Goa, India

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Tag: Self Care

The Key To Helping Others: Taking Care Of Yourself First

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Everyone knows that they need to be taking care of themselves, but sometimes, that’s much easier said than done. If you’re one of those people who is always looking after other people, then you might find that your own needs aren’t being met. And while that would be just fine for a while, if it carries on unchecked then, sooner or later, you will find that it’s something you should have corrected much earlier. Here are a few ideas to ensure all your needs are met.

Source: Pexels.com

The Essential Ingredients

While it’s nice to daydream of going on a long travel trip, or taking a couple of months just to do whatever you want to do, sometimes simply just taking care of the essentials in life is enough to give us a solid platform on which to be our best. Before you’ve even begun thinking about the needs of others, make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and that your health is in check. You’ll find it much easier to be there for others if you’ve been there for yourself first.

Getting Help From Others

It might sometimes feel like that, but you’re really not in this all on your own. You will have people who are willing to help you, and if you don’t – or they’re not available – then there will be professional options. If you’re overworking yourself trying to take care of an elderly relative who needs support, then look at getting some respite care in the home. It’ll give you a break, during which you can refresh and re-energise. For things like children, then you’ll have siblings, parents, and other friends with their own children to give you a break for the evening.

Indulging

If you’re a person who always thinks of the needs of others first, then you probably can’t even remember the last time that you treated yourself to something nice. Moving forward, make a promise to yourself to do something that’s only for your benefit will help ease the burden of looking after others.

It could be buying a new dress, taking a day to do something that you love doing, catching up with your new favorite reality game show like Biggest Liar in Ghana, or simply spending the evening with relaxing music and a good book.

Be Wary of Overdoing It

Some people don’t know how to say no. Whenever something is asked of them, they’ll volunteer their time and move it straight to the top of the priority list. While this may, on the face of it, look like a good characteristic, it can only be considered as such if it’s not negatively impacting the person’s life. If you find yourself overwhelmed with tasks, then learn to say no. It might just help people understand that you’re doing a lot for them without asking anything in return.

Learn to Laugh

Finally, remember that our attitude is everything. If we’re positive, then the battle has already been half-won. Learn to laugh at life, and you’ll prevent too much stress from building up. Positivity will take you a long way!

How to get rid of Wrinkles!

How to get rid of Wrinkles!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

As soon as we think we are ageing, the appearance of wrinkles start bothering us.As we age, fine lines and wrinkles will start to appear. But there’s plenty of ways to get rid of wrinkles such as avoiding too much sun exposure, making a few lifestyle changes, and creating a proper skincare routine.

Here’s some natural ways you can do to help reduce and combat wrinkle issues:

 

1. Avoid too much sun exposure

Direct sun exposure will eventually hurt our skin and is one of the leading causes of wrinkles because of the sun’s drying rays. You should always keep yourself protected by applying sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Not only does it help reduce getting fine lines, it also decreases the chance of skin diseases such as sunburn, and can even prevent skin cancer.

 

2. Eat healthy

You are what you eat. What your body intakes will eventually reflect your physical appearance. Select foods that are rich in omega-4 fatty acids and vitamin E. Eat your way to fabulous skin by adding foods such as fish, sunflower seeds, fruits and vegetables to your meal plan.

 

3. Keep hydrated

“You must drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.” is a cliché. But it is a must.

Many of us doesn’t drink enough water our body needs. And many of us are not aware of the benefits of keeping ourselves hydrated even during cold, winter days.

Water is essential in giving our skin the right moisture and distributing essential nutrients on the skin cells. It also delays the appearance of fine lines as it increases our skin’s elasticity.

Keeping ourselves hydrated doesn’t only benefit the appearance of our skin but it also helps in keeping us healthy overall as it flushes out toxins in our body. Lastly, it is a great alternative for hunger as we sometimes think we are hungry only to realize we just need a glass of water to satisfy our thirst.

 

4. Get plenty of sleep

Lack of sleep accelerates the human aging process. It causes wrinkles to appear under the eyes, neck, and forehead. Getting enough hours of sleep is advisable if you want to maintain a healthy glowing skin. And while you’re at it, try sleeping on your back or on of your sides so there won’t be constant pressure on your face. You might also want to consider changing your pillow cover to fabric and silk. Deep sleep can eventually repair skin tissues so create a relaxing bedtime routine and selecting essential oils like lavender.

 

5. It’s Time to Move that Body

Exercising is something that most of us our too lazy to do. But moving our bodies actually makes us younger looking as it clears the skin of toxins through sweat. It also helps regulate the circulation of the blood. We just have to be careful in selecting the kind of exercise we should be doing as some says that specific exercises such as weightlifting causes more wrinkles to appear.

 

Look Your Best This Party Season: Your Nine Step Plan

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

The holiday season is upon us, so it is natural to want to look our best. From an office party to family reunions, there will be a lot of people that we will be seeing, some not for a while. So it is only natural to want to look our best and wow them as much as we can. Being able to dance the night away in your little black dress and feel comfortable is what it is all about. So what and you do to prepare and make sure that you’re looking good? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you, as well as the areas that you should be focusing on.

One of the first things to look at is your skin. Winter can cause problems for your skin, as it can really dry it out. When you’re constantly exposing your skin to vary temperatures (the cold from outside and the warmth from indoors), it can sap some of the natural oils from your skin. So focusing on your skin first and foremost is a good way to go. Here are some of the things you can do to make sure skin is looking its best.

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  • Prepare

Skin peels have been around for a long time, and they are still here. Why? Because they have been able to stand the test of time and show just how good they are, as well as how versatile. So it could be worth looking at getting having one done. It can peel away the dead skin to reveal glowing and fresh lovely skin. This can make your look instantly better, as well as reduce the number of spots that you get.

  • Reduce Blemishes

Speaking of which, blemishes can be on the rise when you aren’t taking good enough care of yourself and your skin. But it is important to not get confused as to what is a spot or a blackhead and what isn’t. If you start to squeeze a sebaceous filament, for example, it can lead to swelling, which is never a good look before a party. They aren’t spots, but can often get confused as blackheads. So sebaceous filaments vs blackheads: what is the difference? To make sure that you’re not trying to squeeze the wrong thing on your face, you need to know what they look like.

A sebaceous filament is typically light grey or a hue of tan in color. They feel smooth to the touch and are naturally on our faces. Blackheads, however, are the result of a clogged pore from things like dead skin cells, dirt or impurities. They are slightly raised and are darker in color. So before you squeeze, double check what you’re looking at; don’t end up with a lumpy face from putting pressure on the wrong thing!

  • Protect

Winter is a time when your skin needs a lot of protection. If you think that sunscreen, for example, is only needed when it is sunny, then it is time to think again. Use a sunscreen all year round to reduce sun damage to your skin. Many brands are upping their game when it comes to sunscreen too. There are brands out there that help to fight against free-radicals, and ones that can give your skin an antioxidant boost.

  • Hydrate

For your skin and your body, you need to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, and avoiding too much caffeine is a great way to make sure that your body is taken care of. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush toxins out of your body, which will help to rejuvenate you, as well a reduce things like dark circles under your eyes. Our bodies are made up of a lot of water, so when they have enough, it helps them to work as they should.

  • Reduce Salt Intake

There is no getting away from some salt in our diets. But if you’re wanting to get into your little party dress and want to reduce the bloated feeling, then reducing your salt intake is a good idea. Don’t get me wrong, some salt on a steak can go a long way and transform the flavor. So just avoid a big bag of salty chips or fries the day before an event, for example. Stick to whole foods, rather than processed foods as a rule, and you’ll be able to control your salt intake much more easily as you will know what you’re adding, rather than what is hidden.

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  • Exercise and Move More

We are getting into the full swing of party season. But there is no time like the present to move more and exercise more. Even if you’re not looking to lose weight, it can be a good way to help you to feel happier over winter, as well as firm and tone up your body. If you have a gym to get to, then great. If not, there are many apps that you can download to help you. A yoga routine could help to firm up your arms for your party dress, for instance, or a six-pack abs workout could help you to feel more comfortable in your chosen outfit. You don’t have to exercise for hours on end; even walking more regularly can make a difference.

  • Avoid Fizz

If you want to avoid being bloated, then as has been described, salt is a good thing to avoid. Another great thing to watch out for are fizzy drinks. If you regularly have soda pop, then looking to reduce your intake can reduce the bloat. Even when you’re out at your parties or events, stick to alternatives like red or white wine, rather than champagne or prosecco. The bubbles can fill you up, which is why many people drink them. But they can lead to you feeling bloated, and that probably isn’t how you want to feel in party season.

  • Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is important at any time of year. But it is even more important when you want to stay up later some nights and enjoy yourself. You’re not going to get very far if you’re exhausted and can hardly keep your eyes open. Instead of reaching for an unnatural solution like energy drinks, energy pills, or caffeine, simply make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night. Most adults know what sleep they need to get and what works best for them. But around seven or eight each night is a good guide.

  • Juice Cleanse

After all of the partying has been and gone, then you might want to consider something like a juice cleanse. It can restore your system and give it a bit of tender loving care that it might need. A juice cleanse will fill you with vitamins and minerals to help your body feel at it’s best, as well as give it a boost to help repair and restore. There are plenty of recipes online that you could aim to replicate, as well as buying some from stores. Just look for ones that are cold-pressed, rather than pasteurized. Then you know that no heat has been added and all of their goodness is still in there.

 

What have you got planned this party and festive season? Would love to hear about your plans and what you are planning. Do you have plenty of parties to go to in the coming weeks? Just remember to stay safe, follow these tips, and you’ll be in for a season of fun and frolics, and not sickness and sadness. Happy holidays!

 

 

4 Tips For Soft and Glowing Winter Skin

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Anyone else starting to feel a bit dry in the cold weather? It’s no wonder with all the heating we expose our skin to inside and the rapidly dropping temperatures outside, and seriously dry winter skin needs more than just a good moisturizer. Here is a handful of soothing tips that will keep that chapping and redness at bay, so that you can face the cold air without worrying about the effect it has on your skin.

 

Image via: Pexels

It’s what skincare is all about, after all, and it makes it a lot easier to prevent early signs of aging as well.

#1 Protect your skin

Just like you’re told to cover up and protect your skin with thin layers when it’s sunny outside, your skin still needs this kind of protection during winter. It’s not as much to shelter you from the harmful effects of the sun as it is to keep the wind and frost at bay, though, so get yourself a thick scarf this winter as well as some gloves.

If you have ever lived somewhere severely cold, you know the feeling of dry and red hands very well. A decent moisturizer just doesn’t cut it, and you’ll risk red patches and even bleeding unless you cover your skin up before stepping outside. Not just because it’s unflattering to look at; dry winter skin can be downright painful.

#2 Choose lukewarm water

Try to go for lukewarm water when you wash your hands and shower. To go in either direction, meaning too cold or too warm, will dry your skin out little by little, and considering the amount of times we should wash our hands during winter to avoid getting sick, it’s important to keep this in mind. Have a look at https://water-rightgroup.com to understand how water affects your dry winter skin.

It’s understandably tempting to enjoy a hot shower when you’ve been freezing outside, so focus on washing your hands and face in lukewarm water instead. That way, you still get to steam up your bathroom when you need it the most.

#3 Moisturize no more than 20 minutes after showering

Those who struggle with dry skin on a daily basis and regardless of the seasons will probably say you should let your face air-dry after showering. Do it if you have time to wait before putting on makeup or rushing out the door – or just apply a moisturizer as soon as possible after showering.

The trick is not to wait more than 20 minutes; applying moisture to damp skin will help seal the dampness into your skin, and you can enjoy that extra protection when you step outside. If your skin is constantly dry, it’s a good idea to take a look at the kind of lotion and makeup you use on a daily basis.

Petroleum-based ingredients are common in moisturizers you buy in the regular grocery shops and may, in fact, make your skin even drier over time. It’s one of those tricks of the cosmetic industry to keep you coming back for more. Have a look at https://soundbodylife.com/best/makeup/for/aging-skin if you’re looking for makeup to quench your skin’s thirst and visit the pharmacy to buy a moisturizer that is actually made for dry skin. Look for fat-based lotions rather than water-based ones, and ask the pharmacist to help you out.

They know all about the kind of lotions that works well during winter – and if you have a problem with itchiness or redness, they’ll even be able to sort this out for you. Pharmacists are knowledgeable people, so take advantage of it rather than spending money on yet another supermarket moisturizer.

#4 Hydrate from the inside out

Many of us hardly drink enough water during the day, and we tend to forget about it, even more, when it’s winter. Sufficient amount of water is, of course, alpha omega when it comes to keeping your skin soft and glowing – as the largest organ we have and the only layer that protects us from the elements, your skin is the last priority when your body distributes water.

If you haven’t been drinking enough, it may even steal some water from your skin to keep your other organs functioning – health before beauty, and all that. It makes sense, though, and we’re grateful for it, but try to help your skin out a bit by eating food with a high water content as well. Soup is a good idea during winter, as well as tomatoes and cucumbers.

Use less powder as well, by the way, if you use makeup on a daily basis and try to not touch your face too much during the day. You should be able to enjoy a baby-smooth face throughout the cold seasons if you manage all of the above, so keep it up, and remember to moisturize before going to bed.

Health Issues: Not Serious, But Seriously Annoying

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

There are certain health issues that just seem to happen. To an extent, we all see them as part and parcel of being a human. They’re not serious; they won’t compromise your life beyond irritation and mild discomfort; and they’re definitely not life-threatening. They’re just annoyances that most of us will find ourselves experiencing at least once in our lives.

As ‘normal’ as these maladies may be — in terms of the number of people they impact — they might have a genuine cause. Even if an issue is not particularly debilitating, if it happens to you frequently, then you don’t just have to shrug and dismiss it as a standard part of life. If you take the time to figure out what’s really going on with these oh-so-standard problems, you might just be able to cure them once and for all. Fixing aspects of your health that have been bothering you in a low-level-but-still-present way can make a huge difference to your overall health, and give you the confidence that you’re going to wake up feeling well every morning.

So, without further ado…

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEM: Constipation 

Okay, so it’s not the nicest subject to have to talk about, but hey, it happens to the best of us! Constipation is a symptom of a range of different health problems, so it’s always worth checking with a doctor if the issue becomes chronic.

For the most part, though, constipation is transitory– though that’s not to say it’s fun to deal with. One common solution is to try a magnesium supplement; a lack of magnesium has long been associated as a potential cause for constipation.

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEM: Dry Eyes

PixaBay.com 

Glance through any pharmacy and you will see myriad options for treating dry eyes. It’s a symptom that many people experience, with too much computer usage and not enough sleep often the cause.

However, there is another potential cause you’re going to want to be aware of; dehydration. If you’ve not been drinking enough water, then you’ll feel the impact throughout your body— but particularly in your eyes and your lips. So if you have persistent problems with dry eyes — or chapped lips for that matter — then increase your water intake rather than reaching for an over-the-counter solution. It could make all the difference.

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEM: Daytime Tiredness

Sometimes, excessive daytime tiredness doesn’t have a cause beyond the basic explanation– you didn’t sleep well the night before. However, if you seem to be sleeping well, getting a decent night’s rest, and you still feel tired, then this is worthy of further investigation.

The most common cause is a disorder called sleep apnea, where you temporarily stop breathing at night. Don’t panic; your body recognizes this as an issue and rights itself immediately! You won’t remember these moments or feel any ill-effect from them, apart from tiredness the next day; sleep apnea sleep is not as restful as ‘standard’ sleep. See a doctor if your experience fits this description; sleep apnea is treatable, and you’ll sleep much better in future.

Just because a health complaint isn’t dominant and ruining your life doesn’t mean you just have to put up with it. Explore the possible causes, speak to your doctor, and you stand to improve your life exponentially!

PixaBay.com

 

Work A High-Stress Career? Look After Yourself First

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Pexels

Working a high-stress career is simply a must for many people trying to achieve their goals and pursue the life they want. There are almost more high-stress careers than there are low-stress, and so it’s important to tailor yourself to the job market so you can work the roles you truly want. For example, a great chef will only become great if they’re willing to suffer the long hours and hardships of the kitchen. A construction worker will need to become adapted to the rugged physicality of the job, as well as mitigating the overstimulation of the nearby machinery.

High-stress jobs are simply a factor of the working world, as they always have been dating back to antiquity. For these reasons, it’s important to take care of yourself to keep resilient and active in the direction you most want to pursue. We’d like to offer you some health tips for achieving this.

Medical

You must make sure you are well protected during your workplace activities. It shouldn’t take a H+S officer to give you the motivation to read through the safety policy at your firm. Knowing this could potentially give you life-saving information. At the very least, making sure you are well protected regarding the role you play can help.

If you’re on your feet for multiple hours a day, wearing soft crocs or supportive shoes can help your feet health and your alertness over the course of the day. Making sure you mitigate the effects of workplace trauma can help too, for example, tinnitus treatment can help you mitigate the effects of noisy environments, or become active to work again after an injury. Making sure your skin is protected in toxic environments and constantly assessing your breathing environment will give you and even more complete view of safety in the workplace.

Unwind

Giving yourself time to unwind from a stressful day will help you loosen some of the tightness you feel after a hard working period. It’s important that you give yourself this time, where you allow yourself to think about nothing in particular. For some people, this involves resting in front of the television, or consuming video games as a hobby. While these can be beneficial, and it’s more than your right to achieve this, there are better hobbies to help you.

Meditating can help you become more focused in your daily life, and actually de-emphasises the part of your brain responsible for stress. A simply crafting hobby can help you meditate physically, and creative expression is often the best way to de-stress. Reading a great book can help distract you in a completely different world, coming back to your life with added rejuvenation. These tips can help you overcome the difficulty of your daily schedule, and approach it with added caution and ability.

With these tips, your high-stress career will come second to your health, just the way it should be.

 

 

 

Are Your Teeth In Tip Top Condition?

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

https://www.pexels.com/photo/human-lips-65665/

Being human comes with a lot of responsibility. Our bodies are incredibly powerful machines that are super strong and can take us all the way from infancy to old age. To make sure that they can do that, we have a lot of health concerns to take care of. From healthy skin to organs that function properly, our lifestyle choices can make or break the way our bodies handle things. This couldn’t be any truer when it comes to out teeth. Not only are they an important part of our beauty regime, but they also are a huge part of our health. So, you need to be able to ensure that you keep them in tip top condition.

Clean

First things first, we all need to make sure that our teeth are clean. Although you make sure that your brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, that might not be enough. You have to get serious about flossing and start to focus on your gums too. If your teeth aren’t properly clean, even if you think they are, your gums will suffer and could even get infected. So, it could be in your interest to book in with a full-scale cleaning service with the hygienist at your dentist’s office. That way, they can be sure to clean off all of the junk and keep your teeth super clean.

White

Perhaps more of a beauty concern than a health one, but it’s always beneficial to your overall oral health to ensure that your teeth are super white. You might want to consider professional whitening options, but they can often be quite costly. If you don’t want to put a lot of money upfront to get whiter teeth, there are alternatives to consider. Along with at-home whitening kits, there’s also the super exciting idea of using charcoal toothpaste to create a longer lasting, shinier whitening effect.

Fresh

Getting back on to the health side of teeth, let’s talk about how to freshen up. Even if you don’t suffer from a strong case of halitosis, nobody likes to think that they have bad breath. So, you might want to take a few precautions to make sure that yours stays extra fresh. If you’re keeping everything clean, then you’re probably doing a good job already, but you’ll also find that mouthwash will help you out with this too. You can even get super strong brands that aim to kick bad breath. And just to be extra sure, it’s always a good idea to keep breath mints to hand.

Straight

And finally, up there with keeping your teeth white for beauty reasons, you might want to think about making them straight. Now, you may have had braces when you were a teen, but that doesn’t always mean that your teeth stay straight. The best part is that you don’t even have to wear the same kind of braces anymore. There are so many different ways to straighten crooked teeth; you can have a teeth straightening treatment and not even notice.

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