Wednesday, May 18, 2016
7 Things To Do Right Now For Next Year’s Tax Season
7 Things To Do Right Now For Next Year’s Tax Season
If applicable, track your mileage! For this tax year, 2016, the IRS has announced that the standard mileage rate for business will be 54 cents per mile. (That’s down 3.5 cents from the 2015 rate of 57.5 cents.) The IRS calculates this rate “based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile.” According to MileIQ, one of the biggest mistakes that taxpayers make is not keeping track of their business mileage in real time. At the end of the year, it’s a lot harder to go back and recreate your car trips in an accurate way, so keeping a notebook ledger in the car is prudent. Remember, the IRS wants odometer readings at the beginning and the end of the year, as well as the date, number of miles and purpose of the business trip. Figure out a plan for your receipts and paperwork. Come tax time, if you’re anything like the average American, your receipts and paperwork are strewn all over your office and kitchen, some in a shoebox, and some still in your car. Building an efficient system now is essential to making sure there are no oversights come 2017. Is paperwork not your thing? The IRS now accepts electronic proof of receipts, as long as they are fully legible and verifiable. Consider investing in a neat scanner, which can help cut down on clutter and physical papers filing up. Bonus: neat also offers tax report creation features within some of their software.
Go directly to the source. In preparation for next year, spend some time scrolling through the IRS website, which offers a number of FAQs, forms, and information on payments, refunds, and the latest, most accurate explanations of year-to-year tax changes. Checking it periodically keeps consumers up-to-date on changes, announcements and IRS initiatives that might be of interest to Americans who are still catching up on past years’ returns.
Plan your retirement saving strategy. Take a survey of what retirement plans will be tax-deductible and most beneficial to you in the long run. If you’re a full-time employee, be clear on how much you are allowed to contribute to a 401(k) each calendar year as well as what your employer will match. If you’re a freelancer or small business owner, evaluate which IRA plan might be best for you. In the long term, there is a big difference between saving in a Roth IRA vs. a traditional IRA, so learning the ins and outs of both will be beneficial. Thinking about it early means more time to plan for incremental contributions throughout the year.
Be clear on how your health insurance plan affects your taxes. In the era of healthcare reform, TurboTax reminds us that “all Americans will be required to maintain health insurance.” The IRS will be the supervisory body, requiring taxpayers to log the value of their insurance plan on their taxes. According to Forbes, at the end of the tax year, “If you do not have coverage…you will need to fill out a form 8965. You will use this to determine if you are eligible for an exemption from the coverage requirement or to figure out the penalty you owe.” Contact your employer or your health insurance provider to be sure you are meeting the minimum coverage.
Treat the deadlines as deadlines. The IRS considers April 15 (or the business day following) as a serious deadline. While you may be able to file for an extension for the full tax return through form 4868, you will need to estimate how much you owe by that date and make that estimated payment by then. With that said, there may be other deadlines you need to abide by, depending on your tax situation. For example, if you are self-employed, you may be required to pay quarterly taxes; of course, this means that you must be on top of your earnings and estimated taxes throughout the entirety of the year—not just during tax season.
—Brett Murphy Hunt
Look What Happens When You Combine This Little Citrus Fruit With Water
Look What Happens When You Combine This Little Citrus Fruit With Water
So what happens when you add lemon to your water and drink it on a daily basis? Well, here are just a few benefits of drinking lemon water:
- Encourages a healthy, balanced bowel movement.
- Cleanses the liver, by stimulating it to release toxins.
- Gives your immune system a boost by providing a vitamin C hit. Vitamin C is often one of the first things to go when you’re stressed, so it’s good to ensure you’re getting plenty from natural sources each day.
- Provides high levels of potassium, thereby supporting heart health and a balanced nervous system.
- Supports healthy digestion by dislodging toxins in your gut and by relieving symptoms such as heartburn, gas and bloating.
- Encourages the liver to produce more enzymes than any other food.
- Hydrates your body by providing electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, which speed up the hydration process.
- Freshens your breath, relieves toothache, and fights gingivitis.
- Contains pectin fiber, which helps with hunger cravings, and therefore encourages healthy weight management.
- Flushes uric acid from your joints, reducing inflammation and thereby lowering pain and stiffness.
- Lowers your risk of disease by reducing acidity, which diseases otherwise thrive in.
- Boosts your energy levels when it enters your digestive system.
- Reduces anxiety and fights depression.
- Fights infections in the respiratory tract, banishes sore throats, and brings down inflammation in the tonsils.
- Cleanses blood vessels and arteries.
- Improves your skin, mainly through cell hydration and high levels of free-radical fighting vitamin C.
- Can help lower blood pressure by as much as 10 percent.
- Helps to dissolve gallstones, pancreatic stones, kidney stones and calcium deposits.
Need more reasons to bring lemon into your life? Here are three reasons why starting your day with warm lemon water will do wonders for your health.
-Liivi Hess
19 Ways to Stop Your Feet From Stinking
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to prevent this pesky problem. Here are 19 ways to keep foot odors at bay.
Wash and exfoliate your feet It sounds obvious, but many people just let soapy water run down over their feet in the shower, and do not take the time to thoroughly scrub them. However, if you want truly clean feet, you’ve got to put in the effort!
Be sure to wash every part of your feet, including in between your toes, with soap and water. Exfoliating with a washcloth, loofah, or pumice stone can help a lot too, as this helps to slough off dead skin and open up pores, allowing your skin to breathe.
Give your feet time to dry
Sometimes we’re in such a hurry to get out the door that we don’t give our feet enough time to dry before we throw on our socks and shoes. Not a good idea! Moisture can lead to the growth of fungus and bacteria, resulting in those nasty smells. So, let ’em dry!
Blow-dry your feet
If you’re really pressed for time, one quick way to get your feet dry in no time is to use a blow-dryer. You may feel a little silly, but it’s better than putting socks on wet feet.
Cut your toenails
The spaces under your toenails are perfect areas for bacteria to thrive. Keeping your toenails trimmed and clean may go far in preventing bacterial growth.
Go barefoot whenever possible
Your feet need air! If they’re trapped inside shoes all day long, they’re much more likely to get sweaty, and that sweat can cause a stink. Whenever the situation, and the weather, permit, go barefoot! When you can’t go barefoot, at least go for sandals or open-toed shoes whenever you can.
Choose shoes that breathe
There are, of course, times when you can’t go barefoot or wear open-toed shoes. For running shoes, tennis shoes, and the like, try to get ones made of breathable fabric. These will help keep your feet cooler and dryer.
Wash and air out your shoes
It’s important to wash your shoes on a regular basis, lest they get funky. Many types of shoes are machine washable. For those that aren’t, you can always hand-wash them.
Let your shoes dry in a ventilated, preferably sunny, area so that they do not become musty.
Change your insoles
In between washings, make sure that you have a clean pair of insoles inside your shoes. This is especially important for shoes that get really sweaty, like workout shoes.
Switch between shoes
One pair of shoes isn’t enough. Be sure to have a second (and even third) pair on hand to wear while the others are getting washed and dried.
Switch to 100 percent cotton socks
A lot of synthetic fabrics aren’t breathable, and may trap moisture inside. When sock-shopping, go for 100 percent cotton. Thick, moisture absorbing cotton socks help prevent smelly feet.
Turn your socks inside out when you wash them
To get the maximum amount of dirt, sweat, and bacteria out of your socks, turn them inside out before throwing them in the wash — a simple trick that may yield significant results.
Cut down on sugar and processed foods
Sugar, as well as the array of additives found in processed foods, can cause your body to exude weird smells. That includes your feet! Sugar and other yeasty foods encourage the growth of fungus in the body.
Embrace baking soda
Simple, natural baking soda makes a great foot powder. Simply rub a bit on clean, dry feet before slipping into your socks. You can also sprinkle a bit into your shoes to keep them odor-free.
Cornstarch works, too
Cornstarch is great for sprinkling into shoes, as well, because it absorbs moisture. This can minimize the amount of foot sweat that can cause a stink.
Soak your feet in black tea
It may sound strange, but black tea makes a great foot soak. The tannins found in this tea help to kill bacteria, and may also mitigate excessive sweating.
Apple cider vinegar to the rescue!
Apple cider vinegar contains a wealth of antibacterial and antifungal properties. Simply combine half a cup of apple cider vinegar with eight cups of warm water, and soak your feet.
Epsom salts can help
Adding three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salts to about 10 cups of warm water and soaking your feet can also go far in destroying odor-causing bacteria.
Try essential oils
To keep your feet smelling great all day, combine a few drops of essential oil, such as peppermint, lavender, or cedarwood, with a dollop of a base oil, such as organic coconut oil, and rub onto clean, dry feet before you put on your socks. Along with being fragrant, these oils can help fight bacteria.
If all else fails, see a doctor
If you’ve tried everything, and are still experiencing strong foot odor, it may be time to see a doctor, to make sure you don’t have a fungal or bacterial foot infection, such as athlete’s foot.
Take good care of your feet — they get you where you need to go!
—Tanya Rakhmilevich
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7 Ways To Take Charge Of Your Own Health Today
There
comes a point in our lives when we wake up and realize it’s time to
take charge of our own health. The problem is, we don’t often reach that
point until an underlying ailment creeps up on us. However, it’s
understandable. When we’re young, we tend to take our strong knees,
sharp memory, slim waists and general health for granted. If we only
knew then what we know now, right? Well, it’s never too late (or too
early) to take charge of your own health. So, here are seven ways to get
you started.
Limit fast food, cook at home instead
If you eat highly processed food, fast food or other nutrient void food as little as three times a week for several years, you might develop chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension. Making a conscious effort to eat whole, preservative-free foods that are low in sugar and refined salt is a great way to take charge of your health. Preparing your own food at home is really the best way to control your intake of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
You can find recipes readily available on the Internet that contain healthy, nutrient-dense ingredients. They are as easy as one-click away. Take some time to scour the web to find some of your favorites and print them off.
Ditch the soda, drink more water
No matter what you call it, soda, pop or cola, when it comes to its sugar content, it’s downright loaded. The high amounts of sugar in soda definitely contribute to obesity since sugar and high fructose corn syrup rapidly absorb into the bloodstream, leading to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
Let’s face it, soda is refreshing as an occasional treat, but some people choose to consume soda daily, and that can be dangerous for your health. Heavy soda consumption is also linked to diabetes and osteoporosis. Since soda is so sugary and acidic, it can also cause tooth decay.
Some sodas contain upwards of 40 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, which is equivalent to approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 200 or more calories. A calorie is still a calorie, and when you’re consuming two to three sodas a day, that can significantly increase your caloric intake. Don’t switch to diet soda either. Research shows that artificially sweetened soda also contributes to weight gain — among other ailments. A two-year prospective study that involved 166 schoolchildren found that increased diet soda consumption was linked to weight gain. Instead of a sugary soda, choose soda water and just a splash of fresh juice — or fresh water.
Take a holistic approach
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine,” Thomas Edison once said, “but will interest patients in the maintenance of the human frame, in diet, and in the prevention of disease.”
Taking charge of your health means knowing how to prevent disease rather than just popping a pill for an ailment. Enlisting a naturopathic doctor in your health-care regime is a great way to incorporate a more holistic approach. Naturopathic medicine blends modern science with traditional and natural forms of medicine.
Through naturopathic medicine, specific weaknesses or dysfunctions can be identified before taking a toll on overall health. Naturopathic physicians can educate, empower and motivate you to take personal responsibility for your health by showing you how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, diet and attitude.
Find a naturopathic physician through the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. They maintain a national database of naturopathic doctors for patient referrals. You can also visit local health-food stores for naturopathic practitioners in your community.
Improve your gut health
Poor gut bacteria impacts more than you may realize. Gut health covers many aspects of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as digestion and absorption of food, good GI health, normal and stable intestinal microbiota, effective immune status and a general state of well-being. Any impairment to your GI can increase your risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases, and intestinal diseases such as metabolic disorders.
The best way to improve your gut health is by creating a stable environment in your gut for beneficial microflora to grow. When eaten regularly, traditional fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut can enhance and improve gut flora. Traditional fermented foods are rich sources of beneficial lactic acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria are what naturally sour dairy products and cause vegetables to ferment. In the digestive tract, these bacteria also help ferment carbohydrates that we can’t digest.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is vital for long-term good health and well-being. It protects your mental health, physical health and quality of life, suggests the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. When you sleep, your body works to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. For children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. Being sleep deprived can raise your risk for certain chronic health problems. It may also affect how well you think, react, work, learn and socialize.
While sleeping, the body works to heal and repair the heart and blood vessels. That’s why ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. It is also linked to an increased risk of obesity. Therefore, staying up late or simply not getting enough quality sleep not only harms you on a personal level, but may also cause large-scale damage to your health.
Exercise daily — even if you only have half an hour
We all need regular physical activity to improve our overall health and fitness. However, you may not need as much as you think to take charge of your overall health. In fact, exercising for just 30 minutes each day is enough to dramatically improve your well-being and lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Even if you’re not currently active, starting a routine of 30 minutes a day can go a long way to improve your overall health, suggests Harvard School of Public Health. That means a daily 30-minute brisk walk is really all you need.
It’s not always easy incorporating exercise into a busy schedule. But if you exercise the same time each day, it will become part of your regular lifestyle. Start slow and gradually build up to 30 minutes of activity. Make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss your opportunity to exercise, simply work another activity into your day, such as taking the stairs or parking your car at the other end of the parking lot.
Stay informed about your health
According to an article that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), “Ultimately, patients are the largest health care workforce available.” This means that although your doctor and other health-care professionals can offer advice and treatments to keep disease at bay, ultimately you are the one who can make sure their advice works.
Most of us only spend a few hours of direct contact with our doctors each year. That means between visits you need to take charge of your own health. The Web is an excellent resource for health-related information — from researching illnesses and medicine to learning what health-care benefits you’re eligible for. With keyword searches, you can find many quality sites, like The Alternative Daily, that provide accurate information and cite reputable sources, such as universities, medical studies, and government or state agencies.
While you don’t have to be a “Google doctor,” you can certainly arm yourself with valuable information about your health — information that you can later discuss with your medical or naturopathic doctor.
If taking charge of your health seems overwhelming at first, begin with a single health goal and go from there. Whether it’s weight loss, stress reduction or a need to control your blood pressure, the simple act of creating a plan can shift your mind in the right direction — the rest will fall into place.
—Katherine Marko
If you eat highly processed food, fast food or other nutrient void food as little as three times a week for several years, you might develop chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes or hypertension. Making a conscious effort to eat whole, preservative-free foods that are low in sugar and refined salt is a great way to take charge of your health. Preparing your own food at home is really the best way to control your intake of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
You can find recipes readily available on the Internet that contain healthy, nutrient-dense ingredients. They are as easy as one-click away. Take some time to scour the web to find some of your favorites and print them off.
Ditch the soda, drink more water
No matter what you call it, soda, pop or cola, when it comes to its sugar content, it’s downright loaded. The high amounts of sugar in soda definitely contribute to obesity since sugar and high fructose corn syrup rapidly absorb into the bloodstream, leading to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
Let’s face it, soda is refreshing as an occasional treat, but some people choose to consume soda daily, and that can be dangerous for your health. Heavy soda consumption is also linked to diabetes and osteoporosis. Since soda is so sugary and acidic, it can also cause tooth decay.
Some sodas contain upwards of 40 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, which is equivalent to approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 200 or more calories. A calorie is still a calorie, and when you’re consuming two to three sodas a day, that can significantly increase your caloric intake. Don’t switch to diet soda either. Research shows that artificially sweetened soda also contributes to weight gain — among other ailments. A two-year prospective study that involved 166 schoolchildren found that increased diet soda consumption was linked to weight gain. Instead of a sugary soda, choose soda water and just a splash of fresh juice — or fresh water.
Take a holistic approach
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine,” Thomas Edison once said, “but will interest patients in the maintenance of the human frame, in diet, and in the prevention of disease.”
Taking charge of your health means knowing how to prevent disease rather than just popping a pill for an ailment. Enlisting a naturopathic doctor in your health-care regime is a great way to incorporate a more holistic approach. Naturopathic medicine blends modern science with traditional and natural forms of medicine.
Through naturopathic medicine, specific weaknesses or dysfunctions can be identified before taking a toll on overall health. Naturopathic physicians can educate, empower and motivate you to take personal responsibility for your health by showing you how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, diet and attitude.
Find a naturopathic physician through the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. They maintain a national database of naturopathic doctors for patient referrals. You can also visit local health-food stores for naturopathic practitioners in your community.
Improve your gut health
Poor gut bacteria impacts more than you may realize. Gut health covers many aspects of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as digestion and absorption of food, good GI health, normal and stable intestinal microbiota, effective immune status and a general state of well-being. Any impairment to your GI can increase your risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases, and intestinal diseases such as metabolic disorders.
The best way to improve your gut health is by creating a stable environment in your gut for beneficial microflora to grow. When eaten regularly, traditional fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut can enhance and improve gut flora. Traditional fermented foods are rich sources of beneficial lactic acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria are what naturally sour dairy products and cause vegetables to ferment. In the digestive tract, these bacteria also help ferment carbohydrates that we can’t digest.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is vital for long-term good health and well-being. It protects your mental health, physical health and quality of life, suggests the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. When you sleep, your body works to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. For children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. Being sleep deprived can raise your risk for certain chronic health problems. It may also affect how well you think, react, work, learn and socialize.
While sleeping, the body works to heal and repair the heart and blood vessels. That’s why ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. It is also linked to an increased risk of obesity. Therefore, staying up late or simply not getting enough quality sleep not only harms you on a personal level, but may also cause large-scale damage to your health.
Exercise daily — even if you only have half an hour
We all need regular physical activity to improve our overall health and fitness. However, you may not need as much as you think to take charge of your overall health. In fact, exercising for just 30 minutes each day is enough to dramatically improve your well-being and lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Even if you’re not currently active, starting a routine of 30 minutes a day can go a long way to improve your overall health, suggests Harvard School of Public Health. That means a daily 30-minute brisk walk is really all you need.
It’s not always easy incorporating exercise into a busy schedule. But if you exercise the same time each day, it will become part of your regular lifestyle. Start slow and gradually build up to 30 minutes of activity. Make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss your opportunity to exercise, simply work another activity into your day, such as taking the stairs or parking your car at the other end of the parking lot.
Stay informed about your health
According to an article that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), “Ultimately, patients are the largest health care workforce available.” This means that although your doctor and other health-care professionals can offer advice and treatments to keep disease at bay, ultimately you are the one who can make sure their advice works.
Most of us only spend a few hours of direct contact with our doctors each year. That means between visits you need to take charge of your own health. The Web is an excellent resource for health-related information — from researching illnesses and medicine to learning what health-care benefits you’re eligible for. With keyword searches, you can find many quality sites, like The Alternative Daily, that provide accurate information and cite reputable sources, such as universities, medical studies, and government or state agencies.
While you don’t have to be a “Google doctor,” you can certainly arm yourself with valuable information about your health — information that you can later discuss with your medical or naturopathic doctor.
If taking charge of your health seems overwhelming at first, begin with a single health goal and go from there. Whether it’s weight loss, stress reduction or a need to control your blood pressure, the simple act of creating a plan can shift your mind in the right direction — the rest will fall into place.
—Katherine Marko
8 Simple And Inexpensive Ways To Pamper Yourself
Life is full of challenges that take
an emotional, spiritual and physical toll on our lives. While we
certainly can’t control every bump in the road, we can rebalance and
recharge our body, mind and spirit with a little simple pampering.
Satisfying your personal needs doesn’t have to cost a fortune either.
Here are eight easy ways to spoil yourself without breaking the bank.
Bring home fresh flowers
Why is it that something as simple and beautiful as fresh-cut flowers only seems to be appreciated when given as a gift? Don’t wait — pamper yourself with a big bouquet of your favorite blooms. Nothing brightens a space and pampers the spirit like a gift from Mother Nature. Flowers evoke feelings of beauty, grace and sensuality. In fact, according to feng shui — the ancient art of balancing energy in a space — fresh-cut flowers are thought to bring good luck, numerous blessings and even romance to a home. Just make sure to hydrate your flowers right away to preserve their integrity, and cut the bottoms on an angle with sharp scissors to provide a wider surface for water to travel up the stem.
Give yourself a facial
Homemade facials are inexpensive, simple and a great way to pamper your skin with masks that are all natural and chemical-free.
All-natural oatmeal scrub
Exfoliate first with a simple oatmeal scrub that soothes the skin and rejuvenates tired skin by removing dead cells.
All-natural chocolate lover’s mask
Next, give yourself a soothing facial with this recipe that rivals any store-bought or salon brand. In fact, if you love chocolate, this facial will indulge your sense of smell as well.
The scent of chocolate actually releases endorphins, which elevates mood. In addition, antioxidant properties protect the skin from damaging free radicals. Expensive spas now realize the benefits of cocoa for healthy, beautiful skin with its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Combine cocoa with honey, which is a natural deep pore cleanser, and sour cream for a rich moisturizing effect.
Give yourself a manicure and pedicure
Heading to a salon for a manicure and pedicure is the ultimate treat. But when money is limited, treating yourself at home is the next best thing. While you probably have everything you need, indulge in a new nail color to match the season.
Start with a clean canvas by soaking and scrubbing your feet, hands and nails. Soften your cuticles by rubbing a little oil on them — coconut oil works wonders! Now use an orange stick to gently push back cuticles. For your feet, you’ll need a heartier scrub for weathered heels. Combine equal amounts of coconut oil and sugar. Gently rub your heels and dry areas in a circular motion. Rinse well.
Apply a clear base coat to smooth any ridges and create an even surface for your color. One coat will do. Paint two thin layers of your favorite polish and finish with a clear top coat. Dip a cotton swab in a little acetone-free nail polish remover to clean up any nail polish on the skin. Once your nails are dry, add a little moisturizing lotion to your hands and feet. Once again, coconut oil will do the trick!
Cook yourself a gourmet meal
Cooking and preparing a delicious gourmet meal is a wonderful way to pamper your sense of smell, taste and sight. Fresh food is the key to a healthy lifestyle. So if you’re not eating right, now’s the time for a gourmet nutrition makeover. Go through your cookbooks, or get inspired by some great recipes from The Alternative Daily. Take a few minutes to look through your cupboard before heading to the grocery store.
Before you begin, turn on some music and pour a glass of wine. Measure and prepare your ingredients beforehand, or as the French say, “mise en place,” which helps create a stress-free cooking environment. Enjoy, and serve yourself in style!
Get some extra beauty sleep
A restful night’s sleep affects every area of daily life, yet most people just don’t seem to get enough. The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep each night to maintain a healthy lifestyle, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sleeping in isn’t a bad thing; in fact, extending, rather than decreasing, the hours of sleep required daily may positively affect your physical health, longevity, emotional well-being and even beauty.
Beauty sleep is not fiction, according to Sleepdex. When we sleep, our bodies cool and the circulatory system increases blood flow to skin cells. Cheeks flush, and the severity of wrinkles lessen on the face and neck. As sleep occurs, growth hormones surge and help repair tissues that have been damaged from stress and ultraviolet rays.
So go for it, pamper yourself and indulge in sleep. It’s simple and cheap. In fact, not enough sleep could bring on dark circles and dull the complexion. Sleeping in will refresh and rejuvenate not only your skin, but also your body and mind.
Lose yourself in a book
For many people, reading a great book is a relaxing way to pamper and escape the reality of life. Set aside some time to check out your local (used) bookstore. There you’ll find great deals on old classics, modern-day romances or thrilling murder mysteries.
Interestingly, researchers from Emory University found that getting engrossed in a novel is actually good for your cognitive health. Reading a good book enhances connectivity in the brain and improves brain function. Reading fiction was also found to improve the reader’s ability to be more empathic and flex the imagination. So pull up a comfy chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee and lose yourself in a good book.
Take a luxurious soak
Taking a long, warm soak in the tub is a budget-friendly way to feel pampered. Give your bathroom a spa-like feel by dimming the lights and lighting some naturally scented candles. Add a drop of your favorite essential oil and a handful of sea salt to the bath water.
Adding sea salt to your bath may actually improve your circulatory system, according to the San Francisco Salt Company. It’s thought that sea salts in your bath may provide other therapeutic benefits as well, such as improve muscle cramps. Sea salts also help maintain the correct balance of electrolytes in your body, which helps toward strengthening your immune system while increasing your energy output.
Turn on some relaxing music, sit back and close your eyes. Use the time to be still and present in the moment. After your soak, towel off and moisturize with your favorite lotion. Alternatively, a little coconut oil goes a long way for dry skin!
Indulge in restorative yoga
When you’re burned out and stressed, restorative yoga can help center you and bring you peace. If you’ve never heard of restorative yoga, it’s a practice that leads the yogi toward a more healing and recuperative experience, says Adam Brady at The Chopra Center. It benefits the body through gentle poses supported by simple props. But it’s particularly useful for soothing the mind through breathing techniques and contemplation.
If it’s not in your budget to join a class, then simply practice in the comfort of your own home. Restorative yoga definitely helps you to relax, and it may also help you sleep like a baby. Now isn’t that what pampering is suppose to do?
Try out some of these self-pampering ideas to rebalance and recharge your body, mind and spirit.
—Katherine Marko
Why is it that something as simple and beautiful as fresh-cut flowers only seems to be appreciated when given as a gift? Don’t wait — pamper yourself with a big bouquet of your favorite blooms. Nothing brightens a space and pampers the spirit like a gift from Mother Nature. Flowers evoke feelings of beauty, grace and sensuality. In fact, according to feng shui — the ancient art of balancing energy in a space — fresh-cut flowers are thought to bring good luck, numerous blessings and even romance to a home. Just make sure to hydrate your flowers right away to preserve their integrity, and cut the bottoms on an angle with sharp scissors to provide a wider surface for water to travel up the stem.
Give yourself a facial
Homemade facials are inexpensive, simple and a great way to pamper your skin with masks that are all natural and chemical-free.
All-natural oatmeal scrub
Exfoliate first with a simple oatmeal scrub that soothes the skin and rejuvenates tired skin by removing dead cells.
- 2 tsp gluten-free oatmeal
- 1 tsp baking soda
- water
All-natural chocolate lover’s mask
Next, give yourself a soothing facial with this recipe that rivals any store-bought or salon brand. In fact, if you love chocolate, this facial will indulge your sense of smell as well.
The scent of chocolate actually releases endorphins, which elevates mood. In addition, antioxidant properties protect the skin from damaging free radicals. Expensive spas now realize the benefits of cocoa for healthy, beautiful skin with its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Combine cocoa with honey, which is a natural deep pore cleanser, and sour cream for a rich moisturizing effect.
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp sour cream
- 1 tsp honey
Give yourself a manicure and pedicure
Heading to a salon for a manicure and pedicure is the ultimate treat. But when money is limited, treating yourself at home is the next best thing. While you probably have everything you need, indulge in a new nail color to match the season.
Start with a clean canvas by soaking and scrubbing your feet, hands and nails. Soften your cuticles by rubbing a little oil on them — coconut oil works wonders! Now use an orange stick to gently push back cuticles. For your feet, you’ll need a heartier scrub for weathered heels. Combine equal amounts of coconut oil and sugar. Gently rub your heels and dry areas in a circular motion. Rinse well.
Apply a clear base coat to smooth any ridges and create an even surface for your color. One coat will do. Paint two thin layers of your favorite polish and finish with a clear top coat. Dip a cotton swab in a little acetone-free nail polish remover to clean up any nail polish on the skin. Once your nails are dry, add a little moisturizing lotion to your hands and feet. Once again, coconut oil will do the trick!
Cook yourself a gourmet meal
Cooking and preparing a delicious gourmet meal is a wonderful way to pamper your sense of smell, taste and sight. Fresh food is the key to a healthy lifestyle. So if you’re not eating right, now’s the time for a gourmet nutrition makeover. Go through your cookbooks, or get inspired by some great recipes from The Alternative Daily. Take a few minutes to look through your cupboard before heading to the grocery store.
Before you begin, turn on some music and pour a glass of wine. Measure and prepare your ingredients beforehand, or as the French say, “mise en place,” which helps create a stress-free cooking environment. Enjoy, and serve yourself in style!
Get some extra beauty sleep
A restful night’s sleep affects every area of daily life, yet most people just don’t seem to get enough. The average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep each night to maintain a healthy lifestyle, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sleeping in isn’t a bad thing; in fact, extending, rather than decreasing, the hours of sleep required daily may positively affect your physical health, longevity, emotional well-being and even beauty.
Beauty sleep is not fiction, according to Sleepdex. When we sleep, our bodies cool and the circulatory system increases blood flow to skin cells. Cheeks flush, and the severity of wrinkles lessen on the face and neck. As sleep occurs, growth hormones surge and help repair tissues that have been damaged from stress and ultraviolet rays.
So go for it, pamper yourself and indulge in sleep. It’s simple and cheap. In fact, not enough sleep could bring on dark circles and dull the complexion. Sleeping in will refresh and rejuvenate not only your skin, but also your body and mind.
Lose yourself in a book
For many people, reading a great book is a relaxing way to pamper and escape the reality of life. Set aside some time to check out your local (used) bookstore. There you’ll find great deals on old classics, modern-day romances or thrilling murder mysteries.
Interestingly, researchers from Emory University found that getting engrossed in a novel is actually good for your cognitive health. Reading a good book enhances connectivity in the brain and improves brain function. Reading fiction was also found to improve the reader’s ability to be more empathic and flex the imagination. So pull up a comfy chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee and lose yourself in a good book.
Take a luxurious soak
Taking a long, warm soak in the tub is a budget-friendly way to feel pampered. Give your bathroom a spa-like feel by dimming the lights and lighting some naturally scented candles. Add a drop of your favorite essential oil and a handful of sea salt to the bath water.
Adding sea salt to your bath may actually improve your circulatory system, according to the San Francisco Salt Company. It’s thought that sea salts in your bath may provide other therapeutic benefits as well, such as improve muscle cramps. Sea salts also help maintain the correct balance of electrolytes in your body, which helps toward strengthening your immune system while increasing your energy output.
Turn on some relaxing music, sit back and close your eyes. Use the time to be still and present in the moment. After your soak, towel off and moisturize with your favorite lotion. Alternatively, a little coconut oil goes a long way for dry skin!
Indulge in restorative yoga
When you’re burned out and stressed, restorative yoga can help center you and bring you peace. If you’ve never heard of restorative yoga, it’s a practice that leads the yogi toward a more healing and recuperative experience, says Adam Brady at The Chopra Center. It benefits the body through gentle poses supported by simple props. But it’s particularly useful for soothing the mind through breathing techniques and contemplation.
If it’s not in your budget to join a class, then simply practice in the comfort of your own home. Restorative yoga definitely helps you to relax, and it may also help you sleep like a baby. Now isn’t that what pampering is suppose to do?
Try out some of these self-pampering ideas to rebalance and recharge your body, mind and spirit.
—Katherine Marko
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