Tea Time.

I've been re-evaluating and re-grouping the past few weeks. Having a doctor say you have hypertension at 25 will do that to you. We can't exactly trigger why this is happening to me at this particular time, but I am trying to make some lifestyle changes to combat the issue without going on drugs. The Doc asked me all the typical questions: Do you smoke? {heck no} -- Do you drink alcohol? {yes, but i would put myself into the occasional category} -- Do you exercise? {I have a furry exercise machine that requires at least 3 miles a day} -- Are you a heavy salt eater? {Not really, but I know its hidden in lots of food} -- Are you a heavy caffeine drinker? {Nope. I have approx 1/2 a cup of green tea a morning and maybe a coke every other day. My waterbottle is my friend.} --Are you under extra stress? {ding ding ding. unemployed, economy is in the toilet, they are re-plumbing my entire condo, etc.etc.}

This made me think and be amazed yet again by God's "plan" for each and every one of us. Perhaps by loosing my job it allowed me the time to go catch up on doctors visits and discover a potential serious problem before it became serious. Having more time for myself allows me to focus on the good and (try) to relax more and reduce stress & anxiety (as much as possible while job-hunting!)

One of the "eastern" methods I am trying is herbs. On a suggestion from a good friend, yesterday I went to a local "hippy" store and was lead towards Tulsi Tea.


Tulsi Tea, also known as "Holy Basil" is known across India as "The Queen of Herbs" and has been known as a sacred healing plant for 5,000 years. It has natural immune system benefits while also relieving the body's negative reaction to stress. So far so good. Tastes pretty delish to me.


I've also been having a hard time falling asleep at night. I tend to have all sorts of thoughts running through my head which gets me keyed up and then I can't catch those ZZZ's. The herbalist suggested that I try Peter Gillham's Natural Calm. Its a magnesium supplement. Apparently magnesium deficiency can lead to sleeplessness and anxiety. I tried it for the first time last night and slept like a baby!

Next step: finding a yoga studio. (Any triangle area suggestions are welcomed!)

Perhaps my lifestyle changes will help you identify issues in your own life and make some changes for yourself!