Holistic nutrition deals with the body’s complex balance between physical, chemical, and emotional health. An experienced holistic nutritionist works with each person to develop a unique customized plant that emphasizes the whole person. The individual remains a vital part of the body’s healing process. Working cooperatively, the client moves towards optimal health.
30 Ways to Reduce Anxiety
Work, family life, illness, and the daily grind are enough to trigger your body’s flight and response system. In some of us, the body’s response can be hypersensitive. This leads to anxiety, stress, and depression. Help from a medical professional to manage anxiety is key to feeling better. Treat yourself better and reduce anxiety with these fun times, from spa day packages to good nutrition. Take care of yourself to feel like a better and less anxious you!
These are a few of my favorite things…
Each one of us is different. Find which of these helpful tips will help reduce anxiety for you. And remember, you don’t need to fight anxiety alone. A good friend, therapist, or significant other can help you minimize stress in your life. Work together. Enjoy life.
- Sit quietly and relax
- Learn slow breathing techniques
- Treat you and your girlfriends to a spa day package
- Exercise
- Walk in the park
- Yoga
- Treat yourself to an organic facial
- Join a painting class
- Talk with a life coach
- Write poetry
- Enjoy a deep pore cleansing facial
- Write music
- Play an instrument
- Sing out loud
- Follow the advice of your holistic nutritionist
- Go to a classical concert
- Watch your children play
- Go to the beach
- Walk an art museum slowly, taking in each work
- Spoil yourself with a deep moisturizing back treatment
- Try a detox wrap
- Take advantage of special spa promotions
- Take your pet for a walk
- Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa by the fire
- Drink less caffeine
- Read a book
- Mindful meditation
- Learn to say “No” to unnecessary tasks
- Prioritize your work schedule
- Avoid social media
Try to reduce anxiety with some of these helpful tips. You will be amazed at what slowing down your life and enjoying a day at the spa with your friends will do for your mental health. Don’t forget the importance of a good diet and exercise.
A New You with Urb Organic Spa
Urb Organic Spa in Toronto offers a wide variety of exciting services meant to help you feel like a better and improved you. From life coaching to organic facials, enjoy pampering yourself and prioritizing your health. Call us today and make your first appointment. We would love to hear from you!
5 Ways To Unwind This Summer
While each season is unique, perhaps none is more so than summer. Full of activities and time off work, summer seems to take your well-crafted schedule and turn it on its head. The busyness of summer is unique and fun, but can often be overwhelming, too. If this is the case, here are five ways to unwind this summer.
Grab a good book
It’s time to tackle that mounting pile of books you just didn’t have time for during the rest of the year. Now, there’s no reason that summer books need to be light or frothy. In fact, lighter books are best for the times when you’re busy and need an easy read at night. You don’t have to tackle War and Peace this summer but try your best to challenge yourself. Head to the library for inspiration or ask around. Take a chance with a new author. It never hurts to try a new book, and if you don’t like it, no one is forcing you to finish it.
Take a moment for yourself
Summer can be busy. There are people to see, activities to join, and it can be easy to be swept up in the bustle of everything. Each day, find time just for yourself. A few moments to reconnect with yourself can leave you more energized than a cup of coffee. Remember that it’s ok to turn down an invite. If your body is saying you need to rest, be sure to listen.
Enjoy the sunrise
Summer mornings are amazing. There’s a real magic about them. The day holds endless possibilities just waiting to happen. When you can, wake up with the birds and enjoy the quiet morning time. Head to your deck or go for a morning stroll. There’s real peace in knowing you’re awake before so many others.
Find gratitude in the sunset
At the end of the day, reflect on what has happened. Summer days are unique. They can either be filled with endless moments or a whirl of activity. Especially on those busy days, be sure to reflect on what has happened and search for the gratitude amongst the events. The more you savor each day, the less likely you’ll wonder where summer went to at the end.
Do something for others
One final way to unwind this summer is to help others out. While a bit of soul searching is always encouraged, often the answers we are looking for can be found with other people. Take some time this summer to volunteer or reach out to a friend in need. To be honest, it might seem like a lot of effort at the beginning. But once you get started, you’ll realize this was the final piece to creating harmony in yourself.
5 Ways To Put Yourself First
Feeling like life is moving too fast? You’re constantly rushing around to meet someone else’s schedule. At the end of the day, you finally have some me-time but you’re too exhausted to enjoy it. It’s time to put yourself first.
Make a list
How do you want to spend your time, and what are your priorities? Having ‘me time’ is great but is also vague and hard to implement. Stop and take a few minutes to organize your thoughts and write down what that ‘me time’ should look like. Maybe it’s finding time to regularly get your hair cut. Maybe it’s more time to read and finish a book. It could be more time to walk or stay active. Once you know what you want more of in life, the easier it will be to make that happen.
Ask for help
Again, make a list of who can help you and when. You might think at first that you don’t have much extra help, but by organizing this, it could turn out that you have more help than you realized. Which grandparent has expressed interest in watching your child every now and then? What neighbor has offered their services? In a busy world, there might be more help than you realized.
Schedule your time
It’s not enough to wish for more time for yourself. Instead, you need to take that time. Announce to everyone involved that such a date and time has been blocked off. This could be a standing weekly appointment or a regular evening time period. It doesn’t matter as long as the time works for you.
Schedule yourself first
There will always be conflicting times when you want to schedule your ‘me time.’ But instead of thinking about everyone else, think about yourself first. By blocking off a specific time, you are putting yourself first and that’s ok. It might take a bit of time but soon enough, life will start to revolve around your schedule.
Check-in
Are the steps that you have taken to put yourself first working? Have you made enough time for yourself? Is there something different that you want to look into? Nothing is ever set in stone and if your plan isn’t as seamless as you first thought, it’s ok to go ahead and change it. Life is constantly evolving. What might work in the winter probably won’t work in the summer. Vacations and deadlines can quickly change a routine and you’ll need to adapt with them. Just make sure that once life settles down again you continue to put yourself first. This way you can keep yourself fueled and ready to tackle anything. The more work you do for yourself, the happier you will be.
4 Ways Journaling Can Lead To A More Peaceful You
Is your life becoming too hectic? Are you constantly rushing around, trying desperately to tackle that to-do list? Ironically, as we have created a world that is easier, we somehow have managed to overfill our time. So, what can we do about this stressful life? Journaling is a unique opportunity for us to connect with yourselves. If you want a return to a simpler life, journaling can lead to a more peaceful you.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the present. It is about being aware of what is happening at this moment. It’s not about checking your smartphone as you watch a show on Netflix while also eating your dinner. It’s about being aware of one task that you are doing. Mindfulness is about being committed fully to whatever you are doing, even if you are doing nothing.
A few moments
The nice thing about journaling is that it doesn’t have to take a long time. Most people when they think about journaling envision a giant time commitment. And while journaling works best if you commit to writing every day, you really only have to spend a few minutes at it. Even if you just write a few sentences about what you are grateful for, that effort will help shape your perception of your life.
Get into routine
Some people like to wake up and journal while they enjoy their morning coffee. Others like the reflection time at the end of the day. Maybe you have some spare time on your commute home from work. Find a time that works for you. You will want to make sure your journaling time fits into your natural routine. This way when you first start it doesn’t seem like a giant time commitment. Once you get into the flow of journaling, it will be easier to think of it as a part of your daily life, similar to brushing your teeth.
Various Topics
There are many ways to journal. You can write a diary-type format where you recount all the major highlights of your day. You can write daily affirmations where you appreciate who you are. You can write free-form or even find journaling kits that help with motivation. The point is that you can make journaling be whatever you want it to be. This activity should be an extension of yourself. So, if you like to draw, why not incorporate some illustrations? If you are more adept at typing, you can easily journal on the computer. In fact, you can even just record your ideas if you really don’t like to write.
The form isn’t the point of journaling. The process is the point. The more you are aware of the life you are living, the more you can enjoy it. And this enjoyment will lead to a more peaceful you.
4 New Year’s Resolutions For A More Relaxed You
The Christmas holidays are a time of fun, excitement, and unfortunately, a lot of stress. The beginning of a new year in January is the perfect time to pause and focus on yourself. Here are a few ways to create new year’s resolutions that lead to a more relaxed you.
Quality, not Quantity
It’s not about how much you do of something, but how well you do with it. For example, instead of trying to read a giant stack of books that maybe have little meaning, or are really just fluff, try to tackle more meaningful books. Find a memoir that will inspire you. Pick up a classic that you’ve always meant to read. You could pick a book with your partner and read it together to have something to discuss at night. Or, find a book club that will help inspire debate and get your minds working. The point is that if you can invest your time wisely, you will appreciate your hard work and effort.
Invest in Friendships
The new year is a good time to think about who you want to include in your life. Perhaps there are some old friends that you keep meaning to get together with. Instead of spending time worrying about communicating with them, just go ahead and contact them. Plan a date and get together. Sometimes you need to just dive in and get stuff done so that the worry of it allisn’t on your mind anymore. Catching up with old friends can also make us realize if we actually have enough still in common to continue a friendship. There is no shame in transitioning out of a friendship. So if you get togetherwith someone, and realize it wasn’t as good as you thought it would be, you canmove on knowing that you can now focus on other relationships.
Alone Time
We often spend too much of our time hurrying around from one even to the next. The result is an over-planned life that doesn’t let us breathe very much. It’s ok to have down time. Saturday mornings don’t have to be spent running errands. They can instead by pajama days. Take advantage of rainy days and stay inside with a good book or watch a movie you’ve beenmeaning to get around to. It’s ok to allow yourself to breathe.
Schedule Appointments
One important new year’s resolution is to take care of your own health. Take an afternoon and schedule all those appointments you’ve been putting off. Schedule your dentist cleaning and book your eye exam. Also include whole body treatments that allow you to relax, purify your mind, and make you more comfortable in your own skin. Don’t waste time thinking about making these phone calls. Just do them so that your mind can be a calmer, more organized place.
The Differences Between Waxing and Sugaring
There are many options for creating smooth skin, which can become a bit overwhelming when trying to make a decision. Here are the differences between waxing and sugaring, to help simplify things a bit.
Ingredients
One of the main differences between waxing and sugaring pertains to the ingredients. Waxing is a hybrid formula between natural and chemical ingredients. Waxes are usually made from resins. In contrast, sugaring is all natural and includes sugar, water, and sometimes lemon.
Application
Both waxing and sugaring applies the mixture on the skin, but the difference is in how it is removed. Waxing needs to be removed with a strip of linen or muslin, or even wooden spatulas. Sugaring can be removed with a hand.
The temperature of waxing is hot. It needs to be melted before the application so that the wax can melt enough to be used. It is cooled enough so as not to burn the skin. Sugaring does not need to melt to be effective, so it can be used at room temperature.
One of the more interesting differences between waxing and sugaring is in regards to the direction of hair. Waxing is usually applied in the direction of hair growth. It is then removed against that direction. Sugaring, however, is applied against the direction of hair growth and then removed towards the direction. In essence, they use completely opposite techniques.
Hair Length
If you want your body hair to be waxed, then it needs to be at least ¼ inch thick. Sugaring, on the other hand, requires that hair only be 1/16 of an inch thick. This means that you will have to wait longer between waxing sessions to let hair grow out. If you don’t want to wait, or don’t want your body hair to get too long, then sugaring is a better alternative.
Types of Skin
Because waxing is partly chemical and needs to be at a hotter temperature, it is not always recommended for sensitive skin. However, there are special hard waxes or lower-temperature waxes that will be just fine for sensitive skin. If you are worried, then sugaring may be a bit better. Its all-natural formula is great on all skin types. Furthermore, it won’t remove any live skin cells; just dead skin cells.
Side Effects
Both sugaring and waxing can have side effects. Waxing is often accompanied by redness and inflammation. Sugaring can also result in irritation. It’s recommended to take ibuprofen before any hair removal treatment to lessen any pain. However, if you have a skilled technician, then the side effects should be minimal.
After Treatment
After a waxing session, the excess wax will need to be cleaned up from the skin. This can be done with a special oil or lotion. With sugaring, any remaining treatment can be wiped clean with water.
Why It’s Important To Make Time For Yourself
We’ve all heard the cliché that just as it’s important to put your own oxygen mask on first in an airplane so is it important to take care of yourself first in life. This cliché exists because it is true, yet it is easier said than done.
Think of yourself as the foundation of a building
It may not be glamorous, but the foundation of a building needs to be strong; otherwise, everything will crumble. Often a personal foundation may start by being strong, but over time can weaken. As a result, cracks can appear in the building itself. The reaction may be to try to spend time repairing the building, but what really needs to be done is strengthen the foundation.
Invest your time wisely
It can be hard to think of time as something to invest in. Money is logical, but time is finite and hard to find more of. You can think that you aren’t able to make time for yourself because you are too busy with everything else. But if you invest in yourself first, then the busyness of life can become more manageable, and maybe even more efficient.
Make time for yourself with both small and large blocks of time. Daily, find 5 to 10 minutes that are just for you. Sip a cup of coffee without looking at your smart phone. Instead, savor the smell and taste of each sip. Relax in a bubble bath at the end of the day instead of an efficient shower. Go for a neighborhood walk after dinner instead of immediately turning on the TV.
For longer blocks of time, plan them in advance so that your commitment is set in stone. Book a day at the spa for a massage. Join a book club that meets every month. Go to the art gallery and get lost in the beauty. Take the time to breathe and enjoy life in all its glory.
Be vocal
It can be hard to make time for yourself if you have a family. Children and spouse’s needs can seem immediate and they are often the first tended to. But if you need more time for yourself, don’t be afraid to speak up. Let everyone know what you need. It can seem selfish at first, especially with children, but ultimately it will set a good example for them. This shows that everyone needs some alone time and that different interests should be encouraged. It also will make you a better, more relaxed parent. It will refocus yourself to know that you are more than just a label. Rather, you are a person, and you are capable.
How Attending a Spa Can Help You Just as Much Mentally as Physically
People visit Toronto Spas to get all sorts of treatments. There are facials to rejuvenate the skin, massages to work out knots in the muscles, and body wraps to reduce bloating and cellulite. However, no matter which treatment a customer books, they always hope to walk out feeling relaxed. That’s because spa treatments have huge benefits for the mind as well as the body. Read on to find out what they are.
The Mental Benefits of a Toronto Spa Treatment
Here’s how a spa day could improve your mental health and well-being.
- Reduce Anxiety – Have you ever noticed how when you leave a spa after a treatment, you feel not only more relaxed, but happier? This is key for those who suffer from anxiety. Massage activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in improved mood as well as reduced anxiety and emotional distress. Aromatherapy is particularly effective, as the inhalation of certain essential oils can have a positive impact on the nervous system. This stops the neurological process that cause anxiety attacks to occur. This can result in better appetite, mood, sleep patterns, and sex drive. For sufferers of chronic anxiety, this can make a huge difference to their quality of life.
- Manage Stress – Getting a massage can not only help to alleviate physical stress that’s built up as tension in the muscles, but psychological stress, too. A visit to the spa is an opportunity to forget about all of the troubles and worries of daily life and completely disconnect. You can enjoy an hour or two in a completely calm environment, where everything is designed with tranquillity in mind. As well as the treatments, there’s aromatherapy and relaxing music to help you unwind.
- Balance Hormones – Massage therapy can reduce the production of the stress hormone, cortisol, while increasing production of ‘feel good’ hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. This hormone balance can be beneficial for those who suffer with mental health issues including depression, stress, and eating disorders. If you’re feeling short-tempered or highly strung, a hormone imbalance could be the culprit, and a spa treatment could be the answer.
- Take a Break – Sometimes, you just need a break from it all, and a spa is the perfect place to get one. It provides and an escape your usual routine, so you can recharge their batteries and regenerate. There, you can take the time to focus solely on yourself. This is especially valuable if you don’t usually have that luxury. Scheduling regular spa visits is a great way to achieve a more balanced lifestyle.
Treat Yourself at Our Toronto Spa
If you’re looking for head-to-toe relaxation, visit Urb Organic Spa. We offer a range of calming treatments that will have you looking good and feeling great. Browse our range of treatment packages to plan your perfect pamper day. You could even schedule them regularly using our monthly promotions to stay on top of your self-care. Both your body and mind will thank you for it.
Why Going to the Spa Shouldn’t Just Be Considered a Luxurious Treat
For many years the day spa has been considered a kind of ultimate luxury. An indulgence that signaled you had arrived or that you’d always been a person of means. It still is. But beyond the role of the spa as a kind of social signifier it’s also being recognized of late for the many health benefits it provides. The new awareness has caused a kind of minor revision in the way spas are perceived: from luxurious treat to healthy necessity. Below we’re going to take a closer look at some of the many reasons visiting the spa in midtown Toronto is a healthy decision.
Wellness Centre or Spa in Midtown Toronto?
The days of the spa being considered little more than a place to spend a few hours indulging oneself are over. Today the spa is seen by a new generation of women as more than a luxury; it’s a necessity. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Stress relief – There are few things as essential to good health as stress relief and there are few better ways to melt away the cares of a stressful day than a visit to the Urb Organic Spa where stress release is just a therapeutic massage or session of hydrotherapy
- Better sleep – An afternoon at the spa will not only result is a clean, clear system and a general feeling of relaxation it will also allow you to sleep better when you lay down at the end of the day. Deep, restful sleep is essential to the proper workings of both body and mind and the sleep you’ll get after a visit to the Urb Organic Spa in midtown Toronto will have you wondering how you ever lived any other way.
- Relief from aches and pains – Anyone who has lived long enough to reach a certain age can tell you that it seems like the universe invents new aches and pains on a daily basis just to torment us. Thankfully, you can get relief from everyday aches and pains through a variety of spa treatments including physiotherapy, acupuncture, reflexology and more.
- Weight loss – By working with the clinicians at the Urb Organic Spa you’ll be able to devise a schedule of diet plans and physical activities that will help you achieve your target weight. Once there we’ll work with you to maintain your optimal weight level so you can enjoy a greater sense of physical freedom and overall well-being.
- Preventative action – An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as the old saying goes and regular visits to the Urb Organic Spa in midtown Toronto will help you prevent a slew of health problems that might well have befallen you if you had simply stayed home.
A visit to the spa is no longer just an excuse for indulgence, it’s an opportunity to fine tune your overall health, and as such, a practical necessity. Call the Urb Organic Spa today to make an appointment and take charge of your health.