YOU have the power!

Hi all!

Here is a fantastic clip of CEO of SmartyPants vitamins, Courtney Nichols Gould. She talks about how YOU have the power to make the best choices for yourself, and how you can decide what is most healthful for your life.
Enjoy!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14559/why-youre-the-expert-on-your-health.html

Struggling, Surviving, or Thriving?

Hi all!

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to simply check in. I mean, take some time to reflect on how you feel, and see what you are struggling with, surviving through, or thriving within.
Remember- there is no right or wrong to what you are feeling! You feel what you feel, and admitting to yourself what's going well and what isn't is the first step in figuring out more balance and happiness.
This neat wheel is a great way to start checking in with yourself- and remember, these parts of the wheel can be altered to fit your life in order to best-fit your needs:)                                                                      






Here are a few more tips to move through your check in:

1.) Incubate
Quiet your mind to tap into your deepest intentions; see where this leads.

2.)Notice
Become mindful of your thoughts and actions and pay attention to what they tell you about what gives you meaning and a sense of purpose — and look for signs that can point you toward your true path.

3.) Trust
Have confidence in your inner knowing — and in the messages the universe sends you — and allow that knowledge to guide you forward.

4.) Express
Write down your intentions; say them out loud or share them with others to fully embrace them and help you move ahead in your journey.

5.) Nurture
Be gentle with yourself as you try to find your way. Intention isn’t always a straightforward path, just like life, and giving yourself opportunities to try — and fail — is often part of, and even crucial to, the process.

6.) Take Action
Once you’ve identified an intent, or even multiple ones, don’t sit and wait for it to magically manifest; instead take the practical steps that can make each become a reality. It may be easiest to choose one intent first and set short-term goals to help you get started.

Adapted from the Living With Intent by Mallika Chopra. Copyright © 2015. Published by Harmony, a division of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18207/how-to-live-with-intent-even-if-youre-super-busy-stressed-out.html

Getting back into your body!

Hi all!

So today is the first time in about a week that I've tried moving my body around a bit. I always do 20 minutes of yoga in the morning and night, but ever since I've gotten sick, I haven't been able to bend and twist without feeling my lunch come up.
Luckily, I think things are getting a bit better now, and I was able to do a few GENTLE stretches that felt amazing.
Since I don't have my car and I'm stuck in the house "healing," I don't have access to a studio (plus, it's best if I just start slow right now). I was doing a little research for online yoga classes, and this insane website came up!




Here is an AMAZING link to a series of FREE YOGA CLASSES online. The instructor's name is Brett Larkin, and she has a ton of different classes you can try out in the comfort of your home for free! It's honestly the best thing that's happened to me this week. Even though I still feel basically bed-ridden, my mind, body, and spirit are aligning again.
Here it is:
http://www.brettlarkin.com/free-online-yoga/

For the dudes that may be reading this...yoga is not just for girls! I've taken my brother to a few classes, and he's actually enjoyed it. It's funny because he definitely genders yoga as a female-activity, but that is definitely not the case.

Here's some cool info about men and yoga too!

 

Originally many of yoga’s asanas were designed for male bodies by male bodies, and today’s men can still get so much out of yoga—if they only give it a chance. So here are four great reasons men should give yoga a whirl:

 

1. Stretch it out. Older American men in particular grew up with strength being primary and flexibility being secondary—and now this imbalance can catch up with them.

 

2. Men need zen. Getting inside of yourself and feeling the sensations in your body quiets your mind by default—you are concentrating on one thing, and staying in the present moment. So zen out with yoga.

 

3. Wanna go to the gun show? While yoga does offer a lot in the flexibility department, it does build muscle and strength too. There are yoga exercises that largely take away the need to lift weights. All of us can benefit from building muscle. Yet another reason to get your yoga on.

 

 

 4. Inspiration. Practicing yoga requires you to have an intimate conversation with your body, and it often takes time just to hear what your body is saying—much less ask it to do micro-adjustments for you in return. So guys, take a yoga class, and you might find inspiration as you may be able to rock out an amazing plank pose or actually be able to feel the shoulder-opening aspect in your first downward dog.

 

 

Namaste

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5146/5-Reasons-to-Take-Your-Dad-to-Yoga-Class.html

Hey again! 

So as most of you know, it's super important to incorporate fitness into any healthy lifestyle. I love exercise, and am so sad that I haven't been able to work out in over a week because I'm sick. However, once I get back to school and have my energy back, I am so excited to go back to my favorite fitness and wellness hotspots.
The reason I love exercise is because it clears my mind and it just makes me feel really in touch with my body. That's just me though- if there are other practices that you enjoy that have the same effect, then go for it!
However, if you're dying to try something new, I have a few spots you can check out below!









For all the Dickinsonians reading this, here are a few great places around campus that you can check out if going to the Kline or doing student-run classes just isn't doing it for you:

Yoga at Simply Well

http://www.simplywellcarlisle.com/

Ethos Fitness

http://www.ethosfitnessstudio.com/

Athena Warrior Fitness

http://www.athenawarriorfitness.com/

The Carlisle MOG & Transformation Trainers

http://business.carlislechamber.org/list/member/the-carlisle-mog-and-transformation-training-and-fitness-5223985

Even if intense exercise isn't your jam-no worries! Just getting some fresh air, walking your dog, or riding your bike are all really wonderful ways to get some movement!

Just don't forget- go with what your body is feeling. It is always great to push yourself and take your fitness to the next level, but if you're sick- don't do it! Here are a few guidelines:

You've Got a Fever

Stay home and rest. A fever shows that the body’s immune system is battling an infection -- and doesn't need to deal with stress from exercise on top of that, explains Stephen Rice, MD, PhD, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the director of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. If you exercise anyway, be alert for overheating and dehydration, since body fluids decrease when you have a fever. You probably also won't get a great workout, since a fever boosts your resting heart rate, which leads to a less effective workout.

You've Got a Cold

A cold can make you miserable, but it doesn't rule out exercise. Experts say moderate-intensity workouts are OK when you have a common cold. If you go to a gym when you have a cold, use hand sanitizer and wipe off any surfaces you touch so you don’t contaminate your gym buddies. The bottom line: It's understandable if you choose to take it easy, but exercising with a cold doesn't seem to make you sicker.

You've Got the Flu

Head to your sofa, not the gym. Skip your workout until you recover. With the flu comes a fever, so heed the rule not to exercise when you have a fever.

You Had a Recent Asthma Flare-up

If the flare-up was due to a respiratory infection, skip your workout for a few days and see a doctor if symptoms persist. Otherwise, if your doctor has said exercise is safe for you, and your asthma is well-controlled, it may be appropriate to work out. Be sure to start slowly and warm up for 10 minutes. Low-to-moderate intensity, intermittent exercise, or indoor swimming may be better choices if you have exercise-induced asthma. During your workout, stop exercising if you can't catch your breath or feel tired and weak. Always have a treatment plan in place. That may mean taking your inhaler to the gym or even using it prior to exercise.

You Recently Had a Concussion

Do not exercise or participate in any sport until your doctor says it is safe to do so -- even if you feel OK. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury, and your brain needs to heal properly. “If another head injury occurs due to exercise before the [concussion] has healed, the brain is put at an increased risk of swelling and potential catastrophic damage,” Rice says.

Your Old Sports Injury Is Bothering You

Skip the workout and see your doctor. This is usually not a good sign, especially if you have pain during activity, Rice says. Sudden pain requires immediate medical attention.

You Didn't Sleep Last Night and Now You're Too Tired to Exercise

Get out of bed and get moving. “A morning workout may be just what you need after a restless night to boost your energy level and get you ready for the day,” Rothstein says. But if you're always fatigued -- not just a bit tired, but to the point of not being able to function -- skip the workout and see your doctor. Extreme or persistent fatigue can be a sign of illness.

You Felt a Sharp Pain the Last Time You Worked Out

Do not work out until you see a doctor to rule out an injury. If you exercise anyway, you may make the injury worse. “Although it is expected to feel soreness after you work out, it is never OK to feel pain,” Rice says.

Your Back Hurts

Take it easy for a few days and see if your back feels better. Pay attention to what makes the pain better or worse: Does bending or twisting cause you to squirm or say ouch? Try to avoid those movements to promote healing, Rothstein says. If your pain continues or interferes with your daily activities, see your doctor.

Your Muscles Are Sore

You can go to the gym, but make it a light-intensity workout, such as walking instead of running. It's also OK to skip your workout and rest, if the soreness is too severe. And if your muscles are super sore because you overdid it the last time you exercised, make a point of making your workouts more reasonable. You don't want your fitness habit to become a flash in the pan.

You're Pregnant

Ask your doctor about a safe exercise program. Yoga, swimming, walking, and other low-impact and moderate-intensity exercises can be very beneficial during pregnancy. Be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks, and avoid getting overheated. Avoid exercises that strain your back and belly, Rice says. Exercises that are off limits during pregnancy include contact sports and activities such as skiing, water skiing, bicycling, and horseback riding, due to the risk of falls and abdominal injury.

It's Been a Rough Week and You're Wiped Out

Exercise may help cut your stress and boost your energy. So put on your gym clothes and start a moderate workout. “After 10 or 15 minutes, chances are you will feel fine and want to continue,” Rothstein says.

Don't Rush Your Comeback

Don’t dive right back into your regular exercise routine after being sidelined by an illness or injury.
It takes a lot of energy to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness -- and little time to lose it. “Noticeable decreases in exercise capacity can be seen in as little as two to three weeks,” Rothstein says.
Return to exercise slowly and carefully.
That's what Shannon Hurt, a 32-year-old Atlanta mom, has been doing. An avid walker/runner, Hurt was a week away from participating in a 5k when a test revealed she had an irregular heartbeat and thickening of the heart muscle. Exercise was off-limits until more tests could be completed.
That was several months ago. Now, Hurt has a prescription for heart medication -- and doctor's orders to ease back into her workout regimen.
“The cardiologist said to slowly return to exercising, starting with walking for 20 minutes or so each day and build back up to running,” Hurts says. “He wants me to eventually get back up to 5 days a week at a minimum of 45 minutes of intense cardio.”

Easing Back Into Exercise

Walking is a great way to return to exercise without overtaxing the body, Rice says. Here is his advice for returning to exercise from a break, injury, or illness:

• If you were away from the gym for less than a week, start at 80%-90% of your original intensity and slowly increase it from there.
• If your break lasted longer than a week, reduce your intensity to 50%-60% and increase by 10% each week.

“A safe rule is that a 10% per week increase in intensity and duration is safe for everyone. Some people may be able to advance more quickly than others,” Rice tells WebMD.
Many factors should be considered when determining how quickly you can return to exercise after a hiatus. They include the length of your break, your age, and previous fitness level. The more physically fit you were before your break, the more quickly you will likely be able to return to your previous level of activity. If you had a long-term illness, check with your doctor about any exercise limitations. Never exercise if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Remember, there is a fine line between pushing yourself and pushing yourself too hard.
“More is not always better,” Rothstein says. Moderate exercise can help prevent, control, or improve some chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, or fibromyalgia, but if you have an acute infection, rest is best.
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/when-not-to-exercise?page=4

Catch the zzzz'sssss....

Hello all!

So as we're pushing through April, it's really important that we all get enough sleep.
"I can't afford to sleep right now-I have too much to do!" might be a thought that pops in your mind.
However, a lack of sleep has serious consequences. Take a look at this infographic:

So can we all agree you should be getting 7-9 hours of high quality, uninterrupted sleep every night? If only getting sufficient sleep was as easy to actually get as it is to agree we need it. Luckily, these five strategies can help.

1. Exercise early.
"Staying active and exercising on a regular basis has been shown to improve sleeping problems of insomniacs and people with sleeping disorders," writes Krista Styker. "And not only can regular exercise significantly improve your sleep quality, it can also give you that pep that makes you want to get out of bed in the morning and do things."
Burst training and weight resistance are my favorite early-morning exercises, but even a brisk 30-minute walk in the morning or early afternoon can improve sleep patterns.
Remember: Timing is crucial here. "To help with sleep, the best time to exercise is at least six hours before bedtime," says Dr. Frank Lipman, who notes working out too close to slumber can keep you tossing at night.

2. Limit caffeine.
Coffee qualifies as a food group in my mind, yet I'm well aware of its downsides. You know what I'm talking about if you've ever thrown back just one cup too many or downed that Americano too late in the day. Or you may just be a slow caffeine metabolizer, which makes you more sensitive to caffeine than most. It can make you wired, anxious and irritable.
"Caffeine can stay in your body 8-14 hours after consuming it," writes Lauren Noreen, who says "if you are having trouble sleeping, try completely eliminating it for a month and see if that improves your sleep." If that's not an option, stick to a cup or two of organic, mycotoxin-free coffee to get the benefits you deserve and sleep well.
After my morning java, I usually switch to green tea, which supports healthy gut bacteria and boosts metabolism. This wonder beverage contains theanine, which raises GABA, a calming brain chemical that combats depression, promotes good sleep and helps your body overcome food intolerance.

3. Develop a ritual
"One of the keys to getting a good night's sleep is preparation," writes Dr. Susan Blum. "A good nightly wind-down routine will not only help you to fall asleep, but will also help you to stay asleep. Begin at least an hour before bedtime by turning off any electronics ... The light from the screens and the stimulation of watching them literally keep your brain in the 'on' position."
My ritual involves chamomile tea, an Epsom salts bath and a good (but not great) novel. Yours might entail meditation, deep breathing, gentle yoga or reading an inspirational book. Find what ritual works for you and make it a habit.

4. Control stress.
Your stress hormone cortisol should be highest in the morning and gradually taper throughout the day. Ramped-up cortisol past its prime crashes serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that helps you feel calm and optimistic and sleep well. Eventually, your body gets tired of producing all that excess cortisol and your levels drop, causing you to feel sluggish, unmotivated and fatigued. A vicious "wired and tired" feeling ensues as stress impedes sleep and vice versa.
"Inadequate sleep weakens our ability to handle stress, maintain a healthy immune system, moderate our emotions, and think clearly," writes Krystelle Fournier. So try using breathwork and meditation to help control stress levels. A better night's sleep is one of many benefits from keeping stress levels in check.

5. Don't snack before bed.
When you go to bed full, you're not moving your diet or sleep in the right direction. First, it's not comfortable to try to sleep with a full stomach and many people toss and turn, or make frequent bathroom trips when they eat too late, all of which impede sleep.
Going to bed on a full stomach can also suppress ghrelin, a hormone you want to be highest at night. That's because ghrelin triggers the release of growth hormone (GH) when we sleep. GH helps your body heal, recover and make muscle and bone, so ghrelin is the last thing you want to shut down during sleep. Have a substantial dinner and close up the kitchen. If you still have 11PM hankerings, have a glass of water.

I really wish the girls I live next to would listen to these tips. I can tell that they are exhausted. We can hear them next door around midnight. So, what I do is put in some ear plugs and hit the zzz's because I know that's what helps me stay on my game.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17997/how-to-get-high-quality-uninterrupted-sleep-every-night.html

Mind, body, spirit

Hi again!

Before I fall asleep for another 6 hours (being sick makes you sleepy), I thought I'd share a few pieces of information regarding meditation. In the spirit of talking about anxiety, I thought it would also be worthwhile to share a little info about this fantastic practice!

Meditation is for everyone. Meditating has been proven to help reduce anxiety and depression, boost energy, and increase clarity. It is free, can be practiced pretty much anywhere, and has insane health benefits.

Meditation can help you:

• Lose weight
• Improve communication and relationships
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Overcome addiction
• Sharpen your thinking
• Master your emotions

When you meditate, you access deeper brainwave states, helping to clear distracting thoughts, reduce stress and boost brainpower while cultivating a spiritual connection and reaching deeper states of awareness and wholeness.
Meditation trains us to use the inevitable challenges of life as opportunities to grow. This class breaks down and demystifies meditation.
Have you always wanted to meditate, but don't know where to begin? Or, did you start a meditation practice but quickly fell off the wagon? All you need is a little instruction on how to train your brain and before you know it, you'll be harnessing the power of your mind and improving your life.
Here are 10 easy tips to start meditating right now and maintain a daily practice.
1. Get comfortable.
We tend to make meditation more complicated and challenging than necessary. Take it easy. Start by taking a comfortable seat. If you're flexible sit cross-legged on the floor, on a meditation cushion, bolster or blanket — with your knees resting slightly below your hips. If you're not, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor.
2. Same "Bat Time," same "Bat Channel."
One of the most lucrative ways to coax the mind into submission is to create a ritual. Set a clearly designated space for meditation. This can be as simple as a thoughtfully placed candle, picture or stone. You'll also want to practice at the same time every day. Start with the same protocol for each meditation. Routine triggers the mind out of the logical, linear thinking of the left brain, into the intuitive, non-linear right hemisphere.
3. Sit tall.
Posture 101: Sit up nice and tall by straightening your spine. Sit in a chair or against a wall if you need to. Lengthen the spine to help increase your circulation and keep you alert.
4. Start small.
Start where you are. If 10 minutes seems overwhelming, begin with five. After a week, begin to add one minute to your practice each week until you build up to 30 minutes (or more) at a time.
5. Be nice to yourself (really nice!).
Ultimately, it is all about your relationship to yourself. The way you do anything is the way you do everything. Meditation teaches us radical acceptance, compassion and unconditional love. Be sweet to your convoluted mind. Surrender to exactly who you are and what is happening — right here, right now. And don't forget to smile!
6. Note your excuses.
Meditation is a practice of self-inquiry. You can carve 5 to 10 minutes out of your day. Notice how your mind can tend to rationalize when you break your commitment. Just observe and understand without judgment. Then recommit to your practice without making excuses.
7. Find a meditation buddy.
Accountability is the answer to your excuses. Find a buddy to commit to meditating with. Find a friend who is also beginning to meditate, or join a Facebook group or online course. Your struggle is normal…but it will get easier.
8. Practice makes perfect.
Or at least perfectly imperfect. Like anything in life, we get better with practice. Think of your meditation as bicep curls for the muscle of your mind. You are training your brain to focus, concentrate and let go. Over time, with consistency, you WILL become more skillful.
9. Just breathe.
The breath is a gateway to the realm beyond the mind — our higher consciousness. Our mind is addicted to analyzing the past or projecting into the future. BUT the breath is only in the here and now. Focus on your breath to anchor the mind into the present moment.
10. Start a meditation journal.
End your practice each day by observing the benefits of your practice. How do I feel? What is my emotional state or mood?
Make note of any changes so they register in your body and conscious mind. So next time you resist meditation, flip through the notes you made in your journal to remember these benefits. This will help you stay motivated and committed.

If you want to start a meditation practice, but don't want to do it alone-don't sweat it! The Allison Hall Interfaith Space holds group meditation classes on Thursdays from 6-7pm and it's FREE. There is also a prayer and meditation room at the bottom of the HUB that is open 24/7 in order for you to find peace and clarity.

Happy meditating!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15737/how-to-begin-a-daily-meditation-practice.html

April Anxiety

Hi all!

So we are in the middle of April, which is the craziest month of the year as many college students know. Anxiety is on the rise, so I thought I'd post this infographic about how anxiety effects your body, and how we can combat these effects!
I definitely need to try out a few of these tips-being sick at home is making be stress out about all of the work I need to do...

How to Respond and Prevent Anxiety

1. Take a moment to breathe.
Anxiety can cause us to clench our muscles and hold our breath, thus depleting our bodies of calming oxygen. Take three-to-five intentional deep breaths. Focusing your attention on the inhale and exhale can help calm nerves, relax your muscles and provide a helpful timeout to regroup.
2. Free write.
In anxiety-provoking situations, you might feel out of control and thus try to control every little detail until it makes you crazy. Rather than act on the fly or do or say something you might regret, try to instead jot your thoughts down on paper. Free writing can help you release some of the tension tied to the situation and help you gain valuable clarity to regain composure.
3. Take a physical time out.
Take a 10-minute timeout from the activity or situation. Whether you're strolling up 5th Avenue with the wind in your hair, or sitting in a quiet space, taking time to yourself can provide a welcome distraction and let your body and mind regroup.
4. Remember, "qué será, será!"
"What will be, will be." It seems like the times in life when I've tried to control circumstances the most is when things did not go my way. Take a few steps back and remember that time heals, and can give you the clarity needed to act with integrity. Realize also that not everything is in our control and some things need to work themselves out naturally.
5. Avoid sugar and caffeine.
If you're naturally jittery, like me, avoid sugar and caffeine when you're feeling anxious. Both ingredients speed up your heart rate and give you that rush of energy, likely adding to your anxiety. Instead, turn to hearty root vegetables, calming soups and caffeine-free tea to soothe your nerves.
6. Make sure you're getting plenty of movement.
There is no greater therapy for me than pounding the pavement, hitting up my favorite yoga class or sweating it out on a bicycle. Exercise helps burn extra energy that's associated with anxiety and also helps rid your body of toxins that stress your system (via sweating). For me, movement of any kind can be a source of meditation and helps me separate my feelings of anxiety from how I see challenges and how to overcome them.
7. Turn to gratitude.
Anxiety, worry and fear have their way of robbing us of the joys and pleasures of our everyday life. They can leave you feeling empty and alone. Turn to your gratitude list. Write down 10 things you are grateful for right in this moment. Make a point to tell three people that you are grateful for them, for something that they did or said. Gratitude lists are an instant mood booster and helps to wash away the feelings not being or having enough.
8. Spend time in nature.
Spending time in nature has a way of naturally calming our nerves. It centers our emotions and helps us feel grounded. Sit by a tall tree and feel the roots. Dip your toes in the water or listen to the waves crash and let the calm wash over you. Listen to the birds chirping, notice the sound of the wind, and feel a calm, cool breeze envelope you.


If you are still feeling anxious, never hesitate to reach out to the Dickinson College Wellness Center (or your local wellness center!).

Here is more information about the Dickinson services:

Office Hours 
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Open Hours (AVAILABLE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS)

Monday - Friday
11 a.m. - noon
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
(No appointment needed)

APPOINTMENT-BASED SERVICES

Initial Assessment

Individual Sessions

Group Sessions
    Mindfully Managing Stress
   Interpersonal Process Group
  Queer and Questioning Support Group

Psychiatric Services

Substance Abuse Services


If you are interested, please email caps@dickinson.edu or call the Wellness Center, Counseling and Psychiatric Services, at 717-245-1663.

 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15187/8-practical-steps-to-combat-anxiety-from-a-highly-anxious-person.html

Shake it Up!

Hi all!

While I've been surfing the internet, I also came across this amazing infograph on smoothies:) It's perfect since the weather in Carlisle is starting to heat up, and these treats will be better than Dairy Queen or Rita's!

A few tips, a few pictures

So it's kind of ironic that the day I start this blog I am sick (which NEVER happens), but I thought I'd at least launch this with some neat pics!

So here's a pic of the fridge that my roommate and I share. We have fresh greens, strawberries, carrots, black bean and rice leftovers, cage-free eggs, spring water, lemon juice, and almond milk! It's always super convenient to have fresh produce in stock, especially when we don't have time to grab a meal in the caf!         

It's always convenient to have a mini-fridge, microwave, and tea kettle in college. It makes healthy eating convenient and accessible.

Like I said, I'm sick today and probably won't be eating the yummy snacks in the fridge...but I will be drinking TONS of tea. Tea is always a wonderful beverage because it's refreshing, but also crazy healthy!

Here's what some studies have found about the potential health benefits of tea:

• Green tea: Made with steamed tea leaves, it has a high concentration of EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea’s antioxidants may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce risk of stroke, and improve cholesterol levels.
• Black tea: Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.
• White tea: Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
• Oolong tea: In an animal study, those given antioxidants from oolong tea were found to have lower bad cholesterol levels. One variety of oolong, Wuyi, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement, but science hasn’t backed the claims.
• Pu-erh tea: Made from fermented and aged leaves. Considered a black tea, its leaves are pressed into cakes. One animal study showed that animals given pu-erh had less weight gain and reduced LDL cholesterol.
• Chamomile tea: Its antioxidants may help prevent complications from diabetes, like loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage, and stunt the growth of cancer cells.
• Echinacea: Often touted as a way to fight the common cold, the research on echinacea has been inconclusive.
• Hibiscus: A small study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily lowered blood pressure in people with modestly elevated levels.
• Rooibos (red tea): A South African herb that is fermented. Although it has flavonoids with cancer-fighting properties, medical studies have been limited.

For more info on the health benefits of tea, here's a great link!

http://www.webmd.com/diet/tea-types-and-their-health-benefits 

Here it goes!

Hi all!

Welcome to the first post of College Wellness Living!
This is a space for every and any student to check out tips for wellness and healthy living. Nutrition, fitness, and wellness tips, along with  recipes will be provided:)
We all struggle to keep our lives together between classes, friends, organizations we're involved in, and trying to figure out the**FuTuRE**

So, let's make life a little more balanced together, sound good?