The incredible changes in our lives, from the threat of illness to financial concerns and worry for loved ones takes a toll on your body and spirit. Repeating mantras can be a powerful tool to relieve the stress and give your body steadiness, quiet, reassurance and help benefit your immune system. Scientists have shown that repeating mantras, much like meditation, causes positive physical reactions in the body. They also focus the mind, provide counter narratives to fear and anxiety provoking thoughts and have a calming effect. And since it’s easy to do, costs you nothing and takes just two minutes a day — why not see how you can benefit from it?  

To begin, choose your mantra. What speaks to you? Do you want to let go of situations and thoughts that no longer serve you, view experiences and life as opportunity and growth, take back personal power or simply bring calm into your heart? Feel free to add or change the mantras to suit your needs.  

The power of mantras comes from the sound and vibration of your voice, so you’re going to want to repeat your mantras out loud.  Sit in a relaxed position and breathe. Take long, slow, belly filling breaths to calm your body and mind. After deep breathing for :45 seconds or so, hold your hands over your heart or palms facing up and begin to speak your mantra out loud.  Repeat it for at least one minute as you feel the flow and vibration of your words. With every mantra you utter, we hope you find peace and calm and wellness in your words.     

With every breath, I am at ease.  At this moment I have everything I need.  

I have control over how I feel, and I choose to feel at peace.

All experiences are helping me grow. I am open to the unfolding. 

I give myself permission to let go of what no longer serves me.

I am calm, cared for, and connected. I am loved. 

Everyone is crushing on crystals and looking for new and alternative ways to increase wellbeing. So are crystals a magic healer? The fact is, there’s nothing magical about crystals. What is often referred to as “magic” is actually science-based that has to do with the energy, frequency and vibrations of semi-precious stones. Crystals actually vibrate at their own frequency, the same way that the cells in your body — and your chakras, or energy flow — vibrate at their own frequency. That means when we come into contact with crystals, these different vibrational frequencies meet and can enhance your physical, mental and spiritual well being.  

Albert Einstein said everything in life is vibration, and just like sound waves, your thoughts match the vibrations of everything that manifests in your life. Therefore, if you think crystals have healing potential, the positive vibes of the stones will amplify those thoughts. People who believe this theory use them as conduits for healing, allowing positive energy to flow into the body as negative, disease-causing energy flows out.  

If you’re a crystal novice, where do you start? First, remember that every crystal has its own energy and uses; some are used for physical healing while others are used to amplify luck, abundance, clarity and intuition and so on. Begin by manifesting your intention. A well thought out intention is the starting point because specific intentions instilled into your daily thought patterns also become part of its energy. What do you want to bring more of in your life? 

Once you decide what you want to manifest, shopping for crystals in person is best, as this is where you get the intuitive vibes and see what stones resonate with your own energy. Go to what you’re attracted to, and trust that whatever you picked is exactly where you are at that moment and what you need.

Here’s a basic guide to the different purposes of crystals.  

Selenite: Healing and inner peace and clear energy field.  

Moonstone: Strengthens intuition

Aventurine: Amplifies luck

Pyrite: Manifestation of money and abundance 

Blue Agate: Healing for gentle, calming energy,  good for anxiety and feeling overwhelmed 

Shungite: Neutralizes and protects from electromagnetic frequencies

Black Tourmaline: Spiritual protection, energy bodyguard, repels negative energy

Turquoise: Communication, luck and healing 

Rose Quartz: Unconditional love, opens the heart chakra, nurtures you on journey of self love 

Smoky Quartz: Self protection, guards against negative energy, releases old patterns

Clear Quartz: Balances body and mind

Celestite:  Peace and happiness, tranquility, restful sleep 

Carnelian: Inspiration, creativity passion, motivation, joy 

Citrine: Light, happiness, presence. Reminds us to dream big, stay positive and live in gratitude

Aventurine: Overcome self doubt, opens the heart chakra, releases anger and frustration

Amethyst:  Highly spiritual, opens up third eye, or intuition, mental clarity 

Bloodstone: Energy, motivation 

You have succulents on your desk, but pink cactus in your skin care?  It may not be the obvious choice when you think about skincare ingredients, but cactus extracts are quickly becoming a go-to ingredient for good reason.  Cactus extracts are flush with vitamins and hydrators, high levels of electrolytes and antioxidants to hydrate skin. Cactus extracts also have antibacterial properties and are rich in essential fatty acids that work to lock in moisture. Makes sense when you think about a cactus ability to retain moisture in the sun-soaked desert.      

Cactus beauty benefits include a major dose of vitamins. They’re full of vitamins A, D, E and K, antioxidants, fatty acids, omegas, amino acids and water. It not only helps draw moisture to skin, but improves the skin’s ability to retain it by strengthening the barrier function and  prevent loss of hydration. The vitamins E and K help soften and smooth skin texture while the fatty acids calm inflammation. The high level of help of antioxidants prevent UV and environmental damage that contributes to premature aging. The cactus may be a prickly plant, but it’s smooth as silk and rich with moisture when it comes to beauty benefits.