A sharp mind!

As we get older our memory starts to decline, beginning in our thirties. Also, stress can affect our ability to store new memories. When we exercise we counter the natural effects of aging by increasing blood flow to the brain and reduce stress - so encourage it!

Everyone knows chocolate and romance go hand in hand, but here’s five reasons why you should indulge in chocolate:

1. Cocoa contains cancer fighting antioxidants in higher amounts than even green tea and red wine
2. Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure (not white or milk) and help prevent heart disease
3. Dark chocolate decreases bad cholesterol
4. Chocolate can be a mood enhancer or aphrodisiac since it raises serotonin levels and releases endorphins in the brain
5. High in magnesium, chocolate can help alleviate PMS

Tip: the darker the chocolate the better for you since milk reduces the antioxidant properties and is higher in fat

We all know things are tough all over and can be seen by the increase in home foreclosures and bankruptcies. Your employees may be facing some exceptional financial stresses at home, which can result in low morale, tension between coworkers, and reduced productivity.

How can an employer help without being taken advantage of?

• Offer financial & emotional counseling opportunities
• Allow the use of flex time to sort out problems
• Be flexible, yet fair
• Treat employees equally

I’d like to introduce you to ylang-ylang (ee lang-ee lang) since one of my readers indicated they weren’t yet familiar. Native to the rainforests of the Philipines, Indonesia, and common in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, this essential oil comes from the delicate and highly scented blossom of the Cananga tree or shrub. Commonly used in perfumes and body care products, it’s fragrance can be characterized as rich and deep with heavy notes of rubber and custard, while sweetly floral and exotic with hints of jasmine and bitter orange (neroli). It can be both relaxing and stimulating, affecting anxiety, high blood pressure, intestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, and stress.

Aromatherapy is an age old alternative medicine, and in recent years has become all the rage as a natural way to feel better physically and psychologically. The inhalation of certain essential oils (oils that are extracted from plant parts through distillation) stimulates the brain, causing reactions that affect our mood and overall well-being. In additon to their mood enhancing capabilities, they also provide pharmacological benefits, with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to name a few.

There are over 90 essential oils, each with their own benefits, and often combined with others for a particular effect. My favorite is lavender oil since it has a plethora of benefits worthy of a post all by itself (I say this while I slip around on my keyboard after just applying a liberal dose of lavender hand cream to help me relax).

Here’s a list of some of the benefits of the more common oils:

• Stress Relief & Calming: lavender, chamomile, sage, bergamont, rosemary, peppermint, frankincense, myrrh
• Insomnia & Restlessness: hops flower, valerian, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, marjoram
• Depression: lemongrass, mandarin, rosemary, basil, clary sage, jasmine
• Revitalize: grapefruit, cinnamon, rosemary, juniper, vanilla, geranium
• Memory Aid: sage, jasmine, peppermint
• Headache & Migraine: rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, lavender
• Cold & Flu: eucalyptus, lemongrass, thyme, chamomile, peppermint
• Antiseptic: tea tree, bergamont, juniper, sage, clove, lavender
• Anti-Inflammatory: chamomile, peppermint, juniper, bergamont, sassafras
• Insect Repellant: citronella, cedar, lemongrass, peppermint

Keep in mind, essential oils tend to be highly concentrated and some should not be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted, while others are unsafe for people with certain conditions, like high blood pressure or pregnancy. Please read up before you begin experimenting with a new oil so you can do so safely.
Tip: Check out our portable aromatherapy for when you or someone you know needs a little boost.

What’s your favorite aromatherapy remedy?

Since I’m very interested in the use of aromatherapy as a natural way to feel better rather than turning to drugs, I found this article exceptionally interesting. It’s about how aromatherapy is getting recognition for its positive impact not just on how it can make us feel, but how it boosts the body’s ability to fight infection and is being used as a tool during treatment for cancer patients. I figure many of us have been touched by cancer, either directly or through a loved one, and this article may give you an idea of how to get relief, be more comfortable, or lift the spirits.

Check it out: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/50591.php

Share how aromatherapy makes you feel better

It’s not just about salary and benefits, but about recognizing employees as human beings, with needs and expectations, rather than as human capital. While needs are individualistic and complex, the basis is simple. It’s about recognition and reward.

In Bob Nelson’s article, “Ten Ironies of Motivation”, he explains, “More than anything else, employees want to be valued for a job well done by those they hold in high esteem.” As a result, you can expect high morale and motivated employees who feel inspired and loyal. When you create an environment in which an employee feels valued for their contribution they are more likely to want to stay.

How does your company recognize employee performance?

Did you know these scents can raise our body temperature and/or our libido?

• Cinnamon
• Jasmine
• Sandalwood
• Patchouli
• Musk
• Rose
• Ylang-ylang
• Vanilla
• Ginger
• Clove

Look for candles, linen mists, bath products, and massage creams that are made with these essential oils. I think you will find it well worth the effort to incorporate them into play with your partner.

Keep in mind when looking for quality products that it’s best to stick to items made with natural ingredients, pure essential oils, are free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, dyes, formaldehyde and synthetic fragrances.

Tip: products made with pure essential oils tend to be easy to spot since they are proud to boast, as they should be, whereas items that promote the word ‘fragrance’ are generally chemical based.

What’s your favorite aphrodisiac?

Aromatherapy isn’t just for women. Did you know that men are naturally drawn to certain scents?

See what reactions these aromas elicit from your guy: ylang-ylang, clove, cinnamon, mandarin, peppermint, black pepper, eucalyptus, rose geranium, cedarwood, and curry.
What was your guy’s favorite?