Sabado, Agosto 20, 2011

Do You Know How to Relax?


Relax -- What's That?

Before I go any further I must confess. I have trouble relaxing. As a matter of fact, I'm on vacation right now, yet I'm writing an article that is, ironically, about relaxation. I don't think I'm alone in my inability to completely relax. How many of us leave our offices every night and leave our jobs behind until the next morning? Not many, I'm sure. So many of us, thanks to technology, find ourselves bringing work with us, even when we are on vacation. I encourage you to take time away from work when you can, but even if that isn't possible, you should find a little time to relax each day. Your mind, body and soul will feel much better.
Music can help keep you calm at work, if you're lucky enough to be able to listen to it while you're there. If not, it can help you unwind after a long day on the job. Elizabeth Scott, the About.com Guide to Stress Management, has put together a list of seven CDs she says are among the best for relaxation and stress relief.

The Benefits of Meditation


The benefits of meditation are manifold because it can reverse your stress response, thereby shielding you from the effects of chronic stress. When practicing meditation, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, you use oxygen more efficiently, and you sweat less. Your adrenal glands produce less cortisol, your mind ages at a slower rate, and your immune function improves. Your mind also clears and your creativity increases. People who meditate regularly find it easier to give up life-damaging habits like smoking, drinking and drugs. Meditation research is still new, but promising.

Huwebes, Agosto 18, 2011

Taking Care of Your Skin


Your skin reflects your health. It's your body's canvas and one of its most valuable assets. For good skin care, start developing healthy habits that guard your valued possession from outer (and inner) forces. It's the only skin you'll ever get, so your daily habits mean everything.

Are You Ready to Take Charge?

  • Start simple. You can spend all the money you want on the most complex skin care routine, but it won't really matter if you haven't developed healthy habits. So before you charge a few hundred dollars worth of skin care products, evaluate your current skin care routine. Do you have healthy habits? For instance, do you properly cleanse your skin? Be sure to remove all traces of make-up at the end of the day. Drink plenty of water, providing your skin with vital moisture from the inside. When you're out in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen. Even though you won't see immediate results, those little steps make a big difference over time.
  • Start early. Integrate a proper skin care routine into your day while you are young. If you're a teenager or if you have a teenager at home, start now to develop healthy habits. If you're an older adult, lead by example! You can't replace the skin you're in, but you can nourish and pamper it to protect it for the future. With the proper care, your skin can stay fresh as you age.
  • Seek professional help for skin problems. Skin is not going to be perfect. It can be dry or oily; it can develop rashes and acne, among many other issues. Address the problem with a professional skin expert, either a skin aesthetician at your local salon or a dermatologist for more severe skin problems.
  • Block the sun. Protecting your skin from the sun is important because the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Over time, exposure to UV radiation causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, benign (non-cancerous) growths, and pre-cancerous or cancerous growths such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In fact, most skin cancers are related to sun exposure. 
Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun: 
  • Avoid midday sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts, and pants
  • Use a generous amount of sunscreen and reapply it frequently (every two to three hours)
  • Use sunscreens that have a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 30, and that have UVA and UVB coverage
  • Avoid tanning beds. There is no such thing as a "safe tan."