Just recently I heard someone say that the word wellness is overused and doesn’t really mean anything to anyone anymore. At first the idea came as a shock and then as I mulled it over I kind of agreed to a point. That’s not to say wellness has been banished from my vocabulary.
The concept of wellness is too important to dismiss!
I believe you want to feel good, be able to participate in any activities you choose, live happily, and enjoy your life, whatever that means for you personally. There are actions you can take to make it a reality.
The reason wellness is important and shouldn’t be overlooked is because of the concept behind it. Wellness is defined as the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as a result of deliberate effort. It emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life. This means you are an active participant!
Wellness is a multifaceted approach to health and encompasses a variety of areas including, but not limited to, eating healthy, nutritious foods, engaging in physical activity, managing your emotions, and creating a safe home environment.
Being aware that you have the ability to choose to be well is powerful! It puts you in charge of your destiny. That notion was foreign to me until after my breast cancer journey when I started reading books and taking courses. A whole new world opened up. I feel empowered and you should too!
Did I say it was easy? No. In fact it can be quite difficult at times. But when you have the knowledge and awareness you will recognize when you aren’t making choices that serve your best interests. That in itself is HUGE!
You CAN live a healthy, vibrant life if you choose to! It’s totally up to you.
If you’re a reader and would like to dive in a little deeper, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite wellness books. To check it out click here.
The registration deadline for the Autumn Essence, Essential Oils DIY Class is this Friday, 10/9. Click the button below to learn more or to register.
“Enjoy life, choose happiness, and be your best every day.”
🐝 well,
Heidi
Common Household Toxins
- Aluminum: commonly found in antiperspirants and deodorants
- Ammonia: found in cleaners that shine bathroom fixtures, glass, sinks, and jewelry
- Boric acid: commonly found in cosmetics, laundry detergent, pesticides, and medications
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA, or anything with “butyl” listed): commonly found in makeup, cosmetics, and creams
- Chlorine: commonly found in cleaners labeled for scouring, heavy duty cleaners like toilet bowl cleaner and mildew removers, and in some tap water
- Coal Tar Dyes: banned in food products, but is still commonly found in cosmetics, hair dyes, lipsticks, and more.
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): commonly found in nail polish and cosmetics
- Formaldehyde or formalin: commonly found in nail polish, hair treatments, air fresheners, candles, and repellants
- Fragrance (or “parfum”): commonly found in just about everything if it has a scent
- Glycol Ethers: Found in window, kitchen, and multipurpose cleaners
- Oxybenzone: commonly found in sunscreens
- Parabens: commonly found in cosmetics, shower products, lotions, and more
- Petroleon (Mineral Oil): commonly found in cosmetics, lotions, creams, lip balms, and skin care products.
- Phthalates: Commonly found in fragranced products such as air fresheners, soap, hair spray, nail polish, and cosmetics
- Propyl or Propylene Glycol (aka antifreeze!): commonly found in cosmetics and food products
- Retinyl palmitate or retinol: commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, chapsticks, lipsticks, sunscreens, and lip balms
- Sulfate Compounds: commonly found in most skincare and cosmetics and skincare products including shampoo, body washes, and facial cleansers. It’s also used in car cleaners and engine degreasers
- Talc: commonly found in baby powders, cosmetics, deodorants, and powdered makeup
- Triclosan (or Triclocarban): commonly found in liquid soaps, toothpaste, laundry detergents, shampoos, and etc.
Fragrance
A big culprit contributing to toxic overload is the ingredient labeled “fragrance.” It is a term used to hide undisclosed chemical ingredients that may be contained in a product, usually consisting of synthetic chemicals designed to mimic the smell of natural scents.
An alternative is to use unscented, fragrance free items, or products scented with essential oils. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so terms like “Therapeutic Grade,” “100% Pure,” and even “USDA Organic,” don’t always mean there are no synthetic chemicals or adulteration issues. Do your research to find a reputable source of household products that list essential oils in their ingredient list.
How to rid your home of toxins
Identify the chemicals in the products you use. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) Healthy Living app can help. It is a free mobile app that allows you to scan the barcodes, or search for, personal care products to see how they rate on the toxicity scale.
A few tips:
- Replace dryer sheets with wool dryer balls. They are both good for you and the environment as they can be used over and over again.
- Replace air fresheners and scented candles with a diffuser and essential oils. Remember the quality of the oils you use is important.
- Find a supplier you can trust. To save time, preferably one that carries most of the products you need.
- Make it yourself. Many DIY recipes are available on Pinterest or clean living blogs.
Don’t be fooled by claims on labels like “All-Natural,” “Gentle,” “Clean,” “Simple,” or “Green.” These terms mean nothing when it comes to the safety of a product. Companies know people are willing to pay more for what they assume is a safer product, even if it isn’t, and use clever marketing to their advantage.
After my journey with cancer, I rid my house one item at a time and replaced each with a toxin free, plant based product. Most come from a single company. For me, it takes out the guesswork and saves me a lot of time and effort. You can do the same.
Click the link to learn how. Healthy Home
