STRESS

Stretching... Stretching daily will help keep you limber, your joints and muscles flexible and prevent serious injury should you fall. This is especially important as we age. I am currently focusing on stretching exercises this week (and last week) on my blog. During your shower... Take your shower at your normal water temperature. When you are finished, instead of just turning the tap off; turn it down to a cooler setting for 5 seconds, then back to where you were, then back to cool for 5 seconds, then to off. This temperature variance will help increase your blood circulation as well as refresh you. Gently exfoliate your skin with a washcloth (or loofah) to slough off dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and increase lymph drainage. Work toward the heart, starting with the extremities and then the torso. There is no need to rub vigourously or apply excessive pressure. Water before meals... Drink a glass of water about 30 minutes before your main meals -- it will help to control your appetite by creating a sense of 'fullness', thereby reducing the amount of food you intake at your meal. This is a simple, easy to apply, weight loss strategy. How often should I drink water? Drink small amounts of water throughout the entire day instead of guzzling large amounts at one sitting. It is easier for the body to assimilate and utilize the water in smaller quantities. As the body 'learns' that it can trust you to supply water for its functioning, it will store less for the future (as in reduced water retention). Water closer to body temperature is absorbed into the system faster than cold or hot water. Water with Lemon Drink a glass of water (warm or cool) upon awakening, with lemon – this helps flush your body’s systems and get everything flowing for the day. Wait approximately 30 minutes before eating anything else. How much water should I drink? A general guideline for how much water you should drink to keep your body hydrated for optimal health (cell function, lubrication, detoxification, absorptions of vitamins and minerals ...) is: