Do you suffer with foot, ankle, knee or hip pain?  Did you know that issues at each of these areas can affect your balance and increase your risk of falls and even hip fracture later in life?

This video has some super simple tricks and a surprisingly tricky but super powerful exercise you can do at home to start reducing your falls risk and improve your balance today.

Do you get tight in your shoulders, upper traps and neck?  Do you suffer with a tight chest, anxiety or just get stressed out and find yourself getting tight?  This video is a tutorial on how to breathe optimally.  This is the first video because many of the other exercises to follow require you to use this breathing technique or will have their effectiveness supercharged by using this way of breathing. 

Remember as always - practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent so just because you breathe every day, you could be doing it wrong!  If you have ever been subconscious about your tummy and therefore held it in, have worn jeans or pants with too tight waist bands or just had an extended period of stress in your life, you could be breathing suboptimally.  This short video will show you how to know if you are breathing correctly and how to change it if you aren't.  

Do you get stressed?  Have you ever been so stressed out you say all the wrong things or words you have used your whole life just won't come to you?  Are there situations where you can feel your heart rate rising, your shoulders lifting and your chest tightening, you want your body to stop it but don't know how - this is the trick for you.

The cool thing about this technique is you can use it in so many places - sitting, standing even laying in bed and it works super quickly. Check out the short video below to get this tool to add to your superhero utility belt for life. 

If you have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or just wake up feeling like you need to go back to sleep even after a good 8 hours - you need to watch this.  Do you get cranky with the kids just for being kids, need to rely on coffee or chocolate to get through the day or even feel like you just can't remember stuff because you are too tired for anything to sink in?  In just 2-3 minutes, this super simple life hack helps to calm your nervous system and improve your posture ... and anyone can do it.  Check out the video below for the full "How to". 

​Working adults spend a large portion of their time at their desks. In fact, the time spent here is second only to that spent in bed asleep. With such a significant amount of time spent at a work desk, it only makes sense to purchase one that is comfortable and health promoting. As people attempt to live more active lifestyles, there has been an increased interest in standing desks. What are standing desks and what should you look for when choosing one? The information outlined here is designed to help you answer these questions. 


What is a Standing Desk?


Standing desks are exactly what they sound like. They are ergonomically correct desks that allow the user to stand up while working at their computer or performing other paperwork related tasks. Many people deal with physical discomforts and health issues that stem from sitting in one position for too long. This is a common problem in people with office jobs or those who must sit in front of a computer for most of the work day. A standing desk is designed to be easily raised or lowered, depending on the current needs of the user. Lifehacker Australia recommends it as a solution as well https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/08/ask-lh-how-can-i-improve-my-posture-in-the-workplace/


Factors to Consider When Choosing a Standing Desk 


There are dozens of choices when it comes to standing desks. If you're going to invest in an item designed to improve your overall well-being, you want to make the best choice for your needs. Here are several factors to consider when choosing a standing desk. 
If you need more help making your choice check out this guide from Reviews.com http://www.reviews.com/standing-desk/


* Lever Mechanism for Raising and Lowering


Standing desks can use a variety of mechanisms to raise and lower the desk as needed. Some rely on hydraulic levers. Others use a hand crank or an electric motor. If you're looking for the smoothest up and down motion, a standing desk with an electric motor or hydraulic lever is the way to go. Standing desks with hand cranks may be slightly less expensive, but the up and down motion will not be as smooth. If you plan to adjust the height of your desk multiple times per day, consider the lever mechanism carefully. 


* Maximum Height


The maximum height of standing desks is something you will want to pay attention to as well. You will want to ensure the desk can comfortably accommodate your body type and height when standing. Ideally, you'll likely want your desk to reach a max height of 48 inches. 


* Warranties


Standing desks can be a huge investment. As with any other item you may spend a significant amount of money on, you will want to ensure it comes with a decent warranty to cover any issues. The average warranty on many standing desks is around five years, so it's ideal to look for an option that offers at least a five-year warranty on the desk itself and a four-year warranty on the electronic components. 


* Ease of Assembly


You may also want to consider shipping, delivery time, and how easy the desk will be to assemble if there is assembly required. Some desks will require the use of power tools to assemble properly, so be sure you have everything needed to get the desk in functional order. 


Did You Know? - Fast Facts about Standing Desks 


* Standing Isn't Better than Sitting 


We are a culture that tends to go to extremes. If sitting all day is bad for you, then standing in one spot must be a superior choice, right? Not exactly. Standing in one spot is no better than sitting. Our bodies were designed to move frequently throughout the day. Standing in the same spot while working on the computer can place excessive amounts of strain on the legs and even lead to varicose veins. Where standing desks do offer a benefit is they allow for easier continual motion while performing basic tasks throughout the day. 


* There's No Right or Wrong 


There's no right or wrong way to use a standing desk as long as it is ergonomically correct in its design. Aim for a desk that hits just below your elbows and allows your computer monitor to be approximately 20-28 inches from your face at a 20-degree tilt.


* Remember to Move


Even if you're standing for the majority of the day, don't forget to move. Take frequent breaks to have a quick walk around the office building. Pace as you speak on the phone or carry on a conversation with a co-worker. Even fidgeting while performing your basic work-related tasks can count as much-needed motion that will keep your body in a healthier state. This is even highlighted in PopSugars popular post https://www.popsugar.com.au/fitness/How-Prevent-Back-Pain-43951642


For those looking to improve the health of their spine and have a less sedentary lifestyle overall, a standing desk can provide many benefits. Since a standing desk can be pricier than standard work desks, it's important to invest in the one that best suits your needs. By following the useful guidelines above, you will be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make a wise choice in the purchase of a standing desk.
​

There appears to be a lot of gastro going around.  For many people who get it, you feel like death for a short time with vomiting and or diarrhoea but then you are over it and feeling great again in a couple of days.  Some times this does not happen and you continue to feel not quite right for some time afterwards.  Here are a few natural tips and tricks to help get your digestive system back in top shape.

3. Prebiotics.  They provide food for the good bacteria encouraging a return to optimal balance of the bacteria of the gut.  Some great prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, leeks, dandelion greens, jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, snow peas and chick peas.  ​

In order to give the people you love, care about, work with or even just interact with each day the best version of yourself, you must first make yourself a priority.

We often get busy in the everyday run around and neglect to take the time to stop and think about what we really need.  Stop and ask yourself - What is the one thing that would most improve "me" at the moment?  What would make me feel closer to the best version of myself right now?  Your answer could be anything from more sleep to quiet time, to someone to talk to, a hug, a massage, exercise - anything.  Listen to what your heart is telling you.  Now, what can you do today - for yourself that will help you feel like the best version of you?  

As they say every time you get on a plane - put on your own mask first before helping other people. When you feel like the best version of yourself you have more to give.  
​
~Bel