EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 3 minutes Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that we get through food and supplements.  While it definitely supports a healthy immune system, it's essential for more than just keeping colds at bay!  In addition to boosting the immune system, Vitamin C has been found to support skin health and collagen production, iron absorption, and help the body respond to oxidative stress.  Keep reading to learn more about the power of this natural antioxidant. Skin Health Vitamin C is also known for its ability to support glowing skin health.  Vitamin C supports the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure and firmness. Collagen production decreases with age, so supplementing with vitamin C may help keep skin looking young and healthy.  It can also help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation, pollutants, and other environmental factors.  In addition, research suggests that vitamin C may be beneficial in supporting a lower likelihood of certain skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, as well as scarring. Iron Absorption Vitamin C has a unique role in helping your body absorb iron. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to produce red blood cells and keep your energy levels up.  Vitamin C aids in the absorption of dietary iron, both non-heme and heme iron, which are found in animal sources and plant sources respectively. This process occurs in the acidic environment of the stomach and facilitates the absorption of iron in the small intestine. This makes it easier for your body to absorb and utilize the iron from food sources.  Antioxidant and Stress Support The third benefit of Vitamin C that you may not be aware of is its role as an antioxidant and in the body’s stress response.  Vitamin C is an essential part of your body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which is caused by environmental toxins, radiation, and other damaging agents. Oxidative stress can lead to a range of problems including premature aging, cell damage, and even chronic diseases.  Antioxidants, in general, are shown to neutralize free radicals— molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause significant cell damage.  It also has recently been shown in studies to be potentially linked to mental wellness.  This may be because vitamin C supports the body in producing and regulating cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress.  Conclusion Vitamin C has multiple benefits beyond just immune system function. By understanding its role in skin health, iron absorption, and stress support, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of this important nutrient.  We hope you've been inspired to add more vitamin C to your diet. The benefits of this essential nutrient are many, and it’s easy to get enough with a daily supplement.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We support the planet with the ingredients we use in our supplements. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our delicious melts. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

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.

Read Time: 4 minutes  Do you have bad habits that you'd like to break? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with habits they wish they could break for good, but don't know where to begin. The great news is that breaking patterns of behavior isn’t impossible. We'll cover methods, and supplements like citicoline, B6, and l-theanine – all of which can help make the process a bit less difficult. Plus, we'll also talk about EMME, a new supplement that may be able to help as well, so read on for all the details!   Identify Your Triggers The best way to stop unwanted behavioral patterns is to first identify the triggers that lead to the behavior. Once you know what causes you to engage in the bad habit, you can then begin to work on avoiding those triggers or finding alternative activities to do instead. For example, if you know that you tend to bite your nails when you're bored, make sure to keep your hands busy with something else whenever you feel yourself getting antsy. This could mean carrying around a fidget toy, playing with a stress ball, or even just keeping your hands busy by typing on your laptop or phone. If you struggle with overeating, reflect on what causes you to overeat. Do you really feel hungry, or are you indulging in an unwanted behavior because you're triggered by being bored, stressed, or angry?  If it's the latter, try to find other ways to cope with those emotions. Maybe that means creating a distraction, like going for a walk when you're feeling stressed instead of heading to the fridge.    Nutrients for Lessening Emotional Triggers Most bad habits are emotional responses triggered by a stressful feeling or negative event. In addition to developing ways to counter your habits so you can successfully break them, you can take supplements that support healthy cognitive function, physical relaxation, and lower stress levels.   Citicoline for Brain Power Citicoline supplements can be helpful for those trying to break bad habits. It's a natural nootropic that helps improve focus and concentration. Plus, it can also help to support lower stress levels and a calmer mental state. For these reasons, citicoline can be helpful in curbing bad habits that are caused by boredom or stress.  Additionally, citicoline has been shown to improve cognitive function. So not only can it help you break bad habits, but it can also help you think more clearly and make better decisions overall!   B-Vitamins (B6) for Breaking Habits B-vitamins, specifically B6, are nutrients also helpful for breaking bad habits. All B-vitamins are essential for many different bodily functions. They play a role in energy production, metabolism, and nervous system function. Several studies have shown that B vitamins can help to reduce the tension caused by stressors, which can be helpful in breaking bad habits triggered by emotions. In particular, B6 has been shown to be effective in promoting mental wellness and breaking habits that are caused by emotional responses. B6 is a vital nutrient for cognitive health and emotion regulation. It helps the body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and sleep. Low levels of B6 have been linked with depression, anxiety, and irritability. B6 supplements can be helpful for people who are deficient in this vitamin. For many people, taking a B vitamin can be a helpful way to support cognitive health, especially when trying to stop unwanted behaviors.   L-Theanine for Relaxation L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and supplement form. It's known for its calming and relaxing properties. L-theanine can help to support healthy stress responses and lower tension levels. Studies have shown that L-theanine supplements can help to reduce stress and anxiety while supporting mental clarity. Additionally, L-theanine has been shown to improve sleep quality. This is important because poor sleep can lead to increased stress levels and make it even harder to deal with emotional triggers. L-theanine works by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the nervous system.   EMME: The All-In-One Supplement  EMME is a new supplement that was created to help with brain function and emotional responses. EMME is made with a special blend of ingredients that are designed to support healthy brain function and help to reduce unwanted behaviors. EMME contains citicoline, B-vitamins, and other nutrients that have been shown to be effective in breaking bad habits. EMME is a convenient way to get all of these nutrients in one supplement. Plus, EMME is easy to take and non-habit forming. You can take it with or without food, and you only need to take it once per day. If you're looking for a natural way to support your efforts to break bad habits, try EMME! It's a convenient way to get the nutrients you need for success. ___   Be sure to stock up on vitamin supplements for a cost-effective and easy way to help you live your best life and rid yourself of unwanted behavioral patterns.  Make sure you choose a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body! EZ Melts supplements are all zero-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, so you know that you are getting effective supplements that won’t cause you harm. Join our subscription service to get 30% off your first order for a limited time.

Read time: 3 minutes Sleep and stress are interconnected, and if either piece gets out of whack, it can really affect you around the clock. When you experience high levels of mental strain consistently, it impacts your physical health, including the ability to fall and stay asleep. And conversely, if you have an abundance of energy at night and cannot hit the hay, your body is more prone to moodiness and a lower tolerance for environmental stressors. And it’s not uncommon to be restless—about 70 million people in the US alone suffer from sleepless nights. However, it’s important to prioritize because during rest our bodies are healing and replenishing double-time. Here are just a few of the benefits: High metabolism and physical performance Repairs muscle tissue Supports a healthy immune system Better focus Promotes a calm, uplifted, and even mood Skin health Supports organ health and function Luckily there are ways that we can support good rest at night and calm our stress during the day through exercise, proper nutrition, and supplements with natural compounds like 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, quality rest, mental clarity and supporting a less stressful state of mind. The best part is that it encourages a state of relaxation and ease without drowsiness—a big bonus if you are looking to use it during the day! However, L-theanine can also be used to encourage relaxation at night, so you can wind down in the evening and enjoy decompressing. The act of supporting a lower stress state is helpful so that your body is able to listen to your sleep-wake cycle and is more likely to allow you a good night’s sleep. Scientists believe that L-theanine works by telling certain brain chemicals (like cortisol, the stress hormone) to calm down while activating others (like GABA and dopamine, the happy, calm hormones). Bonus: lower levels of excitatory chemicals like GABA and dopamine may support lower blood pressure and improved focus, as well as a general feeling of calmness in the long term. 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 sleep and stress support like L-theanine to your regimen. Practicing healthy habits 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!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Do you ever have that moment? You know, the one when your brain says, “nope! No more”? Mental strain and stress can sneak up on us out of nowhere and really do a number on our health. Often, a seemingly inconsequential event can trigger an amount of stress that doesn’t feel appropriate for the situation. But usually, that one small event was just the straw that broke the camel’s, rather your, back. Often, we ignore the warning signals of pent-up tension, or don’t even know how to spot it until it’s too late. Right now, with working at home, less access to physical movement activities, and less social interaction, mental strain can rise quicker than ever before. Luckily if you are able to catch the warning signs of stress when they start, you can practice self-care methods to process and keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed. Here are some red flags to look out for as you go through your day!   Dizziness or Foggy Mind Woah, why is the room spinning all of a sudden? Our physical health is impacted by the levels of stress we experience because of the interconnectedness of different systems in our body. When one is out of whack, other parts can also be negatively affected! While being groggy, low energy and out of focus can be a sign of specific vitamin deficiencies, it can also be that you are not processing mental strain.   Crying Spells If you are finding yourself crying more than usual and feeling overreactive to random events, check in with yourself. Often our bodies try to release stress in any way that they can, including crying.   Tense, Achy Muscles When someone is stressed out, they tend to hunch their shoulders up to their neck, clench their jaw, or just keep all their muscles contracted tight. This can really cause some “ow” moments, especially when you come down from being tense!   Severe Fatigue You have that 2pm naptime grogginess...but all the time. Ugh. If you are getting enough sleep and you still feel exhausted, this can be the mental-physical connection telling you to slow down and take care of your health!   Procrastination Listen, sometimes we all just want to step away and do anything BUT what we have to do. However, if you find yourself dreading and avoiding your to-do list to the point of it affecting your work and personal life negatively, you may want to check your stress levels. Being overwhelmed is the body’s way of digging its heels into the sand and yelling “enough already!”   Illness This here is a big one right now. If you find yourself often susceptible to colds and infections, it might be stress impacting your immune system. As we mentioned before, your mind-body connection is strong and interconnected.   Eating More or Less Than Usual Some people will overeat while others will skip meals during stressful times. This is normal to experience, but not healthy. While it’s no one’s business but your own and totally fine to indulge in your favorite treats, if you feel your eating patterns are abnormal compared to usual, check in with yourself. Your body may be trying to tell you it's pent-up with stress.   The EZ Melts Difference  The takeaway here is being in tune with yourself and practicing self-care is helpful for your mental and physical well being. Want to maximize your daily stress management? Taking supplements like L-Theanine can promote relief from strain. All our vitamins, including L-Theanine, are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. The EZ Melts promise: our vegan, non-GMO supplements have zero sugar or chemical additives. Thanks for being a part of our community! ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

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

If this pandemic has reminded us of anything, it’s that health is our most valuable resource. Many people have been searching for ways to boost their immune systems and maintain optimal health as the first line of defense.  This has also led to reflection on our daily habits that are either detrimental or beneficial to our health. EZ Melts’ mission is to spread awareness about how to protect the health of ourselves and our loved ones during the pandemic and beyond! In addition, we want to highlight how some of the best health practices can be optimized by simply taking a vitamin supplement.  Here are three habits you can make more effective the easy way with vitamins!   1) Sleep Hygiene Sleep hygiene, or the practice of good, quality rest, is important for keeping your immune system strong. 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 [1], and all this without you even having to think about it! Vitamin Boost: If you have trouble getting quality rest, try all-natural melatonin and vitamin D supplements. Melatonin and vitamin D are normally produced by the body and regulate your sleep cycles. However, if you work odd hours, don’t get enough sunlight, or get adequate nutrition containing these, you may be deficient!   2) Fitness and Physical Health  Routine movement is critical for your immune system, bone health, as well as your quality of sleep, mental wellness, and metabolism [2], to name a few! This doesn’t have to be extreme boot camp programs either--unless you’re into that! Simply making it a goal to walk around the block, taking breaks away from your desk to stretch and go for quick 15 minute jogs, cleaning your house or gardening is physical activity, and adequate activity and is linked to longevity [3]. It all adds up! Vitamin Boost: To maximize your body’s ability to repair muscle tissue after working out and increase your energy levels, consider iron and vitamin B supplements, especially if you feel you have a deficiency. Iron and B-complex help oxygen transport to your muscles, strengthens your bones, revs your metabolism, and is crucial to creating DNA [4], [5]!   3) Stress Less Mental wellness is just as important to your health as physical health, and research indicates that it even intertwines. In fact, anxiety and excess levels of stress are linked to a weaker immune system! In order to maximize your quality of life, pay attention to your stress levels. 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, practice the above habits and get adequate rest and nutrition, as these factors are linked to mental health [6]. Vitamin Boost: Vitamin deficiencies can also affect your 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 and vitamin C. Vitamin C is linked to a healthier mind and protection against disorders [7], and L-theanine is believed to lower stress levels and help your body relax!   The takeaway here is practicing healthy habits and making it a part of your daily routine is helpful for your mental and physical well being. Taking supplements can support these habits for maximum benefit! Our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. The EZ Melts promise: our supplements have zero sugar or chemical additives, are vegan and non-GMO. Thanks for being a part of our community!   Sources https://sleepdisorders.sleepfoundation.org/chapter-1-normal-sleep/the-physiology-of-sleep-the-endocrine-system-sleep/ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/exercise-longevity-wellness-benefits.html#:~:text=Consider%20this%3A%20While%20federal%20guidelines,life%20span%20by%20three%20years. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324856 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228 https://lifeandhealth.org/food/why-plant-based/nutrient-deficiency-the-trigger-of-mental-health-disorders/1314096.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGartjfE7vdy90PMmo5Xw1rQkJxXiv5slV7-psSGBxQ6hAHxcuSTdsBoC20UQAvD_BwE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30074145/ ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

Ah yes, is there anything more satisfying to a sugar craving than chocolate? Maybe, but we haven’t found it! But did you know that quality chocolate supports many health functions? It’s a win-win! Let’s talk ‘bout our best friend: cocoa!   Dark Chocolate vs the Other Stuff Listen, we aren’t telling you to grab the biggest candy bar you can find--slow down there! If you’re looking to reap the health benefits of cacao, a Snickers bar won’t do. Dark chocolate, aka chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa and minimal sugar, holds many positive health benefits. The cocoa bean, or cacao bean, originates from the plant of the same name. In fact, it is a tropical evergreen tree, and its beans are dried and processed into cocoa for a multitude of purposes.   Sweet Nutrition Cocoa packs a powerful punch. According to Healthline, in one 100g bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa, there is soluble fiber and a ton of other great things like magnesium, selenium, iron, potassium, and zinc! In addition, consuming cacao has been linked to heart health. In a recent study, subjects with high blood pressure and glucose sensitivity were found to have lower pressure and better tolerance of said glucose. Cacao has high levels of polyphenols, which are linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease! So if your heart races at the thought of eating dark chocolate, we say--go for it!   Banish Inflammation Quality cacao also contains a bunch of flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Chronic inflammation can lead to diseases, especially if you already consume inflammatory foods! Dark chocolate to the rescue! The flavonoids in quality dark chocolate with a high concentration of cacao support healthy aging and production of cells that line your arteries. Eating chocolate to protect our arteries? Sounds like a small sacrifice.   Take Your Stress Down a Notch Do you ever wonder why when we are stressed, our body craves comfort foods and sugary sweets like chocolate? Well...it could have to do with the fact that high concentrations of cacao brings with it behavioral and brain benefits, according to recent studies. Cacao has been shown to support the release of neurotransmitters, which is related to the release of uplifting serotonin. Low levels of serotonin has been linked to depression, so next time you’re stressed and releasing all sorts of cortisol (the stress hormone), it might actually make sense to take a break and grab a handful of cacao nibs for some much deserved “me time”.   Quality Matters If you’re digging the health benefits your favorite treat brings, remember that the type of chocolate you buy makes all the difference. When purchasing cacao, make sure it is minimally processed, meaning raw is the best. Often cocoa producers will roast the beans which zaps all the good nutrients right out! And chocoholics be warned: everything in moderation is the best way to balance out your nutrition. Now...munch away! Need extra help with stress? 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

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

With isolation and everyone staying home, it can be really hard to motivate yourself to work out when your bed, couch, and fridge are so close to your workout space. Or you may be worried about exercising outside if you live in a highly infected area. We know someone saying “just do it” doesn’t work when it comes to motivating you to exercise, but we want to share with you some cool facts about how regular exercise can flex your immune system muscles as well as your body! Some people are worried that straining or stressing the body with exercise will lead to a weaker immune system. However, research shows that moderate-intensity exercise on the regular is tremendously beneficial for your mental wellbeing and physical immunity. The idea is “something is better than nothing”, so even a 30-minute walk if you don’t feel like running one day is still something that adds up over time! Exercise also helps reduce stress. 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, our immune system, is impacted negatively by worrying about our health. For the times you can’t exercise right away to reduce stress, you should also consider taking L-Theanine. L-Theanine is a natural remedy for stress, because it increases levels of dopamine and serotonin without prescriptions or unnatural chemicals, helping you stay level and calm. In order to have your entire immune system firing on all cylinders, it’s important to boost your immunity anyway you can. Exercise, paired with key vitamins and minerals, go a long way in keeping your system running optimally. 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