Water It Down

 I cannot begin to tell you how much I love drinking water! Yes, I really do love water. Don't get me wrong I like other drinks as well but unfortunately none of those other drinks can do what water will for you. I have recently decided to cut off all soft drinks, coffee, and high sugar juice drinks and replaced them all with only water. Soda is addicting so I understand it's hard to quit especially if you have been drinking it for years but I assure you if you quit drinking it all together you will find that not only do you have a bit more energy but you may lose some weight as well.

   I once gave up soda for an entire year many and I mean many moons ago, However, I began drinking soda again and found it hard to stop. I wasn't drinking it anywhere near as much as before but I was drinking it enough to feel bothered by it. About a week ago I drank my last cup of soda and have been drinking only water throughout the day, a gallon of water to be exact. I am super excited with the results so far: my skin is looking better (clearer and brighter), I am feeling fuller so I am snacking a lot less, and best of all I am feeling more energized. I have been reading and asking around in regards to the benefits of drinking water and the benefits are endless:

• Lose Weight- water makes you feel full which helps make you realize that the "hunger" you were feeling was most likely "thirst". For best results drink 1 full glass (8-10oz.) of water before every meal.

• Hydrates Skin-Water will hydrate your skin helping brighten your skin in the process and help maintain a clearer complexion.

• Builds Muscle-Water will hydrate your muscles allowing them to work harder and longer before feeling tired.

• Prevent Illness-Water helps promote frequent urination which help keep the kidneys working properly and flush out any toxins from your body. This will help prevent kidney infections, common colds, and even migraines.

  I know the idea of drinking water is not appealing to everyone but I assure you if you give it a week you may change your mind. Try adding fruit to add flavor to your water without adding sugar and calories. I actually like adding lemon/lime juice to my water as this gives you a lot of energy and a big surge of vitamin C. The benefits of lemon/lime water are amazing and I recommend for you to try some (best when drank first thing in the morning).

*Tips:

• Aim to drink at least one gallon of water throughout the day. Use a water bottle at work or school to remind you and make it easier to drink the water.

• Drink 1-2 cups of water first thing in the morning half an hour before breakfast. Water will get your system going and will allow your body to absorb more of the nutrients/vitamins from the food you consume afterwards.

So go ahead and "Water it down" tell me how you feel switching to just water?

Live. Laugh. Love.

Michelle Marie

Learn to Relax

  I typically suffer from migraines every so often and those of you who suffer from migraines may agree that finding comfort is incredibly difficult. I remember one time a few years back I got a migraine that just crept up on me. Nothing was working to alleviate the horrible throbbing pain. I was in so much discomfort I didn't know if to lay down or knock myself out (seriously). Relief finally came when I jumped in the shower with the lights off and let the hot water run over my head, neck and forehead for what seemed like hours.

  Afterwards, I remember laying in bed with the lights off and thinking to myself how I would not want to experience this pain again. Now, I won't say I haven't suffered from migraines or headaches since then but I have not had an episode that severe (knocking on wood) since that time. I realized I could lower my chances of suffering from headaches, migraines and overall body-ache by simply learning to relax. 

  Yes, I could always take pain killers and call it a day but why take unnecessary medicine when there is a natural alternative I could try first? I am not saying that simply relaxing is a cure for headaches and migraines but it sure does help alleviate pain and possibly minimize the duration of the episode. 

Here are some of the relaxation techniques that have helped me:

*A hot shower: This one is perhaps the most obvious and it really does help. The steam and hot water (not too hot) relax the blood vessels and muscles helping alleviate the pain. You should stand directly underneath the streaming water so the water falls right over your head, neck and shoulders. If you are experiencing sinus pressure allow the water to fall on your forehead and breathe in the steam.

 **Tip: Use a eucalyptus shower gel for extra relaxation. Eucalyptus has many health benefits one being a natural pain reliever. 

* Eye Mask: I cannot begin to tell you how great it feels to wear a gel eye mask while laying down. The trick is to place the mask in the freezer prior to wearing for about 15 minutes or until pretty cold but not frozen.

*Head massager: I do not know about you but I could literally fall asleep when I am at the salon. I love having my hair brushed, it's incredibly relaxing. Well a head massager (I use the head massager spider pictured above) has the same effect only better since it was designed for relaxation. I suggest laying down when using a head massager as this will help get you to a deeper relaxation state. If possible have someone else massage your head with the massager.

*Aromatherapy: I absolutely swear by aromatherapy. It works! My favorite form of aromatherapy is lotions. I love Bath and Body Works aromatherapy collection. I particularly enjoy using the stress relief Lotion which contains eucalyptus and spearmint oils. I also use the Sleep lotion from Bath and Body Works as well. I find both these lotions to be incredibly relaxing with soothing aromas. For maximum benefit I recommend rubbing either lotion on your feet and covering them with socks.

*Tea: I am a newbie when it comes to drinking tea. but I quickly became a fan when I realized all the health benefits. Every tea (green, white, black etc) has it's own health benefits so there is no denying it is incredibly good for you. A nice warm cup of tea after a warm shower can really help relax your whole body.

Let me know which techniques are your favorite?

Live. Laugh. Love.
Michelle Marie

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do your just not as far ahead as you would like?

 This has happened to me many times in my life. I think it's normal for us to have moments where we feel overwhelmed and like we are not accomplishing things the right way. Sometimes when I feel this way it causes me to feel as if I should just try something else, in other words: give up.

 During these moments is when I remember that old saying: "Put your best foot forward". Simply put this saying means to be/do your best during any obstacle or situation you may face. This saying inspires me to do my best and keep moving forward no matter what.

Here are a few of my own tips to help you put your best foot forward: 

*PLAN. Yes, you have to set a plan in order to know the steps you must take to achieve what you want. Success is not achieved in the spur of the moment.

*STICK TO YOUR PLAN. Many times we set a plan for ourselves and shortly afterwards we somehow lose track and are no longer on that plan.

*STOP HAVING FEAR OF FAILURE. If you ask some people why they didn't accomplish some of their goals you may be surprised to hear that they had a strong fear of failure. Remind yourself of your goals and the reasons why you want to accomplish these goals. Do not let fear of failure stop you from achieving what you want. It's normal to have a fear of failure, it has happened to the most successful people. The important thing  is to move forward past the fear. Once you do that your already one step closer to succeeding.

What motivates you?

Live.Laugh.Love.

Michelle Marie