Health Wisdom Issue 6

magazine

Meet

LISA COX

NATURAL WAYS TO BEAT ANXIETY COMPROMISED

IMMUNITY: NOW WHAT?

WORKING FROM HOME SUSAN JARVIS: PLEASURE DURING PANDEMIC

Forget over-the-counter drugs with serious side effects, or filling countless prescriptions that ends up causing more problems than it solves.

Did you know that Americans are paying more for prescription drugs than any other developed country in the world?

Take back your power and start your journey to real health today.

Use code “20OFF� at checkout to get 20% off!

www.titaniumliving.com

Contents

Staying Positive In Negative Times By Lisa Cox . . . . . . . . . 6 Natural Ways To Beat Anxiety . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sarah Ballantyne : What You Put Into Your Body Matters . . . 16 What To Do If You’re Immune Compromised . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Susan Jarvis: Pleasure During Pandemic. . . . 26 Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Appetisers To Please A Crowd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Working From Home . . . . . . . 35

HealthWisdom Health Wisdom M A G A Z I N E

Advertising Enquiries:

Published By:

Distributed By:

Designed By:

READ PUBLISHING

READ PUBLISHING

READ PUBLISHING

READ PUBLISHING

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by READ PUBLISHING. Links outside of this publication are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by READ PUBLISHING. The publisher or any of the editors, writers or contributors will not accept responsibility or liability for the correctness of information or opinions expressed in the publication. All material submitted is at the owners risk and while every care will be taken the publisher does not accept liability for loss or damage.

No person, organization or party can copy or re-produce the content on this site and or magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the editors’ panel and the author if the content, as applicable.

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work.

Contributors LISA COX Lisa Cox is a media professional, author and public speaker. She is also a qualified health coach with a strong focus on integrative health. @lisacox.co

SUSAN JARVIS After three pivotal points in her life: death, divorce and redundancy, each being a catalyst to introduce positive change, Susan Jarvis was 51 when she first opened The Spicy Boudoir.

Her vision for an all-inclusive safe space for women to explore their sexuality came to life through this online store welcoming you to discover your tools, both physically and emotionally, for achieving a life full of passion, and to truly connect to both yourself and your partner. thespicyboudoir.com

Editor In Chief Welcome to another issue of Health Wisdom Magazine! I am so excited to share this issue with you.

When we celebrated the start of 2020, no-one could have predicted the way this year would turn out. But just like celebrating a new year brings hope and joy, I quickly realised that this year, with all its challenges, also holds the promise of hope and joy.

Lisa Cox, award winning writer, female changemaker and our stunning cover girl, shares her winning strategies for staying positive during challenging times with us on pages 6 to 9.

Her joy in a simple cup of coffee even hospital coffee drunk from a polystyrene mug - is something that can inspire all of us to celebrate the hope that difficult times may bring.

On (what some would consider) a lighter note, we talk to renowned speaker and activist Susan Jarvis about embracing your sexuality at any stage of your life, even during a pandemic.

On pages 26 to 30 she explains why pleasure can play an important role to attract life and vitality into your life.

Also in this issue: • The implications of being immunocompromised- does having an autoimmune condition put you at greater risk of contracting illnesses?

• Dr Sarah Ballantyne of The Paleo Mom sheds light on why the “Paleo diet” as we know it is due for an upgrade.

• Beating anxiety naturally, pages 10 to 14.

• Anti-inflammatory foods that can win over a crowd (be that your family or friends and neighbours – if restrictions in your state allow it) pages 33 to 35.

As you can see, our issue is filled with information to help you navigate your way to optimal health! Our goal is to support you be the healthiest version of yourself, so you can live a fulfilled life and also contribute to those you love.

Thank you for taking the time to read it.

As always, please keep your comments and feedback coming to editor@healthwisdommagazine.com Cheerio,

Elanya

STAYING POSITIVE IN NEGATIVE TIMES

BY LISA COX The last few months have been

My experiences in varying states of

difficult for everyone - some more

isolation (although not identical to

than others. Although everyone’s

a global pandemic) have taught me

COVID-19 stories are different, for

a lot about seeking the sunshine

me, this ‘new normal’ has been very

in a situation when everything

similar to my normal life.

around you just looks dark and

Having limited or no access to

overwhelmingly gloomy.

the things I enjoy, not being able

I had a stroke when I was a fit

to see loved ones, having certain

and healthy 24 year-old. I spent

privileges and freedoms taken away

over a year in hospital (the first

and even just being bored staring

time) and underwent about a

at the same walls of my home, are

dozen operations, including the

all challenges that I’ve had a lot of

amputation of my leg, remaining

practice dealing with over the years.

toes and nine fingertips.

6

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

“Don’t just wait for the big successes and events to express joy.”

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

7

These days, I always use a

If you had told me 16 years ago that

wheelchair to mobilise, have a

one day, I’d be genuinely happy and

permanent brain injury and am over

living my best life in a wheelchair,

25 percent blind.

with multiple disabilities, after being

So, what have I learned about making a ‘bad’ situation a little better? I’ve learnt a lot over the years about making the most of really rubbish situations.

The isolation, the boredom, the loneliness and even the grief. I’ve felt it all. But, I’ve also felt incredible joy for the simplest of pleasures that I once took for granted, gratitude for my life , even with multiple disabilities, and pride in myself for relearning the most basic of tasks like brushing my own teeth and feeding myself.

I know some days feel like they will take forever in isolation, but I know you can do this and I know you will get through it. Humans are far more resilient and able to adapt to change than we give ourselves credit for.

I wasn’t expected to live through the first night in hospital, or the second,

in a coma for 3 weeks and kept alive by machines for two months and in hospital for over a year, I would not have believed you.

To this day I’ll never understand how I got through some of those challenges, but here are some of the things I did throughout that first year, subsequent months and still do today, to remain positive in a negative situation.

SEEK SMALL OR SIMPLE PLEASURES TO BRING YOU JOY In the hospital, I savoured the very simple act of drinking a cup of coffee. Yes, it was terrible hospital coffee in a little plastic cup but once I’d learnt how to hold a cup again, that simple practice was always a moment to reflect on what I was grateful for. Don’t just wait for the ‘big’ successes/events to express joy.

have this level of brain function and

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT SORT OF PEOPLE

I certainly wasn’t expected to be

With social isolation, we’re not

writing for Health Wisdom Magazine.

seeing other people as much as we

or the third. I wasn’t expected to

would like. I know that feeling well.

8

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

I didn’t have a smartphone during that first year, but these days I know the importance of consuming the right sorts of content online.

For me personally, the right sort of people are real, honest and realistic optimists like me. They aim for optimism where they can but are also grounded in reality with a realworld perspective.

DON’T COMPARE YOUR WAY OF COPING WITH ANOTHER PERSON’S WAY We all deal with life’s challenges differently. For example, my husband and I have worked out that we have different ways of dealing with grief – and that’s ok! If sitting on the couch suits you best, do that.

If cooking up a storm suits you best,

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL DURING THIS TIME

do that. If jogging outdoors or taking

Depending on where you live,

GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO FEEL ALL THE FEELS

restrictions have stopped us doing so much. But bring your attention to the things you can control. Think about how much water you drink, how much movement you get, what tasks you prioritise and who you follow on Instagram. Some of these are very basic little things but collectively they can make a big difference.

long walks suits you best, do that.

Sadness, fear, hurt, overwhelm… the list goes on. Whatever negative emotions this time is bringing out in you, know that it’s perfectly normal (and even healthy) to express those emotions rather than push them down with toxic behaviours. Cry if you feel like crying, scream if you feel like screaming, but as I

REPRIORITISE YOUR GOALS DURING THIS TIME

mentioned above, it’s also ok if you

Pre-COVID you may have had big

You do you!

personal or professional goals to achieve but give yourself permission

don’t feel these emotions. There are no rules about how you must feel.

Stay safe and have a beautiful day,

Lisa xx

to quit, put it on hold or whatever feels right for you. Nobody else should be judging you at this time

@lisacox.co

so please don’t judge yourself. www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

9

NATURAL WAYS TO BEAT ANXIETY DURING A CRISIS Anxiety can be overwhelming and

as we navigate our way through

cause many physical and emotional

this challenging time, but there

side effects. While an anxiety

are plenty ways you can take the

disorder should be monitored and

pressure off, naturally;

treated by a qualified professional, your lifestyle can be part of a highly effective treatment plan to help manage your anxiety symptoms.

STAY ACTIVE Regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to

These days, we all have to accept

decrease overall levels of tension,

the anxiety inherent in living in the

elevate and stabilize mood, improve

time of the coronavirus pandemic.

sleep, and improve self-esteem.

Those of us prone to feeling

About five minutes of aerobic

anxious may well be experiencing

exercise can begin to stimulate anti-

higher levels of stress than normal

anxiety effects.

10

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

During exercise, your heart rate

stressor that impairs brain functions

shoots up, but over time, as your

and contributes to an overload on

fitness level improves, your heart

the body’s systems. This overload

begins to work more efficiently.

contributes to memory loss, brain

As a result, your resting heart

fog, confusion, and depression,

rate between exercise sessions

making it more difficult for a person

eventually becomes slower.

to deal with stress. Furthermore,

Improved heart and lung function due to regular aerobic activity are often associated with a greater sense of overall well-being, which can help offset feelings of anxiety.

Thankfully, most aerobic exercises that can help manage anxiety are able to be done while social distancing: • Swimming • Biking • Running • Brisk walking • Tennis • Dancing

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP Getting healthy sleep for a week can

sleep deprivation creates an imbalance in hormone levels that drive anxiety levels higher. Too little sleep also boosts adrenaline levels that can exacerbate existing anxiety issues. Try and maintain good sleep health by: • Setting a consistent sleep schedule • Exercising early in the day • Scheduling meal times • Avoiding caffeine, drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine • Making a sleep sanctuary that you love • Not just laying there. If you can’t sleep, get up for a while

act like a reset button that helps

• Waking with the sun

you to heal and view your life more

• Limit news and scrolling on your

positively. However, a sleep debt

phone; especially at night.

can have serious ramifications on your anxiety levels.

CUT OUT CAFFEINE

When a person gets too little sleep,

This one hurts a little - especially

the deprivation acts as a chronic

if you love your morning cuppa! www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

11

Caffeine increases alertness

you with your energy levels as well

by blocking a brain chemical

as helping you with anxiety and

(adenosine) that makes you feel

depression, without the caffeine.

tired, while at the same time triggering the release of adrenalin that’s known to increase energy.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET People who suffer with anxiety

If the amount of caffeine is high

can benefit greatly from eating a

enough, these effects are stronger,

balanced diet. Frozen dinners and

resulting in caffeine-induced

ice cream will affect you differently

anxiety. While there are some

than eating chicken and broccoli

benefits to caffeine, high doses

with pasta made from whole grains

can induce anxiety symptoms and

or quinoa. The second meal includes

brain fog. Those with panic disorder

whole, unprocessed foods, and you

and social anxiety disorder are

control the amount of sugar, if any,

especially sensitive, so eliminating

added to the meal. It takes longer

caffeine may significantly improve

for your body to metabolise these

anxiety symptoms.

foods, which helps you feel fuller for

If you are avoiding caffeine, be sure to check your supplements as some contain caffeine as a mood

longer and keeps blood sugar levels steady, rather than yo-yoing up and down.

booster. There are supplements,

There are a few simple rules to help

such as American Ginseng, to help

keep anxiety at bay; • Drink plenty of water; at least six to eight glasses a day.

• Many soft drinks contain caffeine and have a high sugar content.

Substitute with plain water or even sparkling water for a better option.

• Work toward a well-balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats.

12

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

• Avoid processed foods and

Through meditation, you can

foods high in sugar so the body

familiarise yourself with anxiety-

experiences fewer highs and

inducing thoughts and storylines.

lows of blood sugar, which helps

You learn to see them, sit with them,

reduce feelings of anxiety. A

and let them go. This teaches you

sugar rush can mimic a panic

two important things: thoughts do

attack.

not define you, and thoughts are not real. You are able to gradually

MEDITATION Anxiety is a cognitive state connected to an inability to regulate emotions. Consistent meditation

change your relationship with anxiety, differentiating between what is an irrational episode and what’s true.

practice reprograms neural

Meditation also brings your attention

pathways in the brain and, therefore,

to any physical sensations felt in the

improves the ability to regulate

moment. This technique involves

emotions.

mentally scanning your body, inch

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

13

by inch, making you more attuned

in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing

to what is being experienced

traditions. Adaptogenic herbs, such

physically. In exploring these

as American Ginseng, Ashwagandha

sensations, you sit with your senses

and Rosemary have been studied

in the same way you sit with your

throughout history as a way to

thoughts. This go-to technique

improve the body’s ability to

can provide a safe place that can

respond to stress, increase energy

be repeatedly accessed whenever

and attention, and fight off fatigue.

anxiety starts to creep in.

ADAPTOGENS

Trying the above ideas may help calm you down when you’re feeling anxious. Increased anxiety may

Consider adaptogens, which are

require therapy or prescription

non-toxic plants that help the

medication, so make sure to talk to

body resist stressors.They are not

your health care professional about

a new concept; these herbs and

concerns.

roots have been used for centuries

14

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

“My skin doesn’t itch anymore, my focus at work has returned and my daughter said my hair looks shiny & healthy again!”

- Anne H. Want to feel like your younger self again? Click here to get yours delivered now.

Proudly made in the USA.

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

15

“The worst food culprits are junk foods that are engineered to be hyper-palatable, such as those laden in salt, sugar and fat.”

SARAH BALLANTYNE:

WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR BODY MATTERS Award-winning blogger and co-host

recognised that her health was not

of the top-rated and syndicated

going to accommodate any attempts

The Paleo View podcast, Dr. Sarah

at balancing a high-powered

Ballantyne has also managed to

academic career with being a fully-

juggle motherhood, write four New

engaged parent and so she opted to

York Times Bestselling books and

become a stay-at-home mum. She

feel amazing at the same time.

was morbidly obese and suffered

This passionate powerhouse hasn’t always felt this good. Upon the birth

from over a dozen immune and autoimmune-related diseases.

of her first child, and a burgeoning

Living with a long list of physical

academic career, Dr. Sarah

complaints, including: Hashimoto’s

16

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

thyroiditis, fibromyalgia, Irritable

health and the compounds in foods

Bowel Syndrome, acid reflux,

that undermine it and what foods

migraines, anxiety, asthma, allergies,

have what proportions of those.

psoriasis and lichen planus required her to take a handful of prescription medications, some of which she has been taking for 12 years. After her second daughter was born, Dr. Sarah discovered the Paleo lifestyle.

Rating food based on how they nourish our bodies versus potentially undermine our health in some way led her to look at our diets in a contemporary way. Instead of defining a healthy diet based on

The dietary change completely

what you don’t eat and what you cut

transformed her health. She was

out, she reframed the idea to focus

able to discontinue her prescriptions

on what you actually put into your

within two weeks and over time, she

body.

mitigated and reversed her illnesses and lost 120 pounds.

She told 180 Nutrition, that she is researching a more inclusive version

In an interview for 180 Nutrition

of Paleo, based on the individual

called Dr Sarah Ballantyne –

needs. “When you see a list of foods

Everything You Need To Know

to avoid, which is how the paleo diet

About The Paleo Diet, Sarah said “It

was typically described way back

was so miraculous, it was just eye

in 2011, if you don’t have a reason

opening to me to have these health

behind it, why would you cut out all

conditions that I had struggled with,

grains or why would you cut out all

for some of them 15 years at that

legumes?” She said.

point of my life, disappear within two weeks.”

“I’m looking at the scientific literature to understand the

An estimated 50 million Americans

nutrients in foods versus the

suffer from some form of

compounds that are going to

autoimmune disease. If you’re

stimulate the immune system

among them, you may know all too

or interfere with hormones or

well how little modern medicine

negatively impact the gut.”

can do to alleviate your condition.

Sarah began to research about the compounds in foods that are vital to

Her research shows how what we are consuming has set us up

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

17

for allergies, chronic illnesses,

be triggered by a suboptimal

overactive immune systems

environment, which includes our

and inflammation, which are the

diet and our lifestyle and infectious

driving factors in chronic illness

agents, toxin exposure, pesticide

forming, such as diabetes, obesity,

exposure. Many of these things

cardiovascular disease, autoimmune

we can’t control, but she says we

disease. Nutrient deficient diets,

can control what we put in our

high in inflammatory compounds

bodies, the quality of our sleep,

like sugar and full of oxidized fats

and whether or not we’re actively

that are in manufactured foods

managing stress.

are completely contrary to our biological needs, yet have become the norm.

The worst food culprits are junk foods that are engineered to be hyper-palatable, such as those

It’s not surprising that she has said

laden in salt, sugar and fat. Think

she wonders how there are any

packets of chips and sweet biscuits.

healthy people walking around at all

With zero nutritional value, they

anymore.

don’t give us anything other than

Dr. Sarah found that our immune systems are more likely to 18

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

pure calories. And, because they’re designed to be so delicious, we buy

them over and over again because

kitchen preparing special foods.

those big companies want our

Dr. Sarah’s website, thepaleomom.

dollars.

com has loads of detailed articles

Unfortunately, those types of foods override our satiety signals which can trick us into overeating or that cause cravings. We end up having a muted response to healthy foods and are less likely to appreciate how delicious an apple really is because it’s not as delicious as a chocolate bar.

“Real food has such amazing flavor when you really detoxify your body from those manufactured, I like to think of them as food like substances,” she told 180 Nutrition.

distilling the science behind how diet and lifestyle impact health, family-friendly recipes, that span the gamut from kid staples, comfort foods, to quick and easy meals, gourmet dishes, treats for special occasions, snacks and nut-free baking, to recipes compliant with the autoimmune protocol for those who suffer from autoimmune diseases (like Dr. Sarah).

There are also complete food lists with strategies for the day-to-day how to stay within your food budget, where to shop for what you need,

Dr. Sarah is passionate about

how to make the most out of your

sharing the science behind the

time in the kitchen, and how to eat

Paleo diet and lifestyle, with a focus

out. This site takes all the guesswork

on modifications for autoimmune

out of going Paleo.

disease sufferers. Her personal experiences with autoimmune disease is the reason for the large amount of autoimmune-related content on her blog and the reason why her first two books are focused on how to modify a Paleo diet to reverse autoimmune disease.

There’s no need to worry that

There are also loads of simple strategies for lifestyle adjustments, including small steps that can make a huge difference to support healing, making it a veritable toolkit to make lasting, positive change toward better health. thepaleomom.com

“going Paleo” will break the bank or require too much time in the

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

19

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE IMMUNE COMPROMISED Our immune system fights off

lymph nodes. Together, these

diseases and protects our body

organs work together to create

against new infections. If you are

immune cells, otherwise known as

immunocompromised, you may get

white blood cells, and antibodies.

sick more often, stay sick longer, and be more vulnerable to different types of infections. However, this does not mean that you cannot live a healthy and fulfilled life.

Although vulnerability to infection and illness depends on each person’s degree of immunosuppression, which can vary greatly from person to person, it

Several organs are part of the

is possible to boost your immune

immune system, including the

system, naturally.

spleen, tonsils, bone marrow, and

20

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

NUTRITION

SUPPLEMENTS

Boosting your immune system

Natural ingredients have been used

begins with the nutrients you are

for centuries already in the Eastern

putting into your body. Taking care

and Ayurvedic communities. Some

of your gut health may also have

of these include adaptogens, which

a direct impact on your immune

has now also been recognised in

health.

the Western culture as a powerful

Here are some foods you can

nootropic.

incorporate into your diet which

These natural ingredients include

will boost your immune system, as

the following:

well as your overall physical health, mental health, physical appearance and energy levels.

• Foods that are rich in Vitamin C,

• American Ginseng • Gingko Leaf Powder • Bacopa Herb Powder • Turmeric Root Powder

such as spinach and other green

• Boswellia Serrata

vegetables.

• Ginger Root Extract

• Collagen rich foods such as bone broth.

• Omega 3 fatty acids like coconut oil, hemp and chia seeds and salmon.

• Mushrooms are high in polysaccharides that boost immune function.

• And many others.

Titanium Living stocks a range of supplements that boasts these ingredients. Click HERE to view their range.

LIFESTYLE

• Probiotics rich food, such as miso

A healthy lifestyle has a massive

paste, promotes the growth of

positive impact on your immune

beneficial gut flora.

system’s health. Stress relief,

• Anti inflammatory foods such as

sunshine, a healthy diet, good

ginger, which aids the lymphatic

quality sleep, positive thinking and

system to cleanse toxins out of

practising good hygiene are all ways

the body.

to support your immune system.

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

21

“Boosting your immune system begins with the nutrients you are putting into your body.�

22

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

Every part of your body, including

as a person may use unhealthy

your immune system, functions

behavioral coping strategies to

better when protected from

reduce their stress, such as drinking

environmental assaults. The

and smoking.

following should be taken into consideration to maintain healthy immune function, especially if you are an immunocompromised individual.

The first step is to identify your triggers, or what makes you feel stressed. Notice the warning signs that you are becoming stressed; these may include muscle tension,

• Don’t smoke.

being irritable or tired. Address the

• Eat a rainbow of colors, daily.

stressors that can be changed, for

• Exercise regularly.

example stop following mainstream

• Maintain a healthy weight.

media, reduce time spent on social

• If you drink alcohol, do so only in

media platforms and consciously

moderation.

• Get adequate sleep.

choose what you will allow in your life.

• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

• Minimise inflammation (stress).

STRESS When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can

EXERCISE Regular exercise is one of the pillars of healthy living. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases.

But does it help to boost your immune system naturally and keep it healthy?

suppress the effectiveness of the

Just like a healthy diet, exercise

immune system by lowering the

can contribute to general good

number of lymphocytes.

health and therefore to a healthy

Stress can also have an indirect effect on the immune system

immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

23

mechanisms of the immune system to function optimally in the body.

Regular exercise can relieve tension, relax the mind and reduce anxiety.

Deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation are some techniques that can relax the body and reduce stress.

Following these guidelines cannot prevent you from getting illnesses and infections, but it does boost your chances of fighting it off naturally and avoiding the complications that may come with prescription medications.

As Editor In Chief Elanya has shown, even immunocompromised individuals can live a healthy life.

She has been a Type 1 Diabetic since the age of 8 years old, but has stayed healthy by following a healthy lifestyle and a strict supplement regime.

As always, make sure you consult your healthcare practitioner should you have any serious concerns.

24

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

With the Titanium Confidence Bundle you can say goodbye to hiding away in your house, to feeling like you’re living in someone else’s body and to feeling like “this is just the way life is” and instead welcome feelings of joy and passion and happiness into your life.

Your health is worth the investment, what are you waiting for?

click here

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

25

SUSAN JARVIS:

PLEASURE DURING PANDEMIC

Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty Regardless of gender, age, mobility

of celibacy and enabling her to

or size, Susan Jarvis champions

become intimate with her own

for a change in sex inclusivity.

desires, values and true self for the

Through her errotic online store,

first time.

The Spicy Boudoir, she aims to help others reconnect by exploring and liberating their sexual energy regardless of gender, age, mobility or size.

Divorcing her husband of 14

“I would describe this time in my life as an existential awakening. I was interrogating my values and I could feel the wool lifting from my eyes,” Susan says.

years resulted in losing 40kg of

Today, she is committed to

unhappiness, ending many years

help strip away the stigma

26

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

and stereotypes to create an

who shares their innermost secrets

empowered community free to

with their best friend and to older

explore and express their sexuality.

lovers entwining their lives together

Her belief that the secret to

during widowhood.

achieving a full life stems from the connection to yourself and to those you love. It led Susan to open The Spicy Boudoir specifically for those who feel disconnected from themselves and/or their partner and/or life in general. It is an allinclusive space aimed at liberating sexual wellbeing from behind closed doors.

In today’s modern world, I believe that intimacy has evolved past our basic needs of food and shelter.

We crave intimacy (sometimes consciously or unconsciously) with another human because we want to feel valued and connected in this very disconnected, modern world.

staying connected through a

Is there actually a physical benefit to being intimate with our partners and ourselves?

pandemic and why it’s okay to make

Intimacy is crucial to our mental

pleasure a priority, even during

wellbeing. Whether it’s the

uncertain times..

experience of intimate pleasure of

Why is intimacy so important?

our bodies or just the knowledge

We chat with Susan about lovers

that you are loved by someone, Intimacy is part of our nature and is a component of the ‘social glue’ that keeps us together. It harks back to our hunter and gather days when survival depended upon our ability to cooperate with each other.

Intimacy is what drives connection.

We all experience intimacy throughout the different stages of our lives, such as the close, affectionate interactions between parent and baby to the teenager

those sensations and thoughts generate the feel good chemicals of endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin that we need to maintain stability. Our relationship with ourselves, our loved ones and those we work with all benefit.

Many people equate intimacy as being purely physical, when in fact intimacy with another person is not reliant on touch. Conversations can

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

27

“Always communicate your feelings and leave your heart open to your partner.�

28

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

be the most intimate experience of

self or a partner. If you or your

our life. When talking about life, sex,

partner aren’t feeling desire to be

birth and death, we need excellent

sexual that is completely normal.

listening and communication

You can still be intimate with each

skills to ensure messages are

other and take comfort from each

not misinterpreted. We also need

other’s presence.

to develop our empathy and compassion to show understanding, respect and forgiveness.

Always communicate your feelings and leave your heart open to your partner. The experience of

The world would be a much better

COVID-19 has been extraordinary

place if society valued intimacy

and created stress environments at

more highly.

many different levels.

During recent times, many people have found that their physical intimacy has dwindled.

Stress or close quarters can lower our libido, another reason could be guilt. What are your thoughts on pleasure during times like these? Should sex go on the backburner?

How can we overcome feelings of guilt about feeling pleasure during a pandemic?

COVID certainly has changed our

I suggest sitting with them and

lives. I firmly believe that we all

examining the structure of your

need pleasure in our life, it’s the

emotional response. Perhaps look

social lubricant of relationships

to see what you can do to help

and it gives us something to look

those who are less fortunate. If you

forward to when times are difficult.

find that your feelings of guilt are

We sometimes equate that sexual intimacy MUST involve intercourse.

There are so many ways to enjoy

Guilt is a strange emotion but one that keeps us human and our behaviours in check. I think it is normal to feel guilt during the pandemic, or any disaster for that matter. To overcome your feelings

overwhelming you then it’s time to talk to your GP or mental health professional.

sexual intimacy, either with one’s

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

29

How would you recommend approaching your partner about spicing things up if you are feeling embarrassed?

If I had a magic wand I would give

SUSAN’S TIPS TO MAINTAINING INTIMACY DURING DIFFICULT TIMES:

the entire population the gift of

You can do this one either lying

communication. If you find your

down or sitting up, you will need

sexual needs are not being met, you

pen and paper; clothing

need to speak up. Unfortunately, many of us feel shame for speaking up about our needs and secondary shame about discussing matters of a sexual nature. There are a couple

is optional: • Deep eye gazing.

• No talking or touching, just deep…very deep…eye gazing.

While you look into your

of ways to introduce conversations

partner’s eyes, remember the

indirectly to your relationship: one

early days of your relationship,

would be by playing games such as

when you first met, the

Fetish Fun Explore Kinky Satisfaction

important milestones, good and

and Bondage Action! (stocked by The Spicy Boudoir $39.95) and secondly through reading material

bad times. Keep gazing for as long as you can. When you can no longer refrain from touching or talking breakaway and write

such as “When someone you love is

down your feelings, doesn’t

kinky” by Dossie Eaton & Catherine

have to be in detail. Come

A. Liszt. Both of these activities can

back to each other and share

be great ice breakers.

If you need help to improve your

those feelings. Reflect on your emotions. Kiss. Touch if needed.

Appreciate each other.

sexual communication, working with

• Take turns for massage, either

a sexologist is highly recommended

hands or feet. My partner and I

to build communication and

lay head to toe on the bed and

interpersonal skills.

rub each other’s feet while we talk.

thespicyboudoir.com

• Cooking together and flirting up a storm in the kitchen.

Photo Credit: w w w. j o e l d e v e re u x . c o m

30

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

N E V E R

M I S S

A N

I S S U E

O F

Health Wisdom Magazine

S u b s c r i b e N o w A n d B e T h e F i r s t To Get Each New Issue

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

31

“With age comes the understanding and appreciation of your most important asset, your health.”

—Oprah Winfrey

32

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY APPETISERS TO PLEASE A CROWD

After months of solitude, there

CAROL’S HUMMUS

are so many great reasons to BBQ coming up, so gather the family,

cookloveshoot.com

neighbours and friends for a feast.

Try these simple and delicious

Meet photographer and enthusiastic

recipes, which are not only anti-

home cook, Carol. With a passion for

inflammatory, but are super easy

sharing recipes this wife and mother

and taste far better than store-

of two shares some of the recipes

bought options.

from her childhood in South Africa.

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

33

DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY HUMMUS RECIPE This hummus is silky smooth and creamy and so easy to make!

INGREDIENTS: 1 tin of Organic Chickpeas ½ tsp baking soda ½ cup good quality tahini

speed blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as you go.

6. Add cold water a little at a time, depending on how thick you like your hummus, and blend to incorporate for about 5 minutes.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

8. Garnish and serve.

2 garlic cloves

NOTES:

½ tsp salt

1. Removing the skins, as well as

½ tsp cumin 3 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp lemon juice ½ to ¾ cup cold water (depending on how thick you like your hummus) Olive oil, paprika, whole chickpeas, parsley or whatever you wish to garnish it with.

boiling the chickpeas results in a silky smooth consistency, whichyou usually only get using dried chickpeas.

2. Add a finely chopped chilli to the food processor (step 5) if you like it hot.

METHOD:

NUTRITION FACTS:

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp Calories: 110 Sugar: 2g Fat: 6g Saturated Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 14g

remove the skins. This is easily done by rolling the chickpeas in a clean kitchen towel.

2. Discard the skins and place the chickpeas in a pot of boiling water, with ½ tsp baking soda.

3. Cook for 8-12 minutes on mediumhigh heat until the chickpeas are soft. The baking soda raises the pH of the water and helps the chickpeas soften and soft chickpeas are essential for ultra smooth hummus.

4. Remove from heat, rinse and drain.

5. Add the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, salt, cumin, olive oil and lemon juice to a food processor or high34

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

MINI CAPRESE SKEWERS Makes: 12 Prep Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 20 cherry tomatoes

METHOD Cut cherry tomatoes and bocconcini balls in half.

Skewer the cherry tomatoes, bocconcini balls and basil leaves onto mini sewers.

• 20 baby bocconcini balls • fresh basil leaves, 1 for each skewer, depending on size

Pour the balsamic vinegar in a small bowl, or else drizzle the balsamic

• balsamic vinegar to serve

vinegar over the skewers.

• mini skewers

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

35

Working

FROM HOME

by Elanya van Heerden

The work-from-home job force

be a considerable source of stress,

just grew a lot bigger from

especially during a pandemic, with

the current global coronavirus

some days even just settling down

pandemic. Thanks to ever-evolving

to focus and work being hard.

technologies like Skype, Facetime, Slack, Zoom, Google Hangouts, authenticator apps, and cloud computing—not to mention texting and email—it’s no longer necessary to be in an office full-time to be a productive member of a team.

Working from home requires modifications to a traditional workday. The blending of responsibilities from two major areas of our lives, work and home, can

36

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

Editor In Chief, Elanya van Heerden, knows all too well about juggling work and family (in close quarters)!

With a young family living, working and homeschooling together in a caravan as they travelled Australia last year, she had a little preparation for what was to come in 2020.

“I actively choose what I watch on TV and who I follow on social media.

I am very intentional with who I

spend my time with and what I do,”

a dedicated work space free from

Elanya says.

distractions, leisurely activities,

There are plenty of other ways to transition into your new normal with your sanity intact and productivity levels high and Elanya shares some of the things that worked well for her:

REPLICATE YOUR REGULAR WORK DAY We are programmed neurochemically to have basic daily cycles. When daily routines are disrupted, our neurological systems shift. The basics of a daily routine, including staying consistent with sleep/wake cycles, regular meals, exercise time, getting dressed for work and starting your work day are essential. So stick to your old schedule if you can. Consistency is the key, so if things have changed,

and household responsibilities.

The distance created by separating the space can let you focus on a productive workday and allow you to “leave” the office when needed.

SELF CARE We need to practice self-care to stay motivated, productive, and healthy. Immerse your mind and body in activities that are not related to being “on duty”.

Meditation, exercise, cooking, reading, conversations with friends and support systems, and a good sweat all have an effect on lowering cortisol and increasing a positive mood. Furthermore, as important as it is to stay informed, limit your exposure to upsetting news.

try to keep your new timetable the

AVOID WORK CREEP

same each day.

A career that lets you work from home can be invasive in

SEPARATE WORK AND LIFE ACTIVITIES Work-life boundaries are more important now than ever. Create a separation between activities that are work-related and those that are not. As much as possible, have

your personal life. With no real boundaries between the two it is easy to let the one creep into the other. Yes, the risk is real, but only if you let it. This goes back to setting work hours and sticking firmly to them (of course unless there’s the www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

37

38

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com

occasional work emergency that

eat healthy, and avoid too much

necessitates longer hours). At the

alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Taking

end of the day, shut down your

care of yourself in these ways is also

laptop, set your work app to “away,”

going to have a positive impact on

and shut your office door. You (and

your mental health.

your team, and your family) will be grateful. It helps to communicate clearly what times you can be reached and what times are off limits. This will avoid assumptions being made that you’re skipping the office or refusing contact.

BE THANKFUL FOR WORK Practice gratitude for your employment. Remind yourself of the reason that you do what you do. Think about your journey and accomplishments. In a time where unemployment rates are at an alltime high, you have an employer to report to. Convince yourself that you have a purpose, arise, go forth, and conquer!

KEEP UP YOUR GOOD PRACTICES While some people joke about binge-eating or drinking to manage the stress, it’s more important than

It’s a good idea to add some practices that may bolster mental health, such as starting each day with listing a few things for which you are grateful or some deep breathing exercises.

THE BOTTOM LINE Working from home can be exciting, empowering and even profitable.

Whether you are a freelancer, a company part-timer, or a full-time employee, it can be your ticket to escape the daily grind. But there are added responsibilities that come with freedom, not to mention planning, foresight, self-discipline, and focus. Oh, yes, and hours of uninterrupted hard work.

Follow Titanium Living on social media to see how Elanya van Heerden balances 2 careers, a family and staying healthy too! titaniumliving.com

ever to keep up your healthy habits.

Stay hydrated, get some exercise and fresh air each day, if you can, www.healthwisdommagazine.com

|

39

Do You Have A Story To Share With Us? WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU….

Do you have a story you think our readers could learn from?

Or Would you like to become a Health Wisdom contributor?

Visit us and share your story now 40

|

www.healthwisdommagazine.com