Down To Earth 🌎

Estimated read time: 3 minutes and 8 seconds

⭐ THE QUICK BITES ⭐ ​ 🙌 Wisdom: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho ​ 📊 Health Hack: Chew each bite 20 times; this simple trick helps digestion and prevents overeating without extra effort! ​ 🍽️ Recipe: Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl​

That’s Waffles!!!

This week, I’m watching someone’s dog, and I just had to share this photo—he’s living every day like there’s no tomorrow.

Just like how you should be living life too 😊

Let’s jump in!

• 🔍 Coffee on an Empty Stomach?
• 🌴 What You Didn't Know About Tea Tree Oil
• 🎩 Hiccup Be Gone!
• 🙌 Talk with Your Hands: Tips Revealed!

🔍 Coffee on an Empty Stomach?

Ah, the sweet ❤️ of that first cup of coffee!

But wait! Before you sip, let’s chat about some coffee don’ts!

1️⃣ Cortisol Chaos​
Drinking coffee while your tummy is still hanging out can boost cortisol – the stress hormone! 📈

More cortisol = more stress. Yikes! 😱

2️⃣ Acid Attack!:
A coffee kick on an empty stomach can increase gastric acidity.

This can lead to a burning sensation, reflux, or gastritis. Ouch! 🔥

3️⃣ Bloat & Cramp Club:
Caffeine can speed up your gut.

Empty stomach + coffee = potential bloating & abdominal cramps! 🚽💨

4️⃣ Blood Sugar Rollercoaster:
Coffee can spike your blood sugar levels.

Without breakfast, brace yourself for a “crash” that leads to fatigue and irritability. 🎢

So, What’s the Solution?

Breakfast First, Coffee Second. 🥞☕

Think protein, fiber, & healthy fats! They protect your tummy walls and keep you energized!

​Article Link​

🌴 What You Didn't Know About Tea Tree Oil

If colds, coughs, or thick mucus have you feeling like a snotty mess, let’s dig into a little gem: Tea Tree Oil! 💧✨

Here’s why it’s a game changer:

1. Mucolytic Marvel:
   • Helps dissolve mucus in your respiratory tract.
   • Say goodbye to pesky phlegm! 🎉
2. Fungi Fighter:
   • Can zap toenail fungus—just 1-2 drops (dilute if you’re sensitive).
   • Keep those toes pretty! 💅
3. Acne’s Arch-Nemesis:
   • Use it for skin blemishes, but always dilute it—your skin deserves TLC too! 🌼
4. Mood Lifter:
   • The aroma activates your olfactory nerve, sending happy signals to your brain!
   • Bye-bye, blues! 😊💖

How to Use It:

• Diffuser Delight:
  • Add a few drops to a diffuser.
  • Let the steam work wonders on your sinuses. 💨
• Aromatic Steam Inhalation:
  • Drop in boiling water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply.
  • Instant relief is waiting! 🌈
• Tissue Trick:
  • Place a drop on a tissue (not under your pillow!) next to you while you sleep.
  • Wake up feeling like a superstar! ⭐️

​Video Link​

🎩 Hiccup Be Gone!

Hiccups are just spasms of your diaphragm—that big muscle helping you breathe. When it spasms, your vocal cords close suddenly, creating that classic “hic” sound!

Now, hiccups can strike for many reasons:

• Overeating 🤰
• Stress 😱
• Carbonated drinks 🥤

Here are some effective ways to banish those hiccups:

1. Drink from the Other Side of a Cup: 🥤
   Yes, it’s goofy, but Dr. Weissman swears by this!
2. Hold Your Breath: 🌬️
   Inhale deeply and hold for 10-20 seconds. This increases CO2 levels and calms that hijacked diaphragm!
3. Gargle Water: 💦
   It’s not just for dental hygiene! Gargling stimulates your vagus nerve, distracting your body from hiccuping!
4. Eat a Spoonful of Sugar: 🍬
   Sugar granules can irritate your throat and stop the hiccup cycle by increasing CO2 too!
5. Paper Bag Breathing: 🛍️
   Breathe in and out of a paper bag (not plastic!). This helps raise CO2 levels but be careful—stop if you feel light-headed!

​Article Link​

🙌 Talk with Your Hands: Tips Revealed!

Did you know where you put your hands can totally impact how you're perceived in conversations? 🤔

Our brains are wired to read intentions and gauge trustworthiness based on hand visibility.

Let’s break it down real quick—here’s how to use your hands like a pro:

Visible Hands = Trust 👐

Always keep your hands in view when speaking. This helps others feel at ease and believe in what you're saying.

Expressive Gestures Matter 💃

Great speakers use around 465 gestures in a 20-minute talk! Use your hands to visualize your points. For example, hold up three fingers for three ideas—it’s way more impactful than just using words.

The Golden Nod 🤔

While listening, keep your hands at rest but lean in with a slow triple nod. This encourages the speaker to keep going (and makes you look super engaged).

Avoid Awkwardness 🚫

On Zoom: keep your hands visible.

In person: avoid crossing your arms—it can come off as “closed off.”

Build Charisma with Warmth 🔥

Nod, smile, and lean in to show you're all ears. These cues build connection and make you come across as charismatic and approachable.

Why This Matters 🤯

Because good communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you make people feel.

​Podcast Link​

📚 Ryan's Book Of The Week

Ever feel like you're juggling health goals, work stress, a social life, AND trying to drink 8 cups of water a day… while forgetting where you put your keys (again)? 😂 Yeah, life gets messy.

This week’s book is all about building a life that actually feels good—not just one that looks productive. It’s not another hustle-harder manual. It’s about building systems that support your health, your goals, and your sanity.

💡 Why read it?

• Learn how to set up your environment so healthy habits feel easy (yes, really).
• Discover why your routines might be sabotaging you — and how to fix them.
• Finally stop falling into the “all-or-nothing” trap and find your sweet spot instead.

📖 The Power of One More by Ed Mylett

🎯 Your Weekly Challenge

It's Friday—still plenty of time to join this week's challenge!

Starting today, genuinely compliment at least one person each day—a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Make it sincere, unexpected, and uplifting!

“You always have such great energy!”, “Your outfit looks amazing today!”, or “I really appreciate how thoughtful you are!”

Here's why:

• When you give compliments, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that boost happiness and motivation.
• Regular acts of kindness reduce stress hormones, helping you feel calmer and less anxious throughout your day.
• Improves sleep by calming the mind before bedtime.

💬 Your Turn (Reply Today!):
​It's not too late to join! Hit reply now with the name of the person you're complimenting today—and if you'd like, tell me what you'll say!

🚀 If you loved today’s tips… imagine how much your best friend, workout buddy, or health-conscious coworker would, too. Forward them this email and make their day!

Until next time,

Ryan Lehman

Your guide to a balanced, healthy life

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