Calm and Cool

Refreshing Mint

I've been seeing a lot of fresh mint lately - for sale in the produce section, growing in my grandfather's Amazon of a back porch, growing near my house (and in a delicious ginger mojito my pal Rachel concocted 4th of July weekend!) - it's everywhere. You can always tell when mint is growing nearby; the refreshing scent lingers in the air. I remember as a kid spending summers at my grandparents' pool, I could always smell it from several feet away on my lounge chair. If you can't grow your own, a take advantage of your local farmer's market and snoop around for some fresh mint.

Mint has very cooling properties - perfect for the hazy, hot and humid days of August. Other benefits of mint include:

- calms a nervous stomach
- reduces headaches
- helps relieve coughs and congestion
- freshens breath and kills germs
- eases discomfort experienced with digestive issues
- lightens an otherwise heavy meal
- aids in the assimilation of nutrients in the blood

I have been picking it up and making my favorite refreshing summer drink - Moroccan Mint Tea. Treat yourself to mint's cooling effect by throwing it into a crisp salad, sprinkling it on top of fresh peas or beans, or make my favorite homemade tea.

Moroccan Mint Tea
Ingredients
10 fresh mint sprigs, plus 4 for garnish
3 green tea bags
3 tablespoons honey
4 cups water

Boil water. Pour a small amount in teapot and swish around to warm the pot. Combine the mint and green tea and honey in the teapot, then fill it with the rest of the hot water. Let tea brew, stirring the leaves once or twice, and let it cool. Pour tea into glasses to serve. If you're like my mom and cannot possibly drink anything without an iceberg in it, feel free to toss a few (or 12) cubes in it too. Garnish with remaining 4 sprigs of mint.

Go Prioritize Yourself!

Whether you are a busy mother of three, working a high-stress job, or just one of those "go to" people in your family that everyone relies on, so many of us spend all of our energy worrying about taking care of others and leave no time for ourselves. Of course it is an amazing thing to care for others, but when we neglect ourselves we drain our energy, run ourselves down, and make it impossible to give the best care that we can give to our loved ones, our jobs, those in need, etc. So, make it a point to prioritize yourself. Victoria Moran, a well known author and life coach said, make sure you take care of ME in the morning - "ME" stands for Meditation and Exercise. I love this concept and have been trying it myself and I cannot believe how much more positive, grounded and motivated I feel. Give it a try and see if it better prepares you to conquer the day!

Summer is the perfect time to practice taking care of you. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Before summer passes us by, it's time to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation. The heat from the sun and longer days gives us energy for a great workout in the outdoors. So try to go for a jog in the morning, hop on your bike, or go for a walk (added bonus if it's with a dog!). Follow up that physical movement with some good quality relaxation. This is a unique time of year when we can exercise and relax in the fresh air so take advantage! Perhaps you go for a bike ride to the beach to soak up the sun by the water. There is something very restorative about water that makes us naturally crave to be near it or in it, so it is a great place to find relaxation. Alternatively, you could take a walk around town and stop at an outdoor restaurant for a great meal and some people watching. I love people watching - it's relaxing and reminds me of being on vacation in Europe in the summer. Even if you are not going anywhere on vacation, pretend that you are! Get out there, move around, and relax. Or just go to bed early for once, will you? Your body will thank you.