Natural Healing

Sure, I’m sick. But that doesn’t mean I want to swallow brightly-colored pills filled with who-knows-what. I’m determined to get better in time for Sunday’s marathon- and to do it naturally.

I tried to go to yoga this morning. That wasn’t a good idea. My body was so weak that I couldn’t even hang in ragdoll or do anything without feeling like I was going to pass out. It was rough but I’m glad I at least tried!

After yoga I headed to Ryan’s house where she prepared me an amazing smoothie and raw meal. It was to-die-for, really… but you’ll have to wait for the photos since I forgot my camera ;) The healthy food and good conversation made me feel tons better. Sometimes good friends can be like therapy… and I believe a positive attitude can change my health, too.

On the way home I stopped by Whole Foods for my own anti-sick kit.

- O.N.E. Coconut Water (hello, electrolytes!)

- Echinacea and Gypsy Cold Care Herbal Tea

- Quick Defense (I really hope this helps because it sounds amazing!)

- Lots and lots of water!!!

For good measure I also took two spoonfuls of  bee pollen. I eat mine with applesauce to dull the distinct flavor of bee pollen.

The last ten miles of my last marathon were extra challenging because I severely lacked a game plan. I was unprepared for the last miles. As a result I “checked out” and walked (when I could have run). I still regret that so I am making sure this weekend’s marathon is different.

I wrote out my goal and my game plan to get there. I will run the marathon in 4:45, essentially. My main focus is to push even when I’m tried. The last miles of a marathon are a mental battle and I need to be prepared. I wrote out the below to be testament. I’ll be sure to review it plenty before the race! After all, there’s no time like the present- I am going to push hard and be proud!

I expect to blog before the race. If not, you can track me here. My full name is Ashley Sickles. Happy running!

What natural methods do you use when you’re sick?

Do you play any mind tricks for your challenging events?

Spotlight: Find Your Balance

Every so often I come across a blog that stays in my mind- a blog that inspires me and challenges me to be a little better, to push a little harder towards my goals.

So last month I began a Spotlight feature here on healthy ashley to shine some light on a few of these blogs just in case you haven't yet found them yourself.

The first Spotlight was on Oh She Glows, found here.

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Meet Michelle:

A few weeks ago I found her awesome blog Find Your Balance and have been stalking her ever since. Her clean, crisp site draws you in with tons of info, recipes, tips and fun! But I would expect nothing else from Michelle- you can just tell she is insanely sweet, positive and lovable. We could be very best friends.

Plus she has my dream job as a health counselor and yoga teacher. Pretty cool, right?

Michelle has gone through a little health makeover that really inspires me. But I’ll let her tell you about that:

What changes have you made to lead a healthier life? Why?

I started paying attention to what I was consuming and how it was affecting me. Like, one time I noticed that eating pancakes for breakfast would almost immediately require taking a nap afterwards. Same with other sugary breakfast choices I’d typically eat for, say, Sunday brunch. So I stopped doing that and started having much more fun, active weekends! This sort of consciousness has brought about so much change for the better. I just wasn’t paying attention before, and wondered why I was so tired and sick! I also started doing yoga, which really feels good to my body. I love my yoga practice.

Any tips for someone thinking about making healthy changes in their own life?

Just start paying attention. Investigate your habits and choices. Learn about where your food comes from and what is in it. Just start playing detective and be open to trying new things and making changes as you learn.

Is there anything would you say to someone who is already pretty healthy but wants some extra healthy shazam (ex: a certain food? To drink tons more water? To go vegan one day every month?)? How to make the good better?

Haha that’s a good question. I find most people know at least 2 or 3 things they can be doing for themselves and their health, but maybe for some reason they aren’t doing it. That’s one of the ways I work with clients, to figure out what they know to be true about their health and help them accomplish their goals. What is something you could be doing for your health? Ask yourself and you’ll be surprised how much you already know. Sometimes it’s simple. I stopped drinking water after 8pm and now I don’t have my sleep interrupted by having to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. I sleep better and have more energy. Woohoo!

Your job looks amazing. As a health counselor and yoga teacher, what is a typical day like for you?

Well, I work mostly from home so I am either working with clients or doing some kind of marketing/blog writing while wearing comfy clothes and slippers. And there is almost always a cat sitting in my lap. Every day is different but I get out of the house for a walk or go to yoga daily. Then at night my husband comes home from work and we spend the evening together! It’s lovely.

Have you always worked as a health counselor and yoga teacher?

Oh no. I worked in advertising as an art director for many years. I knew I wanted to do something more meaningful though – something I was passionate about. It took some time to change careers but I’m finally doing what I love!

What advice can you share for someone wanting to start practicing yoga?

Find a teacher who rocks your world. Really. There are so many kinds of yoga but the only kind that matters is the kind you do and love. Start by taking different classes offered in your area and don’t be afraid to jump around and give different teachers a try. Maybe the 105 degree, hot, sweat-your-butt-off yoga is your thing. Maybe it’s not. Find out!

I have a little mental list of foods I would marry if it was legal (frozen mango, avocado, sweet potato fries and edamame). What foods would you marry?

Hmmm…first I’d date olive oil. Then I’d ultimately marry ghee. Ghee just smells so much better!

Now hurry over to her site because Michelle is hosting a contest for a great cookbook until April 8th!

ps- this is my 300th Post!!! Thank you to all my fantastic readers for reading all my rambles and supporting me!

Breaking Out... the bad way

This post is about skin issues... a topic I never thought I'd have to write about. Growing up and throughout my teens I always had clear healthy skin. Now in my 20s my skin turned into a mess overnight. I'm eating clean most of the time, getting tons of water, sleeping enough and exercising the same... but my skin is suddenly prone to breakouts for what seems to be no reason at all.

I've always used a face wash with benzoyl peroxide but decided I needed to switch up my skin care routine when breakout started popping up for no reason!

I tried to H20 Oil/Blemish Control Line, Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser and I even finally caved and ordered ProActiv.

The H20 and Aveeno products worked fairly well, but I still get breakouts... and that's not okay with me. The ProActiv line seems to do weird things to my skin. At first it cleared my skin and made it brighter... most of the skin is still clear except for alternating patches of breakouts. Very weird.

So...

I know this blog reaches many women... and many women with skin success stories of their own. Care to share any skin care tips or amazing products for a non-puberty-related case of bad skin?


**Edited to add: Sagan suggested taking a few days off wearing make-up. I don't wear any makeup, so that can't help me! :(

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