Find Me On
2.12.2013
Make like Dr. Feelgood and UP your Love Game, Naturally
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” — Rumi
Hey Lovas,
Ok, so I couldn’t help myself... I had to do a V-day love letter to y’all this week because in my eyes, more love = more healing. And while I don’t adhere to the typical Hallmark version of Valentine’s Day festivities, I do try to celebrate love EACH and EVERY DAY.
How? Well, first, by showing myself some lovin with delicious healthy foods, heartbeat raising activities and self-care practices. If I don’t take care of my own body, mind and soul first, how can I show real love for others? Then, I try to open my heart up to all the beauty that surrounds me - people, places, things. It’s amazing how much love you can feel by just opening yourself up to the world.
Of course, there are moments when it’s really hard to feel the love. I get it. Sometimes you just want to throw an F-bomb at the 4th robotic phone rep you’ve spoken to (when all you want is a correction made on your bill) after you’ve been passed around like a doobie at Woodstock. It’s moments like those that really test your zen vibe. Luckily, there are some foods and practices that can really help with getting back your love mojo if the reserves run dry.
Here are some things that’ll keep you feeling mm hmm good and up your love game...
Maca
Mmmmaca. This Peruvian root is a known aphrodisiac that does all sorts of goodness. This root regulates your hormones, enhances your immune system, increases energy and reduces anxiety. It’s full of magnesium, potassium and calcium and is considered an "adaptogenic" herb. It’s got a great nutty flavor, a bit like chicory root or coffee, yet without the caffeine stimulant properties. Maca also increases stamina and libido.... mmhmm. I love to throw in some raw maca powder in my morning smoothies, or make a maca latte with almond milk and a splash of vanilla. Make sure you start off slow (1 tsp) and work your way up.
Cacao
It is V-day after all... but this time we’re dropping all the additives and added sugars and celebrating the raw goodness of cacao (because you’re sweet enough... aww). First of all, raw chocolate is super high on the antioxidant front, and is loaded with magnesium, iron, and anandamide (aka “bliss chemical”, okaaay). This well known aphrodisiac also lifts our mood and spirits, decreases depression and makes us feel all nice and yummy. I’m sure many a female can attest to this, yes? Sooo many dope things you can do with raw cacao - use the powder form to choco-fy practically anything, or sprinkle raw cacao nibs in your banana soft serve. Um, yes please.
Chili Peppers
Okay, so I kind of have to include this on the list... being latina and all. But there’s something about chilis that can really make you hot ‘n bothered. Chilis mimic the state of sexual arousal by quickening the pulse and inducing sweating. They also stimulate the release of endorphins, which play a role in sexual pleasure. The capsaicin found in chilis indicates high antioxidant levels and can even curb your appetite. So next time, try going for a little kick and spice things up.
Exercise & Yoga
Wanna feel GOOD? Like, REALLY GOOD? Then exercise baby. Yea yea... everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but did you know that it’s just as effective as Zoloft in reducing depression? Truth... according to Dr. John Ratey, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of A User's Guide to the Brain. Exercise stimulates endorphins and all those feel-good chemicals that make you feel euphoric. I’m really ok with that. But I’m also really partial to yoga.
Why?
Well, first of all any practice that’s been alive and thriving for hundreds of years has got to have something going for it. Yoga improves and increases your awareness to your breath, posture and your own body making you feel right at home in your own skin. When you’re feeling super connected to your own body and are able to clear the mind of clutter, you become that much more aware of just how sensual you are. Martin Portner, Neurologist and author of "The Orgasmic Mind", explains this - it’s much easier to reach that orgasmic place when you’ve hushed the amygdala and all its stress activities.Ok, maybe being in a class full of half naked sweaty people also has something to do with it. Real talk.
and finally....
Write a love note!
To anyone. Maybe keep the mystery and make it anonymous... but expressing gratitude and love for anyone from your main squeeze to the really nice mail guy not only makes them feel awesome, it’ll make you feel uplifted and appreciative. When we reflect on the good stuff in our lives and express gratitude, it’s much easier to 1. see how much we can be thankful for - and 2. spread the lovin’. You don’t even have to know who you’re writing one to - just write one and leave it where a complete stranger will find it or to someone who really needs one. Heck, you could even write one to yourself... if keeping within the self-love theme. I mean, how much radder would the world be if everyone got a love letter once in a while?
So get out there and spread the LOVE!
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