My thoughts and ideas on daily challenges

Being the best version of yourself means different things to different people. As long as your doing the best that you can and feeling good about what you are doing that is what matters. There is no right or wrong when it comes to wellness goals. Everyone has their own norm and needs to do what feels right for them.

What makes you happy?

A question everyone should ask themselves and think about. Are you doing enough of the things that make you happy? Or are we focusing too much on being perfect? In order to start our journey we beed to shift our focus away from certain ideologies and evaluate your current state of mind and wellbeing .

So how can we get to where we all need to be?  Gratitude, conversations with yourself and mindful eating are the first small changes you can implement in your wellness journey.

Make a list of all the things you are grateful for and remind yourself of them throughout the day and especially in times of stress. 

The conversations you have with yourself should be influential, inspirational and healing, as only we have the power to take control of ourselves and our lives . 

Mindful eating will bring you so much power that you never thought was possible.  Listening to your body is very empowering. Forget three meals a day and snacking try to eat only when you are really hungry .

It is constant work in progress that starts from within .There is no perfect weight or perfect face as you will always see someone prettier or skinnier than you. That should never be one’s goal. Why compete with anyone but yourself? it is the  work that you do on yourself everyday that will ultimately bring you closer to the best version of yourself.

Living a clean life can be a daunting task in our chemically-infused environment. From beauty products to food, water, and even clothes, everything is treated with chemicals. While it may be impossible to completely avoid exposure to these substances, it is crucial to be aware of their harmful effects and feel empowered to pick your own poisons. 

What if you discovered your tap water is harboring a staggering amount of chemicals and bacteria that are being absorbed by your body? Water is essential for our daily lives, so it is vital to ensure that we are exposing our bodies to the purest form of H2O.

Tap or Bottled?

Many have heard that New York has the “cleanest tap water” coming in from the Hudson Valley and Catskills. However, by the time it reaches the pipes of New York City, it has been treated with chemicals compromising the quality of the water. Although tap water goes through rigorous testing before it is declared safe, there are still potential adverse health effects that are associated with repeated exposure to substances found in our water system. You might consider splurging on your next outing on bottled water to avoid unnecessary toxins.

What Lurks Beneath

Fluoride, Aluminum, Lead, Arsenic, and Nitrates are just some of the chemicals that are commonly found in tap water that at high doses have been linked to cancer. Digging deeper into our water supply system you can find other less known cancer-causing agents present in our system. To better understand the safety of your tap water, the non-profit organization Environmental working group (EWG) tracks chemical safety in our environment and informs consumers of possible dangers.

According to EWG, New York has a total of 18 contaminants found that exceed their health guidelines, and “Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.” Haloacetic acids found in New York tap water are 800 times over the legal limit. These acids are disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring matter. In Miami, the level of Arsenic, a potent carcinogen, is 243 times the legal limit. Unfortunately, exposure to these chemicals is not limited to drinking water, as they can also be absorbed by the body through showering and brushing teeth.

Testing the Quality

If you are concerned about the quality of drinking water at home, you can use a home water testing kit, which is widely available at hardware stores or online. These kits typically come with test strips or liquid reagents that you can use to detect different types of chemicals, such as chlorine, lead, pesticides, and bacteria.

To use the kit, you will need to collect a water sample from your tap and follow the instructions provided in the kit. Usually, you will need to dip a test strip into the water or add a few drops of liquid reagent to the sample, and then compare the color of the strip or the solution to a chart provided in the kit. This will help you determine the levels of different chemicals in your tap water and whether they are within safe limits according to EPA standards.

Filters Are Crucial

Access to clean drinking water is a vital component of maintaining good health. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the potential dangers lurking in our water supply. To safeguard your health, it’s essential to take proactive measures, like investing in a reliable filtration system. There are several options to consider when selecting a filter, including the Kangen water system. Developed in Japan, this alkaline ionizer and filtration machine effectively structure water for optimal health benefits. Another great option is the AquaTru countertop water filter, which is less advanced but just as functional. AquaBliss also offers a range of high-quality shower head filters. It’s always best to consult with a specialist in your area to determine your specific filtration needs, as each city has different chemical and filtration requirements. You can find more information regarding the water quality in your city here.

In our day and age, it is no secret that we are exposed to chemicals daily. Various degrees of toxins enter our system through food, water, and even topical products. They penetrate our system and cause endocrine hormone imbalances. Our endocrine system is responsible for all the biological processes of our body, so it is essential for it to function properly. Most will be surprised to find that beauty products such as fragrances, shampoos, creams, and makeup all contain an excessive number of contaminants. Toxic metals, phthalates, parabens, and phenols are some of the harmful ingredients to watch out for. Here’s our list of the top three contaminated beauty products:

1. UV Gel Manicures

An immaculate manicure that lasts three weeks without chipping doesn’t come without ramifications. Gel manicures have long been known to contain chemicals that may damage nails and cause contact dermatitis. A more recent study conducted at the University of California San Diego suggests that UV nail dryers are associated with cell death and mutating DNA cells which may cause skin cancer. This alarming new study is prompting people to reconsider their nail regimen and seek out a more natural manicure. A non-toxic polish like Londowntown is definitely a safer option if you consider taking a break from gel polishes.

2. Fragrance

Perfumes consist of 3,000 varying chemicals, like Phthalates, and it is surprisingly one of the most hazardous beauty products of all time. In some studies, exposure to these chemicals is linked to endocrine disruption, adverse reproductive effects, diabetes, asthma, insulin resistance and obesity. Considering the amount and frequency at which we all use our fragrances, it might be worth considering some alternative options. Solid perfumes contain fewer chemicals and are made up mostly of essential oils so that is always a great option. Heretic is a brand that makes a variety of non-toxic fragrances. However, if you are not willing to give up your signature scent, use perfume sparingly and don’t spray directly onto the skin.

3. SPF Containing Products

Sun Protection Factor better known as SPF, protects us from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you are not using a mineral-based sunscreen then most likely it contains harmful chemicals. Oxybenzone, an allergen and endocrine disrupter, is the most worrisome chemical found in SPF products. Studies have shown this ingredient to be particularly harmful in kids. When possible, it is best to buy creams and foundations without added SPF. Using a mineral-tinted sunscreen is a great solution for those who need coverage and SPF in one.

Be Aware and Do Your Own Research

Many find it difficult to give up their beloved beauty products and regimes. Using clean beauty brands whenever possible is a great step in the right direction. Less is always more, especially when it comes to chemicals. If we limit and control our exposure to these contaminants and prevent hormone disruptions, our overall health won’t be compromised. To be safe, check your products in this database here to get a better understanding of the ingredients and toxicity levels of your products.