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Be Well

The Common Market’s Wellness Newsletter

BACK-TO-SCHOOL Healthy ideas for those with and without school kids Suggestions for physical and mental success

AUGUST 2022

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELLNESS

the weather doesn’t feel like summer is A lthough drawing to a close just yet, teachers, parents, and

students are beginning their back to school preparations. Whether you are getting ready for kindergarten or college, this can be a time of excitement and anticipation. It can also be a time of stress and anxiety. And of course, COVID-19 continues to add twists and turns to the mix. Now more than ever we need to set the stage for happy, healthy minds and bodies. Let the Common Market Wellness Team offer some suggestions.

IMMUNE SUPPORT

Everyone, not just students and educators, can benefit from a strong and healthy immune system right now. We recommend: Elderberry – a flowering shrub or tree, also known as Sambucus, is a great addition to any edible garden. Its white elderflowers turn into red/black berries when ripe and have been used to fight cold and flu symptoms, support heart health, and fight inflammation and infection for centuries. Use in the form of capsule, gummy supplements, or syrups which can be taken alone or eaten on foods (think anything from breakfast pancakes to ice cream) as well as in tea! Sanitizers - The Common Market carries a wide array of natural products to help prevent the spread of germs including cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, wipes as well as cute & comfortable masks. Keep travel-sized hand sanitizer sprays and wipes in your desk or backpack!

STRESS & FOCUS

the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and lift the immune system. Eleuthero - a small woody shrub sometimes called Siberian ginseng and may improve resistance to stress. It’s properties are used for cognitive function including memory and thinking skills. It is also said to have activity against some bacteria and viruses including the common cold. Vitamin B Complex - consists of eight water-soluble B vitamins, which may help keep our brains running well, and also combat stress and fatigue. Research has shown that B vitamins can significantly benefit mood and reduce negative responses to stress. It is particularly important to supplement if you are vegan, vegetarian, or just don’t eat a lot of meat because many, like B 12, are found primarily in animal food sources. For Focus Try…. Rosemary - a shrub native to the Mediterranean which also grows well throughout North America also. It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs and has been used for centuries to enhance mental function and memory. Rosemary’s benefits can be achieved through topical oils & lotions, by burning scented candles or diffusers, and of course through cooking! Gotu Kola - a flowering plant native to the wetlands in Asia is a member of the parsley family. Taken as a supplement, Gotu Kola has been shown to benefit overall cognition and reduce neuroinflammation.

SLEEP, EXERCISE, & NUTRITION

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per day to boost physical health, mood, and stress management

Mental health support is extremely important when it comes to the academic success of students as well as the wellbeing of educators and parents. Herbal remedies in the form of tinctures & teas, candles & capsules can help with stress and focus.

Take regular breaks from sitting and screens to combat stiffness, tired eyes, headaches and to benefit overall mental and emotional health. As a bonus, get outside for fresh air and a natural dose of vitamin D from the sunshine!

For Stress Try… Ashwagandha - an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia & Africa it is commonly used for stress including insomnia and anxiety. It contains properties that might help calm

Focus on in season fresh fruits and veggies that represent ½ your plate at mealtime and feature prominently in snacks!