are you STRESSED out?

Sometimes being stressed out is just a part of a landscape these days, I don't know anyone who isn't under pressure of the economy, a relationship that has become difficult and parenting in general - while the most wonderful ride ever can be so stressful that you can't see the forest for the trees.

I meet so many people, maybe because I dole out this information on my blog, it's the number one question - "What do you do for stress?" I have many things that I have found that work for me, but let's be honest there is nothing that takes it away, but there ARE some things that help you see the bigger picture and sometimes that helps more than anything.

My number one remedy for complete shut-down stress is Bach's Rescue Remedy (the drops). I have used them since it helped me with breastfeeding. It helped my milk to come in and I think I know why, Bachs Rescue Remedy just helps you to get above the panic/stress and to become calm, you can almost feel yourself climbing down from the tree. My kids are now old enough that the stress of a test can interfere with their sleeping and give them stress during the day at school (for my ninth grader). He will use the Rescue Remedy candies from time to time and that would bring him into focus (they come in a tin and are a tiny dose).

When my kids have trouble sleeping at night I make them a cup of Chamomile tea and they are sure to drop off shortly after. I also use Chamomile tea for a better sleep just about every night for myself. I've never had trouble getting to sleep, but my trouble is waking in the middle of the night, I feel like it helps me with that problem too. And exercise, I know that a good walk each day will always make for a good sleep that night - there is really nothing better than fresh air!

Today I was looking at Treehugger - still one of my favorite websites! I found this great post on terrific natural remedies for stress, so you don't need to take it from me... there's MORE!

It suggests Lavender, which I like too! and some terrific stretches that will help with stress and so much more! So let's take a vow, to decompress, take a walk and let it all GO.

link to treehugger article

Reiki

photo by Amber Mahoney

For those of you who have never heard of Reiki this story in the Standard blog is a good introduction - it's from an article by Alex Waxman, and for those of you who have heard about it but may be skeptical this is a good story as well. I had heard of Reiki, always wanted to try it - but I didn't really take it seriously. Sometimes we get stuck in our own healing modalities and forget that it's good to be open to all things, you never know what it is that will work for you or your situation or ailment. I have a few friends who do Reiki, but these people in general are not the kind of people to really force themselves on you - it's think it's really part of the soul and the stillness of Reiki and it's practitioners.

It all started for me when we had some people over for dinner, one of my friends knew that my dog was sick (his kidenys were failing) - towards the end he was good on some days and then some days he would just not eat and was listless. I noticed that she took my dog aside and was sitting with him and I knew what she was doing, it hadn't occurred to me to ask her to do Reiki but she knew just what to do. She spent some time with him and he bounced back in the most amazing way! He did great up until his last days - I would text her when I could see that he needed it and she would immediately bring him comfort. The fact that it works on an innocent animal like my dog, makes be believe wholeheartedly in Reiki.

Today when I saw this story on Reiki, I thought it gave such a good explanation of the practice and it's benefits. I haven't had the chance yet to have Reiki on myself but I am excited for that day when I do make it happen. In the meantime, read this and get familiar with it and I am sure you will find a way to use it in your life too!

read the whole story here for more about Reiki

The Maternity Bag Around the World

         

Ellen gave birth in Simulemba Health Centre, in Malawi, which delivers more than 90 babies a month

There is plenty that we can take for granted when you live in the so-called 'Developed World'. When it comes to giving birth in many countries like the USA, Australia, Japan, or nations in the European Community, for example, the expectant mother can pretty much rely on decent facilities and standard services. So, when it is time to pack a Maternity Bag for that wonderful event, the focus might be on things that can add to the comfort or enhance the experience. One thing that is universal is usually the that special item for swaddling your new bundle of joy! 

But, what if you do not have the good fortune of living in a place where the basics might not be even readily available? What if you are an expectant mother in a 'Developing Nation'? What would you consider packing in your Maternity Bag? What if you had to prepare for your own birth experience by packing your own razor blade (to cut the umbilical cord) or length of string (to tie off that same umbilical cord)? And, what if not only did you have to bring your own plastic sheeting for the delivery table (if there is one) but also bring your own water supply perhaps? And who in the Developed World might think to pack some ready cash just in case, because your husband or mother might not be able to make the trip with you. It certainly has made me think twice. Like I said - it's easy to take things for granted some times. 

Hazel, 27 is from Hamakando Village, in Monze District, in Zambia.

So, it's with great interest that I came across this very stunning portrait of some expectant mothers from around the world. Photographers working with the charity WaterAid have documented the contents of your average Maternity Bag from places such as Japan, Australia, and the USA .... alongside the very interesting contents of expectant mothers in such places as Malawi and Zambia. I'd personally like to see this project expanded to include all sorts of expectant mothers in all sorts of locations on the planet. I'm sure there would be plenty to give pause to after you compare your own preparations with those of others. Don't you think?

To view more photos and read further you can visit WaterAid's website and the BBC website

Deanna lives in New York City, USA