In one of my recent blogs, I spoke briefly about maintaining a healthy life and how Covid-19 forced us to implement and embrace self-care. I also hinted at the fact that my personal health was affected and I promise that I will speak more about that in a soon to be released blog. It has been a year since my health scare and during that year, I have had to understand what happened and identify and implement the changes that I had to make.
One of the things that contributed to my health scare was lack of sleep. To say that I am or was at this stage was a light sleeper is an under statement and a misrepresentation of the what was taking place. I would go to bed at nights at approximately 10 p.m. or so and I would fall asleep and wake at mid night and not fall asleep again until 5 a.m. or sometimes 6 a.m. During the week, I would have to get out of bed by 7 a.m. to get ready for work. What this means is that I was surviving on basically 3 hours of sleep each night. Oh how I looked forward to weekends where I would actually be able to rest during the day.
After my health scare, I recognised that it was imperative that my sleep regime had to change. So let me tell you some of what I did and my key recipes to better sleep.
My first success came from having a consistent intake of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. It is one of the essential B vitamins that the body requires for proper functioning. This vitamin is found naturally in many animal-based foods such as meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. However, certain individuals may have difficulty absorbing enough vitamin B12 from their diet alone, and this can lead to a deficiency. One of the many benefits of vitamin B12 is its ability to help with sleep.
Sleep is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, and it is crucial for the body's overall functioning. I am sure that there are others who struggle with getting enough sleep, and this deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues, including fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration.
Vitamin B12 can help with sleep in several ways. It helps to regulate the body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a natural cycle that the body goes through, which controls the sleep-wake cycle. Vitamin B12 helps to regulate this cycle, which can lead to better sleep quality.
B12 also help to regulate melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally, which helps to regulate sleep. Melatonin production is highest at night, and it helps to signal to the body that it is time to sleep. This absolutely important vitamin helps to regulate the production of melatonin, which again can lead to a healthier sleep regime.
Another important factor is that vitamin B12 can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are two common factors that can interfere with sleep. Stress and anxiety can make it difficult for individuals to fall asleep and stay asleep. Vitamin B12 helps to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating the body's stress response, which can lead to better sleep quality.
I hasten to say that as I am not a medical practitioner and to remind you that it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
The other amazing thing that I included in my self care kit was Eucalyptus oil. I have learnt that Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that has been used for centuries for its various health benefits. Eucalyptus oil is commonly used for its refreshing and invigorating aroma, but it has many other benefits that make it an essential oil worth having in your collection. As a Jamaican, this is something that I saw my grandparents and other persons of that generation use quite often and just thought that it was an “old people thing”. Well let me just say this, eucalyptus oil should be everybody’s thing.
Let us for a moment explore the personal benefits of eucalyptus oil and how it can improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Respiratory Health
Eucalyptus oil is known for its ability to support respiratory health. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion. The oil contains compounds that can help to clear the airways and promote easier breathing. This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
To use eucalyptus oil for respiratory health, just add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale the steam. You can also add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. This can help to clear your sinuses and ease congestion. Quite a lot of us used this remedy during the onslaught of Covid-19
Skin Care
Eucalyptus oil has many benefits for the skin. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to prevent and treat acne, as well as other skin conditions. It also has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, making it an excellent choice for people who suffer from skin irritation or inflammation.
To use it for skin care, can add a few drops to your regular moisturizer or face wash. You can also create a homemade facial steam by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam. This can help to cleanse and purify your skin.
Pain Relief
I believe this is mostly where our grand parents may have found value. Eucalyptus oil has analgesic properties, which means it can help to reduce pain and inflammation. This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain, or headaches.
To use eucalyptus oil for pain relief, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massage it into the affected area. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath to soothe sore muscles.
Stress Relief
Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing and invigorating aroma that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It has a cooling effect on the body, which can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.
To use eucalyptus oil for stress relief, add a few drops to a diffuser and inhale the steam. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. This right here is the perfect remedy for sleep.
Insect Repellent
Eucalyptus oil has natural insect repellent properties that make it an excellent choice for people who want to avoid using chemical insect repellents. It can help to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities such as camping or hiking.
To use eucalyptus oil as an insect repellent, add a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it to your skin. You can also add a few drops to a diffuser or spray bottle and use it to repel insects in your home or outdoor space.
Oral Health
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties that make it an excellent choice for promoting oral health. It can help to reduce plaque buildup and prevent cavities, as well as freshen breath and soothe sore gums.
To use eucalyptus oil for oral health, add a few drops to your regular toothpaste or mouthwash. You can also create a homemade mouthwash by adding a few drops to a cup of warm water and swishing it around your mouth.
As with any essential oil, it is important to use eucalyptus oil safely and responsibly. It is important to always dilute the oil in a carrier oil before applying it to your skin, and never ingest it or use it near your eyes. It is additionally important to consult with a healthcare professional before using eucalyptus oil if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
With its refreshing aroma and numerous health benefits, eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that everyone should consider adding to their collection. Whether you are looking to improve your respiratory health, soothe sore muscles, or promote relaxation, eucalyptus oil is a versatile and effective natural remedy that can help you achieve your wellness goals.
An important point to note is that these remedies will definitely not work overnight and after a one time experiment. They are remedies that you will have to apply over time and consistently.
I do hope that you try my sleep and relaxation remedies. Let us raise our glasses to better self-care and building that soft life.
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