Finding joy in the pandemic

Hygge, a term pronounced as “hoog-uh” is a Danish concept of seeking joy in whatever situation you find yourself in. Why it matters? The mantra that accompanies the practice has a positive impact on our overall well-being. With the help of Old Orchard Cranberry Juice, these simple lifestyle tweaks will also improve anyone’s bladder health.

Find joy in self-care.

While some of us have used the quarantine to get into tip-top shape, Cheshire Que says that there are more reasons to ease back into exercise without burning out too quickly. “Go outside and get some fresh air, cuddle or play with your pets–just get moving,” Since hygge helps to fight off isolation, depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this lifestyle undoubtedly has a direct impact on bladder health. “I often hear from people that it’s hard to prioritize self-care, particularly for those who are driven in their pursuit of life goals. However, intentionally scheduling activities that will make you feel more grounded and centered is the key to keeping yourself at your best during the worst times. It’s also important to remember that self-care makes you a better family member, friend, businessman, or employee, this translates to quality work and relationships,” Cheshire says.

To create or experience hygge, consider restorative activities to destress with people that matter. “Enjoy the moment with the people you love. Having a nurturing relationship is beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health. Oxytocin also called the “love hormone” which is produced when bonding with loved ones, helps us to be in a more positive or relaxed mood.”

Get back to basics.

While hygge advocates creating a cozy atmosphere, it’s built on comfort, not luxury. “If feeling extra spaced out lately, go to a quiet corner to pray, meditate or practice deep breathing,” says registered dietitian-nutritionist practicing integrative and functional nutrition, Cheshire Que. “Meditative writing, guided imagery, and visualization have a cortisol-lowering effect and help you cope with stress and trauma.” Apparently, the term adrenal fatigue is a result of “adrenals getting beaten up” resulting in feeling tired and wired, all at the same time. Left unmanaged, the adrenal glands become susceptible to a host of problems. According to Cheshire, when the body is under severe and continuous stress, various stress hormones are being released by the adrenal glands. These, in turn, can affect urine flow and trigger symptoms such as frequent urination. “To manage these symptoms, a healthy eating plan will play a huge role in nourishing and regenerating the adrenals, as well as, ensuring bladder health. Think of consuming more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean protein sources and prebiotic sources like honey, garlic, and oats. This also means cutting back on caffeine, salty, spicy, citrusy fruits and alcohol as they tend to irritate the bladder if you are suffering from urinary incontinence,” adds Cheshire.

Hygge as a lifestyle is not about temporary quick fixes. When it comes to overall well-being, it’s about tackling all aspects of health from the body, mind, and spirit. “Our body is an entire system consisting of smaller units that affect one another including bladder health. Any imbalance can cause illness and weaken the immune system allowing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the bladder system.”

Mindfully indulge after a long stressful day.

Learn to destress without the cold beer, glass of wine, or alcohol as this habit can be potentially addictive. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to adopt new habits, like learning how to make a wellness mocktail. A far cry from sugar-laden counterparts, try this Blue Ternatea and Old Orchard Cranberry Granita recipe from lifestyle expert, Joy Felizardo:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Orchard Cranberry Juice
• 2 cups ternatea tea drink
• For the ternatea tea:
• 1 tbsp. organic blue ternatea powder or 2 tbsp. brewed dried ternatea flowers in a hot cup of water
• 1 tbsp. honey
• You will also need 2 square pans, 7×7 inches

Procedure:

1. 1. Pour the 2 cups of Old Orchard Cranberry Juice into one of the pans.
   2.  Pour the ternatea tea drink into the other pan.
   3.  Freeze for at least 4 hours.
   4.  Once frozen, scrape both frozen liquid with a fork. Scrape from the edge of the pan to the middle. Put back in the freezer and let stand for an hour and scrape again.
   5.  Do these at least 4 times with a min of 60 min. interval.
   6.  To serve, put the ternatea tea granita first and top with the cranberry granita.

Consider this concoction as a must-drink for the family. More importantly, it’s a refreshing and guilt-free sipper that’s great for bladder health. According to research, cranberries contain the active ingredient proanthocyanidins that are highly capable of preventing E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall that causes UTI.

There’s no denying that worry and anxious thoughts can get in the way of achieving optimum health, but it turns out comfort and calm are what we need to stay centered. And the best part? They’re oftentimes found in free activities anyone can practice while sheltered within the comforts of home during this pandemic.

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands.

Old Orchard is available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. For more updates, visit and like its official Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/OldOrchardPH.