6 Tips To Help Manage Anxiety
In this day and age, it is safe to think that we have all, at one time or another, experienced stress or anxiety. It can feel overwhelming and make you feel powerless. I know this for a fact first hand. In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, here are a few tips to help you cope in a mindful, loving way. Some may surprise you!
CBD
Many clinical studies demonstrate that CBD (cannabidiol) help in reducing anxiety and general stress. It also reduces pain and improves sleep. My absolute favorite CBD brand is Flora & Bast. Their Relief Potion is a CBD oil that can be take orally or topically. It gives your mind and body a break by addressing the root of pain. Their Relief Gummies contain CBN, a compound similar to but much weaker than THC. CBN promotes calm, reduces anxiety and boots sleep patterns.
Flora & Bast offers you 20% off when using code “KIMLOVE”. Click here to redeem the offer.
“These magical herbs give you jitters-free energy, aid focus and invite calm.”
SWITCH OUT CAFFEINE FOR ADAPTOGENS
Yep, caffeine can exacerbate anxiety. Caffeine doesn’t really cause anxiety per se. It is a psychostimulant that causes effects similar to the symptoms of anxiety. This is why, if you are on the anxious side, caffeine may not be the best thing for you. Try adaptogens instead! These magical herbs give you jitters-free energy, aid focus and invite calm. Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is my go-to. Sakara also has Nootropic Chocolates to energize and help you focus.
Pique Life offers you 5% off when using code “KIMKLEAN”. Click here to redeem the offer.
Sakara offers you 20% off your 1st order with code “XOKIMKLEAN”. Click here to redeem the offer.
“Practicing gratitude rewires the brain and focuses on positive thoughts.”
PRACTICING GRATITUDE
Anxiety can bring a feeling of insecurity, of being inadequate. Practicing gratitude rewires the brain and focuses on positive thoughts which can then reduce anxiety. Deepak Chopra, an expert in the field of mind-body healing says, “The main thing to do at the end of the day is to write in a gratitude journal all the things that you are grateful for that happened that day. You will invite even more abundance into your life.” There are several gratitude journals to guide you in this practice.
MOVE IT!!
Emotions are energy moving through your body, so Move Your Body! Physical activity is known to be a mood lifter. Playing sports releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones, which give an impression of euphoria. Running, yoga, walk in nature are all good sports to help manage anxiety. And so is dancing! So blast your favorite tune and dance like nobody's watching! I swear a laugh will come out of your mouth without you even expecting it. My favorite “at home workout” that always kicks my butt and makes me smile is The Sculpt Society by Megan Roup. Her energy is always positive and highly contagious!
“This light can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression.”
PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY IN THE EVENING
The blue light emitted from screens, aka your cellphone, visibly affects your skin - premature aging - but also affects your mental health in a more sneaky way. This light can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression. Not to mention the anxiety that can arise from comparing your life to the “online” lives of strangers. Personally, I put my cell phone in “Night Shift” mode from 8pm to 8am and try to avoid social media 2 hours before going to bed. And honestly, I see a difference with this simple adjustment.
AROMATHERAPY
Essential oils are known for their calming benefits. Here is a simple little guide for you. Citruses (lemon, pink grapefruit, orange) are like big rays of sunshine! They are invigorating and bring happiness. Flowers (rose, geranium, orange blossom) offer you emotional support. They soothe the heart and mind and invite love. Roots (vetiver, spikenard) ground you and bring a feeling of balance and stability. Inhalation is the fastest way for your body to assimilate the molecules of essential oils. So open up the bottle of your favorite oil and take a deep breath!
In my experience, anxiety does not happen “out of nowhere”, but rather is a way our body uses to signal us that something needs to be addressed. So I invite you to really do some introspection, look inwards and understand the source of your anxiety. I hope these few tips will be of great help to you!
Kim xoxo
Adaptogenic Magic
Adaptogens… here’s a word you’ve most likely come across frequently on wellness blogs. A word that seems familiar yet maybe leaves you feeling like a deer in headlights? What the heck are adaptogens?! Well, simply put, adaptogens are plants and herbs that help your body adapt to modern life stressors. Let’s dig a little deeper!
“In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol.”
Adaptogens have an effect on the release of cortisol, the stress hormone that puts your body into fight or flight mode. Cortisol is very important in life or death situations, but when your body constantly feels threatened, your immune system starts to go down. In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol. This is where adaptogens intervene! There are two main types of adaptogens. The ones that calm you, help you relax after an intense work day and ease into a restful night. The ones that give you energy, help you focus and accomplish the tasks at hand.
“This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause!”
ENERGIZING
Ginseng is a root that has the wonderful ability to improve stamina as well as mental and emotional stress. Ginseng is one of the most famous Chinese herbs used as a tonic, a stimulant and even as a male aphrodisiac! Ginseng is a promoter of vitality!
Chaga, or “Diamond Of The Forest”, is a mushroom that, unlike most mushrooms, grows on living trees making it dense in nutrients. It is known to be rich in antioxidants, to support your immune system and your overall well-being. This superfood is a tonic, simulates brain functions and eases anxiety making it the perfect adaptogen to help you remain focused throughout the day.
Maca is a Peruvian root that provides sustained energy throughout the day. It is famously known to increase libido for both men and women. This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause! All around, it is a tonic, a hormone balancer and an aphrodisiac… SOLD!!
“It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress.”
CALMING
Ashwagandha is used a lot in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medical system) and is considered the “Indian ginseng”. Ashwagandha is a tonic, it strengthens the nerves and is a mild sedative promoting a restful night. It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress. Some studies show that ashwagandha may also play a role in male fertility.
Reishi is another mushroom, very similar to Chaga, but offers a more calming effect to the body. It helps you manage stress and anxiety and improves your mood and well-being. At the same time, Reishi nourishes the brain and helps you stay focused. It is packed with antioxidants and supports a healthy immune system.
“Three Spirit […] specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.”
Powders and supplements are the most common ways to add adaptogens to your lifestyle. Moon Juice has MANY different types of adaptogenic “DUST” and capsules to enhance your mood, your energy levels, your brain functions, your sleep, your libido and much more!
Teas and infusions are also a great way to incorportate adaptogens. *Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is one of my favorite. It also contains ginseng, has an earthy and sweet taste and is triple toxin screened for maximal purity! It provides a calm energy, helps with focus and supports your immune system. Coffee alternatives are also very popular. MUD\WTR keeps the brain fog and jitters away and replaces them with a focused energy. Many other adaptogenic beverages are on the market these days. Recess, for example, is an adaptogen infused sparkling water brand. You also have Three Spirit that specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.
“The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body.”
The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body. They calm inflamed and irritated skin, reduce redness and swelling and brighten your complexion with their antioxidants. Youth To The People's Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist and Biophile's Bio-Shroom Rejuvenating Serum are the perfect adaptogenic duo for the face. Your skin becomes smooth and radiant!
All in all, adaptogens are here to support you. Their purpose is to make your life easy and stress free. Whether your calming ritual is sipping on a cup of hot tea or applying your skincare routine, the results can be amplified with adaptogens. The options are plentiful! So enjoy!
Kim
xoxo
*Pique Life offers you 5% off sitewide with code “KIMKLEAN”. Enjoy!
Holiday Cocktails
I adore the holiday season! There’s nothing like spending quality time with your loved ones, celebrating each other, laugh your face off and fill your belly up! And if your family is anything like mine, we also enjoy a good little cocktail, or two! So I though I’d share with you some of our go-to drinks of the season!
“This actually is my mom’s and my favorite holiday happy hour cocktail!”
Quebecois 75
A French Canadian twist to the classic FRENCH 75, a super simple cocktail that requires few ingredients and is perfect for the celebratory toast of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Or for any other occasion, really. This actually is my mom’s and my favorite holiday happy hour cocktail!
INGREDIENTS :
2 oz of gin. My family enjoys Bombay Sapphire or the Quebecois gin, Ungava. There are so many amazing gins these days!
1/2 oz of lemon juice.
1/2 oz of maple syrup.
2 oz of sparkling wine. Cavas are perfect for this! I love Champagne but find it too pricey for mixed drinks.
Pomegranate seeds. Optional but delicious! Pomegranates are in season right now, plus, they bring antioxidants to the party!
* If you would like to make this a “mocktail”, simply use non-alcoholic sparkling wine. As for the gin, you can substitute it with The Spirit of Gin, a non-alcoholic alternative created by The Free Spirits Company!
DIRECTIONS :
Place 2-3 ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and add the gin, lemon and maple syrup to it.
Shake shake shake it!
Pour it in your favorite cocktail glass. I love the old fashion champagne coupes. They are so chic!
Top with the sparkling wine.
Garnish with a spoonful of pomegranate seeds.
Cheers, Sip and Enjoy!
“This latte is totally in season, delicious, not too sweet, and can obviously be enjoyed whiskey free.”
Whiskey Pumpkin Spice Latte
Yes that’s right, and it is delectable! Perfectly enjoyable on Christmas morning while opening presents or the morning of January 1st to celebrate the new year with a boom! This latte is totally in season, delicious, not too sweet, and can obviously be enjoyed whiskey free.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE LATTE :
1/2 cup of strong espresso.
1 1/2 tbsp of pumpkin spice puree. Can be adjusted to taste.
1/2 cup of frothed milk. I enjoy using oat milk for a creamy, dairy free option.
Maple syrup to taste.
1 oz of Whiskey.
A dash of cinnamon.
*If you are not a coffee drinker, you can switch out the coffee for black tea. I love Pique Tea! Their Fermented Pu’er Black Tea is a great option for this drink. It is also full of probiotics and perfect for your gut health! Enjoy 5% off when using the code “KIMKLEAN”.
DIRECTIONS FOR THE LATTE :
In a large mug, mix the espresso, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and whiskey together.
Froth your warmed milk and incorporate it to the coffee/pumpkin mixture.
Add a dash of cinnamon on top.
INGREDIENTS FOR THE HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE PUREE :
2 cups of pureed squash. I love using Buttercup Squash for this. It’s flesh is sweet and gets very soft. Butternut Squash is also a great option.
A pinch of salt.
1/4 tsp of black pepper.
1/4 tsp of clove.
1/2 tsp of cinnamon.
1/2 tsp of nutmeg.
1/2 tsp of turmeric.
1/2 tsp of ginger.
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.
1 tbsp of maple syrup.
*All of these spices are anti-inflammatory and help support a healthy immune system.
DIRECTIONS FOR HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE PUREE :
Preheat the oven at 400ºF.
Cut the squash in half. Watch out for your fingers! Squashes are tough to cut through. Do NOT try to cut the stem, simply cut around it with a knife and pull the squash open with your hands.
Remove the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon.
Season the inside of the squash with a pinch of salt.
Put a piece of parchemin paper on a baking sheet and place the both halves, flesh down.
Bake for 45-60 min, until the flesh is soft and easily scoopable.
Put the soft flesh in a blender and mix until it becomes a smooth puree.
Transfer 2 cups of the puree into a bowl and incorporate the rest of the ingredients et voilà!
Enjoy in good company!
PRO TIP!!
Freeze individual portions of your pumpkin spice puree using an ice cube tray. That way, you can make the pleasure last longer and only use what you need that morning for your lattes.
Cheers to you and your family and friends. May this holiday season be filled with love and joy, bliss and laughter.
Love & Light
Kim
Holiday (sales!) Gift Guide.
November, especially Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is packed with the best deals of the year! It’s the perfect time to shop for the holidays that are rapidly approaching . Oh do I have great ideas for you and your loved ones!
“[…] what if your tea could be the gift of radiant skin, clean energy and healthy immune support?!”
The holidays/winter rime with warm and cozy. There is nothing warmer and cozier than a delicious cup of hot tea! And what if your tea could be the gift of radiant skin, clean energy and healthy immune support?! Pique Tea has the most incredible teas, triple screened for toxins making them the purest and the tastiest teas! They are famous for their Organic Sun Goddess Matcha. Pique is having their ONLY sale of the year from 11/25 to 11/29. Enjoy 20% OFF SITE WIDE when using code BFCM20. For a limited amount of time, goodies also come with your purchase!
“It’s the gift that keeps on giving!”
If you are a fanatic of clean beauty - like me! -, The Detox Market has THE perfect gift for you! Every year, they curate a special box holding the top rated clean products and this year’s box does not disappoint! The 2021 Best of Green Beauty box, valued at $309 ($408 CAD), is going for $149 ($199 CAD) only and stars goodies from OSEA, Pai, Herbivore and so many more! Trust me when I say that anyone opening this box feels like a kid in a candy store! The Detox Market also has the best beauty subscription box, The Detox Box. Every month, you get to try new products and discover a new clean brand at a well discounted price. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! * click here to access The Detox Market Canada.
“Sakara is also celebrating with some fun holiday treats […]”
I am a fan of Sakara’s clean boutique products! Starting my day with the Water Drops and the Metabolism Super Powder has had an impact on my skin and my energy. Sakara is a nutrient rich plant-based meal delivery program. From now until 11/29, they are offering 25% OFF the ENTIRE site! Yes! Simply use the code XOKIMKLEAN-BF21 when checking out. This once-a-year event is the perfect opportunity to restock on your favs or to try Sakara for the 1st time. Sakara is also celebrating with some fun holiday treats like The Morning Ritual Collection, a special Coconut Praline Granola and a Manifestation Candle, all available for a limited time only!
“What a wonderful way to start the day, full of love, positivity, motivation and wisdom!”
One of the best gifts I’ve received was from my mom, the Q&A a Day-5 Year Journal. Everyday day, you answer a simple question about your thoughts, feelings, ambitions, things you like etc. Every year, you get the same question on that specific day and get to see how your answers change! It depicts the Law of Impermanence perfectly. 5 years seems like quite the commitment at first, but this book shows you how much you grow and evolve in a year. THIS year, I will treat myself to the Soulwork Planner by The Mantra Co. It is a “balanced mix of a planner and journal […] to guide and support personal transformation and growth.” What a wonderful way to start the day, full of love, positivity, motivation and wisdom!
I hope this list has inspired some great and unique ideas to surprise a loved one or to add to your own list. Wishing a happy, loving and joyful holiday season to you and those you cherish.
With much love,
Kim
Other sales you won’t want to miss during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Enjoy 20%-30% off True Botanicals, skincare loved by Brooke Shields, Olivia Wilde and Laura Dern now through 11/29.
Enjoy 50% off a year subscription to The Sculpt Society, the BEST at home workouts!
Enjoy 25% off Act + Acre and get a FREE scalp gua sha (on orders of $70+) now through 11/29.
The Detox Market offers $15 off orders of $100, $30 off orders of $200 plus a gift from Pai, $80 off orders of $400 plus two gifts from Pai. Enjoy this deal from 11/23 until 11/28. * click here to acess The Detox Market Canada.
Enjoy 30% off my favorite waterproof jewelry brand, Hey Harper, when using code “HEYKIM” now until Nov. 30th.