The busy lifestyle along with the frustrations that we face every day can cause considerable amount of stress in our lives. Stress can get to a point where we are not able to carry out our daily activities effectively as we should.

 In addition to finding ways to counter the stress, you can use some natural herbs to relieve the tension that comes with the stress to relax and work efficiently. Here are some of the natural herbs that you can use to relieve anxiety and stress

Passion flower

 Passion flower works well and very similar to some of the commonly used benzodiazepine medications in dealing with anxiety. Studies by University of Maryland Medical center has also shown that passionflower works just like oxazepam. However, unlike oxazepam, the passionflower does not cause drowsiness. Passionflower also deals with other stress related problems such as irritability and agitation.  You should take one cup of passionflower teach three times daily or 45 drops of its extract daily.

Lavender

Lavender oil extract is effective against anxiety related problems and does not cause any sedative effects on the user. It also well tolerated by people who have problems with benzodiazepines. A dosage of 80 mg a day of the supplement effectively deals with general anxiety. The oil can also be used as an aromatherapy solution.

Licorice root

This herb contains a natural hormone that works like cortisone. Cortisone is a hormone that   helps you handle the stressful situations.  Licorice root can normalize the blood sugar as well as your adrenals that help with dealing with stress. The root also calms the mind. You can use it with warm tea twice a day as a soothing tonic.

Kava

Kava is a Polynesian wonder herb that calms an anxious mind. The roots of the herb are brewed to create a drink that calms anxiety. It is a mind sedative that does not cause drowsiness or interrupt cognition. You can take a kava brew twice a day for better performance.

Chamomile

This is an amazing herb that works like ragweed. It can be brewed with tea or used as a supplement. It has been used over the years to calm tense nerves and ease the mind. It has a mild sedating quality and can be used to help those who have trouble getting asleep. You can take it with a cup of coffee by dropping a few flowers in your cup or brewing it with water. 

Plastics have become the most common form of packaging available today. This has created a problem where plastics have become an eyesore and detrimental to the environment. One way this problem can be dealt with is by re-using the plastic bags after you have used them.

There are a number of ways you can reuse the bags. They include:

Reuse them at the grocery 

 Most of the time, the sellers at your grocery will pack your vegetables in a new plastic bag every time you go shopping. You can avoid continuous use of plastic bags by going with your own plastic bags-the ones you had used earlier. You can clean them and reuse them again when you go shopping.

Protect your hands when cleaning and taking out trash

Yes we all have the task of cleaning the bathroom. If your gloves go missing in the process, you can slip your hands into plastic bags instead and do your cleaning. You don’t like taking out the trash with your bare hand, then grab a couple of plastic bags to keep your hands nice and tidy in the process. Plastic bags are good for both activities. You can use, clean and reuse the bags for similar work again.

 

 Line up cracked vessels such as vases and plant ports

You can use your bags to give your flower bases a new lease of life. If the flower vases or the potted plants are leaking but still good enough to be used, you can cover the leaking holes with plastic bags. You either line them on the inside or cover the holes with the plastic bags.

Collect your beach trash

A lot of trash is left along the beaches and parks. When going out for picnic or sunbathing, consider carrying a plastic bag to collect all your trash and throw it in the right bins. It is an easy way of protecting the environment. You can use the bags as part of the community cleanup program.

 Make decorative flowers

You can use your plastics to create decorative patterns for use in decorating your home. Mix different colors of bags cut in similar shapes and seal them with glue. It is an inexpensive way to decorate the room for even special function and every day decorations.

Start reusing every plastic bag that you have at home, but better yet take part in ending the use of plastic bags and begin using reusable bags on a regular basis. You will be taking part in making the world a greener place to live for everyone.

Human beings have used over a dozen essential oils over centuries. Not only are they effective in calming the mind, they are also great in relieving pain and treating several sicknesses.

The body absorbs natural substances like the natural oils and metabolizes them with ease. They are able to travel to the body organs without attaching to body tissues. Here are seven most popular healing essential oils.

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils. Apart from its great scent, it can be used to speed up the healing from stings, bites and cuts. You do not have to use carrier oil. You can apply it directly to the affected part.

Peppermint is used in cold relieving medicine to cool you off. It is also effective in in dealing with stomach problems as well as motion sickness. You can mix it with lavender oil and apply it on your temples to relieve migraines and headaches.

Eucalyptus oil is strong antispasmodic, antiviral, and antibacterial oil. You can use it by putting a few drops to a vaporizer or in a basin of steaming water. It clears and disinfects the lungs and nasal passages. You can also apply it in your cloth to keep inhaling it all day.

Tea tree is an effective antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial. The oil is added to carrier oil such as coconut oil and applied to a skin area that is infected by warts, infections, cuts, scrapes and insect bites. It can also be used together with aloe Vera gel to treat acne and dry skin. 

Rose is believed to be the ultimate woman’s oil. It is used to enhance hormonal balance. It is also good at treating problems to do with menopause and menstrual circles. Moreover, it is great in treating flaky skin

Clove oil is a strong antiseptic that is used in relieving earache, digestion problems, nasal congestion, and headaches. It is also an aphrodisiac that is useful in relieving stress. It can also treat bug bites and scrapes. Dilute it with carrier oil such as coconut oil before using it.

Frankincense can be used alone or combined with other oils for increased benefits. It helps kill cancer cells and deal with skin conditions like rashes and skin inflammation. The oil also helps in enhancing mental clarity, concentration, and focus

Generation Z is considered the future. As a result, it is important that they take necessary steps in order to make this world a better place to live. Climate change is considered the most concerned issue of this generation, therefore it is extremely important to involve Generation Z in order to combat climate change. Here is a list of 5 things that generation Z can do in order to help combat climate change.

Generation Z has the power and drive to get actively involved in different campaigns that focus on combating climate change. For example, they can contact the media and political representatives and tell them of the importance of  immediate action in the fight against climate change. In addition, Generation Z can remind legislators about steps that need to be taken in order to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases. Gen Z is 1/4 of the population so they have the political weight and power to influence politicians who promise the support of climate initiatives.

Generation Z grew up during the technology revolution. As a result, they are savvy in communications and making connections with these products. They are aware of being energy efficient and using electronic products that minimize the consumption of energy. This knowledge enables this generation to embrace the opportunities to contribute towards combating climate change. There are many energy efficient replacements available for products that we use on a daily basis. For example, fluorescent bulbs can be replaced by LED bulbs to save energy. It is up to Generation Z to bring the much needed change and educate the older generations about the energy efficient replacements available.

Garbage and landfills produce a lot of methane which is one of the potent greenhouse gases. If the this generation can trim its wasteful usage, they will be able to minimize the amount of waste that is dumped. As a result, they can reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Being responsible and incorporating recyclable packaging and practices is a vital and responsible option.

There are organizations that work hard to develop effective solutions which can combat climate change. Gen Z can support these organizations with their time or by donating their money. There are many organizations that have been established over the past decade that completely focus on methods and ways to combat climate change.

This generation will feel the brunt of the destruction that climate change will cause, but every generation has a responsibility to live a green lifestyle that will benefit all generations for years to come. 

What Is Happening to Our Oceans and Ways to Clean it Up

Would you head to a dirty beach with trash strewn all over it, the water all dirty and carrying all sorts of debris? Chances are you would avoid such a beach and go out of your way to find a clean one with clear waters. However, have you ever asked yourself why some beaches and waters are clean while others are not? Do you take a moment to think of how you can help clean it up and maintain it so?

Our oceans despite being an essential part of life support due to their stake in water cycling and oxygen production have undergone poor treatment from humans. This interferes with marine life and destroys the environment at the coast. Trash is not only an eyesore but also a pollutant and harms the water, marine wildlife and even the humans themselves who frequent these beaches and swim in such waters.  Oil spills are also a hazard to the ocean life and more often than not, many oil companies who cause them are not tasked with cleaning them up, punished in any way or enforced to employ measures that would prevent these spills.

 As a result we have ended up with oceans having polluted water, suffering marine animals and beaches that are an injury waiting to happen to those who frequent them. In fact, did you know that by 2050, if no action is taken, the ocean will contain more plastic than fish? Yes, you read that right. A report from World Economic Forum estimates that by 2050, plastics will exceed fish by weight if no drastic cleanup and maintenance measures are employed.  So, how can we clean up our oceans?

Learn About the Ocean

This will help you realize how your actions impact the ocean. By educating yourself on the ocean trash and pollutants issue and actions you can do to restore and protect the oceans, then sharing this information with friends and those around you, you are already taking the first step in clean up.

Be Cautious about Your Carbon Footprint

To save the oceans and prevent your contribution seek to always be conscious about energy using and the waste you create. Hence, be energy efficient, use fewer plastics as these end up as ocean debris and recycle, reuse and repurpose items as much as possible.

Responsible Ocean Travel

Be responsible on such travels and never throw anything overboard. During these explorations avoid buying anything that exploits marine life such as shark products and coral jewelry.

Always Clean Up After Yourself

Whether you are enjoying a day at the beach or just surfing and diving in the water, clean up afterwards. In fact, participating in local beach clean ups will give you great insight into this.

Support and Get Involved with Organizations Cleaning and Protecting the Ocean

This will help them in the clean up pollution efforts. By offering financial support, volunteering for advocacy and on other projects you can make a difference and inspire others to do the same.

Sales define the true meaning of ‘one man’s trash is another man’s come up.’ However, it is hard to find the items to repurpose or resell if you do not venture into garage sales and yard sales where you can find some truly exciting gems that you can transform to statement pieces either for your house or to resell at a handsome profit.  Since garage sales are often due to the owner’s need to get rid of clutter and make money in the process, most things are often dirt cheap so therefore carry your money in small denominations. Here are ideas on great repurposing items you can find at a garage sale:

Wooden Furniture

Cabinets, dining furniture, chests, bookcases and coffee tables are great buys that can be repurposed into a variety of furniture for your house, for example, turning a coffee table or chest of drawers into a bench, window seat or dressing table. You can also use crates, tables and boards to make a DIY bookcase that not only transforms your home but also, stores the books properly. However, avoid upholstered furniture as this can carry bedbugs and cost you money and stress afterwards.

Electronics

The main reason for buying electronic equipment that is not old is to resell especially if their brand is high. However, you can also buy electronics for repurposing by using the components to build other projects and repair the broken electronic equipment you have for less.

Old Windows

Buy charming old windows to use them as room dividers, flower boxes, to transform into a table or by making a message board among other numerous uses.

Décor Items

Buying fabrics, great picture frames, bowls, candle holders, table runners and other home décor items will help you turn your home into a warm stylish place decorated for very little money. Table runners make for great weaving projects. You can also repurpose fabrics and paints as well as transforming decorative items through a little creativity.

Linens

You can find great lines at a garage sale which you can then use to make chair covers, valances or pillows that you can decorate or embroider as you wish.

CDs

Buying a bunch of CDs at a small price is a great idea as you can use them to decorate a door or repurpose them for use as coasters, wind chimes, or make a bird bath among other creative ideas.

Boxes

Great sturdy boxes or pots are great foresight as you can turn the boxes into a striking storage container or stool and also, use them as plant displays. Pots can also make great planters which you can then arrange in an eye-catching manner.

Mason Jars

You can buy a number of mason jars cheaply and repurpose them for use as craft and bathroom storage or even use them, with a little creativity, as chandeliers.

So on your next trip to a garage sale, keep this list of eight items and take them home to repurpose and decorate on a budget.

You may have seen reports of green stadiums. That is not the only method through which sports persons, franchises, teams and management agencies are trying to make sports more eco-friendly in nature. Besides making efforts to save water, they have also embraced the go-green bandwagon through the efforts to increase recycling efforts, offset the travelling by starting green projects and using solar and wind energy among others. Here are several ways in which we can be more environmentally friendly in sports:

Use Green Cleaning Products

Sports uniforms tend to get incredibly dirty and hence use up a lot of water, energy and cleaning agents. To reduce the impact this has on the environment, use eco-friendly cleaning products and wash in cold water while also opting to line-dry in the sun as opposed to using a dryer all the time.

Use and Encourage Reusable Water Bottles

When playing sports, it is only natural to get rather thirsty and take water more often than usual as we are losing more through sweating. We should therefore be conscious of the impact plastic bottles make on the environment every time we buy bottled water and dispose it. Instead, we should get a reusable water bottle that we can use to carry water every time, refill and not dispose it off with every use. We should also encourage the use of such a bottle among the sports fraternity and teams across the board.

Take Homemade Snacks

To restore the energy used up in the course of playing, we often rush to buy snacks from the store which tend to create a lot of waste. Making homemade snacks instead and carrying them with us using a reusable container will help us reduce the amount of waste generated.

Reduce Carbon Footprint Due to Lots of Travel

Because sports events usually take place away from the home area as well, it is great to reduce the wastage of gasoline by opting for measures such as carpooling with other families, team members or friends to go watch a game or support one of your own. This saves time and gas as opposed to travelling separately.

Petition Sports Teams and Pro Sports Franchises

By making a case for environmentally friendly sports, we can petition sports, leagues, franchises and teams to implement energy efficiency measures, water efficiency projects such as water refill stations and water treatment plants, promoting increased recycling and to support their communities’ environmental programs.