blog - the knowledge board

We All Sleep 0

There are approximately 7.7 billion people on this planet. Each of us have unique characteristics that distinguish us from the next. We celebrate this individuality through expression of our passions. But what do we all share? The need for sleep. On average, a human will sleep for a total of 25 years. That’s about ⅓ of your life!

Sleep is crucial to our existence. A lack of sleep is directly related to issues maintaining healthy weight, onset of diabetes, cardiovascular function, and immune system performance. Studies show that not getting adequate sleep increases mortality risk by 15%.

Not only are there physical consequences, but depriving your body of sleep can be emotionally damaging as well. The benefits of sleep are profound. Some of the most important are stress reduction, memory improvement and a reduced risk of depression.

Summer Solstice 2017 — a Time of Renewal 0

I awoke with great excitement this morning! It is Wednesday, June 21, 2017 — the Summer Solstice.

I rushed to the kitchen at 4:00am — and oh, by the way, this is a rare occurrence in my world — to make my first cup of Starbucks French Roast coffee. Standing at my kitchen window, I could hear the birds chirping, early for them I thought. They must have been excited too, to greet this morning of the longest day of the year.

Pressing the button on my single-serve, the elixir of life poured into my daughter's EVE cup (WALL-E), which I bought for her on her 16th birthday but have since claimed as my own. What more fitting a cup for this day, as it was EVE who's mission it was to go to the long-since evacuated barren planet Earth to look for life. There, she befriends WALL-E, and while visiting him, finds the only single living plant which WALL-E had been nurturing from a seedling he had found while shoveling garbage. It's one of the best movies I've ever seen. Creatively, it is extraordinary. But the story line is a cautionary tale, conceived, written and directed by Andrew Stanton, of the need for mankind to leave Earth because humans had destroyed the planet, leaving no organic life.

I believe many of us fear that if we do not honor this planet, that we may indeed destroy it. And I guess maybe I feel a little bit like EVE, searching for organic life. 

So here's the really fun part — the reason I'm so excited. This morning, at 5:19am, at the moment of sunrise here in Newtown, CT (Eastern Time/Northern Hemisphere) we launched the "new" and improved livewell website. Five years to the day that marked our official first launch.

While I was very sad to see the old site go, our new design has far better functionality, ease of navigation, and all those other important features to help our customers find their favorite products. 

It's been a great 5 years. I have enjoyed building this "idea" and making it a reality. The idea of living a healthier life and helping others do the same. By bringing the purest and healthiest products available into one place. Healthy lifestyle brands that speak to whole body and life health. The staff and I have taken the guesswork out of finding great products. We've done the research so you don't have to. We believe our customers have grown to trust us. I've enjoyed talking to so many of you on the phone in your search for the best skincare, the purest vitamins, or the perfect sheets, pillows and so much more.

About Summer Solstice:
The summer solstice occurs when the sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer, or 23.5° north latitude. In 2017, this will occur at exactly 12:24 am (Eastern) on the 21st.

Cultures throughout the world celebrate this day, each celebrate for their own reasons and attach their own meaning. For me, it is a spiritual day of renewal. The longest day of the year. What will I achieve today? How will I affect change? Who will I make smile today? A reflective day of creating a better me. As I pressed the launch button, I held my Apophyllite Crystal in my right hand, and prayed for peace and healing within myself and the planet. And I prayed for the continued progress of livewell, as a business and as a mission.

About Apophyllite

Here is a fun article from Time Magazine on ways the world celebrates the Summer Solstice. 

A little more information from Vox

Wishing you a bright, enjoyable and sunshiny (very long) day! Anne

The trampoline workout 0

Hop to it livewellers! The new exercise trend is the trampoline workout.

I am always looking for new and fun ways to exercise, and when I came across this new way to get my cardio in, I was excited by how fun it looked.

Aside from how enjoyable it is, it’s also efficient. Ten minutes on the trampoline is equal to 30 minutes on the treadmill.

The trampoline has benefits on the joints as well because it is low impact. The trampoline absorbs 80% of the shock when you are performing. This alleviates pressure on your back and also allows for quicker recover between sessions.

Jump workouts are a way to tighten and tone your core muscles and do cardio at the same time.

The trampoline workout incorporates a lot of the same strength training exercises we do in fitness classes, the only difference is that they are done on the trampoline. The trampoline moreover provides a full body workout. Because you are constantly required to maintain your balance you are engaging all your muscles through out the course of your class.

The trampoline is affordable and transportable. You can buy one today for around 50 bucks then take it into your office, or wherever and start bouncing the calories away.

How being a Morning person can positively affect your health 0

Get up and get started liveweller!

I know it can be really hard to get out of bed, but you have to, and if you are willing to start your day just a little bit earlier you can achieve so much more.

Studies show that people who wake up earlier are more productive, more likely to workout, in better moods, and have higher energy levels.

            It is more likely that you will be more productive in the morning as opposed to later in the day, because it is quieter. You also have more time to get things done. Giving yourself more time in the mornings allows you to get things done that you normally wouldn’t have time to do and if you wake up later in the day. Getting up and and start moving, and it is more likely that you will keep that momentum through out the course of your day.

            Being able to not rush and concentrate on task at hand puts the mind at ease and allows for relaxed mind frame.

            Those who wake up earlier are also less likely to skip their workout. When you wait till later in the day to workout, it is easier to make excuses and not make it to the gym. Also earlier risers tend to eat healthier than those who wake up later.

            Early risers are also in better moods, are happier and have a more positive outlook on things. This can be due to the fact that their schedules, being that it allows for greater productivity, lead to a sense of accomplishment. Something they can be proud of.

            Lastly early birds have higher energy levels. They have had time to enjoy their morning coffee, and have a good breakfast. Also if they had time to exercise they also have a nice boost in endorphins.

            Waking up early gives you a head start. While the rest of the world is sleeping you are working on bettering yourself and doing things that are beneficial to you. The secret is you have the time to do these things and those things contribute to your over health because they are good for you.

Wake up and smell the coffee livewellers!

Stress and your health 0

Personally, I have never been under more stress in my life than I have been this year. As a result it has affected the overall health of my mind and body. I’m sure many of you can relate, so for the benefit of my fellow livewellers and myself I sought ways to pull myself out of that funk and get back in the saddle. Here’s what I did and what I still do when I am feeling a bit (ok very) stressed out.

1. Find out what is stressing you. Sometimes we are stressed about daily obligations but getting specific about what is truly bumming you out is key. You can say, “Oh its just school” or “Oh its just work” but is it more than that? Ask yourself if it is a specific person, incident, or problem at school or work that is stressing you out.
2. If you are stressed over things that are pending, my advice is don’t think about it. It has been said that if someone is feeling anxious it is because he or she is living in the future, and if someone is depressed than he or she is living in the past. But if you can just get yourself to stay present in the moment that you are in then you should feel content.
3. Working out. It releases endorphins. Working out has benefits on the mind, not just the body. Personally, I find that when I am running I am able to clear my mind and relax a bit. Put that stress into good use.
4. Talk about it. I like to get my feelings out. If I am going through something in my life I absolutely need to lay my burdens on friends or family. I have never seen a therapist, but for those of you who are more private, talking to professional could also be an option.
5. Get busy. Honestly I am busy girl and I don’t have much of choice, but I like to throw myself into my work. I have obligations that will not stop regardless of what is going on in my personal life and I find that committing to these obligations, even in trying times is an effective way to get your mind off of things and maintain routine.

I know that these suggestions are easier said than done, but it is worth a serious try. Our mental health is so important and it would be a shame to let life beat us down. Things happen and that’s ok because success is how you react to the challenges in your life.

The benefits of oil on your skin 0

Oils are not new to my arsenal of beauty products, as I often use it in my hair before blow-drying or heat styling. However, what is new is that I am using oils on my face too.

For those of you who have not already heard about the benefits of oil on the skin I know you reading this with feelings of uncertainty, but you can trust me, and here’s why.

Usually, I find that when this knowledge is passed around the first group of people to raise concerns are those who have oily skin. Contrary to popular belief putting oil on your skin actually helps combat oily skin. If you are putting oil on your skin, then there is no longer a need for your body to produce more. Makes sense right?

Cleansing oils can also be used to clean the skin. Oils are a great way to remove stubborn makeup and skin impurities. Personally, I like to follow up with soap and water, but I do think using oils to cleanse and remove makeup is an effective first step and makes for more efficient nighttime routine.

Applying oil to your face at bedtime can also help decrease signs of aging. Oils reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as a result of the antioxidants and other anti aging ingredients in the product. The Aubrey Age-Defying Therapy serums, found on our website, is a blend of two forms of sea buckthorn oil with moisture rich jojoba oil. This organic formula calms and rehydrates dry, stressed skin and protects it from environmental stresses like over exposure to sun and air pollution.

Oils also provide us with that glowing look. Putting oils on your face will give you that radiant look we are looking for.

These are my top reasons for using oil on your skin, but if you still need a little bit more convincing or are looking for benefits of oil beyond skin care I have added some additional tricks and tips bellow.

1. Oil can make your perfume last longer
2. Use oil on your body right when you get out of the shower for smooth skin all over
3. Apply oil to nail polish for added shine and softer cuticles and
4. Add a little bit to your shampoo and conditioner for silky smooth hair

So go out and buy some oil already, because you are missing out on all these awesome benefits by the second. Ask a dermatologist or skin specialist which oils will work best for your skin type and personal needs, and you will be on your way to healthier skin. The results will pleasantly surprise you.