Unlocking the Benefits of Functional Medicine

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural and inevitable phase that all women go through at some point in their lives. It marks the end of fertility and the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Understanding the various aspects of menopause is crucial for women to navigate this transformative period with confidence and ease.

Breathing Pattern Disorders (BPD) can cause significant discomfort and disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can help improve your breathing and alleviate the symptoms of BPD. By understanding the science behind BPD and seeking the right diagnosis, you can embark on a journey towards better breathing.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the colon and rectum, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and rectal bleeding. While conventional medical treatments can provide relief, many individuals with ulcerative colitis are interested in exploring natural ways to manage their condition. In this article, we will discuss various strategies and lifestyle changes that may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through various techniques, including medication, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and natural management techniques for asthma.

Sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Not only does it restore our body and mind, but it also has significant implications for specific health conditions. One such condition is heart disease, a leading cause of death globally. Researchers have found a compelling connection between sleep and heart disease, highlighting the importance of quality sleep in maintaining heart health.

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our lives that is often overlooked. In our fast-paced and overly stimulated world, getting enough quality sleep has become a luxury for many. However, research has consistently shown that sleep is not only essential for our daily functioning but also plays a crucial role in our long-term health and well-being.

Food allergies and intolerances can significantly impact a person's quality of life. These reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful and reacts against them. Unlike allergies, intolerances do not involve the immune system but rather an inability to digest or process specific food components. While medical interventions exist to manage these conditions, many individuals prefer exploring natural methods. In this article, we will discuss various natural ways to manage food allergies and intolerances.

Antibiotics have revolutionised the field of medicine and have saved countless lives since their discovery. They are powerful drugs that have the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, thereby helping us to overcome various infections. However, our immune system, which is responsible for defending our bodies against harmful pathogens, plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder that affects a significant portion of the population. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, causes, and management is crucial for those who live with it or suspect they may have it. In this article, we will explore these aspects in detail.

In our fast-paced and busy lives, sleep often takes a backseat. However, prioritising sleep is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. Sleep plays a vital role in various aspects of our lives, from our physical and mental health to our emotional balance and productivity. Understanding the science behind sleep and its impact on daily functioning can help us realise why it should be a top priority in our lives.

Fatigue is a common complaint that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors and can have a significant impact on a person's daily functioning and overall quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and types of fatigue is crucial in managing it effectively. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of fatigue and provide insights into how to cope with it.

The importance of gut health goes far beyond digestion. Research has increasingly shown that the health of our gut plays a significant role in our mental well-being. In this article, we will explore the fascinating intricacies of the gut-brain connection and how improving our gut health can lead to better mood and mental health.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of the microbiome in human health. The microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that reside in our gut, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Understanding the microbiome is key to unlocking its power and improving our gut health.

Menopause is a natural transition that occurs in a woman's life as she approaches middle age. It marks the end of her reproductive years and comes with a variety of physical and emotional changes. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common ones include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While menopause is a natural process, managing its symptoms can be challenging. In this article, we will explore some natural ways to effectively manage menopause symptoms for women aged 40-60.

Iron deficiency and anaemia are two very common health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, they can lead to severe health problems and potentially even death. In this article, we will dive deep into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for iron deficiency and anaemia.

Constipation is a common digestive problem that affects millions of people around the world. If you're experiencing constipation, you understand the discomfort and inconvenience that comes with it. In this article, we'll explore the causes and symptoms of constipation and provide you with effective relief strategies to get your digestive system back to functioning optimally.

Food allergy and sensitivity testing is becoming increasingly common as more and more people experience issues with certain foods. If you've been experiencing symptoms such as hives, swelling, diarrhoea, and vomiting after eating certain foods, it may be time to consider getting tested. In this article, we'll take a closer look at everything you need to know about food allergy and sensitivity testing methods, including what they are, the types of tests available, and how to prepare for them.

Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even painful. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to improve the appearance of your skin and achieve a clear, glowing complexion. In this article, we will discuss expert tips for acne sufferers, including the causes and types of acne, skincare routines, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments.

Food reactions can be confusing and, in some cases, life-altering. Some people must be vigilant about which foods they consume, while others may experience mild discomfort. It can be difficult to understand whether you have a food allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance. In this article, we will decode the differences between these three types of food reactions and help you understand how to identify them.

Histamine intolerance may be a term that’s unfamiliar to many, but more and more people are now discovering that they may be suffering from this condition. This is because histamine is present in many foods and drinks, and can be produced by the body as well. When the body is unable to break down histamine properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms that can cause inconvenience and discomfort to the sufferer. In this article, we’ll outline what histamine intolerance is, its symptoms, and how to identify them.

Parasite infections are a common problem that affect millions of people worldwide. These infections can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe illness, and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In this article, we will explore what parasites are, how they enter the body, and the various symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods available for different types of infections.

Maintaining good health and wellness is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. Unfortunately, many of us neglect our health as we get caught up in the stresses of daily life. However, taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In this article, we'll explore some simple steps you can take to boost your gut health, mental clarity, and energy levels to help you feel your best.

Feeling tired all the time? Struggling to get through your daily routine without a pick-me-up? Fatigue is a common issue that affects millions of people across the world. But, did you know that there are natural supplements that can help? In this article, we'll explore the top natural supplements for fighting fatigue and boosting your energy levels.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. It helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Apart from its effects on bone health, research has shown that vitamin D also supports the immune system, improves mental health, regulates mood, and aids muscle function and performance. In this article, we will explore all the essential aspects of vitamin D, its benefits, sources, and deficiency.

If you’re living with diabetes or have concerns about your blood sugar levels, tracking your blood glucose is an essential part of your health care routine. It allows you to monitor how your body’s response to food, exercise, and other factors affects your blood sugar levels, giving you a better understanding of your overall health and wellbeing.

Candida overgrowth is a common issue that affects many people around the world. It is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the body, which can lead to a wide range of health problems. In this article, we will discuss the 10 warning signs of Candida Overgrowth that you should know about.

If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, you know just how debilitating these headaches can be. The pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea can make it difficult to do anything except lie in a dark room until the migraine passes. While there are many factors that can contribute to migraines, one that is often overlooked is gut health. Our gut health plays a critical role in nutrient absorption, inflammation, and overall health, all of which can impact migraine frequency and severity.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is becoming an increasingly popular way of eating for many people seeking improved health and weight loss. However, as with any dietary approach, there are both benefits and possible drawbacks to consider before embarking on an IF regimen.## Understanding Intermittent Fasting (IF)

Improving your digestion is essential for maintaining good health and overall wellbeing. Good digestion promotes proper absorption of nutrients and keeps your body functioning optimally. In this article, we will explore simple habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your digestion.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including nerve, muscle, and heart function. Despite its importance, many people do not consume enough magnesium in their daily diet, leading to magnesium deficiency. In this article, we will discuss what magnesium deficiency is, how to spot the signs, and why it matters.

Mental health has become a growing concern worldwide, with an estimated 700 million people suffering from mental disorders. While traditional psychiatric interventions such as medication and talk therapy have been the go-to methods for addressing mental health concerns, the limitations of these treatments have become more evident. With the rise of integrative and holistic approaches to healthcare, a new innovation, functional medicine, has emerged. By combining functional medicine with mind-body medicine, holistic approaches to mental health can provide individuals with a more comprehensive approach to mental wellness.

As women, we know that our hormones play a vital role in our health and wellbeing. From menstruation to menopause, hormonal changes are a natural part of the female experience. However, when these changes become imbalanced, it can lead to a host of health issues that affect our daily lives. In this article, we will explore how healthy lifestyle interventions can support hormonal balance and promote vitality and wellbeing for women of all ages.

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that affect our health in many ways. One of the most significant changes is in our body composition, which refers to the different proportions of fat, muscle, and bone in our bodies. Maintaining a healthy body composition is crucial for healthy ageing, as it can impact our physical and mental well-being in numerous ways. In this article, we will explore the role of body composition in healthy ageing, and the different factors that influence it.

Maintaining a healthy body composition is essential to achieving optimal health outcomes. Body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density are just a few factors that contribute to body composition, and advanced body composition analysis techniques can provide a more thorough understanding of these factors. In functional medicine, body composition analysis is an integral part of the diagnostic and treatment process. In this article, we will explore the benefits of advanced body composition analysis techniques, such as DEXA, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and 3D body scanning, and their role in functional medicine.

Managing chronic illness can be a daunting task, especially if conventional medicine has been unsuccessful in providing relief for your symptoms. However, there is hope in the form of functional medicine. This approach to healthcare looks at your body as a whole system, rather than just addressing individual symptoms. Here are some of the benefits of functional medicine for chronic illness management.

Mother and Daughter's Retreat!

When: May 6-8, 2016

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Why: For You and Your daughter to Relax, Reflect and Recharge!

This Retreat is now SOLD OUT!

Escape the hustle bustle of daily life, and join me on this rejuvenating getaway! Camp Salamander is a quiet and private Retreat located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California.

Mother and Daughter's Retreat!

When: Friday October 9, 2015 at 6:00 pm - Sunday October 11, 2015 at 12:00 pm

Where: Santa Cruz, California

Why: For You to Relax, Reflect and Recharge!

This Retreat is now SOLD OUT!

Escape the hustle bustle of daily life, and join me on this rejuvenating getaway! You will wake up to the smell of salty air as the fog drifts among the pine and eucalyptus trees and fall asleep to the crash of the waves. The stunning beach house where I am hosting this Retreat is brand new and the view from the upper deck is amazing.

Last Friday, my children and I picked Daddy D up at the train station. We see him walking at a distance and see that he is carrying something.

- Is it a flower? says V.

- No, I don't think so, I reply.

- You didn't ask him to buy a flower, Mum, so it's probably something else, says O.

It was something else he came carrying. It was not a flower.

It's almost the weekend again. I'm going offline. All weekend. It will be so nice! The computer will not be used and the phone will be on flight mode. I wonder if I can do that?

Thought of the day:

Do you ever go offline?

This article is part of The 50 day challenge, where I challenge myself to write an article a day for 50 days! The articles can be about anything, short or long, but I can't miss a single day!

What a neat word, energy creatures! We live in a world full of energy and we ourselves are also part of that world.

Earlier today, during a work project, I really felt how this energy clearly can change and how quickly it can happen. For a few days we have been sitting 10 people in a large office and there has been a very positive energy, despite a boring project. We've been working on it and somehow made the boring feel okay. Now, as the project draws to a close, we are suddenly told that we will not be reimbursed for the last day. Because we have worked so well, the tasks will end earlier than expected. When this news reached us in the office, it was as if the air had completely gone out of the room. You could almost feel the energy. Everyone started to work more slowly, the positive spirit just disappeared and no one felt motivated to do a good job anymore. The damage was already done when the employer found out how we, who were working, were taking it all. Despite attempts by the employer to repair the damage, it made no difference to the energy in the room.

I wasn't surprised this morning when I woke up and realised I had caught a bad cold! It's almost comical! I have had and have a huge stress load from various sources and the sum of these has broken down my immune system and after a few bad nights sleep, the cold breaks out. When I don't give my body the opportunity to rest and recover it immediately punishes me, bam! And I am grateful! Grateful because I am so sensitive and because I know how my body works.

The 6 basic principles, initiated by Paul Chek, are based on creating a balance between yin and yang. The yin principles consist of diet, hydration and sleep, while the yang principles consist of breathing techniques, positive thinking and movement. The 6 basic principles for a healthy lifestyle are described in more detail in my previous blog series: Introduction, Diet and Fluid Balance, Sleep, Positive thinking, Movement and Breathing Techniques and Discussion.

It has been raining and the sky has been grey for many, many days now. It affects me and it affects others. Fortunately, I can find one pleasure in the autumn weather and that is to light candles, lots of candles, to make it as cosy as it can get when there is autumn debris outside. And just before bedtime, it's almost a must to curl up on the couch wearing a fluffy sweater with a warm cup of tea on my lap.

I think Christmas is the best holiday of the year! I love Christmas! I am NOT going spend my time online in front of Facebook or reading emails on Christmas Eve itself. I'm going to spend time with my husband, my kids and my niece. I'm hoping for the perfect Christmas ham, sunshine and lots of quality time together. There will be homemade food, classic games such as yatzy, cards and monopoly and of course Donald Duck. I need to see Ferdinand smelling his flowers before Santa arrives. Because Santa is important and I really hope he finds his way here because only good children live here!

Some days are completely impossible. To do lists are long and numerous, the phone rings, important emails pop up that need a quick response, the mobile phone beeps countless times, daydreams take over, meetings interrupt the writing when it's flowing best etc etc.

The ability to focus and be present is the key to good productivity, at work and in everyday life. To focus is to narrow your attention to something specific, to keep your eyes on a specific goal. It is the key to concentration, efficiency and clarity. The problem is that attention is a limited resource and distractions are all around us. There are many different things competing for our attention all the time, and that poses a bigger problem today than ever before. The brain is not built to "have too many balls in the air" all the time.

You can use your gut in many different ways, but one thing is for sure, you should never defy it. That's one of my basic principles.

A simple example from earlier today was when I came back after leaving the kids at school and preschool. As I entered the kitchen, my gut told me to check the bags from the US one more time, because that's where the missing Manuka honey lie. I don't know why my intuition was giving me these signals at the time, but I did what my intuition told me to do. And sure enough, at the bottom of one of the bags in another bag lies the honey! Just like that. As I had thought and searched before without getting anywhere. And how appropriate that it turned up just today, as the girls and I are struggling with a sore throat.

The biological evolution is going on all the time, albeit at a very slow pace. We humans, like all other living things, change over time by natural selection whether we like it or not.

Another type of evolution that is more evident in today's society is the cultural one, how we learn new things and how we use our bodies and interact with each other based on learned information. This is also a type of evolution that affects us greatly.

The snow disappeared the day after it came, and it was once again grey and dreary outside. Instead of fussing about the weather, I thought I'd write a few lines about the stress of everyday life.

There is so much stress in the background of our lives today, I like to compare it to programmes that you don't use, but that makes the computer get warm and buzzy. You can turn these programmes off so your computer doesn't run out of battery quicker than necessary. The same goes for you and me. Get rid of the noise and focus on what's important. How do you do that, people usually ask me. There are different ways, of course, but I recommend that everyone meditate regularly, take walks in nature or just lie on the sofa for a while without anyone/anything disturbing them. It clears your mind and makes it easier to recharge properly! It's all about finding a way that works for you. After all, we're all different!

This is the third week in a row that I am home with sick children. Nothing serious, but still so much that it doesn't work to be in school or kindergarten. Combining VAB (short for taking care of sick children in Sweden) with starting up the business here in Sweden is not optimal. It's not easy to tick off meetings and phone calls when the youngest has a fever of 40 degrees. The idea is to be able to stay at home in Sweden when the children are sick, but unfortunately I haven't gotten into that system yet, and will be completely without income these days. And now there are a lot of VAB days coming up, we seem to be catching every autumn virus that exists in our vicinity.

This is part 6 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles of a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Introduction (1/6), Diet and Hydration (2/6), Sleep (3/6), Positive thinking (4/6) and Movement and Breathing Techniques (5/6).

The 6 basic principles work very well when building your health from within. To find the balance between yin and yang, you need to work as much on the basic yin principles: diet, hydration and sleep as on the basic yang principles: breathing techniques, positive thinking and movement. Of course, this is easier to do in theory than in practise. As I wrote earlier, it's easiest to start by making sustainable changes where you feel your resistance is easiest to overcome and then keep working from there. And again, don't make too many changes at once, let it take time!

It's time to boost my energy for autumn! During my Detox Light, I not only focus on diet, but I also make sure that movement, meditation and sleep are priorities. Every day for 3 weeks, the following is on the schedule:

Movement: 30 min

Meditation: 15 min

Sleep: 8 h

I do not specify the type of movement or meditation or when during the day this is done. I try to listen to the body and adapt to the mood of the day. A detox should not be too difficult, because then it is easy to give up.

In my calendar today "Meeting with Johanna" was booked. Unfortunately, I did exactly what you absolutely should not do. I ignored that meeting and did something that I felt was more urgent. I tried to catch up and tick off things on my long to do list instead. Now I'm sitting here at night wondering how I could have been so stupid. That to do list will always be there, just with slightly different content from day to day. I would never ignore and disregard a meeting with someone else if it is booked in my calendar, so why did I not prioritise the meeting with myself today?

Saturday morning I woke up in the middle of a dream. I was on a peninsula surrounded by warm coral blue water. There I was snorkelling and the most beautiful fish I had ever seen were swimming around me. It was so peaceful, beautiful and warm. A real paradise.

But I was only there in my dream, slowly waking up to another reality.

This is part 4 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles for a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Introduction (1/6), Diet and Hydration (2/6), Sleep (3/6), Movement and Breathing Techniques (5/6) and Discussion (6/6).

We all have our own set of values that we live by, even if we are not always good at describing them clearly. Values represent the needs we have that must be met in order to live a meaningful life - they define how we want to live our lives. It is only when our lifestyle is in line with our values that we can be truly happy. So take the time and opportunity to question whether you are living your life in a way that makes you happy.

If the days go by too fast and you feel like you can't keep up, hit the pause button for a while! You need to stop by every now and then to check in and see how you're doing and how you're feeling! It's just at that moment when you feel you don't have time to do this that you really need to do it. The pause button is the best button ever invented. Sit down for a while, turn off the outside world, call it meditation if you like, and breathe. Give your body and mind time to just be for a while. Feel how your body feels. Are you tense somewhere? Does it hurt all over? Or does it feel very good? Are you happy? Do you feel sad? All feelings are okay, accept what is.

This is part 3 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles for a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Introduction (1/6), Diet and Hydration (2/6), Positive thinking (4/6), Movement and Breathing Techniques (5/6) and Discussion (6/6).

Through evolution, our bodies have been designed to follow natural rhythms. For example, the movement of the sun, moon and earth affects our hormonal rhythms. When the sun rises, it triggers hormones in our bodies that make us wake up in the morning and when the sun sets, it triggers hormones that affect our recovery function during the night.

I am often struck by how a situation or event can be perceived in such different ways depending on who you ask. Most of the time we only assume how we think in a situation when something happens to us, we rarely think about how the other party thinks and feels in the same situation.

Exactly 4 years ago I wrote about this very thing - that everyone should put themselves in the shoes of the other person and try to see what he/she/they see: Yoga Sutras - Thoughtful words about knowing yourself.

This is part 2 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles for a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Introduction (1/6), Sleep (3/6), Positive thinking (4/6), Movement and Breathing Techniques (5/6) and Discussion (6/6).

Diet and hydration can dramatically affect your energy levels and biochemical composition, which in turn affects your emotional and mental reality. When our diet is deficient, there is simply not enough energy or focused thought activity to initiate or sustain the changes needed for us to take good care of ourselves. My recommendations based on my own experiences are to vary and rotate the diet, to use only "real" food and to make it as simple as possible so that it works in real life, to eat 5 times a day and to always eat as much as you need.

Now I've been out and about at two different events and picked up a lot of inspiration! However, I find it incredibly interesting that they choose to have such a clear division of content at HarmoniExpo and All for Health (Allt för Hälsan in Swedish). HarmoniExpo was held in Solnahallen at the end of October, while All for Health was run together with Sthlm Food.

Now I'm really starting to feel like I'm getting my business off the ground. I have many exciting meetings and conferences to look forward to this autumn! I just wonder if the Swedish market is ready for all my ideas, that remains to be seen:-)

Thought of the day:

What are you looking forward to this autumn?

I don't like fully booked days, when there is no time for a quiet moment. Today has been such a day. It works sometimes, but not in the long run. Unfortunately, this is exactly how a lot of people choose to live, because it is somehow the norm. That's the way it should be.

I disagree. We all have different choices. There are choices. There are things I must have and there are things I want. There are things I have to do and there are things I want to do. Ultimately, the choice is mine.

I've just started going through old papers in my office and found a note that I remember so well when I was writing. I won't share when this was, but I thought I'd share what I wrote:

"If you have an opinion about something that you firmly believe in, then that opinion soon becomes your truth.

Today Facebook reminded me of a post I made exactly 5 years ago and it couldn't have been a better day for this post. Just as valuable today, as it was 5 years ago!

I just had a conversation with an elderly lady who visited the health centre for various complaints. She tells me about this pill here and that pill there and how she wants them to help her so badly. How she wants so much to feel better soon.

I think during the conversation that it is good that she has sought treatment, but I also wonder what she has done to feel better, so I simply ask:

Last night I wrote that I don't like full days and today I can only conclude that one consequence of full days is poor sleep. At least for me. And then hocus pocus I'm in a vicious cycle. I need time for recovery, otherwise I don't switch off at night and have trouble falling asleep and sleep restlessly. The next morning I wake up feeling like I never fell asleep and that's no fun. Especially when a busy schedule awaits again. Tonight will have to be an early night. Hopefully it will help to break the vicious cycle. And next week I'll have to try to plan better! Sleeping 8 hours every night has not been something I've managed during my autumn detox and it feels like a big failure. Because that part of the detox is at least as important as the food I eat!

The moon affects us more than we might think. Even in ancient farming society, the light from the full moon was used for various outdoor activities such as harvesting, hunting and fishing.

Traditionally, the full moon has been thought to have supernatural properties, including the ability to summon sinister creatures and turn people into werewolves. Just the thought of it could induce insomnia, but several research reports suggest that sleep problems at full moon are not just a hoax.

Now I'm almost there! So far it's going as expected, some days I could write a novel and others I feel quite uninspired to write. That's precisely the challenge, to keep at it even when something else might be more appealing. To get into a routine, to get a few lines down despite inner resistance. Usually I get into periods where I write a lot (unpublished, so far) and then months can go by without me writing a word. So I thought it would be a little harder than it is with this challenge. Today, however, has been a day when I'd rather do something else than write:-)

I'm updating last year's autumn detox and it occurs to me that I need to do some proper research on good Swedish products and supplements, as much of what I used last year is unavailable here in Sweden. I've spent a lot of time finding the best in California that has high quality for a reasonable price and now I have to do the same again here. Something I have already learned, however, is that in general (unfortunately) what is most expensive is usually also the best. In that case, I have to decide which products and supplements I really need!

Today it will be a late post. It has been a busy and rewarding day. Bringing the kids home relatively late from preschool and after school. Immediately get started on dinner. At the same time, the eldest daughter thinks she should surprise her siblings with dessert, as it's our name day today, both hers and mine. I give my approval and she takes out blueberries from the freezer. I demonstrate in an educational way how to transfer the frozen blueberries to the pie dish in an easy way, then I turn around to continue with dinner. It only takes 2 seconds before I hear a thud and the entire counter and kitchen floor are drenched in blueberries. Oops, is all she gets out. Mom, it didn't turn out the way you showed... There are blueberries everywhere! We're all hungry and tired. Not a good time to cause chaos.

I was just listening to a Ted Talk about how we humans develop and what is important in the early years of life. Several British studies show similar results, namely that it is important not to start life in poverty, because then you are more likely not to do well later in life. Furthermore, and even more importantly, all the studies show that parents play an extremely important role in the early years of a child's life. Whether you are poor or rich.

Today is one of those days that has just flown by, without me feeling like I've gotten much done. Do you recognise yourself?

It's almost time to pick up the kids and then continue the day with cooking, driving kids to soccer and gym practise, laundry, dishes and picking up. In other words, just another day at the office.

How I miss Amazon Prime and Google Express! In California, I shopped online for almost everything except fresh produce and depending on where I ordered from, it usually took between 1-2 days to get what I ordered to my door and it worked 24/7! Amazon really pushes prices down, so it's also cheaper to shop online than it is in stores. Google Express has the same prices as in store. I didn't pay a shipping fee, but the services I used had an annual fee (which I easily earned when I used them). When something ran out at home, I simply reordered it. I didn't have to run around looking in different stores and I just bought what we needed. That way we saved both time and money.

Sometimes talking to someone you like and enjoy spending time with can give you so much energy. Today I had two such meetings in a row. Wow, I was so energised:-) I was so happy in my whole body, and the sun has been shining all day. Lovely!

Thought of the day:

Have you thought about how important friends can be on many levels?

This is part 1 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles for a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Diet and Hydration (2/6), Sleep (3/6), Positive thinking (4/6), Movement and Breathing Techniques (5/6) and Discussion (6/6).

It's not difficult to be healthy, vital and productive - it's just an active choice you need to make! Once you've made your choice, you need to know what to do to feel better, because there are so many different ways, ideas and pathways to choose from. I know from personal experience that you can do a lot for yourself and your health by following the 6 basic principles that I will describe over the next few days. They are easy to understand and best of all, they work!

Soon it will be time to say Happy New Year and spend a few minutes summing up the year that has been and fantasising about how next year can be much better or at least as good... It's time to start thinking about New Year's resolutions, if you believe in them...

But first I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the year that has been. Many people have visited my website and read what I have written and I am very happy about that! The following 3 articles have been the most popular in 2014:

This is part 5 of 6 in my blog series on the 6 basic principles of a healthy lifestyle - the following articles are also included in the series: Introduction (1/6), Diet and Hydration (2/6), Sleep (3/6), Positive thinking (4/6) and Discussion (6/6).

Life is movement. Your body is made for movement. When you move, your muscles work, moving water, blood and oxygen around your body. If you don't move, these vital substances can't be transported around your body and waste products can't be effectively removed from your body.

Welcome to Newsletter #3!

Today I wanted to share the self-care techniques which I use and now implement in my everyday life. They are part of my everyday life, because I believe these techniques are what is needed to maintain daily health and happiness.

The first time I heard the abbreviation TLC, I had to check it up online! For those of you who haven´t heard of it before, it means Tender Loving Care. During my personal journey I have learnt that it is super important to give yourself TLC everyday! Many of us are taught that taking time for ourselves is selfish, that we need to think of others first. But you can't pour from an empty cup! I have tried it so many times and it just doesn't work! You NEED to take care of yourself first.

Everything turned out as I wished and I have now managed to book a long weekend at the wonderful Camp Salamander in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. The place is extremely popular and is booked up more than a year in advance. I was just notified that I have access to the place thanks to a cancellation. Thanks for that!

I am a trained Postpartum Doula. In California I was never asked what I offer when I work as a Postpartum Doula, now I get asked that question pretty much daily. And I understand why! Sweden has a very different social system built around pregnancy and childbirth compared to some other countries. BUT that doesn't mean Swedish women don't have the same basic needs as women in the US for example. After all, we are all women!

Welcome to Newsletter #2!

I hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season! The New Year is all about new beginnings and new expectations in each and every individual's life. It is one of the best days wherein you can show your love, affection, and care towards yourself, your friends and family members.

I love working with holistic health, because many health-related problems are actually preventable. The complexity of the holistic approach is challenging, as you have to get all the pieces of the puzzle and also put them in the right place to form a complete puzzle. At the same time, it is so amazingly cool that you can do so much about your lifestyle and life situation yourself. You make the decisions, you decide, you put the puzzle together and experience the results!

The raspberry in my hand feels cold, is dark red and smells wonderful. Before I put it in my mouth I just give the raspberry my full attention for a few seconds using my senses to really appreciate it. When I put it in my mouth I can hear how my teeth breaks it down into smaller pieces as I enjoy the lovely taste. Mindfulness! That is what life is about, to really enjoy, every single part. It is when we allow ourselves to just be, and not always do, that we really understand and appreciate what life is all about.

New Energy Women's Retreat!

When: May 8-10, 2015

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Why: For You to Relax, Reflect and Recharge!

THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT!

Camp Salamander is a quiet and private retreat located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. I'll be hosting a small group of wonderful women at this beautiful isolated place, where you will be offered plenty of time for relaxation, personal reflection and to soak in the peaceful surrounding nature.

New Energy Women's Retreat!

When: March 18-20, 2016

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Why: For You to Relax, Reflect and Recharge!

THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT!

Camp Salamander is a quiet and private retreat located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. I'll be hosting a small group of wonderful women at this beautiful isolated place, where you will be offered plenty of time for relaxation, personal reflection and to soak in the peaceful surrounding nature.

New Energy Women's Retreat!

When: March 9-11, 2018

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Why: For You to Relax, Reflect and Recharge!

THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT!

Camp Salamander is a quiet and private retreat located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. I'll be hosting a small group of wonderful women at this beautiful isolated place, where you will be offered plenty of time for relaxation, personal reflection and to soak in the peaceful surrounding nature.

Women's Silent Retreat!

When: April 28-30, 2017

Where: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Why: For You to Relax, Reflect and Recharge!

THIS RETREAT IS SOLD OUT!

Camp Salamander is a quiet and private retreat located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. I'll be hosting a small group of wonderful women at this beautiful isolated place, where you will be offered plenty of time for relaxation, personal reflection and to soak in the peaceful surrounding nature.

A few weeks ago, our youngest child started complaining that she had a sore throat and my first thought was: "Oh, no, not now!" I really didn't feel like everyone in the family was going to get sick and in the event of a sore throat also have to take antibiotics!

So instead of taking her to the doctor, I used my knowledge and compiled a list of what we did to boost her immune system, so that the healing process could begin.

In the past I have chosen not to write about this topic, but because I find it so central and important, I have decided to try to put into words what mental pain can mean.

Pain, whether physical or mental, is felt and experienced in different ways. It is often difficult to describe pain in words. I would describe pain as an effect of trauma. These are feelings that usually hurt your soul because of something specific that happened and/or affected you. It could be losing someone you love, an assault, prolonged periods of unbearable stress, being in physical pain or some other trauma. Common to all traumas is that not only can trauma haunt the mind, it can also affect the nervous system. Our nervous system learns to cling to trauma as a survival mechanism. This is why we often feel anxious and on guard when we anticipate another traumatic event (Levine, 2010), leading to debilitating symptoms included in what we call post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Physical pain is coming soon

Have you ever written or talked about yourself in the third person? It feels rather suspicious! Especially when you write about yourself for a sales purpose. Now that I'm building my business from the ground up, this was exactly the kind of task I was given earlier today:

"Johanna is a certified yoga and prenatal yoga teacher, holistic lifestyle coach and doula. She is passionate about all things related to preventative health, has a special focus on helping pregnant women, and sees yoga and nature as the best sources for re-energizing and maintaining a balance in everyday life."