In a world of screens and schedules, human touch remains one of the most profound ways we say, “I care.” Whether it’s a warm hug, a gentle hand on the shoulder, or brushing someone’s hair, physical contact is more than comfort—it’s medicine. 🌿 What the Science Says A sweeping meta-analysis from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and Ruhr University Bochum examined 212 studies involving nearly 13,000 participants. The verdict? Touch heals. Researchers found that consensual physical contact: - Reduces pain, anxiety, and depression - Lowers stress hormones like cortisol - Supports temperature regulation, respiration, and liver function in newborns - Boosts emotional resilience and connection in adults And it doesn’t take much. Even brief, gentle touch—like holding hands or a light massage—can deliver meaningful benefits. 🤗 Hugging: Nature’s Reset Button Hugs are especially powerful. They activate pressure receptors that calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, and release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” that deepens trust and emotional safety. Research shows that hugging can: - Reduce heart rate and blood pressure - Increase feelings of social support and belonging - Improve immune function and emotional regulation Short, frequent hugs—even just 20 seconds—can shift your entire day. 💡 Circle of Care Rituals Try these simple, healing gestures with your loved ones: - Hold hands during a walk or while talking - Brush their hair gently before bed or after a long day - Offer a light massage to ease tension and show care - Hug often—especially when words fall short Touch is the first sense we develop and often the one we miss most when it’s absent. Let’s bring it back—with intention, warmth, and consent. 🌀Phone calls are great, but let's try to actually reach out and touch our loved ones when we can. Simply holding their hands or a touch on the shoulder while talking to them can make a difference. Have you noticed this? The power of a simple act of connection?

Hey MyLera family— It’s been a while, and the growth we’ve seen is nothing short of inspiring. With so many new voices and vibrant conversations, we wanted to pause and remind everyone why this community exists—and why you are at the center of it all. 💡 Our Purpose The MyLera Wellness Community was created to make wellness practical, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. We’re here to demystify health, spark honest conversation, and empower each other with real-world tools—whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone else's. 🎯 Our Current Focus Areas - Food is Medicine: We’re diving deep into food-first strategies that support everyday relief—from sore throats to low energy. We decode labels, bust nutrition myths, and offer practical swaps that honor your body, your budget, and your time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, compassion, and shared wisdom. - Circle of Care: We’re exploring what it means to care for others while caring for ourselves. Whether you’re supporting a child, a parent, a partner, or a friend, we’re here to offer tools, encouragement, and community wisdom to help you show up with strength and grace—without burning out. 🙌 Thank You for Showing Up Your comments, swaps, stories, and support have made this space so much more than a feed. You’ve turned it into a movement. Every post, every emoji, every moment of care builds momentum—and we see you. We’re deeply grateful. 📣 Let’s Get Our First Feedback From You! We’re kicking off a series of quick polls to hear how we’re doing. We’d love to hear from everyone—it only takes a few seconds to vote! 🧠 Poll: How Useful Is Our Content? We want every post to feel like a win—whether it’s a myth-buster, a food swap, or a wellness tip. How’s the usefulness factor feeling lately? Vote below. Please be honest. We can take the truth and your feedback helps us make the community better. 💬 Your participation makes this community stronger. More polls coming soon on posting rhythm, favorite topics, and rewards—stay tuned!

Gentle movement, lasting impact — for every body, every age. Stretching isn’t just a warm-up or cooldown. It’s a quiet revolution in how we care for our bodies — especially as we age or navigate conditions like dementia, arthritis, or limited mobility. 🧠 For Brain and Body - Boosts circulation to muscles and the brain — supporting memory, mood, and mental clarity - Helps regulate stress and reduce agitation in dementia care - Improves proprioception (body awareness), which can reduce fall risk and support independence 🧓🏽 For Seniors and Caregivers - Eases joint stiffness and improves range of motion - Supports better sleep and digestion through gentle parasympathetic activation - Encourages connection — partner stretches and guided sessions can be joyful, shared rituals 🏡 Simple Home Options - Chair stretches for hips, shoulders, and spine — perfect for limited mobility - Wall-assisted poses for balance and alignment - Breath-led routines like “Reach and Release” or “Roll and Reset” — 5 minutes, no equipment 🏢 Stretch Studios on the Rise Places like StretchLab and Stretch Zone are making assisted stretching more accessible — offering one-on-one sessions that feel like a blend of physical therapy and spa care. These studios cater to all ages and abilities, with programs for athletes, seniors, and those recovering from injury or illness. ✨ Community Ritual Idea: Try a “Stretch & Sip” morning — 10 minutes of guided movement followed by tea or infused water. Invite a neighbor, caregiver, or loved one. No fancy gear, just shared breath and gentle care. 💬 Your Turn: What’s your favorite stretch? Have you tried assisted stretching or built a home routine? Share your wisdom — your body’s story might be someone else’s breakthrough.

It’s that time of year when Costco brought back the Suja immunity shots that a doctor recommended to me two years ago. I grabbed some just out of habit. But now that I’m in the MyLera community, I thoroughly read the label of my go-to brand… pleasantly surprised. Thought I’d share. 🧃 What’s Inside This Tiny Bottle? Suja’s Pineapple Turmeric Immunity Shot packs a punch with: - Turmeric + Black Pepper: Anti-inflammatory duo that actually works better together. - Ginger: Spicy, soothing, and great for digestion. - Citrus + Acerola Cherry: Natural vitamin C sources—no synthetic overload. - Echinacea: A classic immune support herb, still debated but widely used. - Probiotics (Bacillus coagulans): Gut health = immune health. - Coconut Water: Hydrating base with electrolytes. No added sugar. No preservatives. 100% organic. Cold-pressed. Honestly, not bad for a grab-and-go. 🧠 But Do Immunity Shots Work? They’re not magic potions. They won’t prevent illness or replace sleep, hydration, or whole foods. But they can offer a nutrient boost, especially if used consistently and paired with a balanced lifestyle. 💬 Have you tried Suja or made your own DIY version? Do you believe in turmeric’s hype—or think it’s just spicy marketing? Drop your thoughts below. Let’ build some flu season rituals—together.

🍊 Swap Energy Drinks for Oranges Feeling sluggish, foggy, or just plain wiped out? Instead of grabbing a sugary energy drink or caffeine-loaded supplement, reach for a juicy orange. It’s nature’s wake-up call—bright, hydrating, and packed with nutrients that fuel your body without the crash. ✅ Why It Works: Oranges deliver a powerful trifecta for natural energy: - Vitamin C – supports adrenal function and reduces fatigue linked to stress - Natural sugars – provide quick, clean energy without artificial stimulants - Folate & B vitamins – help convert food into usable energy - Water content – keeps you hydrated, which is key for sustained alertness Oranges also contain flavonoids like hesperidin, which may improve circulation and oxygen delivery—giving your brain and muscles a gentle boost. ✅ How to Use It: - Eat a whole orange mid-morning for a natural pick-me-up - Juice fresh oranges and add a pinch of sea salt for a DIY electrolyte drink - Blend into a smoothie with spinach and chia seeds for sustained energy - Try a “sunshine bowl” with orange slices, yogurt, and pumpkin seeds ⚠️ Important Note: While orange juice is convenient, it’s best to enjoy whole oranges for fiber and slower sugar absorption. If juicing, keep portions moderate and pair with protein or fat to avoid blood sugar spikes. 💬 What’s your citrus ritual? Do you go whole, juiced, or blended? Share your favorite energizing combos below—and let’s build a food-first fatigue-fighting toolkit together!