Be Prepared

 
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by the quake and continuing aftershocks this week.
With a large part of our country under a great deal of stress, I thought I’d write about some natural options to relieve stress and anxiety, and also recommend a couple of NZ websites that have great information regarding emergency survival situations. We don’t want to think it will happen to us, but the reality is a natural disaster could happen anywhere at any time, so let’s all be prepared.
The Get Ready Get Thru website has a Survival Kit checklist for your home and also a Getaway Kit checklist if you have to leave in a hurry. There’s also information regarding first aid and feeding your baby in an emergency. If you’d prefer to purchase a complete survival kit, this site has everything you need.
To help combat feelings of anxiety try making the Essential Oil Foot Rub mentioned in the newsletter that uses specific essential oils to help with stress. I like use this rub before I do my breathing exercise, that way I get double the benefit. If you’d like to give it try the instructions are below.
If stressed out it’s also a good idea to substitute organic green tea for coffee as it contains the amino acid L-theanine, drink a cup three times a day for the best benefit. Other supplements that can assist are Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin B Complex as does getting regular exercise and talking to someone who you trust about how you feel.  For lots more helpful advice take a look at The Low Down.
Breathing exercise for relaxation and clarity
When I’ve been under heaps of stress, this has really helped, and the more you do it the better you feel
Sit bare foot on a straight backed chair and place both feet flat on the floor with your hands resting gently in your lap facing up. Be aware of the earth below you and the sky above
I bless both and send love out and then I ask for that in return.
Place your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth and breathe deeply in through your nose so that the air goes right down to your abdomen. Relax, and let your stomach extend and breathe out through your mouth making an exhalation noise. Repeat this rhythmically for seven minutes. Try doing this consistently everyday for a week and see how you feel – do it twice a day and you’ll really notice a difference.  I’d love to hear your results, so send me an email and let me know how you get on.  [email protected]