My No-Shoes Shoes

I cannot believe I debated so long about Xero Shoes after first hearing about them. I recently ordered the huaraches, one step up from the DIY shoe kit. I have been living in them since they have arrived. They are great for walking the dog, running errands, going for a run, and they look great with my summer dresses. I am solidly barefoot around my house and in my yard, and I forget to take these off. But anyway, why does this matter?And what does this have to do with vibration?

Walking in Xero Shoes gives your body the space to walk in your own, unique alignment. Shoes with lots of layers disconnect you from walking and from walking in the best way for you. Walking barefoot or near barefoot allows the nerves of your feet to connect to the ground as you walk. I wish we lived in a world where walking barefoot everywhere made sense, but I’m so grateful to have found Xero Shoes so I can enjoy barefoot-style walking in civilized society (LOL).

Allowing barefoot walking engages other supports outside of your foot and ankle in your body, mainly your glutes and hamstrings. Walking barefoot will in turn support your lower back. If you are like me, I have experienced back, knee, and foot pain at various points in life. Imagine feeling less pain in your body and the positive effects on your stress, mood, immune system, vibration…

I am so in love with these shoes that I became an affiliate. Here is my link if you are thinking about trying them out. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

https://xeroshoes.com/go/cathycanfield

Earthing

Earthing

Did you know the earth has a vibration undetectable to humans? It’s 732 Hz (a vibrational match to alpha waves, our relaxation state), a really low B if we translate it to a music note. Everything around us is vibrating and impacting us, even though we don’t know it. Earthing is the simple practice of putting our bare feet on the earth, tuning in, if you will. It has benefits even if your feet are connecting to concrete, stone, mud, or sand. Try taking a walk around the block barefoot if you can. Don’t worry, I’m already weirding out my neighbors with this one so you won’t be alone. It’s one of my daily practices to earth every morning.

Why am I writing about magnesium?

I've debated writing this post for some time now because, well this voice keeps telling me it's not my job.  Because I'm a play therapist and a parent coach, not a doctor!  But you know that now and you're still reading, so we'll all be okay. I recently had this conversation with a friend who had an appointment with a nutritionist for their child. One of the recommended supplements was magnesium, something I've been taking for some time now. Why?

It's an awesome mineral that most of us are deficient in. And our daily multi-vitamin doesn't cut it. And guess what? I was one of those people until recently.  Many people I work with, child and adult alike, have some symptoms that I was suffering from, such as headaches, achy bones and muscles, insomnia, restless sleep and anxiety/nervousness. I certainly wasn't eating the magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, avocado, bananas and black beans enough to get my RDI of magnesium. Interestingly, these are foods I often craved.  

So I started doing some research and found a supplement that takes 2 minutes to drink and has a couple of berry flavors that might convince your kids to take it, too.  

This one addition to my diet has made my sleep more restful-and sleep is of course one of our foundations for mental health.  My aches have diminished, headaches are a rare occasion instead of something to be expected and I rarely get any body feelings of anxiety.  This one thing could be a start to improved overall wellness for you and/or your child.  

I'm purposely leaving out what supplement and dosage I am currently using as it's important to remember I'm not giving out medical advice. Do your homework, talk to a healthcare provider, whatever feels best for you.  

7 Practical Tips for Back to School

Heading back to school is full of excitement for many, and a time for anxiety for other students and parents.   

There's a change in schedule, routine, sleeping, eating, down time and responsibility, which isn't always such an easy shift.

Below are some tips to make back to school an easier transition. 

1. Take on homework with a "do your best" attitude, not everything needs to be done perfectly, way.  Give your child a chance to turn in not perfect work. 

2. Be realistic. This is often a time when fall sports start up as well.  If your child has practice several evenings a week, eating and sleeping need to be a priority for those days. 

3. Don't let their (and the family) schedule become overwhelming. I say it is perfectly reasonable to let a child drop a sport if it feels more like work than fun most days. I have met kids who are in 2 sports each season, multiple clubs and everyone is drained!

4. Make sure there is down time on the weekends.  Keep some time for your kids to sleep in, play outside, read a book for fun or unwind otherwise.  

5. Make time to connect with your child daily.  Even just 10 minutes a day of listening to them will improve your communication. NOTE: This is different than drilling your kids with 20 questions like "What did you learn today?" (Nothing.) Or "How was your day?" (Good.)   Instead, sit on their bed and really listen. Or for younger kids, ask them if they would like to play with you or read a book together.

6. Plan meals. And your children can help, even at a young age. Also, expect some nights to be simple, salad and soup night can be healthy.  

7.  Make sure to talk about things that aren't school-related. It sounds easy, but I know a lot of us get into hyperdrive easily about school achievement.  It's not everything. 

Welcome!

Welcome to the site, to the blog, to hopefully one of many interactions you'll share with me. I'm Cathy, a former know it all child therapist who became a stepmom several years ago. I hope this blog is a space for resources, support and maybe a good laugh at times. Enjoy!