Copyright manilatimes
There are days when your body speaks to you in urgent whispers. These are the moments when you must pause — a natural pause, to be exact.You know the feeling. It comes during quiet moments or stressful situations. Your body is weary, yet your mind insists on pushing through. When this happens, stop. It’s all about harmony. Your mind and body are out of sync when your thoughts and actions conflict.When your body says “slow down” but your mind urges you to “keep going,” let your inner self intervene. This is when you turn to the things that bring you comfort.Comforting choicesThere’s nothing more soothing than sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of warm tea or another natural beverage.Why natural? Because it offers benefits in their purest form — unprocessed and full of phytonutrients, the bioactive compounds found in plants. Think of them as the body’s superheroes, helping to fight inflammation, boost antioxidant activity, improve circulation and heart health, and even aid in cancer prevention.You probably already enjoy many foods rich in these nutrients. Flavonoids, for instance, can be found in berries such as acai, blueberries, and strawberries; in fruits like grapes, citrus, and apples; and in comforting favorites like dark chocolate, tea, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens.Carotenoids, on the other hand, thrive in brightly colored produce such as carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, red bell peppers, spinach, kangkong, papayas, mangoes, and pink grapefruits.What’s your mood lifter?We all experience a range of moods, and nature offers simple ways to lift or calm them. When you need to boost your vitality, reach for a cup of ginger tea, green tea, yerba mate, or even coconut water. A single cup of these natural boosters can revive your energy and spirit. Just remember that green tea is best taken after meals since its powerful enzymes may be too strong on an empty stomach. Coconut water, a naturally cooling drink, can be enjoyed anytime, though those with sensitive stomachs may prefer to sip warm water first.During stressful days, teas and tonics like lemon balm, matcha, ashwagandha, and reishi mushroom can help restore calm. For better sleep, gentle drinks such as chamomile, valerian root, or tulsi tea can prepare the body for rest. A cup of warm milk with turmeric is also a classic remedy. If you have lavender essential oil, try adding a few drops to a cup of warm water, breathe in its relaxing fragrance, or dab a little on your wrists and nape for a soothing effect.One of my favorite rituals is what I call the Happy Time Break. With a cup of warm water infused with rose essential oil or Anima Mundi’s Schisandra Rose Powder, I take a few moments to sit quietly, sip slowly, and breathe deeply, allo-wing each breath and sip to be filled with love.For those focused on maintaining a healthy weight, natural aids like apple cider vinegar tea in the morning, ginger tea, or green tea can help support digestion and cleansing.Over time, these habits promote a feeling of lightness and overall wellness. Remember, there is nothing instant about natural remedies — but when paired with a balanced diet and a mindful lifestyle, they bring lasting results.Affirmation: Beginning today, I will be kinder to myself.Love and light.
