Perk up your morning routine with a mug of mushroom coffee
A now-regular sight on the shelves of well-stocked grocery and natural food stores, nutty and smooth mushroom coffee is no new phenomenon: the history of mushroom coffee is said to date back to World War II Finland.
This coffee is made with a blend of ground or instant coffee beans and dried mushrooms. You won’t find basic button mushrooms in these blends, instead you’re more likely to find adaptogenic mushrooms such as reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turkey’s tail. Adaptogenic mushrooms are believed to reduce stress and build resilience to internal and external stressors. Drinking mushroom coffee over regular coffee drinks can reduce your caffeine intake and have a beneficial effect on gut health. While further studies are needed to verify health claims, mushrooms enjoyed in any form will add a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your day.
Understanding the skin-brain relationship behind neurocosmetics
You’ve read all about the fascinating relationship between the gut and the brain, now it’s time to learn about the important connection between the brain and the human body’s largest organ—the skin! The emerging field of psychodermatology does just that, focusing on skin conditions that share dermatologic and psychiatric traits. According to psychodermatologists, underlying psychological problems such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression may play a role in skin ailments like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and hives.
Neurocosmetics are topical skin treatments that claim to reduce stress (by blocking cortisol or via the use of adaptogenic ingredients) or that signal a release of mood elevating beta endorphins. Whether you’ve been combating dry, dull skin or you need help with persistent acne, neurocosmetics may be able to help soothe your skin while simultaneously alleviating stress and boosting your mood.
I love myself today: the power of daily affirmations
A form of positive thinking, daily affirmations are brief statements or mantras that are created to boost and maintain one’s self-view. Intentional self-affirming statements have the ability to improve self-confidence and motivation in a wide variety of settings—including romantic, career, and financial situations—and help promote consistency with health-changing behaviors.
When writing a daily affirmation, consider a simple response to the emotional challenges you’re currently facing. Remember, daily affirmations can change from day-to-day, there’s no need to come up with a perfect phrase. Keep your words in the present tense and the sentence short and to the point, such as “I am loved”, “I am enough” or “I feel at peace.” Repeat your positive affirmation throughout the day, saying the words out loud or writing them down intentionally. While these actions might seem simplistic, studies show that the repetition of positive phrases has the power to eventually change how we view ourselves for the better.
Make your next workout an exergame with VR fitness
Virtual fitness, which is also sometimes referred to by the term exergaming, requires the workout to be goal-oriented, typically by using points or another type of scoring system. As part of the motivation component, these exercise programs encourage users to beat past scores, a tactic that is meant to inspire a consistent fitness routine. While there isn’t yet any data to suggest that VR fitness is superior to more traditional forms of exercise, there is evidence that those who use exergaming might have more fun in the process.
Because of its portable nature, VR fitness is also currently being explored as an accessible exercise option for seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals participating in cardiac rehabilitation. For some people, the quantification of an activity can cause them to enjoy an activity less, so be sure to mix your VR fitness routine with a walk or other enjoyable outside activity to keep your routine fresh and fun!
This article was originally published in the November 2023 issue of delicious living magazine.
