4 International Skin Care Trends Worth Trying

Skin health has and continues to be essential to beauty standards. People with clear and vibrant skin are often admired as beautiful and inundated with questions about getting the natural glow they have.

From milk baths to Korea's modern skincare dominance, women and men continue to search for the products and treatments that will give them the appearance they wish to have. However, while people do not often shy away from spending hundreds on a month's supply of "miracle treatments" or "cures," the solution to healthy skin can usually be found in various societies worldwide.

The best part about healthy skincare is it doesn't typically require a great expense. Sure, you can spend thousands on spa treatments and home therapies, but you can also spend a fraction of that and find things equally beneficial.

1. Rose Water

Ecuador, primarily known for the export of roses, is also home to a homeopathic treatment for removing excess oil on the skin: rose water. Rose water is made from glycerin and rose petals. The glycerin helps lock in moisture, but not before the compound from the petals dry out acne.

While many home skincare remedies take a lot of work to make, rose water is easy. You want to add a half cup of petals to a pot of water. Allow the petals and water to boil. Pour the rose water through a strainer to remove the petals, and then add the glycerin to the water, a fourth of a cup, mixing thoroughly.

2. Peppermint Scalp Massage

One holistic remedy for skin and hair health is peppermint oil. The peppermint plant is indigenous to Europe, and it has been a popular ingredient in shampoos and conditioners for centuries.

If you want to treat your scalp and hair to a massage, you will need to mix two to four drops of peppermint oil with a few drops of almond or olive oil. Massage the oil mixture into your hair and scalp for five minutes. According to experts, the oil can help relieve skin irritation and provide necessary moisture to hair follicles.

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3. Lemon Juice

Used primarily in Asia and Central America to lighten the skin around the elbows and knees, lemon juice is a popular skin care treatment. Because lemon juice has a high concentration of citric acid, it can brighten dark spots on the body.

To use lemon juice, you only need to rub half a lemon over the area you wish to lighten. Additionally, you can apply some lemon juice to a Q-tip and apply it to areas on the face for greater control. Some experts also suggest adding some sugar to the lemon juice to act as an exfoliator.

4. Brown Rice Wash

Used by geishas and as a continued practice in Asian beauty culture, rice is used as an exfoliator and tightener. A favorite brown rice wash recipe comes from Japanese culture, and it includes equal parts brown rice, preferably organic, and water. You want to stir the mixture until a white cloud rises to the top of the bowl. Pour the water into a jar to use as a face wash and drain the rice.

There are many skin care treatments specific to cultures around the world. While many companies might try to repackage treatments as exotic or new, most skincare ingredients have not changed for centuries.

Do you think you will try one of the above skin treatments? Leave a comment below.

November 24, 2021

5 of My Best Tips to Avoid Self-Sabotage

Self-sabotage is one of those strange things we tend to do to ourselves when we’re trying to improve our lives. While it may seem impossible to understand why we sabotage ourselves, there are valid psychological and scientific reasons for this type of behavior. But that doesn’t mean we should just accept that tearing ourselves down is normal! If you’re ready to become your biggest fan instead of your biggest saboteur, take a look at my five best tips to avoid self-sabotage.

1. Visualize Positive Outcomes

One of the first things you want to do to stop the self-sabotage cycle is to visualize yourself beating your sugar cravings, building a long-lasting relationship with someone you love, and conquering any other goal you’ve made for yourself.

Too often, we make goals to improve ourselves, but in our minds, we’ve already failed from the start. We visualize how awful it will feel when we cave to our cravings or when we mess up a new relationship. But we need to remember that our thoughts are powerful. If we want to be successful at reaching our goals, we need to visualize ourselves winning at life. This isn’t pride or cockiness. It’s harnessing the power of positive thinking and self-love.

2. Beware the “Start Tomorrow” Trap

Did you know there’s an old song about “going on a diet tomorrow?” Who can’t relate to that sentiment, right? It’s normal to want to put off improving your life, even if it’s just for one day. If you’re like me, Monday seems to be the magic day for turning over a new leaf. But the truth is, putting off improvements until tomorrow, next week, or next month isn’t the best idea. It can squash your motivation and cause your target goals to always stay just out of reach.

So decide today that you’ll no longer wait until tomorrow. If you want to make a positive life change, do it today. Do it now. Taking action is the only way to turn your dreams and goals into tangible realities.

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3. Figure Out What Steps You Need to Take

If you have a super vague goal, you’re less likely to reach it. For example, if your goal is something like “get healthy,” it’s too vague to chase. To be successful at improving your life, health and relationships, you need to make tangible goals and outline the steps necessary to reach them.

Think about what steps you need to take to become healthier. Do you need to change your diet? Eliminate certain foods? Add certain foods? Get a certain amount of activity every day? When you outline the steps you need to take to get where you want to be, your goal suddenly becomes attainable.

4. Take Note of Your Self-Sabotaging Patterns

If you want to stop sabotaging yourself, you need to pay close attention to your self-sabotaging patterns. How do you sabotage yourself? Do you procrastinate (this goes back to the “start tomorrow” trap?

Do you quit suddenly because you aren’t progressing as rapidly as you’d like? Do you intentionally binge eat or adopt other unhealthy habits to punish yourself for not sticking to your goals with preciseness? Once you take note of your self-sabotaging patterns, you can develop a plan for overcoming them.

5. Build Yourself Up

My final tip is to treat yourself as you would treat your best friend. We can be so mean to ourselves sometimes, and that will only lead to failure. Learn how to love and accept yourself how you are and praise your efforts every time you get closer to becoming a better version of yourself. Be kind to the person in the mirror and you’ll be surprised how rapidly your self-esteem and confidence improve.

What do you think about my tips for avoiding self-sabotage? I hope they work well for you and help you become the amazing person I know you can be!

November 18, 2021

Celebrity Skincare Products: Worth the Hype or Not

From Carmen Electra's GoGo Skincare to Pharrell's Humanrace, celebrities are now branching away from makeup and trying to convince you — the consumer — they know a thing or two about skincare. While some stars might understand the science behind healthy skin, there is a sneaking suspicion that most only want to pad their pocketbooks.

There is nothing wrong with building your brand and starting a business; the problem comes when celebrities attempt to act like they are above the science — Gwyneth Paltrow, anyone? From Goop's nonsensical approach to wellness to Pharrell's claims of microtears, how much any celebrity knows about the formulations or properties of their brands or the efficacy of the products is questionable.

Before you spend your hard-earned money on celebrity experiments, consider the ingredients, cost, and expertise of the person you purchase from. In most cases, celebrity lines are not worth the price you pay.

Perceived Value Versus Actual Value

Name recognition is the game. Celebrities want to capitalize on their star power while they can, and who can blame them. Unfortunately, in a rush to make money, many stars make significant mistakes in product design — consider Kylie Jenner's unwearable bathing suits.

While skincare products do undergo some testing and regulation, it is not as much as prescription medications or treatments, meaning there is a loophole for making startling claims with no real evidence. For instance, there is a continuing trend of calling a product all-natural to encourage trust in a product. Unfortunately, even if a product is all-natural, which some are not, it doesn't mean you should use it on your skin. Sand or silica is natural, but it is a mistake to scrub it over your skin.

When you go to purchase a product, look past the name, endorsements, and fancy marketing. Investigate the ingredients. Learn as much as you can about the science of skincare.

By understanding the ingredients, you can better understand fair pricing. Most celebrity products are not worth the price tag. In many instances, they charge significantly over average prices for similar products, attempting to price them into the luxury market when they aren't luxury.

Dermatologist Versus Celebrity Opinion

When selecting skin care products, you want to avoid items with an overbearing smell because they often contain artificial colors and ingredients that can irritate the skin. Strong odors often point to chemical additives which can trigger certain skin conditions, like dermatitis, rashes, and other issues.

A dermatologist is the only person you should trust when it comes to skincare recommendations. These professionals understand the science and medicine and understand when a product is not worth the packaging it's in.

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Loyalty Versus Smart Purchasing Decisions

Many fans love and respect famous people. However, not all celebrities have the same appreciation towards their fans. Integrity and trust are hard things to come by in business, especially when it comes to many celebrity products. Unfortunately, without stricter regulations and an absence of blind loyalty, little can be done.

The best thing anyone can do is educate themselves. Please do not take a celebrity's word for skincare products, especially when they lack the expertise to have a sound opinion. Talk to your dermatologist or doctor instead.

What do you think about celebrity skincare products? Are they worth the hype? Comment below.

November 10, 2021

The 5 Benefits of Blotting Sheets: Some Obvious, Some Not

As one of the first forays into makeup and skincare as a teenager, blotting papers were a staple for the oily skin years of high school and beyond. The thin, square tissues were and are highly absorbent, capable of clearing away access oils and leaving your face with a matte-like complexion.

While many women left blotting papers behind with their high school days, now is the time to reconsider them. Over the past several years, blotting sheets or papers have become more sophisticated, with producers formulating the sheets with more ingredients, providing greater benefits to your skin.

One of the many reasons women gave up on blotting papers was their effect on makeup, often rubbing it away or dulling and swearing it. The modern changes include formulas that still sop up excess oil, but now your makeup is left alone. Now, these helpful sheets have oil-fighting ingredients, like charcoal, willow bark, rice, flaxseed, and cotton, powder-containing papers to freshen up your appearance, and sustainable materials.

While the assumption is that only those with oily skin can benefit from blotting papers, that is not the case. These magical little sheets offer several advantages.

1. Removing Excess Oils

Blotting papers maintain their essential function: to eliminate excess oil from the skin’s surface. While there are some cautionary tales about using blotting sheets too frequently, the newer iterations allow for frequent use without many of the problems associated with earlier versions, like dry skin or excess oil production.

Newer papers help to moisturize and nourish the skin while removing unwanted oil and shine. When used properly, the blotters will restore a healthy matte finish to your complexion.

2. Improving Lipstick Longevity

Blotting paper can also help your lipstick last longer. The powder containing papers absorb surface oil but leave your lipstick. For the most impact, apply your lipstick, blot with the paper, and apply a second coat. Because the paper absorbs the emollients and oils from the lipstick, it will remove the sheen and leave the pigment, providing long-term coverage.

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3. Sealing or Setting Your Makeup

One of the most significant problems with using blotter sheets in the past involved makeup. Many times, women using the papers would notice the papers taking away the makeup or damaging the look. However, with powder-coated sheets and other ingredients, modern blotters can not only remove oil; they can set your makeup, taking away the shine and providing a more sophisticated matte finish.

4. Replacing Dry Shampoo

While not necessarily a typical use for blotting papers, they can act as a stand-in for your dry shampoo if you forget it on your way to the gym. After your workout, take a couple of papers and rub them on your scalp and hair to remove excess oils and sweat. The papers should help freshen up your locks.

5. Cleaning Your Phone

Granted, blotting sheets are designed for use on the skin, but the chemical makeup and ingredients of the sheets also make them ideal for cleaning your cellphone. People spend a lot of time on their phones, meaning that oil can transfer from the skin to the screen. Also, the oil will attract dirt and dust to the phone surface that transfers back to your face when in use. Using blotters on your phone cleans the screen, removing the risk of transference.

Blotting sheets are among the most helpful skincare and cosmetic car tools. While you do not need to use them all the time, they are handy to have in your purse, bag, or pocket.

What do you think of blotters? Comment below.

October 15, 2021

5 DIY Face Mask Recipes From Your Pantry

While going to the salon or spa for a facial is a nice luxury, it is slightly pricey. Thankfully, there is no need to spend extravagantly to make your skin glow, shrink your pores, or reduce inflammation or oiliness. You can accomplish the same outcomes as a professional facial by combining and applying some items from your pantry.

With the following DIY face mask recipes, you will find treatment for oily and irritated skin as well as cosmetic approaches to enhance your complexion without irritating your sensitive skin. However, follow the recipes exactly and use fresh ingredients.

1. Glamorous Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food containing antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. This recipe can help you reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles while softening your skin. For this recipe, you will need:

1 organic egg yolk
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons oatmeal
2 tablespoons organic, raw pumpkin puree

You will need to thoroughly mix the ingredients before applying them to the face and under the eyes. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

2. Honey-Coconut Cleanse

Coconut oil provides deep hydration for the skin, and honey offers a collection of antioxidants to cleanse the face. The honey-coconut cleanse recipe also calls for lavender oil, which, aside from being soothing to smell, helps soothe sensitive and irritated skin. For this recipe, you will need:

1 ripe avocado
2 drops lavender oil
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon honey.

You will mix the ingredients thoroughly. Once mixed, apply the formula to your face using a brush. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

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3. Egg and Lemon Pore Reduction

While there is no way to close your pores, lemon and egg have astringent properties, which can tighten the skin, making pores less noticeable. This particular face mask recipe also calls for honey to moisturize the face, allowing for supple feeling skin. For this mask, you will need:

1 tablespoon honey
1 egg white
Lemon juice

As usual, you will need to mix all ingredients before applying them to the face. After mixing the recipe, apply it to the face, avoiding the eyes.

4. Yogurt Hydrating Mask

Do you deal with dry, itchy skin? Using the combination of ingredients in this recipe, you will give your face a hydrating and replenishing bath. The olive oil and avocado will nourish your skin cells, while the honey and yogurt soften those dry areas. For this recipe, you will need:

2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 avocado

Mix all the ingredients and apply the mask. Wait a minimum of 10 minutes before rinsing with water.

5. Avocado-Cucumber Tango

For people with oily skin, finding the right face masks and skin treatments is a challenge. Thankfully, avocado can help adjust oil production and reduce inflammation, and cucumber helps moisturize while reducing acne and breakouts because it is a rich source of vitamin C. For this mask, you will need:

Mixed cucumber
Half an avocado

Combine the ingredients into a paste. Apply to the skin, let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse.

You do not have to spend money to look beautiful. The above recipes and corresponding ingredients can likely all be found in your pantry. Do you know of any other homemade face mask recipes? Leave a comment.

August 7, 2021

6 Amazing (Natural) Remedies for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is more common than you may think. Anywhere from 25 million to 45 million people in the U.S. have it. That means around 1 in 10 Americans may have IBS symptoms! What can you do about it?

Tip 1: Stop Listening to Family Members

One of the most important ways to deal with the symptoms of IBS is to ignore what other people tell you. There will always be a well-meaning family member offering to share the "secret" to curing bowel problems. The thing is, IBS is very different from other digestive problems, and some “common-sense” diet tips can make things worse.

Let me give you an example: fiber. Everyone knows that you need more fiber to help ease digestive discomfort, right? Well, with IBS, that’s not always the case. Yes, you need dietary fiber, but too much can actually trigger bloating, gas or constipation issues.

Tip 2: Go for a Walk

One of the worst triggers for IBS isn’t a food at all. It’s stress. There’s a direct connection between how you feel emotionally and how your colon works. Depression, anxiety or stressful events can trigger bowel problems.

Want a great solution for stress and IBS at the same time? Exercise! Working out is good for your body both physically and emotionally. It relieves stress, encourages healthy bowel movements, improves your self-esteem and even benefits your sleep quality — all of which are great for IBS symptoms.

Choose moderate-intensity exercises that get your heart rate up but feel relaxing:

Walking
Going for a calm bike ride
Doing low-impact aerobics
Swimming
Stretching

Pro tip: Exercising also makes it easier to pass gas, especially if you’re outdoors. You didn’t hear it from me!

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Tip 3: Be Balanced

If you have IBS, try to take things slow and steady when it comes to diet changes. Let’s say you read an article on the health benefits of Greek yogurt. Normally, if you’re like me, you’d rush to the store to buy a couple of gallons right away! To avoid IBS symptoms, however, it’s better to avoid extremes. Start slow and work your way up.

Tip 4: Skip FODMAPs for a While

FODMAPs are carbohydrates that many people with IBS have trouble digesting. Unfortunately, FODMAPs appear in a surprising number of otherwise awesome foods:

Wheat
Rice
Some fruit (mainly watermelon, apples, mangoes, peaches, pears and cherries)
Onions
Garlic
Some vegetables (such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms and snow peas)
Beans and lentils
Dairy foods with lactose (cow’s milk, soft cheeses and yogurt)

Take note of foods that cause problems for you personally. If you suspect certain grains make irritation worse, ignore Dr. Oz and listen to what your gut is saying. Identifying your personal triggers can be huge for avoiding IBS symptoms.

Tip 5: Try Peppermit Oil (in Capsules)

There's some evidence that taking peppermint oil can help with IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas and bloating. This plant oil appears to help the muscles of your intestines relax while soothing irritated or painful spots from the inside. Go with capsules to avoid problems with heartburn.

Tip 6: Take Care of Your Gut With Probiotics

A healthy gut has a blend of over 300 different types of microorganisms that work together to protect your digestive lining, break down foods, make vitamins for your body, absorb nutrients and even improve your emotions! Getting plenty of probiotics can help with pain, boating, bowel movements and overall intestinal comfort.

You can find probiotics in several foods:

Yogurt
Sauerkraut
Kefir
Kimchi
Pickles
Kombucha

But wait — didn’t I just say that lactose in dairy can make IBS symptoms worse? If you notice that yogurt bothers you, there are several options. You could choose a lactose-free Greek yogurt. Or you can simply take a probiotic supplement and avoid the fuss!

July 21, 2021July 21, 2021

The Hidden Danger of Lime Juice and Sun Exposure

By now, you’ve probably figured out that I have a naturally curious mind and like to test new things. From fad diets to natural concoctions for smooth skin, I love experimenting to see what works and what doesn’t.

I also like to pass my knowledge on to my audience whenever I can. That’s why I’ve decided to take a minute to tell you about the hidden dangers of a “new” skin care fad. If you’ve thought about putting lime juice on your skin, don’t do it until you’ve read about the hidden dangers of this practice!

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Touted Benefits of Lime Juice for Skin

Mother Nature makes a lot of cool ingredients that offer a lot of benefits. From egg white hair masks to coconut oil lotion, there are a lot of ways you can use natural products in your daily hair care and skincare routines.

Recently, lime juice has made its way into the limelight as a natural skin care product. Check out this list of benefits lime juice can potentially offer you:

Treats blemishes and acne due to its antibacterial properties
Controls excess skin oil thanks to its acidic nature
Has natural skin-lightening properties that can brighten dark spots on your skin
Helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal softer, newer skin
Acts as an astringent to tighten open pores and provide a smoother complexion
Helps neutralize free radicals and prevent premature aging
Makes your skin appear to glow

These are just a few of the top claims I found online about how lime juice can help your skin when applied regularly. While it probably does do all of these things, the benefits of using lime juice on your skin come at a substantial cost. If you’re not keen to live your life as a vampire and avoid sun exposure, here’s what you should know about the hidden danger of limes and sunshine.

How Lime Juice and the Sun Interact

Lime juice reacts with sunlight in a harmful way that can lead to chemical burns on your skin. This condition is referred to as phytophotodermatitis, and you only need to look up a few pictures online to see that this is something you absolutely don’t want to experience. It’s a type of skin rash that is very painful and can potentially cause second-degree burns.

As the rashes from lime juice and sunlight interactions begin to fade, they often leave behind itchy brown patches on the skin. The good news is that these patches will usually disappear without intervention, but it can take months for them to fade completely.

The tricky thing about phytophotodermatitis is that it often takes days for symptoms to develop. The delay makes it tricky to pinpoint the cause of the condition. Common symptoms include a burning sensation coupled with inflammation of the skin, fluid-filled bubbles on the skin, and irregularly shaped red patches on the skin.

Be Careful When Cooking With Limes Outdoors

While homemade skincare products with lime should be avoided if you plan to go outside in the summer, it’s also important to avoid cooking or grilling with limes outdoors. If you’re planning a barbeque, wear disposable vinyl gloves when squeezing lime juice onto your steaks or while preparing margaritas. The gloves provide a barrier between the lime juice and your skin.

If you don’t want to wear gloves, that’s OK. Just try not to get any lime juice on yourself while grilling (which is much easier said than done!) If you do get lime juice on your skin, be sure to immediately wash off any lime residue with soap and water before heading outdoors. A few preventative measures can mean the difference between enjoying your carefree summer and having your summer ruined by a painful bout of phytophotodermatitis.

April 6, 2021

Can a Healthy Gut Really Help With Arthritis, Depression and Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Do you have problems with inflammation, anxiety or depression? Do you get sick a lot? It turns out that the real solution is to fix your gut, not to take endless pills.

Your Body Has a “Second Brain” — And It’s in Your Gut!

The expression “going with your gut” is more accurate than scientists ever suspected. Your digestive system has a staggering network of over 100 million nerve cells! This “second brain” is called the enteric nervous system (ENS) and it surrounds your entire gastrointestinal tract.

The ENS doesn’t help you play chess or calculate your taxes, but it does play a large role in emotional health. If something makes your digestive system feel bad, scientists believe the ENS triggers mood changes, such as depression, anxiety or irritability.

This is a huge discovery; it explains why so many people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also have depression. Protecting your gut health may go a long way towards helping you feel happier, and lowering stress may help you avoid digestive problems.

The Key to a Stronger Immune System? That’s Right — Excellent Gut Health!

Have you ever thought of taking probiotics to boost your immune system? That’s exactly what you should be doing, according to many experts.

Healthy gut bacteria can improve immune cells throughout the body, increasing the amount of natural antibodies you have and strengthening mucus membranes that help trap invaders. One study found that Lactobacillus, a type of probiotic found in yogurt, helped reduce the amount of respiratory infections in children by almost 20%!

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The Connection Between a "Leaky Gut" and Inflammation

In a healthy gut, positive microorganisms form a kind of protective wall over the lining of your GI tract. This helps in two big ways: lowering levels of inflammation-causing bacteria and preventing them from getting into your blood stream.

When your gut is out of whack — sometimes called “leaky gut syndrome” — unhealthy bacteria travel places they shouldn’t, provoking your immune system to attack. The problem appears to be even worse for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. The combination makes inflammation much more severe than normal.

The opposite is also true. A balanced gut microbiome is good for fighting inflammation. It can make arthritis less painful and give you back a lot of your flexibility and mobility. And for the rest of us, good digestive health reduces the number of aches and pains we wake up with in the morning.

Your Shopping List for Amazing Gut Health

How can you take good care of your gut microbiome? The secret is to increase the amount of probiotics and prebiotics in your diet.

Probiotics are good bacteria. Probiotics add soldiers directly to your gut’s army of healthy microbes. Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and other fermented foods have lots of probiotics. I like to take probiotic supplements, too, especially after finishing any kind of antibiotics.

Prebiotics are plant fibers that help good bacteria grow. They support your intestinal soldiers, promoting good digestion and providing food for hungry microbes. My favorite prebiotics are apples, bananas, leafy greens and whole grains.

A healthy gut helps you fight off harmful bacteria, viruses and allergies. It can help you get sick less often, and make symptoms less severe when you do catch a bug. Probiotics may even make vaccines more effective. Make great gut health a priority!

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11387176/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006993/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021

8 Ways To Get Rid of Stress Naturally at Work and at Home

Feeling stress is a pretty common part of life, but that doesn’t make it OK. Your body needs to relax. Whether you’re at work or at home, there are things you can do to get rid of anxiety naturally. These eight tips have made a huge difference for me:

1. Take an Exercise Break

Whether you play basketball, go for a brisk walk, dance or do aerobics, physical activity helps your muscles release built-up tension. Meanwhile, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins, the same feel-good hormones responsible for the euphoria you get from eating triple-chocolate ice cream (I won’t tell if you don’t).

2. Help Someone

Instead of focusing on stressful situations, take a few minutes to do something nice for another person:

Text your mom you appreciate how she raised you
Treat your child to a cookie just because
Buy a cup of coffee for a friendly coworker
Open the door for someone

You’ll be amazed the effect these little acts of kindness have on your own emotions. Doing something nice for other people feels good. It lets you stay in control of your life.

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3. Make Yourself Laugh

The next time you have a lot of anxiety, look for a new joke. Google “adorable animal videos” or “epic animal fails” online. I guarantee you’ll feel a lot better after something tickles your funny bone. Afterward, send the link to a friend and share the love.

4. Listen to Music

Personally, I like to psych myself up with peppy songs from my golden age of music, the 90s. If you’re working at home, don’t be shy! Sing along, get up and dance, or break out your air guitar for a bit. Music makes everything look brighter.

5. Write Down How You Feel

It’s no secret that having a girls’ night out is one of the best ways for letting go of stress. Being able to talk to someone else about your problems can put things in perspective. In fact, after talking it out, the things causing your anxiety may not feel as big or important anymore.

If one-on-one time with a friend isn’t possible, the next best thing is your trusty journal. The act of writing can produce the same comforting feeling of “getting things off your chest.”

6. Get Hugged

Hugs are amazing for your body. They lower stress levels, strengthen the immune system and improve mood. Deep-down, most people love to be touched. Did you know this tactile sensation is the same reason that wrapping yourself up in a heavy blanket is so soothing? When you’re feeling stressed, ask your kid, partner or pet for a hug.

7. Eat Some Yogurt

Recent studies suggest that probiotics may help to reduce stress and improve mood. That means that reaching for a cup of tasty yogurt isn’t just good for your physical heart, it’s also great for your emotions. Add fresh fruit and pumpkin seeds for an extra-nutritious stress-fighting boost.

8. Light a Candle

Aromatherapy can have an excellent effect on stress, but it’s something that most people don’t associate with work. Why not bring your own diffuser for your desk? Soothing scents such as vanilla, apple-cinnamon, lavender and orange can ease anxiety naturally.

These eight “anxiety breaks” give you a chance to clear your head. For 15 or 20 minutes, you don’t have to think about whatever problem has you stressed. Instead, focus on the sound of your tennis shoes hitting the pavement or look at beautiful scenery.

January 12, 2021

New Year, New You: How to Use Resolutions to Become a Morning Person

Be honest: would you say you're a morning person? If the answer is a resounding no, you're not alone.
Lots of people dread waking up early or can't function until they have at least two cups of coffee coursing through their veins. While molding yourself into a chipper and cheerful morning person may seem unlikely, it's absolutely possible.

With a new year comes a renewed commitment to health, wellness, and personal goals. Like everything else, you just need to tease out those bad habits and develop a strategy for eliminating them. Here are a few great tips to help you beat the morning blues and attack every day with everything you got.

Say No to the Snooze Button

The snooze button is an evil temptress. You tell yourself "just a few more minutes", only to find that an hour has passed, and now you're late for work. While it's best to not use the snooze button at all, it can be difficult to go cold turkey completely. Once again, technology comes to the rescue. Smart alarm apps offer creative ways to snooze, including math problems that must be solved before you can secure that ten extra minutes. If you're not a math person, don't fret. The act of working out a problem can help wake up your brain, even if you don't get the correct answer.

Drink a Glass of Water Upon Waking

It's true that coffee is associated with a quick pick-me-up in the morning, but water is a better choice of beverage. Water rehydrates the body, fuels the brain, and gives you the burst of energy you need to function optimally in the early hours. For an even greater rejuvenating effect, make the first beverage you drink in the morning a chilly glass of ice water.

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Establish a Sleep Schedule

A consistent sleep schedule gets your body in tune with waking up early each morning. Additionally, your schedule should extend to the weekends as well, meaning if you get up at 7 am for work during the week, you should get up at the same time Saturday and Sunday. If you have problems falling asleep at a reasonable hour, develop a bedtime ritual. Avoid exercise, digital screens, and caffeine at least two hours before bedtime. Make your bedroom a work-free zone, meaning no laptops, no emails, and no texting. Try reading or taking a relaxing bath to get you in the mood for sleep.

Exercise Right After Waking Up

Much like math problems help wake up your brain, exercise helps wake up your body. Now, that doesn't mean you should pop out of bed and go run a half-marathon every morning. Something simple and low-key, like yoga or stretching exercises, should be enough to get you up and moving. There are plenty of free videos online featuring quick and easy exercises you can do each day. Fair warning, the first morning of exercise will probably be difficult. Stick to it, and you'll find each day getting easier and easier.

Invest in a Wake-Up Alarm

A bit of sunlight is just the thing to get you up in the morning. When your bedroom lacks strategically placed windows, or you're faced with a gloomy morning, a wake-up alarm is the next best thing. Also known as sunrise lamps, these devices gradually illuminate to mimic sunrise. This signals to your body that it's time to wake up, which is a more comforting process than being roused out of sleep by a blaring alarm.

Anyone can be a morning person when properly motivated. Using one or more of the above techniques can change your perspective, and your life. With the right attitude, you'll be greeting mornings with a smile before you even know it.