There are various online fitness training with great resources you can consult to help you shape your workout. You don't have to spend all your hard earned money, but just a little fee for membership and you will be given access to all their online fitness training resources.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296yQAd
Our mission is to advice, and to make the people of the world healthier through the power of information.
How to Lose Your Fat Stomach
This article will show you how to lose your fat stomach and become more healthy. More and more people today are joining the weight loss and fitness bandwagon in the attempt to have a more healthy life.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29hPjqF
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29hPjqF
We Need to Stop Hating on Butter
Butter is not the monster we once thought it was. A new, impressively large study calls butter a middle-of-the-road food—better for you than soda but worse than blueberries. That’s a big upgrade from the way we talked about the spreadable dairy product at the height of the low-fat diet craze.
And while it's neutral when it comes to nutrition, butter is phenomenal at adding flavor (browning it makes dishes unbelievably tasty). Though like anything else, the study's authors say it's best enjoyed in moderation.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29aKlcV
Yes, Subways Are Full of Germs, But They Probably Won't Make You Sick
If you live in a big city, we've got great news: It’s super unlikely riding the subway will make you sick. Public transportation isn't all that clean, but a new study found the microbes you come in contact with aren't usually the kind that cause illness. (There are more pathogens in our guts than on trains and buses.) Most of the bacteria researchers found were leftover from normal skin contact, so it's basically like shaking hands with a lot of people you'll never meet. We know that visual may be enough to make you want to wash your hands.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/296nThU
Sad but True: Exercise Doesn't Help Much With Weight Loss
When it comes to losing weight, eating healthy has a much bigger impact than spending time at the gym. As this video from Vox explains, weight loss is more complicated than just calories in versus calories out. Plus we burn the most calories doing routine things (like breathing and digesting food), not sweating it out at the gym. This isn't to say you shouldn't work out—regular exercise comes with tons of health benefits—but don't expect more gym time to always lead to weight loss.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29bCo6v
What Someone Who Struggles With Mental Illness Wants You to Know
Dealing with depression and anxiety can be a lonely existence. It's hard to explain to others how you’re feeling, especially if you don’t understand it yourself. That's what makes this short video from The Mighty so powerful. People who have struggled with mental illness share the things they want their Sig O to know ("I love you even when I don't love me"), plus the sentiments apply to family and friends too.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29bnnVX
The Part You Dread Most About Gyno Visits Is Actually Unnecessary
Yep, that’s right: Most healthy women can say good-bye to the part of checkups where their gyno whips out a speculum to peak around the inner workings of their vagina. Earlier this week, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group of leading health experts, said there’s no evidence pelvic exams—the poking or prodding that happens down there—have real benefits. (This recommendation doesn't apply to women who are pregnant or have preexisting symptoms that would specifically warrant an exam.) But for most women, there's now less reason to dodge the gyno.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29aNRHo
Check These Quick Facts About the Alkaline Diet and Water
Confused about whether you should start with alkaline diet and water? Here are some quick pointers.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29e8m3t
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29e8m3t
This Is What Highly Paid People Have in Common
You might think that white-collar workers clock in for the 9-to-5 grind, while service employees work longer hours at a smaller wage. But according to new research published by the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, this isn't always the case in the U.S.
Recent data shows highly paid Americans (think people who work in law, business management, engineering, and finance) often put in more than 40 hours per week, whereas people in low-income service jobs, like health care support and food preparation, actually work less. This article by The Week discusses the trend and how it might be the result of the competitive job market and the cutthroat nature of high-paying industries. Click below to read the full story.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28OfDqI
The Secret Ingredient You're Missing for Stronger Motivation
I hear it all the time. Whether it’s a friend who is struggling to lose weight or someone I overhear in line for coffee, there’s always a hint of desperation in their voice: “I know what to do to lose weight, I just need to do it. I need to get more motivated.”
There is a grain of truth to this statement. If you can find the right source of motivation, you’d shock yourself with the things you could accomplish. But if you’re even thinking this way in the first place, you probably already know how important it is to eat well and stay active. You are motivated. In fact, you might even be motivated enough to sign up with a personal trainer or pay a nutritionist to overhaul your diet.
So why is it still so hard to follow through on these commitments? Often the problem is not your level of motivation but a counterproductive mindset that undermines it.
Breaking Bad Habits
Ironically, though, no one is as hard on you for your shortcomings as you are on yourself. When you hit snooze one too many times and miss your training appointment or come home late from work and heat up a frozen burrito for dinner, you’re the harshest judge. Mike will still get paid, after all.
As motivated as you are, events like these can be crushing. You blame yourself for the slipup. You question your motivation. You wonder if you have what it takes to be a healthy person or if you’re doomed to kill yourself with your own bad habits. Maybe it’s in your genes to be lazy and being healthy is impossible for you. Ugh. What could be more demotivating?
A common misconception is that people who are able to create healthy habits have a tremendous amount of discipline—that they are able to wake up early and go to the gym no matter how dark and cold it is outside. As if they are capable of torturing themselves indefinitely and that trait somehow makes them better people.
Here's Why That's a Myth
I call this a Problem-Solving Mindset. The Problem-Solving Mindset is powerful because it takes emotions out of the equation and forces you to address the reality of the situation. Rather than judging yourself for being lazy, you can acknowledge that you were tired and ask why.
Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep or have too many demands on you at work. What can you do so that you can feel well-rested when you wake up in the morning? You have self-compassion by acknowledging that oversleeping is a consequence of being tired and that being tired is normal when you don’t get enough restful sleep. Oversleeping doesn’t make you lazy; it means you need to figure out how to give yourself the fuel and rest you need to function at your best.
Instead of being harsh on yourself and performing worse under the pressure, you must take care of yourself so that you can perform better. There’s no value in beating yourself up. If your best friend or child were struggling with a similar situation, would you just assume they’re hopeless and give up on them? Of course not. You would be kind, listen to their concerns, do your best to point out the positives, and steer them toward the answer. You must treat yourself with the same dignity. Not only do you deserve it, it’s also the only way to solve your problem.
The healthiest people practice self-compassion when something they wanted to accomplish doesn’t go the way they'd hoped. This gives them the mental clarity and emotional distance to adopt the Problem-Solving Mindset and have the best shot at getting it right the next time.
This post originally appeared on Summer Tomato. Darya Rose, Ph.D is the author of Foodist, and creator of Summer Tomato, one of TIME's 50 Best Websites. She eats amazing things daily and hasn't even considered going a diet since 2007. To learn more about getting healthier and feeling your best, sign up for the Summer Tomato weekly newsletter (and free starter kit).
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/1WlO4pt
The Crazy Thing We Didn't Know About Burning Fat (Until Now)
Burning fat: it’s something we do every day, whether sleeping or powering through a high-intensity workout. But few of us ever sit back and think what’s actually happening when we burn fat—and where it goes.
It turns out that most doctors, dietitians, and trainers even get it wrong. They tend to think that fat gets turned into energy and released as heat, but a recent study confirms that we exhale the fat we’ve burned as carbon dioxide 1 . A smaller percentage of fat leaves our body as water—sweat, urine, tears. Crazy, right? (It’s not exactly as simple as it sounds—unfortunately hyperventilating won’t help you shed those few extra pounds.) Lucky for us, our friends at the SciShow break down all of the chemistry to help us wrap our heads around this mind boggling information.
Works Cited
- When somebody loses weight, where does the fat go? Meerman R, Brown AJ. British Medical Journey. 2014 Dec 16;349:g7257.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29gv0tk
The No. 1 Myth About Yoga (And How Learning the Truth Can Change Your Life)
Are you flexible? I don’t mean, “Can you touch your toes?” Because honestly that’s not important to me. When it comes to yoga, it doesn't matter if you're “flexible.” That's a myth. What matters is that you show up. And breathe. And do your best with breath. With a clear intention.
Allow me to explain. I believe that emotional, mental, and spiritual flexibility are virtuous and life-enhancing, and when it comes to yoga practice, paramount. My metaphor of choice: Compared to reeds in the field, trees look strong. But when the storms come, the trees can be uprooted, while the reeds move back and forth with the wind (read: change) and remain grounded. They’re still standing when the storm (read: drama) passes.
When you cling to anything—your thoughts, beliefs, positions, possessions—and aren't willing to let your heart and mind bend back and forth a bit with the ideas and actions of others, you can easily be uprooted and slammed. One email can throw you off; gossip can flatten you.
Being like a reed doesn't mean being wishy-washy. It means moving a little with the winds of the time and change while remaining solidly anchored in the earth. In other words, flexible while deeply rooted.
Bend the Rules—It’s Good for the Soul
So just how flexible are you? Would you identify yourself as intense or as someone who has a hard time laughing or enjoying things that challenge your opinions or routine? Might the people in your life describe you as rigid? Or are you open-minded and flexible, with an ability to be light and appreciate silliness?
When it comes to your own flexibility, what are you teaching your children, family, colleagues, and friends—or lack thereof?
Another way to assess your openness and/or emotional flexibility (besides asking and being honest with yourself) is to notice how you respond when someone brings up something new—a different plan than you expected, an idea, or a concept. Are you reactive or open? Do you cling to the "original plan" or are you open to another suggestion? Do you agree with what is proposed from a place of people-pleasing but feel emotionally resentful or angry? Does your body tense up, or do you feel stress and aggravation?
The next time something new is proposed, become curious, notice what goes down. Think of it as a journey, not a judgment of yourself. If what you notice on that journey is that you aren't as open and emotionally flexible as you thought or had hoped, that’s great too, because now you have awareness and can take simple steps toward change. Because an open, loving heart and mind will translate into more joy in your life.
6 Simple Steps to Improve Every Day
There are so many things you can do to cultivate openness and emotional flexibility. As the founder of Prana Power Yoga™, it’s not surprising that I’d suggest getting on your mat. But you don’t need to do it every morning at 4 a.m. for 90 minutes with incense burning. It can literally be two minutes on your mat (which you can place strategically next to your bed before you fall asleep at night) in rag doll (standing forward bend) while slowly breathing in and out and setting your intention for the day.
Here are some simple steps you can take toward cultivating openness and emotional flexibility:
1. Slow down. Breathe. Make eye contact with the person with whom you are speaking. This will allow you to be fully present, which is a precursor to being open.
2. Listen. Very few people actually listen. It's astonishing to me. If you are a good listener you will just naturally be more open and emotionally available. And you will have many friends!
3. Count to 10 in your head before responding. Maybe you don’t need a full 10 seconds, but the point is to pause and take in what the person is telling you before reacting or thinking about your response.
4. Wake up 15 minutes earlier and sit quietly with your eyes closed. Set an intention for your day and visualize how you would like it to go. See yourself smiling and open. See others smiling back at you and interacting with you in a positive way.
5. Try something new every day, even if it’s just eating something different for breakfast. Build a new pathway. Openness and emotional flexibility are muscles like anything else. So all it takes is practice, practice, practice.
6. Get on your yoga mat as often as possible. (It’s worth repeating because it works.)
People often ask me, “Does a regular yoga practice lead to more spiritual and emotional flexibility or is spiritual flexibility required to start a yoga practice?"
All that is needed to start a yoga practice is showing up to your mat. That's it! The rest will take care of itself. Yoga will meet you where you are. Always.
Yoga doesn’t require physical flexibility (the No. 1 myth about yoga and the reason more people don’t show up to practice), but it will naturally come about over time. And even more fun and amazing, once you cultivate a consistent yoga practice, emotional and spiritual flexibility will also come easier. It won't require thought or planning or angst. You’ll just start to notice—and so will others!—that you’re becoming more flexible in these areas. And just like the reed, the "storms" will be much easier to navigate.
Taylor Wells is the founder and owner of Prana Power Yoga™ (with five studios in Massachusetts and New York), author of Create the Best Life Ever, and a United Nations Yoga Peace Ambassador. As a spiritual teacher, Wells has taught at numerous workshops and events nationwide, including Longevity Now and The Nantucket Yoga Festival. She's a happy mother of five and live outside of Boston. To learn more, follow her on Twitter @TaylorWells77 and @PranaPowerYoga.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29aDiQF
Losing Weight With Hypothyroidism, Is It Possible?
Maintaining a healthy weight can be a struggle when you're living with hypothyroidism. Like many people with untreated hypothyroidism, the symptoms include weight gain, high cholesterol (at a young age), mild depression, blood pressure issues, being tired and cold much of the time, in a brain fog, hair loss, dry skin, low energy, low sex drive, and so much more. Many hypothyroid patients struggle with an inability to lose weight. If this sounds like you or someone you know keep reading!
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29ggoKy
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29ggoKy
Health Is Not About Appearances
Health is not about the way you look as this is one facet of your entire being. Many people obsess with their bodies, to attain the perfect physique to the detriment of their health. They scrutinise their physical appearance with earnest, you'd think they were sculpturing the David. However, this is harmful in the long run.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/299HYr4
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/299HYr4
Eat Out, Eat Healthy and Lose Weight
Take a minute to listen to my top 3 dining out tricks so you can continue to eat out AND stick to your healthy eating plan. Also, I have a delicious SHRIMP SCAMPI RECIPE for you. This recipe is so easy and quick (15 minutes) you might just decide to stay home and cook dinner for your friends instead of eating out.
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29x9RYC
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29x9RYC
Calling All Men to Focus on Scoring Better Health
June recognizes a number of health-related dates. It is noted as Men's Health Month and includes Men's Health Week. Additionally there is also Wear Blue Day the color that is designated to raise awareness and educate men and women about the importance of men's health. Whether it is a day, a week or the entire month, I want to encourage men to note and not ignore the signals their bodies may send that there is something out of order.
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/299DP6b
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/299DP6b
What Everyone Ought to Know About Poop
Poop may still not be a topic at the dinner table, preferably not. You should, though, pay attention and be aware of changes that occur to determine if long term your gut is in good health.
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29dJFE6
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29dJFE6
A 10-Minute Cardio Workout for Killer Legs
We use our legs for everything—from getting out of bed in the morning to an after-work run with a friend—so sometimes it's easy to overlook workouts that focus on the lower body. But this quick, cardio barre sequence is a must-try.
In less than 10 minutes, you'll plié and pulse your way to stronger legs with a few fast-paced, ballet-inspired moves. Just because it's short doesn't mean you won't break a sweat and get your heart rate up. The best part: You can literally roll out of bed to do this. It requires nothing but your own body weight (an exercise mat is optional), so it's perfect for those hectic mornings when you want to fit in a workout but don't have a ton of time.
Press play to get started or leave this page open on your phone so that when your alarm goes off in the morning, you can get right to it.
Looking for more short and effective at-home workouts? Grokker has thousands of routines, so you’ll never get bored. Bonus: For a limited time, Greatist readers get 40 percent off Grokker Premium (just $9 per month) and their first 14 days free. Sign up now!
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/299QUvO
The Fact That Miss Teen USA Is Replacing Swimsuits With Athletic Wear Is Laughable
Photo: Miss Teen USA
Beauty pageant organizers have long claimed the swimsuit competition measures athleticism, but we all know it really sizes up another kind of asset. That's why it's big news that Miss Teen USA is scrapping swimsuits for athletic wear. Sure, it's a step in the right direction, but if you really want to measure athleticism, contestants should do something, well, athletic instead of posing on stage. How cool would it be if participants had to do burpees, push-ups, or planks?
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/295U1TD
5 No-Sweat Weight Loss Tips To Burn Calories And Shape Your Curves
Typically, you'd expect your efforts to shed off pounds to be heroic. It's as if you have to exert an endless amount of trying to look lean and fit. But there are actually stress-free weight loss tips that can have you burning calories without working out for hours or depriving yourself of yummy treats.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/297F3ip
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/297F3ip
Cookie Dough Is Making People Really Sick (And It Has Nothing to Do With the Eggs)
We know we shouldn't eat cookie dough, but we thought the worst thing that could happen after licking the spoon was salmonella poisoning, which usually means an upset stomach and diarrhea. But the FDA just released a stern warning to avoid raw dough after flour contaminated with E. coli sent 10 people to the hospital and sickened 38 more. The outbreak led General Mills to voluntarily recall 10 million pounds of flour (to see which brands are included, click here). Thankfully, chowing down on baked cookies is still a-OK—the heat from the oven kills the bacteria.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/299k65t
Most Women Shave Their Pubic Hair for Better Hygiene. Here’s Why That’s a Bad Idea
Almost all women—a whopping 84 percent—groom their pubic hair (or have done so in the past), according to a new study in JAMA Dermatology. What's more surprising: More than half of the women surveyed say they shave to be cleaner, but it's actually more hygienic to keep the hair down there. We've already written about the drawbacks of shaving your pubic hair—it cuts down the likelihood you'll get lice but increases your chances of getting STIs. But if you need more reasons to go full bush, click the button below:
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/298g15P
How to Booze and Still Be Able to Work Out the Next Day
If you’re looking to throw back a few without throwing off your workout the next day, check out these tips from John Romaniello, founder of Roman Fitness Systems. He says it's all about balancing booze, food, and water. This suggestion doesn't ignore the fact that alcohol can be full of empty calories, but as long as you’re mindful of what you drink and eat, you can maximize fun time without worrying about undoing the progress you've made at the gym.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/293o2Ti
Why Natural Peanut Butter Is Probably a Waste of Money
Natural peanut butter seems healthier than Skippy—at least that's what convinces us to splurge on the runny, less tasty kind. But The Atlantic's James Hamblin, M.D., says we can save our money (and our taste buds). Even though we avoid bad-for-you hydrogenated oils and added sugar when opting for the all-natural variety, most of us don't eat enough peanut butter for it to really impact our health.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/2985UOh
Principles for Sharing Local Electronic Patient Records Across Organisations
New General Practice system which allows healthcare professionals to access detailed information on patient consultations from across different organisations in the UK. The British Medical Association (BMA) has set high level principles to support GP practices record sharing systems.
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296bxaJ
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296bxaJ
Are Three Day Diets The Fastest Way To Lose Weight?
Do three-day diets actually help you to lose weight quickly? If so, are they dangerous to health? Read on to discover the truth...
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296YEyE
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296YEyE
What Are The 5 Best Ingredients Found In A Fat Burner Supplement?
It can really be hard to work for six-pack abs, but now the rules of the game have changed. Companies have now manufactured potent fat burner supplement products that can have you working out with a bit of ease for your six pack abs.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/292yUkq
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/292yUkq
Victory Over the Weight
Either you control your weight or your weight controls you. You have power over the scale and you are a winner! It is all about choices and taking action.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296K4Yq
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296K4Yq
Victory Over the Weight
Either you control your weight or your weight controls you. You have power over the scale and you are a winner! It is all about choices and taking action.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296K4Yq
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296K4Yq
Lose Weight Without Suffering Doing These 6 Easy Things
When you think about losing weight, you cringe because the first thing that comes to mind is having to go on a diet. It should be called "die at it", because that's how it feels. There are safer, easier way to lose weight, permanently.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29qibZU
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29qibZU
Mercer Infection - What It Is, Treatment and Prevention Ideas!
Right now there are some nasty bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Plus there are some really bad news when you use antibiotics. Discover some cool alternative medicine to take down these super bugs and how to prevent getting them.
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296uuO0
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296uuO0
Adele's Breakup Playlist Is Exactly What We Need on Sad Days
Adele has earned her title as the undisputed queen of breakup songs—we listen to "Someone Like You" when we're feeling down and instantly tear up during the first few notes of "Hello."
But what does the pop superstar listen to when she's had her own heart broken? Thanks to an interview with People, we now know. If you've already memorized the breakup anthems from her three albums, give this playlist a listen:
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/299ZwFv
This Guy Just "Married" His Smartphone to Make a Point About Our Commitment to Technology
Recently, filmmaker Aaron Chervenak headed to a chapel in Las Vegas for a somewhat unconventional union. He "married" his smartphone to encourage others to think about just how attached they are to their phones, he says in the YouTube video. He compares having a phone to being in an intimate relationship: After all, many of us rely on technology around the clock, checking emails as soon as we wake up and scrolling through social media before falling asleep. Unsurprisingly, the marriage was not exactly legal, but we consider the "symbolic gesture" a success.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/293n9iv
Chipotle Just Made Getting Free Burritos Way Too Easy
Not that we ever need an excuse to eat burritos, but Chipotle just gave us some extra incentive. Starting July 1, the company will launch Chiptopia, a rewards card where you earn one free meal for every four you buy during the summer months. The program is a thinly veiled way to win back customers scared away from the fast-casual restaurant after E. coli outbreaks at multiple locations in the last year. And as much as it pains us to admit it, our love of burritos (especially free ones) trumps our disdain for corporate gimmicks. So if you need to find us anytime soon, check the nearest Chipotle.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/294Sgbb
7 Fat-Melting Vitamins And Nutrients To Include In Your Weight Loss Diet
With the right weight loss diet, you can accelerate your fat loss and weight reduction by 70%. That is, with the intake of the most efficient kinds of foods, you can melt the fat which makes your exercise routine work double time over. It's all about consuming fat-melting nutrients in your weight loss diet plan.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/294JHx1
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/294JHx1
This Plus-Size Woman Had a Stellar Response After Being Told to "Rethink Those Shorts"
When it's hot out, you put on a pair of shorts. The outfit choice doesn't mean you're inviting comments from strangers. But that's exactly what happened to Brynne Huffman. While waiting in line at the UPS store, a woman told Huffman: "You should probably rethink the shorts." The painfully ironic part? This woman was wearing a coexist t-shirt, which promotes tolerance. So Huffman responded: "Rethink your shirt."
Check out a photo of Huffman in the now-famous shorts and read an excerpt of her story, originally posted on the Love What Matters Facebook page, below:
Today I put on a pair of mid-thigh denim shorts, a flowy white blouse, flip flops and left the house to run a couple errands...
My second errand of the morning was a drop off at the UPS store. I stood in line between two women. Woman No. 1 in front of me was about 60. As I took my place in line behind her, she smiled and complimented me on my tan and my hair. We chitchatted about the weather and children until it was her turn at the counter.
It the spirit of paying it forward, I turned to Woman No. 2 behind me and smiled. Woman No. 2 was probably about 30-35, very attractive, about a size 8, wearing a shirt that says "COEXIST."
She says: "Your hair really is amazing." ::cocks head to side:: "You should probably rethink the shorts though."
My face instantly flushes, not out of embarrassment but anger. No, not anger. Rage... Because I don't have time to get arrested today, what came out was this:
"You should probably rethink your shirt."
I turned around and ignored her until I left the store. I wanted to say more but was afraid, of all things, that I would start crying. All I wanted to do was go home and change my clothes. And THAT made me angry...
You might have an issue with my body. I don't. And I've worked very hard past judgmental family and friends, passed divorce, passed depression to NOT have an issue with my body.
Women. Do not tear each other down.
Celebrate each other.
Every day.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/293OiOy
Watching This Gymnast's Killer Routine Will Get You Pumped for the Olympics
This NBC video featuring gymnast Simone Biles's fierce dance moves and gravity-defying flips is getting us crazy excited for Rio 2016. The 19-year-old star and Olympic favorite went on to win her fourth consecutive all-around national title at the P&G Championships on Sunday following this stunning performance. Excuse us while we go work on our handstands.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/294BYPa
Tips for Effective Communication in Healthcare
In a healthcare setting, effective communication between patients and healthcare professional is very important to provide great patient care and improve patient satisfaction. It encompasses the ability of healthcare professional to collect information in order to facilitate accurate diagnosis, appropriately counseling, therapeutic instructions, and establish caring relationships with patients.
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29aQ3MG
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29aQ3MG
Health Check Up Camp for Underprivileged
Many years have passed after we gained freedom, and India is yet to offer basic healthcare services to its population at large. Government sources state that about 45 kids die every hour owing to respiratory infections and at least one dies every two minutes after suffering from diarrhoea. Again, two million children in the 0-5 age group die every year owing to preventable diseases. All this happened because they were not able to get healthcare facilities on time.
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29oP35t
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29oP35t
Now's the Time to Take the Leap Into Data Virtualization
Data virtualization (DV) is making inroads in the healthcare industry. It continues to be a hot topic with many leading industry gurus calling it as a potential game-changer. What most of these experts are opining is that how this seemingly new approach to data management can help them in cost optimization and efficiencies. Understandably, this aspect, out of many others, is of increasing interest to them and us.
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/293YgBs
from Health and Fitness:Healthcare Systems Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/293YgBs
How to Own a Successful Profitable Beauty Salon and Spa
It is generally recognized that a crucial element for owning a successful and profitable beauty salon is the creation of impact advertising; in other words, getting your message across to the consumers, who eventually are the decision makers regarding your success! Unfortunately, many salon owners either advertise in the wrong media or believe they will gain recognition by trial-and-error methods. These are both usually ultimately costly, inefficient and non-effective methods.
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/293nUo3
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/293nUo3
Chelsea Handler Gets Super Candid About Having Two Abortions at 16
For many, abortion is a taboo topic, and that means people who have considered the procedure rarely share their experiences. But comedian Chelsea Handler has never been one to avoid controversial conversations. Case in point: This stellar, super-candid essay in Playboy in which Handler writes about having two abortions at 16. We love that she doesn't mince words here. Handler calls herself irresponsible but doesn't regret her decision:
When I got pregnant at the age of 16, getting an abortion wasn’t the first idea that popped into my unripened brain.
I was going through a very bad stage in my life. I hated my parents, and I was having unprotected sex with my boyfriend, who was not someone I should’ve been having sex with in the first place, never mind unprotected sex. I wasn’t really playing with a full deck of cards, and when I got pregnant I just thought, Why not? I can have a baby. Maybe I’ll have twins and give them rhyming names! Of course, the idea that I would have a child and raise it by myself at that age, when I couldn’t even find my way home at night, was ridiculous. My parents recognized that, so they acted like parents for one of the very first times in my life and took me to Planned Parenthood. I felt parented, ironically, while I was getting an abortion. And when it was over, I was relieved in every possible way.
And I didn’t have just one abortion; I had two in the same year, impregnated by the same guy. I didn’t have the money the second time. I had to scrape together the $230 to pay Planned Parenthood, but it was a safe abortion. Getting unintentionally pregnant more than once is irresponsible, but it’s still necessary to make a thoughtful decision. We all make mistakes all the time. I happened to f*ck up twice at the age of 16. I’m grateful that I came to my senses and was able to get an abortion legally without risking my health or bankrupting myself or my family. I’m 41 now. I don’t ever look back and think, God, I wish I’d had that baby.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/291TNgC
Lena Dunham Links Kanye's New Music Video to Rape Culture
You've probably at least heard about Kanye West's bizarre and disturbing new music video, Famous (NSFW and paywalled), which shows the likenesses of 12 celebrities lying naked in bed together. Yesterday Girls creator Lena Dunham criticized the video in a Facebook post, going so far as to link it to the Brock Turner rape case.
"Make a statement on fame and privacy and the Illuminati or whatever is on your mind!" she wrote to West in one part. "But I can't watch it, don't want to watch it, if it feels informed and inspired by the aspects of our culture that make women feel unsafe even in their own beds, in their own bodies."
It's hard not to feel disgusted by a video that so blatantly invades celebrities' privacy. Our visceral reaction is probably the response West was trying to evoke, but Dunham believes it goes too far. Read an excerpt of her post below and then click here to see the rest.
Let's break it down: at the same time Brock Turner is getting off with a light tap for raping an unconscious woman and photographing her breasts for a group chat... As assaults are Periscoped across the web and girls commit suicide after being exposed in ways they never imagined... While Bill Cosby's crimes are still being uncovered and understood as traumas for the women he assaulted but also massive bruises to our national consciousness... Now I have to see the prone, unconscious, waxy bodies of famous women, twisted like they've been drugged and chucked aside at a rager? It gives me such a sickening sense of dis-ease.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/2927PRp
4 Secret Ways to Remove Stretch Marks
Are you wondering how to remove stretch marks? Here are 4 effective treatments for yo to remove unwanted stretch marks.
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/2910Iu4
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/2910Iu4
The Kick-Ass Women in Dove’s New Ad Refuse to Let Beauty Standards Define Them
We admit to rolling our eyes when we saw yet another Dove campaign about beauty, but this latest ad feels freshly empowering—and is worth a quick watch. The #MyBeautyMySay campaign features a diverse group of women defending their appearances, which other people have criticized for not fitting a particular mold. Kick-ass female boxer Heather was told she was too pretty to fight, but as she so accurately says, "My face has nothing to do with my boxing." Preach.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/290ZbV7
How to Lose Weight Eating Grapefruit
The grapefruit diet is well established as a way to lose weight. But how good is it really? Find out here...
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/292NE94
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/292NE94
10 Health Problems Caused by Computer Use and How to Win Them
Sedentary way of life spent in front of a computer screen causes many health problems. The welcome news is that anyone could perform preventive measures to get rid of the symptoms and avoid the diseases caused by prolonged sitting and computer screen glare.
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296hwjY
from Health and Fitness Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/296hwjY
This Supreme Court Decision Is a Huge Deal for Women's Health
On Monday the highest court in the U.S. overturned a Texas law that would have significantly restricted access to abortions. If the law were to go into effect, three quarters of the state's clinics would likely close for not meeting the requirements: employing doctors with admitting privileges at local hospitals and meeting standards for surgical centers.
The law was proposed to allegedly ensure the safety of women undergoing abortions, but Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made a great point in her written opinion about the lack of similar restrictions on more dangerous operations: "Many medical procedures, including childbirth, are far more dangerous to patients, yet are not subject to ambulatory surgical center or hospital admitting-privileges requirements."
The decision doesn't just affect Texas. It will likely end similarly restrictive laws in 12 other states, greatly increasing women's accessibility to abortion clinics nationwide.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/290cIIl
How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
There are three main activities which play a role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They are strength training, cardiovascular exercise and having a wholesome and balanced diet.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/291AmH7
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/291AmH7
5 Quick and Easy Workouts From the Next Fitness Star Finalists
Each year Women's Health scours the country for the best up-and-coming trainers in search of The Next Fitness Star. We asked this year's finalists to share a fun, do-anywhere workout with us, and boy did they deliver. Check out their moves below and then vote for your top pick at TheNextFitnessStar.com.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/291y09Y
This Troubling Video Shows the Kind of Emotional Abuse Most of Us Don't Notice
It's not just name-calling and derogatory put-downs that classify as emotional abuse. As this Buzzfeed video shows, it can be more subtle and often go unnoticed. Emotional abuse can be especially difficult to recognize in same-sex relationships. As one question from the video points out, "She's a woman—so she's excused from treating other women like sh*t?" It's long (about 15 minutes), so if you don't have time to watch the whole thing, focus on this key takeaway: If you feel disrespected, mistreated, or manipulated by your partner in any way, or if someone you trust expresses concern about your relationship—don't ignore it.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/297NtY0
Why the Best Way to Lose a Fat Belly Isn't Quite What You Think
If you're experiencing a mid body crisis, and you've been asking yourself 'is there a way to lose belly fat,' then you will be delighted to discover some of the tell-tell signs behind your arrival at this juncture in your life and how to steer well away from them. And so if you want to know the best way to lose belly fat, this article will offer tips on how to dump that gut where it belongs--in the gutter.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/2919k1J
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/2919k1J
Know The Myths And Facts About Weight Loss Supplements
"Oh if I could just lose weight and look absolutely sexy by popping a magic pill" is the secret dream of many weight loss seekers. With so many weight loss supplement manufacturers claiming that you could basically get thinner and lose fat by taking colorful capsules, a large number of overweight individuals are simply taken on.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/2903BM0
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/2903BM0
Deconstructing 3 Myths About Strength Training For Women
You've heard all the marketing schemes about strength training. Every now and then, there comes a new fitness or exercise craze that promises you to be lean, toned and with a sexy flat belly in no time! You'd basically be overloaded with information about strength training for women, but what you ought to do is deconstruct the myths and stick to what works.
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/290UlFG
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/290UlFG
How to Motivate Yourself When You Feel Lazy AF
If you feel like you're in a bit of slump right now, you're not alone. These unmotivated, uninspired times can occur when we lose our focus and rush through our day-to-day life without a grounding intention. And they can happen to anyone, usually taking us by surprise.
It's so easy to do. When I'm just trudging along, I often think everything is fine—telling myself, “Hey, I’m just trying to get through the week!” Then all of a sudden, in a random moment of clarity—on the subway, waiting in line for a sandwich, or lying in bed at night—I notice that I feel demotivated, lost, and even a little sad.
What can you do in these down moments? Tune into your intuition—don't silence that little voice. And ask yourself these three simple yet powerful questions.
1. What isn’t working?
No matter how busy you are, if you suddenly realize you're in a slump, something is not working for you—personally or professionally. Are you working in a job you hate? Are you neglecting your health? Are you serving someone else’s needs and not your own?
Ask yourself what's missing. Go deep and identify what it is that’s lacking in your life. In a few moments of concentrated silence, your inner voice will tell you. Listen to it.
A truly fulfilling life is lived from the inside out. What is your why for being here on earth?
2. What is my why?
When you lose your “why” in life, you’re like a ship in the ocean without a destination, at the mercy of the elements and external forces. A truly fulfilling life is lived from the inside out. What is your why for being here on earth? Why are you dating this person, working so hard on that project, or neglecting your dreams?
So rarely we ask ourselves this crucial question: What is my why, my intention, my goal? I remind myself of my why whenever I face the sting of rejection. My why keeps me on track and allows me to get over the bumps in the road, which are part of the process when you are building anything worthwhile—an entrepreneurial venture, a creative pursuit, a healthier body. Your why is what keeps you going.
3. What do I need to do now?
A hard truth in life is that nothing works until we do. Action is the only thing that can get you out of a slump. Action is the ultimate antidote to worry, fear, and procrastination. You don’t have to build Rome in a day either. You can boost your energy with a simple task, like tidying your desk, taking a walk, or just getting around to those overdue errands. Motion creations emotion and momentum—two critical factors that are dormant during a slump.
One of my clients recently cleaned out her closet Marie Kondo-style, which propelled a much larger action plan in her life regarding her career. Just doing one thing that was cleansing and constructive got her moving.
The enemy of a slump is activity. And one small step at a time adds up to real transformation. For my client, one positive change on a random Saturday in her home paved the road for more positive changes that are happening right now in her office.
Once you’ve answered these questions, ask yourself: “What small step can I take today?” Then get on your way! Your future self is high-fiving you from afar.
Susie Moore is Greatist’s life coach columnist and a confidence coach in New York City. Sign up for free weekly wellness tips on her website and check back every Tuesday for her latest No Regrets column!
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28ZW143
Here's Why It's Great News That Plus-Size Women Are Getting Their Own Magazine
Thanks to the body-positive movement and outspoken leaders like Ashley Graham, we now see bodies of all sizes more often in the media. But a new publication is taking things to the next level. FabUplus is the first print magazine in North America dedicated to curvy women, and it's on a mission to promote self-love. In an industry dominated by cover photos that frequently make women feel bad about their bodies, we love that this mag encourages plus-size readers to live a confident, healthy life. While we hope that one day the media is so inclusive of every body type that there's no need for a dedicated magazine like this one, it's still a step in the right direction.
(h/t Mic)
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28YtrzS
3 Ways to Lose Fat For Weight Loss
Varying which muscles are exercised, getting enough sleep, and eating omega 3 fatty acids can work wonders when you are wanting to lose the flab. Read on to find out more...
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/291ucYz
from Health and Fitness:Weight Loss Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/291ucYz
London Banned Ads With Skinny Models. Here's Why That's the Wrong Move
We praised London's mayor when he announced a ban on ads showing “unhealthy and unrealistic body images" on the city's trains and buses. But a recent essay in The New York Times has us rethinking our support. The writer, Vanessa Freidman, reminds us that body positivity is about empowering people, not policing and judging their bodies:
To ban an ad depicting a specific body type is to demonize that type, labeling it publicly as bad. It also suggests that it is even possible to look at a woman, or a photo of a woman, and know whether she is healthy or unhealthy. That’s a misguided idea, as Claire Mysko, chief executive of the National Eating Disorders Association, acknowledges: One individual can have a seemingly normal body mass index and still have a tortured relationship with food and her physical self; another can look almost bony, and be fine. You can’t tell from the outside.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28YyAVW
Your Drive Home at Night Could Be Messing With Your Sleep
While tech companies work to remedy the negative impact light from our phones has on our sleep, there's another source of blue light currently messing with our zzzs: LED streetlights.
Earlier this month, the American Medical Association (AMA) pointed out that the new lights, while cost and energy efficient, can suppress drivers' melatonin and disrupt their sleep cycles more than conventional lights do (reducing sleep time and quality, among other things). The group offered recommendations for their continued use, calling for the lowest emission of blue light possible and proper glare reduction. While it's frustrating we can't do much but hope our communities follow these suggestions, it's good to be aware of the issue. To learn how to manage sleep obstacles you can control, click below.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28ZQ5Jj
Ombre Synthetic Lace Front Wigs
Ombre hair has become very popular among women and most have it done on their natural hair to achieve the looks that they long for. But with ombre synthetic lace front wigs, you do not have to change the natural look of your hair. You simply choose the ombre color that you like the most and style the wig as you desire for that stunning and stylish look that you yearn for. These wigs are perfect in achieving a natural look without costing you much. Most of the ombre synthetic lace front wigs made from fine fibers that feel and look like human hair and do not have that fake shine that screams out to everyone.
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/299334w
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/299334w
The Perfect Response to Unsolicited Dick Pics
Too many men think their penis is a gift to the world, or at least that's the message that gets relayed when they text unwelcomed photos of their junk. Until the tech gods come up with a way of stopping those snaps and photos from appearing without warning, we'll settle for this stellar response letter that's been circulating on Facebook:
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28Y8Pbb
This Workout Line Is for Women Who Don't Want to Wear Skin-Tight Clothes
The company is funding the clothing line on Kickstarter, where you can purchase one of the tops for $50.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28Yz0K5
Here’s When Eating Bacteria Can Be Good for You
We’ve been taught to avoid germs and bacteria since we were kids. Whether it’s sudsing up our hands or deep cleaning our homes (without harmful chemicals), we're constantly trying to get rid of the microscopic culprits.
But it turns out eating bacteria can actually be a good thing. Numerous studies have found that foods fermented by lactic acid-producing bacteria (a beneficial kind of bacteria found in decomposing plants and milk products) may actually help keep your gastrointestinal systems healthy and functioning properly.1
"Regularly consuming fermented foods helps bolster the population of good bacteria in the gut,” says Josh Axe, D.N.M., author of Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It.
While the topic of gut health isn’t exactly first-date material, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about fermented foods.
The Need-to-Know
Long before refrigerators or freezers, ancient people used fermentation to keep foods from going bad, Axe says. Put simply, fermentation is an enzyme-controlled, chemical breakdown of an organic substance (think: sugar turning to alcohol or milk turning sour).
“When a carbohydrate gets converted by yeast, bacteria, or carbon dioxide, it's fermented,” says Leah Silberman, R.D., cofounder of Tovita Nutrition in New York City. The process is anaerobic, meaning it takes place without oxygen, which is why fermented foods and canning go hand in hand. “Fermentation was used to preserve foods through canning and jarring, and now it’s making headlines for health benefits,” Silberman says.
Certain products like kombucha (fermented tea), kimchi (fermented vegetables), miso (fermented soy), yogurt and kefir (fermented milk), and sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) get a lot of buzz because they contain live microorganisms called probiotics. If that word sounds familiar, it's probably because probiotics are having a bit of a moment. Several studies show links between probiotics and increased gut health and suggest they can help reestablish a healthier intestinal tract and benefit digestion.2 However more research is needed to back up some of the health claims made about probiotics (read: weight loss, clearer skin).3
Additionally, not all fermented foods are healthy. Products like bread, cheese, and beer are fermented by lactic acid-producing bacteria but typically don't contain live microorganisms due to cooking or pasteurization. And as Silberman reminds us, it's important to read food labels carefully. "Ketchup can be loaded with sugar; pickles can mean you overload on salt," she says. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them entirely, but moderation is key.
Your Action Plan
Fermented foods can taste a little funky. “Some people just don’t like fermented foods, so the idea is to start small,” Silberman says. And pay attention to serving sizes. “For instance, with [store-bought] kombucha, sometimes there are two servings in one drink, so just start with half the drink,” she says. Axe agrees and recommends one serving of probiotics each day from your food of choice.
If you're specifically looking for fermented foods that contain probiotics, make sure you pick items from the refrigerated section of the grocery store and read labels. Room-temp sauerkraut won't have any living microorganisms, and even some yogurts can be heat-treated after fermentation, killing most of the helpful bacteria. If a food contains either living microorganisms or probiotics, they may be included in the ingredient list—or the label may say "unpasteurized" or "live and active cultures." (The most common probiotics found dairy foods are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus.)
Can't get past the taste and would rather take a supplement? Check with your doctor first. Remember supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, and some studies have found discrepancies between what's on the label and what's actually inside certain probiotic supplements.
We’ve teamed up with our friends at KIND to help break down some complicated nutrition facts. KIND has even more great content about the ingredients that make for a flavorful life happening over on Medium. Follow Ingredients by clicking below and be sure to recommend the articles you love.
Works Cited
- Probiotics and their fermented food products are beneficial for health. Parvez S, Malik KA, Ah Kang S. Journal of applied microbiology, 2006, Sep.;100(6):1364-5072.
- Fermented food in the context of a healthy diet: how to produce novel functional foods? Leroy F, De Vuyst L. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 2015, Jun.;17(6):1473-6519. Health benefits of kimchi (Korean fermented vegetables) as a probiotic food. Park KY, Jeong JK, Lee YE. Journal of medicinal food, 2014, Sep.;17(1):1557-7600. Probiotics and their fermented food products are beneficial for health. Parvez S, Malik KA, Ah Kang S. Journal of applied microbiology, 2006, Sep.;100(6):1364-5072.
- Probiotics in dermatologic practice. Fuchs-Tarlovsky V, Marquez-Barba MF, Sriram K. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 2015, Sep.;32(3):1873-1244. Probiotics and prebiotics in dermatology. Baquerizo Nole KL, Yim E, Keri JE. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2014, Jun.;71(4):1097-6787. Microbiota manipulation for weight change. Dror T, Dickstein Y, Dubourg G. Microbial pathogenesis, 2016, Jan.;():1096-1208.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28YufQX
The Art of Smelling Seductive on Dates
From the beginning of time our sense of memory from the smells and the pheromones that our body emits is what attracts us to others. The trick for dating is to create a balance of covering up body odor while ensuring that your natural pheromones are not being disguised. This creates that instant trigger or desire and leaves your suitor wanting more.
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/28YPeWl
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/28YPeWl
How to Use Argan Oil for Hair Care
Argan oil is a very popular natural oil which has long been used in its native country of Morocco for its numerous health and beauty benefits. Extracted from the argan nut, the oil can be used on the skin to treat minor infections and insect bites, but can also be taken internally as an oil which promotes general good health.
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29gGLg1
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/29gGLg1
The Benefits of Taking a "Make Your Own Cosmetics" Course
With more and more people becoming interested in natural and vegan beauty and skin care products these days, there are many excellent companies all offering their handmade and cruelty free makeup and skin care lines designed to meet this growing demand. However, in many cases it is possible to actually create these all natural products yourself.
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/28XYzwv
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/28XYzwv
I Tried "Power Posing" for One Month to See If It Actually Works
At mile nine in my most recent half-marathon, I thought I might faint. Not training for the race had finally begun to catch up with me: My legs felt like they were about to fall off, and I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through the next four miles.
Out of desperation, I tried a little experiment: I struck a Wonder Woman-style pose in the middle of the course in a last-ditch effort to perk myself up, mentally and physically.
The Psychology of Power Posing
This idea wasn’t totally insane, I promise. I had just finished reading Presence, a book by social psychologist Amy Cuddy whose famous TED talk on the science behind “power poses” and the overall power of body language forever changed our view of how our physical state affects our mental one.
The thinking behind power posing is pretty simple: Put your body in a powerful position (e.g., chest out, hands defiantly on your hips or triumphantly thrust into the air) and you’ll actually start to feel powerful.1 It’s the same idea behind "fake it 'til you make it" or giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror à la Jessica’s Daily Affirmation.
In Presence, Cuddy recommends spending a few minutes per day in a power pose to boost your mood or altering your body language in real time to up your confidence in the middle of a stressful situation. Still, I wasn't sure if her strategies would seriously work for me—or if it was just a placebo effect, a fluke. So I decided to try power posing in several different scenarios—and my month-long experiment began.
Mile 9 of a Half-Marathon
Back to my almost-failed race. In her book, Cuddy points to existing research behind how the classic hands-in-the-air stance runners have as they cross the finish line actually affects their physiology—the strong stance may physically make their bodies stronger.
Still, my mid-race victory move felt sorely out of place (and I got some confused looks from fellow runners). I even threw in a cheesy, confident grin—I was that desperate for any kind of energy boost.
Despite the goofiness, it actually worked. Maybe it was because focusing on my body language took my focus off the pain in my knees, but whatever was going on, it got me across the finish line—with fists raised in celebration, of course.
Meeting the Parents
The next challenge came with high stakes: I was meeting my boyfriend’s family for the first time. As if that weren't stressful enough, there was an added layer of complication. My boyfriend is well versed in social psychology (he’s the one who turned me on to Cuddy’s research in the first place), and he routinely calls me out when my body language is closed off or defensive.
What's more: I know his family is hyper-attuned to body language and nonverbal cues, so crossing my arms or slouching at any point during dinner would be a dead giveaway that I was feeling nervous or insecure. I’m screwed was pretty much the only thing I could think about the day before the dinner.
Since I couldn't exactly sit at the table with my hands on my hips and chin angled defiantly into the air (something tells me that might backfire), I decided to spend a couple of minutes prepping in the mirror—another tactic Cuddy recommends. Assuming a power pose in my bathroom, I repeated the pep talk my mom gave me earlier that day on the phone.
And holy crap did I feel stupid. Standing with arms akimbo telling myself what a catch I was did not exactly a confident woman make. By the time I walked into dinner, I felt even more jittery—the solo pep talk was clearly not my thing.
I did try to keep tabs on my posture all evening and I was definitely more aware of what my body was signaling (chest open and shoulders back = good; arms crossed, hunched over = insecure). And as I got to know his family, I focused not only on what I was saying but also on what my body was saying. Halfway through the meal—head still held high—I felt confident and relaxed (though I'm not sure if I should thank my body-language knowledge or my BF's great family for that).
Paddle Boarding
I still wasn’t totally sold that power posing was actually changing my brain chemistry the way Cuddy’s research had shown. Was I actually any happier or in control of my confidence?
On a recent trip, I went paddleboarding—an activity I usually love. I’ve never felt the kind of anxiety some of my travel companions were feeling about getting on the board and heading out into an open ocean.
But about 20 minutes into the adventure, I felt undeniably anxious and insecure. Suddenly I started thinking about grad-school applications, my long-term career goals, the future of my relationship—and if my life in general was moving in the right direction.
Power posing in paradise—not a hard sell.
What the heck?! I thought to myself. It’s a gorgeous day. I’m doing one of my favorite activities. I’m on the water. Yet my mood was slowly but surely darkening. All the latent angst in the back of my mind about whether what I’m doing (read: who I am) is good enough pushed its way into my consciousness—demanding my attention.
That’s when I noticed my body language. Paddleboarding requires you to stand in a kind of hunched position: knees bent, hinged at the waist, shoulders slanted down to paddle—the exact opposite of a power pose.
Then it hit me. Despite all of the environmental cues that I should be totally killing it, I felt the most insecure I had in a long time. In fact, I almost sat down on my board and cried.
But thinking about my body language, I did the opposite. I stopped paddling into the anxiety and stood up on my board. I tilted my face up toward the sun. I raised my paddle high above my head. And I could literally feel the moody clouds in my mind lift.
Consider me a body-language believer.
The Takeaway
Since my experiment ended, I might not be fiercely placing my hands on my hips at every party or meeting, but I have made adjustments to my posture in real time. When walking into a room full of strangers at a networking event recently, I consciously uncrossed my arms—my go-to slouchy pose when I’m feeling intimidated—and made a note to keep my shoulders back. Someone I'd been hoping to meet actually approached me—talk about a tangible confidence boost.
Overall, the experiment had mixed results—like I said, the whole pep-talk-in-the-mirror thing just made me feel dumb. But I did gain massive respect for the effect body language can have on mood. Paying attention to my posture and how I hold myself will continue to play a huge part in feeling more at ease and confident in stressful situations for now and, I hope, forever.
Works Cited
- Power posing: brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Carney DR, Cuddy AJ, Yap AJ. Psychological science, 2010, Sep.;21(10):1467-9280.
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/29gmZRx
Damn, This 80-Year-Old Is Probably in Better Shape Than You
Ernestine Shepherd, one of the world's oldest bodybuilders, turned 80 this month—and she's making us all want to hit the gym. While we're not about to join her for 3 a.m. workouts or 10-mile runs (did we mention she's a badass?), Shepherd's story is a great reminder that it's never too late to adopt healthy habits. She didn't start exercising until she was 56!
from Greatist RSS http://ift.tt/28XDbu8
Choosing The Perfect Fragrance To Match Your Personality And Style
Colognes and perfumes enhance beauty and they can evoke memories and lift moods apart from making you smell good. There are thousands of scents and fragrances out there in the market and you would need to try a few before deciding what fragrance works best for you. But it can be disappointing, especially when you buy an expensive perfume only to find that you do not like the fragrance. So how then do you manage selecting a fragrance that you are bound to love and one that matches your personality and unique style?
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/28XyxMO
from Health and Fitness:Beauty Articles from EzineArticles.com http://ift.tt/28XyxMO
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)