Our Spa Week Mission is twofold: to introduce a new generation of Americans to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and to open up the spa industry to the masses. Our goal is to make “wellness” more than just a word—we intend to do our part and make it a reality. Each month Spa Week will add new and insightful tips on how you can look and feel your best!
Go Nuts for Health
Next time you're looking for a tasty afternoon snack or need something to jazz up a salad, soup or pasta, go nuts. According to Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D., Executive Director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, nuts are packed with important vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant compounds that can help reduce the risk for chronic disease). Tree nuts, which include almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts and walnuts, are particularly rich in unsaturated fats, protein and fiber, and each tree nut has its own added attributes, as well. Almonds and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E; one Brazil nut gives you all the selenium—a mineral that may help lower the risk for certain cancers—you need per day; walnuts contain vital omega-3 fatty acids; and pistachios and pecans are high in beta-sitosterol, which may help lower cholesterol levels. Macadamias are the highest in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and cashews are one of the lowest in total fat—so "your best bet," recommends Ternus, "is to eat a mixture" of all of the above.
As the weather gets cooler, we turn to Dr. Ken Howe, Consulting Dermatologist for Lubriderm, for some tips on how to best take care of fall and winter skin. Above all, Dr. Howe stresses keeping your product regimen simple. "Choose mild soaps, hydrating cleansers and moisturizing cosmetics, and look for lotions that are fragrance-free, non-irritating and dermatologist-recommended," he says. Scour labels for "safe, time-tested ingredients like glycerin and shea butter", to help moisturize and protect, and apply lotion "immediately after bathing, to help lock in moisture directly on damp skin." And while we're talking about bathing, Dr. Howe recommends keeping that simple, too. "Believe it or not, water can be very drying to the skin," he explains, "so take short showers using lukewarm water rather than long soaks in a hot bath."
Fight Frizz
Summer may be winding down, but late-season humidity still lingers in the air—and in our hair. To help combat frizz, Elaine Mitchell, Senior Creative Director at Sassoon in New York City, has tips for all types of locks: For curly hair, choose a "shampoo and conditioner with moisturizing and replenishing extracts, such as almond butter proteins", she says, as those proteins will help relax curls and add moisture while keeping a natural bounce. For straight hair, "apply a leave in spray with walnut extracts, which are super light and can be applied to either dry or wet hair."
To keep all hair types sleek and shiny in humid temps, Mitchell recommends spraying a light hairspray on a comb and gently combing through the hair. "This technique will keep the fizz and fly aways down," she explains, "and help give you a very polished look." For more on Sassoon's fall styles, visit www.sassoon.com.
All About Astringents
To help de-clutter bathrooms cabinets, we love picking up multi-tasking products that can be used to target a variety of issues, and one such item is probably already in your cupboards: Astringent. In addition to removing oil, dirt and makeup and leaving skin refreshed, "astringents can also be used for non-conventional purposes", says Uma Tripathi, Vice President of Research &Development for Idelle/Sea Breeze. Tripathi explains that Sea Breeze and similar astringents "can be used to neutralize the sting and itch of mosquito bites" and, thanks to their cooling properties, are also "great remedies to beat the heat"; for the latter, add astringent to a bucket of ice, soak a hand towel in it and apply the towel to the back of the neck or on the feet to revitalize hot and sticky areas.
Tripathi also recommends "applying astringent on and around nails before applying polish to make sure the areas are as dry as possible", and swiping an astringent-soaked cotton pad around to-be-waxed areas prior to treatment "to remove excess oils and prevent wax from sticking to the skin." For more tips on using astringents, visit the "Cool Stuff" section of www.seabreezeclean.com.
Fighting Bad Breath
In honor of this month's National Fresh Breath Day (yeah, that's a real day!), we asked Dr. Susanne Cohen, President and CEO of SmartMouth Mouthwash, what to look for in a good breath-busting product. "Bad breath is primarily caused by the millions of germs that naturally exist in our mouths," the doctor explains. "Alcohol, which is found in many mouthwashes, is a drying agent, and a dry mouth can actually cause or worsen bad breath. So if you're using an alcohol-containing mouthwash, it might actually be working against you." Along with going alcohol-free, Dr. Cohen also recommends looking more closely at the technology behind your mouthwash. "Killing germs is not the answer to effectively treating bad breath," she stresses. "Germs re-populate very quickly, and those that aren't killed continue to produce foul-smelling bad breath gases." So in the drugstore, look for a mouthwash that can not only eliminate bad breath, but that also works to prevent it from returning.
If your skin's been kissed a little too much by the elements this summer, the experts at Metamorphosis Day Spa in New York City recommend these effective (and inexpensive) at-home skincare tips. To help refresh and revitalize, dip circular cotton pads in a bowl of whole milk and massage over the face; pat dry, then tone with a water and lemon juice spray on the face (4 ounces of water for every one teaspoon of lemon juice), and cotton pads dipped in rosewater on the eyes. For very dry or sun-stressed skin, freeze buttermilk in ice cube trays, then gently rub the squares over the places that need soothing throughout the day. To help cool and exfoliate the body, combine two finely ground cucumbers with one teaspoon of salt, mix into a soft paste, then massage all over. Wash the paste off with soap and water in the shower.
Learn more about Metamorphosis' tips, treatments and products at www.metspa.com.
Trade in the Bug Spray for Vitamin B1
If you're like us, then no amount of bug spray can prevent you from getting at least a few itchy bites come summertime. But instead of resorting to bathing in the smelly stuff, it turns out there's a way to repel mosquitoes from the inside—and more naturally. According to Gene Bruno, nutritionist for Great Earth Vitamins, studies show that you can help to reduce mosquito bites by taking vitamin B1, also known as thiamin. "A large dose of vitamin B1, about 500mg, produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but that mosquitoes find repugnant," Bruno explains. "The result is that they are less likely to land on you, let alone bite you." Bruno recommends taking the vitamin about 30 minutes before heading outdoors when in a mosquito-heavy area. And of course, extensive research has indicated that these high doses of vitamin B1 are safe and non-toxic for human consumption.
For more info on wellness through vitamins and minerals, visit www.GreatEarth.com.
A More Effective Way to Take Vitamin C
Everyone knows that vitamin C is important for the immune system, but did you know that some types of vitamins are more effective than others? "The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy tested time-released vitamin C against regular, non time-released vitamin C in humans," explains Gene Bruno, nutritionist for Great Earth Vitamins. "Results showed that the patients who used the time-released formula absorbed 49% more vitamin C than the other patients, and that the vitamin C was also present in the system for up to 12 hours." In addition to time-release vitamin C being more effective, Bruno suggests that it also makes more economical to use this type of capsule, since you'll get more value out of it than you would a regular pill.
For more info on wellness through vitamins and minerals, visit www.GreatEarth.com.
Summer Skin — How To Cleanse
As we gear up for summers spent outdoors, we asked New York City-based esthetician Andrea DeSimone for help on keeping skin looking glowing and healthy in the warmer months. First off, DeSimone warns not to over-cleanse. "If a thorough, ritualistic cleansing is performed at night to remove dirt, oil, makeup and the stresses of the day from your face, it's not necessary to re-cleanse in the AM," she explains. "The oils that are produced overnight are very hydrating and balancing, so don't wash them away." Instead, DeSimone suggests just letting water run over your face during the morning shower, then freshening up with a toner or hydrosol on a diluted cotton pad, followed with moisturizer and sun protection.
Summer Skin — Mother Nature's Toner
Another summer skin tip from New York City-based esthetician Andrea DeSimone: Use Mother Nature. "If you are heading to the beach or lucky enough to live there, collect some ocean water in a water bottle and use it as a toner," she suggests. "It's loaded with minerals and the salt helps to absorb excess oils. You can even apply it with a Q-tip to help spot treat pimples." For an added boost, DeSimone recommends getting the water fresh everyday and storing it in the refrigerator to use as the perfect summer refresher.
Tips for a Healthier, Brighter Smile
Since May is National Smile Month (who knew?), we asked experts for some of tips on creating a healthy, dazzling grin. Laura Kelly, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, recommends avoiding coffee, dark-syrup sodas and red wine—all of which stain teeth—and munching on raw veggies instead, which are both healthy and help clean teeth and remove topical stains. NYC-based celebrity dentist Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans also suggests skipping red or dark-colored barbecue sauces and dressings and choosing lighter-pigmented options instead—but if you do go for the darker sauces, "make sure to brush your teeth after your meal, or at least rinse mouth with water." Dr. Golub-Evans also recommends cutting down on summertime-fave lemonade which, thanks to the citric acid, can cause tooth damage and erosion.
Summer Diet & Fitness Tips from Jackie Warner
As you gear-up for summer, keep in mind these tips on eating right from Jackie Warner, trainer, fitness expert and star of Bravo's "Work Out" series. First off, "be a smart consumer and read labels carefully," she cautions, since many "fat-free products are loaded with sugar. Fat does not make you fat—sugar does." In addition to limiting sugar and alcohol intake, and loading up on veggies, fruits and lean meats, Warner also recommends drinking three liters of water a day, which "can burn 50-75 calories, double your energy and clear your skin." Finally, no matter how busy you might be, "never skip meals. The moment you allow your blood sugar to drop (when you feel hunger pangs), you become a fat storing machine," she explains. "You must eat small meals or snacks every few hours" to help keep your metabolism going.
In honor of this month's Earth Day, we asked Josh Dorfman—author, radio host and noted "Lazy Environmentalist"—for some of his favorite wellness-related tips.
First up: ideas for a healthy, environmentally-friendly home. "Use natural cleaning products made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients," recommends Dorfman, who is also the founder of an eco-friendly furniture and furnishings company. One favorite is Green Works, a breakthrough new line of natural cleaning products that are as effective as conventional cleaners, but made from plant-based ingredients. (Starting this month, Green Works will also donate a portion of product sales to the Sierra Club, the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S.; see www.greenworkscleaners.com for more info.) Another easy idea is to fill your house with plants. "One plant per 100 to 120 square feet of living space can clean air and negate the effects of harmful toxins, and help ventilate indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde found in furniture, rugs, paint and cabinets", says Dorfman.
One easy way to help the environment and your own health is to watch what you eat. "Put locally grown food on your dining table," suggest Dorfman, since that's both better for you and helpful to your local farmers. "The average meal travels about 1,700 miles to get to your plate, but locally-grown vegetables, meats and dairy provide food that can be fresher, more nutritious and delicious." To help suss out local providers in your area, head to Sustianabletable.org (www.sustainabletable.org). Another idea is the go meatless one day a week. "Doing so is easy, will save you money, and will help reduce your environmental impact," explains Dorfman, citing a UN study on the connection between raising cattle for food and global warming greenhouse gases.
We bite them, break them, file them and paint them---our nails take a lot. But experts say it’s also important to love them, as nails help both protect fingers and toes from battery and clue us in to our overall state of health. Plus, a nail infection like a fungus can also lead to more serious conditions if not addressed.
To help care for nails, Amy Gutierrez of China Glaze says to make sure to keep cuticles moisturized and nails manicured. “This not only makes your nails look healthy,” she explains, “but it also stimulates nail growth when you massage in the cuticle oil.” Another tip: Don’t bite or pick, as this can damage the nail bed and help harmful bacteria grow.
Healthy Foods for Healthy Skin
"We should not only be eating to fulfill hunger, but also for the well being of our skin," says Jenniffer Paulson, Skin Care Category Manager at American International Industries, makers of such brands as Purist Naturals, 5 Second and Bye Bye Blemish. Explaining that certain foods can help support healthy skin, Paulson lists a few of the best: "Foods that are high in Vitamin C increase cell turnover rate," she details, while carotenoids—found in spinach, kale, tomatoes and carrots—"help increase the number of infection fighting cells". For more visible results, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish and nut oils provide wellness for overall health, which leads, naturally, to "youthful and
Elbow Grease
As we get deeper into winter, it seems like no amount of moisturizer is enough to keep skin hydrated and supple—no thanks to drying indoor heat and harsh outside temps. For an added boost of moisture, Brenna Dubs, Spa Director at Haven Day Spa in New York City, offers this at-home remedy: Cut a lemon in half and sit with an elbow in each half for 20-minutes; rinse well and follow with a rich moisturizing cream or Vaseline. For super-dry spots, mix two tablespoons of basic cold cream with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Rub a small amount onto your elbows (or knees, or heels); leave on for 15-minutes, wash off with tepid water, pat dry and massage on more cold cream.
Revive Stressed Tresses
Dry winter winds don’t just wreak havoc on skin—you hair is a victim, too. Cold weather can dehydrate the scalp and locks, while wrapping up in scarves and hats can cause hair to tangle more frequently. To help revive stressed tresses, Damien Miano of Miano Viel Salon and Spa in New York City recommends doing a conditioning treatment in the shower. While some might suggest using a leave-in conditioner, Viel prefers applying your regular (hair- and scalp-appropriate) conditioner post-shampoo, massaging it in, then covering hair with a shower cap to help keep in the heat and steam. Leave the cap on for 5-minutes then rinse for hair that’s soft, moisturized and tangle-free.
How to Stay Fit in 2008
To help get the year started off right, this month we're spotlighting a few different tips on New Year's resolutions courtesy of Jeff Silverman, a personal trainer at Peak Performance in New York City.
On the fitness front, Jeff stresses to be realistic in setting your goals. "Start off saying you will workout 3 days a week," he recommends, instead of picking a number you might not be able to stick to. It's also good to be sensible when choosing a gym. "Pick a gym that is close to your home or office," he suggests, "and if you can, plan "gym dates" with a workout partner, since you're less likely to make up an excuse to not work out if friend is involved." And since cold weather is often the biggest deterrent to heading to the gym, Jeff also suggests keeping some workout tools around the house. "Stock up on resistance bands, dumbbells, jump rope, stability balls, or medicine balls. These are all items that can be easily stored, and that help make for very efficient workouts when hitting the gym isn't an option."
Healthy Eating in the New Year
To help get the year started off right, this month we're spotlighting a few tips on New Year's resolutions, courtesy of Jeff Silverman, personal trainer at Peak Performance in New York City.
After the indulgence of the holidays, most of us vow to go on a major diet and cut out all "bad" foods. Not the best tactic, says Jeff. "Like exercise plans, healthy eating must be realistic, too," he explains. To help work with the realities of life, Jeff stresses the importance of planning in advance. "If you know you're going to be doing an Italian dinner out, stick with a healthy breakfast and lunch," he says. "Or if you know you are going to a party, eat a light healthy meal beforehand so as not to overindulge in fattening hors d'oevres or buffets."
Even better, Jeff explains that "eating healthy doesn't mean never eating a dessert or something fried ever again. It is very important to implement some of your favorite foods into your diet—you just have to control the portions." In fact, having one or two "cheat" meals a week helps both shock your metabolism and keep you mentally satisfied. "Just be mindful of what you ingest."
Too Cold to Work Out at the Gym? Try Pilates at Home!
According to Linda Farrell, founder and president of comprehensive online fitness resource, LindaFit Pilates, many people drop off of their workout regime in the fall and winter, since the cooler weather makes a trip to the gym seem unbearable. For those days when you just can’t stand to venture outside, Farrell has developed a series of Pilates-based exercises that can be done at home or the office. One of our favorites: the Swan Dive, a chest and shoulder stretch that helps relieve the strain of hunching over a desk all day. This easy move will also work to strengthen the abdominal muscles, which are crucial for proper spinal support.
To do the Swan Dive, sit straight in your chair, lengthen your arms in front of you and press hands gently on to the desk top. (Move your chair closer or further away to make sure arms are straight and feet are flat on the floor.) Inhale and lengthen up through spine, then gently press down through your hands as you arch the top of the head and neck backwards, feeling the spine deepening between the shoulder blades. Exhale and hold the position for a moment, keeping the abdominals strongly engaged up the front of the trunk. Inhale and start to lengthen the spine up between the shoulder blades, bringing the neck and head upright last. Repeat 5 times, then gently round the spine forward when you are done, keeping arms gently placed on the desk.
For more at home tips, and info on Farrell’s new DVD, see www.lindafit.com.
Tips for a Beautiful Smile
According to an independent study conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset, and 96% of adults think an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex. To help achieve a sexy—and healthy—smile, AACD president Laura Kelly suggests these nighttime tips:
Always Go To Bed with Clean Teeth. Because beautiful teeth are healthy teeth, be sure to brush every night for two minutes, then floss thoroughly. To help prevent morning breath, brush or scrape the tongue, too; this reduces the bacteria in the mouth and cleans leftover food and debris from between the little bumps on the tongue. In addition, swishing around a fluoride gel or rinse just prior to bedtime can help reduce sensitivity and prevent decay.
Sleep Soundly. Snoring does not make for a restful night of beauty sleep, and while anti-snoring devices can often help, some dentists can custom-make appliances that help keep the tongue forward and the airway open, making breathing easier and snoring less likely. Clenching or grinding teeth at night can also lead to mouth and health problems, including headaches, jaw pain, bone loss, sore muscles, head and neck pain and dizziness. Ask you dentists to recommend care options for clenching or grinding.
Pamper Lips. After brushing teeth, gently exfoliate lips with your toothbrush or a damp wash cloth, then apply a moisturizer to help hydrate and condition lips throughout the night.
Healthy Feet
Even though open-toe season has given way to thick socks and sturdy boots, it’s still important to show feet a little TLC. “Proper foot care should not fluctuate with the seasons,” says Dr. Christian Robertozzi, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Dry, cold air can contribute to a myriad of pesky foot ailments. Properly caring for the feet, including keeping them clean and moisturized, is essential to maintaining foot health during the fall and winter.” In addition to moisturizing to keep dry and cracked skin at bay, the APMA recommends:
Washing feet daily with soap and water and making sure to dry them thoroughly
Changing shoes, socks and hosiery daily.
Wear shower shoes in public showers when possible, like at spas or the gym
Using a quality foot powder with talcum, not starch, to help deter infection
Avoiding moisture by wearing socks made of synthetic fibers, which tend to wick away moisture faster, and avoiding tight hosiery
For more information and a list of products recommended by the APMA, visit www.apma.org.
Healthy for the Holidays
Amidst all the joys of the holiday season, it’s important to remember to keep healthy, since late nights, rich foods, stress and busy schedules can all contribute to a weakened immune system. Air travel, too, can bring on infection and illness, so to be safe in-flight, experts recommend these few easy steps: First, drink lots of water; airplane air is very drying, so up the H20 intake (and keep alcohol to a minimum) to stay hydrated. In-flight air is also recycled, meaning it’s basically one big germ soup; protect yourself by applying some antibacterial gel to the outside of your nostrils—an added defense again inhaling germs—or try Nozin, a new bacteria-busting gel made specifically for travelers. (Popping an immune-booster like Airborne pre-flight is also a good preventative measure, as is keeping hands clean with wipes or antibacterial gel.) Finally, if a flight is longer than a couple of hours, be sure to take a walk up and down the aisles and do a few stretches. This will help keep joints from swelling, improve circulation, and get you access to some fresher air.
Restore Beach-Worn Hair
When it’s time to give your dry, damaged or beach-worn hair a full post-summer treatment, colorist Marko of the Sally Hershberger Downtown salon in New York City suggests starting with a clarifying shampoo to remove unwanted mineral deposits and to treat the hair’s core. (Marko’s secret cleansing weapon: Palmolive soap!). Next, apply a deep treatment to help moisturize and nourish the hair while supplying added shine. “I suggest using a deep treatment mask made specifically for color treated hair, as those tend to be the most nourishing” directs Marko. “Leave your treatment in for twenty minutes to get extra softness and shine without the weigh down.” Afterwards, newly-restored locks will be primed for that new fall cut or color.
Protect Your Skin
It seems like every summer, we’re on the hunt for a good sunscreen—something effective and strong, but still healthy for our skin. But with seemingly daily advances being made in beauty technology, we’re also a little confused about what to look for in a good product. Dr. Mauro C. Romita, board certified plastic surgeon and founder of New York City’s Ajune Day Spa, stresses that when it comes to an SPF number, “the higher the better—up to a point. Over 30 is the key to the most effective products,” but don’t bother going past 45, as the jury’s still out on how effective the higher SPFs really are. Do look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen—maybe something with Parsol 1789 or avobenzone—as those help to block both UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Romita also explains that many of the newer sunscreens have mineral bases, which helps them absorb into the skin better (no more streak marks!) and keeps them from washing off quickly in the water. Look, too, for products with hot new ingredients like Niacin, which helps “fix the DNA damage caused by the suns rays”, and with moisturizers, “to overcome the thermal drying that occurs with sun exposure.”
Add a Little Kick to your H20
From skin and hair to metabolism, what isn’t helped by a little H20? But if you’re finding it boring to gulp your 32oz a day, try flavoring your water with a natural kick. Lemons and limes are solid classics, but take it up a notch by adding in-season fruit pieces or pulp; apples, pears, berries and citrus fruits yield the best results, and for a refreshing summer drink, you can try fresh mint leaves, peppermint extract, or cucumber slices. If you’re a soda addict finding it hard to cut down, nutritionists recommend switching to seltzer or sparkling water—which will still give you the bubbles—and flavoring them with your favorite fruits. You’ll enjoy all the fizzy goodness, minus the bad caffeine, sugar and calories.
Travel Healthy
As the founder of Körner Skincare, Rebecca Korner is always on the go, making frequent trips from her base in London to Europe, the US, and Asia for work, as well as personal trips to Africa and Australia. So when it comes to keeping healthy while traveling, she’s a pro. Rebecca’s summer travel tip: Get a vitamin shot before leaving for your trip. Ask your doctor for a vitamin B12 shot mixed with magnesium, followed by vitamin C intravenously; the combination will help keep energy levels up, leave skin glowing and fight in-flight germs with a boost to the immune system. To counter the drying effects of air travel, buckwheat shots, which are full of chlorophyll, will also help keep skin feeling fresh and dewy.
Stretch out to Eliminate Stress
We know that stress can play a big role in our overall health, affecting everything from to cravings, metabolism and sugar levels to more serious long-term issues. While quick fixes like deep breathing and walking around the block can help lower stress levels, if you find that you need a more long-term solution, try yoga. Practicing the mind-body workout will modulate your current levels and have a more lasting, cumulative effect on how you deal with problems in general, arming you with tools like meditation and stretches to help properly tackle future situations. Even just two sessions a week—at home or in a class setting—can help bring down the anxiety meter, and make you more flexible, to boot.
Add a Little Fat to your Diet
Your kitchen might be full of low-fat and fat-free items, but don’t forget to add a little of the “good” fat into your diet.
Experts agree that essential fatty acids like omega-3 and limited amounts of omega-6 can have an effect on everything from circulation to brain functions, and omega-3s in particular are also helpful in curbing cravings, regulating blood sugar levels, and boosting the metabolic rate. To increase your omega-3 intake, incorporate a tablespoon of flax seed oil (or some seeds themselves) into yogurt or oatmeal in the morning, or snack on a handful of pumpkin seeds or walnuts during the day.
Don’t Eat Chocolate-Soak in it!
Next time you’re having a chocolate craving, try soaking in it instead. Researchers have found that many skin cancer- and heart disease-preventing anti-oxidants are present in dark chocolate, along with high amounts of theobromine, a non-addictive stimulant that can attack cellulite and improve circulation. Of course, you’d have to ingest a lot of calories for these effects to take place, so luckily, many of the same results can occur when chocolate is absorbed through the skin. Day spas across the country are now offering chocolate-infused body wraps and soaks, including the luxurious Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA, where services like the Whipped Cocoa Bath and Chocolate Bean Polish make use of the sweet-smelling house product line.
Healthy Skin-Healthy YOU!
Snacking isn’t just bad for the waistline—your skin might be at risk, too. Turns out that eating proteins and starch, which require different enzymes to be digested, in the same meal can cause an “overload” in the system, and may lead to breakouts. For healthy skin, experts recommend eating lots of fruits, which work to cleanse the skin and purify the body of toxins; watermelon and grapefruit in particular are natural diuretics and help to reduce water retention. Leafy green vegetables are also good breakout-busters, since the alkaline they contain can help reduce skin inflammation and redness. So skip the cookies and grab some veggies instead—your skin will thank you.
A Little R&R Goes a long way
We know it’s hard to get a full eight hours of sleep every night, but recent studies show that sleeping well may be the best thing you do all day. According to studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people who don’t get enough shut-eye often have a harder time losing pounds and maintaining their current weight, thanks in part to the negative affect that poor sleep can have on the metabolism and glucose levels in the blood. Irregular sleep—and high stress—can also increase cortisol, a hormone that can increase the appetite. Of course, sleep also benefits the skin, stress levels, and immune system—all more reasons to hit the snooze button.
Want to Stop that Junk Food Craving? Then, just Breathe
Breathing—it’s nature’s little cure-all. From stress and insomnia to afternoon sugar cravings, a few moments of controlled breathing can help tackle a host of physical and emotional challenges. As a test, make it a point to stop working during the day and take some really deep breaths the right way—in through nostrils, out through the mouth. Just focusing on that for a minute or so can help fight the craving for that 4 o’clock cookie break, or help put any work drama into perspective. If you’re not sure if you’re doing it right, yoga and meditation classes can walk you through the proper breathing techniques for relaxation and stress-relief, while trained spas therapists will often guide clients in deep breathing during massages and facials sessions.
