Being “real” is the new perfect. Social media is bursting with memes of lazy days with sweatpants and pizza, in celebration of “imperfections” and minor slips of willpower. We’re told it’s okay to be human, and yet, why do all these women gobbling gorgeous looking cupcakes look so damn perfect? Then there are the accounts that only highlight vibrant green juices, or elegant yoga poses, or perfectly-plated raw meals, and its like, do you ever just eat a brownie that isn’t date-sweetened, gluten-free and low glycemic? We all strive for wellness, but sometimes it can seem like a never-ending pursuit – always in sight but never quite there. In comes the GOOD Fest.

The GOOD Fest helps women to realize that they can still be health-conscious and enjoy a tall stack of gluten-heavy pancakes. This one-day event features a plethora of wellness topics, breakout sessions, yoga, and a supporting community of experts and like-minded attendees.

It all started in a coffee shop when the founders Kate, Jen, and Jess, decided to curate the “The. Best. Day. Ever for a wellness-lover.” Each of these dynamic women came to wellness after leaving their established careers in the marketing and restaurant industries. Now, they work as bloggers, yoga instructors, and health coaches.

Kate, Jen, and Jess are thrilled to host the second GOOD Fest at the Hudson Loft in Los Angeles on February 3, 2018, to share their love of wellness with four hundred women from around the world. People are traveling from the East Coast, as well as other countries, to attend this empowering festival. To keep the conversation relevant and intimate for everyone, each attendee has been assigned one of five unique wellness tracks. Each track addresses various wellness interests through its specific breakout sessions and panels.

“This day is designed to give you a taste of multiple facets of wellness so you can find what works for you. It might be crystals or it might be an inspiring career talk – our goal is for everyone to walk away from this day feeling inspired in some way,” said the founders.

Although the tracks are unique in themselves, each includes a yoga session with a local instructor, a veggie-centric lunch courtesy of Sweetgreen, time to shop the marketplace of wellness vendors, and of course, a concluding cocktail hour to mix, mingle, and make new friends. Plus, everyone will receive an epic swag bag loaded with healthy goodies from over a dozen festival partners – like Hu Chocolate, Nektar, and Rebbl. 

Attendees can look forward to hearing from prestigious speakers who are both knowledgeable yet relatable. Panelists include Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie, Katie Horowitz of Women Against Negative Talk, Jordan Younger of the Balanced Blonde, Lynn Chen of The Actor’s Diet, and so many more. The panels are packed with nutritionists, powerhouse female entrepreneurs, natural healers, and successful creatives.

If you’re getting the “woo-woo” vibe, its true, some opinions may be considered a bit out there. There is a discussion on crystals, and you are likely to hear the words “high vibrations” and “energy,” and perhaps even a few “the universe has your back”s. However, the founders ensured that all feel welcome, no matter their beliefs.

“In the end, it’s all knowledge, and you can do with it what you’d like. Maybe you’ll brush it off, or maybe it will be the thing that inspires you and changes your life.  We have speakers covering everything from living a more eco-friendly lifestyle to taking charge of your sexual health – so if you’re anti-woo – woo, no worries, we’ve got you covered too.”

The most important role of the GOOD Fest is creating a safe and nurturing space to foster a wellness community and personal growth. “If there’s something we’re most proud of, it’s being a place for people to truly connect & support each other,” said the founders. They hope to inspire the attendees to continue on their wellness journeys, no matter where they are, and support them when they feel less than perfect.

“We all have each others backs as we navigate and define this wellness space for ourselves. We aren’t ashamed that that we love a good burrito and IPA as much as a green juice and a Kundalini class. When we are real about our own lives, it creates a safe and accepting space for [attendees] to share theirs!”

There are still a few spots left. If you’re interested in wellness, or even just looking to meet a new friend or two, tickets and the full agenda are available here.

Tanya Flink is a vegan, foodie, and certified Master Personal Trainer based in Orange County, CA. She is also the host of the podcast, “The Vegan Potluck.”

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A recent study revealed that dog owners, on average, walk an extra 22 minutes every day compared to non-dog owners.

The study, which was published in BMC Public Health, also discovered that the walking dog owners do is moderately paced—that’s right. Fido helps you break a sweat and gets your heart rate up.

Moderate intensity is great intensity

Moderately-paced walking may not seem like that big of a deal, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is.

Moderate walking—about 3 miles an hour—is just as effective as running at controlling myriad health issues: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, type-2 diabetes, and other common, but potentially deadly, health conditions. Also, all the extra walking can really help your ticker.

The study

The U.K. study took data from men and women in their 60s and older. Some participants were dog owners and some were not. The people in the study wore activPAL devices. The devices measured speed, distance, and other health factors. The participants wore the devices for 24-hours a day so researchers were able to truly monitor their daily activities.

While this researcher was compiled in the U.K., American researchers are taking note, too. “This is a great study,” Robert Sallis, a family physician with Kaiser Permanente in California, says.

American scientists’ interest in this study stems from America’s growing health crisis.

“The national [American] physical activity guidelines call for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, and that’s what they got in this study,” Sallis adds.

But, in contrast, a CDC analysis reveals that only about 50 percent of Americans get that much exercise every week… Yikes.

Dog love

While owning a dog may help you become healthier, which leads to a longer life, having a pet as a companion can also help relieve stress and depression.

So, young people… Get a pet. Your body and your mind will thank you once you begin to age.

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Energy Muse founders, Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, talk the transformative power of healing crystals and forthcoming book “Crystal Muse, Everyday Rituals to Tune into the Real You.”

Empowerment, inspiration, and hope — there are few things more important than surrounding yourself with positive feelings such as these. Energy Muse, the internationally known purveyor of handmade crystal healing jewelry understands how important it is to make good energy a priority. Whether you’re attempting to recover from a problem, ward off negativity, or balance, protect, and enhance your energy, Energy Muse offers a solution for all of that and more. I recently caught up with Askinosie and Jandro to uncover why they’re so passionate about their business and what makes the time-honored art of healing crystals such a crucial element to actualizing one’s true potential.

Feng Shui Paved the Way

The Energy Muse story began roughly three decades ago when Askinosie was selling luxury real estate in Southern California and a client asked her to locate a home for him with “good feng shui.” This intriguing request set Askinosie down the path to immersing herself in the world of healing crystals. After happening upon a crystal store she said, “I began to live a double life, selling real estate by day and spending the nights with the crystals in this store. The more time I spent with them, the more I knew I could no longer go back to my life as a real estate agent.”

It was then that she took a huge leap of faith by using all of the money she had saved selling properties to travel the world. Throughout her journey, Askinosie said she was able to “study with indigenous healers, shamans, and medicine people who all bestowed their wisdom to me by word of mouth.” Being a self-professed skeptic, once back home, she wanted to test her knowledge and see the results of the healing crystals for herself. Askinosie handmade ten necklaces using her knowledge and doled them out to ten of her friends, one of whom was Jandro, a dear friend she calls her business partner today.

The “Prosperity” necklaces were a success. Friend after friend returned with some sort of good news — from a job offer to a business connection, prosperity really did abound, and it didn’t overlook Askinosie or Jandro.

Jandro’s background in the garment industry, where she says she “had the experience of learning all facets of a business,” turned out to be the the yin to Askinosie’s yang. After such positive feedback about the necklaces, Jandro said, “I worked on getting a small production team together, and we literally started selling product out of the trunks of our cars in Manhattan Beach.” And from there, the rest is history. According to Jandro, “Word spread to Hollywood A-listers about this prosperity-bringing necklace. We were ushered into Hollywood parties to sell our ‘energy beads.’ It’s like we were doing energy deals with the most influential people and successful people and giving them a competitive edge.”

Healing Energy for Everyone

Healing crystals and their benefits are not just privy to Hollywood’s elite. Energy Muse caters to people of all ages, professions, genders, and knowledge levels, skeptics and non-skeptics alike. Askinosie says, “Sometimes, it’s hard to get your head around the world of energy, and the things we cannot see. Crystals encompass the invisible world of energy and give you something tangible to feel and hold in your hands.”

According to Collective Evolution, quantum physics theorizes “what we perceive as our physical material world, is really not physical or material at all, in fact, it is far from it.” Throughout history, numerous scientists have argued that you and I are not solid at all, but are actually comprised of one hundred percent energy, further substantiating the positives of utilizing healing crystals.

When asked for recommendations for some of the more common issues afflicting people today, like anxiety, stress, and lack of inspiration or motivation, Askinosie recommended shungite for anxiety, selenite for stress, and angel phantom quartz for motivation and inspiration, while Jandro swears by blue lace agate for calming nerves and wears it every day. Askinosie also wants to remind everyone that crystals are not just a passing fad. Although the practice has caught on more recently in the mainstream, she likes to think of it as a “global movement that is starting to gain momentum as people become re-attuned to connecting with the energy of the Earth.”

Where to Begin

If you’re new to healing crystals like me, then getting started might seem intimidating. Fortunately, Energy Muse has excellent recommendations on the site. You can shop by chakra, intention, or gemstone, and may also pre-order the pair’s book, “Crystal Muse, Everyday Rituals to Tune into the Real You,” due out in October. Jandro assured me that even newcomers will be able to navigate it with confidence and says, “We’ve done the work for you, giving you the formulas that have worked best for us. There’s a chapter for love, wealth, meditation, pregnancy, spirituality and much, much more. The rituals are structured like recipes, with crystals as the main ingredient.”

While the book may offer practical rituals that can be done in eleven minutes or less, Askinosie reminds us that there’s no quick fix.

“Everything takes time and consistency. Keep it simple and don’t give your power away. The magic is not the crystal, it’s you,” she says. “It’s not doing the work, you are. It’s simply an ally on your journey. A tool to help you get where you want to go. If you think that just purchasing a rock is going to change your life, you’ll be disappointed. The only person that’s going to change your life is you. The crystal is the tool to ignite that change.”

images courtesy of Energy Muse

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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A decade-old health kick led me to try the hydrotherapy craze known as colonics. Three booty irrigations later and this is my story.

I was young, curious, open-minded, and health-conscious. Twenty year old me had recently gone from eating meat, to being a vegetarian, to becoming a full-blown vegan. I was up for trying new and exciting methods to improve my health, and it was right around this time (a little more than a decade ago) that the colonics craze was spreading like wildfire among Hollywood A-listers.

Droves of celebs were lining up to have their colons irrigated, and they weren’t afraid to let it be known. Back then, their open praise for the booty blasting procedure made the taboo idea of having a therapist stick a lubricated speculum, erm, “up there” a little less crazy. And being the slightly impressionable (okay, super impressional) health nut that I was, I hightailed it to the nearest colonic hydrotherapy center.

Before I get to the down-and-dirty part of my experience, I thought I’d mention that colon hydrotherapy is a personal choice, but is one that some physicians actually advise against. What I’m trying to say is that, should you choose to partake in colonics, it’s best to do so in an informed and educated way at a reputable spa. If you have any preexisting health conditions, it’s always wise to clear it with your doctor first. Plus, the results you experience will vary from person to person. Some claim to feel lighter, healthier, and cleaner with lots of immediate and long-term health benefits, while other published studies have linked colonics to the reason for some unfortunate emergency room visits.

So, as I was saying. I walked into the ReNew Life Clinic in Clearwater, Florida, and was immediately impressed by the super-clean-yet-not-in-a-sterile-way atmosphere. The office was inviting and there wasn’t another person in sight, which is nice because colonics is sorta like heading down to your local sex shop — you need more lube, but you don’t exactly want to run into your mom’s next door neighbor.

Bonnie Barrett, the owner of ReNew Life Clinic and first-hand colonics user and success story, actually made me feel pretty relaxed. Once I shimmied out of my pants and slid under the blanket, I was able to lie down on a comfy, hospital-style bed and remained on my side throughout the hour-long procedure, which was kinda nice since I was able to face away from the complete stranger who was about to become well acquainted with my butthole.

Unlike the crazy, hi-tech, otherworldly, abducted-and-probed-by-aliens kinda contraption I was expecting to encounter, the colonics machine wasn’t really all that intimidating. In fact, it was quiet and discreet. I never saw one speck of poop, which was a quadruple plus in my book. As for the speculum, or disposable tip that gets inserted between the cheeks, it was small (thank gawd) and lubricated prior to insertion. I’m pretty certain I was told to relax, although I don’t actually remember that part since I was bracing myself for impact, but all in all, putting the speculum in place was painless and not the traumatizing experience most think it will be.

When you have a colonic, somewhere around 30 gallons of purified water are infused into the rectum. The theory is that the built-up fecal matter (ew) and toxins are expelled, leading to regular bowel movements, weight loss, and detoxification. As the nearly body-temp water was whooshing in and out of my body, Barrett continuously massaged my stomach to move the expelling process along. This didn’t stop the cramps from coming, nor did it help the overwhelming feeling of having to poop, but I made it through the process. I’m not gonna lie, it was kinda uncomfortable, but never, ever painful.

I spent several minutes using the squatty potty afterwards, which is said to be a dream if you ever have difficulty with hemorrhoids or pooping in general, to eliminate the remaining water and stuff from my colonic. Immediately after, the first thing I noticed was how empty I felt and how flat my stomach was. I ended up going back two more times before calling it quits.

Yes, my skin was glowing (or at least that’s what people told me), and I did feel pretty good, but, honestly, it continued long after the sessions were through. Not only was I a young twenty-something, I also consumed zero dairy or meat as a vegan, which hindsight tells me was probably the real culprit behind feeling healthier and looking better. Besides, I was a busy college student back then, which made finding time for colonics, or anything outside of studying, the real pain in the ass.

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In the winter time, it can be hard to avoid feeling down in the dumps. Cold temperatures, gray skies, and boredom can all set in, making it difficult to keep your spirits high. And on a biological level, this can cause levels of serotonin to drop. But not to worry, you don’t have to sit by idly–there are steps that you can take to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain.

What is Serotonin?

Serotonin or (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a chemical that’s found in the body. Known as a neurotransmitter, it carries signals in the brain and is mainly found in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets. It transmits messages throughout the body, but it’s best known for its impact on happiness. The serotonin that’s used in the brain must also be produced by the brain. The chemical is made by combining tryptophan, a component of proteins, with tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor. A shortage of serotonin in the brain can impact the mood, causing anxiety and depression.

5 Tips for Increasing Serotonin, Naturally

If you have serious anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor. If you just want to gradually improve your mood, these tips may help. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Eat tryptophan-rich foods

A 2007  study published in the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience found that an increase in tryptophan in the body can increase the amount of serotonin released into the brain. Foods with high tryptophan content include eggs, cheese, tofu, pineapple, salmon, nuts, seeds, and turkey.

2. Exercise consistently

It’s sort of counterintuitive, because when you start to feel depressed all you really want to do is play couch surfer, but here’s the deal: when you’re feeling down, exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve your mood. A 2001 study published in Clinical Psychology Review found that aerobic exercise may have antidepressant effects on the brain by increasing serotonin. In some cases, exercise may work even better than medication.

3. Meditate

To use the tortoise and the hare reference, meditation is definitely the tortoise, and as a result, people can think that it’s not working. Its positive impact is subtle and can happen over years of practice. But according to Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, meditation can help the mind heal itself at a deep level. Once this happens, it can regulate the release of serotonin in the brain. The key to a meditation practice is consistency. It’s not that you need to meditate for hours, but in order to see the benefits, you do need to do it daily. Start with ten minutes and increase gradually as you feel comfortable. If you find that you have trouble sitting, a few tips can help: Start first thing in the morning. Find a quiet place to sit up on a pillow. Set a timer, close the eyes, and begin to follow your breath.

4. Get a massage

Regular massage, as often as once or twice a month, can help with the release of serotonin in the brain. When you’re stressed it causes the release of cortisol in the brain also known as the fight or flight reaction. The release of cortisol can help us react when negative things like getting chased by a bear happen. Though it’s unlikely in the modern era that you’ll be chased by a predator, still, our caveman instincts persist. The only problem with cortisol is that when it’s present, stress-reducing chemicals like serotonin are less likely to be released. That’s where massage comes in. Massage reduces the release of cortisol in the body, and, as a result, it increases the release of serotonin in the brain. According to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, reducing cortisol increases serotonin. So, treat yourself. It can have a lasting impact.

5. Yoga

Generally speaking, yoga has been found to decrease depression for a number of reasons. It calms the body and mind, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Mindful breathing, an important component of the practice, sends a message to the central nervous system, which can also impact your mood. And certain poses, when done regularly, can help with the release of serotonin in the brain. These include shoulder stand and plough pose.

Shoulder Stand

1. Start off on your back.

2. Kick both legs over the head and then support the hips with your hands.

3. Move your hands down the back until your legs are vertical. Straighten and raise one leg at a time to point your feet upward.

4. Tuck the chin into the chest.

5. The gaze should be at the toes or if you’d prefer, close your eyes. Either way, follow your breath and try to avoid too much adjustment.

6. If possible, extend the amount of time you spend in shoulder stand until it’s about five minutes each time you practice.

7. Slowly release the feet down to the ground, or as far toward the ground as they will comfortably go. One vertebrae at a time, release back down to your back and hug the knees into the chest.

Plough Pose

1. You can move into this pose from shoulder stand or start lying on your back with your legs stretched out in front of you.

2. Raise one foot at a time over head. Kick the legs upward, reaching behind your head.

3. You can either place the hands on your lower back or clasp them behind the body.

4. Your feet may not extend all the way to the floor at first, but that’s the goal. Hold and breathe for five to ten breaths.

5. One vertebrae at a time, release back down to your back and hug the knees into the chest.

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Not that we need National Hugging Day to motivate us, but we’ve found five reasons that back the benefits of hugging the people you care about. So, get to it.

There are many ways to describe a hug. From an enthusiastic squeeze to a warm embrace, or a romantic cuddle to a maternal cradle, the way we hug each other says a lot about who we are and the moment at hand. In addition to our style of holding someone close, there are also many benefits of hugging, making the act of body-to-body contact even more rewarding than you may think.

National Hugging Day is an annual event dedicated to, you guessed it, hugging. Created by  Kevin Zaborney, it has become a recurring event that takes place every year on January 21. Although it was first celebrated in 1986 in Clio, Michigan, it has since become a holiday that’s observed in several other countries around the world. Originally thinking his idea would fail, Zaborney proposed the holiday anyway, and chose the date January 21 because it fell during a time when “people are generally low in spirits” (after the Christmas holiday, but before Valentine’s Day). Zaborney’s motive stemmed from the idea that “American society is embarrassed to show feelings in public.” Now, some twenty years later, the holiday surrounding the power of an embrace is still holding strong.

In an effort to encourage more hugs (within each party’s comfort zone, of course) and celebrate National Hugging Day on January 21, 2017, we’ve dedicated an entire post to exploring the many benefits of hugging. From lifting your spirits and combatting depression to creating a sense of emotional freedom from the trappings of culture and the virtual wall created by social media, we’ve given you not one, but five different reasons that back the benefits of hugging.

1. Hugs Are Uplifting 

You can’t see it, but hugs actually work from the inside-out. The act of hugging another person causes our brains to release the hormone oxytocin, making us feel closer and more connected to one another. Some studies also show that serotonin and dopamine are released, leading to even greater feel-good emotions.

2. Hugs Improve Health and Stress

Stress and health are deeply intertwined, so when we’re feeling stressed our immune system is often lowered and we become more susceptible to getting sick, increasing inflammation throughout our bodies, and a host of other triggers. Fortunately, engaging in a hug lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Studies have shown that patients with arthritis, breast cancer, and women in labor all benefit from touch. Additionally, hugging can also reduce your risk of catching stress-induced colds, leading to better overall health and mental function.

3. Hugs Help Babies (and the Elderly)

People young and old are thought to especially benefit from hugging and physical touch. When you hug babies and young children often throughout early development, it helps them cope with immediate stressors and is believed to better prepare them to cope with stress as adults. And when it comes to adults, the older you are the more important hugs become. Loneliness and fragility all warrant lots of hugs from caring people for the aging population.

4. Hugs Aid Communication

Whether it’s a death, a major life event, or even something worth celebrating, sometimes the words just aren’t there. Fortunately, there’s nonverbal communication. When you can’t think of the appropriate thing to say, or wish to reinforce your words, there’s nothing quite like a hug to seal the deal.

5. Hugs Provide Freedom

Some cultures and individual family units don’t hug regularly. In addition to the act of physical touch feeling foreign or not being a necessity in life, this leads to a longing for intellectual growth and freedom. By stepping outside of our comfort zones, the act of hugging can make us more open in terms of showing affection, expressing feelings, and happier overall.  

Don’t have anyone to hug? Averse to human contact because of anxiety or other reasons? You don’t have to feel left out. Reach for your furry friends. Studies show that cuddling and stroking pets have many of the same benefits as human contact. And remember, you may have the best intentions on National Hugging Day, but consent is always important before embracing strangers, friends, and those who may not feel comfortable being touched. Make sure the benefits of hugging are truly benefiting all parties involved.

Share your thoughts with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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If you’re ready to help the planet while also improving yourself, then you’re going to love our earth-friendly New Year’s resolutions.

Eating healthier, exercising more, and cutting out the procrastination may be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list; and while we applaud your desire to be a better person (from the inside-out), we implore you to take things one step further by incorporating Mother Nature, too. Not only will our suggestions benefit you, but they’ll also help green your planet in small ways, bringing a greater sense of holistic living to your life.

1. Eat Less Meat

Current figures say that global animal farming is responsible for nearly a third (or almost 30 percent) of all emissions worldwide. Furthermore, in addition to making you healthier, an Oxford Martin School research study finds that a widespread switch to vegetarianism would reduce food-related emissions by 63 percent. Start by participating in Meatless Mondays, and ask yourself if you really need a meat or dairy product present at every meal of the day — three meals a day multiplied by seven days means consuming meat 21 times a week. Not only does this slow digestion, but it also raises cholesterol and causes premature aging.

2. Ditch Plastic Bags

It’s time to ditch the plastic bags in favor of reusable totes – but, like, for real this time. Only around two percent of plastic bags get recycled annually, while the rest just sit, and sit, and sit some more in our landfills and oceans. Throw those cloth bags in the car and keep them there, so you don’t forget them at home, or try something even more practical, like a roomy (and stylish) backpack for carrying on small trips that you can then fill with your merchandise after paying at the register.

3. Upcycle Your Textiles

With the rise of fast fashion (and fast lifestyles), the average citizen now throws away 70 pounds of clothing and textiles each year, which means this waste also accounts for five percent of all landfill space. With numbers like that, it’s important to come up with solutions. Clothing swaps are great (and fun, and free) ways to do away with gently used stuff in your closet, all while having an excuse to get together and drink wine with your girlfriends. And don’t forget about all of the amazing upcycling potential your clothes have.

4. Pledge To Recycle

All it takes is a small step, a little action, to really get things moving in the residential recycling department. For curbside pickup, check with your local ordinance and get the bins you need. Next, head to the store and pick up one extra garbage can to start with, and begin with a product like plastics, or aluminum, or paper, or glass. Just focus on recycling one category to begin with, and watch your passion grow. Apparently, recycling 100 cans could light your bedroom for two weeks. Imaging the difference you could make!

5. Compost Your Scraps

If you make a conscious decision to compost at home, you could break down the egg shells, banana peels, and other organic waste that would otherwise sit contained in a plastic garbage bag sealed off from the earth and soil it could otherwise nourish. This process is as simple as setting up an outside receptacle that fits your needs (the setup is usually the most intensive, if you can call it that), collecting your scraps after cooking (and some other activities), and placing them in the outside bin where they will decompose, rendering you a rich, fertile compound that can be added to your garden.

6. Grow Something Edible

Even if it’s as small as an indoor herb garden, there is real power behind growing your own food. Edible plants and gardens will not only save you money and potentially improve your health, but they offer a sense of accomplishment for your efforts, and help reduce widespread farming issues. Build (or buy) a small raised garden bed outdoors and get to planting, or research all of the delicious herbs and fruits and veggies you can grow indoors — you may be surprised at the (yard-less) possibilities!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions for a cleaner planet and body. As always, we want to know what you think, so be sure to let us know your New Year’s resolutions on the EcoSalon Facebook page! Here’s to a safe, healthy, happy, and greener start to 2017!

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If this time of year drives you crazy, then you’re going to love these helpful ways to reduce stress and put you on the path to a happier holiday.

You have food to cook, shopping to do, a family that needs you, a career that demands you, presents to wrap, events to attend, and the list could go on and on. However, what’s often not at the top of the roster is how to deal with all of these obligations and reduce your overall stress levels. While we aren’t promising miracles, we do think that these proven methods will bring you some relief.

You probably know by now that exercise and meditation are proven ways to release endorphins and minimize stress, but sometimes when you’re in the thick of things working out and attempting to find your inner yogi can seem more like a curse than a blessing. Rather than having to psych yourself up to partake in sweating it out, we’ve rounded up a few ideas that won’t feel like an extra chore to add to your lengthy holiday to-do list.

Whether you have a few seconds, minutes, or hours, these ways to reduce stress are simple, enjoyable, and can be done before the holidays arrive.

1. Social Media Break

Don’t worry, it’s not forever, but a little break might do you some good. If you’re feeling defeated because Sally has already decorated her tree, prepped for Thanksgiving dinner, and is showing off her umpteenth handmade DIY project (that doesn’t look like it was slapped together by a 5-year-old), then you’re not alone.

According to anxiety.org, social media sites, and the addiction that often accompanies, has a real propensity to cause anxiety, depression, and stress. The “compare-and-despair factor,” as it’s so accurately called, conjures up feelings of self-consciousness and the need for perfectionism. You might be surprised at how much more productive you become, or that you have a few extra minutes to indulge in good book once you ditch the apps.

2. Hug Somebody

When I get stressed the last thing on my mind is taking the time to slow down and appreciate those closest to me. Bad, I know. But, according to Carnegie Mellon researchers, a hug a day can have tremendous health benefits.

Sharing a hug with someone delivers feelings of having greater social support, and thus reduces the risk of infections as a result of stress. The subsequent oxytocin release also promotes feelings of calmness, closeness, and intimacy. All things we could use a little more of during the holidays.

3. Avoid Alcohol

A glass of wine may seem like a good coping mechanism to deal with the curveballs life throws at you, especially during the holidays, but Psych Central discourages this sort of behavior, especially if you have a family history of alcoholism. High levels of stress may affect the quantity and frequency of your drinking, making it likely that you’ll consume much more than intended.

De-stress with teas like chamomile, peppermint, and kava, the last of which has a highly-researched and proven track record of combating anxiety. For additional drink options that will help put the brakes on feelings of stress, check out Natural Living Ideas for more suggestions.

4. Think Happy Thoughts

Don’t know about you, but I’m definitely guilty of stressing myself out. Not only do I live in the future or the past when I should be in the present, but I can get bogged down by negative self-talk in a jiffy. Although thinking happy thoughts may be an older, more widely-known technique for reducing stress, it’s importance never goes out of style.

Sometimes it’s easy to think up a happy thought on the fly, while other times our minds are so entrenched in the muddied patterns of negativity, that we couldn’t conjure up a cheerful sentiment if we tried. Luckily, Tiny Buddha has 20 thoughts that will help relieve depression and anxiety for when you just can’t even.

5. Nix the Politics

According to The Washington Post, “Americans cited ‘hearing about what the government or politicians are doing’ as the most frequent daily stressor on their lives.” Now that the election is over, magnify that by a thousand. Talking politics is treading on shaky ground, so we suggest avoiding it all together this holiday season.

While it’s important to exercise our First Amendment right, sometimes it’s okay to skip the political banter in favor of something more lighthearted. The last thing we need around the holidays is contention, and while you can’t guarantee that all of your relatives will follow suit, you can set the tone for your gathering by asking guests to refrain from discussing politics. And if they just can’t help themselves, then have a few ideas on hand to interject with and change the subject.

6. Get Lost

Whether it’s in a book, in the woods, while watching a funny movie, or conquering that craft project, the bottom line is: focus on something that brings you joy and less on the things that are causing your stress. Next to doing nothing and letting your mind recharge, getting lost in the process and letting your cares melt away is a great de-stressor. Even if it is only a temporary escape, it’s certainly a healthy one.

What do you think about our ways to reduce stress? Share your thoughts with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 6 Ways to Reduce Stress Before the Holidays (that Don’t Involve Exercise or Meditation) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Organic cotton tampon delivery has the ability to take the inconvenience and health risks out of having your period, hopefully making that time of the month a tad less stressful, and whole lot better for your lady bits.

It’s ten o’clock on a Tuesday night. You’re standing in the checkout line clutching a box of tampons, a carton of ice cream, and a bottle of ibuprofen. Clad in your sweatpants and ratty old t-shirt, the only thing on your mind is the silent prayer you keep saying for the squares of tissue you folded up and placed into your underwear before your departure, hoping that it’s enough to absorb the flow until you can get to the nearest bathroom.

The scenario above is all too common, and if you’re a menstruating woman, then you can probably relate to the pain-in-the-assery that is your period. The last thing you want to be doing is winging it on the way to the drugstore because Aunt Flo came unexpectedly. And if you’re not one to stock up on hygiene products in advance, well, then you’re kinda screwed.

However, with the introduction of highly convenient monthly tampon delivery services, these trips to the store with makeshift pads can all be a thing of the past.

Aside from the alternatives, like reusable menstrual cups and washable liners, many women still prefer to stick with traditional pads and tampons. And while we have no problem with that, what we do have issues with are how these hygiene products are made.

The Huffington Post reminds us that our skin is the largest and thinnest organ in our bodies, making it highly permeable, especially in the vaginal area. Chemicals are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when being constantly exposed to a particular element, which is why choosing organic tampons and pads is the smarter way to go.

Chlorine bleach is a major component used to give these products their bright white color, and aside from the known materials and additives discovered from independent testing, like rayon, artificial fragrances, and pesticides, the contents of what you put in your most intimate areas remains largely undisclosed by the manufacturers. Rather than gamble with your health, it’s important to not only be informed, but to also choose certified organic products that are chlorine-free, dye-free, phthalate-free, and in some cases, completely biodegradable.

With organic tampon delivery services, and one less thing to worry about, you can have the best of both worlds.

1. CORA

This tampon delivery service offers a 100 percent organic cotton product in a, dare I say, chic and  modern stylish exterior. Biodegradable and hypoallergenic, the only downside to these tampons would have to be the plastic applicator (which they’ve kept for comfort), but a bio-based alternative is said to already be in the works. According to Cora’s site, the average woman uses more than 10,000 tampons in her lifetime, which gives us even more incentive to go organic.   

Cora’s cause is also admirable. Statistics show that when girls lack access to menstrual products around the world, it can cause them to miss school so often that they are in jeopardy of dropping out by the age of 14. For every month’s supply of Cora you receive, a month’s supply of sustainable pads will be donated to a girl in a developing country.

Prices range from $10 to $12, and your first order includes the starter kit, which consists of the little black box, little black clutch, and stowaways for a stylish take on your monthly period.  

2. Kali

“Friends don’t let friends use nonorganic tampons,” is Kali’s motto, and we like the way it sounds. Offering 100 percent organic tampons and pads, beyond the perks of a healthier hygiene product, this business also offers a charitable contribution. For every box purchased, $1 will be donated to Girl Up – a United Nations Foundation campaigning for the empowerment of girls everywhere.

You have a few different options from this company. Beyond offering just tampons or pads, you also have the choice of adding wipettes, panty liners, and a period pampering product. With a transparent ingredient list on the website for all of the products you may receive, and the option to substitute something else for the wipettes if the inclusion of fragrance bothers you, we really like the flexibility and disclosure this business offers.

Prices range from $15 to $19.95, depending on the options you wish to add.

3. LOLA

We’ve touched on this brand before, but now it looks as though Lola has gone organic! The tampon delivery service promises to be free of chemicals and dyes, and offers a customizable monthly assortment. Choose between regular tampons and applicator-free tampons, and the delivery frequency.

No frills, and also no pink, this product packaging is refreshing, and sort of serene. Or at least calming in a way where you know those frantic trips to the store are no longer needed. In addition to the health and convenience benefits, Lola also makes sure to give back. To date, this company has donated more than 100,000 feminine care products to low-income women and girls in the U.S.

Prices range from $8 to $10, depending on how many boxes you order at one time.

Have you given tampon delivery services a go? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Celebrities far and wide are ditching makeup for a natural look–which is great for a number of reasons. So why can’t some people get used to seeing bare faces on television?

Alicia Keys

Although many celebrities have posted no-makeup selfies in recent years, it’s Alicia Keys making the biggest waves now.

Alicia Keys made major beauty news when the singer/songwriter chose to go makeup-free on “The Voice.” While this isn’t really news, it’s seen as newsworthy because, really, when was the last time a famous woman went totally makeup-free—repeatedly—on air?

Not surprisingly, people are taking note of Keys’s bare-face appearance for a few reasons. First, people are happy. It’s refreshing that she feels comfortable wearing no makeup in front of the nation. Second, people are also taken aback by her appearance. It’s not that people are proclaiming that she looks bad, viewers are just… surprised? Confused?

I suppose that’s not too shocking. After all—she is taking the no-makeup selfie to the next level and embracing her natural beauty.

And now, Katie Holmes

Holmes is the most recent celebrity to go makeup-free on Instagram, Glamour reports. Her no-makeup look is fresh, simple, and gorgeous.

The main reason Glamour views this as news is because makeup-free is finally becoming a mainstream look for women. Women are no longer seen as lazy if they don’t wear makeup; we’re seen as just normal. And although it’s strange it’s taken this long for beauty trends to catch up with natural beauty look, it’s still refreshing.

How to get the look

While the no-makeup look seems straight-forward, it takes a little work. Because even Keys doesn’t ignore her skin completely.

First, get enough sleep. Your skin will look better when you’re well-rested. Next, drink a lot of water through the day. Help enhance your natural glow by exercising and applying sunscreen. Followup with a serum, moisturizer, eye cream and lip gloss if you feel inclined.

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