Rearranging your space to clear the air and feel better

This weekend, M and I finally got around to rearranging the bedroom. Our bedroom is an odd shape, so trying to maximize on that space with a queen-sized bed is rather challenging. Space was cramped, and I couldn’t open the closet door fully on either side. The dresser drawers were partially blocked, and the cat decided that instead of trying to find its scratching post it would use one of our pillows as a resting place.

I finally got fed up with it, and we decided to start fresh. We emptied the room of everything except the bed (it’s too big to move around, but at least it rolls!) and moved the bed to the other side of the room. Arranged everything around that, bookshelf on the other side, kitty litter closer to the door (less litter tracks to walk through now!) and the closet doors open fully! What a relief!

This made me realize how important it is to rearrange your furniture and belongings periodically. It’s refreshing, like a new haircut. You get to take a fresh look at your space and where you want your belongings to go. Arrange it in a way that it esthetically pleasing as well as functional, and embraces your personal flair in your surroundings.

Feeling the need to constantly rearrange your surroundings and your furniture can be indicative of subconscious issues that you may not be addressing, but that doesn’t mean that you can move around the couches every few months when the seasons change, or when you get a new item.

Plan out your big furniture items first as they will be the hardest to place if you place the smaller items first. The big items will also shape the formation of your completed room. If you want to maximize on space, consider keeping your shelves all on one side of the room, and ensure that you have an open space in the middle of your room. If you are looking more for comfort, set it up to emphasize that. No matter what you want your room to look like, you can make it happen and without professional help.

Rearranging a room in your home also opens the door for some decluttering and cleaning that you may have been putting off for a while. It’s a lot easier to go through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to purge when you have to take it all out and put it back in. This sounds like a cumbersome task, but it isn’t so bad if you can be honest with yourself.

If you are doing your bedroom, go through your clothes and decide which ones you really don’t wear anymore and donate them. If you are rearranging your living room, go through your movies shelf and pick out which movies you don’t watch anymore and donate them. Things that are just taking up space in your home will only create mental clutter, so the sooner you get the monkey off your back, the better!

Cleaning hard to reach places also becomes easier when the shelves are emptied and the floor uncovered. What normally would have been a time-consuming task involving shifting furniture and moving small trinkets around will now take less than fifteen minutes (or less) because the area will already be cleared! Take those few minutes and get rid of those hidden dust bunnies. The air in your home will thank you.

Everybody goes through periods where their tastes change, and their preferences adjust. By rearranging parts of your home periodically, you are allowing your personal energy to flow positively as you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. You can clean and purge your areas with limited effort, and you will feel better knowing that it is as you want it to be. Be the master of your own domain, and allow yourself to feel at ease and at peace with your own surroundings. It can make all the difference in the world.

Magnesium and Your Health

I am all for natural remedies and homeopathic relief of any health problem that arises. I avoid pain killers, and haven’t used one in over 3 months. Instead, when I am in pain I opt for temperature therapy (hot/cold) and drink a lot of water. This has done me well so far, but I do not have any chronic pain issues.

My mother, however, does have chronic pain. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia approximately 1 ½ years ago (maybe more, maybe less, I'm not 100% sure on that), and has been working forward with her health and general well being even more so now that she understands the source of her pain.

I found this book (The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines) at a garage sale this past summer and bought it for 50 cents. I decided to look through it for certain health problems that important members of my family, including myself, suffer from.

Turns out there is an easy way to relieve the pain and tension from fibromyalgia that many people overlook. Magnesium is the easiest and one of the safest natural remedies for fibromyalgia. It is also easy to consume if you eat a diet of whole, unprocessed, raw foods.

Magnesium is also essential for full calcium absorption. In fact, ingesting too much calcium can reduce the capability your body has to absorb magnesium. Without magnesium, even with vitamin D, your body is only able to absorb 500mg of calcium in one sitting.

Many common foods in the “standard American diet” contain little or no magnesium. This leads to an extremely common occurrence of magnesium deficiency. Simple and easy to eat foods contain magnesium including almonds, cashews, lightly cooked spinach and fresh fish such as halibut or pickerel. (more detailed information found at www.hoptechno.com/bookfoodsourcemg.htm )

How does this relate to my pain, my mother’s fibro, and life in general? Easy. Magnesium is a key ingredient to activating many enzymes in your body, and a deficiency in it can cause fatigue, confusion, heart disturbances, nerve and muscle problems and many other problems.

Want to reduce your pain, increase your health, and generally feel better? Consider adding some magnesium to your diet. Food sources are the easiest to digest, and are highly recommended by yours truly. Alternatively, if you aren’t able to eat enough, or you don’t want to risk it, there is the option of taking supplements. If you choose to take supplements, be sure to take them with food to ensure proper digestion.

Simple ways to increase your health and vitality. Improve your diet by adding magnesium.

Peace and serenity,

Laura
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Looking for other ways to improve your health through natural remedies? Stay tuned, I’ll be posting more information over time that is based on natural and healthy ways to increase your health and decrease your dependency on chemical drugs. Follow the new Natural Remedies tag for a full listing.

Want a healthy glow, even in the winter?

There is a new study published December 24, 2010 that indicates that healthy looking skin can be influenced heavily by a nutrient found in colourful fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are nutrients that are known for being found in carrots and are fantastic antioxidants.
Not only are they very effective antioxidants, but it turns out that they can give you a healthier looking skin tone, which many Caucasians (myself included!) suffer from a lack of in the winter. The lack of strong enough UV to produce a skin reaction and suntan causes many pale people (again, I’m as pale as you can get without having a pigmentation deficiency) to run to the drug stores to buy up some self-tanning lotion.

Instead of spending your money on these expensive and often non-functioning lotions, we can now opt instead to purchase colourful fruits and vegetables to give us a healthy glow that will go along with a healthier body.

A list of foods with carotenoids can be found at nutrientreference.com

The abstract of this study can be found at ehbonline.org.
Not only does this study show that carotenoids bring about a healthy glow in your skin, but it indicates that a large portion of individuals actually prefer the glow that comes from these nutrients as opposed to the glow from obtaining a suntan. Figure that out!

I can say that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for these foods more now that I had previously. Not only is it a healthy nutrient to consume, but it improves your skin tone. It doesn’t cost you anything extra aside from adding a little bit to your grocery bill, so that makes it a more believable source immediately.

So if you think your skin is looking a little bit pasty in the winter, take a trip to the grocery store and pick up some delicious fresh and colourful vegetables and fruit. Your skin will thank you, your digestive system will thank you, and your health in general will thank you!
 
(source: NaturalNews.com)

Adopting Simplicity: Enjoy Silence

Silence is peaceful to those who know how to make the best of it. It soothes the mind and calms the thoughts. It is a form of meditation in itself, without having to meditate. It can also be scary if you are accustomed to constantly having some noise in the background.

When you embrace silence, even if only for a few moments, your breathing will begin to slow on its own and you will feel a sense of relaxation. Do not resist this, it is your mind’s way of bringing your consciousness to homeostasis. You will be able to feel and experience thoughts and emotions, but they will not affect you as negatively as they would if you did not allow yourself some silence.

Embracing silence and lowering stress

Embracing silence goes along with taking time for yourself. Allowing yourself even a few sparse moments to relax and breathe among the hectic and chaotic world around you can bring you a sense of freedom and flexibility. You will be less tied down by stresses because you will have the ability to let it slide off of you. This is key to enjoying life and adopting simplicity.

Enjoy silence and life simply

Silence and simple living go hand in hand. Simplifying life brings you external calm, so that your surroundings and belongings portray a less busy and less stressful environment because there are not things everywhere. There will be things that are important to you, things that add real value to your life and your mind. Less excess and overload results in less stress. Silence brings you internal calm. It is a peaceful meadow where your thoughts can roam freely without constraint or fear. When you embrace this, you embrace the truth that is life.

Baby stepping your way to embracing silence

If you are used to rushing around and having constant background noise, it will be very difficult to embrace silence at first. Don’t try to just jump into it, because that leads to the overwhelming feelings that we all know and hate. Start simple and ease yourself into it. An easy start is to take five minutes each day where you sit or work or relax in complete silence. No TV or music in the background, just silence. Enjoy it, allow your thoughts to roam where they choose. Set a timer so that you don’t go too far all at once.

Try it for a week and see how your thoughts react. You will very likely find that your thoughts are clearer, you feel less stress, and you have more time to enjoy things that you want to do. Just give it a try, there really is nothing to lose.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Getting organized your way

Ever feel that you are responsible for more things than you have time for? Or that no matter how often you try, you can never find what you're looking for in a normal amount of time? These things are but a few symptoms of a problem that is more widespread that can even be imagined.

Being disorganized is a very common problem, and it is very hard to find a method or system that can organize you. This is because no matter how many experts help you, or how many different methods or organization you try, the fact is that each and every person needs something different to organize their lives.

Personally, I have tried many different methods, and I'm still working on finding the exact solution that works for me. But in continuing to search for and find things that put me closer to being organized, I have come to collect little bits and pieces of various methods. I don't fit into an organizational cookie cutter, and neither will you.

Instead, try different things and keep in mind that just because the whole system may not work for you, a portion of it probably will. Conglomerate a variety of tricks from a range of organizational systems and you will find a perfectly unique system that works perfectly for your life. Don't try to force yourself to fit into a process that does not match your life.

Although I cannot offer a fix-all system for organizing your life, I can provide a few tips on how to start your search for your one perfect mix of systems.

First off, determine why you want to be organized. Is it to find things more easily? Is it to keep track of your goals? Whatever your reason, it is important. You do not need to share your reason with anyone, it's purely for yourself. This is the one thing that will help keep you motivated to keep going, regardless of how many setbacks you may experience.

Secondly, figure out if you are a list-based person or a full-sentence based person. Creating lists seems like a great way to organize yourself, until you want to put in a whole paragraph to explain what needs to be done. There is nothing wrong with wanting to write out specifics, don't beat yourself up over it if you do. Are you perhaps somewhere in between? Try not to confine yourself to the realm of to-do lists. Branch out and decide on how you want to set yourself up for success.

Finally, remember that your idea of organization will be different from others around you. One person may find organization in labeled files and coloured boxes. Another may find piles of relevant and related material all put together is organized. The possibilities are endless. Open your mind and allow your thoughts to lead the way, because they will show you the way to how to sort out and organize your life, your thoughts, and your dreams. Then take the steps to make it happen.

Random acts of kindness

What is the simplest way to brighten someone’s day, along with your own? Do something nice for a stranger. Or a friend. Or even the cashier at the grocery store or fast food restaurant that you frequent.

Complete a random act of kindness. These acts, contrary to popular belief, do not require the use of copious amounts of cash, if any. They can be as simple as helping someone carry their bag/books, opening the door for the person walking behind you, or sharing some homemade cookies/treats.

Nothing says ‘I think you’re important’ like a homemade cookie. Bring in an extra dozen and share them with your coworkers.

There isn’t much nicer to me when I’m walking through a building and someone who is going through the door stops and holds it open for me. They don’t know me, they have no real reason to do so, but they do it anyways. Random act of kindness.

To those who receive a random act of kindness, always always always say thank you! It is incredibly rude to not voice appreciation when someone does something nice for you. Whether you asked for it or not is irrelevant, spread the good cheer and thank them.

Maybe you’ll even pay it forward! Spread the joy from one person to the next by passing on good deeds to those around you.

Smile at strangers.

If someone drops something, on the sidewalk, bus, road, in a car, etc, tell them. You could even pick it up and hand it to them.

Let others know when they have dirt/food/newspaper smudges/lipstick on their face/teeth, because chances are they don’t know about it!

Think of things that you would like others to do for you, and start doing them for others! Positivity starts within, and so does kindness.

Wednesday's small step: Find your passion

Finding your passion can be both simple and extremely complex. But making the first move towards finding what your true passion is can be very simple and very liberating.

In the spirit of keeping things simple, I'm going to suggest one simple task for you this week to make that first move. I hope that you will try this task and let me know how it works for you so that I can continue to help you work towards the passionate life you deserve.

This week's simple step is to try something new with even just five minutes of your spare time. Look up something that you've always been at least a little bit interested in. Go outside and take a short walk just to enjoy the weather or scenery. Anything that you can imagine that would bring you some joy, just get up and devote yourself to it for five minutes.

Set a timer, if you want to. But you may find yourself ignoring the timer just to continue experiencing this simple pleasure.

And that's okay.

Let me know what you do, I look forward to hearing it.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.

Wednesday's Small Step: Turn the lights out!

Small steps are small steps.

Maybe you already turn the lights out when you're not in a room, or maybe you don't. Either way, even if you use CFLs or halogens, you should try to avoid using electricity or energy to power something that's not in use.

I admit, even I leave lights on sometimes when I'm not in the room, and honestly my excuse is weak. I don't like the dark, so I'll leave the hallway light on if I'm home alone or just with my daughter. It makes me feel safer, even though it really doesn't change how safe I am.

But I try to ensure that I have the least amount of lights on as possible.

Also, due to my mood disorder, I have a hard time staying awake in the morning when there's no lights on. Which may be a slightly more realistic excuse, but it's still an excuse.

What about when you're watching a movie? Do you leave the lights on, or do you let the TV bask you in the special effects and acting wonder (or horror) that is in front of you?

What are your views on having lights on when you're not in the room?

Do you give yourself excuses sometimes, like I do? Or do you just suck it up and turn it out anyways?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Sidenote: great minds think alike! check out liverenewed.com 's article on shutting out your lights as well! just found it today. simple steps and small drops make big staircases conquered and buckets overflow. peace and love

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.

Do things for yourself

Stop right now. Stop whatever you're doing.

Think about what you're doing. Is it for you, or is it for someone else?

When was the last time you did something for yourself?

Can you remember?

Well, I want you to do something for yourself. Right now.

Eat something you enjoy. Write something you want to write. Give yourself 15 minutes to relax in silence. Listen to some music. Whatever you like.

Just do it.

It'll feel good, and you'll feel better.

You spend all day trying to do things for other people. Who is more important to you than yourself? If you answer anything other than "ME!" you have your priorities mixed up. Even if you have a baby, or a child, or whatever else, YOU are still the most important.

Why?

Because if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to help other as effectively, and you'll burn yourself out. Then who will help those you were helping?

So take some time and do something just for you.

You won't regret it.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Adopting Simplicity: Be Here Now

Life is buzzing all around, and you feel jostled and rushed. How can you enjoy life and embrace what you have when you constantly feel pushed, prodded, hurried? Answer: you can't.

You can't always be thinking about what's next, and still enjoy what's happening around you.

You have to Be Here Now.

Pay attention to where you are at any given moment, and what you're doing. When you do something, do it completely. Don't multitask, unitask. Spend all your focus on one thing. When you're reading, read. Try to avoid doing multiple things at once, because your focus will be dispersed, and you will have a hard time truly enjoying what you're doing.

When you're eating, enjoy the flavours, the textures. Take smaller bites, and chew a little slower. Taste the flavours in your mouth.

When you're reading, focus on the words and the pictures they create in your mind. Imagine the book as reality, and immerse yourself into it fully.

When you're washing dishes, feel the warm soapy water on your hands, and the cleansing power it has on the dishes. Feel the dishes as they lose their dirt and become clean.

Enjoy the little things you do, and they will bring you ever more pleasure.

Because life is for the living, so live in the now.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from the series:
Step 1
Ask yourself this...
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth

Wednesday's Small Step: Smile at strangers

When you feel sad, or lonely, doesn't it always pick you up when you see someone smiles at you? It could be the guy sweeping the sidewalk downtown, or the friendly cashier at the coffee shop. Or your child when you wake them up in the mornig. But it always makes you feel that little bit better.

Can't you be that for somebody? Pay it forward, and share the happiness you feel.

It will feel so good. And it doesn't take any extra effort. Just throw a smile on your face, and watch people light up when they pass you.

Love is all you need. Love can change the world. One smile at a time.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.

Adopting Simplicity: Ask yourself this...

When trying to determine a task/item/pastime/etc...'s priority, as yourself this:

Does it fulfill me in any way? Meaning, does having it around make you feel better, more accomplished, or does it just serve as a status symbol?

Can I enjoy it? Is it something that will get active use, or just sit in a corner/on a shelf/in a closet for months/years?

Why do I have this? Did you buy it because someone else had one, and so you felt that you needed it? Or is it something that you can truly use to benefit yourself somehow?

Ask yourself these simple questions when making choices about anything that takes your time or money. Make sure that when you spend money, you really get your value out of it. If it's something that will go out of style in less than five years, is it really worth your energy now?

Take a breath, and remember that all you can be is all that you want to be. You just need to take the steps to get there. Ensuring that you are not surrounded by things that distract you from your goals is a surefire way to find the energy to push yourself towards them.

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Step 1
Be Here Now
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth

Adopting Simplicity: Step 1

In the spirit of keeping things simple, as my blog name says, I figured I would share some backstory.

In case you haven't read the archives of years past, this blog used to be under a different name (same domain). It was called Frugal Nuts are Green.

Silly name, but it was what I had originally been writing about. Living frugally while adopting a green lifestyle.

Eventually, my life got hectic all at once, and I decided to stop blogging for a while and focus on my life for a while.

Life got back on track, and so I decided to log back into my Blogger account and see if my blog was still there. Lo-and-behold, it was! But reading through the archives myself, I realized that my life had changed drastically, and so my blog should too.

I decided to simplify. The name Simply Green seemed appropriate for what I was aiming for in life, and what I was working towards on a daily basis.

Simplicity is something that I believe each person in this world should work towards.

Look around as you head to work, or walk down the street. You are surrounded by people who have something to do. They may not even know what they have to do, but they have to rush to it.

Take a step back in life and look at things that are important to you.

Do you multitask?

Do you fill all of your spare time with something?

Do you have no free time to do anything?

I was there. I took a step back, and looked at what I was spending my time doing.

Multitasking : Thinking I was being more productive, I tried to manage several tasks all at once. I confess, I still do. But it's not as satisfying.

Filling time with something : Doing nothing is "unproductive" so I sought out anything to fill time. Still do, again. Life is a series of steps in the direction you aim for. Perfection is not necessary. Now I look at what I fill my time with, and try to opt for enjoyable pastimes and hobbies.

No free time : There is always free time, if you stop filling your days with something.

In light of this, I am taking steps back everyday to reanalyze the choices I have made, and choices I'm going to make. Every day is a chance to take multiple steps.

Which direction are you aiming?

Peace and serenity,

Simply Me

Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Ask yourself this...
Be Here Now
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth