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Cuddle-Up Close

Sleeping alone can be liberating and all but sometimes its pretty nice to snuggle up with somebody. Most of us will have to use a pillow on most nights, wrapping their arms around the bag stuffed with latex or kapok or buckwheat, and that is fine. Perhaps two pillows might do even more justice in that you can stuff one between your bony knees to supply further comfort and warmth. Its easy to wrap your arms around a soft pillow, close your eyes, and drift out into space. Some of us just can’t fall asleep without imagining that someone else is there with them, like Ray Davies penned and Cher, The Pretenders, The Kinks, and Sia can all verify. You can also fall asleep with your pet, or at least attempt to. The thing about pets is that they’re unpredictable, making them viable to being easily distracted and perhaps running away from your outstretched arms at the first gust of wind or the sound of footsteps on the sidewalk outside, leaving you alone, once again.

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If you cuddle with your pillow, pet, or your partner, then spooning is universal. The thing about spooning is that you can do it with anything that you want. Granted that most times you will end up being the big spoon on most nights unless you really are cuddling with a person who won’t mind being the big spoon. However, all you have to do, when spooning someone – or something – is curl your body up against their own and wrap your arms around them and hold them. Talking is optional, and I would honestly rather talk to my pillow and keep my mouth shut when with a person to avoid screwing up the moment – but that’s just me. Spooning also promotes body heat and release endorphins.

Now here is one position that you can’t do with a pillow, you might do with a pet, and can definitely do with a person: face-to-face. This position is typically a romantic one, you know, the kind used for pillow talk and what not. All you have to do is lie down on your mattress and look straight into the eyes of the other person. Perhaps you can hold hands, perhaps your legs will be entwined, either way you’ll be sure to have an intimate time with your partner, whether its your pet or your lover. Remember to get comfortable, because if you aren’t comfortable, your partner won’t be either. The best way to get comfortable is to assure that you’re on the right bedding.

There is always the half-spoon, which can be executed by one person lying down face up with their arm stretch out beside them, with either their hand beneath their head or wrapped around the second person. Their partner proceeds to place their head on the others chest, most likely wrapping their own arm around the other person’s waist. Cuddling comes with its pitfalls – such as the occasional dead body part and face full of hair, but its benefits outweigh its cons in that it promotes good health, kills depression, and improves communication skills while also leaving one with a positive disposition.

 

 


eric-SAT-picEric is currently a student and part-time team member for Norfolk, VA based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

 

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Eco-Tips Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Live Longer, Live Healthier, Live Happier

The goal to achieve is that of immortality. Once you have made it there, you have made it to the top. What I mean by this is that living forever can be significant in many ways, in one way, the likelihood of you ever being forgotten is diminished. Also, it sounds nice to be young forever, the question is, will you truly be young forever? A recent study has shown that the introduction of young mouse blood into that of an older mouse, can significantly improve their health. I know right, Twilight might just be real after all and perhaps we do need to consume blood in order to live infinitely. However, I am not going to get into any of that right now.

What is interesting, though, is the thought that people do not realize the potential life span that is inside of all of them. Looking back on our history, the human lifespan has expanded by more than a decade in the past hundred years. That’s impressive. So why is it that we give into so many vices that in the end will kill us? I’m not talking about the occasional cigarette or the glass of wine at the end of the night, instead I am speaking of the lack of interest in fitness and other healthy activities that can improve one’s quality of life. Our indulgence in the unnecessary will be our undertaker. Because we do not know what it is that helps us live longer, we choose not to take the precautions that will benefit our heart and our health. The first of these things is a healthy mind.

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Carrying a positive outlook throughout the day and throughout life will do one tons of good. Instead of seeing the glass half empty the majority of the time try instead to see it half full, and do whatever you can to sip is slowly and enjoy every drop of it. Life is a bumpy ride, whether is be five years from now or six months, most likely you are going to end up in a different place, taking a different step, and trying in some way to change your life. It is in our nature, as human beings, to always be on the lookout for the next thing that will make us happy. Try instead to look around and realize that you’ve got everything that you need, so long as you have your wits and a good attitude, the journey through life won’t be half as terrifying. Take a leap, take a chance, and take your time.

Like I said in the above paragraph, take your time. Sure, there will always be races to win and finish lines to cross, but that does not mean that for every occasion one must be seeking out their next ultimate opportunity. While jumping at any given opportunity is likely to lead to good things, this does not mean that everywhere that you turn you must be seeking out your next big break. Remember that you must actually take a break, breathe in the fresh air that surrounds you, enjoy the sun, and smell the roses before you get too excited and begin to pour over every small detail imaginable. Relax. It’s summertime, when the living is eeh-zee.

Keep in mind that a day without laughter is a day wasted. The grass is always greener when you are looking at it through smiling eyes. Take life with a grain of salt and a sense of humor, never forget that you are not perfect, and neither is anybody else. Looking for perfection in everything and everyone is a bore, don’t take yourself too seriously and grace the world with your humility. There is no shame in being shameless – to a degree, after all self respect and modesty are both key in keeping one’s social game up to par, and with our obsession to never be alone, our social game is one that we must not overlook. I try not to take shame when I wear sweatpants out in public, but I also try to brush my hair in order to remain approachable, you see, there is a balance that must be reached in both our modesty and our boldness.

Meditate when stress needs to be managed. Meditation can help one in the power of manifesting the dreams that they work hard to achieve every single day, and it can also help one prevent stress. There are many ways to meditate, or, in other words, to clear your mind. Some people turn to a cup of tea or a glass of wine at the end of the night. Some people light a candle and run a bath, while other turn down the lights, close their eyes and chant nonsensical words over and over. I myself exercise. Because my days tend to be so busy, juggling school and work and exercise is hard enough, and that there just is not enough time in the day to take personal time to think things over. I figure that because exercise is a necessity in the first place, and because it does, for the most part, have the effect of releasing endorphins, that the gym is also the perfect place to sort through one’s life choices. If you can find any amount of time in your day, go for it because everybody needs their ‘me’ time, their time to focus on themselves and sort through the problems that face them daily and get through their own plights. In the end it will relieve stress, and in the end you might just be happier.

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While sleeping is important for your health, I have gone over it enough times on this blog, so I won’t bore you right here with facts about how much your sleeping will improve one’s health. However, sleeping is not the only thing that a mattress is for. That’s right, sex is an optimistic component in improving one’s lifespan. Studies have shown that getting down and dirty two to three times per week will increase the longevity of a person’s life span. Not only can it be a good workout, but it also nurtures the side of a person that must be held and must be loved. We all need to feel ecstasy, and this is only one of the many healthy ways that a person can achieve that feeling. We are hot-blooded people and there is no need to shy away from our needs, so enjoy every day that you have got up until the very last moment.

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eric-SAT-picEric is currently a student and part-time team member for Norfolk, VA based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

 

 

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Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Home Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Eat Healthy, Sleep Healthy

Although the correlation between diet and sleep is unclear, there are many key components in one’s diet that might be either keeping you awake or putting you to sleep at night. First of all, seeing as about half of the population is addicted to caffeine then half of the population might also be staying awake all night waiting for their morning fix. Caffeine is found in many things, including soda, coffee, and tea. These products are all consumed by a millions of people throughout the day in order to keep them awake, keep them satisfied, and to keep them alive (not literally.) However, because of the caffeine in these products, many Americans find themselves with a case of insomnia when it comes down to the wire.

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When it comes to feeling energized, there is a difference between being wired and being awake. When one consumes copious amounts of coffee they might find themselves with a case of the jitters while a person who awakes to fresh fruit and other components of a balanced breakfast might find themselves feeling energized but not spiked. This is not true for everyone, seeing as caffeine effects people differently and that not everyone is a morning person. However, eating a generous amount of fruits and vegetables in the morning, and continuing a nutritious diet throughout the day will not only benefit one’s energy, but also their health as a whole.

Sleep will improve a person’s health so long as they are getting the proper amount each night, or at least if they are getting the proper amount a couple of times per week. When one goes days, weeks, or months sleep deprived they begin to exhibit a state of consciousness that resembles The Walking Dead. When one’s diet is also being affected, the zombie-like state can be increased because the body needs nutrition and without it, sustained by a diet of McDonalds and Taco Bell, one will feel the effects. Consuming a high quantity of fatty foods  will leave one tossing and turning at night.

Other factors of your diet that effect your sleep will include eating or drinking to close to your bedtime. Drinking too much fluid before bed will keep you up all night in the bathroom (trust me, I know!) and eating too much can keep you up with indigestion. However, eating a light snack before bedtime, such as a peanut butter and honey/jelly sandwich can promote healthier sleep. Alcohol is a no-no, and of course, so is caffeine.

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Sleep can also effect your diet in the same way that diet does sleep. Too little sleep can lead to higher ghrelin levels, which can lead to overeating and other unhealthy habits. Make sure that you are getting the proper rest at night and are sleeping on an Eco-Friendly, healthy mattress and keeping up with a healthy diet. Don’t be afraid to indulge every once and a while, just remember that everything is good in moderation!

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Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous

Winter Superfoods – to get you away from that eggnog!

Winter is right around the corner and we all know what that has in store for us: Family, friends, and food. The Christmas season is quickly approaching and that always entails gorging upon food on food on food, as does Thanksgiving. The cold months just seem to conjure up the thought of eating in our minds and who are we to fight it? After all it is in our nature to fatten up for the cold months so that we do not freeze to death. Still, bikini season is ALWAYS just around the corner, no matter what time of year it is, and we all know how stressful it can be to wait till the last minute to shed those extra pounds so I’ve done my research and have compiled a list of winter foods that will help to keep you in tip-top shape throughout the long winter months.

1. Mushrooms can be hearty and flavorful, with few enough calories that you can enjoy the savory taste of them without having to decide which workout you should be preparing for later in order to burn them off. Easy ways to utilize can be by putting them in soups and stews.

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2. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants that can help combat infection. We already seem to make use of them in our feasts (cranberry sauce), but they also make great smoothies and can also be used in casseroles and stuffings.

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3. Wild rice is filled with vitamins B and E and it can be an easy substitute for bread in your stuffing, or other heavy dishes. Take your pallet to the next level, live on the wild side.

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4. Red Beans are chock-full of antioxidants and are also great with stews and soups because they are so hearty. Enjoy them with your mushrooms, or with your rice. Or with both!

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5. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. These nuts are rich with vitamins B and C and are low in fat with a high percentage of protein, they make good mid-day and midnight snacks.

 

Now that you have a good idea of the best winter foods to eat to curb your appetite and fill your body with the vitamins and nutrition that it needs you might think twice before binging on eggnog and leftover pumpkin pie. It’s in everybody’s best interest to stay healthy all year round. You body will thank you for feeding it the food that it needs, and so will your brain. You can rest assured that you are getting proper protein and vitamins and when bikini season does finally come around, you’ll be glowing and ready to bask in the sun.

 

 

 


eric-SAT-picEric is currently a student and part-time team member for Norfolk, VA based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

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Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom

Sleep Tips for A Better Nights Sleep

Do you toss and turn every night? There are a lot of factors that interfere with a good nights sleep. It could be pressure from work and family to relationship issues and illness. We can’t always control the factors that ruin our sleep but adopting habits that encourage a good nights rest is a great place to start.

Try sticking to a sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same times even on weekends and holidays help your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you don’t fall asleep within about 15 minutes get up and do something relaxing and go back to bed when you are tired.

Watch what you eat and drink. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. Your discomfort could keep you up. Reduce the amount you drink before going to sleep to decrease middle of the night bathroom runs.

Creating a bedtime ritual is an easy way to tell your body when its time to wind down. You could read a book, listen to calming music, take a bath. Doing relaxing activities before bed create an easier transition to becoming drowsy.

Create your room ideal for sleeping.  Make your room cool, dark and quiet. Try using room darkening shades, a fan, earplugs or other items that can create your ideal sleep environment. Your mattress and sheets can contribute to a better sleep. Using fibers such as polyester can overheat your body at night and make you feel uncomfortable. Natural fibers like cotton and pure wool wicks your body’s moisture causing you to stay  a little cooler so you can sleep better through the night. Don’t forget coverings such as blankets and even your pajamas which should also be made from natural fibers to help contribute to better sleep.

Limiting daytime naps will help you get a good nights sleep especially if your struggle with insomnia or poor sleep quality. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to about 10-30 minutes during the mid-afternoon.

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity promotes better sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and to enjoy a deeper sleep. Make sure to exercise earlier in the day. If your exercise before bed you may be too energized to sleep.

When you have many things to do and think about – your sleep suffers. Consider healthy ways to handle stress. Start by getting organized, delegating tasks and setting priorities. Take a break when you need one. Before bed, quickly write down what’s on your mind and save it for tomorrow.

Hopefully with these tips you are able to receive the best sleep you deserve and wake up a little less crabby. If you have trouble sleeping often, contact your physician. Finding and treating an underlying cause may also contribute to a better sleep for you.

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Jamar Diggs is a PR Communications and Social Media team member for Norfolk, VA based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.