The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time

Now the thing about time is that time isn’t really real. It’s just your point of view but it seems to control many aspects of our lives.

I have a very strange affliction; I am always on time – with very few exceptions. I do not even try; I’m simply wired that way. Even when I take my time, I’m on time or early. I tend to over estimate how much time it takes to do something. I will put a cushion of an extra five minutes in, just in case something crosses my path unexpectedly, but rarely need it. Even when I was a caseworker in the field, visiting clients in their homes all over Orange County, I was on time. This may seem challenging to some, since who knew what situation would arise or what their needs were that day. Nevertheless, I was on time for my next appointment.  Once I became a Mom, I was given the grace of “Mommy Time,” so I was forgiven for any lateness. But, honestly, it rarely happened.  Funny, but one of the few times I was actually late, was on a first date, a blind date with the man who later became my husband. Nevertheless, it all worked out.

I can’t lie: I enjoy being on time, though I do not like to clock watch. I actually do not want time to dictate my life. I try my best at being in the moment. So how do I do it? Besides being wired this way, I have some tools that help me budget my time effectively. I’m not sure when I stopped wearing a watch and started using my cell phone for telling time, but I can tell you it has made quite a difference in my life. I actually use my cell phone for my alarm clock. Since, I don’t like to clock watch, I set the alarm to remind me that I need to change gears. I use it to wake up in the morning, remind myself to move on from a meeting or event, or simply that it’s time to get home before my Mom’s caregiver leaves for the day. I love the relaxing music that emanates from my cell phone telling me that I need to move on.

Funny, I’m was not much of a cell phone person when I first started using the alarm function, I rarely text or used our data plan. However, I’m sure life would much more challenging if I had to live without its alarm clock. I find it extra helpful when we have a power outage as it always goes off on time, regardless.

What tools do you use to manage time? Please share and I will continue to share.

Another tool for your toolbox

Through the years, we all develop our favorite “go to” remedies. They sit on our top shelf (literally or figuratively); soothing and providing relief for what ails us. Then, as we explore and experiment, sometimes they are replaced with a new “go to” and move to our handy toolbox of remedies.  The neti pot is one of those remedies that I recently pulled out of my toolbox.

Years ago, before I learned about the magical powers of Goldenrod (Solidago, spp.), I  would get a postnasal drip each Fall from seasonal allergies that would develop into sinus infections and splitting headaches. I was miserable. My life changed when I was introduced to the neti pot. A neti pot is a small pot made from ceramic or a lightweight plastic. It holds a warm saline solution that you pour into and flows in and out of the nostrils. The pot has a handle on the side with a small, narrow spout on the opposite side that you put into the nostril. It looks like a genie’s lamp. Neti pots are used primarily for nasal cleansing, rinsing or nasal irrigation. They also help remove pollen, pollutants, allergens, relieve dryness, and it basically cleans out the snot.

Over the years, the neti pot was there when I needed it and was the only thing I used or needed for my allergies during my pregnancy and while my son was nursing. After, I discovered Goldenrod for my allergies, I needed the neti pot less and less, and so it went into my toolbox. However, this winter I had brutal headaches across my eyes, from ear to ear, no mucus or runny nose; it just felt like my head was in a vise grip. It was almost impossible for me to concentrate or execute tasks competently.   I did feel a little pressure in my ears so I decided to give the neti pot a try. And folks, what a brilliant idea it was! Always go with your instincts. The relief was almost instantaneous, thank goodness.

If you have pressure around your sinuses or face, sinus headaches, a crushing headache over your eyes, allergies, postnasal drip, or just feel like you are coming down with a cold, I encourage you to try a neti pot. You can purchase one at most drug stores, supermarkets, co-ops or health food stores. Some come with a saline solution kit, but simple kosher salt and water works great. Some people suggest sea salt, but I found that sea salt crystals do not dissolve easily and you must be diligent to ensure that all the crystals dissolve, if not, the process could become uncomfortable and irritate your nasal cavities. Kosher salt dissolves more easily than sea salt in warm water.

How to use the Neti Pot:

Step 1                                                                                                                                     Mix ¼ tsp. of non-iodized or kosher salt with a cup of warm water in the neti pot until all the salt crystals have dissolved.  It is important that your water is safe from all pathogens. If you are unsure, boil it and let it cool until it is warm.

Step 2                                                                                                                                   Tilt your head over the sink, keeping the nostril you are treating pointing towards the upper corner of the wall across from you, tuck your chin in a little.

Step 3                                                                                                                              Gently, insert the neti pot spout into your nostril, and allow the solution to gently flow into the nostril. The solution should flow through the first nostril and exit through the second nostril. If the solution goes down your throat, stop and tilt your head a little (chin in, nostril towards the top portion of the opposite wall), slowly adjust your head until all of the solution has flowed out your second nostril. If your nostrils are very clogged, be patient, the solution will eventually trickle through and then eventually flow.

Step 4                                                                                                                                Once you have emptied the neti pot, bend over the sink and blow three times to clear excess water and mucus from nostrils. Wipe with tissue.

Step 5                                                                                                                              Repeat step 1 – 4 on other nostril

Step 6                                                                                                                              When both nostrils are done, bend over as if you are touching your toes and hang your head down for a minute or so to encourage all the liquid to flow out your nostrils, blow gently into a tissue.

If you are adventurous, mix a light tea of Goldenrod and strain it through a coffee filter ~ you do not want any plant material in your sinuses. Then mix with a ¼ tsp. of salt and flush your sinuses. The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties really tighten up the tissues and reduce all the drippiness.  For postnasal drip with a cough, make a strong tea of Plantain (Plantago, spp.) and strain it through a coffee filter, add it to a neti pot with a ¼ tsp. of salt to heal irritated tissues. It is less astringent and more soothing than Goldenrod when used in this manner.

May you find relief.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.