Walking Barefoot

The natural way
Have you ever been really tired at the end of a long day and then feeling better when removing your shoes?


Shoes trap energy around the feet and that could be one of the reasons for feeling tired.
So take your shoes off whenever you can and give your feet as much air as possible.
Walking barefoot helps tone the muscles of your feet, keeping them young and strong.


An early morning barefoot walk on cool, dewy grass is refreshing and invigorating for the entire system, not just your feet. It is also believed to have a very good effect on improving eyesight.

Do walk barefoot as much as possible to help the bone structure of your feet function according to its natural shape.

Daydreaming

Daydreaming

As this WebMD article says, daydreaming tends to get a bad rap in our culture, but there's a lot of potential to it.

"Daydreaming is looked upon negatively because it represents 'non-doing' in a society that emphasizes productivity," says John McGrail, a clinical hypnotherapist in Los Angeles. "We are under constant pressure to do, achieve, produce, succeed."

But daydreaming can be beneficial in many ways and, ironically, can actually boost productivity.

So daydreaming helps you:

Relax

Manage conflict

Maintain relationships

Boost productivity

Cement values and beliefs

Boost creativity and achieve goals

Relieve boredom

So when was the last time you really opened your door to your daydreams?

source :Beverly Smith

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT

All of us want to look young and beautiful. But how many really stay that way? As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day, and if you want to look attractive and fresh, you should follow not just an efficient beauty regime, but also a regular one.
For busy homemakers and corporate executives alike, it is not always possible to maintain a regular beauty regime, unless it is a habitual visit to the nearest beauty salon. Instead of spending money on artificial and expensive treatments, here is a simple schedule to groom yourself naturally. Just before you go to bed, allot a period of ten minutes. Yes, all it takes is just that little time to keep you looking young andglowing.

Foot Care
Feeling terrible after a tiring day? As soon as you return home, soak your feet in a basin of warm water mixed with a handful of fragrant bath salts. After 10 minutes, wash your feet (a simple soap and water wash is sufficient).
If you aren't feeling sleepy by this time, take a foot filer and scrub your heels. Using a toothpick (orange stick) clean the edges and grooves around your toe nails, to remove the dirt that gets accumulated. Apply cold cream or moisturizer before winding up. This will make the skin soft and prevent people from running away at the sight of your feet.

Face Wash/Scrub
Cleansing your face before going to bed is essential to take away the dirt you might have picked up in your day. Walnut scrub is ideal for oily skin. Make sure you scrub your face in circling motions and wash with cold water. For those with dry or sensitive skin can use baby oil or wet cleansing pads, followed by a night cream.


Night Cream/Moisturizing
The right time to apply any treatment, especially moisturizer - be it for whitening the skin, under-eye cream or simple moisturizing. It will revitalize your facial skin and work wonders on skin, which had been exposed to all the dirt and grime in the daytime. It would be a good idea to use it on your arms and neck, too.


Your Hair
While oil is not the elixir of life to hair, it IS essential in keeping it well conditioned and supple. Leave oil overnight and wash in the morning with shampoo to get better results.
Heat a little amount of oil (olive oil, almond oil, or plain old coconut oil) by placing it in a small container and swirling it in hot water. After the oil gets considerably hot, massage the scalp with your fingertips, in rotating motion, for at least 8 - 10 minutes. You can do this while soaking your feet in warm water.


Castor Oil
Applying pure castor oil to your eyebrows and lashes, particularly those who have scanty growth, will make them grow thick and long. For tired or puffed eyes, place a cotton pad soaked in chilled rose water. Keeping thin slices of cucumber ready in the refrigerator beforehand is ideal.
Grated cucumber, by itself or mixed with carrot juice, can be spread under the eye, to reduce black circles and sagging skin.

Lip Guard
And finally, a smear of Vaseline on your lips, and you can sleep like a child and get up like a fairy!

source : Radika Meganathan

The Best Ways To Relief Your Stress

Stress Relief After a Long Day or an Eternal Week

Constant stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, our minds and our souls. Some medical problems are triggered by continual stress, and emotional trauma, instability and mild forms of depression are also likely to result. By taking a few moments to de-stress when you feel the levels and intensity rising, you can save yourself from undue anxiety and potential health problems. Below are 20 stress relief options to help you eliminate the physical and mental feelings caused by stress.

Take a Hot Bubble Bath - The soothing suds and warm water can wash your cares away while relaxing your tired, aching muscles. If you want to enhance the healing effects, turn on some soft music, dive into a good book, or just daydream the night away.

Pamper yourself with a Pedicure and a Facial - The softness and smoothness returned to your weary feet may be enough to relax you and help you reduce your stress level, but dont stop there! Use a gentle cleanser and apply a mud-mask and sit back for 10-15 minutes while it works its wonders. If you are feeling especially energetic, cut two cucumber slices to place over your eyes. Think happy thoughts and drift away from the things that trouble you.

Throw on your Comfiest Pajamas and Grab a Good Book! - Snuggling up under the covers in your cozy bed with soft, comfortable clothing can be enough to relax you almost immediately. Find your favorite magazine, pull out a book you have been meaning to read or just put on one of those cooling eye-masks to alleviate them from the cares of the day.

Take a 20-minute Power-Nap if you ve got more things on your To-Do List - Right when you get home from work, shed your business attire and hop into your bed-set your alarm for 20 minutes if you have other things on the evening�s agenda, or allow yourself to awake naturally if you have a free schedule. Your energy should return to you in no time!

Exercise - Go for a jog, do some abdominal workouts, aerobics or lift some weights. Exercising renews the body and gives the mind an easy escape from daily troubles.
Fix yourself a Cocktail! – Don t jump overboard with the bottle, but something as small and innocent as a strawberry daiquiri or a fuzzy navel could turn your mood around in a flash. If you aren t old enough to drink yet, make a milkshake in the blender or find a great fresh fruit smoothie recipe online. Munch on some snacks or enjoy the view from your favorite window. Forget your cares and just revel in the moment while you slowly sip your favorite beverage.

Have some Delectable Desserts in the house and Indulge! - Cakes, cookies, pastries, brownies they are all comfort foods to me. Treat yourself to something extravagant and delicious.

Light an Aromatherapy Candle and Play some Soft Music - Close your eyes and imagine whatever peaceful moments come to mind. Relax and think about your hopes and dreams for the not-so-distant future. (Be careful not to leave candles burning unattended).
Convince your Sweetheart to give you a Massage! - A simple back massage or foot massage has been known to greatly reduce stress and send the recipient into a super-relaxed state. Just dont forget to return the favor when your sweetie is having a bad day!

Kick Back in Comfortable Clothes and Look through your Photo Albums - Memories of happy times can easily bring a smile to your face and take you back to days when the tides weren t so turbulent Plan a vacation or a get-together with friends for another photo-taking opportunity to add to your scrapbooks, and the simple act of having something to look forward to should significantly help you cope with your stress.
Start Keeping a Diary or a Journal, just for yourself! - Record your innermost thoughts and feelings, and vent out your angst of the day. It can be very effective to get your troubles off your chest and onto a sheet of paper, where theyll stay for the rest of the night.

Immediate Results for Urgent Needs: Deep Breathing - Take deep breaths when you feel your stress levels begin to escalate. Start by counting to three inhaling and then to three while exhaling. Gradually increase it to five, six or seven as you try to calm yourself from the aggravating element.
Immediate Results for Urgent Needs: Stretching - Especially if you find yourself irritated at work, raise your arms above your head, arch your back and give it a good stretch. Get up from your desk and walk around-five minute breaks are definitely allowed when your sanity is at stake!

Immediate Results for Urgent Needs: Go Somewhere to Be Alone and Have a Good Cry or Confront the Source - I have been on the brink of tears while on the job, and sometimes the best solution to an overly stressful day is to lock yourself in a room (failing that, your car) and let loose. The relief and renewal experienced by letting out a couple of tears rejuvenates the body and the mind. Get mad, get upset, but get over it cry in privacy or express yourself to the afflicting individual-chances are you will feel much better once you confront the agitating factor.
Do Something for YOU - Play an instrument, knit or crochet, work on a scrapbook or partake in another of your hobbies. Lose yourself in the moment and do not think about your stress until you must. Go to bed early with a light heart and dream of happy and carefree moments ahead.

Enjoy a cup of Herbal Tea and a few Cookies or a Good Book - Soothe yourself with a warm beverage and some sweets or get lost in some good reads. Reading can be a great escape from stress because it requires your mind to focus on something other than your own problems.
Order-Out! Indulge in some Comfort Foods or a cup of Hot Cocoa - Avoid making dinner or dessert for the night and call for a pizza, pick up some Chinese food or find a place that makes great seafood to go. Whatever your palate desires, treat yourself (and your family) to a night of take-out.

Try something like Yoga or Meditation to Relieve the Days Stressors - Beneficial results occur by relaxing the body through yoga exercises. Mental, physical and spiritual responses to yoga and meditations can very powerfully reduce stresss effects on your mood and your body in general.

Break out of the Routine! - Do something unusual and avoid the stressors. Your laundry can wait another day or two, run the dishwasher tomorrow and just relax! Get together with a few friends and go on an adventure-leave the town you know and the buildings you inhabit day after day and take a hike, hit up the beach or go sailing on a beautiful body of water.

Spend Time with Loved Ones and Pets! - If they are the ones making you stressed out, you may think about some alone-time, but more times than not, theres nothing quite like that unconditional love freely given by our furry friends who look to us for the same affection.
No matter what stressors affect you from day to day, it is important to try to combat them before they get out of hand. Job related stress could follow you home and may then have an effect not only on you and your body but on your family, too.

Do what you can to reduce stress and ask those who are close to you for advice if you cant find a reasonable alternative to the taxing feelings forced upon you by stress.
Remember: worrying does not get you anywhere - all it does is take up time. Get out there and do something about it!

source:By Cathryn D'Imperio

No matter what is your age

Easy Effective Tips to Moisturize Your Skin


No matter what your age or skin type, it is vital to protect the skin you have. Avoid overly exposing your skin to the sun, wind, or harsh chemicals like chlorine. Practice a regular skincare routine by cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing your skin.



Follow these tips to keep your skin as healthy, smooth, and sexy as ever!
After a bath or shower, apply moisturizers to lock the moisture into your skin.
Alternate between oil-based and water-based moisturizers if you have combination skin.


Choose an oil-free, water-based moisturizer for oily skin.
Choose a thick, oil-based moisturizer for exceptionally dry skin.
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic moisturizer for sensitive skin.

Do not apply moisturizers too often because it can result in clogged pores.
Focus on other body parts besides your face. Moisturizing is vital on dry elbows, knees, legs, breasts, and other areas that may be prone to flaking and chapping.

It?s never too early to start moisturizing your skin and to protect it from the signs of aging.
Mature skin may benefit from moisturizing products that contain alpha-hydroxy acid, selenium, or Tropoelastin.

Pick a moisturizer that contains a low level of sunscreen, like SPF 15. It keeps your skin soft and smooth while preventing the negative effects of harmful UV rays.
Strengthen your skin by choosing moisturizers that contain Vitamin A and Vitamin E.



Wear lots of warm clothes, as well as gloves, scarves, and hats in the winter to prevent chapped skin and loss of moisture.


If you experience difficulty in selecting an appropriate moisturizer for your skin, consult your healthcare provider or a beautician for educated suggestions. If you know your skin type, choose a product created especially for you!


source : Kathryn M. D

live your life with great attitude

Visualization
You need to visualize the specific changes if you truly want to change your look. What will any improvements you make look like? See yourself with a streamlined body, healthier hair, clearer skin, majestic posture. These changes are realistic and attainable. Stay away from goals you'll never reach.
Don't compare yourself with someone you've seen on the TV or movie screen or on the cover of a magazine. Accept your uniqueness and capitalize on it.


Mirrors Boost Attitude
The quickest attitude adjustment is through reflection. Women who have low self esteem often avoid mirrors like the plague. However, mirrors can become a big ally.
Mirrors can tell you how you're progressing, in those little ways that may not be noticeable to the casual eye. It is the ultimate objective eye.


Do Everything Better
The way you use your beauty products will make all the difference in results.
For instance, try to duplicate what you see and feel your hair is shampooed at a salon. The product is always handled, never poured directly on hair.
Add a massage to your scalp when washing. While rinsing, lift your hair away from your scalp for about two minutes until it squeaks.


Discover The Virtues of Vanity
Confident women enjoy experimenting as a way of relieving stress and boost morale. Women who care about how they look are fascinating to watch, and teach us about taste and glamour. Vanity is a positive virtue, allowing us to fix our heads as well as our looks.



Look Pretty Amazing
Don't worry about looking pretty. Look pretty amazing show the world you care about yourself. Real beauty celebrates individuality. Rather than running around looking for beauty in pricey external products, discover within yourself. Make the most of what you have. You'll learn to like yourself and that will spark a light within.



Do One Thing For Yourself Everyday
Make yourself do it. It's the ultimate act of self-respect. Soak in the bubble bath or read an inspiring book. These little pleasures allow you to feel special. You can fake it if you, until you actually feel deserving of it. Whatever you choose, follow the action by writing down waht you did and how it made you feel. Make it your own "attitude file". Include stories, quotes from friends and photographs that have made you feel good about yourself.

Project Beauty
Feel good, feel pretty and that's just what the world will see. If you feel ugly, that's what the people will see. Try to look as good as you can. There are ways to live in beauty without being obsessive about it.


Find Supportive Friends

What people say, whether intentional or not, make us feel good or bad about ourselves. Look for people who make you feel good when you're down. This person will give you compliment. If you've done something different or if you're wearing something new, they will notice it. Keep this compliments and they will build your self esteem.



Listen To Your Inner Voice
Each of us has a voice inside our head that will give us advice. This is like a therapist. It will guide us in the right direction. It will calm us down, cheer us up and even help us figure out why we're overeating or not bothering to iron our clothes. The problem is that we often don't take time we need to hear this important information. Schedule some quiet time in a leisurely bath or walk, or even while putting on your makeup. Treat this intuition as an inner cheering section.



Take A Break
At least twice a day, set aside five minutes to recheck your make-up, hair, posture and clothing. No matter how impeccably you started out your day, a touch is both necessary and warranted. Take some deep breaths to renew and restore your appearance.

Smile and face challenges of life

It is inevitable. There are just some times, in the course of an entire day, that something will pop up to get us down. It could be anything, any thing at all. It could be that your car would not start, you discovered bits of your lunch sticking in between your teeth right after a very important client presentation, or you found a long and nasty run along your stockings in the middle of a dinner date.


It could be a reprimand from your boss, a missed deadline, a lost business opportunity. Whatever it is, there is always something that is guaranteed to get a frown forming on our faces.
But instead of pitching a hissy fit, or sulking in a corner or worse, reaching out for some comfort food, and thus ruining your diet there is actually one thing you can do to make you feel better, and that is to smile.


This does seem a little ironic, doesnt it? After all, how can you smile after something bad happened to you? It seems an unnatural way to react, to smile after an awful event, and people around you might get to thinking that you lost your marbles.
But you see, smiling is the best way you can relieve yourself of negative emotions, of anxiety, anger and nervousness. A smile is programmed to exercise the facial muscles, making the face glow and become more firm and supple. A smile also coaxes the brain to produce endorphins, which are hormones designed to reduce physical and emotional pain and to bring a general feeling of well-being to the body.

If you dont feel like smiling, just look around you; you will always find something to look at, or something to do, that can make you smile. Here are a few:
• Go for a leisurely walk. A leisurely walk allows you to get a breath of fresh air and exercises your body. The exercise that you get from a walk can be invigorating, and the energy you get from it helps you relax and relieve anxiety.

• Keep pets. If you have the time and can afford one, keep a pet, either a dog or a cat. Pets are good companions, and taking care of them allows you to form an emotional bond with them, which lets you express your pent-up feelings. Like, when you need a hug, you can always hug your dog.



• Take the time to appreciate things. Sometimes, being in a rush not only leaves you stressed out but also makes you forget to look at the simpler but finer things in life. Take a brief pause from work, get some coffee and stare out at the sky from your window. If you have a day off, savor it. Linger in bed and catch up on some sleep, read a pocketbook or give yourself a foot spa. Maybe you can go out and watch a movie or have brunch with your friends.


• Discover new skills. There is nothing like a great achievement to bring a smile on ones face. And what else can bring this sense of victory other than excelling on something, especially on a skill that you have just learned? Get yourself a hobby and learn new things. Perhaps you can take on painting, photography or sketching. Maybe you can try your hand on needlework, knitting or crocheting. Your finished work will definitely make you smile.

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Pay someone a compliment. If you are feeling low, you can uplift yourself by uplifting others. Smiling is contagious and seeing other people smile can get you smiling too. A compliment does not have to be flowery. Something as simple as You look nice will do, as long as it is done with sincerity.

Another thing we ladies have to remember about smiling is that when we smile even though something untoward has happened to us, it shows us to be poised and self-contained. A poised and confident woman is always an admirable one.

source : Anna Lynn C. Sibal