Health Archives - Mind KEY

remedies for seasonal affective disorder

Remedies for SAD, just in time for the Holidays

November 16, 2022

By Claybourne DiCosmo During the holidays, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can hit hard. Many who are afflicted can feel sun-starved and isolated. Remedies for seasonal affective disorder can help as you bob and weave through those feelings. Found friends, good family, therapy lamps and sleep/wake regulation. SAD is no undefeated weed nor beast, it can be tamed and the mental health garden one has cultivated will be prepared for the coming spring. Remedies for seasonal affective disorder Some people don’t understand how many people are affected by this seasonal depression. In a 2016 article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Marlynn Wei, board-certified Harvard and Yale-trained psychiatrist and yoga teacher said, “For about 3 percent of people, this mood downturn is so severe that they have something called seasonal...

Lifestyle mental health mindfulness tips & tricks

Make your own homemade yogurt (in a cooler!)

November 14, 2022

Health, Lifestyle, Prep and Plan, Sustainability

by Karen Talbot, Wild Gardener When I was a young hippie mom in the early 1970’s, I looked for frugal ways to cut expenses and feed my family. Cooking from scratch, making clothes, baking bread, and growing vegetables are some examples. I wanted to learn to make your own yogurt, since my family liked it so much. It is a healthy fermented food that could even be strained to make a simple cheese. Everything I read at the time seemed to describe a finicky process and required a special thermometer to maintain the temperature. Product pages in the back of magazines advertised an electric yogurt machine with little plastic cups that did everything for you, but it was an expense I couldn’t afford. The good news...

family & kids Fitness Food & nutrition Lifestyle sustainability

Prepare your body for winter with these tips

November 10, 2022

Health, Lifestyle

By Marla Funez Winter is coming, and with it comes a higher risk of contracting viruses and diseases that attack your immune system. Science shows that there are many ways to prepare your body for winter based upon how you treat it. The simplest way to combat these risks starts with your diet and good self-care. Get your body ready for the coming winter months with these tips boosting and supporting your immune system. The science behind immunity preparation Many factors we cannot control, like genetics or economic situation can affect our health. Investing in a strong immune system to prevent viruses and disease may be an upfront investment, but will turn a larger profit in the long run. Knowing how to prepare your body for winter is...

alternative healing Food & nutrition Lifestyle tips & tricks

Winter immunity tips for body, mind and soul

Strengthen body, mind & soul with these winter immunity tips

November 9, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Prep and Plan

by Cris McCullough With winter comes a new slew of stressors. The holidays, shorter days, cold weather, midterms and flu season all combine with other life stressors of the season to create weakened immune systems. Boosting immunity isn’t as simple as taking a supplement, not when so many factors come into play. These winter immunity tips go beyond the common and cover all aspects of one’s mental and physical well being with a focus on body, mind and spirit. Good health is more than just a healthy body Chiropractor, Dr. Michael Gottfried reiterates the importance of each individual’s body, mind, spirit connection in addressing immunity. “Think in terms of enhancing your mind, body, and spirit (known as psychoneuroimmunology),” he said. “Try some of the following suggestions and see what...

alternative healing Fitness food and nutrition Lifestyle meditation mindfulness relationship with self Rhode Island spirituality tips and tricks

PREPARE for winter with The Daily Key

November 7, 2022

Career, Creativity, Currency, Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Prep and Plan, Relationship, Sustainability

by Cris McCullough PREPARE, the title of this month’s issue, is predicated on the hidden power of expectation/anticipation for an event, and our very human need to retain a modicum of control over the unknown. As we welcome a change of seasons, and the changes that inevitably face us as we move into the future, The Daily Key offers insights on how to prepare for those changes. Preparing for the ebb and flow of change The seasons are part of a Universal “tide.” We go inward, and then move outward. There is a flow to everything. When humans find their flow within their own life, everyone around them benefits. We harvest what we have planted… be that an idea, a piece of art, money, food, or investments of time,...

The energy of the Sun; solar power is a choice

August 6, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks, Nourish, Sustainability

Intro by Cris McCullough As a culture, we have become dependent on fossil fuels. We need to heat and cool our homes, along with powering our vehicles and supportive devices too. But now, since we’re faced with supply chain issues and other disruptions we cannot control, many are seeking alternative solutions. Among the possibilities, solar power seems like a no brainer. However, solar power isn’t a cut-and-dry option. Two common solar power choices for the everyday consumer are solar panels (such as those installed on a roof), or solar farms where consumers “buy in” to a solar-powered cooperative to run their homes. When you start exploring the options, buying into a solar farm or investing in solar panels, the information shared on websites can be confusing....

business current events environment finances Lifestyles Rhode Island sustainability tips & tricks

Nourishing nature and Bonsai at the National Arboretum

July 20, 2022

Creativity, Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Cris McCullough On a recent trip to our nation’s capital, I discovered a hidden gem among the many museums and attractions of Washington, D.C. The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at The National Arboretum contains miniature masterpieces of this extraordinary horticultural art. The Chinese art of penjing and the Japanese art of bonsai use woody plants in shallow containers as a medium to portray the natural growth habit of ancient trees in the landscape. These are living sculptures which require continual care, nourishment, and training to maintain their artistic design, and it’s also an example of bonsai meditative art, which can be used for nourishing ourselves. The museum’s collection began in 1976 with a gift of 53 bonsai trees from Japan to commemorate the United States...

do what you love environment History and culture Lifestyle meditation mindfulness spirituality

Back to the Future: A review of “My Autobiographies” by John Koenig

July 19, 2022

Energy, Health, Nourish

By: Cris McCullough “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ~ Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard Hypnotherapist, John Koenig, took the time to explore past lives and healing in his new book, My Autobiographies, An Introduction to Past Life Exploration for Personal and Spiritual Growth. In the book, John shares his personal experience with the process of past life regression, how it brought him to an awareness of various facets of his soul, and how he used this information to understand himself better and grow spiritually and emotionally. He relates, through story and verse, 14 of his past lives, and shows how they helped him understand the “why” of his life journey here and now. Past lives and healing Many of us express an interest in...

alternative healing meditation mental health mindfulness relationship with self spirituality

Struggling with work-life balance? A downshifting lifestyle might be your answer

July 18, 2022

Career, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Sierra Vandervort I first became self-employed when I was 24. In a pre-pandemic world, I was creating an online membership platform for content on yoga & spirituality. I received well-meaning comments like “you’re doing so much” or “you’re totally killing it” from those who saw my work on the outside. And on some days, I felt like I was killing it. When I felt extra inspired, productive, or enterprising - I felt on top of the world. But more often than not, I felt burnt out, haphazard and totally overwhelmed. It wasn’t until I discovered the downshifting lifestyle that I realized what was wrong. What’s the big deal? I had “made it,” so to speak. I was doing what I loved, and I was making money....

do what you love Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress transitions

Need a break from your screen? Try one of these simple practices for digital detox

July 13, 2022

Career, Creativity, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Sierra Vandervort Ever heard of a digital detox? It’s a growingly popular phrase in the modern wellness industry, and simply means you’re in need of a good unplugging from your devices and digital workload. In our constantly digitally-wired world, it’s easy to see the need. In a fast-paced world, finding time to give your brain a break and let your thoughts come and go is more important than ever. If you need a break from your screen, it may be beneficial to try one of these simple practices for digital detox. The effects of our screens According to a 2017 study on the connection between productivity and cell phones, we’re less productive, inspired and creative when we’re in constant data-consumption mode. Even during the transitional moments of...

Lifestyle meditation mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self social media stress tips & tricks

Live music for health: how dancing and live events can boost your mental health

July 12, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Katie Sipes The growth provided by music is hard to track on a chart. Fortunately, we can acknowledge how we, as people, have benefited individually. The nourishment provided by live music is not that of typical sustenance, but it is spiritually fulfilling. According to a 2013 article published on the neurochemistry of music, the environment of concerts and music festivals alone provides dopamine and serotonin while also introducing us to new people and places. And this is just one of the ways in which live music can be beneficial for your health. Finding nourishment through music and dancing is intuitive to all of us. By investing our energy into experiences like these, we’re given back what we put in tenfold. We recharge ourselves in ways...

Dance Lifestyle mental health music personal development relationship with self stress

7 Non-body self-care practices that can totally reset your mood

July 7, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Ryan Ashley When most people hear the term ‘nourishment’ their mind usually goes straight to thoughts of food or their bodies. But did you know that there are a ton of ways to feel nourished in your life without thinking about your body or what’s going into it? So many of us have had some kind of stress or trauma relating to those two things, so here’s a list of nourishing practices that will feed your mind and soul – leaving your body out of it. Here’s a list of non-body self-care practices that will feed your mind & soul. Seven non-body self-care practices that have nothing to do with your body 1. Clean Your Spaces If you’ve never noticed how you feel after cleaning your home or...

Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress tips & tricks

Tips to support gut health and easily boost your mood

July 6, 2022

Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Mind Key Community We usually don’t think of our mental well-being as connected to the foods we eat. We may be inspired to eat better to slim up or tend to our physical health, but the truth is, what you eat has just as substantial an impact on your mental function. Admittedly, I’m not the best at eating nourishing foods. I’m a naturally active and productive person, and taking time to feed myself properly usually falls to the bottom of my priority list. To me, eating just seemed like another chore. That is, until I learned how important eating well and supporting a healthy gut was for my mental health. In this piece, my dear friend and holistic nutritionist Savannah Bleue gives some tips to...

alternative healing Food & nutrition mental health stress tips & tricks

Milkweed: A Source of Nourishment for Pollinators, Monarchs, and Humans

July 5, 2022

Creativity, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish, Sustainability

By: Karen Talbot, The Wild Gardener Botanical Sanctuary Gardeners and foragers like me have been encouraged to plant milkweed if they have space. Why? Not only is this plant phenomenal for hosting bees and other pollinating insects, but also because it’s the only source of food for the lovely monarch butterflies. And did you know that milkweed is also edible? According to the American Botanical Council (Mader, p.38), Native American tribes have valued this plant for food, medicine, and fiber. There are over 100 plants in this family, the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the one I’m talking about here and it’s indigenous to the eastern U.S. where I live. Edible milkweed for butterflies is not hard to grow at all, and I’ve been doing it...

alternative healing environment Food Lifestyle Nutrition Rhode Island sustainability

Yoga to Increase Energy: 30 minutes of vinyasa, pranayama & mudra

June 28, 2022

Energy, Health, Nourish

By: Sierra Vandervort Welcome to this class: Yoga to Increase Energy! I’ll be taking you through a vinyasa flow, as well as some mudras and pranayama for beginners. Everything in our practice today is meant for when you need an energy boost and to help you feel your best. This is great 30 minute morning yoga practice to start your day. Need an energy boost? Get unstuck Oftentimes, we accumulate stagnant and low-vibrational energy in our bodies. When we do a mindful movement practice like yoga, we’re working to clear away that which has become stuck and invite fresh, new energy into our bodies. In Sanskrit, we call this fresh new energy prana. To stimulate our prana, we’re going to take a series of twists and backbends in this...

alternative healing Fitness mental health mindfulness personal development

Nourish your soul with these six Summer Solstice rituals

June 21, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish

By: Cris McCullough What is the Summer Solstice? The word “solstice” comes from Latin solstitium—from sol (Sun) and stitium (still or stopped). Summer Solstice is an astronomical event occurring yearly when the Sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky and does not change for a brief period of time. After the solstice, the Sun appears to reverse course and head back in the opposite direction. For a time, the sun appears to stand still! Mother Earth is at the height of her magic during the Summer Solstice. You can celebrate this special day with simple Summer Solstice rituals. The timing of the June solstice is not based on a specific calendar date or time; it all depends on when the Sun reaches its northernmost point from...

manifestation mental health mindfulness personal development

Nourish health, happiness, sustainability and success

June 20, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Nourish, Uncategorized

There is time to encourage new ideas, activities, thoughts and creations as we rest from our labors. When something courishes you, it increases your prana or life force. Nourishment goes beyond mere sustenance, to nourish is to provide the necessary nutrients, energy and love needed to thrive and grow. In this issue of the Daily Key, we will learn to nourish health, happiness, sustainability and success. One cannot think of Summer without the idea of this issue’s theme of Nourish. The abundance of the gifts of the Earth invariably feeds our senses on all levels. The rays of the sun warm us, encouraging us to engage more intimately with our surroundings. We plan our vacations and family outings physically engaging with our ecology… whether relaxing on...

current events do what you love mental health mindfulness personal development spirituality sustainability

Port Markers represent African American history in Newport

What is Juneteenth and why is it important?

June 19, 2022

Health, Newsbreaks, Nourish, Relationship

Port Markers represent African American History in Newport Newport, RI has so much history attached to it, going all the way back centuries in American history; this is history that may not be known to many. The Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project’s mission is to teach locals and visitors about this history, and in 2020, this organization fundraised for commemorations for multiple events in history regarding enslaved African-Americans. This includes both the African-Americans that died during the voyage to America, and the 1619 project as well. Port Markers represent African American History in Newport, and the Port Marker project gives Newport residents an opportunity to learn about African American history, and ensure that the atrocities that happened so long ago won’t be forgotten. Check it out...

alternative healing events family & kids History and culture relationship with self Rhode Island transitions

ANSHI Transdermal Rubs: Simple, natural and effective

June 16, 2022

Bloom, Health, Lifestyle

The Mind Key editorial team Janelle Noble Donovan created ANSHI Transdermal Rubs after spending countless hours with her daughter at the hospital. Through her various bouts of illness, Janelle found that natural, topical solutions were a powerful way to aid in her daughter’s healing. Now her natural, handmade healing rubs have made their way into beloved vanities across the country. Donovan’s coveted ANSHI turmeric rub is cited on their webpage as “the first topical turmeric for health & beauty.” We had a few writers from The Daily Key give ANSHI a try, and share their experiences. About Anshi Transdermal Rubs “We believe in the power of natural ingredients, and we know that they can gently and effectively speed up the time it takes for your skin to heal,”...

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ANSHI’s heart-centered approach to non-allergenic transdermal healing

June 15, 2022

Bloom, Energy, Health

By Danielle Rose Anshi means God’s gift in ancient Sanskrit. Janelle Noble Donovan, co-founder and CEO of ANSHI, was giving a gift to her daughter when she first started the company. What started as a few homeopathic remedies has now blossomed into a full line of non-allergenic transdermal healing medicine. “We believe in the power of natural ingredients, and we know that they can gently and effectively speed up the time it takes for your skin to heal,” Janelle said. Together with her good friend, Victoria, Janelle created ANSHI after spending many hours at the hospital, over a number of different occasions, with her young daughter, Regan. Her daughter’s needs while hospitalized varied. Sometimes she needed more fat and minerals, sometimes she needed to recover faster, and...

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Roses in bloom: A cramp-busting rose magnesium cream

June 1, 2022

Bloom, Health, Lifestyle, Sustainability

By: Karen Talbot, Wild Gardener Magnesium deficiencies can cause a number of health concerns such as cramps, muscle aches and pains, restless leg syndrome, trouble sleeping, migraines and more. Because magnesium is important for the metabolization of Vitamin D, magnesium deficiencies can also result in symptoms of Vitamin D deficiencies. According to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), up to 50% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. This recipe for a rose-based magnesium cream can help ease muscle aches, migraines and more. This all-natural homemade rose cream recipe uses dried rose petals, water, magnesium chloride flakes and oils. “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”- Abraham Lincoln Roses for cramps, aches and pains One of my favorite times of...

alternative healing environment Food & nutrition herbalism Rhode Island tips & tricks

Save the Bay’s Exploratorium has a lifelong impact

May 23, 2022

Bloom, Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks, Sustainability

By Cris McCullough Save the Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium located at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI, has been teaching visitors about the abundance and variety of sea life found in Narragansett Bay since 2006. The mission of the Exploration Center is to impart an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of sea life and how the health of our oceans affects our own wellbeing on shore. Through its many outreach programs, Save the Bay invites citizens to participate in the work to protect and improve the Bay. Most of those visitors are children, whose first encounter touching a sand shark or horseshoe crab at the Aquarium’s touch tank has often blossomed into a lifelong dedication to supporting the environmental health of the Bay; from this, we...

current events environment family & kids Lifestyle Rhode Island stress sustainability tips & tricks

Affordable family activities in Hudson Valley NY

Things to do in the Hudson Valley: Affordable activities for families

May 17, 2022

Bloom, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

By Joseph Gonzalez Are you considering giving your family a fun vacation, but aren’t able to dish out money to go to expensive destinations? According to a poll published by Bank Rate this is more common than one might think. Places like Disney World aren’t exactly the easiest to access, especially if you have more than one child. Luckily, there happens to be one general area with many affordable things to do: the Hudson Valley in New York. From Orange County to Kingston to Goshen, there’s a variety of places to visit. Many of them are not only affordable for the whole family, but also a fun time for all ages and tastes. Your bank won’t be broken with these affordable family activities in Hudson Valley,...

adventure and travel environment events Hudson valley things to do hudson valley, ny NY/NJ sustainability tips & tricks

The Farm at Ketchikan is changing the face of local food

May 10, 2022

Bloom, Currency, Health, Lifestyle, Sustainability

By Danielle Rose The Farm at Ketchikan is designed to grow and supply healthy, locally raised vegetables and produce to the local Alaskan community. Because Ketchikan is located in a food desert, owner Dr. Kevin Hall wanted to create a place where locals could find and purchase fresh, clean, and affordable locally-grown produce and vegetables that are both conscious and grown utilizing green energy. Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to fresh, healthy food. About The Farm at Ketchikan The Farm at Ketchikan is housed at a 1914 farmhouse that was originally a bunkhouse for summer cannery workers. The 4600 square foot building is surrounded by 17 and a half acres. Dr. Hall particularly loves the tin architecture, and how spacious and sturdy the building...

Food & nutrition Lifestyle sustainability

Food desert explained: What are they and how are they created?

May 9, 2022

Bloom, Currency, Health, Sustainability

by Danielle Rose What is a food desert? There are many contributing factors to food deserts. They are places where residents have limited access to food, either because there are not many food stores available, or because the distance one must travel to reach food stores is significant. Food deserts are commonly found among low population areas, particularly those with a high rate of abandoned or vacant homes, low income, minimal education and high rates of unemployment. Although there is no single cause that creates a food desert, there are several contributing factors to food insecurity in America, including income, transportation (like vehicle availability or access to public transportation) and education. These factors added to the rising cost of healthy eating make it hard for lower-income...

environment family & kids Food & nutrition Lifestyle

Relationship with exercise = relationship with self

May 5, 2022

Bloom, Creativity, Energy, Health

by Dana Chapman, The Diet Recovery Coach The word “exercise” is a loaded one that comes with a lot of emotional baggage. This is especially true when exercise is associated purely with weight loss efforts and goals. When you think you "should" exercise, a funny thing happens. You start to dread it, then you are far less likely to actually do it. Which is the opposite result of what you are going for. Today I want to show you another relationship with exercise, and a more freeing way to look at it. Healthy exercise motivation, step-by-step Here's a step-by-step process to get you started on building (or rebuilding) a healthier relationship with exercise, movement and your body…Even if you have had a tumultuous relationship with it for years. If...

addiction alternative healing do what you love Fitness Food & nutrition Lifestyle manifestation mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self sustainability transitions

BLOOM: The Spring 2022 issue

May 2, 2022

Bloom, Career, Creativity, Currency, Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship, Sustainability

by The Mind Key Editorial Team Flowers require an incredible amount of energy to bloom, and so does the process of blossoming as humans. Sometimes, when this is literally all we have energy for, other projects must be tabled until the next stage of personal growth is fully entered. In this issue, we will delve into this growth as we tackle topics on health, happiness and success. Blooming in this context could mean being spontaneous and branching into unknown places. In this issue we hope to offer insights for business and career growth, and how to bloom creatively. We share how to grow past health plateaus, and build better relationships with ourself and with others. We’ll also share our favorite suggestions for helping Mamma Earth bloom...

Beltaine and Arbor Day: Celebration of Earth in bloom

April 28, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship, Renewal , Sustainability

By Cris McCullough Beltaine. May Day. Many of us associate mid-spring with the quaint traditions of dancing around a May Pole or the crowning of the May Queen. This is a time of exchange with nature, a time to celebrate renewal in all its forms. Buds begin to form on the trees, encouraging us to slow down and pay attention. Celebrating Beltaine and trees is an ancient tradition, one that translates contemporarily to a sweet stop in the woods. Anyone who has placed a hand on a tree to intuitively “listen” to the sap beginning to flow can agree. Even exchange: Celebrating Beltaine and trees Beltaine is an ancient Celtic festival of renewal and fertility dating from Roman times. Entire villages would gather and sleep under the stars,...

environment mindfulness Rhode Island sustainability tips and tricks

Collaborating with nature for a healthy Earth

April 25, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Uncategorized

For meditation purposes, many will ground themselves in nature, an act that can be beneficial for your overall health. Grounding in nature offers a multitude of benefits for body, mind and soul. Since humans are constantly surrounded by nature, stewardship is a natural way to give back to ensure our own health and happiness. Collaborating with nature also offers this hope for future generations. Creating a mutual collaboration with the environment is the mission of the organization Partner With Nature. Partner With Nature believes that by collaborating with nature, we can create a healthy environment for years to come. Learn more about communicating with nature, and building a simple and sustainable practice of stewardship in your own daily life. Partnering with nature through nature communication by Basia Alexander Once...

environment herbalism mindfulness spirituality

Use nature to combat covid stress syndrome

April 19, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Sustainability

The National Institutes of Health identified COVID stress syndrome as a legitimate disorder which has made a debilitating impact on our children especially. Hippocrates said, “Nature itself is the best physician,” as Joann Ayuso, a fitness trainer and health coach from Providence, RI, well knows. In 2018, she founded Movement Education Outdoors to provide opportunities for all children, especially those of color and with limited resources, to enjoy the great outdoors for renewal, and begin to recover themselves and, hopefully, regain a sense of normalcy. See why time in nature is not only a balm to the soul, but also an important key to our on-going physical, emotional, and mental well-being and just maybe a way to save and inspire the next generation. R.I. Programs Explore...

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Hacks for reintegrating into a post-covid world

April 18, 2022

Career, Creativity, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship, Renewal , Sustainability

By Cris McCullough, MA, Holistic Counselor Post-covid reintegration It’s been a challenging two years! But here we are, gazing into what has been described as, “the new normal.” We all have made sacrifices of one kind or another, and now we are faced with the challenge of reintegrating and finding our personal rhythm that helps us be and stay healthy. There are many ways to find healing that can assist us in embracing the new normal. The Daily Key editorial team asked some of our trusted colleagues from various disciplines the question: “What are your suggestions/tips/hacks to help folks recover, renew, and master the act of post-covid reintegration?” Reintegrating with New York State therapist James M.: How can isolation affect a person’s well being? For many, at the start of the...

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Organic versus pesticide farming Chemical free food Organic foods

Salad with a side of piperonyl butoxide: Making the move to pesticide-free

April 13, 2022

Health, Lifestyle, Renewal

Spring is a time of renewal of mind, body, spirit and environment. Many of us greet the new season by renewing our garden spaces in preparation for the growing season. Spring brings an abundance of fresh bitter greens at this time of year. The body craves these nutrients as it begins to shed winter fat. Becoming aware of pesticides, how they affect the body, and how to avoid them, is a timely focus for better health. This article, by registered dietician Melissa Kirdzik, was first published in Newport Naked. In it, Melissa explains the pervasive use of pesticides in our environment and why organic versus pesticide farming can be better for both your health and the environment. Making the move to pesticide-free By Melissa Kirdzik for Eat...

environment Food & nutrition Lifestyle sustainability

Your body is nature: a guide to connecting with nature wherever you live

April 12, 2022

Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Sustainability

Our bodies reflect the patterns of nature. Each of us has an innate rhythm that responds to the time of day, the flow of seasons and the ecosystems we inhabit. Herbalism treats both the human body and nature as an ecosystem versus machine that resonates with the environment it inhabits, utilizing energetics to manage these connections. This article by herbalist, Sajah Poplum, discusses the role of energetics in herbalism and suggests techniques to more deeply connect with nature no matter where you live. By Sajah Poplum, School of Evolutionary Herbalism The body can be understood as either an ecosystem or as a machine. The more you understand that your body is but a mirror to the natural world, the more you see the elemental and energetic cornerstones that form...

alternative healing environment Food & nutrition herbalism mindfulness sustainability

Real Root Beer recipe for renewal, an old fashioned natural springtime soda recipe

Step into spring with delicious nutritious real root beer

April 11, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal

By Karen Talbot, Wild Gardener Supplements and powders mixed into morning smoothies are helpful in keeping ourselves looking and feeling better. But the foundation of true self-care begins at ground level with unprocessed food and drink that can deeply nourish our health and wellbeing, as well as prevent a call to the doctor’s office. A North American recipe for old fashioned soda made from roots, barks, and herbs (we can call this the Real Root Beer recipe for renewal) is one herbal component of that foundation that benefits many bodily systems. But how did this natural springtime soda originate, and what are these healing plant ingredients? North American recipe for real root beer When colonists arrived in the new world, there were no familiar grains to homebrew “small...

environment Food & nutrition sustainability

Support your adrenals to combat stress

April 7, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Sustainability

It would not be an understatement to say that a majority of us have lived with some form of stress over the last two years. As Dr. Gary Kracoff notes in his article on how renew with adrenal support, short term stress is ok. Our “fight or flight” response kicks in; we handle what faces us and generally move on. But long term, constant stress is another story. It takes a toll on our emotional and physical bodies to our overall detriment. With this issue focusing on Renewal, it’s crucial to have methods available to combat stress, especially if they’re methods you’ve never even heard of. In this article from Natural Awakenings Boston, Dr. Kracoff offers tips for recovering our overall health through the support...

alternative healing Fitness Food & nutrition stress tips & tricks

Springtime self-care: balancing your priorities

April 6, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship, Renewal

By Josephine Belliveau Are you the type of person who is all work and no play, and a part of you feels like you should prioritize your well-being? In this day and age, many aspects of our life take place on a phone screen. Everyone has the opportunity to project themselves through the media. While it is an easily accessible way to stay connected to loved ones and even take inspiration from people you don’t know, it’s easier for lines to blur between the two perspectives of social media and real life. When you’re only seeing the best parts of everyone’s lives, it puts pressure on us to do more and try to measure up to the perfect standard we see all around us. Springtime is...

alternative healing Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self spirituality sustainability tips & tricks

Renewal brings a kinder and compassionate you

April 4, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Uncategorized

by D. Isadora Grisanzio This is a time to start fresh. To shake off the old, and welcome in a new you. As we emerge from isolation into an endemic Covid world, we find ourselves wanting to “spread our wings” and get back to the tried and true habits and experiences—like going to the gym—that familiar rush of “do, do, do” which we often drop off after a month or so into a New Year. Instead, this year, perhaps try giving yourself a gift—renew with self-compassion to not only start fresh, but to also learn self-forgiveness and improve your connection to others. How do you renew with self-compassion? We are often our own worst critics and can be harsh on ourselves, cutting ourselves down constantly with our own...

Fitness meditation mental health mindfulness relationship with self stress

Things to do in the Hudson Valley

March 31, 2022

Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Sustainability

By Joseph Gonzalez The Hudson Valley (where I’ve lived for my whole life) is home to a myriad of activities, whether you’re looking for a break from city life, or if you’re generally looking for new experiences. They can give you an opportunity to find ways to renew yourself going into the spring. Things to do in the Hudson Valley As the northeast comes out of this brutal winter into warm weather, we remember that spring goes hand in hand with making a refreshing change for yourself. Now that the sun actually stays up past 5 PM, you have endless possibilities in regard to trying new things. If this is what you’re looking for, look no further than the Hudson Valley in upstate New York. The things to...

adventure and travel events History & culture Hudson valley things to do hudson valley, ny NY/NJ sustainability

Daffodils for Brighter Days

March 30, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal

by John Hirshboek Daffodillion introduced their “Daffodils for Brighter Days” logo when Covid tragically became part of our lives two years ago. Most of us began our masking and quarantining that spring, but Newport’s over one million daffodils (a “daffodillion”) still exploded in a profusion of bright yellow glory, as they have each April. Seeing the daffodils emerge, after a winter of Covid’s doom and gloom, brought a symbol of hope. They promised us brighter days ahead. Buttressed with an outpouring of support and sentiment to continue our efforts, we sought donations to purchase more bulbs to give away in the fall of 2020 and again in 2021. Our community responded, both with contributions and then “sold-out” bulb giveaways each October. As a result, an additional 100,000 Dutch Master...

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Take a breath: Walking the labyrinth for stress reduction

March 29, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal , Sustainability

We have managed to thrive during the tumult that is the holiday season. As we enter a New Year, filled with both hope and uncertainty, we may need a gentle prompt to reclaim mindfulness. The action of walking the labyrinth can be seen as a metaphorical journey. It gets us out of our heads and into our hearts, from the stress of the day-to-day grind and into a state of peace. Walking the labyrinth for stress reduction is as easy as breathing in and breathing out. It is perfect for maintaining peace of mind. Walking the Labyrinth for Stress Reduction A labyrinth is a walking meditation that centers our mind and brings us calm. At first glance it may seem like a puzzling and confusing pathway of...

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Athlete recovery methods help with training without injury

March 28, 2022

Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Renewal

By Darren Cooper Athletes are willing to do anything to gain a competitive edge on their opponents. Today that even means stepping into a deep freeze. In the last few years, the world of athletic training has seen a new-found emphasis on recovery and renewal. It’s no longer all about how much weight you can push on a bench press bar. It’s about flexibility and the ability to keep training without injury. “I’d say in the last five years or so, recovery has become a huge focus,” said Mike Nunziato, owner of TNT Training in Paramus which has serviced professional athletes and college and high school stars. “We know that if kids are beat up all year, they’re not going to be able to practice hard.” Cryo has...

Fitness Food & nutrition Lifestyle sustainability

RENEWAL Issue of The Daily Key

March 21, 2022

Career, Creativity, Currency, Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks, Relationship, Renewal , Sustainability

by The Mind Key Editorial Team Spring is invariably coupled with the idea of this issue’s theme of Renewal. Each spring, harbingers of growth and birth appear across the earth, and ecology grabs our attention. We renew promises to ourselves to stick with the diet, or get out and exercise more or make other improvements in our bodies and our environment as a whole. Our issue’s theme of spring renewal for health and success means it’s never too late to start fresh and make major, or even minor changes in your life. Renewing yourself can be as simple as trying something new or visiting new places; the main idea is to prioritize your well being. These little actions can become bigger steps in growth and renewal...

Clean beauty products for spring skin

March 16, 2022

Bloom, Health, Lifestyle

by Magdalena Durkin, 13 year old student writer Clean beauty products are better for you and can help you bring your skin back to life in the spring. This article will include what is different about clean beauty products, what chemicals are bad in beauty products, clean beauty products brands and where to find them, and lastly how to make your own natural moisturizer. What chemicals are bad in beauty products Beauty products might make you look pretty, but the ingredients in them can be really bad for you. According to Business Insider some toxic ingredients are added during the making of beauty products, while product companies put other chemicals into the makeup to help with absorption, shine, shimmer, or a non-greasy feel. You may be surprised...

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Don’t lose sleep this holiday: Nutrients for better sleep

December 8, 2021

Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle

Sleep disorders go beyond just insomnia. They can encompass any number of conditions, including oversleeping. The stress of the holidays can sometimes add to sleep issues, only compounding stress and reducing immunity, continuing the sleep dysfunction cycle. The good news is that there are plenty of nutrients that can improve sleep naturally. A Market of Newport, Rhode Island’s “Natural Insights for Well-Being” newsletter references The Journal of Nutrition 2021 article for some easily found alternatives for better sleep. What are sleep disorders? There are many, but the four most common are insomnia, sleep apnea (a temporary halt to breathing), irregular sleep-wake cycles and restless leg syndrome. Doctors also consider a sleep disorder regularly getting more than nine, or less than seven hours of sleep a night. Compared...

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Replenish your energy and thrive with this guided cord cutting meditation

December 6, 2021

Energy, Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle

by Sierra Vandervort Do you need a bit of rest? Maybe you feel as if you’re giving so much energy away, and never taking the time to refill your own cup. If so, then a cord cutting meditation may be able to help you. Cord cutting is a form of meditation that uses energy attunement and visualization practices to aid in closing energy leakages and promote spiritual healing. Visualization as a tool for energy and attunement In this meditation, we call to mind all the many ways we are giving away our energy; from the most obvious forms such as work, family and daily tasks, to the subtlest pieces like stress, jealousy or defenses. Then, through focused breathing and some guided visualizations, we work to find harmony and...

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Take Five and Thrive: Yoga for reducing stress

November 27, 2021

Energy, Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle

by Sara Sundance Imagine navigating the holiday season with a sense of calm and presence? As wild as that idea sounds, it is not only possible but also incredibly simple. Carve out five minutes from your busy holiday schedule and assume this restorative legs up the wall yoga pose to reduce stress and bring calm. Integrate breathwork, you will quickly relax your body and quiet your mind. This easy combination of Legs-Up-The-Wall Yoga pose and Box Breathing can make a big impact on your stress levels, and restore a sense of calm. Five minutes to reduce stress with yoga this holiday For the Legs-Up-The-Wall Yoga Pose, find a clear wall space and two blankets. 1. Sit with your side against the wall and knees bent. 2. Swing your legs up against...

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digestive bitters are a natural upset stomach cure

Preempt holiday indulgences with a bottle of bitters

November 18, 2021

Energy, Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle, Sustainability

Bitters are an essential addition to my holiday survival toolkit. I will stash a bottle into my smallest purse rather than brave a dinner party without it. This article from Nature’s Goodness in Newport Rhode Island gives an overview this natural upset stomach cure, discussing the history of bitters as a cocktail ingredient, how they work, and where they can be found in foods. by Patty Lenz Bovie for Nature's Goodness Bitters are alcohol-based extracts of bark, roots, berries, leaves, or flowers of bitter-tasting plants. Known for the essential role they play in signature cocktails, they burst with a range of aromatic flavors such as zesty orange, tarragon spice, and nutty coffee. But taste is not their only perk. Research has shown that bitters may also be...

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A Warming Elixir for surviving the Winter Blues

November 17, 2021

Energy, Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle, Sustainability

by Karen Talbot, wild gardener The fragrance wafting up from my hot cup of tea conjures up favorite evergreen memories as I write. I can still smell the balsam firs where we camped in New Hampshire years ago; discovering a magnificent blue spruce on a South County RI trail; and the pleasure of harvesting pine needles for this cup of tea outside my door. Pines are also my medicine for preventing and easing the symptoms of a cold and cough, building the immune system, and especially preventing the flu. This DIY pine cough and flu remedy is a great herbal solution to survive winter and can be made with almost any evergreen available to you. Pine: It’s not just about holiday memories Evergreen needles are the main ingredient...

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White pine medicine: Not just holiday magic

November 16, 2021

Energy, Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle, Sustainability

by Artemis Body & Soul Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) of the family Pinaceae is ideal for winter healing, predominately, because it can be gathered anytime of the year. Often branches of white pine are felled during winter storms, and as long as the needles are still green, it’s good to use. Plus, their medicinal and spiritual uses in boosting immunity and battling congestion and coughs while supporting the lungs comes in handy during the holiday and cold/flu season. So does its spiritual abilities to help the body move through grief, sadness and situations that require a peacemaker. Identifying the winter healer Identifying white pine starts with recognizing the long bluish-green needles. Look closer, the needles are long and “flowy.” At an even closer look, you should notice...

alternative healing Food & nutrition herbalism History & culture Lifestyle meditation NY/NJ relationship with self Rhode Island spirituality stress tips & tricks

Thriving through the holidays: Tips for a well-balanced holiday season

November 15, 2021

Creativity, Energy, Health, Holiday Thrival Guide, Lifestyle, Relationship, Sustainability

by Cris McCullough & the Mind Key Editor Team We have all survived a year filled with challenges and now another challenge looms...

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You need fresh produce in your healthy lifestyle.

The dark side of weight loss: Embracing passion, overcoming hype

November 12, 2021

Health, Lifestyle

By Amanda Hollenbeck How commercialism affects your health The term “weight loss” is often met with frustration, especially when we so often need to unravel weight loss commercialism myths. The idea of having to endure mental and physical self control does not have to become a prison before the journey even begins. A weight loss journey can become a healthy, lifelong and passion-driven decision. Fad diets and the diet industry are cashing in on our need to be thin. They are also fostering an unsustainable practice driven by commercialism and not passion. In the book Encyclopedia of Fad Diets, authors Marjolijn Bijlefeld and Sharon K. Zoumbaris state that diet products are a huge business that rakes in billions of dollars from hopefuls who desire the perfect image...

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Becoming an authentic caregiver and mother means using your parenting tools effectively.

Being an authentic parent: Mothering with magic

November 9, 2021

Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

By Danielle Rose Many mothers today work, whether outside or inside the home. Whether a single parent, married, or living with a tribe of helping hands, moms have a lot to juggle. In today’s fast-paced, internet-and-technology-run day and age, how do they find time to slow down and focus on parenting? Step one: Stay true to you While in the thick of motherhood, entrepreneur Stephanie Mathews realized that she had to maintain a sense of self, allowing space to continue to grow and develop, while still being the best mother she could be. Stephanie believes that parenting doesn’t have to be “hard” or “lonely.” As the founder and owner of Magical Mothering, she empowers her tribe to be authentic to their vision-of-self, and teaches others how to step out...

family & kids Lifestyle mental health mindfulness personal development relationship with self stress tips & tricks

Consistent yoga practice leads to healthier ego.

Identifying and Understanding the Ego Through Yoga

November 8, 2021

Health, Lifestyle

The ego can find balance with a simple and consistent yoga practice. The ego is not altogether “bad,” and in fact, we better understand ourselves when the ego has healthy balance. Here are some tips for how to use Yoga in your daily quest to understand your ego. Consistent yoga practice and a stronger self Albert Einstein believed that our personal experiences lead us to feel separate from the rest of the universe (consciousness). He says this delusion creates a self-imposed prison, restricting us from our personal desires and affections. We must widen our circle of understanding and compassion to embrace all of nature. Although the ego was initially created to keep us protected and safe, we often outgrow those beliefs and paradigms long before we release them...

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Discover your female power by abolishing the menstrual cycle taboo in your own life.

Shifting focus: Your perception of your cycle may be keeping you stuck

November 3, 2021

Health, Lifestyle, Relationship, Uncategorized

By Danielle Rose The menstrual cycle taboo has been present for centuries. As a writer and avid reader of fantasy and historical fiction, I have always been amazed at how all bodily functions and bloody experiences are described in stories—sometimes quite vividly. The menstrual cycle, however, seems to not exist at all. It wasn’t always this way. At one time, women’s bodies and cycles were revered and honored—as perhaps they should be. However, it’s hard to honor something that is perceived as taboo, unclean or a burden. Not to mention, some of us are crippled with a painful or heavy flow. These symptoms seem to shut our lives down for days or weeks on end. As a result, women create so much stagnant energy around their...

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Tips for boosting immunity

March 11, 2020

Health, Lifestyle, Newsbreaks

Prevention is always the best measure, particularly now when people are fearful of upper-respiratory illness, quarantines and outbreaks. The CDC and many other health outlets tout sanitation and cleanliness as the best defense against infection. If that is true, then a strong immune system is the best offense. Here are some tips for immune building tips which, in conjunction with cleanliness and healthy habits, can combat any illness. Don’t skimp on sleep A full seven to eight uninterrupted hours a night is essential to keeping an immune system strong. The power of digestive health Immunity starts in the gut, making digestive health one of the most important aspects of good health. Drink and eat lots of probiotics like kombucha or kim chee to promote digestive health and boost immunity....

Live a longer, healthier life through continued learning

January 24, 2019

Health, Lifestyle

By the Mind Key Editorial Team It has long been believed that knowledge seekers live longer. In fact, recent studies confirm that continued learning exercises have been found to improve neuroplasticity, or the ability to stay mentally sharp. Continued learning has also been known to reduce the onset or symptoms of memory-related diseases. For example, a 2010 review published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services found that education has the ability to protect our memory and intelligence, and even minimize the effects of low education. Cognitive inactivity, on the other hand, has been associated with reduced fluid intelligence (processing speed and ability). Cognitive Activity Factors In an article published by Scientific Learning Corporation, renowned researcher in brain plasticity, Dr. Michael Merzenich, notes that the brain...

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Healing with the chakras: Where the physical and spiritual meet

January 23, 2019

Energy, Health, Lifestyle

My first experience with chakras and energy fields happened about twenty years ago. Although not directly related to chakra healing, it came as a result of two weeks worth of intensive of ritual and meditation in Colorado with Native American teacher and medicine woman, Oh Shinnah Fast Wolf. The experience was so powerful that it stopped myself and three other students in our tracks. My chakra experience We had just finished our intensive with Oh Shinnah Fast Wolf and decided to explore a nearby sacred site, Canyon de Chelly. We pulled up to the visitor center, the three of us got out of the car, came to a full stop and quickly got back in the car. Simultaneously we all blurted out, “Did you see what I...

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Understanding chakras: An introduction to the chakra system

January 22, 2019

Energy, Health, Lifestyle

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheel.” These are energy centers that exist along the central axis of the spine in living beings. Chakras are an ancient and often neglected aspect of our physical anatomy. Understanding chakras, their history and how they intersect with the physical body can go a long way toward achieving physical and emotional wellbeing. Understanding chakras throughout history For thousands of years, many cultures’ philosophies and healing practices have incorporated the concept of chakras. These cultures include Native American, African, Maori, Egyptian, Asian and Indian, to name a few. Chakras were first described in the ancient Hindu religious texts known as the Vedas, written between 1500 and 1000 BCE, the Upanishads, the Puranas and in other works from the Tantric period of...

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the mental agility required of chess is one of the benefits of continued learning

Continued learning is a powerful anti-aging agent

January 21, 2019

Energy, Health, Lifestyle

By Barbara Steingas We’ve all met someone or have someone in our lives who thinks they are a know-it-all. Unfortunately, they are self-sabotaging themselves by limiting their own health, happiness and joy, as well as that of those around them. It is a strength, not a weakness, to not know everything. Besides, that is basically impossible. The benefits of continued learning can combat aging, as well as support mental and physical health. In this article, I’ve chosen to share the benefits I’ve experienced in being a lifelong learner. Benefits of continued learning Keeping the mind sharp My German grandmother, or Omi as I called her, had one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever seen when she passed away at age 94. I firmly believe this is because she made...

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In this issue: An introduction to Lifelong learner

January 7, 2019

Career, Creativity, Energy, Health, Lifestyle, Relationship

By Catherine Minto Over the duration of our lives, we come to know what we know through the pursuit of applied academia, or the raw experience of our personal journey through life. We learn through trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Failures teaches us as much, if not more than our successes. Lifelong learning guides us through the endless undulations of the experience that is life. One of the greatest advantages of living in this age is our ability to access and absorb millions of volumes of information. We can gobble it up and literally run with it in our pockets. Being a lifelong learner is so much more than information, however. It’s a free-spirited journey of the soul to remember that life is short, but that we...