Seasonal Affective Disorder

February 21, 2014

Do you find yourself feeling tired, craving carb-rich foods and generally feeling kind of sad? Then you may have some of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But fear not, you're not alone! The Mood Disorders Society of Canada estimates that around 15%  or 5.3 million people in Canada suffer  from symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Although SAD is pretty poorly understood, one theory suggests that the hormone responsible for sleep, melatonin, is to blame. The shorter days during winter equates to less sunlight, which means that melatonin is produced in much higher quantities than during the warm and bright summer months. 

Another key idea focuses on the hormone seratonin, which is responsible for happiness. It is believed that lowered amounts of socialisation and physical exertion, which typically comes with harsher weather conditions, results in a reduction in the production of seratonin causing feelings of anxiety and  general depression. 

Some natural remedies for SAD include: 

1. Getting outside for at least for 30 minutes each day: Walk the dog, go for a hike, walk to your local grocery store instead of driving.

2. Purchase a light box: These mimic the suns rays and trick the body into thinking it's not a cold, dark winter day. Best used between 6am-8am each day.

3. Try aromatherapy! Citrus oils help uplift and energize the spirit. Sweet orange, grapefruit, and lime are wonderful for this. You can also try pairing petitgrain & bergamot, and rosemary & basil. Use with vaporizer, a few drops in the bath, or mix with a carrier oil for a relaxing massage.

4. Eat more Omega-3 rich fish. One study showed that people in Iceland and Japan have far lower than exepected rates of SAD; the study suggested that high consumption of fish in both contries was the reason for this trend. 

5. Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume each day.

6. Get moving! As little as 30 minutes of activity a day can help uplift your spirits through the release of  "happy chemicals" like endorphins. And if you go outside for a walk, skate, ski, or jog then you can also maximixe your light exposure!

Happy Februrary GLOWers!

Chocolate Body Scrub

February 14, 2014

Happy Valentines Day from GLOW!

Need a last minute gift idea? Try a quick homemade chocolate body scrub! 

1 cup Brown Sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder

1/4 tsp. Vanilla

1/8 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

3. Tbsp. Almond Oil (Coconut or Olive oil will also work)

Mix together. Package in a beautiful jar. Enjoy! 

Turmeric Mask

February 11, 2014

Is your skin experiencing the winter blues? A simple at home remedy can help rehydrate and nourish your skin. Try this quick and easy recipe and your skin will thank you.

Turmeric is a spice powerhouse!  This spice is derived from the roots of the curcuma longa plant, and has amazing benefits for the skin. Turmeric's antispectic and antibacterial properties help to fight acne, clear scarring, and reduce inflammation. This wonder spice also aids in balancing the sebaceous glands, which is great for oily skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. 

Ingredients:

1 tsp. Ground Turmeric

1 tsp. Honey (organic, if possible)

1/2 tsp. Almond Oil (or Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Luke Warm Milk (about 1 Tbsp.)

Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add the milk a little at a time until it reaches a paste like consistency. Mix until thoroughly combined - a whisk or fork will help work out any clumps. 

Gently apply the mask on cleansed skin, avoiding contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth areas. Let the mask dry (about 10 minutes). Remove with warm water and a cloth.  Enjoy!

The Wonders of the Coconut

January 22, 2014

From macaroons to Pina Colada’s, coconut has been a favourite food of the GLOW family for many years, but did you know that coconut oil provides a wonderful topical treatment for your skin?

With its remarkable number of healing properties, coconut oil cannot go unnoticed. This tropical oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E that nourishes the skin while providing protection against free radicals and toxins. It even helps with skin elasticity! The abundance of fatty acids helps the dermis retain moisture, keeping your skin youthful, vibrant, and GLOWing. 

It is important to use organic cold-pressed coconut oil to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin.

GLOW’s Blissful Body Butter contains this impressive ingredient (organic and cold compressed, of course).

For more information on coconut oil you can visit: www.coconutoil.com 

Pregnancy and Essential Oils

January 20, 2014

Have you ever wondered what essential oils to use or avoid during pregnancy?  Then this is the post for you! 

Essential oils can be a wonderful way to make your skin GLOW. However, if not used properly they have the potential to be harmful.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding it is best to use essential oils in half the usual stated amount. The following essential oils should be avoided altogether during pregnancy:

ajowan, angelica, anise star, aniseed, basil , bay laurel, calamintha, cedarwood, celery seed, cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage, clove, cumin, fennel, hyssop, juniper, labdanum, lovage, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, snakeroot, Spanish sage, tarragon, and thyme. 

As well, peppermint, rose, and rosemary should be avoided during the first four months of pregnancy. 

*This is not to be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before beginning a new skincare regime. 

Meet "Food for the Hungry"

January 18, 2014

FH Canada, part of the global Food for the Hungry association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending poverty - one community at a time. Food for the Hungry is currently working with 10 developing communities in 10 countries around the world. In order to eradicate poverty and create sustainability, FH Canada uses an integrated approach including projects in agriculture, education, health, leadership and gender equality in an effort to meet the physical, spiritual, social and educational needs of each man, woman and child living in poverty.

At the core of all FH activities is the philosophy of "walking with" rather than "doing for" which means we ask community leaders what they already have rather than what they need and walk with them as they develop their own model of a preferred future. A committed, relational partnership with a developing community lasts for an average of 6-9 years. 

For more about this wonderful organization, visit fhccanada.org.