Alive Pharmacy Warehouse - Live+ February 2023

live+

Your guide to staying healthy, happy, alive

STATE OF MIND

TIME TO TALK

Match your exercise routine

THE HAPPY MEDIUM Regain your balance

MY SWEET VALENTINE

Lovely scents are all around us

HAPPY FEBRUARY

I hope you are all settling into your 2023 routine. Getting into a routine can have psychological benefits that help alleviate anxiety and stress. It’s often encouraged to create a routine with exercise for your physical health, and to schedule time to check in with yourself for mental health. I love when we go on family holidays, but it’s always great to come home and get back into everyday business.

In February’s Live+ we talk about a very important topic: mental health. It can be really tricky for someone living with depression (or other health conditions) to express how they are feeling. Human brains are malleable, so depression doesn’t have to be permanent. We can work towards changing our default thoughts and behaviours by building new pathways in our brain to encourage a more positive lifestyle.

Taking care of your general health is another good way to keep balance in your life. Vitamins and supplements can help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions. Vitamins can be used in conjunction with professional advice and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for medical treatment.

For example, Vitamin Bs (B-2, B-9, and B12) play an important role in helping our brain produce chemicals that manage our mood. When we’re low in Vitamin B you may experience irritability, fatigue, weakness, and brain fog. As we age our bodies struggle to absorb enough Vitamin B12, therefore a supplement for this one in particular may help combat the symptoms mentioned. A good option of B12 is Thompson’s Ultra B12 1000mcg 100 tabs.

Another essential mineral is magnesium. It is one of the most powerful elements in the human body that provides support for several crucial biochemical processes. An imbalance of magnesium can cause symptoms like irregular sleep patterns, weakness in your muscles, greater stress, and blocked receptors in the brain. A magnesium supplement like Nutra-Life Magnesium Hi-Zorb or the Ethical Nutrients Magnesium Range can provide a range of neurological benefits.

Valentine’s Day is this month so be sure to make time for loved ones. Spending time with people you care about is one of the easiest ways to get a quick dopamine fix. We benefit from various neurotransmitters and hormones when we feel a social connection with someone. Surround yourself with people who have a positive influence on you.

Remember to stay healthy and happy this Feb.

Managing Director

Time to talk

Tick, tick, tick, tick, BOOM!

Feeling like a ticking time bomb, where something small can trigger a strong emotional reaction, can be a sign of emotional or mental distress. These reactions can be influenced by various factors such as lack of sleep, hormone imbalances, the weather, or events happening in one’s life.

The limbic system is a group of brain structures that are involved in the control and coordination of emotions, behaviours, and memory. The main structures of the limbic system include the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. The hypothalamus plays a role in regulating hormones that are important for survival, such as heart rate and breathing. The hippocampus is involved in memory and spatial navigation, while the amygdala is responsible for attaching emotions to memories and events.

Mental illness can affect an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. Depression, for example, is associated with changes in chemical transmitters in the brain that can affect mood, motivation, and behaviour. The hippocampus, a structure in the limbic system, has been shown to shrink in people with depression.

Overstimulation from technology and artificial lights and sounds can also make it difficult for the limbic system to process and respond appropriately to all the signals the brain receives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking professional help or talking to a trusted friend or family member.

There are also self-care strategies that can help, such as getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing stressreducing techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness. Remember that everyone has their own way of coping, and finding what works best for you is key.

It’s important to talk about mental health and seek help if needed. A specialist can provide an unbiased perspective and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include therapy and/or medication. Antidepressant medication can help improve mood and increase motivation, but they may have side effects, and it may take time to find the right one. Antidepressants are not addictive but speaking to your doctor is important when you decide to stop taking this medication to ease unwanted symptoms.

Finally, it’s important to remember that seeking help is a brave and important step. There are organisations such as Beyond Blue and SANE Australia that can provide additional information and support. Remember you are not alone, reach out for help if you need it.

THE HAPPY

Medium

Life is about balance. Fitness and health are all about finding your ‘happy medium’ - a place of balance between being healthy and ‘cheating’. Having a flexible routine that incorporates your favourite foods and lazy days is an important part of a functional long-term commitment.

Taking a flexible approach to fitness will increase your chances of a successful long-term commitment to your overall health. Think about if being shredded and lean is something you can keep up when you’re older. Is it something you want for yourself? I mean, it would be fabulous to be slim all the time, but it’s not always realistic. Being healthy looks different for everyone. The general rule of thumb is to have some sort of fitness regime and to eat healthy.

Cultivating the skill to commit to long-term projects takes trial and error. Commitment to your health is incredibly rewarding. It decreases your chances of illness and injuries that incur large expenses. If you’re constantly consuming social media and external outlets, you may be struggling with comparison - feeling like you’re not fit enough or skinny enough. This will only have a negative effect on your fitness goal and may make you neglect your program. If you’re struggling to stick to your weight loss or exercise program, don’t be hard on yourself, just try a different approach.

HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR HAPPY MEDIUM

Incorporating different ways of exercises is a good way to keep you motivated. Try different things based on your stage of life and your living environment. Perhaps a walking program or resistance training works for you, or perhaps surfing or hiking may be something that sparks interest. Making a commitment to your fitness is a skill - some people are bad at committing to things. It can be hard to maintain a routine, stay motivated, and sometimes socially challenging.

Don’t be too strict. Being flexible with your routine and diet will help you maintain it.

Rest. Feeling tired and sore won’t help you move forward (literally, you’ll be feeling stiff and unable to lift heavier in the gym).

Revisit your goals. Why did you start fitness in the first place? Find a motivating factor to keep you going.

Find ways to fit exercise into your day. If it’s convenient, you’re more likely to do it.

Do activities you enjoy. If you enjoy it, again, you’re more likely to do it. Switch it up, try different ways to exercise.

WEIGHT LOSS WINNERS

To succeed in losing weight, it is important to be realistic. Excessive body fat can increase your risk of heart failure and other health concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity. These health conditions can take a toll on your heart and shorten your life.

When we are overweight, our body has more difficulty producing enough insulin, the essential hormone that converts glucose into energy. Consuming too much sugar is a common cause of weight gain as it is high in calories and contains no nutrients. Unstable blood sugar levels can also cause mood swings and symptoms of depression.

Weight loss supplements tend to have two things in common: they boost metabolism and energy levels. A healthy metabolism, along with eating the right number of calories, can prevent the body from holding onto excessive fat.

To maintain a healthy body mass index, it is important to eat well, engage in regular physical activity, and limit alcohol consumption as it has no nutritional benefits. The sports nutrition market offers a growing network of products that can be incorporated into your diet to fuel your fitness regimen and ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients for your body.

Check out some of our weight loss winners to help you with your goals.

Did you know?

Alcohol is high in calories. One beer contains approximately 155 calories: that’s about the same as 2 bananas. If you have 4 beers on a night out, that’s about 8 bananas in one sitting!

ON AMINO ENERGY

270g

Amino acids are essential for building muscle. Optimum Nutrition’s Amino Energy is a combination of caffeine, green tea, and amino acids that work together to regulate your body weight by increasing energy expenditure. It can be taken as a pre-workout or intra-workout supplement to support energy and recovery. To achieve lean muscle and weight loss, amino supplements can increase the basal rate of protein metabolism.

CARUSO’S GARCINIA CAMBOGIA

Garcinia is a fruit extract traditionally used to maintain a healthy appetite. The tropical plant looks similar to a small pumpkin and tomato. When taken as a supplement, it works as a hunger suppressant and increases serotonin levels. When serotonin levels are higher, appetite tends to be lower. It can also help slow down fat production by influencing the enzyme citrate lyase, and can also help manage insulin and blood sugar levels.

MUSASHI FAT METABOLISER WITH CARNITINE 60 Capsules

This baddie will aid your metabolism and help burn stored fat in your body. It should only be taken if you already have an active lifestyle. It contains choline and carnitine, which help send signals throughout the body and encourage neurotransmitters to transport fat into energy cells for movement. The more energy we have, the more motivated we feel during our weight loss journey. It can also assist in the rest and recovery stage of exercise.

X50 GREEN TEA

60 Sachets

Green tea is a superfood that is a powerful antioxidant and has many health benefits. It can help produce clean energy and has anti-aging properties. Green tea also contains caffeine, which can promote fat burning and antioxidant properties in the blood. The X50 green tea supplement, when added to liquid, encourages increased water intake, which can help the body use stored fats and carbohydrates for energy.

BIOSLIM RANGE

Shakes and snacks are common things that people incorporate into their diet during their weight loss journey. They are an easy way to fit the right vitamins and minerals into your day. Snacks also help ease hunger cues and prevent you from eating more at mealtimes. The BioSlim range is a great option because it’s Aussie made, contains lots of calcium, and high-quality protein. You’ll notice “VLCD” on their package. This refers to “Very Low-Calorie Diet” and indicates that you’ll be getting the exact amount of nutrition for weight loss. Keeping track of what we eat and how much we eat is the easiest way to ensure we maintain a healthy weight.

Scent attracts attention. It is biologically instilled in basically all living creatures to potentially “sniff” out a parent or mate. Pheromones float through the air and attract certain people while repelling others. It might be a sign that you’re falling in love if you notice the smell of your partner more and find yourself attracted to it.

Studies have suggested that the brain recognizes the scent of one’s partner and can have relaxing effects, leading to deeper, more restful sleep.

When choosing a cologne or perfume, it’s important to find one that stimulates you and blends well with your natural smell. It’s always advised to do a match test and wear the scent during the day to see how it smells mixed with your natural pheromones. Try to stick to a few signature scents so that your partner becomes familiar with it, and the smell reminds them of you.

The sweet smell of your partner can help

1 https://exploringyourmind.com/yourpartners-smell-can-relax-you/

of Red THE POWER

Red is the colour of passion and desire. Not only is red sexy and sassy, but it can also help us feel more awake, motivated, and energized. Makeup and beauty have a similar effect. When we look good, we feel good. Makeup can help us feel physically more attractive and boost our self-esteem.

Wear red in various ways and shades this Valentine’s Day to excite you and your partner. Check out some of our favourites...

WITCHCRAFT NAILS

Red nails can add a touch of boldness and confidence to your appearance. The bright colour can catch people’s attention and make you stand out. In terms of shape, you may want to choose a flatter, more angular look such as a square or coffin shape. This aligns well with the emotions of love and passion. Pairing red nails with black or white attire can give off a sophisticated and stylish look. To apply your red nail polish evenly and effectively, it is recommended to use a base coat before applying the colour.

Product recommendations:

Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Range for bright, vibrant colours + it dries quickly.

CUTE AND CHEEKY

A touch of blush on your cheeks can enhance your entire appearance. Blushing is often a hormonal response when we’re attracted to someone, similar to the physical effects of excitement, which increases blood flow, heart rate and lung function. The exact reason why blood rushes to our cheeks is uncertain, but it is believed that it is an evolutionarily way for our body to attract potential partners. Body language is an essential aspect of attraction, so naturally flushed cheeks can be a subtle way to excite your partner on a date night. Remember to apply it subtly, as too much can make you appear clown-like.

KISSABLE LIPS

For the fashion industry, red lipstick was a game changer. A well-executed red lip is attractive to everyone; when we see someone who looks good, we naturally tend to be drawn to them. People who wear red lipstick are often seen as charismatic, clever, and fearless. If you have fair skin, try a lighter red shade, with a cool strawberry appearance. For medium skin tones, go for bright colours like cherry-like lips. For darker skin tones, stronger shades like burgundy can be very flattering. Applying a lip gloss after applying lipstick gives them a shiny look and can be sure to catch the attention of the people around you.

Product recommendations:

Covergirl’s expansive range of lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

More often than not, the first thing we notice about another person’s appearance is their eyes. Having big, bright eyes and long lashes can make a person appear more feminine. The eyes can also communicate our feelings and our interests. Prolonged eye contact is said to accelerate attraction and increase the love hormone oxytocin, creating a deeper connection with someone. To enhance your everyday eye look, use a light shade of pink or orange to brighten them. Apply a lighter colour or highlighter to the inner corner of your eye to make them really stand out.

LUCIOUS HAIR

Hair is an important aspect of your overall appearance. It is something people notice from a distance and longer hair is often associated with youth. A well-groomed appearance is attractive to everyone, so it is important to find the right hair care routine for your specific needs. This includes choosing the appropriate shampoo, conditioner, masks and treatments to address issues such as dryness, flakiness or oiliness, to achieve healthy and shiny hair.

Product recommendations:

For a quick date night fix, try Batiste Dry Shampoo range to bring life back your hair.

THE FOUNDATION

Clear, smooth skin is a top confidence booster. Glowing skin is a sign of youth and good health and is distinctly attractive. That’s why foundation is the foundation of your makeup look. The first step in choosing your foundation color is to determine your skin undertone: is it cool, neutral, or warm? Then match your shade by doing a swatch test on your jawline or wrist. Choose three colors you think might work, leave them there throughout the day and see which one you still like after it has battled the day. Make the effort to put on a simple layer of foundation, a bit of eyeshadow, and a touch of mascara on your date night to make you feel confident and enjoy the evening.

Product recommendations:

Try the Nude by Nature Foundations range

It is clean and natural, plus! It is Australian made.

Good luck!