6 Tips To Help Manage Anxiety

In this day and age, it is safe to think that we have all, at one time or another, experienced stress or anxiety. It can feel overwhelming and make you feel powerless. I know this for a fact first hand. In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, here are a few tips to help you cope in a mindful, loving way. Some may surprise you!

CBD

Many clinical studies demonstrate that CBD (cannabidiol) help in reducing anxiety and general stress. It also reduces pain and improves sleep. My absolute favorite CBD brand is Flora & Bast. Their Relief Potion is a CBD oil that can be take orally or topically. It gives your mind and body a break by addressing the root of pain. Their Relief Gummies contain CBN, a compound similar to but much weaker than THC. CBN promotes calm, reduces anxiety and boots sleep patterns.

Flora & Bast offers you 20% off when using code “KIMLOVE”. Click here to redeem the offer.

“These magical herbs give you jitters-free energy, aid focus and invite calm.”

SWITCH OUT CAFFEINE FOR ADAPTOGENS

Yep, caffeine can exacerbate anxiety. Caffeine doesn’t really cause anxiety per se. It is a psychostimulant that causes effects similar to the symptoms of anxiety. This is why, if you are on the anxious side, caffeine may not be the best thing for you. Try adaptogens instead! These magical herbs give you jitters-free energy, aid focus and invite calm. Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is my go-to. Sakara also has Nootropic Chocolates to energize and help you focus.

Pique Life offers you 5% off when using code “KIMKLEAN”. Click here to redeem the offer.

Sakara offers you 20% off your 1st order with code “XOKIMKLEAN”. Click here to redeem the offer.

“Practicing gratitude rewires the brain and focuses on positive thoughts.”

PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Anxiety can bring a feeling of insecurity, of being inadequate. Practicing gratitude rewires the brain and focuses on positive thoughts which can then reduce anxiety. Deepak Chopra, an expert in the field of mind-body healing says, “The main thing to do at the end of the day is to write in a gratitude journal all the things that you are grateful for that happened that day. You will invite even more abundance into your life.” There are several gratitude journals to guide you in this practice.

MOVE IT!!

Emotions are energy moving through your body, so Move Your Body! Physical activity is known to be a mood lifter. Playing sports releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones, which give an impression of euphoria. Running, yoga, walk in nature are all good sports to help manage anxiety. And so is dancing! So blast your favorite tune and dance like nobody's watching! I swear a laugh will come out of your mouth without you even expecting it. My favorite “at home workout” that always kicks my butt and makes me smile is The Sculpt Society by Megan Roup. Her energy is always positive and highly contagious!

“This light can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression.”

PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY IN THE EVENING

The blue light emitted from screens, aka your cellphone, visibly affects your skin - premature aging - but also affects your mental health in a more sneaky way. This light can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and sometimes even depression. Not to mention the anxiety that can arise from comparing your life to the “online” lives of strangers. Personally, I put my cell phone in “Night Shift” mode from 8pm to 8am and try to avoid social media 2 hours before going to bed. And honestly, I see a difference with this simple adjustment.

AROMATHERAPY

Essential oils are known for their calming benefits. Here is a simple little guide for you. Citruses (lemon, pink grapefruit, orange) are like big rays of sunshine! They are invigorating and bring happiness. Flowers (rose, geranium, orange blossom) offer you emotional support. They soothe the heart and mind and invite love. Roots (vetiver, spikenard) ground you and bring a feeling of balance and stability. Inhalation is the fastest way for your body to assimilate the molecules of essential oils. So open up the bottle of your favorite oil and take a deep breath!

In my experience, anxiety does not happen “out of nowhere”, but rather is a way our body uses to signal us that something needs to be addressed. So I invite you to really do some introspection, look inwards and understand the source of your anxiety. I hope these few tips will be of great help to you!

Kim xoxo

Adaptogenic Magic

Adaptogens… here’s a word you’ve most likely come across frequently on wellness blogs. A word that seems familiar yet maybe leaves you feeling like a deer in headlights? What the heck are adaptogens?! Well, simply put, adaptogens are plants and herbs that help your body adapt to modern life stressors. Let’s dig a little deeper!

“In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol.”

Adaptogens have an effect on the release of cortisol, the stress hormone that puts your body into fight or flight mode. Cortisol is very important in life or death situations, but when your body constantly feels threatened, your immune system starts to go down. In today’s world, your phone, your boss, the traffic on your way to work, etc. can create this never-ending impression of “danger” and make your adrenal gland secrete too much cortisol. This is where adaptogens intervene! There are two main types of adaptogens. The ones that calm you, help you relax after an intense work day and ease into a restful night. The ones that give you energy, help you focus and accomplish the tasks at hand.

“This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause!”

ENERGIZING

Ginseng is a root that has the wonderful ability to improve stamina as well as mental and emotional stress. Ginseng is one of the most famous Chinese herbs used as a tonic, a stimulant and even as a male aphrodisiac! Ginseng is a promoter of vitality!

Chaga, or “Diamond Of The Forest”, is a mushroom that, unlike most mushrooms, grows on living trees making it dense in nutrients. It is known to be rich in antioxidants, to support your immune system and your overall well-being. This superfood is a tonic, simulates brain functions and eases anxiety making it the perfect adaptogen to help you remain focused throughout the day.

Maca is a Peruvian root that provides sustained energy throughout the day. It is famously known to increase libido for both men and women. This superfood promotes positive energy and even helps with PMS and menopause! All around, it is a tonic, a hormone balancer and an aphrodisiac… SOLD!!

“It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress.”

CALMING

Ashwagandha is used a lot in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medical system) and is considered the “Indian ginseng”. Ashwagandha is a tonic, it strengthens the nerves and is a mild sedative promoting a restful night. It is used to help combat anxiety and chronic stress. Some studies show that ashwagandha may also play a role in male fertility.

Reishi is another mushroom, very similar to Chaga, but offers a more calming effect to the body. It helps you manage stress and anxiety and improves your mood and well-being. At the same time, Reishi nourishes the brain and helps you stay focused. It is packed with antioxidants and supports a healthy immune system.

“Three Spirit […] specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.”

Powders and supplements are the most common ways to add adaptogens to your lifestyle. Moon Juice has MANY different types of adaptogenic “DUST” and capsules to enhance your mood, your energy levels, your brain functions, your sleep, your libido and much more!

Teas and infusions are also a great way to incorportate adaptogens. *Pique Life’s Chaga Energy Elixir is one of my favorite. It also contains ginseng, has an earthy and sweet taste and is triple toxin screened for maximal purity! It provides a calm energy, helps with focus and supports your immune system. Coffee alternatives are also very popular. MUD\WTR keeps the brain fog and jitters away and replaces them with a focused energy. Many other adaptogenic beverages are on the market these days. Recess, for example, is an adaptogen infused sparkling water brand. You also have Three Spirit that specializes in functional non-alcoholic cocktails to give you the energy to be the life of the party or to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day.

“The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body.”

The beauty world loves adaptogens too! They have the same benefits for your skin as for your body. They calm inflamed and irritated skin, reduce redness and swelling and brighten your complexion with their antioxidants. Youth To The People's Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist and Biophile's Bio-Shroom Rejuvenating Serum are the perfect adaptogenic duo for the face. Your skin becomes smooth and radiant!

All in all, adaptogens are here to support you. Their purpose is to make your life easy and stress free. Whether your calming ritual is sipping on a cup of hot tea or applying your skincare routine, the results can be amplified with adaptogens. The options are plentiful! So enjoy!

Kim

xoxo

*Pique Life offers you 5% off sitewide with code “KIMKLEAN”. Enjoy!

Intimate Pleasures

We have been hydrating our face and our body, conditioning our hair, our lips, even our nails since we were teenagers. How have we been skipping the most sensitive area of our body this whole time!? Our intimacy. Here are some wonderful brands (and tips) focused on making you feel satisfied, solo or with a partner, for a sweet and pleasurable new year.

“Their products are meant to keep you happy and comfy “down there”.”

Lady Suite - intimate care.

Lady Suite is the first line of intimate skincare I was introduced to. And I can not live without it! Their products are meant to keep you happy and comfy “down there”. Their line showcases three products only and this is all you need! The Probiotic Refreshing Cleanser, meant to gently cleanse and support a healthy pH balance. The Glow Refiner, an exfoliating spray that helps keep your skin smooth and eliminates ingrown hair sometimes caused by shaving or waxing. And, finally, MY FAVORITE, the Rejuvenating Botanical Oil. This lightly, naturally scented oil moisturizes, soothes, softens and helps prevent ingrown hair.

#KimKLEANapproved #cleanbeauty

“Lioness is the first “intelligent” sex toy that collects data on your orgasms.”

Lioness - explore your body.

This is where technology meets sexuality! Lioness is the first “intelligent” sex toy that collects data on your orgasms. Yep! You read it right! Lioness connects to your phone after your sexy sessions and shows you a diagram of your pelvic pulsations and orgasms. When did you climax? How many times did you climax? How long did your orgasm(s) last for? What type of orgasm do you experience? Explosion? Avalanche? Why not experiment and really get to know your body? Lioness encourages you to take some notes in the app after each session. For example, how did you sleep today? Are you stressed? Did you go for a run? Did you just have a coffee, a glass of wine, eat chocolate? The more specific you are, the more you can understand what really makes YOU tick.

Lioness is offering you $20 off when using the code “KIMKLEAN” . Click here to redeem your offer.

“Designed for the adventurous ones, these gummies are made with a wee bit of THC to stimulate your libido and creativity!”

Flora + Bast - intensify your experience.

Here is a lovely full-spectrum CBD brand that offers remedies for the mind, skin, body and - you guessed it! - intimacy. Their oil, APHRODISIA, intensifies sensations, pleasure and sexual energy. It contains 300mg of CBD as well as 300mg of CBG and can be used topically as an arousing lubricant or orally to reduce stress and encourage a more satisfying experience.

Their gummies SEX & CANDY are made for everyone, but thought of for women. Designed for the adventurous ones, these gummies are made with a wee bit of THC to stimulate your libido and creativity!

SUGGESTION! Test the effect that your oil and your gummies really have on you by collecting data with your Lioness?! HOURS OF PLEASURE!!!

Flora + Bast is offering you 20% off the entire site with the code “KIMLOVE”. Click here to redeem your offer.

#KimKLEANapproved #cleanbeauty

“[…] Ohnut allows you to control the depth of penetration, without diminishing your partner’s pleasure […]”

Ohnut - when pleasure for two is sometimes painful.

For some of us, sex can sometimes feel uncomfortable, at times, even painful. OHNUT to the rescue! These colorful little “donuts” are stretchable and feel like skin to the touch. Placed at the base of your partner’s member, Ohnut allows you to control the depth of penetration, without diminishing your partner’s pleasure, resulting in an enjoyable intimate moment for the both of you. 

“On top of being comfortable, they are a money saver that help us save our planet!”

Thinx - periods without rules.

Founded in Brooklyn by 3 young women, two of them being from Montreal (proud quebecois moment here!), THINX is THE period underwear that everyone talks about. Goodbye overflowing sanitary pads! The technology used in these revolutionary panties absorbs your flow and keeps you dry. Simply rinse out your undies at the end of the day and throw them in the wash! Did you know that, through a lifetime, each and everyone of us will create 400 pounds of pad and tampon waste? On top of being comfortable, they are a money saver that help us save our planet!

Here’s to feeling fresh and adventurous, dry (or wet!) and satisfied in every single way!

To pleasure, with love,

Kim

Top 5 Winter Essential Oils

I find essential oils to be magical! Not only do they brighten up a room with their enveloping aroma, but they also have properties that support the wellbeing of your body and your mind. This is the exact reason why I felt drawn to study aromatherapy and am now an essential oil specialist.

And so, in this video, I am sharing with you my top 5 essential oils to keep by your side during the winter months. They boost your immune system, support your respiratory system and and help keep your spirits up! I am also suggesting different ways to incorporate these oil so that you can fully enjoy their wonderful benefits!

Lymphatic Drainage, The “Healthy” Massage

Beauty and health often seem to be two parallel worlds that have absolutely nothing in common. What if there was a beauty trend that not only helped your body to purify itself and stimulate your immune system but also to “debloat” and reduce the appearance of cellulite!? Here comes, the lymphatic drainage!!

“The lymph therefore plays a major role in your immune system.”

First things first, what is the lymphatic system? It is a system a vessels similar to your blood vessels that transports lymph from your tissues to your bloodstream. Lymph is simply plasma that left your blood vessels to feed your cells nutrients and grab your cells’ waste. The liquid then enters your lymphatic vessels, gets filtered by your lymph nodes where white blood cells attack viruses, bacterias, heavy metals and other cellular waste collected to finally go back into your bloodstream. The lymph therefore plays a major role in your immune system.

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not rely on the heart to pump the lymph. Heavy legs sensation, cellulite and stretch marks are all signs of poor lymphatic circulation. Physical activity, aka muscle contraction, helps to prevent the lymph from being stagnant. Some massage techniques also help with lymph movement. Yep, relaxing while eliminating toxins! Sign. Me. Up!

Most spas offer the Lymphatic Drainage, a massage that consists in long, light movements. It’s nothing like a “deep tissue” that breaks down the knots. Here, it’s all about being gentle and the results can be quite impressive! Flavia Lanini is an expert and has developed her own technique mixing contouring and draining. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Kris Jenner and Hailey Beiber love her and frequent her spa, the Flavia Lanini - Beauty Institute, located in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. After a single session, your water retention has evaporated and your body is completely sculpted! Such treatments are definitely a treat and can cost a pretty penny. Thankfully, there are some techniques you can do at home.

“This technique is energizing and practiced in the morning before jumping in the shower.”

Dry brushing, for exemple, consists of - wait for it! - brushing your dry skin with a brush made of natural sisal fibers. This technique is energizing and practiced in the morning before jumping in the shower. It activates your circulation and helps reduce cellulite while gently exfoliating your skin. The drainage paddle is a little different. It massages your oiled skin, tones, detoxifies, sculpts and reduces inflammation.

In order to practice these techniques at home, you have to start by activating your lymph nodes by applying gently pressure 75 to 100 times over your armpits, collarbone and groin areas. The goal of this massage is to move the lymph towards your lymph nodes through movements going from your hands to your armpits, from your feet to your groin and from you torso down to your groin. Repeat these movements 5 to 10 times, applying moderate pressure and there you have it! A massage by you, FOR you! Take your time and indulge in this precious self-care moment.

A lymphatic drainage massage offers benefits far beyond aesthetics. It allows you to feel rested or invigorated, to have smooth skin, to get rid of water retention and puffiness, to boost your immune system while eliminating harmful toxins. This is what we call self-care at it’s finest.

Love & Light

Kim