough to keep you awake, not to mention digital numbers or standby lights. If you use an alarm to wake up, keep it at least 3 feet from your bed.

Keep your workspace separate from your bedroom.

Snack smart.

Is your mattress uncomfortable?

Are you using the right pillow? Make sure your sleeping situation is exactly right for you. If you’re tossing and turning on a regular basis, it’s probably time for a different mattress.

Keep oxygen circulating in your bedroom.

If you don’t like to leave your windows open, at least crack them or use a small, circulating fan. The white noise might help you sleep better, too.

Aromatherapy

Try aromatherapy to help you relax and sleep. Some good essential oil choices are lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine or sandalwood. Nectar Essences has a misting spray – appropriately called Sleep – made of relaxing flower essences and essential oils.

Melatonin

Listen to relaxing music

Try ocean sounds or a meditation podcast, but make sure your stereo doesn’t stay on all night with lights and electrical feedback to keep you awake!

Tea

Save shower or bath time for your evening ritual.

The warmth and the water will help you relax, unwind and wash away the stresses of your day. This is especially effective if you use some of those essential oils in your bath.

Valerian root

Kava

Wear a sleep mask.

Save bedtime for relaxing activities.

You’ve turned off the TV, now what? Read a book (but not a thriller!) or journal just before going to bed. Or, try a little yoga.

Write your worries or your to-do list.

Use a pleasantly scented dream pillow.

It sounds strange, but German scientists found that certain smells help us dream better, while other, unpleasant smells play a part in disturbing our dreams.

Slow, deep breathing.

Each week here at EcoSalon, the editors choose a post from the archives that we think you’ll love. The original post can be found here.

Images: Raul A., j/f/photos, helgasm, Aaron Escobar, buidl-lemmy, avlxyz, bedzine, Bohman, bitmask, kanko, krikit, ClatieK, nhhsp, fabaudrey, OUCHcharley, craftycrafty, tranchis, kaibara87, lepiaf.geo, Stephen Mitchell

Can Eating Organic Stop Nightmares?

Katherine Butler — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:21:53 +0000

Okay, so we all know eating organic is healthy, but will it stop nightmares? This just might take the freshly-baked carrot cake. But first, consider this. Life is scary. There are serial killers, lunatic dictators, and gossip web sites who think we enjoy crotch shots of drunken starlets. And we’re not even addressing toddlers in tiaras and the sparkly vampire movement.

So it’s no wonder that many of us wake in the middle of the night, bathed in a cold sweat, trembling from images of death, despair, and drunks at the Jersey Shore. People may have evolved past loin cloths, but our dreams are as scary as the days saber-toothed tigers stalked our beds. Now they just sport spray tans!

If you know a fact or two about the poisons flying around our environments, you’re probably not sleeping well. Nor are you going to let your friends and family do the same. Note: People do not like to be reminded of environmental and product toxins while opening holiday gifts, baby bath products, or moments before they step into a hot bath to relax after a long day of listening to people worry about environmental and product toxins.

So what’s a green girl or guy to do about it? Recently, I listened to a podcast from The Leonard Lopate Show, “Please Explain Dreams and Nightmares.” It got me thinking – and this time, not about if my non-organic lotion was going to leap off its nighttime shelf and kill me. The experts on Lopate’s show point out that diet can influence a person’s dreams. So does that mean eating organic can help fight nightmares?

Consider the evidence supporting “healthy diet means pleasant dreams.” Let’s look at alcohol. Alcohol acts as a depressive that helps you fall asleep. But how many of us wake up in the middle of the night after one too many, unable to get back to dreamland? Your body is detoxing and flushing out the alcohol – which can wake you up. Caffeine apparently has the same effect. So drinking booze or coffee at night can certainly influence your sleep patterns.

Further evidence shows smokers experience more nightmares because of the toxins in their system. People who are going through cleanses point to vivid nightmares or “detox dreams.” One study shows eating right before bed can stimulate brainwaves, and junk food can make the dreams even scarier. It seems that people deal with stress in ways as unique as fingerprints.

In the end, staying healthy and most importantly, managing your stress will help you get gentler zzz’s. “More toxic” food and drinks can disrupt your sleep pattern, so it makes sense that pesticides and other added elements are not going to help things along. After all, who wants to add unnecessary pesticides to your sleepy time routine? So next time you dream of a wicked witch holding an apple – just ask her if it’s organic.

Image: gettysgirl

Choose the Right Pillow for Your Best Slumber

Lisa Hoover — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:08:07 +0000

No matter how cozy and inviting the rest of your bedding is, you won’t get a good night’s sleep unless you’re resting your head on a comfortable pillow. There are all kinds out there to choose from, so let’s take a look at the options so you can find the best cradle for your noggin.

Foam – Memory-foam pillows are a pretty cool concept. They mold to your head and momentarily retain their shape when you move around, so you kind of feel like you’re sleeping on a custom-made headrest. On the other hand, they don’t have the immediate pliability of down or cotton-filled pillows, so if you squirm around in your sleep, they might drive you up the wall. Foam pillows are typically made of synthetic filling and give off a chemical smell that some people find irritating. Shop around to find ones that are made of natural, plant-based ingredients like soy, latex or rubber.

Down – From an allergen standpoint, goose down is your best option if you’re looking for a feather-filled pillow to snooze on. They’ll set you back a lot more than pillows filled with chicken or turkey feathers, but are also less likely to cause an allergic reaction to those with sensitivities.

Kapok – This tree-based fiber fill is reminiscent of down, but without the potential allergy problems associated with animal feathers. Kapok is harvested in rainforests, so if you go this route, make sure you’re buying from a company that’s committed to environmental responsibility.

Organic cotton – Cotton pillows are comfy, firm, and can withstand nightly use for a long time without needing to be replaced. Available in a wide price range, you should be able to find a good chemical-free, organic style to fit your budget without sacrificing your commitment to live responsibly.

Buckwheat – Made from buckwheat hulls leftover from the milling process, this is the perfect choice if you’re always flipping your pillow back and forth looking for the cool spot. Beware, though, all those hulls rattling around next to your ear all night are kinda noisy. Millet hull pillows offer the same benefits as buckwheat but don’t sound like a thousand Mexican jumping beans moving around under your head. Or, if you can’t bear to part with buckwheat, get a thick pillowcase to muffle the sound a bit.

Hemp – If you want to catch 420 winks on a hemp pillow, look for 100 percent hemp fill, not just a standard pillow with a hemp cover. The weight of your head will tamp down the filling over time so this is the way to go if you like a slim, flat pillow over a cushier alternative.

Wool – Most wool-stuffed pillows are made from sheeps’ wool, but alpaca wool is becoming a hot trend as well. Alpaca wool is more breathable that it’s sheepy counterpart, and therefore cooler to rest on during a hot summer night. It’s also softer and won’t mat as easily as sheeps’ wool, so give an alpaca-stuffed pillow a second look if you like wool filler but have had issues with it in the past.

Image: quinn.anya

10 Tips for a Getting Some Serious Shut-Eye

Susan Chaityn Lebovits — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:43:40 +0000

A good night’s sleep allows us to tackle things with a clear head, more confidence, and in my case, more patience. Whether it’s writing a story lede, maintaining my running pace, or sitting in traffic, having seven hours of recharge under my belt makes my days run more smoothly. While some attempts at slumber cannot be controlled (like my husband’s snoring) there are ways to get in the groove that don’t involve counting sheep.

According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety, depression and stress add to insomnia and the quality of your night’s sleep. Here are some tried and true tips to prepare for, and enjoy much needed down time:

Set an internal time clock
Humans like routine; it’s comforting and the inner time clock can help regulate your sleep pattern. Try heading to bed at the same time every night. Pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to get around to and treat yourself to 15 minutes before turning the lights out.
Develop a bedtime routine
Try a few minutes of meditation, quiet music or simple yoga stretches.
Curb the caffeine
Ban coffee, tea and soda with caffeine from four o’clock. Look for calming non-caffeine choices.
Create an inviting sleep environment
Quiet, dark, and relaxing. If you have noisy neighbors or are surrounded by city buses and trains, try a white noise machine, relaxation music (I like Celtic Bells) ear plugs, heavy curtains, or those sleep shades ala “I Love Lucy.”
Increase your thread count
Splurge for a set of good quality sheets, or at least a pillow case. The smooth, silky cotton will feel wonderful.
Clear the air
Considering that you’ll be breathing in the room’s air for seven to eight hours, be mindful of the quality, especially if you’re prone to dust and mold allergies. Try a HEPA filter.
Go essential
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy due to its calming effect. Try a few drops on your pillow.
Grandma Jeannie’s head-to-toe technique
My late grandmother would visualize calming her body beginning with her toes, and work her way up to the top of her head, taking a few seconds to address each area. It really worked!
Wetter is better
Treat yourself to a warm bath or shower, which will calm your muscles and help wind you down.
Uber high tech
Remember stumbling across technical journals that put you to sleep? Now’s the time to start collecting them and putting them to good use!

Image: quinn.anya

Have Pillow, Will Travel

Luanne Bradley — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:29:13 +0000

“I never stay in a hotel room that isn’t nicer than my own bedroom,” Bay Area designer Stephen Shubel once told me. In other words, the designer would never stand for rough and scratchy linens, a skimpy polyester blanket or a lumpy old pillow on his rented bed, and neither should you.

We all know if you don’t snooze, you lose, and that is why your own pillow is probably the smartest item you will stuff into your carry on tote, suitcase or back of the car when traveling for any length of time. Even an overnight spent embracing an offensive pillow can mess with your rest and make you crabby and sluggish.

My teenage daughter recently took her own pillow and case along for a two week visit to Israel (great on the tedious flight) and I tote my own even when visiting my mom’s house in L.A. because the mounds of pillows decorating the beds in the guestrooms are filled with either old, irritating down or a layer of mystery foam that is indescribably inhospitable.

My mom means well but she doesn’t buy my argument that investing in great pillows is wise, even for her occasional guests. “If I buy them will you come here more often?” she wonders. “Probably not, but just think if the extra room in my travel bag to bring cool gifts!”

Here are five good reasons to cushion that travel blow with your own personal pillow:

1. Allergies

Two words: Dust mites! Most hotel pillows in hotels are not free of these allergens that graze on your dead skin and hair and contribute to asthma and other allergy reactions. Those with luxury down pillows aren’t usually sealed with dust mite proof protectors. If you are using a hypoallergenic pillow at home, then it makes very good sense to be good to yourself and bring it along, just as you bring your SPF moisturizers and dental floss. Good health extends to that healthy pillow.

2. Comfort and Support

While more luxury destinations like the Four Seasons are taking their pillows to loftier heights with great pillows delivered upon request, the vast majority are flat, lumpy or densely packed with a foam and feather combo that can make you wake up with a sore neck. If you sleep with more than one, sometimes topping one of those pillows with your own can make a big difference. Otherwise, toss em away and have sweeter dreams. But don’t forget to remove it in the morning before the maid comes and to pack it when you leave.

3. Harsh Laundry Chemicals

Unless you have checked into a hospitality spot that believes in green and clean, hold your nose cause foul product exposure may be on our itinerary. Bleaches, disinfectants and other cleaning products used in hotels and other lodgings can reek of harsh chemicals or sickly sweet phthalates – toxic synthetic compounds widely used to give fragrance to consumer products. Sometimes you can smell the hotel sheets a mile away and there is a good argument for packing your own sheets and comforter when traveling if you are sensitive to those chemicals.

4. Cushioning Breakables

It’s a trick movers taught me over the years as big fellas would use my pillows as padding for packing more fragile items in those big cardboard boxes. Your own pillow buddy can work double duty as cushioning when packing some breakables in your suitcase or carry on tote – such as holiday gifts (cologne, beads, a serving dish, doll or toy) or your own handbag with a jeweled clasp, a cosmetic bag with bottles of tonics and treatments, a gadget or special books.

5. Sleeping on the ride

We always toss our pillows in the back of the car on road trips to enhance those cat naps or longer siestas. They really make riding in the car more cushy and also feel good at times just propping one on your lap. They are idea for long flights, too, since those spongy institutional small pillow squares issued by the airlines are as inviting as a night in the hospital. Just watch how the light attendants light up when they see you pull out your own Mr. fluffy. They will week and nod, validating that you are a seasoned traveler with a head for both business and pleasure.

Images: UggBoy, Korea Times

Morning Magic: 8 Reasons Why the Early Bird Gets the Worm

DivineCaroline — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:07:11 +0000

I may not have been an early bird since birth, but after years of training myself to jump-start my day, my body naturally wants to get a move on as soon as it’s light outside. In fact, I’m now almost incapable of sleeping past 8 a.m.

Some people may consider that a tragic flaw, but I enjoy getting up early. I like not being rushed as I prepare for work, and I enjoy the morning hour when I’m alone in the office. For some people, waking up early isn’t the easiest lifestyle to sustain, but for those who can stick it out, it offers a bevy of benefits.

More “Me” Time

While my fiancé is hitting the snooze button repeatedly, I’m taking a leisurely shower, tidying up around the house, and catching up on last night’s Daily Show. When you wake up early, without phone calls, emails, or pestering family members, the time is yours to spend as you please, whether you meditate, exercise, read, or simply watch that television show your spouse hates. Many parents of young children find that the early-morning hours provide their only chance to enjoy a cup of coffee or relax alone before the day begins.

Regular Workouts

People’s motivation to exercise is high first thing in the morning. Many report that they are more likely to stick to a morning workout routine than to an afternoon or evening one, since distractions have a way of derailing later plans to get to the gym. Also, although it hasn’t been proven, some exercise physiologists believe that exercising in the morning on an empty stomach forces the body to burn stored fat, instead of other calories.

A study published in the November 2006 issue of the journal SLEEP found that exercising in the morning led to better sleep at night. The researchers theorized that the morning activity helped to properly align the body’s circadian rhythms. Test subjects who postponed exercise until the evening actually had a more difficult time falling asleep.

An Easier Commute

In some cities, the difference between a breezy, quick commute and total gridlock can be as little as fifteen minutes. Getting up early to beat traffic makes commuting not only more relaxing and peaceful, but also safer. Stressed driving, either because of traffic conditions or because the driver is running late, can lead to aggressive behavior, speeding, and poor decision making, increasing the chance of accidents. For those who rely on public transportation to get to work, getting up early can mean the difference between grabbing a seat on a nearly empty train or bus and cramming in next to strangers, holding on to the strap for dear life.

The Benefit of Breakfast

When you sleep in and hurry out the door, breakfast is often one of the first parts of the morning routine to go, and many people who sleep in very late end up skipping breakfast altogether and waiting until lunchtime to eat. Yet countless studies have demonstrated the positive effects of eating a healthy breakfast: people who do so tend to feel fuller, make better food choices throughout the day, and be a healthier weight than non-breakfast eaters. Waking up early gives us the benefit of time and energy to put together a healthy breakfast, instead of grabbing fast food or forgoing the meal entirely.

Family Matters

When you have time in the morning to tidy up the house, start prepping for dinner, or do errands, you can use the extra evening hours to relax and have fun with your partner, your kids, or your friends. Most people would probably rather spend their evenings enjoying a movie or eating a leisurely family dinner than doing housework. Getting your chores done at the beginning of the day makes those activities more possible.

High Productivity

In 2007, Yahoo! Finance surveyed twenty CEOs and high-powered executives at companies like Pepsi, Motorola, Avaya, and Xerox. One thing that all of them had in common was that they were all awake before 6 a.m. They used that time to get ahead on email, exercise, read the paper, or take care of family chores. All of the survey respondents said that getting up early was absolutely essential to their productivity.

A Brainpower Boost

There’s also some evidence that our brains are at their peak performance in the morning hours. In a study conducted at the University of North Texas, college students who reported getting up early had higher GPAs than students who slept in regularly.

Less Stress

When you get up early, you set a relaxed and comfortable pace for the whole day. Between getting yourself ready for work, getting your kids ready for school, commuting to work, and doing all the other things that have to happen before 9 a.m., things can get pretty stressful. Reducing stress has a big effect on health, since stress can result in headaches, stomachaches, hair loss, high blood pressure, and anxiety and can exacerbate other chronic ailments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that stress-related conditions cost American businesses about $300 million every year. When you build extra time into your morning routine, you don’t feel like you’re rushing everywhere.

The biggest benefit of being a morning person is that the world operates on your schedule. Night owls may love sleeping till noon, but it’s a fact that most of life happens during the daytime, and if you’re not awake and ready, opportunity can pass you by. Waking up early isn’t the easiest thing to do, and even those of us who enjoy being early birds occasionally have days when we’re tempted to hit the snooze button (again). But it’s nice to know that once we’re out of bed, the world is ours for a few brief, shining moments “¦ at least, until everyone else wakes up.

Article by Allison Ford for DivineCaroline. First published March 2010.

Related DivineCaroline posts:

Image by: Joe Marinaro

5 Natural Ways to Fight the Flu

Luanne Bradley — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:07 +0000

The flu is already spreading like a Malibu wildfire in my Bay Area community with dozens of kids out the first few weeks of school and contaminated parents unable to play nurse.

It’s going to happen, no way of avoiding it all together, but there are some simple steps to build immunity and combat the spreading of germs at home.

Some people opt for the influenza vaccine, which the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says protects against the three main flu strains causing the most illness during the season. This year’s vaccine contains three new virus strains: A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1)-like virus, A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus and B/Brisbane 60/2008-like antigens.

The government says it is believed the 2009-10 influenza vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses, or it can make your illness milder if you get a related but different influenza virus strain.

For those choosing not to get the shot, most methods of fighting and containing the enemy involve keeping your hands and surroundings clean and lying low when you know you’re not well and can infect others. The good news for the planet is that none of the hygiene practices require harmful chemicals to kill the enemy.

1. Hand Washing

Discovered only 150 years ago, frequent hand washing is the most effective way to keep germs from making you sick and spreading to your pals. According to Every Day Health, it doesn’t matter what kind of soap is used as long as the water is warm and the soap lathers and spreads over the hands sufficiently to trap the germs. Soap and water works best (meaning you don’t have to use a chemical-doused sanitizer that can actually lead to worse viruses). Here are the steps recommended by the CDC:

- Wet your hands with clean water – warm, if available – and apply soap.
- Lather by rubbing hands together; be sure to cover all surfaces.
- Continue rubbing hands together for 15 to 20 seconds – sing “Happy Birthday” twice in your head.
- Thoroughly rinse hands under running water to ensure removal of residual germs.
- Use paper towels or an air dryer to dry hands and then, if possible, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

2. Sponge Duty

Sponges used to wash dishes and wipe down counters harbor massive amounts of bacteria, at times even salmonella. While we are urged to replace them often to keep our kitchens clean, many sponges are made from plastics which means even more petroleum waste in our environment.

According to Living Green, the added environmental danger with many synthetic sponges is that they often contain Triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent banned by Canada in household products this past August. Even though it’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as being a pesticide, it is frequently used in many antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes and cosmetics. The chemical is linked to health problems and harms fragile aquatic ecosystems and waterways.

While replacing sponges regularly is a good hygienic practice, stick to buying ones made from cellulose fiber (cellulose is sourced from plantation forests or recycled). Read the label carefully as some cellulose sponges are impregnated with polyester, a form of plastic. Keep your green cellulose sponge as dry as possible between uses, to avoid bacteria. Sterilize them by soaking for a few minutes in boiled water, or try a dilute bleach/hydrogen peroxide solution.

The U.S. Dept of Agriculture also recommends killing bacteria and mold by microwaving a damp sponge or dishwashing a sponge with a drying cycle (the method my family uses).

3. Stay Home When you are Sick

Take cover when you are sick (just like covering your cough) by keeping away from other students, workers and friends. State health departments urge employees to stay home when they are infected for good reason. It’s the right thing to do for you and your community. Ask a friend or a loved one to make a nice pot of organic chicken soup, crank up the vitamins and heal thyself. Work can added undue stress that undermines a quick recovery. Work can wait.

4. Resist Sharing Personal Items

You don’t share brushes to avoid lice. And you don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items if you want to avoid flu and colds. While sharing is a good gesture, there is a big exception when it comes to hygiene.

5. Love Yourself More

An excellent reference guide by Our Home Remedies follows the non-nonsense Farmer’s Almanac approach of boosting your immune system with rest, healthy foods like fresh leafy veggies and organic fruit, Vitamin C, garlic and thyme, and beneficial teas. We know when we are not loving ourselves because we don’t sleep and become run down, dehydrated and tend to reach for high sugar foods to revive us, rather than what we really need.

Image: hlkljgk

Grown Up Twin Beds for the Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Set

Luanne Bradley — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:00:01 +0000

In light of the recent survey finding many of us secure a better night’s sleep in separate cocoons, it might pay to return to the days of twins. You know, lie back and watch a show, roll over for fun, head home to your crib for a snooze so you can get up for work. Just like dating!

Think of the fun of sneaking into the resting chamber of your better half for a “hello stranger” kinda session, while saving all kinds of bucks on the bedding ’cause twin sets are so much cheaper than kings.

Many hotels in Europe feature twins with headboards pushed together to form one chic unit, dressing them in matching finery. I’ve slept best in a twin since summer camp and think in some ways, we were meant to have a compact cot with a narrow margin to feel safe and secure as we garner our much needed zzz’s.

So what are the most stylish ways to produce twins in your own home? Probably the best source for a cool pair is vintage. If you’re more contemporary, you can always customize upholstered headboards or beds with eco fabrics. But that’s another story!

Subtle Vintage Pairings

ebay is undoubtedly the wealthiest source for matching twins, such as these woven Scandinavian beauties from Antique Bedrooms with tapered, capped legs. $1500.

I’m a total sucker for caned furniture, and in fact picked up a set of beds for my daughters at auction when they were small. These precious French guys were harvested by French Finds.

Man, you could have fun with these circa 1970s rattan vintage twin headboards with a decorative diamond insert. Order good green mattresses on frames sans the chemicals and geometric organic bedding. From Objects in the Loft at 1st Dibs.

Pair of curvaceous, French Oak Louis twins, $990 at Abba Antiques.

Main Image: Posh Living

Image one: Rhymehatcher

Image Two: Coco+Kelley