Vitamin N and Other FREE Health Tips: Health and Wellness Blog

According to Blue Zones Project, Nature Deficit Disorder is a term used to describe the physical and emotional effects related to the sharp decline in experiencing the outdoors. The remedy: Get outside and play. When we choose to spend time outdoors, we give ourselves a healthy dose of “Vitamin N – Nature.” . . . We know the harmful effects stress can have on our well-being. From headaches to high blood pressure, long-term stress can lead to physical and emotional problems. We recommend laughter, and so do Iowa's leaders. Gov. Terry Branstad declared April 2 Laugh Out Loud Day - in recognition of the importance of emotional and physical health. . . . If you are feeling down, dig deep. Gardening is beneficial not just to your diet from the produce you grow, but from the increased feelings of wellness and satisfaction found in the simple act of turning the soil. Gardening offers a community connection, physical activity with a full range of motion, an afternoon snack, an education. . . . Volunteering is a great way to improve your well-being while helping others. Our brain releases feel-good and compassion hormones (oxytocin and dopamine) when we reach out and do something for a stranger. The long-term benefits lead to a longer, happier life.

Organized well, we could actually achieve all four of these ideas at one time :). This time of year, I focus on Vitamin N – I love hot, humid weather and any excuse to go outside. I can feel myself relax when I see fields of green corn, watch the trees blowing in the breeze, bask in the sun, absorb the heat, sit around a camp fire, fellowship over the grill, float in cool water, pray while I mow or weed, etc. Only my forgotten sunscreen, hydration, protein, or work keeps me from nature. That could explain why I prefer walking meetings!

For your FREE consultation (in person, over the phone, via email), speaking and training needs, tips, or gift certificates, please contact Jessica Crouch: www.ChooseToImprove.com, Jessica@OrganizeAnywhere.com, 319-504-6689. Remember, reaching a goal with help is better than not reaching it at all: working with busy women who are passionate about making a change in their health because they are “sick and tired” of being sick and tired - mentoring them using natural health & wellness so they can save money and sick days!