by Cascade Ice on August 21, 2020
The current world we live in can often feel overwhelming. We’re inundated with news and new information, and many are juggling difficult career situations or working from home along with caring for family. But what about taking good care of your own health and well-being? With so many things going on during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to forget that we need to set aside time to make sure we’re managing our lives in the healthiest ways possible. This includes daily self-care.
Self-care can look differently to different people. Perhaps it’s getting out for a nice long walk around the neighborhood, or maybe it’s cooking up some comfort food. Whatever you choose to do each day, make sure that it helps to keep your mind and body healthy – even if that means turning off the news! Here are just a few tips that you can use to take care of yourself during uncertain times like these.
Eat healthy foods and maintain a well-balanced diet as best you can. Make sure to include in-season vegetables and fruits, lean meats and grains, and take a multivitamin to fill in any gaps in your diet.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your brain functioning optimally. If you feel fatigued, it’s likely due to dehydration, so make sure to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces (even more if you work out)
Give yourself little “treats” to make life fun. Staying at home can be monotonous, so it’s fun to incorporate spontaneous things like a family dance party or a fun, new cocktail recipe!
Get some form of exercise everyday. This may sound daunting, but climbing a flight of stairs or taking your dog for a walk is considered exercise. Getting your blood flowing has amazing benefits for your mental health, too.
Practice deep breathing. Take a few minutes each day (it’s best to do this first thing in the morning to set the tone for your day) to close your eyes and take several slow, deep breaths and focus on something. It will help clear your mind and put you in a happier mood instantly!
Utilize technology to maintain connections with friends and family that may not be nearby. While the state of the world has prevented us from socializing like we used to do, social media and video calls provide an amazing way to stay connected to others.
Practice graciousness. While times are tough, we could all acknowledge that we have things to be grateful for. The biggest one? Our health! Consider writing 3 things you’re grateful for each day in a gratitude journal and reminding yourself of those things throughout your day. It will put you in a positive mindset for the entire day.
Help others in need. While this may not seem like traditional self-care, many people report feelings of happiness when they reach out and help others. Check on older people in your community, or donate money or supplies to local organizations in need.
What are some ways that you have practiced self-care? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on April 16, 2020
Over the last several years, new research has emerged that shows the link between stress and health problems – both physical and mental. Especially during these trying times in our world, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress, in order to stay happy and healthy. Here are some quick, easy tips you can practice doing each day to keep your stress at bay.
Guided Imagery
A relatively new technique, guided imagery can essentially be described as “going to your happy place” – using your mind to picture yourself in a relaxing scenario such as a beach vacation or a hot bath. Guided imagery is effective because it can be done most anywhere, whether it’s taking a quick break from work, or before bed to wind down each night. Think through all of the senses and what each sense would experience in the place you’ve imagined, allowing yourself to feel as though you’re really there. If done regularly, guided imagery will help you return to the present moment with a fresh perspective and a more relaxed state of mind.
Physical Exercise
As daunting as it sounds, daily physical exercise doesn’t have to be doing a neighborhood jog everyday. Instead, simply make small efforts daily to get your body moving and get your heart rate up. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take the dog for a long walk, or march in place while you type out an email. Increasing your blood flow will feed endorphins to your brain, which will help with your mental health as a result.
Breathe!
Yes – we breathe all day long. But practicing intentional breathing can have a profound effect on your stress levels. Breathe in through your nose and intentionally let your belly fill all the way up with air. Count to 5 slowly as you inhale, hold for 2 seconds, and then breathe slowly out of your nose. Do this simple trick each time you feel stress creeping in – it will undoubtedly help you “breathe out” stress and tension, leading to a more relaxed body and mind.
What are some ways that you manage stress? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on March 16, 2020
Our bodies are miraculous disease-fighters. But, to function well, it requires a good balance of all of its systems. While experts are still studying the effects of diet, exercise, age, stress, and other factors on the immune system response, there are many ways to give your body the upper hand in fighting off illness. Here are just a few ways you can do that.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
It should go without saying, but most people don’t realize how effective washing your hands with soap and water is for fighting off disease. While hand sanitizer is a good option if you don’t have access to warm water and soap, the latter is still the very best option to rid yourself of harmful bacteria. Remember to wash for at least 30 seconds!
Get Adequate Sleep
Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to adopt the same nightly schedule in order to align your circadian rhythms and achieve more deep sleep. Getting adequate sleep will help fight off illness and restore cells, so it’s an easy way to give your system the boost it needs to fight off disease.
Hydrate Your Body
Stay hydrated all day long by drinking water, and give it a boost of natural vitamins by adding lemon, honey or even mint. If regular water is tough for you to drink all day, reach for a zero-calorie Cascade Ice Sparkling Water – available in many flavor options to keep you from getting bored.
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Prevent illness and heal your body with nature’s vitamins and minerals – consume 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. If it’s hard for you to make that daily quota, take a high-quality multivitamin to fill in the gaps.
What do you do to boost your immune system and stay healthy? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on December 19, 2019
When was the last time you tried to eat your favorite food, but your nose was stuffed up and you couldn’t enjoy all of the flavors? Believe it or not, your nose has a bigger role in your ability to taste different flavors than your tongue. This unique human ability to experience countless different flavors is called “neurogastronomy.”
So what exactly happens in our brain when we taste different flavors? According to Dr. Gordon M. Shepherd, the experience of flavor engages the brain more than any other human behavior. He explains that the scent we smell while eating provides as much of the flavor we taste as the act of chewing and sipping provides.
Experiencing different flavors that we deem tasty can also trigger the release of dopamine, causing feelings of happiness. Reward-driven behavior is greatly impacted by the amount of dopamine released in the brain. So, if you’re trying to drink more water, for example, adding a flavor you like to it is a great way to encourage yourself. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water offers more flavor combinations than any other zero calorie flavored sparkling water. If you have trouble meeting your suggested daily water intake, try flavored water to give your taste buds a kick!
What’s your favorite Cascade Ice Sparkling Water flavor? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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