Mental Wellness is a subject close to my heart . Not only because I have struggled in the past but because I see so many unwilling or timid to admit these mental cycles because they are afraid that it takes away from how people see them .

Today I would like to discuss some ways in which we can look after our Mental Health  while working at home . 
If you’re working from home, unable to see your work colleagues from day to day, you may find yourself struggling with your mental health.
 
This is understandable, as often just seeing others can brighten your day. Very few want to be stuck at home all day, let alone have to work from home every day. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule.
 
Consider these ways to look after your mental health when working from home.
 
1. Try to Get into a Routine 
It can be a challenge and isolating to work from home. Often, you may find your attention wandering, or you may be missing your work colleagues.
 
A routine can help you focus on your tasks.
 
Use these strategies:

• Have a space for work that is free of any distractions.
  
  
• Set a routine to get up and get started, take regular breaks including lunch, and finish work at a reasonable time.
  
  
• Avoid working in your pajamas.
  
  
• Set clear tasks for the day and prioritize them. Do the most important tasks first.
  
  
• When you finish work, clean up your workspace as you would in an office.
  
  
• If you’re homeschooling your children, it may be a good idea to let your superiors know. You’ll want to set up a routine of when you can work and when you can give your children the attention they need too.
• And most importantly do not neglect your meal or rest breaks 

 
2. Keep In Touch With Colleagues 
To avoid becoming isolated while working from home, keep in touch with colleagues, both in a formal fashion and a more social one.
 
Try these techniques:

• Discuss with your colleagues when it is best to contact you and try to remain available during these times.
  
  
• Use video calling software for formal discussions.
  
  
• Follow up any video calls with a quick note to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the actions that need to be taken.
  
  
• You can also use video calling for more informal chats or use other messenger services if it is more appropriate.
  
  
• Check in with the rest of the team at the end of the workday to get updates. These updates might be work-related, or you might use this time for personal updates.

 
Try to keep your work and social life separate. When working from home, it is easy for your work and social life to merge.
 
Not all of your colleagues will appreciate you sharing everything with them, so respect their boundaries, just as you expect them to respect yours.
 
3. Use Any Support Available 
Working from home can be challenging, so if there is support available, make the most of it:

• Many employers will have support available for its employees, with dedicated apps and websites offering support.
  
  
• If you are currently struggling with a physical or mental health condition, your employer may be able to make reasonable adjustments to your work schedule, offer additional support from managers or other colleagues, and to provide equipment if needed.
  
  
• Look at the self-care techniques you’ve used in the past that have worked for you. You will have to be flexible sometimes, especially if you are stuck at home. For example, if you would usually go to the gym to relieve your issues, you could try working out from home using an online class.

 
Working from home is not for everyone. Some people will thrive in that environment while others will struggle. Keep these tips in mind, especially if you’re struggling. They can help you remain productive  while you’re  at home.

Check your garden for this treasure .... you may mistake it for a weed 

​Some of the most important health benefits of blue vervain include its ability to stimulate the liver, soothe the nervous system, detoxify the body, reduce depression and stress, eliminate pain, lower inflammation, protect the immune system, and alleviate chest congestion.

Detoxify the Body: One of the oldest and most reliable uses of blue vervain is as a diuretic, as it stimulates the release of urine from the body. This can help to eliminate toxins from the system, as well as excess water, salts, and fat. This can help to protect the kidneys and the liver by reducing the presence of dangerous substances and toxins that accumulate there. If you have a bladder infection, blue vervain can be a highly effective remedy.

Respiratory Disorders: If you regularly suffer from chest congestion, colds, chronic bronchitis, sore throats, or respiratory inflammation, blue vervain tea can be a simple and pleasant means of clearing up your tracts and eliminating irritation. Coughs and colds from Rome to California have been cured with blue vervain, as it also acts as an expectorant, helping to expel mucus and phlegm that have accumulated in the respiratory tracts.

Nervous System: There are certain soothing properties of blue vervain that can effectively treat a number of different ailments, including nervous disorders, chronic anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. Sometimes, our body’s release and management of hormones is less than optimal, and over time, this can cause significant health problems and wear on the body. A cup of blue vervain tea can calm our nerves and re-balance hormone levels, ensuring that our body can rest.

Depression and Mood Swings: Blue vervain has commonly been turned to in the past for people suffering from depression and unpredictable moods. This relaxing and uplifting herb can promote positive thinking, stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and generally improve your mood by clearing your mind of worry.

Anti-Parasitic Activity: Although intestinal worms and parasites aren’t as common as they used to be before proper food preparation guidelines and health advances, the anti-parasitic nature of blue vervain is still relied on in some cultures and situations. The natural anti-parasitic nature of the herb means that you can eliminate or prevent the growth and development of any worms or parasites in your intestines, thereby protecting your digestive health and availability of nutrients.

Female Tonic: For women who suffer from particularly strong or severe periods, blue vervain can be a blessing. It has been known to reduce cramps and general discomfort, primarily for women who are bloated and cramping. Its effects on mood and depression can also soften the symptoms of menstruation, while its regulation of hormones will keep you balanced and functional.

Oral Health: The high concentration of tannins present in blue vervain make it a very effective way to protect your overall oral health. Whether you have bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, bacterial infections, or any other unhealthy aspect of your oral health, blue vervain tea can quickly clear it up. Tannins function as antioxidants to promote healing and prevent further degradation to the tissue.

Breastfeeding Mothers: Some women struggle to produce enough milk for their baby, and this is completely natural in many cases. However, blue vervain can help to stimulate the production of milk in the breast, ensuring that your baby has all of the nutrients it needs in that crucial period of growth.
Pain Relief: As suggested by some of these other health benefits, blue vervain can act as a powerful analgesic. It seems to be particularly effective on arthritic pain and the pain from kidney stones. The organic compounds present in blue vervain can numb certain areas and stop pain from registering in those nerves, thereby giving you some relief. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb are the perfect complement to this pain relief, as it will also reduce swelling and inflammation, such as in cases of gout, arthritis, or inflammation in the gastrointestinal system.

A few days ago as I was doing my daily morning gardening ritual, my assistant Adline stopped by , as we were combing the garden my gardener Nikel came to show me what looked like a broken piece of tree limb excitedly . It did not take me long to realise he had the intention to plant said limb. 

They were both so excited and animated about the plant that it caught my attention, I was told this was "Lyann Panye".  No one however could say what that translated in English was .. so I went on a research adventure .. I now share with you my findings.

"Lyann Panye"   "Chamissoa Altissima" or "False Chaff Flower"

The leaves used to make a tea  or broth is the ultimate treatment for Asthenia  or "Weakness"
What is Asthenia ?  

• Lack of energy
• Lack of muscle strength
• May lead to sleep disturbance, Fatigue 
• Hyperestesia - sensitivity of skin

Most time caused by the side effect of Drugs taken for treatment of a range of illnesses .... some of the drugs I have listed here ....

Acetohexamide ; Adefovir Dipivoxil ; Anagrelide ; Axitinib tablets ; Bexarotene ; Cevimeline ; Chlordiazepoxide ; Cilostozol ; Denosumab ; Dipyridamole; Divalprex ; Emtricitabine ; Enzalutamide ; Epinephrine ; Etizolom ; Fluvoxamine ; Granistetron ; Ibritumomab Tivxetan ; Interferon Beta - 1B ; Lisinopril and Hydroclorathiazide ; Lithium ; Lorazapam ; Mephenesin ; Myclophenolate Mofetil ; Paroxetine ; Tramadol ; Triazolam ; Zolmitriptam

the list is much longer .. so check for yourself if you are experiencing the symptoms or been diagnosed with Asthenia.


Chef Lorraine (Iriedawta)
​The Ital Life 
Herbalist

Have you ever decided... i need a change and just did it !! well that is exactly what happened today .. I was looking at my old website and thought hmmmm we need a makeover and eight hours later .. here we are .. this is gonna be a lot of fun !! ... let's get to know each other betta mi peeps ... let's explore "The Spice of Life" together .!