MANAGING HEALTH AND WELLNESS DURING THE HOLDAYS

We’re still in the midst of the holiday season even though a number of the holiday have passed us. With New Years Eve, New Years Day and additional holidays that incorporate gift exchanges and other festivities, we sat down with Terra Wellington to find out how we can optimize this time so that we can still be good to our physical bodies as well as enjoying being with our friends, family and colleagues!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is it about the holiday season that puts us at risk, in your opinion, from being focused on our health and even over doing things when we’re just trying to have a good time and trying to get into the holiday spirit?

TERRA WELLINGTON: Well yes, I’m here on behalf of iHerb.com and yes we can get stressed, we can lose our energy and also become susceptible to the cold and flu. So I have two prevention tips for that. One is to make sure that you wash your hands on a regular basis and not touch your face. Those two things will really helped with reducing the transmission of germs and also reduce your stress. This will help to boost your immunity and one thing that you can do to make that happen is to make sure that you’re hydrated. If you’re hydrated, that will help you flush those toxins out of your body.

AM: That’s good to know. A lot of our readers debate whether we should wash our hands or is it ok to use the different types of antibacterial products? Are they both ok or is one better than the other?

TW: There is a lot of controversy on those hand sanitizers, let’s say. Just be careful with reading those labels and make sure that you’re teaching your children that they are washing their hands correctly. I’d say that they should be doing it 20 seconds for all surfaces of your hands.

Of course, keeping up your energy is a big thing this time of year and reducing your sugar content is really important. It’s tough as there is a lot of sugar out there this time of year. From the time that you eat that holiday sugar, you will get a tiny spike of energy – but then you get that crash.

So one of the things that you can do according to the studies at the National Institute of Health is that you can look to apple cider vinegar to help you with this. It looks to control that blood sugar and to maintain your energy. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like really drinking apple cider vinegar! But Gummiology has apple cider vinegar gummies and it’s a lot more tasty!

AM: We have to admit that drinking apple cider vinegar straight is not something we enjoy doing so having that as an alternative is good to know. Are there certain nutrients that can assist us in naturally boost our immunity?

TW: According to the Mayo Clinic and other studies, Vitamin D can help to boost our immunity which can be very helpful. You can go outside directly into the sunshine and that can help your body to produce its own Vitamin D. Of course, during the wintertime it may be a bit more difficult because of the shorter days. So Vitamin D supplements can help with that. I suggest Lake Avenue Nutrition Vitamin D3 – it’s available at iHerb.com. I like how this trusted retail site is really great with helping you research the kinds of products that you want, they’re transparent with the products that they have with their labeling and they keep track with the best buy and expiration dates. It’s just like if you went to a traditional store if you were going there to see what the products were about.

AM: That’s good to know. Do you have any tips on how we can make sure that we are not overindulging as it’s so tough with so many events going on!

TW: Yes! There are so many temptations and I feel for everybody on that! Three tips on that:

• When you do go to that holiday party, try to stick to water if you can. The high-calorie drinks and the alcohol will really add to that overindulgence.

• Keep up with your exercise. 15 minutes a day off of your fitness app is a great way to start.

• When you do go to those holiday parties, beforehand try to eat a healthy snack which will take the edge off. You can try carrots and nuts or bananas and yogurt.

For those who are adults, if you have overindulged, you can try probiotics to help you. According to research, at the Medical University of Warsaw that probiotics can help the digestion and can move things along. I suggest the California Gold Nutrition LactoBif 100 Probiotics that has 8 active and clinical probiotic strains. A tip for probiotics is to check the expiration dates which is something that iHerb does really well. They closely monitor those best buy and expiration dates. They also have air-conditioned warehouses to keep the products fresh and to maintain high-quality standards.

AM: This is year-round, but during this time of year with increased activities, how important is it to get good sleep for your health?

TW: It can reduce your stress and increase your energy which are two great benefits to being mindful of this. A quick tip is to wind down each evening which means that you should turn down the lights and turn off all of your electronics. Maybe you should do some yoga and meditation – or you can read a book. There is a wellness trend that you can use essential oils for relaxation. An example of an oil, is NOW Peppermint Essential Oil. You can research which essential oil works best for you and you can search and find which ones are best on iHerb.com. They’re focused on quality and they make it easy to order and find products. They have state of the art distribution facilities that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified and all of that means that they are going to maintain the product quality!

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BACK TO THE HILLS WITH WHITNEY PORT

This summer, many of us enjoyed seeing The Hills: New Beginnings which brought back our favorite reality stars from The Hills as well as new castmembers to continue this MTV classic. One of our faves that we have interviewed previously on Athleisure Mag is back on the show, Whitney Port. We wanted to know more about her decision to bring her personal life back to the screen, projects she's working on and how she continues to lead a normal and full life even when a migraine hits!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Like many, we were glad to see you in the reboot of MTV The Hills Beginnings. We were fans of the original and loved you on this current season. What was it like for you to come back and what was your decision to do so?

WHITNEY PORT: I honestly wasn’t so sure about it at first. I was nervous to come back and to put my life and everything going on with my family back on TV. Then I just thought, it sounds fun, I’m in a good place with everybody and why not reconnect and give people something that’s nostalgic and something that they enjoyed watching. I do think that I had some nervousness about not knowing what people were going to be like or to start – you never know with Reality TV people. Are they just going to start drama out of nowhere? You have to be nervous and you have to have your guard up a little bit. But ultimately, I felt that the show was a huge part of my life and that it was a platform that allowed me to do everything that I do now so I thought, “why not?”

AM: Well it was so fun to see you again and are there other projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?

WP: Yes for sure! Today, I’m talking about Excedrin Migraine – not that it’s a project, but this condition is something that I have suffered with for quite awhile. I feel that it’s my duty to talk about Excedrin because it’s the one thing that I can do to make them go away so that I can be present and can take care of all the things that I want to do and am passionate about, you know? It can be hard, especially as a mom, when you’re hit by one. Recording my podcast or my collection with Rent the Runway coming out in April – so there all these exciting things that I want to do that are dreams, goals and passions and keeping myself healthy and that I’m migraine free is really important to me.

AM: There are a lot of people that suffer with them. Do you have certain kinds of triggers that kick in with you that you know that it’s going to happen? What makes a migraine so different then a regular headache?

WP: I mean a migraine is all consuming. I start to not be able to see straight, I get sweaty palms, a lack of energy, I just get a pounding pain in my head and when these things start to happen – I know it’s coming. If I can drink a full glass of water, take my Excedrin and get a little protein in me those are usually the things that help them to go away before it gets to a place where I just can’t handle it.

AM: Why did you decide to partner with Excedrin and why is it so good for migraine conditions?

WP: I decided to partner because it’s what I was taking. I talk about my migraine issues on my podcast and on my social. I would talk about Excedrin and that it was something that helped. Naturally, they reached out and said that they wanted to work together because they saw that it was something that was a part of my life in a big way. In terms of what is in it – I’m not a doctor. But I know that what is in there with its ingredients that when it comes together it’s combined strength allows me to function!

AM: In terms of your partnership with Excedrin, what does your partnership look like with them whether they are things on your social, events etc?

WP: You can read my blog post on WhitneyPort.com to find out how I use it and how other people should use it as well.

AM: As someone who is so busy, as a mom, wife, entrepreneur and Reality Star, what are 3 things that you like to do to take time for yourself?

WP: A couple of things I do for myself are: I take a hot yoga class. It changes my whole mood and it’s an hour to myself where I am sweating out so much – I’m energized and I’m ready to get back to the grind on my career as well as being a mom! I am a huge proponent of massages! I know that they are a luxury, but I use the App Soothe which comes to your house. Once I put Sonny down for the night, I will order a massage and it’s pretty affordable and I don’t have to leave the house and can do it while Sonny is sleeping. You can tell the therapist that you have a migraine issue and they can work on certain areas to help like around the jaw, head or neck. Then, another thing is just trying my best to fill my body with things that are going to be good fuel for it instead of just empty calories. I drink these really good smoothies from Kreation that have turmeric, Kreation Juice, coconut and all of these good anti-inflammatory type things. I try not to eat a lot of processed sugar and I try to have a healthy dose of greens everyday and definitely meat, protein etc. My husband in the morning before my yoga will scramble me 2 eggs with a little grated cheddar in there for some extra protein. I think that physical activity, something luxurious and feeding your body with good stuff will set you up for success. Also taking time to just listen to good music and taking some deep breaths can make a big difference. A lot of us have a commute whether it’s in cars or buses – putting in my earpods, listening to some calming music and taking some deep breaths can really ground me and put me back into a present mind space.

IG @WhitneyPort

Read the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Back to the Hills with Whitney Port in mag.

KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER PRATT TALKS PETS AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

With the holiday schedule in full swing, we have been juggling events, getting the perfect gifts, taking some me time and more. We pretty much have everything thought out. But are we thinking about our pets? How are we ensuring that our four-legged friends are being taken care of when we travel, when we have more people over and how we incorporate them into our holiday cards? We chatted with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt to get her advice on how she would go about this!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about pet adoption and why that is so important to you?

KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER PRATT: Pet adoption is an incredible gift in my life and has been such a treasure in my life to be able to have rescued my dog Maverick. I was introduced to that world after I graduated from college and I decided to foster some puppies. I had never done that before and my sister and I decided to do that around the holiday in order to help a local rescue organization to take care of some dogs over the holiday season. It was such an incredible experience for me and when I got my final foster puppy, which was Maverick. I had a foster failure as they call it and decided to rescue him and made the decision to adopt him. It’s been such a blessing in my life to be introduced to others as well as the incredible world of animal rescue is a cause that I am really passionate about and feel really lucky to be involved in.

AM: Do you have any advice for pet parents that will be away from home for the holiday season or who will have a lot of people over with their pets there as well? Are there things that they should look out for?

KSP: For sure the comfort and well being of your pet is something to be aware of. Be mindful of the holiday season. A lot of people have others that come to their house and you want to make sure that you have a space where your dog feels comfortable and safe is super important. When you are traveling, be willing to have someone that is trusted and that you know that they will take really good care of your dog. This is also really important. I remember the first time that I was going out of town and I had to leave Maverick, it was really stressful for me. To be able to have someone that you feel really comfortable with and that your dog Is really comfortable with is really important – especially during the holiday season.

AM: What are some gifts or ideas that we should keep in mind when it comes to gifting our pets or giving to someone who has one?

KSP: The amount of outfits that I have my eye on from Petco this holiday season is pretty embarrassing. I love the matching pajamas because I can do a full photoshoot with Maverick under the Christmas Tree. My sister and I have done it ever since our very first Christmas with Maverick. I’m really excited about all of these holiday sweaters that are at Petco. The matching pajamas are going to be something that I think are going to be a huge hit this holiday season. Obviously, they also have these incredible plush toys and treats. There’s a huge wide range of gifts at Petco – but I’m all about that pajama set.

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RIDING IN STYLE: HOW TO CHOOSE WHICH HOVERBOARD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Since its on-screen debut in Back to the Future II, there is no denying the rise in popularity of hoverboards. In fact, over 40,000 hoverboards were entering the United States every day in 2015. Despite all the gadgets and technology that came out recently, hoverboards made the list of top gadgets that defined the decade according to The Verge. Celebrities like Jamie Fox, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj started riding these boards and soon enough, their fans followed. But with all the options out there, is it important to figure out what you want from your hoverboard and how to narrow down your decisions. Here’s how to choose which hoverboard is right for you. 

Rough Terrain Versus Smooth Terrain

Where you plan to use your hoverboard is a major factor in deciding which model to get. While the more popular options are used indoors or on paved roads, buyers are growing an interest in hoverboards designed for rough terrains. Since the off-road models need to be tougher, they are made heavier to  meet the hoverboard safety regulations. So, if you’re a beginner, consider the standard hoverboard that works great on smooth terrains. However, if you’re more experienced in riding, off-road boards have larger batteries and riding time than their standard counterparts. 

Battery Life And Charge Time

Knowing the battery life and recharge times is vital when considering the activities you plan on doing with your board. After all, nobody wants to run out of juice mid-tour. Knowing how long it takes for the batteries to charge can help you plan your activities to maximize your time while waiting. So, if you plan on using it to commute to work or simply ride around the neighborhood, choose a board with a long battery life. 

Accessories And Extra Features

Some of the latest models now offer a wide variety of features that include Bluetooth speakers and GPS. The GPS is used for tracking stolen boards while the built-in speakers allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes while you ride. There are even models with remote car keys that will turn on/off the device as desired. However, it is important to keep in mind that these features will increase the overall cost of the hoverboard. 

With so many versions becoming available on the market, there are several companies in the race to produce the ultimate board that will take on all terrains. Not to mention, there is strong evidence that the real hoverboards will soon flood into the market and give every rider a chance to literally hover above the ground.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BEST HOBBIES FOR A NEUROLOGICAL WORKOUT

The concept of brain training has been around for a number of years. While we can lift weights or run marathons to train our bodies, people are more often than not neglecting their minds. Instead, you should have at least one hobby which is going to give you a brain work out too. Here are some of the best hobbies we could think of.

Games

Playing games can be great for your brain! Whether you are sitting down to play a popular board game with your closest friends or you are just logging on to play something online, you can experience the full benefits of games. They teach you to strategize, they teach you to be creative, and they allow you to relax and have fun!

Why not seeing what an online casino has to offer? Table games like blackjack and poker have lots of strategy which really requires you to think carefully about your moves. Playing them online might be more convenient than trying to head to your local casino. If even this does not appeal to you, you could try a tabletop roleplaying game to really push your creativity.

Puzzles

Everyone loves trying to work out a puzzle. They can also be one of the best ways to work out your brain! For a quick and easy fix, download a puzzle app for your smartphone. Whether it is an anagram game, sudoku, or just a good old-fashioned crossword, you really can’t go wrong with a puzzle.

If you want to take your deduction skills to the next level, grab some friends and head to an escape room. There are escape room companies popping up everywhere. Themed around everything from a jail cell to a wizard’s study, they are filled with puzzles to help you escape. This would make a cute date if you can find a puzzle for just two people but you can find rooms which take you and all your closest friends for a real challenge!

Instruments

It has been proven time and time again that playing an instrument has some amazing benefits for your mind and coordination. Learn to read sheet music and it is very akin to learning a new language. You then have to learn exceptional coordination to be able to handle an instrument.

Dedication is also one of the most important parts of learning an instrument. You need to sit down for a scheduled time each week to practice. This sort of dedication can be difficult but it can teach you a lot about yourself.

If your body is in top shape, there is no reason why you cannot train your mind to be the same. Pick a hobby which you love or try something new to kick off a new year. You might get more enjoyment than you could ever imagine out of training your mind. With the right hobby behind you, you might be improving yourself without even thinking about it. Whether you are on this journey alone or with friends, it will hopefully be a lot of fun.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHY WRITING IS GOOD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

People write for several different reasons. To some, they write because they need to express themselves, as well as share their thoughts with others. Meanwhile, to others, they write because the art of creating, writing, and documenting their ideas please them, and a lot more.

Whatever the reason may be for taking the pen or placing the fingers to the keyboard, research reveals that writing offers a lot of benefits in our mental health. So, to know more about this effect, here are some of the many connections between writing and mental health.

Understanding Excellent Mental Health

Your mental health affects the way you think, behave, and feel in daily life. Also, it influences your capacity to cope with pressure, build relationships, overcome challenges, and recover from different hardships and setbacks in life.

Strong mental well-being is not merely the absence of any mental health problems. Being emotionally or mentally sound is way more than being free of anxiety, depression, stress, or other emotional concerns.

Instead of mental problems, strong psychological health attributes to the presence of excellent and positive characteristics. So, in what ways can writing help us mentally and physically? Here is how.

Writing Can Help Organize Your Thoughts

Journaling or writing provides an opportunity to establish the thoughts and feelings you have in one place, which might help you to build connections or make more sense of a particularly disorganized situation, day, or set of emotions. Also, writing things might help you more efficiently determine and create solutions and improve your problem-solving skills.

Writing Can Help You Overcome Tough Memories

If you are holding onto difficult or traumatic memories that remain to cause you sadness, journaling, or writing can aid you to begin to act through them by delivering emotions in a writing app and involving both of the brain's hemispheres.

Writing Can Boost Your Mood

Those people who practice journaling and effective writing often report reduced negativity and elevated moods. This effect is because writing offers you a channel to release your emotions and work through unfavorable moods and feelings constructively.

In particular, expressive writing or the action of writing down emotions and feelings resulted in reduced stress levels and enhanced well-being.

Writing concerning the feelings you endure and strive to determine as to why you have such, can considerably help in dealing with the agony and accepting the results experienced.

Writing Can Help You Learn Emotional Intelligence

Painful emotions can eventually lead to depression, but writing can help you overcome extreme sadness by exercising your emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a skill that we can learn, and making writing as a habit is one of the most effective means to exercise it. You can use it in the very same manner as mindfulness; when you describe a specific happening or thing that you see at the moment or replacing a past negative emotion with a new one.

Writing Can Improve Self-Awareness

Journaling or writing can be a useful approach to enhance your self-awareness, and therefore, can improve your understanding of why and how you may respond to a situation in a particular way.

By cultivating a bigger level of awareness, then you will be capable of understanding your emotions, which can stop yourself from responding negatively.

To Conclude

Many people are not aware of the benefits of writing, and that is why some are having a hard time dealing with hardships in life because they do not have a channel to express their emotions.

Writing is food for your mind. When you feel emotionally and mentally drained, writing the things that trouble you can help you organize your thoughts, and promote a peaceful mind.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND MONEY

Maintaining your health is very important if you want to live a long and prosperous life. However, you need to do more than eat well, exercise, and get a full night of sleep. You need to consider your finances. When people are worried about money, they lose sleep, increase their stress levels, and their health deteriorates. Use the tips below to ensure that you can remain physically and financially healthy.

Consider Your Overall Budget

Your financial health starts with a budget. When you are creating a budget, you can see how much money you make, how much you have spent, and how much is left over. You might want to begin removing items from your budget that you believe are not necessary, and you can trim parts of your budget that are too high.

You may want to cook at home more often. You can take fitness courses on the TV instead of joining a gym. You can swim at a public pool or run in a public park instead of using the treadmill at the gym. You might cut your streaming services down to just one, and you can find a cheaper cable service.

You can reduce your grocery budget by cooking many of the processed foods you once bought in packages. Plus, you might want to start searching for cheaper fuel for your car. Use the map app on your phone to find the most efficient route, and ensure that you have followed along with your budget as you manage your lifestyle each month.

Start Saving

You can start saving money if you have some left over at the end of the month. When you are saving money every month, you will have some cash to fall back on. You might save money for a specific purchase, or you could save money because you want to get a dividend at the end go the year.

You can open an account with your bank, or you could use a savings app. The savings app will round up all your purchases, and that money will be deposited in an account associated with the app.

Invest Your Money

You might begin to invest your savings in different accounts that were created by your broker or financial advisor. Hiring a broker or financial advisor helps you a lot, or you could meet with someone in your local bank branch who will help you. As you begin to invest, you will see your nest egg grow over time.

When you are investing, you should try to diversify your investments as much as possible. When you do this, you can protect your savings. You need to remember that most people who are investing are trying to invest for retirement. However, you might invest your money because you want to make a large purchase in the future. Investing helps you retire, and you can use these investments in the event of an emergency.

Plan For Emergencies Large And Small

You can plan for an emergency by saving your money or investing, but there are times when you may not have enough money saved yet. Because of this, you should consider what your other options are. You want to know that you can manage an unexpected emergency, like an unplanned medical bill or critical home repair, without unraveling your financial well-being. 

A short-term loan from a payday loan organization may help you handle the expenses from unexpected emergencies if you do not have enough money saved. You should incorporate your loan payments into your monthly budget and should plan to pay the loan back as soon as possible to avoid late fees. You know you may have options, and you can continue with your special savings and investment plan.

Conclusion

You need to reduce your stress levels as much as possible, try to eat healthy, and upgrade your financial well-being. When you do the things listed above, you will notice a difference in your overall outlook on life and your lifestyle. You can trim your budget so that you are not spending too much money on food, or you can take out things that you do not think are worth the money. Additionally, you can use a loan to pay for an emergency when you do not have any money saved up yet.

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HOW DOES CBD MAKE YOU FEEL?

There is plenty of information circulating about CBD nowadays, and it’s not surprising why. The popularity of CBD is evident in the way it is used in various products—from health supplements to vaping oils, skincare products, and even CBD gummies! But what is CBD in the first place?

CBD 101

CBD is a compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. Although the benefits and effectivity of CBD are still being studied, some researchers claim that the compound is particularly useful in relieving anxiety and pain. The FDA has also approved the use of CBD as an ingredient for drugs to treat Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, both severe and rare forms of epilepsy.

There are many possible uses of CBD. Some CBD users claim that it can help alleviate or treat:

●      Acne and other skin conditions such as psoriasis

●      Arthritis, inflammatory and nerve-related pain

●      Anxiety and depression

●      Cardiovascular disease

●      Diabetes and obesity

●      Mood and sleep disorders

CBD, taken as a supplement to treat or prevent different health conditions, seems promising. But some people are also wary of CBD because of its possible side effects such as dryness of mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, light-headedness, and nausea. Also, it should not be taken along with certain medications. Avoid taking CBD with antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, calcium channel, and beta-blockers. It also mustn't be taken when you are on steroids, anti-epileptics, anesthetics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If you are interested in taking CBD supplements, you should know how it can affect you physically and mentally. Keep in mind that CBD impacts people differently, so that how another person’s body reacts to CBD could be different from yours. The points below explain how CBD affects you body.

1. There is no “euphoric” high with CBD

Although CBD is derived from hemp and cannabis, taking CBD-infused products will not get you high. Another cannabinoid, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound that produces a heightened sensory perception.

The common misconception is that since THC and CBD come from the same plant, both can alter the state of mind of the user. CBD can be extracted minus the THC, so there is no need to worry about any psychoactive effects. CBD can be legally obtained in many states and some countries since the compound has less than 0.3% THC, which is not sufficient to produce a “euphoric” high.

2. CBD can improve your mood

It would be wrong to say that a person will not feel anything after taking a CBD-infused product. CBD does not give the blissful effect that marijuana is famous for. There is no worry about feeling disoriented when taking CBD since it will not make you intoxicated like alcohol or marijuana. Although it will not alter your state of mind, CBD can make you feel less anxious. CBD works on the endocannabinoid system to reduce anxiety levels and make you feel more balanced.

3. CBD can alleviate pain

One of the most known use for CBD is to relieve pain. CBD can be very beneficial to people suffering from chronic pain. Taking CBD helps regulate an endocannabinoid called anandamide, which helps inhibit pain. Studies show that ingesting CBD or applying it topically can help alleviate inflammatory pain and provide relief from muscle pain. When you feel less pain, you feel better, and your mood improves, too.

4. CBD can make you feel hungry

If you’re worried that taking CBD will increase your appetite and gain more weight, remember that CBD does not contain THC, which induces hunger pangs and bingeing. However, CBD can boost the appetite, which benefits those who have lost their appetite due to illness or stress. CBD promotes a healthy appetite by helping the body overcome pain and anxiety, thus allowing the person to eat well and boost their immune system.

5. CBD can help you relax

Our day-to-day activities can expose us to a lot of stress. The problem with stress is that it can hinder you from functioning properly during the day and also prevent you from getting quality sleep. CBD puts your mind in a relaxed state without feeling loopy. CBD helps calm your nerves, so you feel more comfortable and focused on performing your daily activities.

Conclusion

The effects of CBD will vary from person to person because the endocannabinoid system of every individual is unique. While CBD may not wholly cure anxiety or chronic pain, it helps your body and mind cope with it naturally. Although the health benefits of CBD are still being studied, there is no harm in trying CBD products from reputable providers to help manage pain and stress.

PHOTO COURTESY | Shutterstock

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5 TIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE LIFE

In this day and age, it is very important that we humans do as much as we can to keep our planet safe and healthy. Most people who are eco-friendly have started leading more sustainable lifestyles.

Leading such a lifestyle can be a difficult task, especially when you don't even know what the term truly means. It is not as simple as just switching a couple of things in your diet or changing your light bulbs, leading a completely sustainable life will take a lot more effort.

To lead such a life means that you live your life responsibly to ensure that future generations can lead a healthy life. It is a type of mindset that understands that the resources we have on this planet are not infinite.

There will come a day when we deplete some of the most important resources of our lives and we have to make sure that day is as far from today as possible.

1. What sustainable living looks like?

It is important to ensure that the message about sustainable lives is correctly spread.

To live such a life does not mean that we have to quit every single luxury of our lives and to give up on comfort, it simply means that we should start being wary of the things we throw away, on the number of resources and energy we consume every single day and how to reduce those expenditures.

The ability to renew the resources we use and to consciously understand the impact we do on the planet is crucial.

Here are some of the things you should be aware of if you want to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

2. Reduce your overall energy use

One of the biggest waste of energy on this planet comes from the unnecessary use of appliances, according to this website.

When you exit your kitchen make sure that everything you won't use anymore is turned off including all the lights. If you are leaving your home, there is no need for the television set to keep running as loud as possible.

You could also consider getting more energy-efficient appliances at home. Sure, it might be pretty expensive to replace your clothes washing machine, but with an energy-efficient one you will save up a lot of money over the years and you are also leading a more sustainable life.

The more energy you save, the better it is for the planet and the better it is for your electricity bill.

Another huge energy spender is the heating system in our homes. You can get a quality thermostat installed for just a couple of dollars that can properly regulate the temperature inside of your home.

A more modern thermostat can be adjusted to lower the temperature inside if you are not home and to raise it when you get home. You can also use an application to warm up your room just before you get home.

By properly managing the temperature at home, you are saving up a lot of energy.

Most people during the winter just crank up the thermostat to maximum and then walk around inside in shorts and shirts. Instead of spending so much energy to keep such a high temperature sustained inside of your home, you can just put on a few layers of clothes on yourself and lower the thermostat.

The same thing applies to hot summer days too. Why should your air condition unit spend so much power to make your room so cold that you have to wear additional clothing when you can just open up a window and take off a layer of your clothes?

You could also save up additional energy during the hot summer days by putting your clothes to dry out in the sun instead of in the dryer. Not only will you save some money by doing this, but your clothes will also smell more natural and will be softer to the touch.

If you cannot force yourself into the habit of constantly turning off the lights in your room, you could consider installing LED lights instead of incandescent light bulbs.

On Energy Focus you can read more about what makes this lights eco-friendly. Not only do LED lights shine brighter, but you can also pick the colors they light up in, they last longer and they spend 10 times less energy than regular bulbs.

So not only are you saving up on energy, you are making your life more comfortable.

3. Avoiding using unnecessary plastic

Plastic is one of the most polluting materials on the planet and we use it every single day. To avoid polluting our environment, you could start using paper or canvas bags next time you go to the market.

You can also avoid using regular plastic bottles since you can get a stainless steel water bottle that will last for years.

According to waterbottle.io, a stainless steel bottle can keep your drinks colder or hotter for much longer than plastic bottles.

4. Start drinking coffee at home

Instead of wasting time and money every single morning to get a cup of coffee before going to work, you should consider getting a coffee maker.

Coffee from most coffee shops is much more expensive and use plastic disposable cups that damage our environment.

Using a coffee maker at home is a much cheaper alternative and may even a tastier, as suggested by GiftWits. If you want to achieve the same taste as most coffee shops, we recommend you to get this book about brewing coffee, Brew: Better Coffee at Home.

5. Try growing your own food

You probably already know how much money you are spending every day on food, especially fresh vegetables or fruits. If you live alone or with a roommate, all those vegetables you buy probably end up rotting in your fridge after a while.

This is just a waste of money, so why not consider growing your own food?

Try planting a few seeds of tomatoes on your balcony or next to your window and see whether they will grow. Next time you feel like eating a tomato, you can easily pluck one off from your plant. Read more here about the environmental benefits of growing your own food.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

DON'T LET COLD AND FLU SEASON KNOCK YOU DOWN; TRY THESE 5 NATURAL REMEDIES

Cold and flu season are upon us, that time of year when body aches, fever, chills and nasal congestion combine and can stop you in your tracks, leaving you bedridden for days.

Statistics show that the flu annually sickens millions of Americans, kills tens of thousands, and results in billions of dollars in medical expenses and sick days.

“Complications arising from the flu can become serious,” says Dr. Suhyun An, an expert on regenerative medicine and co-author of Demystifying Stem Cells: A Real-Life Approach To Regenerative Medicine.

“If you still have symptoms after seven to 10 days, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor. If any of your symptoms include difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint, or if you experience other severe symptoms like a high fever, seek immediate medical assistance.”

Dr. An says there are ways to prevent the symptoms from reaching that serious point. To feel better and get back on your feet, she recommends numerous natural cold and flu remedies to alleviate your symptoms:

Vitamin C. Some studies indicate that Vitamin C can shorten the lifespan of a cold and boost your immune system. “The best way to get it is through your diet; the fresher the food, the better,” Dr. An says. “Oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, leafy greens, and bell peppers are all good sources of vitamin C. Be careful with supplements because they can lead to upset stomach and kidney stones.”

Honey. Honey has natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties. “Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain,” Dr. An says. “Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too. Honey often contains Clostridium bacteria, so never give honey to a child younger than 1-year-old because infants’ immune systems aren’t able to fight them off.”

Chicken soup. This popular cold and flu remedy helps because hot liquids reduce mucus buildup and keep you hydrated. “Chicken soup, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce a cold’s unpleasant side effects,” Dr. An says. “Keep some in the freezer or even canned for flu season. It’s quick to prepare that way and soothing to eat.”

Aromas. “When you have congestion from the flu, applying camphor or menthol salve around your nose can help break up mucus,” Dr. An says. “Aromatherapy oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, can have a similar effect. Also, vapor rub can reduce cold symptoms, especially in children older than 2 years. It helps open air passages to combat congestion, reduce coughing, and improve sleep. It’s a good alternative to over-the-counter cold medicines in young children because of unwanted side effects.”

Probiotics. These are friendly bacteria and yeast found in the body, some foods, and supplements. “They can help keep your gut and immune system healthy, and they may reduce your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection,” Dr. An says. “For a delicious and nutritious source of helpful bacteria, include probiotic yogurt in your diet.”

“Colds and the flu are threats to us every year, but they don’t have to get us down for long,” Dr. An says. “Natural home remedies can reduce symptoms so you can be more comfortable and get the rest you need to get better faster.”

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HIGHER ART & GOOD EATS WITH RON SILVER

We head to the studio office of Ron SIlver's restaurant, Bubby's in the Meat Packing District. Bubby's also located in Tribeca as well as 6 outposts in Japan and is known for its comfort foods. We found out about how he created one of the quintessential destinations for brunch with his passion for great food and keeping it simple. We also talked about how his interests and passions in CBD and THC that led him to create Azuca which compliments food as well as the love for creating art which you can see in his restaurants as well as his show in Mexico City.

ATHLEISURE MAG: So what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be a chef?

RON SILVER: I would say that there were multiple moments where I realized that I wanted to be a chef. One of the things is that when I was a little kid, I realized that I loved to cook and part of that was because it was mischief – it was fire and knives. So, I take to mischief very well and then I would say another small thing was that my mother took my $5/a week allowance from me and I went to get a job washing dishes. That was $80/a week so that was another realization that was my spot. I washed dishes for a long time.

AM: So when did you wash dishes?

RS: When I was 13.

AM: Ok!

RS: And I washed dishes until I was 21 in and out.

AM: That was a long time to wash dishes.

RS: I liked washing dishes – I did other things in between. I was washing dishes in Alta Ski Resort and I wiped out and broke my rib, I was out for 6 weeks. So I decided during that time that I would be a chef. So I think that was when I really decided to go for it when I was 21.

AM: So what were all the places that you went to in terms of culinary school or restaurants that you worked for prior to coming up with Bubby’s?

RS: I worked for some hotels for awhile and then I moved to Atlanta because I lived in Salt Lake and there wasn’t any real good dining there. I moved to Atlanta and worked for some of the best restaurants in Atlanta and I was offered a scholarship to the Culinary Institute but I did a quick cocktail mathematics and realized that I couldn’t afford that scholarship and didn’t go to school. I moved to NY when I was 24/25 and just worked my way up and I opened Bubby’s when I was 28.

AM: What made you realize that you wanted to open this up and to create this kind of cuisine here?

RS: Well the style of cuisine in the 80s was really weird, nouvelle cuisine with small plates and small portions and I wanted a place that really had good home cooking and large portions on small plates. I really just wanted to cook the food that I wanted to eat.

AM: What’s the average day like for you, being at Bubby’s?

RS: I’ve been running Bubby’s for a long time, 28 years - so my average day at Bubby’s, I am sort of regimented about how I do what I do. I go to Tribeca and have a coffee and go around and talk to everybody. I go around and kind of see if things are looking good and then I come up to Highline and I do the same thing and then I come up here to my office and I’m a painter. So that’s what I want to do when I come up here, is paint. Once I know that everything is kind of locked down, I can paint. I am also in the cannabis business.

AM: We’re going to get that too as well. So you have the 2 restaurants here and the ones in Japan as well.

RS: Yes, 6!

AM: How do you decide where the next place will be for your restaurant and the community that it serves?

RS: Well I suppose that the world decides for me. I’m not a business person really. So the Japanese people called me 10 years ago and I was like, “there’s no way that I’m doing that” and then we were having lunch the next day and I was walking around the space about a week later. I don’t really make a plan.

AM: Do you think that you would create another concept that is outside of Bubby’s that’s something different?

RS: It’s a good question. I don’t have a lot of reason to do that, but at the same time, I do come up with a lot of ideas that are interesting sometimes so I think that the jury is still out on that.

AM: We were at the Specialty Food Show here in NYC and we saw Azuca. We know that you launched it last year. Can you tell us more about why you are in this space and what made you want to create this?

RS: I’ve been in cannabis space since I have been washing dishes really. So, I’ve smoked weed since I was a kid - like everyone in the kitchen does. I think what really inspired me to get into this business was that I felt that I really had something to offer it. Maybe 6 years ago, I discovered that there was a very large problem which is how cannabis edibles deliver. So I really set up to solve that problem in that regard. I was able to make really good progress with that. In a way, it sort of fell in my lap, but I did a ton of research.

AM: What did you initially launch and are there more launches for this year?

RS: So what we have is a technology really. Azuca is a cannabinoid edibles technology and what that means is that it allows edibles to be consumed in an understandable way which is helpful for people who want to take cannabis or CBD or also for people who want to make edibles. We’re very much in the business of helping people understand cannabis edibles.

AM: What are your plans for that looking at the rest of this year and going into next year?

RS: Well, we’re working with some of the biggest cannabis companies in the country and we’re just getting started with those guys. We are selling CBD, edibles – like our sugar Azuca packs which will be available online and in stores soon. We have THC edibles in Massachusetts with a partner up there and we are also talking to people and other countries about CBD stuff.

AM: You’re also a painter. How long have you been painting and what is it about that that draws you to that form of creativity?

RS: I’ve always been an artist and I started Bubby’s so that I could make art. I can’t really answer what draws me to it. I know that if I don’t do it, I get very crappy.

AM: How many paintings do you create a day?

RS: It depends. I am always working on something. At the moment, I’m doing it on paper which is a little quicker than oil paint. So then all these paper things will be mounted on fabric so that is going to be a big job. I can paint a bunch of things it’s just going to take forever to get them mounted.

AM: Will you ever or have you ever been in a gallery?

RS: I had a show in Mexico City in August.

AM: Wow how exciting! How many pieces were in that show and were you nervous?

RS: 40 pieces and yes it was my first show!

AM: Congratulations! What are 3 signature dishes that we should eat when we come to Bubby’s?

RS: Well the Fried Chicken and pancakes, that’s a thing to eat, we have really good Watermelon Lemonade – that’s a thing to drink and the biscuits! Well the burgers are great too!

AM: When you’re not painting and you’re not focused on Azuca and Bubby’s – what are 3 things that we could find you doing in terms of relaxing and getting your athleisure on?

RS: Smoking bong hits, reading and I have 4 kids.

AM: Do you have any philanthropic efforts that you are a part of that you would like to share?

RS: Bubby’s does a lot of philanthropy. We give stuff to people all the time and support a number of things like New York City's oldest men’s shelter - New York City Rescue Mission. Azuca will have a huge amount of social stuff to do because the cannabis business is very ripe for a lot of different opportunities for a lot of different people who deserve them and don’t have them. So we’re very focused on how we are going to sort of set our company up so that it is incorporating the social aspects of things that we need. Especially the War on Drugs that has been particularly hard on brown people and we’re very much focused on making sure that we’re staying aware of creating opportunities almost in an artificial way. We’re getting a lot of help thinking about that and it’s the biggest deal. In setting up our company it’s run by women and my CEO as well as everyone in the company really has a deep moral compass. I think the jury is out on how we are going to be helpful. Not just philanthropically but also responsible and opportunity creating way. Philanthropy is great, but I think it’s a lot of challenge to create actual opportunity and we’re very much so focused on that.

AM: What legacy do you look to leave behind with all of the fingerprints that you have put down on all these areas?

RS: That is a tough question. I hope that I leave something behind that my kids are part of and something that continues to do good work after I’m gone and maybe I hope to leave behind a bunch of beautiful stuff.

IG @Bubbys

You can hear Ron Silver right now on our show, Athleisure Kitchen which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the September Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Higher Art & Good Eats with Ron Silver in mag.

SUBCONSCIOUSLY SPEAKING WITH KIMBERLY FRIEDMUTTER

At Athleisure Mag, we've always been about the integration of mind x body x soul . We headed to the Ritz Carlton here in NYC to talk with Kimberly Friedmutter about her new book Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted as well as her work as a Celebrity Hypnotherapist, the purpose and power of the subconscious, and how we can optimize these tools through all aspects of our lives.

ATHLEISURE MAG: So those that are not familiar with hypnotism, can you tell us what it is and what it entails?

KIMBERLY FRIEDMUTTER: Hypnosis is really a state of relaxation and a deep state at times. I’ve literally had clients snoring and drooling and I have had others that have stared back at me, but they are relaxed. It’s just different levels – just to explain that. So when people say what is trance and is it putting me in positions and a place that I don’t want to do – like when people see it in terms of being used for entertainment or in the movies with a swinging watch – that’s not what it is.

It’s a natural state of being for example, when you first wake up and you have that floaty feeling, that’s trance. When you’re just getting ready to drift off to sleep and you’re not really conscious, but not really unconscious, that’s trance. It’s basically setting the conscious thought aside, so that you’re more suggestable and more open to other things. Now this is also why people abuse drugs, they like that feeling and when you can do that naturally, it’s wonderful and you don’t have to use substances to get there as it is this beautiful natural state that we possess. Think of it in terms of when you’re watching a film and you know that the actors are the actors, but you shed a tear anyway. You’re emotionally caught up in it, they have entranced you. Or it’s like when you’re at a concert and everyone is waving their hands in sync with their phones on flame and your favorite entertainer hits the high note and everyone is in this moment of a euphoric feeling. You’re so relaxed that you feel like you’re having this out of body experience.

AM: Wow, sometimes we have taken a yoga/meditation class and when you are coming back from the meditation part, you sometimes do feel a little floaty and outside of yourself.

KF: Right and you are in a trance in meditation. Now the difference between meditation and hypnosis is simply that meditation is the zoning in on thought or in on non-thought. For example, “think of the breath, don’t think thoughts.” Whereas, trance is let it all come and zone out. So the zoning out is likening it to day dreaming. When you daydream, you’re not monitoring day dreams. You’re just letting it flow and that flow is trance as opposed to meditation where you’re linearly guiding something through to happen or not happen.

AM: How did you begin working in this field and how did you educate yourself on it?

KF: I would like to say that education really formed this structure where I sit. But really it’s the clients who really gave me the breadth of knowledge – getting in there and really exploring. I had a radio talk show in LA on KLSX 97.1 FM and it was the only FM talk station at the time. It was considered the Howard Stern Station at the time as that is where he was projecting from at the time. This was simply continuing education for the radio show and previous to that, I had been hypnotized for a lot of times for stage fright.

AM: Wow

KF: I know! I wanted to shrink in instead of shrink out! I didn’t want that to be an issue so I was a product of hypnosis and I thought, “wow is that all there really is too it?” In our society, we are taught “no pain, no gain”, “no guts, no glory” and it’s absolutely not the truth. So I thought, let’s see what happens and now you can’t shut me up – I’m all over the place! Clearly, I’m healed!

AM: So it had long term effects!

KF: Oh yeah, it can be the only thing you ever want to do if you want it to be. I happen to take direction well which is also why some people ask why I focus on high performing professionals and individuals that have really made a name for themselves in the world. The reason is exactly that – they will do it and they take direction well. They look for information from others and are not arguing their position or limitation which is very important.

AM: Is it hard for a Type A person to release their control to do that?

KF: No because Type A’s are Seekers, Searchers, Learners. Type A’s are out their for the game and out their to win it. They’re out there to succeed.

AM: Right a very – by any means necessary thought.

KF: Well when you say it that way, it comes off as it’s something that’s surgical and invasive and it’s not. It’s 100% organic, 100% natural and 100% sustainable. You are literally able to keep it private because it’s in your mind and you don’t have to telescope it out. The thing is we all have that search for inner peace and inner happiness and we all deeply know what that takes to get there. We have the answers – we really do. Hypnosis just gives you that little prod and permission that it’s ok to release those things and feel those things.

My husband was hypnotized for 20 minutes and he’s an architect – everything is very linear with him and it's all about facts.

Everything is very structured, planned and conscious this comes from your conscious. The subconscious is touchy feely and is all about your emotions. So he was hypnotized for 20 mins and he lost 60lbs. Now that’s that kind of character because he’s a Seeker, Searcher, Learner person that’s Type A and an architect.

My book is listed in the top 10 of what every lawyer should read. It’s the Top 25 books that America’s leading CEO’s are reading. So it does have this very interesting crossover with men in business. It’s a great gift for men and a great gift for boys coming up to learn – particularly the Get to Give chapter – I’m happy to point out. It’s not a gender specific book and there are very good principles in each chapter to read. I like to stress that because men really do get it and it does provide transformative changes in them too. Women like to corner intuition because we say, “women’s intuition” that we’re so smart and we use our gut, but the truth is that we all have that machinery and we all have that mechanism. It’s a beautiful thing and we do want to have our partner, your brother, our uncle to rise up to this. When we’re all going the same speed on the freeway, we can all do the same things and not be hampered by the one that doesn’t.

AM: So you were talking about how people can use this for weight loss –

KF: Yes and for sleep issues, anxiety and depression. Here’s the thing about hypnosis and trance is that it doesn’t have to be just for a problem. We’ve freed it and loosened it from it’s chains of being attached to a problem. It can also be out amplifying things that you do well to be better. So athletic performance for example. Performance such as something that I am doing with CNBC for entrepreneurs and CEOs which is also for performance-based things that you want to enhance or amplify.

AM: Hearing this now gives me an interesting perspective on what you do. Coming in, we were thinking of it from that 1800s parlor trick but learning that it’s a tool that can be used to optimize and oxygenate what you’re looking to enhance is really interesting.

KF: I love how you said that the 2 “O” words. This is what I say, if I brought in this fine piece of machinery and I sat it down in front of us and said here’s the plug, the machine and the manual – you’re going to take the book and to read how to use it. You have it and I’m not selling you the thing – you have it. You can’t get a surgery to get it, I can’t take it, you have what you have and you can’t get rid of it. So it’s about plugging in your mechanism and using your resources. The thing is, we’re all interested in ourselves and we all want an easy, happy life. How do we get there? So so simple. We have the mechanism and the ability to do it – it’s the use of it that we don’t know. All of our finest technology and software and beautiful things – nothing comes close to the mind. You take it with you, it’s packaged, it’s compact, it weighs 3lbs, it’s 4x4 and off you go. You don’t have to pack it – you won’t forget it. Science will say that you have it from the point on conception to the time you transition – some believe that it will just go on. That’s what I have the Soul/Spiritual section in here about Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. You’ll see that I have terrific blurbs from Jennifer Hudson and Martha Stewart, Michael Beckwith (he actually married me to the architect because he was a pastor because I was an agape taker) – so I had a lot of Hollywood support for this. They get it and they’re so creative. They’re interesting and they have big lives and a lot of times, big problems and no different from the rest of us as we have the same issues, we’re just watching them because the focus is on the high performing individual.

So the whole thing is just so simple to use. Like finding lost items around the house – who wants that – in the home or in the office. Even in an email. I was trying to find it before I was talking with you and I said to my husband that I couldn’t find it and he was asking me if it was there and I said, “I can’t find it in this state.” He’s thinking that I couldn’t find it in my phone or in my device. I knew that in the state I was in I couldn’t find it and even a device will fritz out when you’re in that state with all that frantic energy – it doesn’t jive when you’re like that. You need to adjust yourself or to stop looking. I calmed myself down and then I was able to find it. I needed to find it in the state of the love of it and not the problem of it. It’s about the find of it and not the loss of it. The truth is, it’s not lost – it’s in there.

AM: Ooo that’s interesting that you say that. Our Co-Founder, when he gets in that frazzled state, nothing will turn on in terms of electronics. So we have to either move our technology out of the room –

KF: Or him.

AM: Or him and we just say, calm down to get everything settled again. The joke is that he’s like a Marvel character or superhero. So there must be some kind of kinetic thing going on there.

KF: Oh it’s energy. So here’s what happens. Anything that works on energy, works on energy. Anything that works on energy, fries out when it’s too much. We had an interesting and scary incident where a camera would have caught this and the camera did not catch it. It’s a wireless system and the camera caught our dog groomer that was going inside and outside of the house and you could see the dog as well, but it didn’t catch the event. I didn’t bring my phone and I didn’t worry about it because I knew the camera was catching the whole thing. What did I come to find out? It didn’t. So that gives great pause to energy. It’s about keeping it cool and it shows you that life won’t work with that kind of energy.

Again, to make your life easy like finding great parking spaces, when you meet with someone getting to know if they are good for you in the short/long term that you meet them – think of the time savings alone and what you have access to. We have a far-reaching ability to ascertain this information and impressions to get access to that even a blind person can do it.

The conscious mind thinks that way you are instructing it to do; however, the subconscious is doing the imagery and the big picture portion of what is going on. When we’re children, we’re very tapped into our subconscious and we also tend to sit within our primal state as well – sometimes kids bite other kids and they haven’t learned that they can’t do that. In the book, I talk about that as we get older, we learn and educate ourselves outside of the subconscious, so when we go to work and someone annoys us, we don’t bite our colleagues in the elevator.

AM: So what made you create this book?

KF: I was approached by a woman at Harper Collins. She asked if I would do this as she had seen me online and head learned about my practice. I said absolutely and in getting the group together and figuring out the structure of the book, it took me about a year to take my practice and to see what was digestible and what could be chewed on. By the time I handed in my proposal to her, she had left Harper Collins. The agent thought that it was interesting and agreed to put it on the market to see what it could do. Simon & Schuster wanted it and Atria Books was the publishing/imprinting house that did The Secret. The beauty about The Secret was that there was a feeling that yes we could emit this desire to get whatever it is that we desire. Part in part is where my gift comes from but the real question is where is this being emitted from? It’s coming from your mind and no one debates that. It’s very well studied and science is all over that and the subconscious mind and has been forever as you had mentioned with the hypnosis.

The reality is that if you're stuck and have an addiction to food, shopping or even an addiction to someone, there is an exercise in the book called the Saver/Sever where if you have this over attachment to a person, place or thing you can literally call it before you and you can detach from that thing so that you’re no longer this prisoner of that attachment. Some people when I ask them to see that Energetic Core, some people see this beautiful wisps of energy and some people see chains or rope – true bondage to that thing. Cyber Stalking is one of those things where you just can’t not do it sometimes. Those are the perfect candidates for those exercises. Those are some of the little hacks and one of the things that I’m very proud of with the book is that you don’t need a pen and paper and I wanted to make it super easy because we don’t have a lot of time and I call them Shelf Help books. Because you feel a lot better because you bought it and you’re like, “ok healed and you put it on the shelf.” But the reality is, I want you to have that manual for your machinery – you already have it, but this is just the how to guide on how to manage it. The reality is, we want to do things with our lives that makes things easier for us. Knowing and getting those impulses – you think of a friend and they give you a call. Or you get an email from that person or you give a call to someone and they say, “oh you were on my mind this morning.” All that is energy and that is the place that we’re talking about with this. Your consciousness is your task maker and your calendar keeper for the day. The subconscious is your inner child the part that you haven’t unlearned yet. The unlearning process is what makes us cranky, crass, disappointed, depressed and anxious. There is a chapter in the book called Tonkas and Tutus and it’s about putting that Tutu back on because that’s where it belongs and I do that as a gift of action. You realize that we are meant to be these beautiful, shining and magnificent creatures of light – you realize that you have that inner self that is clawing to get out and wants that light to be turned on.

AM: Do you envision doing another book?

KF: Yes we’re already working on it now. The first book that you drop, as I’m a first-time author – is your cornerstone. It’s the base information and from there, we fly – we fly.

PHOTO COURTESY | Dreamstime/Helgardas

AM: So what are the 6 principles that ignite the conscious mind and can you walk us through that?

KF: Sure. The first one is Coming into Accountability and that’s the first step, I think of everything that is meaningful. We need to know where we are – even on maps, it says location. So the first principle is really about your location and so I want you to be able to look at yourself holistically and for real – warts and all we say. The reality is that we can’t do the work until we know what it is. I don’t even like calling it work because it feels so effortless. The second principle is Tapping into Your Subconscious which is obvious and a lot of people don't understand how powerful it is and how much of it that you have. I'm here to tell you that you you’re right. When you think of Aunt Sue and she calls you – you have to see consciously that you are right to understand the power of your subconscious. The third principle is Do You Move Toward or Away? Now I like this one a lot because it is about orientation. You have coming into accountability, your tapping into your subconscious – where is your orientation? So going back to maps again, you would orient towards the direction that you want to go. You do not plug into maps that you want to go away from where you just were. So when it says, where are you heading to, you don’t say I’m headed away from Point A, you say, I am going to Point B so when you’re constantly l ooking at your life in retrospect, and you see that you have been flinging yourself away from circumstances, chances are you’re flinging into something of the unknown which is ok. But if you’re not happy where you are, that very well could be the reason why as opposed to focusing on where you want to go. Orientation of self is hugely important. The next one is, and this is sticky, and they throw their hands up - It’s Judge Thy Neighbor as Thyself. The point of this that we have let our judgement go by the wayside just like we don’t bite our girlfriend when she makes us mad. In this, I say that you must use ecology of judgment for yourself. Once you talk to someone who is unhappy, once you explore a bit of someone’s chronic unhappiness they will say that they used this mistake in judgement and that mistake. Look at Judge Judy. I talk a lot about her in the book. Not only is she magnificent, but the show itself garners so much attention, and why, because the show shows us did you use the best judgment for your ecology, your survival, your success, etc – that’s all she wants to show. Did you use good judgement and those judgements that she calls simply comes down to who used good judgement and who didn’t. Sometimes the thing that happened the person didn't have something unlawful, but they didn’t use good judgement and she fines them anyway. So she’s going to teach you out of your own issue. So judgement is super important and I show you how to do that and I show you how to judge energetically. When you meet someone are they good for me in the midterm, short term and long term? Also a judgement about privacy. Let’s be a bit particular about the who, what, when, where and why please. It’s helpful about that beautiful 8 year old person that’s inside of you. If you had a physical 8 year old next to you, would you look at the things that you look at, would you listen to the things that you listen to, hang out with the people that you would hang out with, go to the places that you go to – I think not. We really think that we’re big stuff, but we’re just that beautiful 8 year old creature inside and we need to use the ecology of judgement for him/her. The next one that people love is Give to Get. This is that energetic cycle, that loop. So if I hold both of your hands, you and I form a loop and energy is running through your body back to my body – if we let go and you stretch your arm out, it doesn’t have any place to go to generate or to recirculate. So if you give to me and I’m not giving back, then you’re not getting back anything and vice versa. Even the tomato plant does this. It grows, it falls off the vine and dies and it becomes fertilizer for the next new plant. Giving and getting is a universal law. Women are the worst at getting because they don’t want to say it and they just continue to give to such a point that it takes us into the next chapter which is Drought. When a women is in drought, I ask what kind of a giver/getter are you? Are you getting and giving? Sometimes the people who don’t get or the least to give – there has to be a flow of energy that flows in and flows out. I read something the other day that there was a popular phrase that said “cash is king” and now it's "cashflow is king" because anything that flows is king. Flow keeps us going. If I get, I distribute that to you, if you get then you distribute to me. It’s this movement that we’re in and once again, it’s this universal law that we’re in. I didn’t make it up, I just recognize it as a law of happiness.

When people ask, I am married to a very generous husband, an architect and what is great about that is that he understands flow. People ask, how did I get what I got and I say, I asked, I made it known. He’s not a psychic. The last principle is Play Big. You deserve to get and you deserve to give. The idea of playing big is not posturing and puffing it’s show up for me and show up for you. The reality is that we all need each other. We’re in a time of social collective consciousness which is fine, but then we must rise from it. In that it’s go for your dreams. Playing big honors that creative thing that you want to do regardless of whether you’re coming from a field like being an attorney and realizing that you want to become a writer. Just because you started out one way doesn’t mean that you have to stay that way and not become what you are meant to do. So show up for that thing that you’re meant to do and then get on with it. When you get to that chapter and that final principle – then you’re ready because the other clutter is gone.

AM: What is your day to day like?

KF: Well, I’m basically a home type body, but I travel a lot so I make it home wherever I go. The traveling is a lot of fun so I try to do zones. When I’m on the East Coast, I reach out and contact to as many people as I want to book or to group it all in. We do it in Europe as well. I like to be accessible and I don’t like to say no. I’d rather say yes and then figure out how to make it work out. The other side especially with Brad and his business is that we clump things together. So the minute that I have go time over here, then he will book his things and that's how we do it. He has offices all over the world. It makes it easy to do that. There’s a few emergencies here and there, but now with FaceTime and Google – I can literally do that all day long. When you have your clients, seeing things is great because you have all of those micromovements. I’m an expert at determining what is going on. I use the term diagnose loosely – not as a medical diagnosis. It’s easy for me to see the issues as it rises up off the page so prominently that that’s my super power – the ability to see what’s going on and to be able to get it at the cellular level. Many times, I am able to just think it to get there and I like getting the confirmation.

AM: I know you’re based in LA and in Las Vegas. Where can we find you grabbing a meal/drink, working out and shopping?

KF: In Las Vegas, it would probably be Cipriani (Wynn) or more likely home. Because home – I’m a homebody. Any philanthropic event we’d probably be at. So when people say, do you go out on the strip – yes for charity events and probably only for that. If we’re having dinner or things like that, it’s probably at home. We eat super clean and I cook a lot. It’s super simple to cook like that and I do pride myself that I went to chef school when I was modeling in Europe – a night school for that. I did that because I wasn’t the clubby type to go out to meet people. In LA, we like the Waldorf Astoria. We’re at The Ivy on Robertson all the time – we love it there. Malibu of course is great and we love Nobu, I used to live there before I met Brad.

When it comes to shopping, I love Norma Kamali here in NY I was just there and was so excited. So Norma walked in and we had our little visit and it was so great and now she’s holding the book. She has a new skincare line that’s out, it’s cleanser, scrub, tanner and moisturizer. Can I just say that the moisturizer is made out of olive oil and lime and not the fruit – the mineral kind. Never have I felt something so emollient so I’m going to order that for sure as I was running in. The smell, fragrance and feel was extraordinary. Shopping there is my favorite thing.

I work out a few hours a day. I do True Fusion which is a pilates/yoga hybrid. The gal who teaches it and does it with me – we have a neighborhood group of ladies that do it. I also do heavy weight training which is a surprise to most. I like it because it really does keep me feeling in survival mode. It’s a gentleman that does it who is a body builder type. I like to be a strong girl a strong female. When we work out like that – it makes everything like blow drying your hair and going to the potty a challenge – where your muscles touch anything. It’s a great feeling. In the morning my husband and I we both walk around a 3 mile loop with our 20lb weights on – we walk it fast – it can be a 3 hour thing. Mind/Body is important. My husband’s trajectory of his day changes when he does it in the morning. Connecting with nature is something that your body and mind needs. We start early in the morning because if we didn’t we wouldn’t get it in.

I have a lot of weight loss clients right now and it’s not because it’s summer it’s because we’re fat to the point that we are upset with ourselves. A client will say, I’m stressed – I eat, I travel – I eat, I have a child – I eat, I have a job – I eat, I’m out of money – I eat. So every reason comes down to, I eat, I eat, I eat and it’s not that. That’s all the more reason that we have to be ready, be the warrior, having to be fit. You have to say, I’m going after this with everything that I have and that mind/body connection is that. I’m a big believer that you can’t work off an unhealthy diet. You’ll hear me say that the kitchen is the gym. You can eat to a good body or eat to a bad body.

IG @KimFriedmutter

PHOTO CREDITS | Kimberly Friedmutter

PHOTO COURTESY | Dreamstime/Jacques Kloppers

You can hear Kimberly Friedmutter later this month on our show, BUNGALOW SK which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the August Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Subconsciously Speaking with Kimberly Friedmutter in mag.

3 WAYS TO NATURALLY MANAGE YOUR HANGOVERS

With 40% of American adults regularly consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, it’s no question as to what will most likely follow - a hangover. No matter what the occasion may be, there’s nothing wrong with a drink or two now and again - though, when you get carried away, you may suffer the consequences of a hangover and it’s dreaded symptoms the next morning. With that said, you might be surprised at the options out there when it comes to managing a hangover naturally.

No more nausea

Hangovers are well known for their unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, and while that may seem manageable with a good night's rest, other symptoms like nausea and vomiting can often be unbearable. For nausea, the best natural hangover cure may just involve ginger. Popular in Chinese medicine, the root is believed to contain chemicals that influence the digestive and nervous systems that prevent nausea. Not only that, but it’s also known for its warming properties, which are thought to help stimulate metabolism (thus, enhancing the detoxification process), and can be found in many forms - lozenges, teas, and extracts, to name a few. 

Curing dehydration with coconuts

When it comes to avoiding a hangover, one of the best tried and true methods for doing so is to keep the drinking to a minimum, or to abstain from partaking at all. However, in the event that you do drink too much, you might end up dehydrated. This is mainly due to the fact that alcohol is a diuretic - meaning, you’ll lose more fluid than you take in when drinking it. While water can easily be called the natural cure for dehydration, it’s important to keep in mind that it isn’t enough to replenish your electrolytes. For that reason, coconut water can be a great supplement. Rich in potassium, a 2010 study reveals that coconut water worked just as well as a sports drink - and better than water when it came to replacing fluids.

The perfect herbal relaxant

Chamomile tea has been well known as a hangover cure for some time now, and for good reason. Chamomile tea contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which can undoubtedly help calm an upset stomach, and is also great for relaxation due to its sedative-like effect. Drinking this hangover cure can be the perfect way to end your day and fall asleep faster. After all, if there’s anything that will guarantee a full recovery from a hangover, it’s sleep.

A hangover can be a horrible consequence after a night of celebration and overindulgence of alcohol; but, with natural remedies and smart techniques for avoidance, your hangover can easily be a thing of the past.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | ADVANCED MELANOMA

At Athleisure Mag, we have always championed a number of reasons why Safe Sun is essential and making our readers aware of the importance of knowing about the effects of the sun and why it's important to protect your bodies. We had the chance to talk with Dr. Adil Daud, Co-Director of the Melanoma Clinical Research, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center to talk with him about a study that was released by The New England Journal of Medicine. This study focused on treatments for advanced melanoma patients that showed promise with the largest pooled analysis of patients with BRAF-mutated Metastatic Melanoma.

We sat down with Dr. Daud to get down to basics on skin cancer, melanoma, the different kinds of diseases in this area, treatment and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us what skin cancer is and what the different types are?

DR. ADIL DAUD: Skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma and other types of cancer.

AM: How is melanoma different than other skin cancers?

DR. AD: The biggest difference is that it has a tendency to spread to the rest of your body. So, when you look at the deaths caused by skin cancer, the majority of them are caused by melanoma.

AM: What is the difference between melanoma and advanced melanoma and why is it more aggressive and deadly than other skin cancers?

DR. AD: We don’t fully understand that, but one of the reasons is that it has this tendency to spread. Advanced melanoma refers to Stage IV melanoma where it has spread to the lymph nodes and the rest of your body – the lungs, liver, brain and other organs.

AM: Can one be cured from melanoma?

DR. AD: From early-stage melanoma, it can be cured. Most people are cured from surgery alone. With advanced melanoma, you can be alive and disease-free. And that’s what the subject of this study is. You probably can’t be cured as that’s not the terms that we use for advanced cancer. The study shows that 50% of melanomas have a mutation in this gene called BRAF and in those patients, many of them are very sensitive to the combination of Tafinlar and Mekinist – those are the 2 drugs that this study is dealing with. Basically, that study showed that a third of the patients are alive and a fifth of the patients were disease free for 5 years. That’s an important landmark to show that for the first time, that those that have the BRAF mutant kind of melanoma, you can have a good outcome even after 5 years.

AM: What are the mutation types of melanoma and how does one evaluate their treatment options?

DR. AD: We know that cancer can look the same under the microscope but can have different driver mutations. For melanoma specifically, about 50% of melanoma has a BRAF mutation and about 50% have other mutations of genes like RAS. There are a bunch of melanomas where today, we don’t know exactly what drives them forward. But we know about the 50% that have the BRAF mutation and that was the focus of this study.

AM: Can you tell us about the study and the promising treatment?

DR. AD: We’ve known for many years that the BRAF mutation kind of melanoma can be sensitive to the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib. The study shows us that even up to 5 years, a lot of patients with metastatic or advanced melanoma that’s prepped throughout your body can be disease free in some cases and alive at that 5 year landmark. It’s important to remember that a lot of these drugs have real side effects like fevers, chills, skin rashes and in some cases serious side effects like lung problems, heart problems and vision problems. So you need to be supervised by a medical oncologist.

AM: How can one prevent melanoma from happening?

DR. AD: One of the most important things you can do is to apply sunscreen, a hat and some protective clothing. Especially for children, we have realized that sun burns and sun exposure in childhood may drive some of these melanomas. So for them, it’s important to supply sunscreen, put on UV clothing and maybe avoid the sun during the 10am – 2pm time period where UV radiation is the most intense.

Read the August Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Advanced Melanoma.

THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS

A new study by Hallmark shows that in a digital age, people are craving authentic connections and with texts and social media being a common everyday occurrence, a greeting card stands out as a more meaningful way to communicate among other things. In fact, most consumers agree that they would prefer a card over a text message regardless of their age. We wanted to find out more about the power of these actions and how we can manage these personal connections in an age of instant gratification. We chatted with psychiatrist, Dr. Vania Manipod to find out more about this and how we can achieve this balance.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the benefits of using the digital tools that we have to stay connected especially when our lives cause us to be on constant on the go mode?

DR. VANIA MANIPOD: Social networks can be useful to some extent as we use it to keep up with people’s lives, because they are posting what they are up to. People also rely on it to keep them up to date on news; however, I want to emphasize that these types of experiences are a lot more passive and fleeting. The latest survey results found that as humans, we tend to desire more of those deeper meaningful more impactful connections with others. So when it comes to fostering these types of relationships, it’s truly quality over quantity in a way that social media can’t match.

AM: Why do these digital tools become a barrier to communication?

DR. VM: Social media is designed that we spend as much time as possible on it. Even the way that we communicate is via text message or using instant messenger. That’s meant to make it easier for us with one click of the button; however, it’s truly the more deeper meaningful gestures that are simple like just making a phone call – which goes above and beyond in taking time out of our busy daily lives to foster these connections. For example, making that phone call to someone that you haven’t talked to in awhile instead of sending a text message, inviting them to lunch or sending them a handwritten card, these are gestures that have a lot more meaning and foster these connections. Ultimately, it increases happiness.

AM: With social media as well as a 24-hour news cycle, that is difficult to turn off, how does this actually hamper positive communications that we want to have with others?

DR. VM: What’s happening is that it gives us this illusion and it makes us want to have more of an instant gratification. So when we get that like, we like when that action happens or that someone gave us a comment. That sends a positive reinforcement in our brains that are kind of like gambling. When you see the sounds and hear the lights, it makes you feel very excited and gratified, but those things are very short lived. Ultimately, those don’t foster the deeper and emotional connections that we want with people. So that’s why I suggest, social media in moderation only – social media detox is also great because it gives us a different perspective and makes us realize that spending so much time on social media could be making someone feel lonely, isolated and depressed. So social media in moderation, social media detox - setting boundaries around it, is so important.

AM: When we can’t connect in person with the people that we care about, do you have any tips on how we can keep it personal – when it is still digital?

DR. VM: Well, the survey results found that when given the option (with consumers at all ages), receiving a text message or a greeting card that had the exact same message, they found it to be much more meaningful and impactful. Millennials interestingly enough, who we know are so used to communicating digitally – they found that receiving a card was much more meaningful and made them feel more noticed. It’s as simple as that in addition to reaching out and making gestures that show that you took the time to show them that you cared.

AM: With the summer coming to an end, the fall makes us think about gatherings where we come together and of course, the holiday season. What are ways that we can ensure that we keep connected in a healthy way. You just mentioned specifically when we’re not in person that we can send a hand written note or card – how do we keep the communications healthy with people that we care about whether it’s a text or a card?

DR. VM: That would be trying to reach out to them, sending them a greeting card and not just on a holiday or a birthday when it is expected. Doing it just because is nice as the survey also shows that even though we do send cards during expected times, the ones that are sent just because have been received as more meaningful. This is why, we encourage people to not just do this during the big occasions, but even spontaneously because it boosts your relationships with people and ultimately boosts happiness.

AM: In terms of the psychological connection, how do you connect with people that are of a different age like your niece versus your grandparents.

DR. VM: Again, it’s about going above and beyond. I think that my niece would definitely be into her emojis and all that, but it’s about spending more time with them. Whether it’s your grandparents or little niece. It’s about spending time and that shows that you are investing in the relationships, connecting with them on a deeper level and you’re taking the time to build upon these relationships that already exist.

AM: For ourselves, when we’re taking a break from digital media do you have tips or suggestions that we can do for escapism from these moment by moment interactions?

DR. VM: There are 3 tips that I would suggest to keep in mind. 1. Set boundaries with social media. Make sure that no one has their phones when they go out to dinner and that people are having conversations. 2. Having a social media detox because it’s not until we’re away from it that we realize how much time we spend on social media that can help change our perspective and ultimately lead to the 3rd tip which is to invest more time into fostering and nurturing our personal connections that already exist. This leads to increased happiness and decreased happiness.  

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | CHILLHOUSE

CHILLHOUSE launched in 2017 and was founded by Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, an entrepreneur with a creative vision who has made a name for herself in the lifestyle, fashion and hospitality industries through her award-winning website Taste The Style, and a partner of The Garret in New York City. Along with her husband and co-founder, Cyndi sought out to change the relaxation landscape with her latest project, CHILLHOUSE.

Prior to starting her own businesses, Cyndi worked as the Brand Director of Third Wave Fashion, a fashion tech consultancy. CHILLHOUSE is a wellness brand as a destination for modern self-care that opened on Manhattan's Lower East Side. It debuted a first of its kind nail salon and massage boutique with a full service café and bar. As a downtown escape for city dwellers seeking a modern path to total relaxation with style, character and ease. It offers guests luxury beauty services at affordable prices in an aspirational setting that you can enjoy at your own will.

Guests can enjoy colorful lattes and baked goods while they're meeting with friends, working on projects or waiting to get a service done. Services cover a number of options for body, nails and face with various choices within each group.

In 2018, SHOP CHILL, an onine retail arm launched with offerings that included accessories and a curated selection of the best products on the market. These items are tested by Cyndi and the team so that they can stand by what they sell. Their membership program CLUB CHILL was created as a way for customers to experience and connect with CHILLHOUSE in a different way. Members receive discounts on services, access to special events and perks from brand partners. CHILLHOUSE has partnered with H&M, Nike, Club Monaco and more.

PHOTOS COURTESY | CHILLHOUSE

CHILLHOUSE

149 Essex St

NY, NY 10002

www.chillhouse.com

IG @chillhouse

Read the August issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Chillhouse in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | BIVE

We have become fans of BIVE, which stands for Balance + Vitality, which are the two biggest principles of the brand. They want to show people that even with something that’s typically considered as indulgent as ice cream, one can still incorporate it into their diet and feel good about it. BIVE is ice cream with a purpose.

BIVE opened its doors in September 2018 but was in process long before that. Founder Carla Noboa spent over a year perfecting the initial offerings to maximize the benefits of the superfoods while still creating something delicious.

The original flavors were Boost Me Up (Passion Fruit, Collagen, Chia seeds, Coconut water and Amaranth), Soothe Me Up (Valerian root, Toasted coconut, Almond milk, Coconut cream, Dark chocolate chip and Vanilla), Pick Me Up (Dark chocolate, Coconut milk, Coconut cream, Chia seeds and Amaranth),

Keep Me Strong (Echinacea and Soursop), Keep Me Balanced (Strawberries, Goji berries and Vitamin C) and Keep Me Comfy (Peppermint, Aloe vera, Dark chocolate and Oat milk).

Carla comes from a nutrition background and wanted to find a fun way to consume superfoods. As an avid ice cream fan, she kept looking for options that could satisfy a sweet tooth and promote balance + vitality, but most of the “healthy” options available were merely cold and artificially sweet. She set out to create something new: an ice cream with a purpose that used real ingredients from Mother Earth. For her, being connected to nature and being satisfied with what you put in your body was personally fulfilling. She wanted to find a way to help others do the same.

BIVE offers seasonal flavors that currently include: Sexy Butter (Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk, Cashew Milk, and Maca), which is designed to enhance energy balance hormones, and improve sexual dysfunction.

The seasonal flavors tend to stick around longer than initially planned because customers love them so much! There are a bunch of ideas in the works for fall, come by the shop to see what makes the final cut.

The cones provided at BIVE come from the Konery, which hand rolls all their cones in Brooklyn. BIVE currently offers French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Matcha, and Lavender, but this lineup will change as new flavors are developped.

All flavors are available in pints at BIVE as well as GrubHub, Postmates, Seamless, and UberEats. They sell pre-packaged individual 4 oz portions which you can purchase in groups of 4.

For many people, ice cream is comfort food. It's a natural stress reliever by its sheer existence, but then by the time you finish, you sometimes end up feeling sluggish or depressed. BIVE believes ice cream can make you feel good emotionally and physically! They’ve worked hard to find natural and holistic ways to make ice cream an entirely positive experience.

BIVE

95 Orchard St

NY, NY 10002

www.thegoodbive.com

IG @TheGoodBive

Read the August Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | BIVE in mag.

TIPS FOR A HASSLE FREE RELOCATION

You get accepted to your dream job but it is located in another state or the promotion you’ve been waiting for is now in your grasps but you will be assigned to a different city. You finally meet the love of your life at a festival but you’re from L.A. and she’s from New York. There are times when life gives you these kinds of challenges and you need to decide to move or to lose the opportunity of a lifetime. Most of the time if not all, the best choice is to follow your heart with the guidance of your mind.

Moving to a different place in the country or even just in your state can be challenging. There are times when you’ve already grown accustomed to the life you have right now and have finally made a comfort zone for yourself. Without a doubt, moving out of your comfort zone is never easy. However, situations in life can compel you to get up, pack and leave. It can be something good awaiting you, or at times, a painful memory you just want to forget and there is no better way than to leave all the reminders behind.

For whatever reason you may have, it is always better if you knew how to relocate smoothly and less inconvenient. Here are some tips on how to make your relocation, hassle-free.

Ask for Help

Whether you are moving from L.A. to New York or just to the next city, it is always best to ask for help. Call a friend who has tried moving or ask for some advice from family or relatives who have experience in relocation. Their insight can save you a good amount of money from having to go back and forth and with the buying and selling of your stuff. Here are some tips on how to sell your stuff online.

If you are moving because of work, you can ask your employers if the company is willing to help out with the moving costs and resettlement. Most companies have policies in helping their employees move smoothly.

Plan ahead

Make sure you make a plan and to do your best to follow your plan so you can save time, effort and money. Plan when you are going to pack, and arrange with your new landlords on how soon you can move in or if you are buying a house, coordinate with your real estate broker. Additionally, buy your tickets ahead and prepare all the logistics needed.

Pack Smart and Pack with your Friends

It is best to segregate what you are going to bring so that they are easy to unload when you arrive. Always label your boxes and create an inventory sheet so that you will know exactly where to find all of your things. If you are traveling by car, make sure to have a box where you will keep the essentials like medicine and documents. As much as possible, keep this box where you can see it.

Invite your friends over to help you pack your things and give them instructions where to put what or you can make a list ahead for them to follow. Not only that more hands can make the work lighter, but this will also be an opportunity for you and your friends to spend time before you leave and this could as well become your send-off party. You can buy a couple of beers and some pizza and packing could never have been this fun.  Click this link for more information about organizing farewell parties: https://m.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Farewell-Party

Clean as You Go

To speed things up with the cleaning process, you can clean as soon as you pack. You can clean your bedroom right after you pack all the things from the bedroom or clean the kitchen after packing all plates and pans. This way, you won’t miss cleaning any part of the house or apartment.

Bring only what you need

For long distances, bring the least amount of things possible. The farther the distance, the more costly moving your things will be. However, if the distance is not too far, you can evaluate if the cost of the logistics will be offset by the savings in buying new things. The cost of moving your things should be less than the cost of buying new things. If the cost of moving is equal or more than the cost of buying new things then you are better off buying new things.

Find a reliable moving company

There are a lot of moving companies in the US that you can choose from and they will all get the job done. Even if you have your truck or can rent one, moving companies are more efficient in transporting your things for you big or small. They have carts, trucks of different sizes, and the manpower to move your things as fast as possible. What you need to keen on are personal and online reviews on how they handle your things. It is paramount that your things are in the same condition before and after moving them especially when you are moving fragile materials like glass, woodworks, and electronics. After making a list of reliable moving companies, get a quote from the moving companies on your list to get the lowest price.

Make moving fun

If you plan on driving to your destination, make sure to stop once in a while to smell the flowers, enjoy the view or try the food. Prepare your playlist ahead and queue your favorite songs on your car’s sound system. Prepare your essentials, like water, snacks, GPS, energy drinks and b-complex supplements to keep you sharp on the road. Note ahead where you can gas up and where you can use the toilet so that you will not panic if you need to use the loo or get some gas.

 You will most likely pass by places you have never been to before or never will drive by again. Take the time to shoot pictures and even talk to people that you meet along the way.  Let your moving experience be transcendental and let it rejuvenate your soul as you move forward to start a new chapter of your life.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BEST MATTRESS TO REDUCE BACK PAIN FOR AN ATHLETE

Do you run every morning? Do you work out frequently?

If you do, then you probably have an idea of the struggles athletes go through. Doing athletic activities frequently makes the muscle of sport enthusiasts and athletes (especially) get sore. A very common painful area for most athletes is their back. The vertebrae (particularly the lumbar vertebrae) in the back receive several sensations during athletic activities that can account for the back pain felt by many athletes.

This is why at the end of a day filled with many such activities, every athlete wants to get back home to a mattress that enables them rest and also relieves their sores and particularly, their back pain. No athlete wants to go home to a mattress that is so hard that it does not offer the comfort they need or so soft that it does not support the important structures in the body while they are resting.

So, how can an athlete choose the best mattress to help them relieve their back pain? Many mattress brands would call your attention to themselves every single day, but which of them will help you get up every morning with significant relief of the previous day’s pain.

Best Mattress Types for Back Pain

Memory foam and latex mattresses are commonly used among users with back pain and the reason is not far fetched—it relieves their pain.

Memory foam is our pick because it relieves pain, it works with the body contour and it also cushions the body. While memory foam allows broader parts of your body such as your hips and shoulders sink into the mattress, narrow parts such as your feet and waist stay right on top. This way, your body can stay resting in its natural body curves. This also means that each time you fully rest your back on the bed fully, you will be relieved of your pain.

If an athlete’s mattress does not conform to the natural body angles, then resting would not be as effective in the relief of back pain.

Moderately-firm latex mattresses or memory foams are better choices. With the surface, the body is not kept in any unnatural alignment and support is given to parts of the body that need rest. Hence, if any athlete is looking to get a mattress, it won’t be wise to choose just any mattress but be sure to go for one with memory foam technology.

However, this is not to say that memory foam mattresses have no flaws. A major concern about these products is the fact that they tend to trap heat. This implies that even though it is soft and tends to relieve your back pain, it will still seem as though you are sleeping on a hot mattress at night.

This flaw has been complained about in the past and so, in recent times, brands have not been slacking in addressing this issue. This is seen in the fact that they are now putting the materials they use in the production of memory foam mattress in check. As opposed to using synthetic materials, they are now going for plant-based, natural materials which are sure to give users a cooler feel while they are sleeping.

Hence, it is not still enough to get just any memory foam at all. You also have to take into consideration the producer of the mattress, the manner in which it was made and the materials that were used in its production. Reviews are helpful in getting the best of memory foams. An interesting review you can read is the Best Adjustable Comfort Beds: Top Picks & Reviews.

After comparing several options, a recommendation you can trust is the Amerisleep AS2. It is a great mattress which is confirmed by Business Insider as the “best mattress for back pain.”

Amerisleep’s AS2 gives the exact amount of support you need for your back when you are treating back pain or trying to prevent back pain.

Amerisleep’s AS2 is also a great medium-firm memory foam, as it uses high-quality materials and ensures pain-free sleep for several years. Hence, it is one great investment no athlete will regret.

It is best for sleepers who sleep on their backs or on their sides (which are actually the best ways to sleep) and it was also made using plant-based materials.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

GOOD MATRTRESS CAN KEEP YOU FIT: THINK TWICE WHILE BUYING

Everyone on this earth wants to stay fit and healthy. No one wants to live a life which is unhealthy. Because of that, most people join various fitness institutes. They also take up the right diet program which can help them to keep up with their fitness. Everyone believes that your fitness depends 80% on what you eat and 20% on how you experience. However, this is the foundation from where most people are failing to achieve the fitness they want.

If you are one of them who believe that your fitness depends on your diet and your exercise solely then you are very much wrong because it is not. There are certain other things on which the result of your fitness-oriented lifestyle will depend. However, those things play their role in a passive way and that is why most people fail to recognize its importance. One such thing on which your fitness lifestyle pivots around would be the mattress you use on your bed. If you don’t use the right mattress, you will never be able to get the kind of fitness you desire.

Now, most people will not be taking this seriously because it is not a cliché notion as far as the fitness industry is concerned. However, those who will not take it seriously will find disappointment because they will not be able to find the kind of results they want from their fitness lifestyle. There can be no denial that a good mattress will help you to maintain your fitness. Let’s see the impact a mattress can have on your fitness lifestyle.

Giving You Proper Sleep

When you are in a fitness lifestyle, your sleep becomes very important. If you don’t sleep in a proper way then for an adequate time then you will not be able to maximize the work that you have put on in the gym. That is why you have to sleep in a proper manner to achieve proper fitness level. To sleep in the best possible fashion, you have to understand the need for having the right mattress for you. In this case, if you sleep on an eco friendly mattress topper, you will be able to sleep in a proper way and also maintain your fitness in the best possible fashion.

Take Proper Rest

You will also have to take proper rest when you are looking to achieve the fitness and the physique of your dreams. In that case, what you should be looking to do is get yourself a hybrid mattress king which will surely help you to find comfort while you take a rest on the best. Maximizing your resting time is the key to success for those who are looking to enhance their fitness. With the right mattress, you will be able to do so in the best possible way.

Be Mentally Prepared

After a certain time of exercising, you will lose the urge to hit the gym time and time again. In such a scenario, the one thing that can really help you to succeed is the mental strength which you can have by sleeping in a proper way. When you wake up feeling refreshed, you will be mentally prepared for the challenges lying ahead and you will hit the gym to remain fit.

Final Thoughts

Finally, if you want to ensure that you stay fit then you have to read the best mattress buying guide 2019 which will help you to buy a mattress according to your fitness lifestyle. Once you start using the right mattress, your fitness lifestyle will enhance in a staggering way. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.