7 Interesting Facts about Your Health

Get crushed

Crush garlic before cooking it, suggests the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Heat damages the enzymes in the gloves that prevent blood clots. By crushing it, it minimizes the effect heat may have on it.

Take a scoop

Ice cream may help you get pregnant, thanks to a fat-soluble dairy compound, according to a Harvard School of Public Health Study.

Water log

Are you thirsty or dehydrated? Make use of the water calculator at www.bottledwater.org to check your hydration needs.

Fat attack

A high-fat meal makes it harder for your heart to cope with stress notes a study in in the Journal of Nutrition. Blood pressure can rise after a meal high in saturated fats. So if you have a hectic schedule, pack a healthy lunch.

Main Squeeze

Grapefruit has always been a diet classic; now a study in the Journal of medicinal Food shows how the sweet-and-sour citrus may help weight loss. Citrus keeps insulin levels low, which might help your body burn more fat.

Cancer kicker

Two cups of beans a week cut your risk for colon cancer by 65% says search of the South African Cancer association.

Bye-Bye belly

Another reason to eat breakfast – it may give you flatter abs. Researchers have found that breakfast skippers have bigger tummies than those who regularly have a morning meal.

Health24

10 Secrets to Look 10 Years Younger

Ah…to remain forever youthful…what we wouldn’t give! Aging is an irreversible fact of life. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t techniques to help us keep it at bay. In this article, I share with you 10 secrets to maintaining a youthful appearance.

• Age is just a number. The secret to defying your numerical age has everything to do with attitude. You are what you think and believe about yourself. Feel like an old lady? Well you probably dress, behave and speak like one too. Embrace a youthful and playful attitude about life. Do not sweat the small stuff. Live in the moment. These attitude adjustments will shave off years from your appearance.

• Laugh. Be silly. Play! What? You’re too old? Nonsense! Get some pep in your step and free your mind of all concerns for a couple hours each day. Engage in your hobbies. Get active. Play with children or pets. Do the things you enjoyed as a child. Hang around young people. Spend more time in nature and experience the wonder of creation. The impact of joy in your life is powerful.

• Are you still dressing like you’re back in the 80’s? If so it’s time for an image revamp! Nothing ages us more than being in a clothing time warp. Get an updated look and keep fashionably current with clothing that reflects your personal style.

• Are you getting enough sleep? Most of us need 7-9 hours every night. When we don’t give our bodies enough rest it shows on our face—our eyes look tired, red or puffy, aging us instantly.

• Avoid cakey, thick or heavy makeup on older skin. Makeup face-lift:

1) Plump your skin with a hydrating cream foundation instead of a powder one-creams soften lines and wrinkles rather than settling in them. Same for eye shadow.

2) Brighten your eyes using peach or yellow tone concealers under the eye to mask those puffy dark circles.

3) Radiate you skin using blush high on your cheekbones.

4) Lips: After lipstick apply a pale glossy lip gloss on top for a youthful finish.

• Unless you get botox or surgery no cream will get rid of the wrinkles you already have. But you can reduce their appearance and slow the creation of new ones by using the right moisturizers. I personally like Estee Lauder’s “Advanced Night Repair” eye cream. For all over moisture, look for products that contain retinol and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs).

• Don’t be scared of trying the latest fashion trends. Instead, adapt them to suit your age and body type. I shop in any store regardless of the target market as long as the clothes are made well and fit well. Some of my best finds have been at teen-oriented stores especially for accessories and cute summer tops.

• Do you have the same hairstyle you’ve had for 20 years? Dated hairstyles add years to your look. Get a fresh, stylish haircut from a professional and experiment with new hair colors or highlights. Shoulder length hair or shorter is usually more flattering on older women.

• Don’t underestimate the power of shape wear! Spandex anyone? A bra that lifts and supports is essential and can make you look taller and slimmer in an instant.

• What we resist persists. Kicking and screaming every year we clock another number only makes matters worse. You will become so hyper-focused on every wrinkle or grey hair that the worry that will result will only exacerbate the problem. Accept and embrace aging it is part of our life’s journey. Look at your crow’s feet and laugh lines as a newer, different aspect of your innate beauty. Acceptance is key.

Source: saidaonline.com

Romantic Love Letters

Sometimes we find difficult to express our love, don't worry if you are very nervous, you feel that you can't talk and your hands are sweeting, well that's why romantic love letters exist.

What can be more romantic than sending a handwritten love letter to your loved one, full of romantic words and genuine feelings you have for him/her? Love letters are one of the best ways to show your special loved ones how you feel for them and how much you love them.

A heartfelt love letter also makes the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, but you don't have to just limit yourself to that specific day. Every day is a great opportunity to make your loved one happy by sharing your deepest feelings with him/her.

The great thing about love letters is that you don't have to be a poet or a skilled "writer" to be able to write them. Everyone - and I really mean "everyone" - can do it.

Because they are just about putting your romantic feelings into words genuinely - even in very simple words. 

This openness is what makes love letters special.

To write a more romantic and heart-warming letter, here are some questions that will give you good ideas to write about:

Idea #1:

What was the first time you felt you were in love with him/her? Did anything special happen that made you realize your love?

Idea #2:

What is the #1 thing he/she has that makes you feel so much in love with him/her whenever you think about it? It could be about looks or about personality.

Idea #3:

What positive changes have you made since he/she has entered your life? What valuable lessons have you learned from him/her?

Idea #4:

It's also a good idea to include a heartfelt romantic love poem at the end or the beginning of your letter. Sometimes nothing can show how we feel better and deeper than a good poem.

Idea #5:

And as the last tip: Don't forget to say "I Love You" at the end of your letter. This simple yet effective sentence will really seal the deal in your loved one's mind.

Jenny Love

10 Great Ways to Feel Your Best - Every Day

Do you want to lead a happy, successful and balanced life, yet often find you lack the energy, time and motivation to do everything you'd like?

Sometimes the choices you make lead you even further away from goals. Following are ten practical and do-able suggestions for guiding your daily choices. Incorporating them into your life will bring a renewed sense of vitality and wellbeing; greater contentment with where you're at; more enthusiasm for where you're going; and a restored sense of balance in your life - less the stress!

1. Take Daily Actions toward Inspiring Goals

Having a goal that inspires you makes life much more fun and exciting. It doesn't matter how small your action is, but if you commit to doing one thing every day that moves you closer toward your goal, you'll feel a much greater sense of fulfilment and purpose.

2. Nourish Your Body Better

You can't do your best if you are low in energy or sick. If you take your health for granted and neglect your body it will eventually catch up on you. Nourishing your body with nutritious and fresh food washed down with plenty of water will give you increased vitality and stamina to accomplish your goals and better health and longevity in the longer term. As for your favorite 'not so healthy' treats, practice moderation.

3. Give up Complaining for Doing

Is there something you find yourself continually complaining about or annoyed by - a negative person, a situation, a dripping tap, or a noisy car? If so, ask yourself, "Is there something I can do so I won't need to tolerate this anymore?" If so, do it! Perhaps you need to have a conversation with someone to address an issue - do it now. Otherwise, if it can't be remedied, decide to accept it since complaining only perpetuates your suffering and drains those who have to listen to you.

4. Choose Uplifting Company

On that note, choose to spend as much time as possible with uplifting people who are positive about life and encourage you to live yours fully. Their energy is contagious and so too is that of 'energy drainers'. Minimize the time you spend with people who are forever whining about things, zapping you of your energy and enthusiasm.

5. Plan Ahead and Prioritize

There will never be enough time to do everything but there will always be enough time to do the most important things. However, using your time effectively requires that you clearly define your values and goals, and plan ahead. Consistently ask yourself "What is the highest value use of my time that will make the biggest difference in the longer term?" Don't fall into the trap of letting the urgent things continually distract you from the important.

6. Take "Time Out" for Just You

Nothing is more important than taking regular time out to catch your breath and 'regroup'. One simple yet effective de-stressing technique is to practice "conscious breathing", particularly when you're feeling overwhelmed, hurried or anxious. The simple act of just watching yourself breath slows and deepens your breathing. This extra oxygen in your lungs reduces your pulse and lowers your blood pressure so your heart doesn't have to work so hard.

Another habit to enrich your life is putting time aside daily, even just five minutes, to sit in silence. This will help clear your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. Finally, try journaling to provide greater clarity on where you are, where you want to go and the best way to get there.

7. Don't Over-Commit Yourself

By prioritizing the most important things in your life it is easier to say 'no' to things that are not aligned with what you value most. Before you say 'yes' to something, first consider what it will require you to say 'no' to. You are doing a disservice to everyone, yourself included, when you take on too much and get stressed out by trying to please everyone.

8. Nurture Your Relationships

Relationships are one of the richest sources of joy in our lives yet often the time we invest in them doesn't reflect their importance to us. Make a commitment to spend more time with those you value most in your life. This may require scheduling time in your diary rather than just waiting for a day when you (or they) have nothing else on. Practice listening more and speaking less, allowing yourself to be fully present and open to receiving the richness the time you share offers.

9. Exercise - Use the 1% Rule

You spend about 30% of your week sleeping so it seems reasonable that you could put aside just 1% of your week to exercise. That works out to be three ½ hour sessions (believe me, I've done the math). Exercise not only increases your energy but it reduces your blood pressure, keeps your heart in better shape and the 'feel good' endorphins it releases improve your mood. It's a no-brainer - so stop making excuses and get moving… today!

10. Let Go of Perfection

Focusing on what isn't 100% perfect in your life diminishes your ability to feel contentment and appreciation for all that is wonderful. Also if you need to have everything perfect before you move on to anything else you will get very little done. Give up doing what you believe others think you 'should' be doing or striving to achieve some arbitrary assessment of perfection. Instead, continually ask yourself, "What really and truly matters to me?"

By Margie Warrell

A guide to the exercise Pilates

Pilates is a form of exercise designed to tone, stretch, balance and strengthen the body. This is achieved through a series of body movements combined with a focus of breathing patterns. Although equipment can be used, the technique is similar to yoga in the sense that your body is the only tool you need.

The technique has been used for many years but only recently has it impacted the public consciousness. Nearly everybody knows someone who has tried it or indeed is still doing it.

What will it do for me?

There are many benefits of Pilates but you will only get out what you put in. Don't expect overnight miracles but a genuine level of commitment will produce results sooner than you may think. Pilates can have the following effects:

-Increased agility and flexibility

- Improved body strength without developing significant muscle mass

- Improved balance and co-ordination

- Noticeable toning of the body particularly in the thighs, buttocks and stomach

- An overall feeling of mind and body harmony

Isn't it just the same as yoga?

Pilates incorporates many of the techniques used by its much older sister Yoga. They are both low impact forms of exercise with a focus on posture, flexibility and concentration. However there are differences. Pilates uses a series of machines and tools where yoga only uses the occasional strap or weight. Also in Yoga you move from one static position to another, whereas in Pilates you maintain your posture and perform movements from there.

Saidaonline.com

Nobel Prize

Bob is walking down a country road when he spots Farmer Harris standing in the middle of a huge field of corn doing absolutely nothing. Bob, curious to find out what's happening, walks all the way out to the farmer and asks him, 'Excuse me Farmer Harris, could you tell me what you are you doing?'

'I'm trying to win a Nobel Prize, 'the farmer replies.

'A Nobel Prize?' enquires Bob, puzzled. 'How?'

'Well, I heard they give the Nobel Prize to people who are out standing in their field.'

Jenny Love

Beauty of the Day

Is Teeth Whitening Bad for You?

It seems like every celeb in Hollywood has a set of perfectly white teeth and increasingly, more of your friends and co-workers probably do, too.

Over-the-counter whitening agents abound, with white strips, age-defying chewing gum, paint-on gels, leave-in trays, even brightening toothpaste and mouthwash beckoning to us from store shelves. And while most of these products can instantly boost your confidence, mask your age and help you keep up with the Joneses (or at least the cast of Jersey Shore!), whitening and over-whitening may be damaging to your dental health.

"Tooth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity and that sensitivity is the tooth's warning system that something is wrong," explains Linda C. Niessen, M.D., clinical professor at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas.

Bleachers describe feeling everything from mild tingling and sensitivity to a cold feeling to burning gums to mind-scrambling "zingers."

And while a sensitive reaction to white strips, for example, is more common among younger people (20s to 30s), people who have erosion or abrasion on their teeth and adults who have periodontal (gum) disease, it can happen to anyone. In fact, 82 percent of Americans experience dental pain and sensitivity at some point in their lives. That's why dentists recommend seeing a dental professional to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums before whitening your teeth, explains Niessen. Still want to whiten? Niessen has a few tips:

1. Go easy - No matter how much you want a bright smile, your teeth should never be whiter than the whites of your eyes.

2. Know what's in your mouth - If you have composite fillings, crowns or veneers that were made to match the original colour of your front teeth, these restorations won't whiten (whitening products can't change the colour of porcelain). So if you whiten your natural teeth, your fillings, crowns or veneers may not match and that's a much bigger fashion faux pas than slightly yellowed natural teeth.

3. Lower your standards - The blinding white teeth that grace magazine covers are often the result of Photoshop or veneers, not tooth whitening. Those standards are impossible to achieve. Our advice: don't chase a mirage.

4. Tailor your whitening experience. Using lower concentration products or decreasing the frequency of the whitening can help alleviate sensitivity and help you achieve results gradually without overdoing it. When using at-home whitening trays, for example, keep them in your mouth for 15 minutes instead of 30, and instead of everyday use, use them once or twice a week. Going the professional route? Ask your dentist for a treatment with a new biocompatible ingredient called NovaMin that can provide immediate sensitivity relief, suggests Nissen. NovaMin reacts with your saliva and the minerals on the tooth's surface to create a barrier that blocks pain.

5. Focus on prevention - If you smoke, stop (not just for your teeth, but for your health, too). Avoid staining foods and beverages (yes that means the java you're sipping right now!). Tea, red wine and blueberries are other offenders. If you've gotta have 'em (and who can resist a daily cup of joe?) brush your teeth immediately after indulging. And see your dentist every six months.

Source: Self Magazine

This Magic Moment

Remember when you began dating your wife or girlfriend?

Those moments when the touch of her hair, the wisp of a kiss or the electricity you felt when holding hands? Do you still feel the same way or do you feel that you are missing some of those feelings?

Of course you still love your mate, probably more than ever before, but unfortunately most of the excitement has, somehow, disappeared.

You have fallen into the same day, in, day out, doldrums. Time has passed and you are into a routine, and by doing so have lost that special feeling you got just by smelling her scent or hearing her voice.

Well, stop thinking about “what was” and start putting some of the excitement and romance back into your life!

Many successful couples, who have been together for many years, know the secret of a successful relationship is always finding ways to keep it fresh, and what I am going to discuss is just one way that you can put the “oomph” back into your lives .

Have you ever felt the smoothness and delicate touch that a silk blouse gives. That shimmery fabric which is so delicate to the touch and sexy, clinging to her body? It is no wonder that the sexiest looking lingerie is made of silk or a satiny material.

So, why not give your loved one a delicate item to share with you in the bedroom. Watch her as she wears this item and as she caresses you with the feel of the garment against your skin.

This, for sure, can bring excitement to your life but there is something else you can share equally, which should give you even more pleasure and a sense of heightened desire. That “something else” is satin sheets. The smoothness of the fabric, cool against your skin, as your bodies glide across this wonderful material, creating a sensual and exciting moment. Wow, it is such a turn-on!

Prepare the moment by putting these fantastic feeling sheets on your bed. Have some sexy lingerie laid out for your mate and light some scented candles to set the mood.

When you first crawl under the sheets it feels a bit cool, but they warm up quickly from the heat of your bodies, full of sexual desire. The feeling of silky satin all around you is so enticing and very erotic.

Shimmery candles…. Satiny sheets…. Sexy lingerie....

A tender touch....

Are you becoming heady, your desires welling up?

Welcome to this magic moment!

By Marina Smiley

Jenny Love

How Muscle Relaxation Can Be Used to Alleviate Pain

Progressive muscle relaxation eases tension and often alleviates pain.

Pain is the body’s way of telling that something is not quite right. Unfortunately it is not always possible to pin down what exactly is wrong, or what the cause of the pain is. Pain is experienced when certain nerve endings are stimulated to send messages of pain to the brain.

Normally, chronic pain is experienced due to an illness or medical condition, for example arthritis. When pain is localized, for instance a headache, heartburn or toothache, it may be due to temporary ailments. Naturally, injuries also trigger pain.

As a remedy, it was found that progressive muscle relaxation can ease tension and subsequently alleviate pain.

Here is what to do:

1. Sit comfortably in a chair with a straight back, with the body in a 90⁰ relation to the chair. The hands must be in the lap and the feet solid on the floor. All clothes, like belt, tie, and other tight fitting clothes must be loosened. When in a comfortable, relaxed composure, take a deep breath and exhale very slowly.

2. The next step is to extent one of the arms in front of the body. Make a tight fist, and tense the muscles of the hand as hard as possible. Keep and hold this position for a count of 5 whilst concentrating on the tension in the hand.

3. Then, slightly relax the hand for a second or two and tense the muscles again for a count of 5.

4. Now, totally release the tension, relax and take a deep breath and very slowly exhale.

5. The next step is to repeat the sequences in 2-4 for the other hand, then for the arms, shoulders and facial muscles, taking deep breaths between each muscle group until the entire upper body is relaxed.

6. When this is done, the same routine must be followed for the lower body, tensing and relaxing muscles of the stomach, buttocks, legs and feet.

7. With the entire body subjected to the tensing and relaxing of muscles, close the eyes and sit quietly and relaxed for at least 5 minutes. Breathe deeply; concentrate on any word that comes to mind, or a number or even a nice scene.

Just remember, pain that is unusual, very tense and last more than one day, growing steadily worse or is accompanied by fever, vomiting and other symptoms, warrants prompt medical attention.

Jenny Love

How to be a good lover

Most men will never have a torso like Jean-Claude van Damme, own a McLaren F1 or be able to recite Shakespeare's love sonnets. That's okay; because a few short steps can turn you into the sort of lover that will make your partner overlook these shortcomings.

Learn the art of sensual massage

Visit your local Body Shop outlet and display no hint of emotion as you buy some of their pricey but hugely useful Sensual Bath and Massage Oil. Or make up your own concoction of oils, including sandalwood, lemon grass, musk and lavender. You can use the essential oils in a burner, or mix it with carrier oil - sweet almond oil is fine - and use it as massage oil. A warning on massage: many blokes rub too hard. Try to rub more softly than you like to be rubbed. By all means work the back (never directly on the spine), shoulders, arms, buttocks and legs, but for a change, massage your partner's face and hands as well. Think of how stress builds up in your face, squinting at a monitor, traffic or dollar-rand exchange rates. It’s the same for her.

Make a special place for love

Yes, there are times for wild, impromptu couplings on your desk, the kitchen counter and car bonnet. But you're likely to rely on your bed as the backdrop for most of your lovemaking, so have a look at what's around it. The photo of your ex has to go, for a start. Ridding the room of clutter is paramount. Even if you don't go for the Scandinavian minimalist look, at least get rid of those all those dusty copies of National Geographic on the bedside table. Some wind chimes, subtle incense can do nicely, and an indoor water feature might be fun. Switch off all phones and the door bell.

Appeal to all the senses

We already mentioned incense. If the sound of the neighbour saying "Lekker-like-a-cracker" (for the 47th time) while he cleans his new swimming pool irks you, maybe it's time to buy a new house, or at least to block out the banality with some white noise courtesy of a fan or a water feature. Dispense with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers CD in favour of something earthier. Some lovers swear by CDs containing only the sound of the crashing sea. Try laying on some food and wine. Strawberries sound clichéd, but when they're small and sweet, late in the season, there are few items that size that are sexier. And they'll leave no doubt about your dishonourable intentions.

Get into shape

Yes, of course you need to work on your abs, but you don't need to win any body-building contests - most women prefer a man with a finely muscled, defined body, especially if he's not obsessive about it. Obsession is fine, as long as it’s in a bottle, not in your head. Regular exercise, not to mention soap and water, ought to suffice. There are some blokes who compensate for being fat by packing on muscle. This only works if you're a Hell's Angel. Forget about seeing your biceps in the mirror and concentrate on shared pleasure.

Learn a bit about tantric sex

No need to paint a dot on your forehead and change your name to Rama Yama Dang Ban. If you learn one trick, make it this one. Spend a long time on devoted foreplay. Then start with shallow thrusting, no more than an inch inside her. Do ten of these, then have one deep, firm thrust. Now work your way back, eight shallow and one deep, seven shallow and one deep ... you get the picture. By the time you get to the end of the cycle, she may want to name a street, town or province after you.

By William Smook

Secrets of Success

Truly one of the most inspiring things anyone can do for themselves is to find gratitude in their everyday life. Contrary to how bleak life may look to you at times, if you could state at least 3-5 aspects of your being with gratefulness, your attitude and outlook will shift.

I believe that Wayne Dyer was the person who stated: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”.

Finding gratitude may be difficult to begin with if negative thinking seems to rule your life, or it seems that everything often goes wrong. Though beginning with saying “Thank You” for all the things that you have (that other people may not have been so lucky) is a great place to start. To have sight, hearing, the ability to walk, to talk, think, and the like are all good reasons to be grateful.

If you begin each day or end each evening with gratitude you will begin to notice how doing something so easy will have such a powerful impact on your life.

After a period of time of being faithful to this concept of displaying gratefulness, amazing things begin to happen with the way you think:

1) You will not longer search to find something to be grateful for, these thoughts will automatically embrace you.

2) You begin to see beauty around you everywhere you look.

3) You start to feel better about yourself.

4) You will find you display a more apathetic attitude towards other people, rather
then a judgemental point of view.

5) Several other aspects of how you view life will shift.

Remember the importance of the statement that “we create our own life”. Let’s begin by taking responsibility for the way we think. So much information and thoughts go through our minds each day, that if we start to control “some” of our thinking, we will eventually be able to control at “lot” of our thinking.

There are several persons that get referred to “Masters” of what they do. Oftentimes, these same “Masters” know the secrets of gratitude. They know that the thoughts they put out to the universe, is what will come back to them.

So begin today. Whether you just speak your thoughts of gratefulness in your mind, or begin to journal each day, (a very powerful method) things will begin to shift for you, and you will feel much more at peace with yourself. You will become your own “Master”.

Shanley Mackenzie

Jenny Love

What to Wear on Your First Date

So you’re really looking forward to the first date, but have no idea what to wear. All these thoughts are running through your mind, “Should I dress casual, sexy, or classy? Should I wear my comfy flats, or my pumps? How should I do my make-up?” It’s only natural for most women to get anxious about these things. After all, the first impression can make or break the date. However, don’t sweat it – with a little preparation, you can set the tone for a successful first date.

Before you start rummaging through the closet, find out what your date has in mind for the special occasion. No dress rehearsal can ever be successful without knowing its purpose. Therefore, get a feel for what the weather, location, and time will be like. You always want to dress for the proper occasion, or else you might end up sticking out like a sore thumb. For example, if your date is taking you out for dinner, don’t show up sporting a tank top or white tee, ripped jeans, and a pair of beach sandals. That is, unless he’s taking you out for some fast food (which I hope is not the case). In addition, make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes. If your date has plans for a romantic walk on the beach, then stilettos might not be such a good idea. New shoes are also not a smart move because they have the potential to do some serious foot damage. Either way, you don’t want to ruin the occasion by suffering from painful blisters.

Whatever the occasion may be, the most important thing is for your outfit to reflect who you are (e.g., trendy people should show off their trendy side, sporty people should show off their athletic side, etc.). Don’t pretend to be somebody you’re not just to impress him. This doesn’t mean that you can’t get a little primped up though, just don’t overdue it. For one thing, apply make-up sparingly – no decent man wants to see his date’s face covered under a face mask. Furthermore, you want to dress with good taste and comfort because a classy and confident girl is the key to having fun. Don’t go for the too baggy, too tight, or too sleazy look. Make sure your outfit is the perfect fit and feel. The nuisance of adjusting your clothing and sucking in your stomach throughout the date is the last thing you want to happen.

After you have that perfect outfit set and ready to flaunt, try it on before hand. Even though you might like what you see, there’s no guarantee that you’ll like it on you. What if it doesn’t feel right? What if there is an imperfection, such as a hole or stain? The bottom line is you don’t want to end up feeling uncomfortable and then having to scramble something together at the last minute.

In short, a little preparation ahead of time can go a long way. Just be sure to dress accordingly. Always keep in mind that with taste and comfort brings class and confidence. This is a sure ingredient to the success of your first date.

Courtesy: Elizabeth Nobukuni

Jenny Love

Eat for beauty

The term 'beauty comes from within' traditionally means that personality, kindness and compassion are just important as the way you look. If you're beautiful on the inside, you'll be beautiful on the outside too.

However, this common saying can also be taken to mean that beauty grows from what we put into our bodies, namely the food we eat.

We all know our diet contributes to our body weight but it's also intrinsically linked to our skin, hair and nails.

Without, drinking sufficient water and eating enough fruit and vegetables, we won't get the vitamins, minerals and fluids our skin needs.

No amount of face creams and serums can compensate for a poor diet.

But it's important not to go overboard with your diet. The key is a healthy, balanced diet... one that you have more than a remote chance of maintaining.

Jenny Love

The Five Golden Rules of Home Safety

1. Teach everyone in your household the emergency telephone numbers and keep them next to the phone!

2. Read all package inserts, labels and instructions. Follow all instructions listed by the manufacturer.

3. Attend a first aid course and ensure that anyone who is caring for your child does the same.

4. Identify potentially unsafe objects, products and situations in and around your home and make them safe.

5. Never dismiss you child for reporting potential dangers in and around your home. Reward them for their quick thinking and get them involved in safety.

Jenny Love

Burnout alert

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed and emotional? Find out if you are heading for a burnout disaster.

Stress is part and parcel of modern life but if you don't manage it properly it has the potential to wreak havoc and may eventually lead to a clinical condition referred to as burnout.

Burnout, explains clinical psychologist, Cecile Gerick, is more than just being tired. "In most cases of burnout the body manifests some or other disease because the mind has been overwhelmed and stressed for a long period of time. This stress build up can happen over months or sometimes even years and the results are feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness. Burnout is a total physical, mental and emotional energy drainer."

Pretoria-based clinical and consulting psychologist, Lerato Mabenge, says when you find that your usual stress coping mechanisms are no longer meeting the demands of your daily life, it is a sign that you are depleted and are at high risk of burning out.

Exhaustion vs burnout

We are all likely to suffer from exhaustion at some point in our lives. But Gerick says, unlike burnout, exhaustion is a physical condition that inadvertently impacts your mental state of mind. "Most driven people suffer from exhaustion because they want to do more than what the body is capable of. In most cases exhaustion is caused by factors such as long working hours, being up at night with a sick child or having an emotionally draining argument. In such instances when the person has enough rest and sleep, preferably over a whole weekend, their energy levels are restored to normal."

Burnout on the other hand is more debilitating and can trigger volatile behaviour. "The main symptom of burnout is constant and unabated fatigue but it is coupled with feelings of worthlessness, lack of acknowledgement at work or at home, anxiety and generally being overwhelmed by life's challenges," explains Gerick.

Burnout candidates

While just about anybody who feels like they're carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders can suffer from burnout, there are some people who are more prone to it. Mabenge says healthcare workers and police officers who have intense and emotionally charged working environments are very susceptible to burnout because of the continually stressful nature of their work. Gerick says in her experience burnout patients are most frequently people with an A-type personality: ambitious, driven, strive too much for perfection and expect everything to be done their way. These personality types she says are more susceptible to burnout because they often feel disappointment that they are not rewarded for their efforts.

Treatment

There is no quick fix when it comes to burnout and treatment is often a multi-pronged approach that involves serious lifestyle changes, such as exercising, changing your diet and intense therapy or counselling. "It is important to get psychological help to enable the brain to form new neurological paths. This adjustment will bring about a different response to the way the person handles situations," says Gerick. Burnout patients, she says, must learn to become pro-active instead of reactive, which results in impulsive behaviour towards challenges and stress that will lead them right back down the burnout route.

Positive self-talk and a positive support structure is an important part of the healing process. It is also important for people in recovery to get fresh air and exercise, and find time and space to recharge their batteries. Depending on your work and your financial situation, this might involve taking a sabbatical or extended sick leave.

No matter what option you choose, remember there is no timeline to treatment and you must be prepared to make time for your recovery.

Acknowledgement: True Love

True beauty

True beauty is in the way she laughs

True beauty is in her eyes

True beauty is how she acts

True beauty is inside

True beauty is unseen

True beauty is only felt

True beauty is not mean

True beauty is herself

True beauty can't be cruel

True beauty is bare

True beauty within you

True beauty is always there

True Beauty can't be covered with makeup

True beauty means true love

True beauty can't be baked up

True beauty is the flight of a dove

True beauty has no flaws

For True beauty is all that matters after all

Jean Pullman

The beauty of life!

Got Rhythm?

Want to thrive while juggling job and family?  Get into a regular rhythm of work and rest.  It's as vital as inhaling and exhaling.

The right rhythm for you is uniquely yours. 

A daily period of 10 to 20 minutes to relax and rejuvenate can do wonders.  You might decide that one day per week; you'll avoid work related to your paid job and keep household chores to a minimum.  Vacations of several days or longer are marvellous to look forward to.

The key is to make periods of relaxation a regular part of your weekly, monthly and yearly schedule.

START SMALL.

Short breaks are the easiest to schedule.  Even moms with toddlers can manage a few minutes a day to read, pray, stretch or whatever else helps you find your center.

During the spring when my first child was learning to walk, I benefited enormously from spending just five minutes a day reading The Physics of Star Trek.  Over time, my rhythm came to include longer rest periods, with even greater benefits.

Now, if I slip out of my rhythm, my family reminds me to get back into it.  They can tell the difference in me!

So, don't wait until you're frazzled and depleted.  If you haven't do so already, start experimenting to today to find your own, unique rhythm of work and rest.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED:

On what day or days of the week can I most successfully claim time for myself? What time of day works best? What activities will I avoid during my "time off"? What activities will promote inner calm and vitality?

Enjoy!

 By Norma Schmidt
Who is Sylvia Kristel?