Swimming as a Stress Buster

Life can be stressful at times when you consider everything we endure every day. Find one particular activity which is beneficial to you not only physically, but to bust the stress right out of your day.

One suggestion for a fantastic stress buster is swimming. Not only is swimming a great stress reliever, it’s a perfect recreational and fitness outlet as well. Most cities have at least one indoor swimming pool, or at the very least you can find one in a neighborhood not far from your home. Indoor pools allow you to keep up with your stress-relieving activity even in inclement weather.

During the warmer months you can swim outdoors as well, although swimming in a smaller pool may result in disruptions from your children wishing to swim as well. While it’s great for them to want to exercise, it may not be the ideal situation for your personal stress relief.

As with any type of exercise, be sure to do your warm-up exercises. Start with a few stretches before hitting the water. Once in the pool, take an easy lap to get those muscles prepared for your more demanding laps to follow. Neglecting warm-up exercises can result in pulled muscles or other injuries which will in no way help your stress levels.

If need be, you may choose to sign up for swimming classes at your local recreation center. They are usually available from beginner to advanced swimmers. The instructors will be able to assist you in choosing the level appropriate for you. If you don’t need lessons you can consider joining an aquatic program such as aqua-fit, or simply going to do laps on an as-needed basis.

During times of more prominent stress, why not add some extra pool time. Break away from your usual swimming routine while using different techniques. Changing it a bit, switching from breast stroke to back stroke for example, will result in your laps giving you more of a workout. It also gives you the opportunity to be more aggressive as you push those stressors out of the way and into the water, so to speak.

Paying attention to the way you breathe while you’re swimming is another challenge. When you become stressed about something, your breathing tends to be more rapid. Making a conscious effort to breathe at a slower but regular pace will help reduce those feelings of stress and anxiety.

Once you have fulfilled your personal quota for stress-busting laps, take one or two last laps at a slower pace to start your cool-down exercises. This will allow your muscles to return to a more relaxed state. This part of the process can decrease the likelihood of sore muscles the following day.

After leaving the pool area, repeat some stretching exercises for optimum relaxation of your muscles. You may also want to leave a day of rest between any stress-busting routines in order to permit your body to rest.

As you can see, swimming can be the perfect stress-busting activity. Not only will you be working those stressors and anxieties out of your system, but you will get a great physical workout. There’s nothing like taking care of two important parts of your day at the same time!

Natural homemade beauty recipes

Nature is the newest trend in skin and hair care. For years, we’ve been putting toxic chemicals into our bodies that build up and make us feel tired and sick, regardless of whether we eat them or if they seep though our pores. And people are finally catching on that natural is better.

Most stores now have a line of “natural” beauty products. Unfortunately, they often come with a big price tag attached too. Often times many of these products are not actually “natural” so it does pay to do your homework to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Fortunately actually making beauty products yourself isn’t too difficult. So if you want beauty products that you know are natural and are also inexpensive, just make them yourself. Here are 5 quick and easy recipes you can make at yourself.

Face Mask
Eating good food helps give you the right nutrients you need to look good. You can get more of these vitamins and minerals by putting the good stuff right on the skin.

Combining a mashed carrot, mashed avocado, and a beaten egg with a half cup a few tablespoons of honey creates a great face mask that provides vitamins, and improves the tone and texture of your skin. Just stir well, apply, let sit for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with cool water.

After you’re washed and nourished your skin, you can use grated cucumber or diluted lemon juice as a toner to help tighten your skin and close up your pores to close your pores and keep your skin looking great.

Hair Conditioner
Many people pay a lot of money for a conditioner that actually makes your hair look and feel good. Here’s a great natural recipe to save you money and help your hair.

Just mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of castor oil and apply to hair. Let sit for about ten minutes and rinse out. You can use this every so often as a conditioning treatment for healthy shiny hair. If you like being experimental, you can try mixing other kitchen items, herbs, and natural items with eggs for healthy, shiny hair.

Hand and Foot Cream
A quick face mask will help make you look great in not a lot of time, but hands and feet require extra care.

Use ½ cup of olive oil mixed with natural sea salt and massage into your hands and feet. Leave a few minutes to soak and then rinse off with warm water.

When it comes to natural beauty products, these recipes are just the start. You can find hundreds of different combinations in natural beauty books, magazines, and on the internet. Or you can go to your kitchen cabinet and make your own special creations.

Easy Ways to Make your Home More Eco-Friendly

We all want to do our part to protect the environment, but without a large paycheck, that can be seem difficult, if not impossible. But doing your part doesn’t have to be hard. Small steps add up to a big difference, you just have to know which ones to take.

Use less water.

Saving water is all about small steps, here are a few that will help save big.

- Shut off the water while you brush your teeth
- Take showers that are a minute or two shorter
- Only flush the toilet when you need to
- Only run full loads of laundry and dishes
- Buy from sustainable producers. These are farmers, ranchers, and other producers that use techniques that pollute less and use less water. You can do some research online or ask at your local organic market to find these products.

Use less energy.

If you don’t have the money to buy a hybrid car or convert your house to solar power, you can make a big difference with small changes.

- Buy energy efficient appliances. They may be more expensive, but make up for the increased cost in lower energy bills.
- Unplug chargers when you’re not using them. Cell phone and other chargers use up powers even if there’s nothing attached to them.
- Put devices with remotes, like T.V.s, VCRs, and stereos, on a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. These devices use a lot of power to run the remote receiver even when the device is off.
- Walk or ride your bike for short trips.
- Buy local products. It takes energy to transport food and other products across the country. Buying local not only supports your local economy, it helps them use less energy.

When it comes to saving energy and water, it’s a great idea to get the kids involved. You can even make it a game. Have them track how much water and electricity everyone is using. You can compete to see who uses the least water. You can often count on your kids to help keep you on track when given the task.

Reuse.

Most of us know the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, but when we work on conserving, we often leave reuse out of the picture. While you can often find tips on how to reuse common products from other people, what you need most is creativity. With a little thought there are many items around your home that can be reused – toilet paper holders can be used to sow seeds for the vegetable patch. And old yogurt containers can be cut into strip to make plant labels. Old food jars can be refilled with homemade foods or can make great impromptu vases.

Use environmentally friendly products. When you go to the grocery store, you probably see more and more “natural” or “eco friendly” products every time. There are generally two big problems with these products: 1. Just because they’re more natural than regular products, doesn’t mean they’re entirely natural. 2, They’re often expensive.

If you want inexpensive, natural, safe products, why not just make them yourself. Vinegar is a great way to clean and disinfect glass and other surfaces. Need to remove stubborn stains? Just add some baking soda to your vinegar cleaner. Some quick searching online will lead you to hundreds of other natural safe home-made cleaning products.

We all knowing that going green means better for the environment, but it’s also better for you. Conserving resources also helps save you money, which is something most of us are happy to live with.

Healthy Fruit Squares

Ingredients:
12 oz mixed dried fruit of your choice (dates, apricots, raisins etc)
4 oz nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts or Brazil nuts)
4 oz desiccated coconut
Grated rind of 1 orange or lemon
A little orange juice
Extra desiccated coconut for coating


Method:
Process dried fruit mixture and nuts in a food processor until finely chopped.

Add coconut and grated rind of orange or lemon and process again, adding the orange juice to make a firm paste.

Sprinkle desiccated coconut in an 8inch square cake tin, press the fruit mixture into the tin and finish off with some more coconut. Press down well!

Put a weight on top of the cake tin and chill in the fridge. When chilled and firm slice into 1inch squares and enjoy!

Romantic Weekend Getaways

Some of the most romantic weekend getaways exist in the most populated destinations in the US. Here are a few to consider.
I’ll Take Manhattan. You can spend a fabulous weekend in New York City and stay either at the Marriott Hotel on Broadway, for example, which is right near the Theatre District; or you can book a weekend at the Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park. Perhaps you would like to stay at the Mandarin Hotel and Spa where you can both be pampered for the weekend. No matter what your budget is; Manhattan is more than accommodating.
Needless to say, Manhattan is considered one of the most romantic spots in the U.S. Whether you enjoy dinner in your hotel suite or dine at any one of the five star restaurants, the night is always young for lovers who seek solitude in a city that hosts millions of tourists each year. Whether you take a carriage ride through Central Park, enjoy an opera or symphonic performance at Lincoln Center, or walk along Fifth Avenue during the evening hours; the city offers something for everyone.
San Francisco. With its rolling hills, fantastic cuisine, and friendly people; San Francisco offers hotel stays that are sure to enhance your romantic side. Among the most notable hotels are the Fairmont hotel, located in the Nob Hill area; the Mandarin Oriental, which is known for its best views of the Bay and the city; or the downtown W San Francisco hotel that is close to cable cars, shopping, restaurants, and theatres.
Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and stop by Ghirardelli Square where you can pick up some of their famous chocolate before having dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants there such as McCormick and Kuleto’s, where the panoramic view of the Bay, as well as Alcatraz island; both of which are a stunning backdrop. You may also wish to stop by O’Neill’s Irish Pub for an after-dinner drink. You may leave your heart here after departing this great city by the Bay.
Las Vegas. Time will stand still at this resort destination. With a myriad of hotels to choose from you can enjoy your time here without having to worry about time, because there are no clocks in the casinos.
With great weather year round (hot, but always dry), you can wile away the early morning hours at the hotel’s pool and enjoy the evening attending a fabulous show or visit lady luck at the casino.
Whether you take a stay at the Venetian Hotel and enjoy a romantic ride on a gondola; enjoy the Spa and Salon at the Hotel Bellagio; or marvel at the lush indoor gardens, aquarium, and the Secret Garden at the Mirage; Las Vegas is both affordable for any budget and is the perfect weekend romantic getaway.
Lake Placid. Far away from the maddening crowd, you will find comfort and romance at the Mirror Lake Inn. With gorgeous mountain and lake views, fireplace, and very large tubs, you will find the accommodations more than satisfactory. In fact, they are quite conducive to a romantic weekend.
Among the many things you might like to do is to take a walk to the neighboring town of Lake Placid, only two miles away. Here you will find shops along Main Street and you can stop at the Cottage for lunch. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the activities available at Mirror Lake Inn.
The calm and quiet ambience of this Inn is the perfect weekend getaway destination for couples.

Be Aware of Dehydration

With up to 75% of our body weight consisting of water, it can sometimes be difficult to fathom the idea of dehydration. Most often when people hear about dehydration, their focus turns to Third World countries without running water. The fact of the matter is, it’s just as serious here in North America, and many people don’t realize how easily it occurs.
Dehydration is what happens when the amount of water leaving the body is larger than what we are physically putting in. The routine ways in which we can lose the important water in our system are when we sweat or eliminate, or as humidified air escaping our body.
One of the most significant reasons for dehydration is sweating, which is how the body cools itself down. Some situations when this cooling down process occurs could be during hot weather, in areas with excess heating, or sweating due to physical activity. Since sweat is released when we partake in physical activity, keeping yourself healthy and fit requires that you drink enough water both before and after exercise, and possibly during as well.
With a bit of variance with weather conditions, a quick or brisk walk of about thirty minutes around the block or through the park can result in your body generating up to sixteen ounces of sweat. This is the equivalent of about one pound. If you’re not hydrating your system enough, some signs indicating possible dehydration are:
* Excessive thirst or feeling you can’t drink enough* Decreased output of bodily fluids in an attempt to conserve water. In this case urine will be more yellow in color due to its concentration* Continual dry mouth resulting from decreased salivation* Dry eyes as the body attempts to prohibit the creation of tears* Significant decrease in sweat levels* Muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting* Light-headedness, confusion and weakening
Consult a physician when a dehydrated adult presents the following signs in addition to those mentioned above:
* Increased and/or continual vomiting for a period of 24 hours* High fever over 101°F which isn’t relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprophen* Diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days
Transportation to a hospital emergency room is recommended if any of the following occur:
* Fever over 103°F* Lethargy, headache or seizure* Chest and/or stomach pain* Inability to urinate over a period of twelve hours* Difficulty breathing* Fainting or unconsciousness
When dealing with possible dehydration in children, in addition to the symptoms outlined above you want to watch for:
* Sunken eyes* Sunken fontanel (soft spot) on babies* Irritability* Sticky or dry mouth or tongue
A visit to the doctor is recommended if any of the following occur:* Blood in stool* Pain in the abdomen* Vomiting for more than 24 hours, or if vomit is green in color consistently* Less urination than usual
Transportation of the child to a hospital emergency room is recommended if any of the following occur:* Your child becomes lethargic* You can’t reach your family physician
The simple practice of drinking enough water both during physical activity and throughout a normal day is enough to prevent dehydration in both adults and children. To ensure everyone receives the appropriate amounts, you may want to consider charts for at home, as well as personal water bottles for each member of your family when outside enjoying some physical activity.

Are Sports Drinks Better Than Water?

One of the most important aspects of working out is making sure you are staying well-hydrated. The question is whether to choose a sports drink or water? The answer depends on such factors as the length, intensity and type of exercise while considering personal preferences.
Exercise raises the body temperature, which causes sweating and loss of water and salts. However, most people working out at a low to moderate intensity for sixty minutes or less are able to stick to water. It’s the perfect choice for rehydration. Not only is it calorie free but it also moves rapidly from the stomach through the body via the blood stream. For an added bonus, it costs much less than sports drinks as well.
Let’s take a look at both water and sports drinks to see the pros and cons of each. This will allow you to make a more informed decision as to which one you choose.
Water
This is the usual and natural choice to rehydrate the body. It happens to hydrate better than sports drinks, both before and during any exercise routine. With it being less expensive in comparison to other choices, it’s also more readily available. Since you need to drink ½ to 1 cup of fluid for every 15-20 minutes of exercise, water is obviously the less expensive choice.
One problem with this choice is the fact that some people find that water is bland in taste. As a result of this blandness they will drink less than necessary. Water is the best option, but it only works properly if you drink enough to remain hydrated.
Sports Drinks
Many people find sports drinks to be more tasty and appealing than water due to their variety of flavors and colors. People are more likely to consume more liquids with sports drinks as a result of these factors. However, they do not hydrate the body as well as water.
They won’t quench your thirst the same way water does. This will result in you drinking more of it. The carbohydrate content in these sports drinks may give you a boost, in addition to the replacement of electrolytes which you may have lost while perspiring.
Water versus Sports Drinks for Children
Kids are more susceptible to dehydration than adults when actively participating in physical activity. There are several reasons for this:
* They have a lower sweat rate (not only on a per gland basis, but in general).* Tolerance for extreme temperatures is less efficient.* There is more skin surface in relation to their body weight being exposed. As a result heat is gained in extreme temperatures.* Their hearts pump less blood.* They have a slower adjustment to exercising when doing so in a hot environment.
Since children are more likely to consume sports drinks over water, give your child a sports drink to consume before, during and after sports. This can reduce the risk of dehydration significantly, thus preventing other heat-related illness as well.
Sports drinks may have the added benefit of calories which could enhance energy and endurance. They are also handy for reducing muscle damage when extreme sports are part of your physical fitness routine. This would include marathons and other workouts that take more than 60 minutes.
However, for workouts lasting shorter periods of time or of lower impact, water is by far the better choice. It’s also more readily available and has the ability to hydrate the body quickly if enough is consumed.

How to Become a Positive Role Model by Practising Heart-Healthy Habits

Becoming a role model for our children by practicing good heart-healthy habits is essential not just for us as adults, but for our children as well.
Statistics show that not only has obesity become a pandemic among adults and children, but that children are now also showing early signs of cardiovascular problems. Among these are high blood pressure, weight gain, high cholesterol, and inactivity.
In order to minimize these factors, parents need to take the lead and begin to demonstrate and effectuate a healthier lifestyle. Let’s face it; children mimic parents – they learn what they are taught and engage in the same habits as their parents.
Thus, it is important to begin the process of a healthy lifestyle before, during, and after a child is born. When a child comes home from school and wants a snack, what was once considered the traditional snack of cookies and milk may not be appropriate today. A piece of fruit or raw vegetables served with low-fat yogurt is much healthier.
Perhaps you have seen the Super Bowl commercial in which parents and kids were shopping for snacks for the game. The items that were included were certainly not healthy or appropriate for children. When children see parents snacking on pretzels, potato chips, donuts, and other foods that are high in trans fats and sodium, they will assume it’s okay to eat and follow these habits.
Children need to be taught early about the merits of choosing foods that are healthier. In addition, regardless of whether the family goes out to dinner or has a prepared meal at home, portion size needs to be a consideration. One of the ways one family addresses this problem is to serve meals on smaller plates.
Find new recipes and/or create meals that provide a balance. Include vegetables, fish, chicken, and fruits in the daily diet.
Family activities that involve exercise can go a long way in teaching children the importance of exercise. If mom and dad are having fun exercising, the children will follow this healthy approach. Restricting TV and/or computer time can also serve as an effective method to reduce a sedentary lifestyle.
Becoming a positive role model for children requires that we set an example every day. Consuming foods that are healthy and nutritious, reducing the portions of foods served and engaging in exercise are all part and parcel of an effective and stimulative process by which children will learn the value of each component. In turn, these components will become a routine part of their daily lives.

Antioxidants and their Healing Powers Explained

Although oxygen is essential for the survival of human beings, it can also be the cause of great damage to our bodies. The oxidation of free radicals can result in the destruction of cell membranes, which can increase the body’s vulnerability to many different kinds of diseases.
One of the most effective ways to neutralize free radicals is to consume foods that are rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the cells in our bodies. When antioxidants are introduced into the body, they act as oxidation targets for free radicals. With the presence of these new targets, the free radicals no longer have to steal oxygen atoms from our cell membranes to fulfill their need to oxidize.
Antioxidants are able to give away or accept electrons without doing any harm to our bodies, and they can keep free radicals from destroying our cells to give us optimum health.
Free radicals can contribute to the development of about sixty different types of diseases. While they can cause milder illnesses such the flu and infections, they can also contribute to occurrences of life-threatening health risks such as heart disease and cancer.
Free radicals can also damage the nerve cells of our brains and cause mental health disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, by controlling the oxidation activities of free radicals, antioxidants are actually performing essential work that can be life-saving. In addition, antioxidants may be effective in slowing down the aging of our cells and bodies.
There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of antioxidants, and these include berries, pink grapefruits, oranges, peaches, apricots, papayas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, red peppers, tomatoes, and carrots. There are also supplements that you can take to boost the level of antioxidants in your body.
To ensure that the free radicals in your body are under control, include foods that contain antioxidants in your daily diet.