Get the lifestyle shake up you need now with the secrets, ingredients and expert advice for looking and feeling great!
1/ HAPPY PEOPLE BIKE TO WORK
The happiest commuters are those who bicycle to work according to researchers at Clemson University, South Carolina. Compared to those whose commute involved driving (with or without passengers), biking, walking and using public transportation, cyclists were in the best mood. Based on data from the American Time Use Survey, which surveyed more than 13,000 respondents, the 2014 study suggests that promoting bicycle trips in general is a good idea. “People are in the best mood while they’re bicycling compared to any other way of getting around,” said Dr. Eric Morris of Clemson University. So, the next time need to run an errand (not just get to work), grab your bike.
2/ BANISH ANXIETY
Dr. Prakash Masand M.D., the founder of the Centers of Psychiatric Excellence, offers ways to cope with anxiety: Bottled emotions do not resolve and can cause immense stress. Establish a strong support network by talking with your family and friends about obstacles you struggle to overcome. Take time for yourself in solitude to find calm and see how you are coping with your life and circumstances. Make pivotal lifestyle changes by starting small with more sleep, healthier eating, and daily exercise. Anxiety can blossom from chaos in your environment —simplify your life including your workspace, digital world and home. Take breaks and switch up usual routines in order to identify what may be amiss.
3/ MAKE YOUR OWN SHIMMER BLUSH
It’s time to talk about your sweet cheeks (the ones upstairs, not your hindquarters). Using blush is a fabulous way to appear youthful and healthy, and this natural option rocks at rosying up your complexion.
1 tsp (5 ml) finely ground beet root powder, alkanet root powder or hibiscus flower powder
½ tsp (2 ml) arrowroot powder
¼ tsp (1 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch gold mica powder
3 to 5 drops lavender essential oil
- a) Pour beet root powder into a small Whisk in arrowroot powder and cocoa powder, a little at a time, until desired shade is achieved. Discard any remaining arrowroot powder and cocoa powder.
- b) Whisk in mica powder and lavender essential oil until well combined. Pour into jar.
- c) Sprinkle blush onto a fluffy blush brush and apply to cheeks.
- d) Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Courtesy of The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty by Sunny Submaranian & Chrystle Fiedler © 2016 www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.
4/ HOMEMADE BUG SPRAY
Lemony Bugs-Away Spray
This light-textured, rather mild repellent leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean and scented with a lingering, lemony aroma generally enjoyed by all.
2 cups witch hazel
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
20 drops citronella essential oil
20 drops lemongrass essential oil
16-ounce spritzer bottle or several smaller bottles
Combine the witch hazel, glycerin, citronella essential oil, and lemongrass essential oil in a 16-ounce bottle. Shake vigorously to blend. Allow the solution to synergize for 1 hour. Decant into several smaller spritzer bottles if desired. Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year. Application: Shake the bottle prior to each use. Apply liberally to skin as needed — you may need to reapply every 20 minutes. May stain light-colored fabrics.
Excerpted from Naturally Bug-Free © by Stephanie L. Tourles, 2016. Illustrations © by Zoe More. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.
5/ SLIM INNER THIGHS
Toning the inner thighs (adductor muscles) can be a challenge, but we have one easy move to help. Sit up straight at the edge of a chair with feet planted on the ground. Keep your hands on the arm rest of the chair for leverage. Place a medicine ball between thighs. Grip the medicine ball while slowly raising and lowering legs. Do not use arm rests except for balance. Do 10 repetitions. Best of all, this move can be done at work. In a pinch, use a towel instead of a medicine ball.
6/ GO LOCAL FOR FOOD DELIVERY
Love the produce from a farmers’ market but don’t always have the time to go? Totally customizable, a home delivery box is a great alternative. With Alberta owners, we liked the Organic Box because of its focus on unique, local products (think Canadian purple daikon, Alberta lamb and BC halibut). When you choose a box, the names of organic and artisan farms and producers mostly in Canada (some from the US and elsewhere) are listed, making it feel like an introductory hello to local farmers. theorganicbox.ca
7/ ONE CHANGE FOR A BETTER NIGHT SLEEP
The Sleep Foundation recommends that you replace your pillow every two years. Trust us, if you haven’t changed your pillow in a while, now may just be the time. CSL searched for one that would contour to the curve of your neck and provide support while you sleep. Though heavier and larger than you may be used to and only able to face one way to avoid the gauge, a water pillow does the trick. We liked the softness and felt less neck strain in the morning.
The Floating Comfort Pillow by Mediflow two-pack with two zipper protected covers, $169.96
This original healthy living article first appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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