18 Beauty Basics

I have read this from a health magazine and I felt like sharing it with you because I have tried and tested some of the items here. I hope you try it too:

When you have a positive outlook, adopt an attitude of gratitude, enjoy close relationships, tap into your spirituality, manage stress, exercise sufficiently and eat nutritionally balanced meals. Your body, mind and spirit will glow.

Being beautiful is not about plastic surgery, your makeup, hair and clothing styles. It's about taking care of you, loving the person inside, being healthy and serving others.

1. Positive Attitude. Adopt an optimistic, adaptable, easy-going approach to life. Age is not a limitation to your ability to enjoy life.

2. Relationships. Close relationships and strong social support systems are central to happiness.

3. Spirituality. Develop an awareness of your spiritual side. Believing in something greater than yourself helps you cope.

4. Exercise. Maintaining physical strength is essential. Weight training maintains muscle strength and bone mass as you age.

5. Nutrition. Eat moderately and sensibly. Grow your own produce. Eat a diet high in calcium, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables. Minimize meat, saturated and hydrogenated fats, and sweets.

6. Managing stress. Take deep breaths, be grateful, and employ humor.

7. No smoking please. Smoking ruins your skin, hair, teeth while adding wrinkles and lines.

8. Alcohol in moderation. Wine may increase longevity, hard alcohol packs on the pounds.

9. Drink lots of water. In addition to a healthy diet with sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, drink several tall glasses of water for a fresh, clear complexion.

10. Be sun smart. Vitamin A is important. Use plenty of sun screen or sun block. The sun's ultraviolet rays break down the skin's collagen, which thins the skin, forming wrinkles.

11. Sleep tight. Sleep is not a luxury. Hit the pillow for seven or eight hours of quality repose and body repair. According to
researchers at Stanford University, problems with memory and concentration increase without sufficient shut-eye.

12. Smile. Care for your teeth. Brush, floss, and see the dentist every six months. Avoid drinking too much coffee or red wine. Use toothpaste that has hydrogen peroxide or baking soda to maintain a white bright smile. Smiling transmits nerve impulses from the facial muscles to the limbic system, a key emotional center in the brain. The more you smile the better you feel. Smiling gives your face value.

13. Regular Checkups. Visit your doctor at least once a year for a physical. For sexually active women, schedule a pap smear and mammogram according to your doctor's recommendation.

14. Pet a pet. Having an animal in your life increases joy while reducing stress. If you don't own a pet, borrow a friend's dog, cat, rabbit or bird.

15. Read empowering books. Be a life-long learner. the more you read enlightening and motivational books, the better you will feel better about yourself and the world around you.

16. Easy on the make-up. Contrary to popular beliefs, the older you get, the less makeup you can wear. Use olive oil as a moisturizer and don't glob on the foundation and blush.

17. Volunteer. If you want to look and feel better, help someone else. When we serve others, we serve ourselves.

18. Pamper yourself. We have only one life in this body. Take the time to celebrate the beautiful person you are. Get a massage, take a bubble bath, slather on soothing oils. Bask in your in-born beauty.

Your body is your tabernacle. Protect and honor it. Implement these beauty basics to create your own personal fountain of youth. Take a look in the mirror and admire yourself. You are a wonder of creation. Be awesome at any age! (by Cynthia Brian)