General Health & Wellness – NuDay Holistic Health

Your Life but, BETTER

admin — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 04:08:56 +0000

Repeating Old Patterns is Not a Failure—
It's Human

Why Your Patterns Keep Showing Up — and What Your Nervous System Is Actually Doing

There are moments in your Life when you notice something familiar rising again — a relationship dynamic, an
emotional response, a choice you’ve made before. When this happens, it’s easy to meet yourself with frustration or self-judgment. But what if repetition isn’t a sign that something is wrong… but a sign that something is asking to be understood?

I’m here to assure you — you’re not missing something obvious, you’re not stuck and you’re not behind.

Your nervous system prefers what it knows, even when what it knows is uncomfortable. And so patterns continue, not because you lack insight or effort, but because they once helped you survive. This is why patterns of behavior, especially in relationships and emotional responses, can remain unrecognized for years, sometimes decades, and there are very real reasons for that. Like What?

Your nervous system is always listening for safety. It’s designed to prioritize safety and efficiency, not insight.

Acting in it’s job to keep you safe – it learns early what reduces discomfort, maintains connection, or avoids threat — and then it repeats those strategies automatically. Once a pattern is established, long before your conscious thought steps in, this program often runs quietly in the background. You’re not choosing it so much as Living it.

This is why patterns don’t announce themselves clearly. They often feel normal. Familiar. Even invisible.

From simply a nervous-system perspective, repetition isn’t a personal failure — it’s human. At some point in your Life, that pattern likely served a purpose. It may have helped you feel safer, more connected, more in control, or less overwhelmed. And because your system remembers what worked, it keeps returning to it, even when the situation has now changed.

That’s why you simply noticing a pattern doesn’t automatically dissolve it for you. I am going to share with you now the two tools that you need.

When you begin to notice a pattern, something important within you is already shifting. Awareness itself is a form of ‘self-regulation’. The simple act of pausing — of witnessing what is arising without rushing to change it — invites a different part of the nervous system online, one capable of reflection, choice, and discernment Awareness is your first skill set — and it’s a big one. Learning to slow down enough to observe what keeps repeating, without immediately judging or fixing yourself — requires regulation, patience, and compassion. This is not instinctive. Nope! Many people never develop this ability because it’s just not something you’re typically taught by your parents, teachers or mentors. AND… It’s also not something you easily learn just by watching others. Most of us are basically improvising here. We’re winging it!

But awareness alone isn’t enough. It’s only the first doorway.

A second, equally important skillset you develop is evaluation.

A helpful question to ask yourself is:
Am I staying in this pattern because it’s meeting a need?

This isn’t a trick question, and it’s not meant to send you down the ‘Guilt’ rabbit hole.. Every recurring pattern is usually attached to some need — for belonging, stability, approval, relief, control or emotional safety. Your nervous system doesn’t repeat things just randomly; it repeats what it believes is necessary.

Your deeper work now is learning to allow yourself to explore:

What is the need this pattern is trying to meet for me?
Is that need being met in a way that’s constructive… or destructive?
Is this pattern still supporting me or is it quietly costing me something?

Taking a step back to gain this kind of open, honest insight takes time and skill. It requires you to stay present long enough to feel what’s underneath your behavior, rather than rushing to change the behavior itself. And again — this is rarely modeled for you. Truth – Most people are taught what to do, not how to evaluate why they do it.

So, if this feels difficult, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re doing something complex and deeply human.

if this process feels slow, or unclear, or difficult to articulate, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re developing a language that lives beneath words — a relationship with your nervous system that allows wisdom to emerge over time. Learning to work with your patterns isn’t about self-improvement or self-correction. It’s about developing a relationship with your nervous system — understanding how it learned to protect you, and gently teaching it that new options are possible now.

This kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight It happens through practiced awareness, thoughtful evaluation, and the gradual building of an inner toolkit that allows you to respond rather than react.

You don’t outgrow patterns by force — You will grow beyond them by now learning how to listen — and how to choose — with care. When you learn to listen inwardly in this way, change becomes less about effort and more about alignment…. And that, in itself, is a powerful act of self-leadership and self-sovereignty.

Best Health,

Jeanne Ricks, CHC

Summer Is the Best Time to Lose Weight So Take Advantage!

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:40:58 +0000

Have you ever noticed it feels just a little easier for you to lose weight during the summer months? You’re not imagining it. Your body is deeply tuned to the rhythms of nature, and summer holds a unique metabolic advantage — one that works with your health goals, not against them.

The Science of Seasonal Weight Loss At the core of this natural phenomenon is your own circadian biology — the internal 24-hour (and seasonal) clock that governs everything from your sleep-wake cycle to hormone release and even fat metabolism. This is constantly running in the background of everything you do.

In summer, longer days mean more natural light, which helps keep your circadian rhythm more aligned. This can improve insulin sensitivity, regulate appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin, and even reduce late-night cravings.

Add to that the fact that we tend to move more, eat fresher foods (hello, summer produce!), and sleep better thanks to more daylight exposure — and you’ve got a natural recipe for weight loss.

Even more fascinating, research suggests that your body is biologically more prone to burning fat in warmer months, possibly a leftover evolutionary adaptation. In winter, your body is more likely to conserve fat for warmth and energy. But in summer? Your metabolism becomes more efficient, with a natural shift toward increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. So, now that you are aware of this – You can easily take advantage of it!

How You Will Harness Your Summer Weight-Loss Super Power?

Here’s how to let the season do some of the work for you:

Get outside early – Morning light helps reset your circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin (mood + appetite control).

Eat with the season – Load up on water-rich fruits, crunchy veggies, and herbs that naturally support detox and digestion.

Stay consistent with movement – Even a daily walk or light bike ride can help amplify your body’s summer fat-burning advantage.

Honor your sleep – With better light cues and less nighttime screen time, summer is the perfect time to restore quality sleep, which is key to weight management.

So, if you’ve been thinking about re-committing to your health goals, there’s no better time than now. Your biology is already on board. Summer isn’t just about beach days — it’s your body’s metabolic sweet spot. Let it work with you!

Here’s to lighter, brighter, healthier days ahead.

You… and Organic Produce

admin — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 06:07:52 +0000

Are You Sure?! You hear about Organic produce all the time, but is there really a significant difference? A pivotal study conducted by Washington State University (WSU) shed serious light.

This WSU study, is one of the largest of its kind. Researchers analyzed 343 peer-reviewed publications comparing the nutritional quality and safety of both organic and conventional plant-based foods.

They discovered that organic crops contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants (such as phenols and polyphenols), which are known to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers¹. Actually, organic plants produce these antioxidants in greater quantities as their own natural defense mechanism against pests… because they don’t have those synthetic pesticides¹.

And…, as you probably suspected, the study found that organic produce has fewer pesticide residues compared to conventional produce¹. This is important to you because pesticide exposure has been linked to various health issues, including neuro-developmental disorders in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers². So, by choosing organic produce, you reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals. You also potentially improve your overall health and well-being.

But let’s look for a moment beyond the excellent personal health benefits ~ When you purchase organic produce, you are supporting sustainable farming practices that are better for our environment. How? Because, organic farming methods prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecological
balance. They avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife3. Now, by maintaining healthier soils ~ organic farms can sequester more carbon, helping to mitigate climate change3. Plus, local farms contribute to your local
economy by creating jobs and keeping money within your community.

SO… how can you be sure that the foods labeled organic ~ were actually farmed using organic methods? Well, Organic farming practices are verified through several rigorous measures beyond the USDA certification.

Along with the requirement to maintain detailed records ~ organic farms have annual inspections by USDA-accredited certifiers, which include reviewing farm records, inspecting fields, and verifying compliance with organic standards. They also get unannounced inspections, and have periodic testing of soil, water, and produce for prohibited substances further verifies the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Now, while organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, it is still necessary for you to wash it thoroughly before eating. Think about it ~ Organic farms may use natural fertilizers, such as compost or manure, which can introduce harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella to the produce ³. Also, organic produce can be exposed to contaminants during handling, transportation, or storage.

Washing your organic produce under running water helps remove dirt, bacteria, and any residual pesticides that may be present. For your leafy greens, it is advisable for you to separate the leaves and rinse them individually. For your fruits and vegetables with thicker skins, using a brush can help remove contaminants more effectively3. Yes, even produce you buy that’s labeled as “pre-washed” or “ready-to-eat” should be rinsed again at home to ensure your safety.

By making informed choices about the food you consume, you can promote better health for yourself, your family and our planet.

Make Your Own Natural Produce Wash

Ingredients:

1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
10-15 drops grapefruit seed extract
2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl or container, combine the white distilled vinegar and distilled water.
Add Salt: Stir in the tablespoon of salt until it is fully dissolved.
Add Grapefruit Seed Extract: Add 10-15 drops of grapefruit seed extract to the mixture and stir well.
Soak Produce: Place your fruits and vegetables in the solution and let them soak for about 5-10 minutes.
Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the produce thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining solution and contaminants.
Dry: Pat the produce dry with a clean towel or let it air dry before storing or consuming.

This natural produce wash helps you remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticide residues, ensuring your fruits and vegetables are clean and safe to eat. The vinegar and salt work together to disinfect, while the grapefruit seed extract adds an extra layer of antibacterial protection.

Live Your Best Life!

~Jeanne Ricks, CHC

²: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health ³: Mayo Clinic ¹: Washington State University

Finding the Right Cure for Body Your Odor

admin — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:18:34 +0000

Massive product recall as known cancer-causing chemical found in name brand antiperspirant & deodorant body sprays from 30 different brands, but how safe are “natural’ Crystal Deodorants?

This may raise an eyebrow, but I change deodorants every 6 months. What? Why?
Because odor-causing bacteria can become resistant to your usual deodorant ~ especially when you use it day in & day out. I also switch-up for more active days.
And of course, there’s a huge difference between a ‘Deodorant’ and an ‘Anti-perspirant.’ First-off ~
Your sweat actually does not have an odor. Nope!
Body odor occurs when sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin.
Your deodorant works by combatting bacteria, but it won’t actually prevent you from sweating.

Listen, you NEED to sweat! It’s a natural biological process for your body’s health. Not only does your aMAzing body expel toxins through sweat, but it also helps balance electrolytes in your body. This is important for good kidney health as well as maintaining a healthy blood volume. You create a health risk by continually preventing your body from sweating through the use of antiperspirants.

The active ingredient in antiperspirants is Aluminum ~ Nasty Stuff. When you sweat, the aluminum precipitates into a gel-like substance that blocks your sweat ducts. Consider this though ~ aluminum is classified as a metalloestrogen, which is a synthetic xenoestrogen.

Xenoestrogens cause endocrine disruption by mimicking natural estrogen in your body. This may also increase the risk of breast cancer and cysts for both women AND men. Numerous studies now show elevated concentrations of aluminum in breast tissue from women afflicted by breast cancer.

Aluminum also contributes to neurological disruptions, including decreased attention, learning, and memory. Scientists have found elevated aluminum content in the brains of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.
Okay, you’re feeling a little better about just using a deodorant now ~ Aren’t you?

Right on your nearest grocer’s shelf, most Anti-Perspirants and Deodorants, have some other seriously toxic ingredients that should never be used on your skin.
According to the Environmental Working Group, the average adult exposes him or herself to over 126 chemicals each day ~ just from our personal care products.

Did you know that “Fragrance” is actually a very ambiguous term? Without ANY disclosure of what those ingredients are, the FDA permits manufacturers to legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in this one word. In truth, “fragrance” can include various petrochemicals and phthalates, which may cause developmental delays and allergic diseases.

Recently, one of those, ‘Benzene,’ was in the news. Exposure to Benzene can be dangerous, by increasing the “risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders,” the National Cancer Institute said. Yet it was found in over half of 108 batches of antiperspirant and deodorant body sprays from 30 different brands.
The list is here on Page 12: https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Valisure-FDA-Citizen-Petition-on-Body-Spray-v4.0-1.pdf
You need to know that none of the products actually have benzene as an ingredient, experts say, so the only way the chemical could have been introduced is via an error in the manufacturing process ~ or by the way the chemical is delivered to the body. So, even if you are looking for it on the label ~ you’ll never know that it is there. The independent watchdog, Valisure said in a press release that one possibility is that benzene could come from ingredients such as hydrofluorocarbon 152a, butane, isobutane, propane and alcohol used to propel sprays onto the skin.
You’ll find that Benzene’s listed as toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization and other regulatory agencies. Get this ~ The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines benzene as a carcinogen and lists “inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact” as exposure routes. And your very own Food & Drug Administration (FDA) currently recognizes the serious danger of benzene and lists it as a “Class 1 solvent,” that “should not be employed in the manufacture of drug substances, excipients, and drug products because of their unacceptable toxicity.
None of that is ‘Good News’
And you’ll be alarmed to know that the toxicity of Benzene in humans has been well established for over 120 years. 120! The hema-totoxicity of benzene was described as early as 1897. A study from 1939 on benzene stated that “exposure over a long period of time to any concentration of benzene greater than zero is not safe,” which is a comment reiterated in a 2010 review of benzene research specifically stating, “There is probably no safe level of exposure to benzene, and all exposures constitute some risk in a linear, if not supra-linear, and additive fashion.” Many epidemiological studies of petroleum workers exposed to benzene have clearly associated the chemical with the development of cancers of blood tissues, such as leukemia.

So, how did Benzene end-up in your deodorant along with other known toxins ~ like….
Parabens, Triclosan, Butanes, Formaldehyde, Propylene glycol, Phthalates, Triethanolamine (TEA) and Diethanolamine (DEA)?

Okay, we’ve established that an Anti-Perspirant is probably not the way you want to go ~
What about “Natural” Deodorants?

Beware the Salt Crystal ~ “But my crystal deodorant is ‘Natural’ ~ it says so right on the label. “
Yes, and Hemlock is natural too, but it will still kill you.

Crystal Deodorants are made from Potassium Alum ~ and yes, it’s a naturally occurring mineral salt, more specifically Potassium Aluminum Sulfate. It is also toxic, and is considered an environmental toxin.
Have you noticed that the manufacturers typically do not reveal the source of their product?

~ Well, that leaves a multitude of core issues in terms of quality which I’ll tell you about in a second.
But, let’s go deeper into the chemical itself.

Crystal deodorants will often boast that they’re free of aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chlorohydroxide and aluminum zirconium. That’s good news but…. there’s more to it. Much more…
Manufacturers claim that the difference is that Potassium Alum is a much larger molecule, and it’s understood not to be absorbed by human skin. Really? Well, that’s odd because pharmaceutical companies are exploring use of alum-based powders as an alternative to injectable vaccines specifically because of its properties helping other ingredients absorb into the skin and become active in the body. This completely contradicts the ‘non-Absorption’ argument. Strike one.
Now consider that, when moist crystals are actually broken down into ions, the smallest possible form of aluminum, which is easily dissolved in water.
And considering that crystal deodorants in stone form specifically require that you ‘apply water before use,’ and that the first and largest ingredient in any crystal deodorant spray is water. Oh, and your body is largely made up of water ~ hmmm…. now the theory that any aluminum in a Potassium Alum-based deodorant won’t be absorbed through your skin just completely fails to stand up. Nope ~
While manufacturers say that ‘it’s understood’ that Potassium Alum isn’t absorbed into the skin, what they really mean is that there has been no research done on this.

What we definitely know is that using antiperspirants containing aluminum may significantly increase the aluminum absorbed by your body….and that is NOT a ‘Good Thing’ EVER.

What you’re seeing here is that Potassium Alum does contain Aluminum, it could very well be absorbed into your skin, and we’re learning more every day about what the build-up of this extremely abundant element will do to destroy your health ~ so I’ll leave the judgement up to you.
One More Thing! Potassium Alum can also be synthetically produced. That’s right ~ laboratory created ~ which is why you need your product manufacture to reveal its source. Because they often use aluminum hydroxide (a white cosmetic opacifying agent) mixed with Potassium or Ammonium Sulphate in Sulphuric Acid. So, there’s a little ‘Gotcha’ kind of moment ~ where even though you know the right ingredients, it’s not going to help you if they’ve been synthetically produced using the very toxic chemicals you’re trying to avoid.

How DO you find a good ‘Natural’ deodorant?
You’ll need to look beyond your supermarket shelf to find it. Consider baking soda or a citrus or tea-tree based deodorant. There are some great alternatives and it really comes down to what works for YOU.

Please Sweat Responibly,

~Jeanne Ricks