Where healthy people hang

Best Wellness Gifts of 2020

Best Wellness Gifts of 2020

Looking for a new gift that your friends and family will be sure to love? BATCH is our go-to brand for this unique and special product you can’t get anywhere but right on their website. They’re still offering their free sample program, but only for a limited time. Click here for the offer. 

1. Holiday Bundle

The holiday bundle is perfect to give someone who is an all around wellness fanatic. This bundle features over $200 worth of CBD in a variety of forms. This allows you to test out what works best. You can’t go wrong with this unbeatable deal, which BATCH is offering at $149.99 which includes shipping and a custom gift wrap experience. 

Included in the Bundle:

  • 1000 mg Original CBD Oil Tincture
  • 500 mg Original CBD Relief Balm
  • 2 oz Rejuvenating CBD Lotion with Rosemary & Mint
  • 2 oz CBD Muscle Gel
  • 3 25 mg CBD Gummies
  • 3 50 mg Softgel Capsules
  • FREE GIFT: CBD Chocolate Bar
  • FREE GIFT: CBD Bath Bomb

2. Stocking Stuffer

The holiday stocking stuffer is perfectly sized to fit on the mantle or wherever you hang your stockings. This is an inexpensive yet highly effective set of products which offer you or your loved one the best of both worlds. This is the perfect pack if you have a lot of people on your nice list. Featured in LA Weekly, BATCH is offering this sampler now (limited time only) for only $11.00

Included in the Stocking Stuffer:

  • 5 mL CBD Oil Tincture (Blend of Choice)
  • 3 25 mg CBD Gummies
  • 3 50 mg Softgel Capsules

3. Gold Reserve Blend

This blend is the most exclusive, most potent, and dense blend BATCH has ever crafted. Featuring a whopping 4000+ mg of CBD and 1000+ mg of CNBG. The reserve blends are only around for a limited time, so be sure to snatch this batch before it’s gone. Their team anticipates upon release, a quick sell-out. Priced just under $199.99, this blend for its price and potency is unmatched.

Included in the Black Label Collection:

  • Gold Blend with 4000 mg CBD & 1000 mg CBG Oil Tincture

4. Variety Pack

BATCH’s signature blends are all custom crafted with unique terpene profiles. This variety pack best suits somebody looking for a CBD Oil, but isn’t sure what blend would work best for them. It’s currently listed for $175.00 but is on sale for a limited time at $125.00.

Included in the Variety Pack:

  • 1/3 oz Original Blend 333+ mg CBD
  • 1/3 oz Dream Blend 333+ mg CBD
  • 1/3 oz Soothe Blend 333+ mg CBD
  • 1/3 oz Clarity Blend 333+ mg CBD
  • 1/3 oz Calm Blend 333+ mg CBD

5. Pet Oil

So often our pups and pets get the short end of the bone during the holidays. That’s why BATCH is offering the Pet Oil Tincture for all of your furry friends. This blend features bacon flavoring for better taste. It’s designed perfectly for mature pets with stiff joints. Find Pet Oil from $40.99

Options for Pet Oil:

Make this holiday season memorable.

These gifts will undoubtably be the most unique on the market. There’s something for everybody on this list. So tell us, which bundle are you getting? Share this post on Facebook and tag us to let us know!

7 Tips for Staying Productive

7 Tips for Productivity

Staying focused is a task that requires focus itself. So, if you’ve made it this far, congratulations. In my adult life, I have tried all different kinds of “focus-solutions” to achieve greater productivity. These are the tips that changed my life for better productivity.

Throughout my school years I always did well but was constantly distracted. Even in college I struggled to quit procrastinating and to stay on task. I always wondered how those around me were seemingly on top of everything while being supremely organized. It took me forever to figure this out naturally… I found out later on that people I knew were on prescribed medications for these kinds of issues, which was not a route I wanted to take. So, I started my wellness journey to a better mind, body, and quality of life. Here are 7 things you need to try in order to improve clarity and productivity.

1. Get a Good Night's Rest

In another article, I discuss how to improve your rest. Check that out here. The main thing I used to kick-start my now-amazing sleep habits – BATCH Dream Tincture. I wasn’t always a morning person until I got my sleep cycle under control. I used to lie awake until 3 am because my thoughts were racing when I needed them to be still. Now, I’m an 8.5 hours every night girl, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it… even on the weekends.  

2. Get a Planner or Task Booklet

This might be the single most important tip. In order to make life into sizable tasks, get the Passion Planner. Having actionable, bite-sized tasks, and filling them in at exactly what time they should happen gives you a sense of accountability. If you don’t have due dates, your long lists will just become procrastination heaven. Always use an hourly calendar.

3. Turn off Tech

Get rid of the phone. Seriously. If you need to charge, put it outside of your room. Another way to do this would be by placing it on airplane mode. If you’re a music person, download your favorite playlist in “offline” mode. This will help you to tune out unnecessary distractions and focus on the task at hand. To help ease my nerves with tech-related anxiety, I use BATCH Softgel capsules featured in the top image.

4. Set Personal & Work Related Goals

Again, the Passion Planner was my kryptonite for this tip. Every month you will reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what you wish to accomplish in the future. Have a 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, and 3 years goal brainstorm. Write down everything and anything that comes to mind, realistic or not. Then, map out one that you are super passionate about. 

5. Prioritize Everything

Constantly be prioritizing your goals. It’s not enough to make lists, always order them or color code them in a way that signals their priority status to you. If you focus on the things that matter, you will feel more accomplished and ready to take on the other tasks on your list.

6. Exercise Daily

Exercising daily helps to clear your mind, and releases endorphins that lead to a healthier you. Since my sleep-deprived days, I’ve started to form backaches. I’ve been using this Fire & Ice Balm from BATCH before I go to sleep. I apply a few layers on my lower back area, then I apply some under my neck just for an aromatherapeutic experience.

6. Have a Routine

No matter how much of a night owl you are, spending your days productively instead of sleeping-in is so much more rewarding. The best way to jump start a routine is to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time everyday – no matter what. The dreaded snooze button is in between you and your most productive self. 

7. Listen to Your Body & Take Breaks

With all of the stress to be perfectly productive, know when to listen to your mind and body when it tells you what it needs. It’s important to have a balance, and to know when to stop working so hard. Ultimately productivity will be strained if you are exhausted from taking all of these steps. However, getting into these habits will be hard at first but over time they’ll be rewarding. If you practice these steps like I did, I ended up have much more energy and focus throughout the days. 

How to Grow Aloe Vera

How to Grow Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a simple and beneficial plant to grow in your household. With so many healing properties, it’s hard to walk down a beauty aisle and not see it listed as an ingredient at least once. Aloe vera is rich in vitamin C & E to keep your skin young and healthy, as well as moisturized. People have been using this plant as a natural remedy for years, even applying its healing gel to treat all kinds of topical ailments and sunburns. No matter the reason you’re growing aloe, here are the steps you should take to nurture growth for your aloe plant. This may be one of the easiest plants to grow, especially if you start by purchasing a live plant from Home Depot, Lowes, or online.

1. Understand it is a Succulent.

Water it about every 3 weeks. make sure the soil does not remain damp.
Test the soil with your finger to make sure it is dry before watering.

Although you may be inclined to water it every day, do not do this (it will die). From personal experience, I have had an aloe vera plant grow with over a month of no water. As a cactus-like plant, their root systems are shallow and spread out so when it rains in the wild, the water can be absorbed quickly from the soil’s surface before it evaporates. Less is more when it comes to water if you don’t want root rot.

2. Cactus potting soil mix.

use a pot with good irrigation and use a screen over drainage hole - optional.
Use a soil designed for aloe - Cactus blends will do.

Online, reviews suggest trying Miracle-Gro Cactus Soil. Aloe needs good drainage, which is why it is important to have a rocky or cactus-specific texture of a soil bed.

3. Aloe is native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian peninsula.

Ensure it is receiving lots of light weather artificial or natural.
Aloe's ideal temperature is 55-80ºF.

Here it’s native conditions are hot and rainy (summer), making it a subtropical plant. In the winter it has a cooler and drier climate, making it an adaptable plant.

Growing Aloe from a Seed

This method assumes that you have potted the live plant, however if you are looking to grow aloe from a seed, you should click here for a step by step guide.

Aromatherapy for Anxiety

Aromatherapy for Anxiety

Essential oils have been used for years for all kinds of ailments. From headaches to bug repellent, there are so many natural compounds that can be found to help with life’s aches and pains. A form of relaxation known as aromatherapy has taken the beauty community by storm. Below is a list of a few anxiety-relieving oils for your aromatherapy device.

1. Lavender

A tried and true scent for mental relief. Chances are you’ve grown up with this oil, as it’s found in almost every popular body product. It’s even been adopted into cuisine by coffee shops and chefs compressing the lavender into syrups for added flavor. It has maintained a common belief in its ability to reduce stress and improve mood, as well as acting as a natural sleep-aid. It can be found in our Calming lotion.

2. Ylang Ylang

It is a commonly held belief in aromatherapists that ylang ylang can help to reduce stress & anxiety. It has a history of traditional and herbal treatments for diseases like malaria, rheumatism, gout, and headaches. You can find this essential oil in our Calming lotion.

3. Lemon

Lemon, although it is a stimulating scent, it helps to aid in overall clarity and mindfulness. People have claimed it to fight exhaustion and inflammation. This oil can be found in many natural household cleaning products, which makes sense due to its resistance to harmful bacteria like E. coli. and staphylococcus.

4. Rose

Rose oil has been found to protect against bacteria and fungi on top of decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s been noted that rose oil allergies are less common than other oils, but a patch test should always be done on a localized part of the skin to ensure a safe and non-reactive essential oil experience.

5. Chamomile

Many are familiar with this flower in their bed-time tea routine, but it actually has healing properties. When distilled, the sweetness of the flower can be a relaxing experience. Some studies have even suggested using chamomile as a treatment for insomnia.

In Summary

Aromatherapy, or the act of breathing or using essential oils for treatments of any kind, can reduce everyday stresses. Essential oils are made from plants, herbs, roots, petals… really any kind of plant matter. It is believed that certain oils can soothe and ease different parts of the body by sending messages through smell receptors to the nervous system in your brain. If you’ve tried other medications and nothing’s worked, you may want to try the homeopathic approach to anxiety relief.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes – How they’re different.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: The Bullet Version

Over 30 million Americans are affected by diabetes. Since diabetes is so widespread it’s important to understand the disease and its different types. Sugar and glucose are at a cellular level used for energy to keep your body moving and working. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes occur when the body cannot properly store and use glucose. Both types of diabetes have the same implications and issues attached to them, but differ in their development.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes usually appears in children and adolescents but can still appear when you get older. According to the CDC, around 5% of all diabetics have type 1. The immune system attacks the pancreatic beta cells so that they can no longer produce insulin, the hormone which is produced by your pancreas and regulates blood sugar. Insulin is also the  chemical that breaks down the glucose and sugars in your food. Type 1 diabetes is often hereditary. 

Risks for Type 1 include:

  • Having a family history of diabetes
  • Being born with certain genetic features that affect the way the body produces or uses insulin
  • Some medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis
  • Possible exposures to some infections or viruses, such as the mumps or rubella cytomegalovirus

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes more commonly appears as people age but it has shown in recent  years to develop in younger people. For diabetics, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body cannot use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes is commonly understood as a result of lifestyle choices rather than genetics (this is the main difference between type 1 and 2).  According to the CDC, around 90-95% of diabetics  have type 2.

Risks for Type 2 include:

  • Having a family member with type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity 
  • Smoking
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Certain medications, including some anti-seizure drugs and some medications for HIV

A healthy lifestyle can prevent genes predisposed to diabetes.

Both genetic and environmental factors can trigger type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent type 2. For more information about type 1 and type 2, visit the ADA.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

First of all, what is a carbon footprint? 

A carbon footprint is a  value that represents  “ the amount of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide – released into the atmosphere by a particular human activity.” You can calculate your own personal carbon footprint by inputting your daily activities into an online calculator. The average carbon footprint in the United States clocks in at 16 tons, which is considered quite high worldwide. 

There’s no better time than during a global pandemic to take small and easy measures for you to help reduce your own carbon footprint. In order to be more environmentally conscious, you may think you need to  restart your life and buy all new bamboo products… but actually that’s not the best way to do it. Living more sustainably can actually be done on a small scale and a small budget,  contrary to popular belief. Here are a few easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Reusable Straws & Water Bottles

A good place to start is by cutting daily, single-use plastics out of your life, like plastic straws and water bottles. I’ve noticed over the years more people have been sporting reusable water bottles and more recently, reusable straws! Imagine the cost alone if you bought a soda product or a water bottle case every few weeks; on average you’d spend $10 per case. After purchasing only  three cases you’ve spent $30. That money could’ve been spent on an awesome, keep-your-drink-colder-than-ever, stylish reusable bottle that you could use for years. We know that filtered water might be a problem, so if you’re more concerned with minerals and electrolytes, there are reusable bottles that can filter and enhance your water! 

2. Back to Basics

Focus on what you really need month to month and try to cut down on those random Amazon purchases. When you do order online, try to consolidate your orders to cut back on the  packaging, shipping, and manufacturing footprint. E-commerce is not a bad thing, however if a product is not necessary try to remember all of the resources,  gasoline, planes, water, and international labor, that might’ve gone into its delivery. Your amazon instant delivery addiction affects more than just your personal wallet. I get it, we’ve all been there, but cutting back on unnecessary online purchases is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money while you’re at it!

3. Dishes & Washing

The chemicals you use matter! Find alternatives to harmful household cleaning chemicals using this no chemical lists.  I know it may be difficult to give up your beloved Dawn duck, but if we want to conserve our water and keep it clean for generations to come then we need to make a change. There is a ton of science behind this, but long story short, the chemicals that go down your drain are the same chemicals that you could be drinking if the system didn’t clean them out. So, do us all a favor and switch your dish soap and shampoo brand. Easy fix: Ditch Dawn and buy Dr. Bronner’s.

4. Meatless Mondays

Your plate: why keto is not always good (especially when it’s not whole foods). It’s been scientifically shown that in order to reduce your carbon footprint, you have to eat less meat. This doesn’t necessarily mean going full-on vegan, it just means being a conscious carnivore and taking measures to moderate your meat consumption. For example, you could try eating vegetarian one day a week. If you really want to scare yourself into not eating meat, watch “Forks over Knives” and “Cowspiracy” which are both currently on Netflix. However commonplace beef may be, once you understand the true cost of this American staple, it will make you rethink the impact of your diet. Easy meat-lover fix: purchase Impossible Burgers or Beyond Beef instead of real beef.

5. Flip the Switch

Heating, lighting, and appliances can sound like a hefty price tag to switch out in order to reduce your carbon footprint. However, it’s the small differences that make the biggest impact. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them, this not only saves you money but it reduces your carbon emissions. Unplug appliances or other electronics when you’re not using them because even when they are not turned on they are using energy. Replace your lights once they burn out to LED lights, which use 85% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than your average incandescent bulb. Another option is to invest in new appliances (after they’re on their last leg) with an Energy Star symbol. This symbol helps you identify money and energy-saving appliances. Easy fix: Turn off the lights when you leave the house.

6. Transportation Time

Carpooling or buying a Prius is the age-old resort to reducing your carbon footprint, but that’s not always feasible for everyone. Carpooling can present logistical issues to already busy, complicated schedules. One simpler way to reduce your transportation carbon footprint is to discern where you need to go from where you want to go. If a grocery store is less than a mile from you, consider biking or walking instead of driving. Not in a rush? Take public transportation. Easy fix: Use highways or more direct routes with less stop-and-go which can increase your average MPG (saves you gas money and emissions).

7. Sustainable Shopping.

Buy fewer products that last much longer. If you need something, try to shop locally to help offset imported goods’ shipping and packaging pollution. Take a reusable bag to the store. Invest in quality products that last.

Top Reasons For Sleep Issues + How to Fix Them

sleep tips

Top Reasons For Sleep Issues + How to Fix Them

It’s no secret that millions of Americans find it difficult to stay asleep or even fall asleep. What’s even more concerning is the fact that sleep deprivation can lead to even bigger problems. Diabetes, kidney disease, and colds have all been linked back to sleep, or the lack thereof. In 2019, 103 million people Google searched sleep-related problems. Below I have outlined some tips to help with this widespread sleeping struggle.

1. Pinpoint the exact cause.

This step can be difficult but try to approach it through the process of elimination. I do this by analyzing my personal schedule:  is my dog waking me up in the middle of the night? Did I forget to turn my phone on “do not disturb”? Is it recurring body aches or just discomfort from throwing the frisbee around today? The list goes on. 

Pro Tip: Try to rule out one-offs and focus on what is in your daily routine.

2. Diet. Yes, you’ve seen this before.

Your diet and what you’re putting into your body… it matters! Candidly speaking, if you drink a ton of caffeine in the afternoon you’re going to toss and turn. Granted everyone’s body is different, but a general rule of thumb is to stay clear of foods and beverages that put your body into “go” mode. Chocolate is one of those sneaky foods that has naturally occurring caffeine, so pay attention to what you’re having for dessert or before bedtime.

3. Have a daily routine. And I mean 7 days a week, weekends included!

Having a routine is one way to not only pinpoint your sleeplessness, but also: it can actually help reduce it. Wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time. The first week of this will be rough, we know, so here’s another blog post on non-habit forming sleep aids to help you get over the initial hump. Try to stick to a sleep schedule that works every day, realistically give or take an hour.  Once you seriously commit to your routine, you will begin to form a new habit.

4. Exercise can help balance your hormone levels.

A tired body makes for a good night’s rest. This can be especially hard if you live somewhere with long winters. Take it from us, northern winters can be horrible! I Though, if you can do  30 minutes of indoor cardio or even go for a short  walk, you’re increasing your  dopamine levels so your body is tired later. Exercise helps regulate your bodily rhythms throughout the day and night. The time of day you exercise also makes a difference. I recommend exercising in  the morning as opposed to nighttime since the initial effects of working out create an energetic feeling.

5. Stop the endless scrolling.

Most Americans spend their minutes or hours before shut-eye not shutting down their electronics. The blue light from your computer and cell strains your eyes and keeps your brain cells moving. That restlessness and inability to quiet the mind aren’t that far off from this one. If this step is difficult for you, start by setting a small goal of no electronics 15 minutes before bed.  Then gradually increase to an hour as doctors recommended. Read more about the doctor’s suggested screen time usage here

6. Your body might be trying to tell you something.

Lack of sleep and trouble sleeping (as a symptom) is rarely a nice way to find out something is wrong with your body, but it could be a symptom of something other than lifestyle habits. If trouble sleeping continues, you may need to seek professional help. There’s no shame in doing what is best for your body and ultimately feeling better long-term. Improved sleep can help you to take on the day, have higher energy levels, and enable you to be more present for others you love in your life. And let’s be honest, it’d be nice to  stop complaining about how little sleep we got last night. If you are still looking for something to help kickstart the process, our team recommended the BATCH Dream Tincture. It helped one of our editors drift off and kickstart better sleep habits quicker.



Skincare Routine Order: Perfect Order to Perfect Skin

Skincare Routine: The Perfect Order for Perfect Skin

Creating a skincare routine that is perfect for your needs can be frustrating work. After some simple research your brain may be whirling with all the different advice: “do I put the toner on after or before? Moisturize in the morning or at night? Both? Morning cream vs. night cream? This YouTuber told me something else… Do I even need toner?” In this article I will lay out a reliable order to your skincare routine so you don’t get lost in the weeds of the internet. 

For myself, I’ve been in and out of a dermatologists office about a hundred times. From acne to dry-skin, I have tried so many products to help with these symptoms and irritations. After countless trial and error, I have learned that the most important aspect is sticking to a routine. Consistency is key and a surefire way to get the results you want.

Morning Routine in 7 Steps

Cleanser.

Clean, clean, clean. You want a fresh base without any dirt and oils blocking your treatments. Pro tip: use one that works with your skin type. Ex: If you have sensitive skin use something like this Neutrogena oil-free redness soothing acne face wash.

Toner.

There’s a lot of controversy over the effectiveness of toners, so I recommend making this decision based on your own results. If your skin is feeling oily after washing, try it out, and if you don’t see a difference, don’t use them. It’s up to you and your skin and what feels right. Looking for a toner? Try a natural witch hazel formula. Be weary of alcohols in toners which can actually dry out the skin.

Serums.

Serums will be the first thing to sink into your skin because they are  dense and usually nutrient-based.  Doing this after a nice wash ensures that your pores are ready to absorb the nutrients. 

Eye Cream. 

If you use eye cream, applying it before steps 5,6, and 7 is important in order to  . protect your eyes.  Eye cream can serve as an effective and soothing barrier and avoid any possible irritation. 

Acne spot treatment. 

Spot treatments use common chemicals like benzoyl peroxide to help dry out and clear acne spots. Any cream that comes in contact with the spot before this will probably inhibit the effectiveness of the spot treatment. 

Moisturizer.

Even for oily skin, a moisturizer can help to retain and protect the skin’s delicate barrier. Applying moisturizer daily helps  maintain a protective coating that  keeps out infections and harsh outside conditions. Also, your skin can  always use some extra hydration!  Apply your moisturizer  on damp skin. Most professionals believe that when the moisturizer absorbs into the skin, it pulls moisture from the water  into the skin with it. 

Sunscreen.

Using sunscreen is the  most important step for lifelong healthy skin! All dermatologists highly recommend daily application of sunscreen or makeup or moisturizer with SPF. This is a key step to prevent future skin problems and although it is the last step, it most certainly is not the least!

Night Routine in 7 Steps

Make-up remover. 

Removing any potential makeup is key to having a totally cleansed surface. Not all people wear heavy makeup products, but even  microbes from just mascara can be  difficult to remove completely. If you are looking for a reliable product, a personal favorite is Garnier’s gentle micellar water

Cleanser.

Clean, clean, clean. Get rid of the day’s dirt, grime, or any makeup residue left on the skin that could cause inflammation or bacteria growth overnight. This is a key step if you have acne-prone skin!

Toner. Essences. Boosters. 

Again, toner is a personal choice, but can help balance your skin’s PH. Toner always follows the cleansing step. Then,  use the essences and boosters as localized topicals to deliver a focused hydration treatment.  Be careful of alcohol-based toners. 

Eye Cream. 

Use eye cream before the next treatments to protect your eyes from potentially irritating products. If you’re focused on the anti-aging properties of skin care definitely look into this step of your routine. Protect your eyelids over time by using eye-specific creams

Acne spot treatment. 

Spot treatments use common chemicals like benzoyl peroxide to help dry out and clear those acne spots. Any cream that comes in contact with the spot before this will probably inhibit the effectiveness of the spot treatment.

Treatments, serums, and peels. 

Again, serums are nutrient-dense treatments in small molecules with heightened and concentrated benefits. Be sure to closely follow the product’s directions for optimal results. Anything that is going to seep into your skin at a prescription or strong level should be close to the skin.  Personally, my dermatologist recommends I use a prescription strength retinoid to pull in the added benefits deep below the surface of my skin. Any retinol, exfoliating treatments, anti-aging products, salicylic acid pads, etc should be in this step. 

Moisturizer.

Even for oily skin, a moisturizer can be essential to retain and protect the skin’s delicate barrier. As we sleep, the skin regenerates and repairs, so moisturizer application is key before bed.  If you use a heavier cream, the extra weight encourages more water retention as you sleep. Moisturizers create such a strong barrier so this is the perfect final step to protect and enhance your skin!

Your routine may not look like this, and that's okay.

Keep in mind that the routine I spelled out only includes topicals. This list does not include acne medications, facial masks, or ingestibles. Consult your doctor or dermatologist about your routine and what would be best for your skin. Not everybody has every product above in their routine, but if you begin to incorporate these products into your routine, follow the order above for ultimate absorption!