8 Foods to Eat For Happiness When You're Feeling Down
Sometimes you just have one of those days where everything seems to go wrong. Nothing feels good. Nothing can improve your mood. The only thing you can think about is a nice hearty meal or a decadent dessert to drown your feelings in. This may seem like a great idea in the moment, but it'll only take you further down after. Skip the ice cream, bowls of cereal, and that entire box of pizza, and focus on eating your way to happiness the healthy way. Battling emotions associated with depression is difficult. It's not an easy fix. But cleaning up your diet and eating foods that can give you energy and a mood boost can really help.
Dark Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale and spinach are great at fighting against inflammation. "According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, severe depression has been linked with brain inflammation." Try incorporating a little bit into each of your meals like adding it into your smoothies and omelettes. One study even found that a diet rich in leafy greens led to sharper memory and slower decline. Give us all the greens, please!
Walnuts
The keto diet may just be onto something! These nuts are extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and, according to a study from the British Journal of Psychiatry, this type of fat supports brain function and reduces depression symptoms. If you're looking for a happy state of mind, try snacking on a few of these at a time.
Coconut
Coconut seems to be everywhere right now and you can never have enough of it because number one, it tastes amazing. Number two, it's so versatile. And number three, which probably should be number one, coconut is a mood-boosting food. Just like avocados, coconut can stimulate dopamine and serotonin synthesis. These two are key for lessening anxiety and increasing appetite, two common symptoms of depression. MCT oil is the type of fat found in coconuts, and it can be easily added to any recipe. Just call it the happy ingredient!
Berries
Blueberries. Raspberries. Strawberries. Blackberries. You name it. These are an incredible source of antioxidants. One study done by the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine that said, "After two years, those who were treated with antioxidants had a significantly lower depression score." Not only that but berries are delicious, sweet, and refreshing, making them the perfect thing to snack on for a mood boost. Plus, the colors can only brighten your day.
Dark Chocolate
Because we're all looking for a reason to justify eating more chocolate, aren't we? Most of us turn to chocolate in times of mood swings, especially women when it's that time of the month and cravings hit. Well, there's some legitimacy to it because dark chocolate has been found to be a stimulator of those same endorphins that give you feelings of happiness and pleasure. Of course, don't overdo it, because too much sugar can give you that opposite feeling.
Avocados
The mitochondria may be the powerhouse of the cell, but avocados are the powerhouse of the entire human body! These beautiful babies are filled with loads of healthy fats. And believe it or not, even though protein gets all the talk these days, fats are just as important. Your brain needs fats in order to run smoothly. Avocados like to be called the happy fruit. According to Livestrong, "Avocados are rich in nutrients necessary for serotonin to develop and reach optimal levels in the brain." More serotonin equals more serenity!
Turkey
You might not have guessed this one because you all know far too well how turkey can make you feel. Sometimes it can make us really lethargic rather than energized, but this may all be a myth. Turkey meat is high in tryptophan. Our bodies need tryptophan to build up serotonin, a chemical that regulates both hunger and feelings of joy, according to CBS New York. Turkey is also high in protein, so it's perfect for getting your body moving, which is sure to make you feel better.
Sweet Potatoes
These guys are not just called SWEET potatoes for their taste. It's because they're sweet to the mind, body, and soul. The bright orange color that gets us so excited to cut into these comes from beta-carotene. Beta-carotene can also be found in other veggies like carrots and it helps to reduce any damage to the brain cells according to The Health Architect.
Fill 2 foot tubs– one with cold water and the other with warm water.
Soak your feet in the warm water for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Immediately put your feet in the cold water for about 1 minute.
Continue alternating for 15 to 20 minutes.
Repeat a few times daily until you get relief.
2. Massage
A foot massage is one of the best remedies for swollen feet. It creates pressure on the affected area that helps relax sore muscles and improve circulation. It also encourages excess fluid drainage to reduce swelling.
Rub some warm mustard oil or olive oil on the affected area.
Gently massage the area for 5 minutes in an upward direction, rather than downward. Avoid applying too much pressure.
Do this several times a day.
It is most effective to massage your feet during or after taking a bath.
Note: If the swelling in your feet is due to pregnancy, see a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage.
Menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life, but painful menstrual cramps are a very annoying problem for many. While cramps are rarely a cause for concern, if severe they can disrupt regular activities.
Menstrual cramps have been known to occur in the abdomen, the lower back, and, in some cases, the legs. To ease the pain and discomfort, there are several over-the-counter medicines. However, some simple and natural home remedies can be equally effective and relieve symptoms faster. Read on to learn how to get rid of menstrual cramps.
.
Try to avoid caffeine as much as possible.
Eat a banana. Bananas contain potassium, which may reduce cramps, as cramps could be due to a potassium deficiency.
Use chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help relax the uterus and ease the spasmodic contractions that cause pain during menstruation.
Drink at least two cups of chamomile tea a day during the week before your period.
alleviate symptoms of the common cold, the flu, headaches, and menstrual pain.
Grate a small piece of ginger, add it to hot water, and drink for menstrual cramp relief.
Use basil. Basil is another very effective herb for reducing menstrual pain and cramps. The caffeic acid present in basil has analgesic, or pain-killing properties.
Use cinnamon, use parsley, eat papaya, eat flaxseed. .
Exercises for Menstrual Cramps
Do yoga poses. Choose poses that promote relaxation and the stretching of your abdominal muscles. Breathe deeply while you maintain your yoga poses to help you relax your muscles, including your uterine muscles.
Walk around.
Shoot for 30 minutes of controlled, medium-intensity aerobic exercise, 3 times a week.
Swimming.
Dancing.
Biking.
Sports, such as soccer or basketball, that involve running.
WARNINGS
If you think the problem could be serious, have persistent cramping or extremely heavy bleeding, consult a medical professional.
Make sure you don’t use the hot water bottle too often though and that the hot water bottle is wrapped up so you don’t burn yourself, you just need to feel the heat, it shouldn’t be painful.
While there are ways to avoid acne, sometimes there's no help for a single pimple that shows up at the worst time. Whether it be stress, hormones, or poor diet, you don't have to let your unfortunate zit make its home on your face. Try using a combination of dermatologist solutions and home remedies to remove your pimple in a jiffy.
.
Make a cucumber mask. This solution works best for soothing your skin and reducing redness, but is not as effective as aforementioned solutions for killing bacteria. Mince a bit of cucumber to form a paste, and put this directly on your pimple or over your whole face. Wait for it to set for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse your skin off with cold water. Voila! Your redness should be significantly reduced, and you’ll feel cool as a cucumber. .
Ice your pimple. Similar to aspirin, ice is often used to bring down swelling and redness on the body. Hold an ice cube or an ice pack over your pimple for 20-30 minutes. This will cause the pore to close up, which then causes the excess bacteria and dirt to drain out on its own. Furthermore, it will lose its redness and size, giving your skin a nearly normal texture and appearance. This method may also help if the pimple is causing you pain.
What is the difference between a black and a white point?
Blackheads form when the follicle becomes larger than its normal size and sebum and dead cells make contact with the air and darken due to oxidation of melanin.
Whiteheads are formed when a mixture is covered by skin pore and no contact with air. That clogged pore, becomes white.
How can we get rid of them?
There are many products recommended by dermatologists, but many of them are expensive, take effect after a long time or may have adverse effects. Below I present some remedies against pimples that can be included in your daily routine.
Toothpaste
It is one of the most effective ways to remove blackheads and whiteheads. It should be applied sparingly to the infected areas and left about 25 minutes, then wash thoroughly. Initially you may feel a burning sensation, but a little later will disappear. This treatment is effective if applied every 2 weeks.
Tomatoes
Antiseptic properties of tomato have the ability to dry up whiteheads and blackheads. After skin peel, puree the tomatoes must be made, and it is applied to problem areas overnight. In the morning wash the skin with lukewarm water.
Lemon
Wash your face with warm water and apply with a little lemon juice in which you dissolved salt (a pinch) on the affected area. Wait about 20 minutes, and then wash your face with warm water.
Lime
Mix lime juice and cinnamon powder (equal quantities) and apply the paste on the blackheads, throughout the night and in the morning wash the area well.
Yogurt
Mix 3 tablespoons yogurt 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. The mixture should be applied on the face for 5-7 minutes, then wash with cold water.
Almonds and oats
The paste must be made of oatmeal / almond powder and rose water and applied to problem areas, with the fingertips, the entire face for 15 minutes, then washed with cold water.
Believe it or not, oranges and their peels have been used through the ages for many medicinal purposes. Are you ready to learn more? Let's take a peek at a few ways that orange peels can benefit you.
1. Teeth Whitening
If you want a low-cost teeth whitening solution, then don’t throw out those orange peels! The Health Site indicates that oranges have teeth whitening properties that can work to remove stains from your teeth. Rub the peels on your teeth and watch as your smile brightens.
2. Treats Insomnia
Oranges are an excellent source of aromatherapy that can be used to stop a number of ailments. Insomnia is one of them according to Livestrong. You can deeply inhale the scent of the peels for relief.
3. Clears Blackheads
If you don’t already have orange peels in your beauty routine, you should definitely start using them. The astringent properties found in orange peels work to remove dead cells and blackheads. Rub the peels directly on your face to promote healthy skin.
4. Helps with Asthma
Asthma is a condition that can make it difficult to breathe. According to Stylecraze, orange peels work to remove a build-up of mucus and phlegm which can help treat asthma.
5. Soothes Headaches
Are you prone to headaches? You may want to take a whiff of orange peels. According to Stylecraze, the scent of orange peels works as aromatherapy to reduce headaches and curb symptoms of anxiety and depression.
8. Curbs Bad Breath
If you have stinky breath, allow the citrus scent of the orange peel to replace it. Simply rub the orange peel on your teeth and gums and your will immediately smell much better.
Banana preferably should be eaten for lunch not dinner. If eaten for dinner it might lead to mucus formation and disturb digestion. We wouldn't want that; would we? But if eaten for lunch, it will strengthen your immune system and improves your skin.
Now that's a good reason to eat banana during lunch.Yes.
1 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/3 Cup Toasted Rolled Oats (not instant)
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Grated Nutmeg (just a couple of gratings)
1/3 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
1 1/4 Cup Coconut Milk (full fat regular coconut milk)
2 Teaspoons Dark Rum
For Blueberry Swirl
1 Cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vodka
For Crunch
1/4 – 1/2 Cup Blueberry Granola
Instructions
For Ice Cream
Pour almond milk into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium high heat and bring to a simmer, then add the next 4 ingredients.
Continue to simmer and stir for 10 minutes or until the oatmeal is thick and creamy (there will still be excess liquid in the pan).
Stir in the next 2 ingredients and continue to stir until the sugars are dissolved.
Once dissolved, stir in the coconut milk and rum.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Once the mixture is at room temperature, place into the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled (at least 4 hours).
For Blueberry Swirl
Place the blueberries, sugar and vodka into a small bowl and thoroughly mash and stir to combine.
Put the blueberry mixture into the refrigerator to thoroughly chill.
Once the ice cream base is chilled remove from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to mix everything up again (it will be really thick).
Pour the base mixture into your ice cream maker and process according to the instruction on your machine.
Spoon and spread one third of the ice cream mixture into a container.
Then spoon and spread half of the blueberry mixture on top of the ice cream.
Sprinkle with some of the blueberry granola.
Spoon another third of the ice cream over top of the granola and repeat topping it with blueberry and granola.
Top everything off with the rest of the ice cream and smooth the top.
Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours to let everything mix and harden
Aloe Vera seriously the best thing to use on your skin in the summertime! the benefits of aloe vera gel are endless but here are some of my favorite:
* soothes skin
* heals wounds
* treats dry skin
* moisturizes skin
* treats sunburns
* fights skin infection
* treats acne
And so much more
How to use
* Cut a small piece of the aloe Vera leaf and split the piece in half
*Apply the gel directly on the skin (face & body)
*Let it sit for 30 minutes
*Wash face and moisturize as usual
Ingredients (organic) used in order
_____________________
•Plain Yogurt (one scoop)
•Honey (1/2 tablespoon)
•Apple Cider Vinegar (1/2 tablespoon)
•Dash of cinnamon
•Water (1 tablespoon)
_____________________
Leave on for 15 Minutes!
_____________________
Wash off with soap & warm water
Puree avocado and banana until there is a clumps present. Add in the beaten egg and olive oil. Mix throughly. Apply to dry hair and leave in hair for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water,NOT warm nor hot water. Wash hair with Shampoo of your choice.
Dry brushing is a safe and inexpensive way to remove dead skin, stimulate the skin layers and increase circulation.
Great for cleaning pores, removing toxins from the body and creates smoother skin leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.
There are a few things to remember when dry brushing that we would like to share with you:
Brush dry skin daily, then shower afterward and use a small amount of coconut oil as a moisturizer.
Make sure not to brush over cuts or where rashes or wounds are present.
Always remember to brush towards the heart making long sweeps. Brush in circular motions and don’t go back and forth. Start with the outer body parts first. Starting at the feet, going up the legs, on the sides, then the arms towards the chest. On the stomach, brush counterclockwise.
Stop using the brush if your skin becomes red or irritated.
Use a brush with soft natural bristles, somewhat stiff but not too hard. Always make sure to clean your brush with soap and water after using.
Coconut oil will help heal, soothe, clarify and moisturize the skin naturally to prevent and reduce stretch marks.
* Warm organic coconut oil using a double boiler and rub it into the affected area as a massage oil.
* Massage the oil into the skin in circular motion to help prevent and diminish stretch marks for about 5-10 mins or overnight.
* To wipe the oil, rinse a washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth on the affected area until the wash cloth cools down.
COCONUT OIL+ LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars. Cut lemon into half and dip it in coconut oil. Rub the oil using lemon in circular motions for 10 minutes and wash off after 5 minutes.
What is hypertension?
In summary it is an abnormally high blood pressure. Do you know that your weight, your diet, your age are some of the factors that causes hypertension. It's also said to be a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
This is just a smoothie; it's called Almond Silk. It can help reduce this condition.
