Relax & Reclaim

When you start to age, your body sometimes let's you know that it's time for a reset. Some people get concerned about how to extend their lives or make their lives more fulfilling.  We received a question from a reader with initials "A.G." from The Netherlands asking about longevity. Here's an excerpt from A.G.'s email:  " ...I am wanting to find ways to increase my life span. I read a lot of books on this subject and many of them talk about some crazy ways to lengthen your lifespan.  There was one book that talked about only eating fruit grown from volcanic soil will add 5 years ( where do I find that? ).  Another talked about sleeping 18 hours straight once a month for 12 months to add 6 years to your life ( I am extremely busy and simply cannot allocate that amount of time! ). I read another that talked about working out intensely for 45 minutes one day a week for 90 days to add 10 years ( I am up in age now and I don't think my body...

Let’s cut to the chase — sometimes your body just needs a timeout: From late-night pizza. From back-to-back coffee runs. From all the things that wear you down without you even realizing it.  Juice fasting gives your system a pause. Not a trend. Not a gimmick. People have been doing it way before wellness influencers and TikTok hacks. It’s not magic.  But it’s something real. Something simple. And when it’s done right, it can be one of the most refreshing things you’ll ever do. So, What’s Juice Fasting, Really? Juice fasting means drinking only freshly squeezed juices for a short period. No chips. No dinners. No “just a bite” of cake. Just fresh juice from fruits and vegetables. For beginners, it’s usually one to three days. You can stretch it if you’ve done it before and know how your body reacts. But the key here is “fresh.” That carton from the store? Probably pasteurized, pumped full of preservatives, and sitting on that shelf way too long.  For the real deal, make...

Thank you to our loyal blog visitors for your ongoing support and feedback, which helps us enhance your experience here on Relax and Reclaim .  We’ve noticed a strong interest in our recent posts about natural skincare . You've asked us to focus on anti-aging solutions for individuals with specific skin concerns.  In response to your requests, we are excited to announce that we will be expanding our content in this area to better serve your needs starting with this article. staying flawless takes effort  Save Your Face Let's face it (no pun intended), skin issues are the gift that just keeps on giving. Many of us deal with these annoying problems every single day!  Our skin, especially our lovely faces, receive a huge barrage of heat, dust, and not-so-clean air. These ongoing attacks can lead to skin issues like aging and wrinkles.  What’s behind this aging drama? Well, it’s a mix of genetics and those ever-present UV rays from the sun. But, ...

Are you looking to build strength and endurance without a high impact workout regimen? Unfortunately, many people are too short on time these days to dedicate much focus on either type of workout. Finding time to exercise is almost impossible in our busy lives these days. For those with j oint pain, injuries, or limited mobility, going to the gym is a huge no-go. Enter isometric exercises.  What Are Isometric Exercises? These simple moves involve muscle contraction without joint movement. Imagine pressing your hands together in a prayer pose—your muscles work while your limbs stay still. 🙏  Isometric training is not just a quick, equipment-free workout; it's a safe and effective choice for those short on time or dealing with physical restrictions. Let’s look at how these exercises can benefit your body and schedule. But first, a little housekeeping: * Please be advised that the topics being discussed on this website are solely for informational purposes and should not be int...

When Winter Feels Heavier Than Your Coat: Understanding SAD Because sometimes the season that's supposed to be jolly... just isn't. Let's talk about something that happens to a lot of people this time of year but doesn't always make it into the holiday small talk. You know that feeling when winter settles in and suddenly everything just feels... harder? Not bad, exactly. Just heavier. Slower.  Like someone turned down the brightness on your whole life and forgot to turn it back up. Your alarm goes off and you genuinely consider whether pretending to be sick would be believable.  The couch becomes your best friend. And getting dressed feels like an Olympic event you didn't train for. If that sounds familiar, you're not imagining it. And you're definitely not alone. the reality of winter for some people What Actually Is SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder—or SAD, which is almost too on-the-nose to be accidental—is basically your body's way of saying "Hey...

When Your Stress Won’t Stop Calling—Send It to Voicemail Write down four things causing stress. Now circle the only one you’ll deal with today. The birds can call all they want… you only answer one. 4 calling birds This is boundary-setting in festive disguise. Keep your voice kind, clear, and true this season—then fly back in for Day 5’s feel-good challenge. Share this article with 10 people you know need this information.... "Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"

It's berry season in many parts of the world folks! Not only are there delicious many varieties of berries available now but they are all very good for you.  Come with me as I take you on a delectable and nutritious tour through some of these great choices! Many berries contain large amounts of Vitamin C, B vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Berries are very simple to arrange and to have readily available.  Various berry selections can be grown indoors which makes eating them from the vine or tree even easier. Ellagic acid is another important phytochemical in virtually all berries. More than a simple antioxidant, ellagic acid also blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.  In animals, it has inhibited development of colon, esophageal, liver, lung and skin cancers stemming from a variety of carcinogens. Here is a handful (pardon the pun) of highly recommended berries for healthy living. Strawberries This low calorie, high nutrient berry stands at the top of t...

I have been asked to provide a more suited recipe for the colder months, so I reached out to my culinary contact & was provided the following recipe for your enjoyment. Please let all your friends know where you got it from!! Not Your Mamma's Veggie Minestrone Soup 1-1/2 cups tripolini (bow tie) pasta 5  cups  vegetable broth                3 cups diced & drained tomatoes 1-1/2 tbsp chopped fresh basil 1/2  tsp dried oregano 2  medium carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, minced 1  medium onion, finely chopped 3  medium zucchini, sliced 1 cup red beans (rinsed & drained if from can) 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 bay leaf                                Preparation: In a large pot, combine all the ingredients except the pasta. Si...