Search Results for: blog smashing stress

Moms-to-Be: Work Stress Can Be Harmful to Your Baby

A Dutch study published in the American Journal of Public Health took a look at work stress in the first trimester of pregnancy — and the impact it can have on an unborn child. More than eight thousand pregnant women participated in a survey focused on employment and working conditions — they were asked about the number of hours worked per week and their stress levels (among other things). More that seven thousand women continued in the study, and were in contact with researchers again after giving birth to report the weight of the newborns. The results? Women who worked … Continue reading →

Smashing Stress

I often joke that when I’m stressed, I need a doghouse to smash. A friend of mine had an old, abandoned doghouse in her yard and decided one day it was time to get rid of the unsightly thing. With her trusty sledgehammer at her side, she took it apart. When she was done, she told me how great it felt to smash the thing. There’s something very cathartic about physical exercise… and destruction. After a particularly bad breakup a few years ago, some friends invited me to help remodel their kitchen. I had a grand old time prying tiles … Continue reading →

Madonna’s Daughter Caught Smoking

It seems like I’ve read that teen smoking is down. But, that may not be the case if you are the teen of a celebrity. Just this week, Madonna’s 15-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon was photographed smoking with friends. Now, I’ve never smoked, but some who have may be thinking “What’s the big deal? It’s what you do when you are that age.” Part of the problem is at only 15; Lourdes shouldn’t be smoking for several reasons. First, she cannot legally buy cigarettes until she is 18. And second of all, we all know – smoking is bad for you. … Continue reading →

Losing Your Temper

How often do you lose your temper with your child? I know I’ve been guilty of that more than I’d like to admit. As a single mother sometimes it seems like every day is a challenge just to stay on top of things and when you child is misbehaving or just plain being obstinate, it’s easy to loose your temper. Sometimes the easiest thing is to walk away. This obviously only works if your child is older, you can’t walk too far away from a toddler, it’s not safe, but if you can, walk away. Give yourself a time out, … Continue reading →

Natural Plant Dyes, Preschool-Style

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I work at a nature center, and every summer we have day camps. In and of itself this is not gripping, but let me tell you, smashing berries and leaves into fabric? A gripping thing indeed. You can do this activity with your preschooler too, and it’s a great way to create a summer beach bag, decorate a white hat, or make a funky bandanna. Now to many people, natural plant dyes bring up ideas of hippie camp leaders sitting around with a group of children for hours upon hours. It is true that you can create dyes that take … Continue reading →

Four Tips for Settling a Nervous Stomach

When my dogs have an upset stomach, I know just what to do: cook up a pot of white rice, mix it with some chicken broth, and serve it up. But when I’m dealing with my own nervous stomach, the solution isn’t quite so easy. A “nervous stomach” is often a symptom of stress… at least, it is for me! As the stress level in my life goes up (I feel like I’m at Stresscon Five right now), my stomach wants to join the party. Sometimes, I lose my appetite. More often, the problem shows up at the end of … Continue reading →

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Do your fingers or toes discolor after being in the cold or the heat? This is a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon. It can also occur after a tense or emotional upset. This happens because the blood supply is in a diminished state due to spasms of the blood vessels. When blood supply starts to deplete you will notice your digits to turn white at first. After that a bluish coloration will occur. This is because there is no oxygen present. When the blood vessels do open back up again you will notice that they will turn red. The most common … Continue reading →

Smash those irrational beliefs (1)

Many of us lead limited lives, never reaching our full potential because of irrational beliefs. Somewhere during the course of our early life, we have picked up these beliefs and made them our own. But we can change the way we think about ourselves. We can actively replace these self-limiting beliefs with a whole new set of ideas that, in time, will help us to accept ourselves and lead more fulfilling lives. Most, if not all irrational beliefs are lies, and replacing them with the truth can help us see the world and ourselves in a far more realistic light. … Continue reading →