Rich's for the Home

Rest and Relaxation

This past weekend, I went out of town for three days to the lovely city of Los Angeles. And although I had some business to attend to, I also had a lot of FUN. I kept in touch with my family but I didn't worry about things (they had care) and in reality, I just concentrated on me.

Normally, as a mom, I would be a little ashamed to admit that. But I realized something very important my second and third day there: I felt good. I felt relaxed, rested and rejuvenated.

When I returned, I felt better able to attend to what was required of me. And it was all because I took a few days just for me.

How are you dealing with stress these days? Studies show that stress decreases our happiness and our lifespan. As you know, it really is up to you to take charge of your health and that means taking breaks when you need it.

If you can't physically take a break, time alone with a relaxing activity is very important. So hit the hot-tub, schedule a bath and book session, take a walk, have coffee on the porch or schedule whatever activity you need to unwind. It's worth it-and so are you.

My Life Is Better Because...

What makes your life better?

I encourage you to make a list of what has made your life better, and a list of what will make it better in the future. And then take the steps to make your future the best yet.

Here is what makes mine better:

1. Prioritizing quality family time in the backyard. Truly, the years are passing quickly and before I don't want regrets. We schedule family time and try to do as much together as we can. Sometimes we just sit and hang out. Other times, we work together doing yard work, etc. Don't have a place to hang together? Make it a goal to buy the outdoor furniture you need to make it a comfortable event.
2. Prioritizing our spiritual lives. Yes, they complain about going to church here and there. But when I look back at my childhood, I am now glad that my parents made me go. I think my kids will be glad someday too.
3. Prioritizing exercise. This is a newer one for us and one that I wish I had started earlier. We are swimming, biking and walking. And, we are getting outside as much as we can.
4. Prioritizing service to other people. I want my kids to always give back as I learned to do and I want them to be compassionate and caring. Giving back with our time and money as we can is a very high priority in our family.

What makes your life better? I look forward to hearing more from you in the comments section.

Reconnecting With the Family - 4 Tips

It's almost time for school. Can you believe that Summer is almost over? Wow-that went fast. Soon school and fall sports will be here. There are only a few weeks left of good solid hours to reconnect with family before the craziness begins once again.

Here are some good ways to reconnect with your family in the next couple of weeks:

1. Make dinner attendance a requirement - For the rest of the summer, require that everyone be home for the dinner hour. Eat together.
2. Plan some family-only outings - Whether it is a BBQ in the backyard or a bike ride across town, plan some outings for family only. Don't forget to have fun. Consider: park, zoo, roller skating, movie, swimming, picnic, etc.
3. Concentrate on what each person needs to feel loved - My son needs one on one time when I put everything else aside and listen to him. My daughter, however, feels valued when we have time together alone, even if we are quiet. Spend some time discovering what helps each of your children feel loved and then do it.
4. Don't forget school shopping - Two of mine are old enough to "remind me" that they want to shop. They are also old enough to remember that traditionally, school shopping is also fun time out with me. They enjoy the time together as much as shopping so it will also be a priority in the next couple of weeks.

Essential Oils

Did you know that water was used therapeutically in 4500 B.C. by the Romans? Hydrotherapy has come a long way since with hot tubs and is available to many more people because of it.

According to medical writer, Elaine Moore, hydrotherapy can increase the production of endorphins, which can help improve your mood. In addition, recent studies show that hydrotherapy can benefit injuries and connective tissue disorders—and even help asthma.

Healthline suggests using oils to increase relaxation and relieve stress. Although you should be careful to not mix oils with the hot-tub water, here are a few oils that can increase your relaxation outside of the hot-tub.

1. Lavender-This calming oil can remove tension and nerves. It also may be able to help you sleep.
2. Basil Oil-According to Organic Facts, this oil can “give mental strength and clarity.”
3. Ylang Ylang-This oil has a relaxing effect and lifts moods.
4. Chamomile-This oil, according to Organic Facts, can remove feelings of “sadness, depression, disappointment, sluggishness,” and give you a happy, more lifted feeling.

Winter Snow

I bet some of you forgot the cost of heating your home when the weather is really bad in the Northwest—I know I did. I am grateful for our fireplace as a second heat source in all this snow and I hope that you are staying warm this season.

In case you need a link again, here is a Cost of Heating worksheet from Travis Industries that I found very helpful to see if burning wood or switching to gas would save us money. It’s not too early to plan to increase your heat efficiency for next year. Especially if you have a feeling that this month’s bill will knock your budget out of the water. Fill it out—you might just learn much.

It seems that many of our family friends are stuck with the weather and unable to make it to the planned reunion areas for Christmas. I encourage you to let our recent weather situation bring out the Boy or Girl Scout in you and “always be prepared”. Unexpected weather events do happen and will get worse. It’s time to stop thinking that “it will never happen”. Assume that it will. Prepare emergency kits for your families, have back up plans in place and insure that you have supplies for power outages, cold temperatures and weather-related Acts of God.

And, as you know, one of the best preparation moves you can make is to have a heat source not dependent on electricity whether that is gas, or wood/pellet burning. And have fuel for it stocked. It is essential here in the Northwest.

Please visit Rich’s for the Home as soon as our weather allows to prepare yourself more for our ongoing weather difficulties.

Water Exercise

One of Rich’s popular comforts in long days and months of grey, black, wet and cold is a hot jetted spa. Frequent soaks not only are warming, but sooth away the kinks and stress, and make everything grey seem just a bit brighter. It’s all in the blood flow of our bodies, which is more limited when we tense up. And of course with blood flow at reduced capacity, our brains and other organs don’t function as well. A recent study tied reduced blood flow in the brain to dementia. Yikes! Aches and pains increase without proper blood flow and heart issues can also occur.

Hydrotherapy

• Relaxes the muscles and smoothes away pain
• Reduces soreness and tightness
• Rejuvenates the skin cells

If pain is an issue for you check with your doctor about some gentle exercises and stretches you can accomplish while in warm water. The right kind of warm water exercise is beneficial for cases of back pain, knee pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post-we will talk about how to choose a spa that is right for you.

Hydro-Sleep

What beats feeling like a cooked noodle after a soak in hot, jetted streams of water?

Not much. Except maybe a good night’s rest.

I bet you already know this-but hydrotherapy is a way to increase the quality of your sleep-and therefore your life. We have it on good authority that sleep is essential to good health of the mind, body and spirit. Heading for that spa before you hit your bed can make a big difference in how much your body relaxes-and therefore how quickly you move into Stage 4 sleep-where real rest occurs.

Here are some other ways to help you gain a restful night’s sleep:

• Limit activity before bed.
• Have a wind-down time with reading, writing, relaxation, etc.
• Leave work at work.
• Drink caffeine only before 6pm.
• Prioritize your sleep time.
• Try not to take naps, if at all possible.
• Use meditation, prayers, journaling or talking to someone to express your feelings.
• Make sure that your bed is supportive and works for you.You should not be waking up with pain or stiffness.
• See a doctor if sleep eludes you or you don’t feel rested upon awakening (on a consistent basis).

How has hydrotherapy helped you relax and live better? Please comment and let us know.