You know how Homegoods and TJ Maxx are the type of stores that show you things you didn’t know you needed?
That’s what today’s guide is like.
Except, you won’t spend your whole paycheck here.
But you’ll probably need these strategies just the same.
I’m diving into six of my favorites to help you feel better every morning and every day for that matter.
To start, this is the easiest one to tackle which means there’s no excuses not to try it.
#1: Do This First Thing in the Morning (Hint: It’s Not Lemon Water)
I’ve recently started learning more about Ayurvedic healing methods, which, if you’re not familiar, is a form of medicine that focuses on balancing the body to ensure every system is working optimally.
Instead of relying on conventional, over the counter concoctions, natural remedies are used to restore balance instead of just masking one symptom and creating another.
Through my research, and after a few searches, I was targeted Big Brother style by Mind Body Green and this article. And for once, I can safely say I’m not even mad.
The article on 5 Ayurvedic Rituals to Practice Every Morning has inspired me to include this first natural remedy and the next one into my routine and I’m absolutely hooked.
If you’re someone who struggles in the morning, (doesn’t everyone?), this remedy is perfect for you.
As soon as you wake up, or after you hit the snooze button, which I DON’T recommend, make a beeline for the bathroom and splash your face with cold water.
This may sound crazy in the winter, but, it’s a great way to quickly (and naturally) wake up.
And, according to that MBG article, it’s also the perfect way to clear your energy, or dosha as it’s known.
Essentially, you’re wiping the slate clean by removing old nighttime energy and replacing it with fresh new morning energy.
It could be a placebo, but it’s worked for me since I’ve started using it.
I also include this ritual on the weekends and I swear it makes me feel refreshed and energized, even if I didn’t wake up that way.
The next strategy could also be a placebo, but I’m so hooked I wouldn’t dare turn back as it is.
#2: Tongue Scraper
That same article mentioned that tongue scraping can also clear the slate so to speak.
This time, you’re removing grimy toxins that are clinging to your tongue and wreaking havoc on your system.
Who knew this was Ayurvedic?
I definitely did not.
But it makes sense.
And once you try it, you’ll see why I’m rooting for it.
You really do scrape off layers that you didn’t even realize existed.
I’m pretty convinced that it helped Eric and I fight off travel germs from our recent trip to NY.
The day after we landed home, we both woke up with sore throats that went beyond just needing more fluids.
Eric ended up with a 100 degree fever and we used the remedies from today’s guide, plus a few more, and some from this one, to help shorten its duration.
And it worked.
The funny thing is Eric’s been using a tongue scraper for a few months, long before I knew this practice existed.
I laughed when he bought it and now I’m obsessed.
They can be hard to find if you’re not careful. When I went to the store to buy one, I only found one option and it was buried deep.
Here’s the brand that I bought (P.S. these are NOT aff links):
But, of course, Amazon can also be clutch here.
That’s also where I found my favorite essential oils and diffuser too, which also happens to be the next strategy.
#3: Essential Oils & Diffusers Are Lifesavers
I’ve known about essential oils for a few years but it wasn’t until the past two years that I’ve started to use them regularly.
And since writing for GuruNanda, an essential oil company, I’m even more consistent with them.
If I have a stuffy nose, headache, can’t concentrate, need to relax, or I just don’t feel well, I add a few drops of a high-quality essential oil to an oil diffuser.
The key in that statement is the high-quality part.
While it can be tempting to buy from multi-level marketing companies who are selling essential oils, I’d caution against it and find companies such as GuruNanda or Plant Guru (I love their respiratory set, not an aff link) who have a direct relationship with suppliers.
It’s this quality that ensures there’s no added chemicals and the prices are lower since there’s no middleman scheme going on.
If you need help assessing the quality of your essential oils, check out this guide I wrote on the topic.
On another note, I also use my essential oil diffuser for long stretches of time (3-6 hours) but this may be too much for some people to start with.
I’m sensitive to smells and these surprisingly don’t bother me but I would still recommend going slow as you get used to the oils.
Starting with a few drops is always a good idea too since oils are so concentrated.
Moving along, this next strategy is also one that’s fairly new to me but I love it so much I’ve stayed consistent.
#4: Neti Pots Are Weird But AH-mazing
I’m sure you’ve heard of a neti pot before.
Maybe your mom or grandmother convinced you to use one as a kid and now you’re scarred and don’t want to ever do that again.
Or if you’ve never used one, you’re probably wondering why people would be scared of what looks to be a child’s teapot.
Well, here’s why: this little “teapot” is actually a nasal flush.
You put the spout in one nostril and water (and salt) comes out the other one.
So your nose becomes a water spout and you feel the whole thing as it’s happening.
It’s funny to watch, weird to try, and works like wonders when my seasonal allergies flare up.
Sometimes it takes me 3 days worth of flushing to get back on track, but that will usually hold me over for a bit.
I think it’s also helped me cut down on over-the-counter allergy meds and it’s improved my sleep since I can finally breathe better before bed.
The easiest way to get started is to buy a neti pot kit the includes the teapot plus the saline packets.
I also always use filtered water and would recommend starting out with half the salt packet if you’re new and your nose is already irritated.
The next strategy is one that doesn’t cost you a dime to get started with.
#5: Stretching All Day Er’ Day
Whether you sit all day or your job doesn’t give you the option to, everyone can benefit from stretching.
But, I’m not talking about those stationary stretches that you learned in gym class where you stretch one or both legs out and reach.
Those stretches are not ideal on a body that’s not warmed up.
Instead, I’m suggesting easy yoga moves that can help you loosen up stiff, achy joints and hips, while also opening up the body and realigning the spine.
Some moves are even great for improving digestion.
Plus, you don’t need a fancy mat to practice these, although it does help on the knees to have one.
Some of my favorite moves include (in no particular order):
#1: Cat/Cow Pose
#2: Downward Facing Dog
#3: Child’s Pose
#4: Seated Twist
#5: Seated Forward Bend
#6: Warrior I or II to Triangle Pose (if I want a little more movement)
#7: Sun Salutations (perfect for waking you up in the morning or mid-afternoon)
#8: Happy Baby
#9: Reclining Bound Angle Pose
#10: Easy Pose
I stretch all throughout my day and I especially make it a priority if I’m sitting for extended periods of time.
Not only do I feel so much better, but I can work out any tense areas before they progressively get worse.
I also think this next strategy helps with that too.
#6: Chiropractic Care
Full disclosure: it has been several months since I’ve seen my amazing chiropractor and, as a result, I can definitely tell.
My intention is to get back to it this month or next, especially because I keep singing its praises and telling people how much I believe in it. And I love my local chiro Dr. Alli so there’s really no excuses.
As I’ve stated in this article, chiropractic care is not black magic. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
It’s a powerful, natural way to bring your body into proper alignment.
Because, when this happens, all of your body’s systems can function as they should instead of wasting time and energy trying to compensate for imbalances.
For me, I’ve noticed allergy and asthma relief, and I know it helps me sleep better too.
But, I’ve also seen firsthand how much it’s helped pregnant women, kids, babies, and everyone in between since I worked at that practice for a month or so.
So if you haven’t considered chiropractic care before, I would urge you to do so now.
It’s a great, non-invasive way to support your body and give it the boost it needs to function at its best. Who wouldn’t want that?
Speaking of that…
Which Remedies Will You Try First?
Now that you know my top six natural remedies, the only question is: which one to tackle first?
My vote: all of them haha.
Do this and I bet you’ll feel so much better in just a few short days.
Have any questions? Shoot me an email: devan@behappynothangry.com
Sending you my best natural remedies today and everyday,
Devan