Health

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANT SHOP + GIFT BOUTIQUE

Wright in the Garden 10880 N 32nd St #27 Phoenix, AZ 85028

602.788.1354 Wright in the Garden (WITG) is an urban plant shop + boutique that sells a variety of houseplants (that range from low-high maintenance and low-bright light, air-purifying and pet friendly), terrarium plants, succulents and cacti, as well as desert fashion and plant items (gift cards, candles, etc) in Phoenix.

wrightinthegarden.com

Health

Healthy Tips to Manage Stress

By Dr. Jenna Dye, Naturopathic Physician

How high is your stress level? How well do you feel you manage your stress? These are two of the most important questions that I ask my patients. Stress affects us in so many ways and, when poorly managed, it can negatively impact our health, causing and aggravating chronic health conditions.

Not all stress is bad and in certain situations it is a survival mechanism that increases our awareness and circulation to flee from potential danger. However, long term stress can deplete our body, increase inflammation, and lead to chronic health conditions. Although removing all potential stress triggers in life may not be attainable, we can manage it with naturopathic support and lifestyle changes to ensure optimal health. Here are some helpful tips.

SLEEP

Sleep is crucial for stress management, but it is often the first thing sacrificed in stressful situations. In addition, chronic stress can disrupt sleep so it can feel like a neverending cycle. Good sleep hygiene such as eliminating electronics a minimum of 30 minutes before bed, meditating or adding in relaxing yoga are just a few ideas to ensure restful sleep.

DIET

Anti-inflammatory diets can be very helpful for managing stress. If we eat foods that naturally decrease inflammation, we will have less physical stress on our body. This helps prevent chronic health conditions, ensure proper digestion, and support our body for better stress management. Foods such as sugar, wheat, and dairy as well as any other food sensitivities can potentially increase inflammation and should be avoided.

REGULAR EXERCISE

Physical activity will release endorphins, which are chemicals that help decrease inflammation, support restful sleep and decrease stress. Daily exercise/movement plays an important role in stress management in addition to many other health benefits.

ADRENAL SUPPORT

Your adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol in response to stress. These levels can rise initially with stress, however, from long term or chronic stress they become exhausted and may be lowered. Levels can be checked by your healthcare provider and proper support tailored to your individual needs can be implemented. Anything that you do to decrease stress levels will help support the adrenal glands. Naturopathic physicians can use treatments with herbal remedies, supplements and diet to also ensure proper adrenal health.

LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT

Treating the root cause is one of the main principles of naturopathic medicine. When it comes to stress management this is also true. We must identify potential stressors and eliminate what we can. In addition, support such as counseling or therapy for stress management can be beneficial. We may find it helpful to make priorities and goals, set healthy boundaries, not take on too much, and say “no” if needed. We want to focus on positivity in our lives and surround ourselves with healthy, nurturing relationships.

UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS

Stress can cause underlying health conditions and underlying health conditions can cause stress. These conditions may include autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and hormone imbalances. A naturopathic physician can help you identify those underlying health conditions and give you proper integrative support to decrease inflammation and restore optimal health.

Dr. Jenna Dye is a licensed naturopathic physician. Her role is to support the body’s foundation to restore and maintain optimal health. Together with her patients, this is achieved by identifying and removing barriers that may be impacting health while creating a healing environment. For more information, visit drjennadye.com.

Health

Breath In, Breath Out: A Guide to Getting Started With Yoga

By Ava Hiniker

Whether it be through an advertisement for a local studio, a tagged picture of a friend in workout gear, or a glance down the fitness aisle, yoga can be found virtually anywhere. With so many different options and mountains of information, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking to dive in. Luckily, starting your first stretch or scheduling your first class is easier than you may think.

Originating in Northern India, Yoga is an ancient practice focused on helping individuals strengthen the connection between their bodies and minds. With countless variations of the art developing over time, the practice can be loosely defined by its mixture of structured, yet fluent poses as well as its emphasis on controlled breathing. Through these actions, yoga has proven to be a reliable and popular method of exercise for decades, constantly capable of relieving stress and built-up tension for those who enjoy it. While new stresses can be found on a day-to-day basis, the plethora of early yoga options out there ensure that trying something new doesn’t have to be one of them.

“When just starting out with yoga, it’s important to take a chance and have no expectations,” says Amanda Mikesell, yoga teacher and owner of Inner Vibes Yoga & Wellness. “It’s all about trying out different gym classes and studios until you find one that’s right for you.”

The most popular method of starting yoga is through booking a class at a local studio. After doing research for yoga instructors in the local area, those interested can learn the basics in a group environment with specialized instructors willing to lend a helping hand along the way. From beginner classes to strength training, there will always be a coach out there ready to show you the ropes. Those wishing for a slower start can also visit credible websites or instruction videos online for beginner stretches to perform stress-free in the comfort of their own homes. Either way, it’s incredibly important for yoga practitioners to get to know their own bodies and limitations while developing a healthy yoga schedule. This way, regardless of if you have a fully stocked gym bag or are simply dedicating a few hours a week to stretching, you are getting the most that you can from these practices in the safest way possible.

Despite being recognized as a slow and spiritual art, experts note that the intricate poses and practices of yoga can actively improve flexibility, strength, and balance. More renowned, though, are the many benefits yoga can have on one’s mental health. This can include the easing of stress, anxiety, and insomnia as well as creating a strong emotional connection to one’s inner self. In a constantly changing and wild world, yoga provides a moment of reprieve where one can truly get to know who they are. Whether it’s through the fast and athletic Vinyasa yoga style or the spiritual and deep Kundalini yoga practice, those who take the initiative are in for a unique and revitalizing experience.

“Yoga is an ever-evolving journey,” says Mikesell. “Sometimes people start at a studio and sometimes people start by simply sitting in silence. No matter what, though, it all gradually comes together until you become a completely different person whenever you step on the mat.”

Inner Vibes Yoga & Wellness is located at 3241 E. Shea Boulevard. To learn more, visit innervibesyoga.com.

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