EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 3 minutes Have you ever found yourself in a high-pressure situation, whether it be a job interview or a nerve-wracking presentation, and felt like you might freeze up on the spot? We’ve all been there! If you're someone who struggles to keep their cool in these kinds of situations, don't worry - you're not alone. Pressure can be hard to deal with, but learning how to keep your cool in these situations is an important life skill. Here are 5 practical hacks that will help you stay calm and collected in any "pressure cooker" situation. Take a Deep Breath Everyone always says this, and yeah, it can be annoying when you're already stressed and anxious, but why do we encourage deep breathing? When we're feeling anxious, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid, which only makes the situation worse. Deep, intentional breathing works to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body and allowing you to relax. Taking slow, deep breaths also helps to lower your heart rate and give you a moment of clarity when everything else feels like it's spinning out of control. If you're a beginner to intentional breathwork like deep breathing, use an app that helps you count your breaths or try a breathing exercise like the box breath, a.k.a. the 4x4 method. Learn how to easily master this technique here. Hitting pause in an intense moment and controlling your breath for even a few minutes can promote a sense of calm in the moment of experiencing high stress and help your body physically relax. Find an Anchor Point An anchor point can be anything from a physical object to a phrase that has a special meaning for you. It could be a rock from your last family beach trip or a small fidget toy. The idea is to bring your attention back to this anchor whenever things start getting overwhelming or you feel like you're going to lose focus. If you don't have an object with you to hold, it could be something as simple as touching your thumb and index finger together or repeating a mantra in your head (whatever works best for you!). This will help ground yourself so that instead of being caught up in the whirl of any high-stress situation. Visualize Success Visualization work and manifestation aren’t magic; it’s science! Imagining a future situation where the outcome is positive can help the mind to unwind and manifest said outcome. This is because your brain actually doesn’t know the difference between reality and imagining a situation is happening when it reacts with emotion. For example, if you think of a highly stressful or embarrassing moment in your life, you start to feel anxious or upset. Luckily, this physical and emotional response can happen in positive situations as well!  Before heading into any situation that makes you feel anxious, take a few moments to visualize yourself succeeding in the task at hand. Imagine yourself confidently and successfully completing the task. How do you feel when you succeed? If you can bring up feelings of confidence and composure, you can carry it into whatever situation you are facing. This in turn will actually help you to succeed. SAM-e for Mood Short for S-adenosylmethionine, SAM-e is a naturally occurring molecule that promotes the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Studies have shown that taking SAM-e supplements can support a more even mood, which is helpful in times of stress. If you're someone who tends to get easily agitated or anxious in high-pressure situations, SAM-e might be worth trying. L-Theanine for Relaxation L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and other natural sources. Studies have shown that it can support lower levels of cortisol production, which is your stress hormone (Fight or flight, anyone?). Lower levels of cortisol make it easier for your mind and body to unwind and stay calm. L-Theanine can be taken as a daily supplement to help promote a sense of ease so you can keep your cool the next time you're feeling pressure to perform. Conclusion High-pressure situations can be tough to manage and get through with grace, but there are strategies you can use to keep your cool.  Taking a few moments to regulate your breathing, holding an anchor point, and having a mantra to work with can all be helpful strategies. For further daily mood support, you might want to also add supplements to your routine. With these tactics in your toolkit, you'll be better prepared to navigate pressure situations without losing control — remember to listen to your body and determine what works best for you.

Read Time: 3 minutes  As we move further into the digital age, it seems like everything is done electronically. We communicate with friends and family through text and social media, get our news from online sources, and even do our work and school assignments digitally. But what about those who prefer pen and paper? Are they at a disadvantage? Research suggests that people who write things down the old-fashioned way are reaping benefits that those of us who rely on electronic communication is missing out on.  In fact, researchers display growing concerns about the way technology is negatively impacting our communication and critical thinking abilities. We're not saying the digital age is terrible (this article is online after all), but it doesn't hurt to go back to the basics sometimes. So, if you're looking for a way to unplug for a bit and boost your well-being, try picking up a notebook today. Here are just a few benefits researchers have noticed. Processing Difficult Feelings Journaling can support a better, more positive mindset, and lessen feelings of despair or upset.  For one, it can help you process difficult emotions and experiences. You can use your journal to vent about the things stressing you out, without worrying about being judged or interrupting someone else's day. This can help you feel better equipped to deal with whatever is going on in your life. Self Esteem Boost Journaling can also help boost your mood and self-esteem by allowing you to track your progress and accomplishments over time. As you flip through previous entries, you'll see just how far you've come, which can help motivate you to keep going even when things are tough. For more about setting goals and keeping them, check out our tips here. Lower Stress Hormones, Better Sleep Physical health benefits have also been linked to journaling. One study found that people who wrote about stressful experiences had lower levels of stress hormones in their bodies afterward. In addition, keeping a routine of journaling can help improve your sleep quality. Lower stress hormone levels can set your mind and body at ease, so you have trouble sleeping, try writing down your thoughts and worries before bed. This will help clear your mind and allow you to relax enough to fall asleep. Supporting Lower Chronic Pain Flare-Ups Chronic pain sufferers have also found journaling to be helpful. In one study, people with chronic pain who wrote about their experiences had less pain and lower levels of disability afterward. This could be because chronic pain flare-ups are often linked to prolonged mental stress. Since keeping a journal can lower your stress hormone levels, you may be less likely to experience a flare-up. Creative Boost Another great benefit of journaling daily is that it can help increase your creativity. If you're feeling stuck in a rut with a work project or a hobby, spending some time writing down your thoughts and ideas can help jumpstart some great ideas. And creative thinking isn't just for artists! Strengthening your creative thinking skills has been linked to improved communication skills in the workplace, and stronger relationships overall. Tips for Designing Your Journal So how do you get started? It's important to find a system that works for you. Some prefer writing by hand in a notebook, and others prefer an open page with no lines, such as a sketchbook. There's no right or wrong way to do it, so experiment until you find a method that suits you best. You might want to incorporate drawings, colors, magazine clippings, images, or even paint! The possibilities to make it unique to you are endless. Also, don't worry about writing perfectly or having deep philosophical insights—the point is simply to get your thoughts down on paper. Journaling isn't about skill or impressing anyone. Put self-doubt aside and let yourself explore. Set aside 10-15 minutes each day (or week) to write and see how it goes! Make a habit of doing it at the same time, whether first thing in the morning or the last thing before bedtime. The EZ Melts DifferenceQuality matters. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their vitamin supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body. Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements! The best part about choosing EZ Melts®? Our tablets are fast melting, EZ to take, and our flavors are loved by customers.

Life can take a toll, and with the pandemic still in full swing, our emotions and stress tolerance can be especially stretched thin. Stress has been known to raise cortisol levels, lower serotonin, and also is linked to a weaker immune system. Seems ironic that the one thing we need right now, a strong immune system, is impacted negatively by worrying about our health. Often we focus on our physical wellbeing when it comes to health, but mental wellness is just as important--research indicates that it even intertwines [1]! With a combination of habitual self-care and the right supplements, you can experience more control over mental strain.   Quick Tips to Banish Stress In order to maximize your quality of life, pay attention to your stress levels, and know it’s okay to take care of yourself. The boundaries between work and your personal life can become less defined as many of us are still working from home. If you find you are overwhelmed or have less motivation to work and socialize, consider taking a break for mindfulness like this breathing exercise. In addition, get adequate rest and nutrition, as these factors are also linked to mental health [2]. Sleep is necessary for many of the body’s basic functions in addition to supporting lower cortisol levels. Not only does your body heal when you are in REM sleep mode, but it promotes optimal metabolism, brain performance, and a balanced appetite. Your body even produces vital hormones during sleep [3], and all this without you even having to think about it!  And without good nutrition, we often miss out on essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin deficiencies can affect your physical and mental health! If you believe you are struggling, talk to your doctor about how to support your mental wellness. This may include taking supplements like L-theanine.   Rest, Relaxation, and L-Theanine L-theanine is an amino acid, found in some natural sources as well as supplements. Studies have shown that there are many benefits with respect to the immune system and mental clarity [4]. However, here our spotlight is on L-theanine’s connection to supporting lower stress levels and helping your body relax. The best part is it seems to encourage a state of relaxation and ease without drowsiness [5]—a big bonus if you are looking to use it during the day!  L-theanine is believed to function by telling certain brain chemicals to calm down. Those lower levels of excitatory chemicals may lead to lower blood pressure and improved focus, as well as a general feeling of calmness [5]. As it’s not typically easy to get an adequate amount from food sources, supplements are your best bet if you are looking to support mental wellness naturally. Talk to your medical provider about adding a natural wellness support like L-theanine to your regime. Practicing healthy habits like sleep and good nutrition in combination with an L-theanine supplement can support a more resilient mindset!   The EZ Melts Difference Quality matters. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body!  The best part about choosing EZ Melts? Our tablets are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. In addition, all our supplements have zero chemical additives, are vegan, and non-GMO. Check out our L-theanine tablets in a customer-approved delicious flavor! Thank you for being a part of our community!   Sources https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/physical-health-and-mental-health https://lifeandhealth.org/food/why-plant-based/nutrient-deficiency-the-trigger-of-mental-health-disorders/1314096.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGartjfE7vdy90PMmo5Xw1rQkJxXiv5slV7-psSGBxQ6hAHxcuSTdsBoC20UQAvD_BwE https://sleepdisorders.sleepfoundation.org/chapter-1-normal-sleep/the-physiology-of-sleep-the-endocrine-system-sleep/ https://www.healthline.com/health/l-theanine#benefits-and-uses https://www.mdlinx.com/article/one-supplement-you-should-start-taking-now/lfc-3252 ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

We feel you--times are tough. Stress levels are high, and being cooped up is taking a toll, mentally and physically.  Even with businesses and jobs opening back up in our communities, that kind of anxiety can take a long term toll. There is something that can help, L-Theanine, which is linked to naturally reducing cortisol levels--the hormone that goes haywire when we are anxious.  But in addition to taking natural supplements to maintain your stress levels, there are things--free things--you can do in the moment when you are experiencing some tough anxiety symptoms.  We know people have said “BREATHE DEEPLY” to you before. But have you ever wondered if there is a technique to doing it? After all, breathing is one of those things we do without thinking! But hold on: try this method below, for at least one minute in the moment of stress, or ideally, throughout your day for balance.  Deep breathing practice is scientifically proven to release endorphins, improve blood flow, improve sleep quality, release constricted muscles, and even improve posture! All of these functions are negatively impacted in prolonged periods of anxiety.  Try out the 4x4 method: Sit still or lie down if possible, hands on stomach. Close your eyes if preferred.  Breathe in normally for a breath, and release--your abdomen should expand forward and backward with this action. You should feel it in your hands. BREATHE IN deeply through your nose for four, even counts. Using “One Mississippi, two Mississippi” or another popular method helps.  HOLD the breath at the peak for another four, even counts. RELEASE slowly and powerfully, from the root of your abdomen for four, even counts.  Repeat four times (or as long as you need to!)  Research apps that time your breath if you prefer sounds to keep you on track to counting in your head, or other helpful forms of breathing practice!  Enjoy that fresh air and peace of mind. Not already taking L-Theanine? Check out our Zero Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO quick melting L-Theanine tablets in a customer-approved delicious flavor! ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens