Tag: stress

Family

MUSE My New Best Friend

Loving my new My first mediation session with MUSE The Brain Sensing Headband. It is so amazing and really helps me relax. Do you meditate? Does it work for you?

Note: I loved my new Muse the brain sensing headband so much, that I became an affiliate for the product. If you click on the links for MUSE it will take you to the affiliate link.

For my birthday hubby gave me Muse: the brain sensing headband

He thought I could use it.

There are a few reasons that this is a good present for me.

I hold my stress in my neck, and shoulders and clench my teeth. This then leads to intense headaches and the body being out of whack.

Relaxing is hard when you have kids and very little downtime.

I do try and have some quiet time that allows the brain and body to rest.

The meditations that I did without MUSE were not done as well as they could have been. I got distracted. I was thinking about all the things I had to do, all the things that were half done or yet to happen and of course people I needed to contact. Hard to have your brain power down and to just be still. Be calm and rest for just a moment.

Why did Hubby Purchase MUSE The Brain Sensing Headband?

Well, hubby listens to Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income and also Ask Pat. He said that Pat raves about his Muse Headband and says that meditation has helped him and his business.

Pat Flynn said the following:

“Meditation has transformed my life. It’s improved my focus and well-being, and it’s altered my productivity during my workday in a radical way.”

Hubby knew I was a stressed-out mummy so thought this might be the way to go.

My darling hubby also knew that I am trying to achieve more with my blog and other business ideas, so the more relaxed I will be the better life will be for all parts of my life. A win-win really.

My first Muse Session. I think I did okay. Some things need to be improved. The main thing is that I felt very relaxed afterwards and not on edge all the time.

How does MUSE The Brain Sensing Headband Work?

Firstly MUSE is a headband and an app.

You wear the headband and use it in conjunction with the app on your phone or tablet.

One thing to remember is that you need to wear headphones to make it work. I didn’t use these at first and it did not progress to the meditation and kept on calibrating. I thought that since I was alone that headphones would not be needed. However, it all works once you plug in your headphones and then you can relax away.

It is really easy to use. The headband is comfortable and you can adjust it to fit any size of the head. If you do have a lot of hair it is advisable to put it up or have it out of the way so that the sensors on the headband can connect with your skin on your head.

So what do you need to do first?

Download the Choose MUSE app.
Set up an account so that you can log onto MUSE for your mediation history and data.
You will have to charge your headphones before your first use. This comes with a charger that you can plug into the computer to make sure they are all ready to go.
Make sure you have headphones and your headband ready.
Find a quiet spot to give your MUSE headband a go and start the calibrations. Every time you start your mediation with MUSE it makes sure that the headband is on correctly and sets up with colours within a circle. Once all is complete the app will let you know when you are ready to progress to your first meditation session.
If your brain wanders you will hear more stormy weather. If you are very calm and relaxed you will hear birds. The more birds you hear the better you are doing. MUSE rates things in birds. They believe that birds are only attracted to calm and relaxed people. So more birds will visit when you are super calm and in the zone of relaxation. (This is true. If you have ever been to a park and sat quietly and noticed how many birds have come to visit you?)
Make sure after your meditation session you turn off your headband. Turning it off will save how often you need to recharge it.

How does MUSE make you feel?

For me, using MUSE makes me calmer, more relaxed and allows some stillness in my world. Normally my world is filled with craziness, racing around and just reacting to things. Meditation allows for more mindfulness to really take time to look at things in a calmer and more controlled way.

I like Liza below feel that MUSE is a great tool to help you be more at the moment, and not as crazy as you would be if you did not have that time to relax through meditation with MUSE.

Do you feel like me and have a lot going on?

Need some downtime? How about some nice calm relaxation time just for you?

Do you already mediate and if so how has it changed your life or outlook on things?

My first mediation session with MUSE The Brain Sensing Headband.

I do have to thank Pat Flynn for sharing on his site and for hubby for purchasing the gift in the first place.

If you would love to try a MUSE The Brain Sensing Headband then you can order online. They deliver worldwide so you can be anywhere and order one. Perfect to help the relaxation start.

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This post has Affiliate Links

Originally published July 6, 2017

Tags affiliate links, baby, Choose Muse, Meditation, meditation has helped me relax, moms., motherhood, mums, Muse, MUSE The Brain Sensing Headband, need to relax, parents, Pat Flynn, stress, twins

Family

PJ’s and Staying Home the New Normal

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date June 30, 2020
No Comments on PJ’s and Staying Home the New Normal

Staying home is great.

Not having to get out of your PJ’s is even better, you can do this by putting a jacket over your best pyjamas and driving the kids to the kiss and drop so you don’t even have to get out of the car.

Restrictions are easing and things are slowly getting back to normal, but many are still working from home.

With over four months of lockdown and not being able to go anywhere, my motivation to go anywhere has been lost.

I’m happier to stay home, relax, and to work in comfort plus in the warmth of my house from the roaring heater.

Don’t get me wrong I’m drooling over a beach resort holiday so that we can all unwind and destress, maybe then mummy can finally.

I am also excited to be able to travel to places around Australia soon and eventually for international travel.

Maybe I’m a person that is really suited to lockdown? With all the services for contactless delivery, remote working, online classes, and concerts and loads more that has become available in the current COVID-19 crises. It is easier to stay home now more than ever.

Don’t get me wrong, when I’ve been out it has felt amazing, so nice to finally be doing things as we did before the global pandemic.

Are you like me and find that you would rather stay home lately?

OR MAYBE IT IS JUST STRESS AND ALL THE CHAOS FROM LOCKDOWN THAT HAS MADE ME SUPER TIRED AND IN NEED OF A REST?

It also could be the fact that I’ve gotten used to not being able to go places and therefore being home is the place to be.

Have you realised that you are preferring to stay at home? Or are you keen to race out to the big world and explore?

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Stay current with all the things that are happening on Mummy to Twins Plus One. Don’t miss a thing by signing up for my newsletter. This newsletter will list all giveaways and fabulous things that are happening.

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Tags COVID-19, family, mums, Pajamas, parents, PJ's, remote working, stress, tired

Family

Combating Stress and Anxiety with Caruso’s

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date July 15, 2018
No Comments on Combating Stress and Anxiety with Caruso’s

Lately I’ve felt frazzled.

I’ve not been able to pinpoint why this is, but feel that it might be due to having too much to do, and little time to do everything.

I suppose three kids don’t help with this feeling of frazzledness. It could also be that I have motherhood stress or otherwise known as being constantly overwhelmed.

Mothers never get breaks, mums do everything and also seem to be the last on any list. Sad but true.

Baby image created by Peoplecreations – Freepik.com

Some things I am doing to overcome feeling stressed out:

Make sure I keep up with my vitamins. Caruso’s Natural Health have wonderful products to help you look and feel amazing. If you are feeling down it could be as simple as you need more vitamin D or B. Even though we live in a country that gets a lot of sunshine many don’t get enough of vitamin D. Or you could need an herbal supplement like Caruso’s Anxiety Aid or Caruso’s Rhodiola to help you reduce nervous tension and stress.
Get some exercise – I really want to do more but at the moment a walk is just what I need.
Meditate – Calm down and just have some time alone. Sitting in silence is great when you have a crazy house full with three kids.
Watch a favourite tv show when kids are at school and care. This way I can finally hear the show and not pause it a million times due to being interrupted.
Get more sleep – I am always feeling tired and exhausted. More rest is ideal and sleep is one thing that is high on my to do list. You cannot function properly if you don’t get enough sleep, you end up grumpy, frustrated and annoyed.
Make a date with friends – A simple catch up with some mates always makes you feel better. You can have a chat, feel better and have some much needed adult conversation. It is hard as a busy mum, but try and book in these times and you will thank yourself for it.

Taking my vitamins for the day - they are helping me feel better. — Taking my vitamins for the day – they are helping me feel better.

Some things I am doing to overcome feeling stressed out:

Make sure I keep up with my vitamins. Caruso’s Natural Health have wonderful products to help you look and feel amazing. If you are feeling down it could be as simple as you need more vitamin D or B. Even though we live in a country that gets a lot of sunshine many don’t get enough of vitamin D. Or you could need an herbal supplement like Caruso’s Anxiety Aid or Caruso’s Rhodiola to help you reduce nervous tension and stress.
Get some exercise – I really want to do more but at the moment a walk is just what I need.
Meditate – Calm down and just have some time alone. Sitting in silence is great when you have a crazy house full with three kids.
Watch a favourite tv show when kids are at school and care. This way I can finally hear the show and not pause it a million times due to being interrupted.
Get more sleep – I am always feeling tired and exhausted. More rest is ideal and sleep is one thing that is high on my to do list. You cannot function properly if you don’t get enough sleep, you end up grumpy, frustrated and annoyed.
Make a date with friends – A simple catch up with some mates always makes you feel better. You can have a chat, feel better and have some much-needed adult conversation. It is hard as a busy mum, but try and book in these times and you will thank yourself for it.

More About Caruso’s Natural Health

Caruso’s Natural Health is an Australian, family owned company founded by Frank Caruso, supplying complementary medicines (vitamin, mineral & herbal supplements) and natural foods
Range is available in over 3,000 pharmacies and health food stores throughout Australia.

Frank’s philosophy is simple; “Make time for good health and you’ll always have enough health for a good time!”

I love Frank’s health philosophy, as a mum to young kids, I aim to be as healthy as possible. I want to be active, productive and healthy for as long as possible.

If you invest in your health now, it will help you in the years to come.

Caruso’s Natural Health have great products to help if you are feeling stressed out.

• Anxiety Aid – “Caruso’s Anxiety Aid has been formulated to help ease the symptoms associated with mild anxiety, stress and nervous tension.” It is an herbal supplement that has helped me feel calmer and having less nervous energy.

• Brahmi 9000 – Brahmi can help in maintaining healthy brain function, also helps with memory, concentration, focus and learning. Perfect for the working mum.

• Rhodiola – This supplement may help your body with the everyday stress of life. It supports your bodies adrenal gland function, which means that it supports the body’s coping mechanisms and ability to deal with stress and nervous tension.

Brahmi 9000 from Caruso’s Natural Health — Caruso’s Natural Health

The wonderful pack that I was sent from Caruso’s Natural Health. Thanks, so much the new products are really helping.

This is the pack of herbal supplements that Caruso’s Natural Health sent me. Just what I needed.

When I am stressed my body hurts.

I suffer from severe tension headaches, I end up with a sore jaw, head, neck and more.

The pain is intense and during these periods I don’t get a lot done.

The housework suffers, my work suffers and all I really want to do is to sleep and be left alone.

I struggle to keep my eyes open due to the intense headaches and feel so exhausted.

The supplements that I received from Caruso’s Natural Health have made me feel calmer very quickly. I was not sure how long it would take for me to feel any difference, but I believe it was noticeable after about a week.

Caruso’s Natural Health sent me Anxiety Aid, Brahmi 9000, Women's Supplement and Rhodiola. — Caruso’s Natural Health sent me Anxiety Aid, Brahmi 9000, Women’s Supplement and Rhodiola.

I feel less stressed and my body is slowly on the mend regarding the tension headaches.

Did you know?

You can speak to a Naturopath for free at Caruso’s.

The Caruso’s Naturopath’s are available from 9am – 5pm Sydney time

PH: 1300 304 480 Or you can send them an email via the online form.

It’s a great free service if you have any questions about the Caruso’s products.

If you don’t look after you, you cannot look after others. Simple really, but something that us mums often forget.

Stress and Anxiety its nothing to be worried or upset about, everybody experiences it in some form.

Time for you is important. If you need help you should make sure to ask your partner to give you a break.

The Caruso’s herbal range is a great way to calm your system down in stressful times. Make sure you also integrate some self-care, great food and plenty of rest (well as much as you can if you are busy mum).

Disclaimer: I was sent a pack of Caruso’s Natural Health new herbal range to help with anxiety and stress. Showcasing these new products, I hope gives you some solutions to help you feel less stressed and happier.

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This post has affiliate links

Tags Anxiety, Anxiety Aid, Brahmi 9000, Caruso's Natural Health, frazzled, Health, Herbal Supplements, overwhelmed, Rhodiola, stress, Stressed out mums, stressed out parents, Supplements

News

Let’s Talk About Vaginas

I was invited to an intimate ladies lunch. It sounded nice and lovely. In the city for a lunch all by myself, well with a baby so that was not that bad. However I was at the lunch to talk and to learn about the vagina. Or as some people might refer to as the front bottom, the vajayjay or their bits. I’m sure there is more slang to refer to this amazing body part.

The event was hosted by the charming and delightful Dr Ginni Mansberg and the great team from Vagisil, and also the darling Claire from Birds of Prey in Melbourne. The lunch was to learn about a topic that not many people discuss and to bring real world examples by having a frank discussion with other ladies over brilliantly yummy catered lunch.

I of course thought the lunch sounded fab, but I was rather hesitant in talking about the vagina. Why I thought? I am grown woman. I have now had three kids and of course as anyone can attest that during childbirth everyone seems to want to take a look at your vagina, and it is not something that you wince at like you once did before kids. I still don’t like all the doctors interest but you can understand it as the baby has to get out, and of course it is lovely vagina that gives it a helping hand – See an amazing body part!

My bubbles and lovely flowers at the lunch thanks to Vagisil.

I wondered how intimate this lunch would get? Would there be mirrors passed around so that I and others can look at our own vaginas? Would there be puppets of vaginas so that we can learn about where it all lives and how to care for this brilliant part of the body. I know that sounds very strange but I had no idea what the lunch would be and knew the topic was vaginas so it did get my brain racing.

Look how pretty the table was for our amazing lunch and great company. Thanks to Vagisil for the great event.

As I mentioned I was hesitant to attend, I thought for a long time. Why am I so worried? The vagina is not a bad thing. It is a marvel. Men and boys seem to be super proud of their penis so why shouldn’t girls and women be proud of their vaginas (Maybe there should be a proud vagina movement. If there is one already I had no idea). The more women talk to other women about what is normal and happening to them, the more they will understand it is okay.

In the end the lunch was nice. I met some lovely ladies, had amazing food in a fabulous location (It was at The Grounds in Alexandria, Sydney. If you have never been you will love the place. It was HUGE, a hidden little Mediterranean like farm in the middle of the city. They had farm animals for kids to look at and such an amazing amount of greenery.) All my concern over the topic of the lunch was not to be. It ended up with interesting conversation from Dr Ginni and then others joined in so we all learnt more. Very enjoyable!

Did you know?

“An astonishing 1.8 million Australian women suffer with vaginal dryness. That’s close to 1 in 4 of us.”

Take the quiz to learn more.

I too had to answer these questions while at my lovely lunch. I also learnt that I knew more about the vagina than I thought. Amaze yourself and see how much you already know.

“A study found that of the 1.8 million women who suffer from dryness…

31% experience it more than once a week

17% experience it every 2 or 3 weeks

51% don’t use any product to treat it”

If you are one of these women that do get vaginal dryness then Vagisil has a solution for you. They have created a new product called Vagisil ProHydrate Plus Internal Hydrating Gel, this new product mimics a woman’s natural moisture and offers relief for up to three days. As you will see from the quiz, vaginal dryness does not have anything to do with age. It affects all ages. It could be as simple as stress, medicines that you are taking that throw off your internal pH levels, soaps, body washes, tight clothing, hormonal imbalances and menopause.

Vagisil have created some fabulous health videos which is a brilliant free resource. They feature Dr Adelaide Nardone who answers your questions about why pH matters, causes and also gives you helpful remedies.

This lunch really made me realise that I too was afraid of talking about the vagina. How do girls and women learn what is supposed to be normal if we never discuss it with our daughters, mums and friends. You can see from the statistics that there is a lot of women out there that are not talking about this issue.

A close up of the pretty flowers at the lunch.

Dr Ginni Mansberg, Kimba from Kimba Likes and of course me at the lunch.

Be kind to you.

Make sure you talk to your friends, your doctor about any changes that you notice.

Don’t suffer in silence.

Don’t be in pain.

Live life well and if you need help get it.

Shelly Horton and Dr Ginni talk about all the things you are worried about. “Additionally, research shows that vaginal dryness is most likely to affect women during sexual activity. Among the women studied …

76% experienced dryness during sexual activity
69% found dryness most bothersome during intimacy”

The yummy desserts at the lunch. I had to have all 3.... Yes naughty I know. — The yummy desserts at the lunch. I had to have all 3…. Yes naughty I know.

Do you discuss things with mates? Or family? If not are you more comfortable talking with your local doctor?

Have you noticed that there is a generational change with this topic? Maybe your older relatives will avoid any topic that has vagina in it and the younger ones are not bothered?

Let us know what has happened to you.

Thanks so much to Claire and Vagisil for the invite to this great event. I had a great time and learnt a lot. I hope you have as well.

Wednesday Wisdom

Lately Everything is A Mad Rush

Post author By Suzanne Robinson
Post date May 18, 2016
No Comments on Lately Everything is A Mad Rush

Do you feel that you are racing around just to get everything done? Does it always seem like a mad rush?

Well if you can say YES to this I hear you.

I have felt like this for a while now that I am running around trying to get everything done and not really get much done at all.

Taking time for you and to enjoy your own company is great. I love the silence and peace that this gives me. When I get to do it. Image found on Pinterest.

Things that have been done:

Kids cared for
Kids taken and picked up from school
After school activities organised, paid for and driven kids to and from them
Cared for baby
Shopped for food and essentials at supermarket
Got birthday present for my mother in law
Washed clothes and now trying to fold and put them away
Cleaned kids room about million times. No point with this one as in seconds it is back to the destruction it was in before it was tidied up
Cook dinners for everyone
Pack lunches for kids
Check the mailbox for important mail (mainly checking for birthday presents to arrive, oh and a wedding anniversary gift)
Make sure that all excursions have been paid for and notes signed

I know there is more to add to this list but some things are a blur so I might have forgotten something important.

Just relax and breathe in good vibes..... and breathe out bad vibes! Image found on Pinterest — Just relax and breathe in good vibes….. and breathe out bad vibes! Image found on Pinterest

Racing around in the window of time that I have to myself never seems to get everything done. I did try and tidy up the bathroom in-between hanging clothes on the line. However I had to have the baby in the garden with me so was keeping an eye on him while doing some jobs.

When I get some time for me to just sit in silence and not race around I feel a little on edge. I think this is due to being on the go all the time and the constant activity and noise of now three kids. Sometimes it takes a while to just chill out, relax and just be.

I currently have a very sore neck and shoulders; It is rather painful. I tend to hold all my annoyance and stress in my shoulders, jaw and neck. I have tried massage, hot showers and the chiropractor. Maybe I need all three? Or a nice Queensland holiday that allows me to be on the beach, sleep in and rest might be just what is needed.

How do you try and relax?

I try and watch some of my favourtie television shows or go for a walk on my own. Yes walking all by myself without kids is great (I need to wait till a weekend to do this as hubby needs to mind the kids). I also like to take myself off to a cafe for brunch or maybe to the movies to watch a film that I have wanted to see.

The Child Development Institute has a great list to help parents manage their stress. Why not check out some ideas that might help you next time or now if you are needing some relaxation time.

Taking the time to relax is very important. It is good for your health and of course relationships.

Do you find it takes more time to relax than it used to? I truly believe due to being constantly on the go it takes the body more time to rest and de-stress. What about you?

I know it is hard but I do think we need to cut back on things and activities. I would just love to come home after school pick up and just be. I have also tried to make things a bit easier for me by doing some organising the night before. This means less stress in the morning and an easier start to the day. How do you make things easier for you when you are extremely busy?

Yep although I have my worries and annoyances, I have so many blessings that I am very grateful for. Image found on Pinterest.

Wednesday Wisdom

Creating My Own Sunshine

I have had about 3 or more weeks fighting a bad cold, to then get very bad hay fever. I am over the feeling unwell and sneezing and I do feel zapped of energy and motivation. However in my messy house currently I am hoping to do some things for me. Due to being unwell, I have felt rather down and depressed. Silly but not unreasonable given the circumstances.

I am hoping to create some of my own sunshine to allow me to shine and feel good and happy. A bit of me time for my projects will allow this. Now to go and clean the dining room table to get stuck into my project. Image found on Pinterest.

I am hoping to get some sewing done to cheer me up. I am planning on doing some skirts for the girls, a skirt for me and pajama pants for myself as well. (yes something for myself). However this project for me and of course the kids has not happened due to trying to get some housework done. By the time I whiz about and do the odd jobs I never get time for my things. Do you find this happens? I especially need a pick me up now due to being a bit out of sorts.

Don’t worry I am on the mend and hope all is getting better, however I am still sniffling due to hay fever I think and hope the cold is well and truly gone!

It is not grey hair, it is sparkles in your hair.

The other day Julia was looking at my hair. She must have spied a grey hair. I don’t have many and only about two, but loved what Julia called them. She said that they were sparkles in my hair. I would rather have sparkles than grey hair and thought that this is a nicer way of describing grey hair. So all of you that have grey hair, you have sparkles in your hair.

This made me smile and of course is another lovely thought to add to the sunshine in my day. It has also reminded me it is time to dye my hair again due to more sparkles appearing. Yes I would like to avoid sparkles for a bit longer if I can.

Stop worrying about your stresses and focus on your blessings.

Lately I have been thinking about the troubles and stresses in my life and not looking at all that is good. I am very blessed and lucky for what I have. I need to stop worrying and just be. Do you do this as well? I know I DO!

What do you do to let more sunshine into your day? Do you meditate, relax, have a chat with mates, have some quiet time, sit in the garden, have flowers to look at, or do a bit of your favourite hobby? Maybe reading a good book is just what the doctor ordered?

Let us know what you do and maybe others will be inspired as well. Send in your comments.

Tags blessings, creating my own sunshine, feeling good, hay fever, hayfever, hobbies, me time, not feeling well, relaxing, sewing, sick, stress, stresses, time out, wisdom, worry

How well do you know the vagina?

The vagina should be acidic?

It’s normal to have a discharge from the vagina?

A smelly vaginal discharge means a STI

Nasty bugs thrive in a moist vagina

Douching is the best way to combat a stinky vagina

The best treatment for a dry vagina is washing with soap

You shouldn’t use hand or body lotion to moisturise the vagina

Only older women suffer with vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can be caused by performance anxiety, stress, menopause, hormonal imbalances, exercise, using perfumed soaps and body wash, wearing certain underwear can cause vaginal dryness.

Have you ever had a dry vagina?

For those who said yes, what do you think was the cause? (performance anxiety, stress, menopause, hormonal imbalances including breastfeeding, exercise, using perfumed soaps and body wash, wearing certain underwear)

Have you ever had bad vaginal discharge?

Australians are having as much sex as they would like.

Half of vaginal dryness sufferers don’t use any products to relieve their dryness

31% experience it more than once a week

17% experience it every 2 or 3 weeks

51% don’t use any product to treat it”