While 2018 was a memorable and life-changing year for us, it was a struggle for me in terms of my health. I started 2018 with awful inflammation that cut my diet down to limit veggies, meats, and absolutely NO sugar. Then the second half of the year, I battled with extreme eczema rashes while my mental health took center stage. To move forward from these episodes and towards recovery, Joe and I are ready to make 2019 our year of health, wellness, and changes!
With the new year, everyone is looking to better themselves. Rather than vowing to be newly improved the first month into the brand new year and then letting go of your resolution come February, join us in exploring some small steps you can take in bettering your health weekly!
CBD
This is a wellness trend I foresee making a huge impact in the upcoming year. Battling your health in a natural way can be deemed difficult; I believe CBD and hemp products will help make natural healing a little easier. After the past decade of CBD research, the National Eczema Association states that researchers are anticipating that CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can help treat eczema better than conventional remedies. CBD can easily interact with the endocannabinoid system – a system made of receptors that control inflammation, mood, sleep, and the immune system; eczema is a condition that flourishes in the case of a disturbed endocannabinoid system/immune system. CBD works with CB1 receptors, which serve the skin cells and nerve fibers, contributing to the anti-inflammatory properties. A research study concludes that CBD helps human sebocytes, restoring the natural balance of oil production in the body, preventing the dry, cracking, painfully itchy, and even bleeding rashes eczema causes. This is what makes CBD a potentially powerful remedy to minimize inflammation and protecting the skin from Eczema, keeping your skin healthy; CBD oil can help your body recover the damaged skin and eliminate the chances of reoccurrence.
Being that Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, the cultivation of hemp-based CBD is finally legal, allowing manufacturers and retailers to be more comfortable and open to working with hemp and being able to provide the benefits of CBD to consumers everywhere. With the green light ahead, the US hemp industry is expected to grow to a $1.9 billion market by 2022, making it a trend to keep your eye on this year!
Baths
Here is a self-care trend that may be more at arm's reach for you and is a personal favorite of mine! I believe this trend can be the answer to many problems: a bath!
Have sore muscles or feeling pain? Try an Epsom salt bath!
Is your eczema acting up? Try an oatmeal bath!
Are you feeling stressed? Relax in a bath infused with lavender oil!
Bath time is the ultimate time for yourself; I consider it my form of meditation and has been a key requirement during Joe and my search for a home. Try to block off 15 to 30 minutes at least once a week for yourself to soak inside a tub of hot water, allowing you to escape from your stress, soothe your muscles, and release endorphins. Play some music, light some candles, turn your phone on airplane mode, and use the water to wash off the week, allowing the bath to reduce short-term stress and increase long-term health.
Digital Detox
Technology has become a big imposter to our everyday lives; so much so that even o fitness has a technology twist that puts pressure on us to accomplish goals and even beat the stats of our friends. This new year, resolute to unplug, disconnect from your phone, and reconnect with your surroundings. Start taking care of your mind and yourself without comparing yourself to others! Try starting small and work your way up; for 15 minutes a day, stay away from all internet-based digital gadgets....a perfect opportunity to take a bath perhaps! 💁🏼♀️
Have a happy and well(ness) New Year! Cheers to staying healthy in 2019!
