Studies show that positive, well-managed vacations can make you happier, less stressed and that you will return to work re-energized with more meaning in your life. Using a travel agent is a great way to ensure a stress-free vacation. A travel agent will ensure that you have good flight connections, proper documentation, accommodations and arrive home in a timely fashion; relaxed and happy. “A local couple were on their dream trip cruising around South America.  On December 23rd, they left the ship and caught their flight to Nanaimo as planned. Their trip would have hit a serious roadblock had they not booked with a travel agent. Unbeknownst to them, their flight back from Chile had been cancelled two days earlier. Their travel agent was notified and she had them rebooked on another plane before their cruise ship docked. Had the couple not used a travel agent, they would not have made it home for Christmas that year.”

Lynn Alexander, CTW Oceanside Travel
www.Oceanside.Travel

Bringing plants into your home is a simple, beautiful and inexpensive way to transform your house into a healthy home base. Research suggests that the outdoors has a calming effect on the human body and brain, so introducing even just one small Peace Lily into your home can help you to breathe better, sleep better and live better.

Rita Callan, Realtor, Remax First Realty, Parksville/Qualicum
RitaCallan.ca

In our busy chaotic world, life seems to have an ever increasing hectic pace. You may be stressed from increased demands on your time and energy. This can leave you feeling frustrated, impatient and unhappy. Left unaddressed, over time it can wreck havoc with your health, your life and your joy. Meditation is a wonderful solution! It is often ignored, even ridiculed because many don’t understand it. Meditation is something that can be done anywhere, anytime. The key is learning a few basics and then building on them. Meditation can, in a matter of moments, support your transformation from hurried and disturbed to calm and understanding. There are many different styles and forms of Meditation. Explore what works for you to achieve inner peace and stillness. Want to experience more calm and a sense of inner control? You can start now by being aware of your breath’s movement.

Tammy Phye, R.A., EOT
LifestyleHarmony.ca

Are you, like so many of us, part of what is being called the “silver tsunami”? This demographic is causing concern about its effect on health care costs and our ability to provide health care. These days with long waiting times, we need to be proactive about our own health and safety. It is very important to have options in place so that in an emergency you can summon help. A daily phone call with a neighbour or family member is a good way to ensure that someone knows you are safe. There  are also community groups and non-profit organizations that can help us check in on one another. We all need a buddy, a “go to” person to be there when you need help, and we all need help from time to time.

Joan Ryan, Nanaimo Lifeline
NanaimoLifeline.ca

Inhalation ozonide therapy is good for any acute upper respiratory infection, such as sinus infections, bronchitis, flu, colds, and viral pneumonias. Both asthmatics and patients with chronic lung disease can use it. Ozone gas is bubbled through olive oil to the inhaler which turns it into ozonides molecules and is completely safe to inhale. The ozonides can last for weeks in the human body and have an incredible regenerative effect on our cells and organs. For instance, they stimulate the formation of the cytokine molecules that our immune systems use to control and eliminate infections. They also increase the delivery of oxygen to the cells, which is critical for lung conditions. Then they stimulate the cells to generate more energy and that is the key to the vitality we all want to feel, in each breath.

Dr. Sterling Desmond, Dr. TCM, R.Ac.
EvolveWithDesera.com

Has your health provider recommended that you try yoga? Yoga is for every body, at any age. Here’s why: Increased flexibility: You don’t have to be a super “bendy” person to benefit from yoga. In fact, lack of flexibility is what initially leads many people to yoga. Practicing yoga poses correctly and regularly will help to stretch muscles and increase the range of motion in your joints. Better posture: Using abdominal muscles to maintain poses will help strengthen your core, making it easier to stand taller, and stronger. Improved breathing: The deep, mindful breathing of yoga can help you increase lung capacity and endurance, and can be very helpful for anyone looking to improve their athletic performance. Stress Relief: Yoga can give you a sense of calm, right from your very first class. Over time you will learn to quiet the mind and better handle stress and anxiety.

Susan Pederson, Owner of Suga Yoga
SugaYogaParksville.com

Want to decrease your stress levels? Try downsizing your closets, home office or garage. These are the three most likely places that need a clean-up on a regular basis, as we tend to throw stuff on surfaces or in piles rather than finding it a permanent home. Start from one corner of the desk, garage or shelf and keep going until you feel happy with the results. Schedule downsizing daily, weekly or monthly and hold yourself accountable to stick to it. Keep a recycle box close to your desk, a donation bag in your bedroom closet and a garbage can in your garage so they are close by when you need them. You won’t get distracted and defeated from having to hunt one down if it’s already in place. See if you can convince your friends or family to help with a problematic area; they may be downsizing addicts and are itching to help!

Marian Remenda, Professional Organizer, Rightsize Your Home
Right-SizeYourHome.com