June 15, 2020 at 11:04AM Whether you’re 18 or 98, it’s never too early or too late to tend to your neural ‘forest’. Whether you’re concerned about your memory, are looking to optimize your mental acuity in your career or education, or are just now expanding your health efforts to include the cerebral, there are simple steps you can take to support your mental health and brain function. We asked herbalist Adriana Ayales of Anima Mundi to break down a few basics below… SYNAPTIC ANATOMY Although I’m not certainly not a neuroscientist myself, as an herbalist I’m obsessed with the subject and I study quite intensively from many leading neuroscientists that are pulsating very insightful and cutting-edge studies on the mysteries of brain and consciousness. Although this subject is very deep and wide, I’ll do a tiny intro for those of you that are looking to immerse yourself in the field. Synapses are the electric responses that move lightning fast across the neural network. Memory and cognition are just two of the many functions within the neural. Neuroscience has discovered that some synapses move faster than the speed of light when certain brain waves are in effect, like gamma waves. Everyone has gamma brainwave activity, but the number of gamma waves produced varies. People with very high levels of gamma activity are exceptionally intelligent, compassionate, have strong self-control and corresponds to a state of peak performance. Neuroscientists believe that people can train themselves to produce more of the gamma frequency,
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The New Restaurant Etiquette: 6 Things To Know Before Dining Out Again
June 15, 2020 at 10:55AM This week in L.A., restaurants have finally re-opened after months of government-ordered closures — with restrictions. While we can’t wait to head to our favorite coffee shops, cafes and evening hot spots again, the rules of dining have changed. According to one of our favorite Venice restauranteurs, Hayley Feldman of Chez Tex, here are a few things you should know before heading out… make a reservation. Although most restaurants are still accepting walk-ins, most reservation platforms allow you to choose where you sit in the restaurant (for example, if there is outdoor seating). Be aware, some restaurants will only accept reservations as they plan for new limited dining spaces. Formal reservations can also help restaurants to track any potential / future outbreaks. Wear a mask. You’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to eat and drink while wearing a mask! Safe restaurants are requiring masks upon arrival, departure, and for bathroom breaks, but when seated at your table, it’s not necessary to wear your mask. Always bring a mask if you’re planning to eat out — even if it’s just to grab a coffee or glass of wine. Without one, you risk being turned away. Keep it intimate. Most restaurants are limiting the number of guests allowed to dine in. Keep your party size small (2-4 people), so as to limit exposure and guarantee you spot at a table without any trouble. New table manners. You might notice that your share plates and utensils aren’t changed
The Truth About The American Diet According to Dietician Maya Feller
June 12, 2020 at 11:00AM We’re not sure who first coined the term, Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) but it has come to represent the ‘sad’ facts regarding our nation’s consumption of processed foods, sugar and conventionally-raised animal products. Below, TCM contributor, Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN unpacks the basics around the social, economic, ecological and, of course, health-based issues surrounding S.A.D. Maya is a registered dietitian nutritionist who works with patients who need weight management and those looking for nutritional management of diet related chronic illnesses with medical nutrition therapy. She is a regular contributor on Good Morning America and has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show. “Health is wealth.” Such a simple phrase, yet it holds so much meaning. Let’s take a moment to unpack it. Living in the U.S. many of us strive for the American Dream of prosperity and upward mobility — in short, increased wealth. The WHO (World Health Organization) defines health thusly: A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. That’s a mouthful and a tall order. The only way to realize the truth of ‘health as wealth’ is to reject the Standard American Diet (SAD) and the ideals that come along with it. What Is The Standard American Diet? The Standard American Diet (SAD) has often been characterized as a diet pattern that favors a high intake of ‘fast’ and processed foods that are mainly composed of refined grains, added sugars, lab-made fats, added salts
Sneakers, Nootropics + CBD: 13 Pretty Awesome Gift Ideas For Father’s Day
June 11, 2020 at 11:16AM In case you’ve had other things on your mind this month — the pandemic, your city’s changing quarantine rules or world-wide protests — this is a friendly reminder that Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st. Here are a few really strong ideas for gifts that the dads in your life might just love… Everlane The Trainer | Partly recycled and responsibly made, Everlane’s Tread line of sneakers is probably still new enough to feel like a discovery. With vintage details, but a modern-feeling sole, we love these trainers for the casual wardrobe we’re all rocking more often these days. Schoolhouse Flip Clock | We’re obsessed with Schoolhouse’s vintage homegoods and this clock is no exception. This analog design would look great in just about any style of home office — and don’t let the ‘fun’ vintage styling fool you: the battery operated quartz German movement keeps precise time. Tru Niagen | A supplement as a gift? Ok — this depends on the kind of dad you’re gifting. For wellness lovers, yes, a subscription to TruNiagen definitely makes a great gift. The science behind the anti-aging formula, that supports the body’s NAD levels, is compelling. Theragun Mini| The Theragun is a revelation for anyone who gets aches and strains, especially post-workout. The new Mini might just fit in your Dad’s Day budget and still packs Theragun’s signature hurts-so-good punch. Our Place Always Pan | If you come here often, you’ve heard us gush over Our Place. We love their
On The Farm with Lauren Palmer of Tennessee’s Bloomsbury Farm
June 11, 2020 at 10:50AM Visiting a farm stand is like going to the theater — if we’re impressed by what we see, we’re always wishing we could get “backstage” and see how they’re creating all that magic. Farm tours are just one more way we live vicariously through our friends and treasured farmer’s market vendors who farm. Don’t get us wrong, Los Angeles is never boring, but sometimes we wonder how we’d look in Hunter boots and overalls full-time — leading, say, several baby goats through a field lined with our freshly blossoming seasonal fruit trees. As we’ve learned, living that farm life is rarely quite so romantic (and a lot of hard work), but we still swoon over the idea and love to talking with farmers about what they do. Follow along with Lauren Palmer of Bloomsbury Farm in Smyrna, Tennessee just outside Nashville. Since 2009, Lauren has been growing a farm and a community that’s sprouted it’s own CSA, an adorable children’s camp, and even a dreamy overnight locale… Name: Lauren Palmer Farm: Bloomsbury Farm What we grow: Over 100 varieties of fruits, veggies, herbs, sprouts, flowers. (I just can’t say no.) Any animals? About 50 chickens — friends and family get the benefit of these. Oh, and ‘yard art’ like my retired show horse and two stray donkeys, two cats and two dogs. Thing I wish more people knew about farming: We are an ’18-month’ industry, already planning what your family will eat next season. We have to order the
How to Avoid Burnout While Trying to Make a Difference
June 10, 2020 at 10:52AM There’s just something about Andrea Ranae. Her confidence, personal strength and insights on leadership have become an instant inspiration to us since we stumbled across her Instagram last month. Like so many of the voices in wellness we’ve championed over the years, we’re planning on highlighting Andrea’s perspective periodically to help her narrative inform and serve our audience. Andrea’s video above is a call to self-care, a term that goes much deeper than it first appears and — as we’ve been discussing a lot this month — actually equips us to show up in strength. Here are key take-aways from Andrea’s message and notes on how to become more involved in her work on “Liberatory Leadership”… If you have a vision for change in your communities or our world (or maybe you just know that a different reality is possible) and you want to show up, contribute, serve or generally live the kind of life that leaves this planet better than you found it – you’re in the right place. There are a few ways you can engage with my work, including my podcast A Call to Serve and my new courses, Rise Up: Visionary Business for These Times and Whole / Self Liberation. Signs Your On the Verge of Burnout… You are consistently by-passing, over-riding or neglecting your needs and who you are as a human. According to Andrea’s crowd-sourced responses, most of us are fully aware about what being on the verge of burn-out feels like… Feeling
6 High-Functioning Face Mists We’re Spritzing Like Crazy This Summer
June 10, 2020 at 10:46AM Ah, the face mist, the skincare essential that’s easy to overlook, until the first spritz. get hooked in to that that spritzing lifestyle. Dramatically spritzing a mist over your face may seem like the least necessary part of a balanced skincare routine, but, we promise that once you find the right product, you’ll never not spritz again… TOWER 28 SOS Facial Mist | This innovative product features Hypochlorous Acid(HOCI), traditionally used as an antibacterial cleaning agent in hospitals. HOCI is a naturally-occurring part of the immune system. Found in white blood cells, hypochlorous acid stimulates healing and helps defend against harmful bacteria. SOS mist is perfect to keep on hand to gently sooth sunburns and generally irritated skin — it is anti-inflammatory, eczema-soothing, acne-fighting and a great post-tattoo or post-piercing treatment. $28 VERTLY Soothing Florals CBD Face Mist | This fine mist is the ultimate luxury to keep on your desk or nightstand. It smells like heaven and is the perfect treat to hydrate the skin before your nighttime serums or during the day as a simple pick-me-up. Calendula, rose, jasmine and geranium combine to calm, tone and stimulate cellular regeneration, but the star of this product i s CBD, naturally filled with vitamins A, D and E, and rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6) to enhance skin health. $48 FOR THE BIOME Adapt Essence Spray | Sorry, not sorry — we’re about to take your mushroom collection to the next level with this blue-light
9 Important Black Voices In Wellness We’re Amplifying Now
June 08, 2020 at 10:55AM Over the years, our emotional and mental health stories have grown to be a huge focus. Our space is rich with a wide variety of thinkers and practitioners on these topics and while we’ve already covered a lot of ground, we’re excited to bring you so much more of it this year. So far, 2020 seems to demand it. A few of the thoughtleaders we’ve featured on these topics in the past are included below, from Jessamyn Stanley who almost broke Instagram when we first featured her here to authors like Lalah Delia and Erica Chidi whose recent books have helped shape the current conversation on wellness. It was a joy to gather this list of nine black wellness thoughtleaders whose messages are steeped in lessons of mind-body wellness and personal empowerment. Although we’ve never before curated a list of brands or individuals based solely on race, with all that’s being exposed in our nation now, we’re looking to amplify more black voices than ever before. Find a new follow below… Andrea Ranae ( @andrearanaej) | We came across Andrea Ranae’s writing just this week and were blown away by her grounded wisdom. Her messages of personal empowerment resonated with us so deeply from this post that reminds black follower to define and possibly enlarge their boundaries at this time to this post on “performative activism” that clarifies what it means to be a public advocate in authenticity. Watch for more from Andrea soon. As a
6 Magical Tools to Shift your Mindset (Even in the Funkiest of Moments)
June 08, 2020 at 05:00AM We all fall into a funk from time to time. And even the most level-headed among us can struggle to get back to emotional equilibrium when we fall off track. Learn how to self-correct with these potent tips from holistic life coach Maytal Phillips of The Consciousness Edit… You’re blissfully happy, meditating, working out, having weekly massages, manicures and acupuncture sessions. In an ideal world we would all be on task, on time and on point. However, we’re all humans having an earthly experience — stuff goes wrong, people say things we don’t like, work gets tough, the kids throw up and you find yourself in a funk that has a kung-fu grip. What do you do in those moments where it seems like the rainy day has finally arrived? Use these tools below to immediately gain perspective and shift your mindset. 6 Magical Tools To Shift Your Mindset Take deep breaths | As humans, we still experience the fight-or-flight response to negative emotional experiences in the same way our ancestors did. The only difference is that we’re not being chased by large animals or walking barefoot in the desert to find food or water. Breathing actually lowers the flight-or-fight response by sending more oxygen to the brain and allowing the body to relax and offer you the space to deal with emotions. Start with three deep breaths to calm your body before doing anything else. Practice Gratitude | Creating the space for gratitude is
The Anti-Racism Bookshelf: 29 Books That Support Racial Understanding
June 04, 2020 at 10:40AM Social media lit up with resources on the topic of racial struggles this last week. This is one of the bright-sided benefits of our fast-paced social media culture — we’re able to share in-depth resources with one another faster than ever. On Amazon this week, fifteen of the twenty best-sellers have to do with race relations. One of the longest and best lists we’ve come across is from this blog devoted to great book lists on a variety of topics. In a flash, the founder asked followers to help her generate the “ultimate bookshelf” of recommended reading on race and this was the result. Have suggested additions that have positively informed you? Leave them in the comments! Would you like to support small businesses in 2020? Check out this list of independent black-owned bookstores before you buy your top picks. Blindspot by Mahzarin R. Banaji & Anthony G. Greenwald How Does It Feel to Be a Problem? by Moustafa Bayoumi Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Tatum “Walk into any racially mixed high school and you will see Black, White, and Latino youth clustered in their own groups. Is this self-segregation a problem to address or a coping strategy? Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, argues that straight talk about our racial identities is essential if we are serious about enabling communication across racial and ethnic divides.” (Amazon) I’m Still Here by Austin Channing