Oh the crankiness! My family can attest to this unpleasant side of me when I don't get enough sleep. I am one of those people who need at least eight hours of sleep or else....I can't perform my daily tasks well. I am prone to be more negative and whiny. Needless to say, lack of sleep has a huge impact on my emotional and physical well-being as well as on those around me. I think most of us, if not all, need to sleep well to function well in daily life. But the reality is many of us do not get enough eight hours of sleep (recommended for adults, more hours for children).
Reasons are many and varied: stress, insomina, poor diet, hectic daily schedule, illness, the list can go on and on. There have been studies linking benefits of good sleep to fighting off various illnesses including heart disease. Now, the latest research concludes that those who suffer from lack of sleep are more prone to catch a cold than others who get eight or more hours of daily sleep. This finding is very important to us who have sinus, nasal allergy, and asthma problems. It is a reminder that sleep is essential to our recovery from these conditions and maintain good health. Read more about this important finding here. Also enjoy this video as it just might lead you to that catnap you urgently needed!
January 18, 2009
This winter has been good to me so far. I feel less awful dealing with allergy/sinus symptoms. And that makes me feel very thankful. I attribute this positive development to my ongoing learning and implementing methods to help my condition. They are simple and inexpensive. I strongly believe the consistent, regular practice is the key to improvement. So the following lists what I have been doing...hope they help you as well. I am pretty sure they will.
Better home insulation against the outside elements like dust, pollen, and cold air. We had old, drafty windows and front door replaced. Yes, that was costly but sorely needed. I am sure you know about those do-it-yourself (DYI) tools you can pick up at the local Home Depot Center.
Take extra dosage of vitamin c and zinc (especially during flu/cold season) along with the multivitamin (I take the liquid kind for better absorption), and B-Complex to combat fatigue.
Daily intake of Astragalus and Quercetin/Bromelain combo herbs in capsule form. Astragalus is safe to take year round and helpful in fighting colds and flu. Quercetin/Bromelain has properties to alleviate sinusitis/allergy symptoms.
Daily listening to Quantum Mind Power brainwave entrainment recordings to produce calm and focus of mind.
Nasal rinsing with neti pot once a day (usually mornings). Twice if I stayed outdoors long and need a cleansing before bed time.
Dusting more frequently and sweeping floors to rid of irritants such as dust, pollen, dirt as much as possible.
Use air filter in my bedroom.
Few minutes of deep breathing throughout the day to release body tension and pain. I sleep more quickly and deeply due to this practice.
Apply acupressure to alleviate sinus and head pain. I am still amazed at how this works so well for me quickly.
Drink chamomile tea with honey and lemon daily to soothe my throat and relax and warm my body. Also gargle with salt water when sore throat persists.
5-10 minute gentle stretching in the morning and evening for tension release/flexibility.
Greater awareness of my diet so I avoid what can aggravate my condition.
Daily oil pulling to assist in clearing nasal congestion.
January 11, 2009
Some of us are more directly and severely affected by our current difficult economic situation than others but we all feel stressed. Fear and anxiety seem contagious. So what can we do? We understand that there are things (stock market, jobs, home value, etc.) beyond our control but we can control our thoughts, emotions, and responses. So, how can you have greater control over your inner self? Times like these can become a powerful catalyst to try things we didn’t give a second thought to before. Like meditation.
I am sure many of us have heard about it, read about it, and perhaps been encouraged to try it for its mind-body health benefits. Then why not try it, if you haven’t yet? Try to put aside any preconceived notions you may have about it and approach with open mind. Right now is always good time when doing something that is good for your body and soul. Refer to “How-To” section on this site for a simple meditation technique. Also read the latest research on the link between meditation and stress reduction by clicking here.
January 4, 2009
I understand the appeal of smoking. I started when I was about 13 thinking it made me look cool…part of the “cool” gang in school. Struggling with new culture and language at 12 (emigrated to U.S. from South Korea), I was desperate to do anything to fit in. Also, smoking did have a calming effect. So I continued smoking even when I found out I had weak lungs, coughed up phlegm, and had difficulty with breathing. Well, I am now more mature and confident (at least I think I am), cigarettes are thing of the past. Moreover, it would be stupid of me to smoke now that I have sinusitis/allergy problems. I realize many and varied factors cause sinus and allergy conditions but I strongly believe that cigarettes play a major role in them. Just consider few of the chemicals commonly found in a burning cigarette:
Ammonia: Household cleaner Arsenic: Used in rat poison Benzene: Used in making dyes, synthetic rubber Carbon monoxide: Poisonous gas Cadmium: Used in batteries Cyanide: Deadly poison DDT: A banned insecticide Ethyl Furoate: Causes liver damage in animals Lead: Poisonous in high doses Formaldehyde: Used to preserve dead tissue Methoprene: Insecticide Napthalene: Ingredient in moth balls Methyl isocyanate: Very deadly chemical
Disgusting!! Just image breathing in these chemicals and more…what that does to your sinuses and throat, not to mention the whole body. People make “quit smoking” a new year’s resolution but many fail because the addiction is too strong, the habit too entrenched. However, when we are serious about our health, have the urgency to change our unhealthy habits, we can take tangible steps to break the addiction and conditioned behavior. One of the most effective methods to quit smoking is hypnosis. I have heard many people testify to this fact after having tried other techniques in vain. So why not give it try and begin a new year by giving your body a better chance to heal from sinus and allergy diseases. Also, check out the youtube video on smoking cessation using hypnosis with Ellen DeGeneres.
First-Person Stories - January 2009
