Oranges Are Happy

Anjie Cho May 20, 2015

I recently launched a new apothecary section in the Holistic Spaces Store, and one of my first products is the HAPPY room mist.

Holistic Spaces worked with Aromatherachi to create unique blends for each of the mists for our apothecary, creating scents to support and enhance the energy in any interior environment. Our formula no.1 HAPPY is a blend of orange essential oils and clear quartz crystals for uplifting abundance and positivity. We used oranges for this scent because they provide positive and life-affirming energy to lift your mood, and added 9 pieces of Clear quartz in each bottle to support positive transformation.

But why orange oil for a scent called "Happy?" When you peel an orange…how does the orange peel smell make you feel? Happy, bright and cheery, right? In feng shui, we use oranges in many adjustments. They’re used for space energy clearings and to uplift the qi of an environment. The yang quality of the scent of oranges invokes positivity, happiness and brightness like the brilliant sun at high noon.

Neal’s Yard Remedies also notes that orange essential oil is beneficial if you have trouble getting things done and are lazy about making changes in your life. Orange oil can hurry the sluggishness, so the “tenor of your life will also begin to change as you become more optimistic and purposeful." There are scientific, historical and symbolic explanations for this too!

On the scientific end, oranges are a fruit high in vitamin C. One orange can provide 90% of the daily recommendation. Plus, in Alice Water’s Chez Pannise Fruit book, she tells us that oranges are seasonal year round. If they’re available year round, they can brighten up even the darkest of winter days and provide much needed immune system support no matter what the season. Not to mention they smell awesome! Actually, The Food Lover's Companion tells us that the word "orange," comes from a transliteration of the sanskrit, "naranga," which is derived from the Tamil, "naru," or "fragrant." That, they are!

When we smell a fragrance, that olfactory information is delivered directly to our limbic systems and hypothalamus, producing deep emotional and behavioral transformations. Studies have linked the smell of oranges to improved emotional and immune responses, serving as everything from anti-depressants to energizing and revitalizing agents. In fact, a 2000 study in a dental office found patients experienced reduced anxiety during visits when orange oil was diffused.

Oranges are significant historically and symbolically as well. Having originated in China, oranges are considered by the Chinese culture to be symbols of good luck and auspiciousness. Oranges are also associated with wealth in China, since the Chinese term for "orange" rhymes with the term for "gold." For this reason, they are very popular during the Chinese New Year and are shared freely to encourage nationwide wealth and good luck.

Oranges are round in shape as well, so they are associated with the pure, never-ending cycle of a circle and are considered to be a symbol of completeness as well as to provide bright, positive energy to any space. Even now, oranges and other citrus fruit are used to brighten food and the visuals on a plate..

It's not difficult to see why oranges hold so much importance in some cultures. All natural, sweet, filling and an easy way to add color. What do you think? Does this energizing citrusy aroma of sweet oranges make you happy?

by Anjie Cho

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Creating Kid-Smart Spaces with Magalie René-Hayes

Anjie Cho April 12, 2015

AC: “The places children learn in shape them, and help them shape the world. Space, light and movement are integral to wellness and success. Every child deserves beauty and inspiration in their daily life.” Tell us more about this statement and how someone can integrate this into their home for their children.

MRH: We’re an amalgam of the experiences we’ve had and the environments we’ve encountered along our journey. We contribute that energy, who we are, to the world every day (whether we’re conscious of it or not). I believe we, as adult guides, have a responsibility to provide inspiring, healthy, stimulating, and even beautiful learning environments so our children can discover their personal skills and gifts. The gifts they’ll eventually contribute to the world in hopefully positive, meaningful ways.

After several years creating what I’ve termed Kid-Smart Spaces for elementary and middle schools, I’ve learned academic achievement is directly linked to supportive physical environments. Integrating this into your home means being thoughtful and deliberate in creating your child’s spaces, especially where learning is involved.

What are some important things parents should consider in designing and decorating their desk/homework area?

Kids are like us.

If you think about it, kids react to many of the same stimuli we do. If you had to work in a small space with bright red walls, only had one foot of desk space to work on because of messy, scattered papers or if your desk faced a window with a great view might you feel anxious, frazzled or distracted? When you’re designing their play and study spaces, put yourself in their shoes.

Beware of overstimulation.

As adults we often get stuck thinking kids' spaces need to be bright and stimulating. Certainly areas of play can be high energy, but beware of overstimulation. Mental, process-oriented tasks require balanced spaces that are conducive to processing information and thinking creatively. Think through what kinds of activities your child will be doing and decide whether certain design elements might be counter-productive to the task at hand.

Consider the “5 C’s”.

1. Color

There’s a lot of conflicting information on which colors affect mood and in what ways. In an educational environment, bold, bright colors can be distracting and overly pale colors can cause sleepiness. Blues and greens have long been said to support focus and concentration, but I approve most colors. My recommendation is to find balance by using lighter shades on walls. For instance, instead of purple consider a lavender or grey/purple like Benjamin Moore’s Sanctuary. Instead of orange consider peach. Instead of red, consider a mauve or softer pinks. Use pops of bolder colors to accent the space through wall art, lamps, seat cushions, desk accessories, rugs, etc.

I have only one color caveat: I don’t recommend red for study spaces (psychologists have found it can raise blood pressure, heart rate and cause anxiety). If you really love it, remember to use it sparingly as only an accent.

(If you’re creating an art space, keep to neutrals because walls are a light source - either emitted or reflected - so the colors of a space influences the perceptions of the colors your child may be working with. Gray is the most neutral color for artists. And don’t worry - it doesn’t have to be drab. There are some beautiful greys out there).

I loved Anjie’s fantastic post discussing the Feng Shui properties of various colors. It’s a wonderful resource that can help you decide which direction to take.

2. Climate

This one’s a no-brainer. To use our skills of analysis and concentration, it helps to be comfortable. I don’t know about you but it’s near impossible for me to concentrate when my office is freezing cold or sweltering hot. Avoid setting study spaces up too close to windows or HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning) systems. Also, it’s very important to be mindful of air-flow. Open windows at some point every day to let fresh air in. It’s energizing, it’s good feng shui, and it minimizes indoor air pollution and germs that impair wellness.

3. Clutter

Neuroscientists at Princeton did a study on clutter and found that when parents dealt with their own belongings, their stress hormones spike. Children suffer doubly, first as they fight their own battle to focus in a cluttered environment, and again when the parent they depend on for direction and guidance is short-fused or under-performing due to clutter and overwhelm. It’s especially important to keep study spaces neat and organized.

4. Creativity

An educational space in your home doesn’t have to be all about studying. Certainly it should accommodate more serious tasks like homework and papers but it should also inspire wonder, engagement, and fun. A great way to infuse fun into a space is through multi-functional, modular, moveable furniture. Toy storage that doubles as a reading seat or maybe it’s on wheels so it rolls out to the middle of the room when toys are used. Yoga balls are also on the rise for student use. Or, try mixing it up. Maybe they sit in a chair when completing a school assignment but switch to the beanbag when it’s time to read. Add a sense of play with fun desk accessories - throw in a Rubik's cube to strengthen problem solving and creative thinking. There are so many creative ideas out there. Your inner child probably has a few in mind!

5. Child-Centric

Make them a part of the design process for 2 reasons. 1. When given the opportunity, kids have a ton to contribute. 2. Meaningful participation gives them a sense of ownership over their domain, connecting them to it and making them happier to be there. Some ways to involve your child:

Let them pick certain decor elements (lamp/ desk supplies/ wall art) that reflects their interests, passions, and identities.
Let them make the final decision between your top 2 paint choices.
Let them choose the accent colors.

How do you create your own holistic space at home?

My home is both my physical and emotional safe space. I have several rituals, but one I particularly love and do every day when I shower is I run the hot water for a few seconds and toss in a few drops of essential oil. They rise with the steam and make the bathroom (and that entire side of the house actually) smell like a spa. I use peppermint and orange oil in the morning to get energized, and lavender and eucalyptus at night to soothe. Design-wise, I have a connection to every piece of art or decor in my space. It must evoke positive feelings or it goes. Which leads me to my last point...I’m an avid believer in the Feng Shui practice of channeling energy flow through de-cluttering. For those who have a tough time with this, Anjie can help you break through in big ways. I also recommend a book that taught me how little the stuff we keep is actually about the stuff itself! Throw Out 50 Things changed my home storage life forever.

by Anjie Cho

Magalie René-Hayes is a Social Entrepreneur, Interior Designer, and Founder of FOUNDATIONS Design Group. She helps administrators, teachers, and parents create Kid-Smart Spaces™ that support academic excellence. As a result, hundreds of students have been impacted by inspiring physical nvironments that support them in discovering the gifts they will use to make meaningful contributions to the world. Magalie has worked on a variety of residential, commercial, and institutional projects in the New York Tri-State area and Los Angeles. She speaks on a variety of topics including personal growth, career transition, and creating “Kid-Smart Spaces” at school and in the home.

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Nancy Guberti's Key to Health

Anjie Cho December 3, 2014

AC: Tell us what is functional medicine?

NG: Functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of one's health issues, utilizing scientific systems-based approaches engaging the patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. The concentration is in the research and investigating of the underlying causes of disease to uncover the root of one's health issue. Functional medicine practitioners look at the complex web of interactions of one's medical history, lifestyle and physiology that can lead to illness. Utilizing the latest functional medicine laboratory testing provides an integrative, science-based healthcare approach in creating a customized regime for the patient to reach optimal balanced health. Imagine gaining insight into one's cellular metabolic functioning allowing individual tailoring of nutritional interventions as opposed to guessing and taking any supplement!

What do we need to watch out for now winter is approaching?

Remember to make your health and wellbeing a priority. The most powerful determinant of whether or not you will get sick this winter depends on the status of your immune system. To strengthen our immune system we must consume nutrient-dense foods, reduce toxins (i.e. food additives, processed foods, pesticides, tobacco, excess alcohol, sugar), get adequate sleep, incorporate stress reduction strategies and stay hydrated with pure water. Since many people are deficient in Vitamin D and majority cannot gain significant exposure to sunshine and absorb Vitamin D during the winter months, then it is important to incorporate an immune boosting nutraceutical regime including Vitamin D, non-corn sourced Vitamin C, probiotics, and immune boosting herbs. Listen to your body and realize when you need to rest as opposed to running yourself into adrenal fatigue and burnout.

What are three tips to make our holidays more healthy and holistic this year?

Three tips to make the holidays more healthy and holistic this year:

1. Keep your energy up by eating wholesome foods, adding superfoods like spirulina and a customized nutraceutical protocol, reducing sugar intake, and staying hydrated. Bite for bite, organic whole foods provide the most nutrients, so avoid processed fast foods. Choose immune boosting foods like vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, herbs, spices, and healthy lean proteins. Reduce or avoid all the white starches that convert into sugar, such as pasta. white bread, white rice, and white potatoes. Drinking sufficient amounts of pure water will help improve one's health. Alcohol causes dehydration and has depressive effects throughout one's nervous system, but organically produced red wine is considered to improve blood circulation and contain antioxidant properties. Remember to drink extra water if drinking alcoholic beverages and opt for organic and drink in moderation.

2. Keep your stress down by incorporating non-negotiable 'you' time, pamper yourself with a massage, Reiki, reflexology, meditation, exercise, and journaling. Slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Treat yourself to a relaxing Epsom salts bath with essential oils of lavender, geranium, lemon citrus and sandalwood. Essential oils are a wonderful way to manage stress during the holidays.

3. Follow a healthy detoxification regime by starting the day with pure water, squeezed lemon and splash of apple cider vinegar. The lemon and apple cider vinegar will help balance your pH levels keeping your body alkaline, boosting immune functioning and providing increased energy. Apple cider vinegar can also help control your appetite and regulate your blood sugar levels. This daily morning drink will help eliminate internal toxins, regulate kidney and digestive tract functioning, help fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throat and inflammation. Additionally, the lemon water will provide your body with electrolytes hydrating you with potassium, calcium and magnesium. Perfect, just in case you had too many of liquid holiday cheer or caffeine.

How have you created a holistic and healthy space in your kitchen and home?

Creating a holistic and healthy space in your kitchen and home can be achieved by setting the ambiance along with family traditions. Lighting sets the mood throughout a home, so add some candles, strands of white lights, and tea lights to brighten one's mood. Streaming in a little holiday cheer with music will get everyone in the holiday spirit. You can create kitchen, dining and living spaces centered on healthy living empowering your guests with food that is healthy, tasty and fun to eat! First, I'd recommend de-cluttering the area, bringing vitality and peace of mind. Make the kitchen's purpose centered around preparing healthy meals in a relaxing, bonding atmosphere as opposed to microwave-zapped meals. Display the food in festive, creative dishes sparking elegance and comfort. Clean the rooms with essential oils (bergamot is antibacterial) and eco-friendly cleaners or keep it simple with old fashioned baking soda, and white distilled vinegar. To enhance rooms with the perfect blend of sweet and spice aroma, combine essential oils of orange citrus, cinnamon, ylang ylang and lemon citrus. Diffused frankincense sets a mood of familiarity and recollection of happy memories of holiday time. Load up the refrigerator with organic food that is free of pesticides and toxins. Let the food provide the best aroma and homemade desserts to balance out the holiday fun. Just like a wedding, I always have something old, something new and something borrowed when celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Creating your own holiday traditions make you feel truly alive and creates the best everlasting memories.

by Anjie Cho

Nancy Guberti is a Functional Medicine Specialist, BioNutritionist, Gluten-Free & Casein-Free Diet Expert, Defeat Autism Now Practitioner, Motivational Speaker and passionate to empower others to become their own health advocate and learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. She is the founder of Total Wellness Empowerment, 9 Steps to a Healthier You, Biomedical & Nutritional Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Positively Powerful Parent program. You can sign up to receive her detox podcast at nancyguberti.com and keep the conversation going by following her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Remember your health is worth it because You are worth it!