Happiness Within

Might want to replace one cup of your of coffee for a glass of tart cherry juice. You will love you for it! Tart cherry juice, particularly from Montmorency cherries, is quite effective for reducing inflammation, relieving joint pain/arthritis, speeding up exercise recovery, and improving sleep quality even due to its high concentration of anthocyanins and natural melatonin. Now, why did TropicFeather's Jill and I, Suzanne, come up with this as a topic for our health blog? Suzanne has suffered from a pinched nerve for 5 1/2 months now. She received physical therapy twice a week that only relieved the pain for a few hours each time. She's tried all kinds of things, but guess what seems to be working all of a sudden? Tart cherry juice! She's drinking about 8- 12 ounces per day for the last 3 days, and the pain has lessened quite a bit. The tingling and numbing of her left hand and forearm still acts when she holds something heavy in the hand or leans over to pick something up...

  Yes, you need your sleep, beautiful. We're talk to you out there! Let’s be honest: staring at your ceiling and counting sheep is yucky. By the time you get to sheep number 342, you’re not sleepy—you’re just wondering why you’re mentally managing a farm at 3 AM. If you want to quit the midnight ceiling-staring contest and actually drift off naturally, it’s all about setting the stage. Here is the "Lazy Person’s Guide" to tricking your body into sweet slumber. 1. The "Sunset" Mode 🌅 Your brain is actually pretty easy to fool. If it sees bright lights, it thinks, "Action! Adventure! Spreadsheet time!"          *    Habit: Dim the lights 30 minutes before bed. Hack: Switch your phone to "Night Shift" or, better yet, put it in another room when you go to bed. Social media can wait until tomorrow for your attention. 2. Cool Down (Literally) ❄️ Ever notice how it’s impossible to sleep in a room that feels like a sauna? Science says your body te...

  Feeling not so good? You and your home need plantlife. Pictured is a spearmint and a type of palm! Bringing nature indoors into our living spaces promotes a healthy "environmental infrastructure."s Many of spend up to 90% of our lives inside, so the air we breathe and the atmosphere we inhabit directly dictate our long-term health. Beyond mere decoration, research from the University of Surrey and NASA confirms that houseplants act as living filters, regulating humidity and cooling indoor temperatures by up to 2°C, making our homes more climate-resilient and physically comfortable. Fascinating, right? The impact of indoor greenery on our hearts and minds is equally profound. Studies show that interacting with plants—whether through pruning, watering, or simply observing theme and yes, even talking with th—suppresses the sympathetic nervous system, which is respomnsible for our stress response. This "green therapy" can lower cortisol levels and blood pressure, help...

  Mmmm! Reishi & Lion's Mane-infused gravy! Whether you’re sautéing mushrooms in garlic butter or tossing them into a morning smoothie, mushrooms are having a major moment in the wellness world. Long dismissed as just a pizza topping or a salad garnish, these fungi are actually nutritional powerhouses with benefits that border on the "supernatural." Who loves that "Supernatural" show with the Winchesters? We do! (And btw, we are not nutrition experts, so please consult with your physician before eating to make sure they are okay for you.) Here is a deep dive into the healthy side effects of making mushrooms a staple in your diet. 1. A Natural Shield for Your Immune System Mushrooms are one of the best sources of beta-glucans , a type of soluble fiber that acts like a "workout" for your immune system. Instead of overstimulating it, beta-glucans help balance your immune response, making your body more efficient at identifying and fighting off pathoge...

Shasta knows how to wake up wonderful! The first step to a "happy" morning is a bold-faced lie. When that alarm goes off, do not—under any circumstances—acknowledge the crushing weight of your responsibilities or the fact that the sun is being way too loud. Instead, treat yourself like a high-maintenance Victorian child .  Stay under the comforter for an extra five minutes and practice " The Gentle Delusion ," where you convince yourself that you aren't actually waking up for work, but are instead a pampered house cat preparing for a very important nap in a different room. ​Once you’ve successfully trickled out of bed, bypass the mirror (nobody needs that kind of negativity at 7:00 AM) and head straight for the sensory bribes. Science suggests that dopamine is the only thing standing between us and a total morning meltdown, so pair your caffeine with a playlist that feels like a cinematic montage.  If you aren't brushing your teeth to a beat that makes yo...

​Think you need a gym membership and a high-impact routine to get fit? Think again. Sometimes, the best piece of workout equipment is the one you’re sitting on right now. ​Whether you’re working a 9-to-5 desk job, recovering from an injury, or just looking for a low-impact way to move more, seated chair exercises are a total game-changer. But first, check with your doctor if this kind of exercise is safe for you, okay? ​Why the Chair Works ​Don't let the "seated" part fool you. Chair workouts aren't just "light stretching"—they can be a legitimate way to build strength and cardiovascular health. ​Accessibility: Perfect for those with balance issues, joint pain, or limited space. ​Joint-Friendly: You get the muscle engagement without the heavy impact on your knees and ankles. ​Convenience: No "gym clothes" required. You can squeeze in a set during a Zoom meeting (camera off, obviously) or while watching TV. ​Top Moves for a Seated Burn ​You can targ...