Lifestyle – Page 53

25 Things That Will Instantly Boost Your Mood

Published on July 1, 2018July 3, 2018 by LeeLeave a comment

Today I’ve rounded up 25 of my favorite instant mood boosters in case you’re in need of a little pick-me-up. Sometimes life can be stressful and overwhelming, but I’ve learned that focusing on the little things make a big difference.

1. Take a shower, or hot bath. The warm water relaxes tense muscles and calms your central nervous system. The sound of running water can also be quite calming to people.

2. Go for a walk. Soak up that sunshine and get a boost of Vitamin D.

3. Tick something off your to-do list. It always makes me feel like I’m a little more on top of life.

4. Make your favorite playlist. Fill it with happy, upbeat songs or ones that bring back good memories. This one is currently on repeat.

5. Eat some chocolate. It’s said to make us happy.

6. Bake something. My Pinterest board is literally overflowing with drool-worthy recipes if you’re ever in need.

7. Sweat it out. Release your frustrations and endorphins.

8. Open a window. Let in some light and fresh air. Wallowing in bed is just letting yourself engage in the bad feelings.

9. Organize and clean out your space. This could be your room, desk or both. Even if you’re life isn’t organized, at least your closet will be.

10. Get lost in a really great book.

11. Make a cup of tea. You could even try making it from scratch if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

12. Learn something new. Learning can help us build confidence and a sense of self-efficacy, and fuel our creativity. You have a world of knowledge at your fingertips, don’t waste it in one corner.

13. Try a DIY. It’ll keep your distracted and focus your energy on creativity.

14. Make yourself a smoothie or fruit bowl. Did you know fruit has sugars that can lift your mood? Also the fact you might get an insta-worthy photo out of it wont hurt.

15. Write down things that make you happy. Like a list or make a picture chart. Visuals make me happy.

16. Burn your favorite candle. Citrus can improve your mood and candle light it’s said to reduce stress levels.

17. Detox your phone and social medias. Go through and delete anyone who sucks.

18. Buy some fresh flowers. Surround yourself with them. It seriously works.

19. Have a pamper day. Manicures, chocolate, cosy oversized sweaters & a feel good movie. Yes please.

20. Make plans. Whether it be travel or dinner plans, having something to look forward to can raise spirits.

21. Practice breathing and meditation. Used for centuries as a relaxation technique, meditation has been shown to ward off depressive thoughts and anxiety.

22. Do something nice for somebody else. Showing kindness can help us feel better. Small actions— holding the door for the person behind you, sending a
quick love text to a partner or friend, or donating to charity all count.

23. Pet an animal. After all, studies have shown petting dogs and cats can lower your heart rate & whilst we’re on the subject, here’s a Instagram full of cats.

24. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it, sometimes moving the muscles in
our face activates chemicals in our brains to lift our moods.

25. Be grateful. Your happiness is only as good as your mindset.

10 Benefits of Warm Water and Lemon in the Morning

Published on June 25, 2018November 3, 2018 by Lee2 Comments

Warm lemon water works all kinds of miracles. I initially started drinking it to aid with weight loss, but have since found numerous benefits that I thought I would share with you all too. There’s really no reason not to be taking advantage of this morning health ritual and everyday detox drink.

INSTRUCTIONS

Squeeze 1/2 lemon (organic if possible) into a cup of lukewarm filtered water, first thing in the morning. Avoid using boiling or ice cold water as it takes longer for your body to digest and uses more energy in the process.

BONUS: try adding freshly grated ginger or a little cayenne for a boost.

THE BENEFITS

1. Aids digestion. It flushes out unwanted materials & toxins from the body. It also helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn and bloating.

2. Boosts your immune system. Lemons are filled with vitamin C, which helps fight colds. They’re high in potassium which stimulates brain and nerve function.

3. Detoxes your system. It acts as a natural diuretic, releasing toxins at a faster rate as the citric acid maximises enzyme function which stimulates the liver.

4. Balances pH levels. Due to the alkalising properties of lemons, they help remove uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

5. Clears skin. The antioxidants and vitamin C in lemons help decrease wrinkles and blemishes. The alkaline nature also kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne.

6. Aid in weight loss. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.

7. Energizes & enhances your mood. Lemons contain negative charged ions which provides your body with energy when it enters the digestive tract. The smell and scent of lemon can brighten your mood and help clear your mind. Lemon can also help reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Promotes Healing. Ascorbic acid found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage.

9. Freshens breath. It’s also been known to help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. However, be aware that citric acid can erode tooth enamel. It is best to brush your teeth first.

10. Hydrates Your Lymph System. Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed, just to name a few.

Do you drink warm lemon water in the morning?

How do you take your lemons?

5 Summer Beauty Hacks You Need to Know Now

Published on June 20, 2018June 27, 2018 by LeeLeave a comment

Beauty hacks are probably some of my favorite kind — because who doesn’t love a get-gorgeous pro tip and a time-saving, life-made-easier trick rolled into one? Just in time for summer, I put together some of my favorites to get you going and glowing fast.

5. Use Blotting Paper
Keep blotting paper handy for the times when your face is threatening to become an oily mess. Use this to soak up the extra oil by gently dabbing the paper on your face, and follow up with compact powder. Voila! Your face is looking fabulous again.

4. Spray On Facial Mist
When it feels like your face is melting, and the sun is being rather harsh, a facial mist could save the day. Spray generously for some instant freshness!

3. Prevent Those Sunglass Marks
We love our sunnies, but they are notorious for leaving unflattering marks around the nose. Fret not; apply compact powder on the nose pads of the sunglasses, and a little loose powder on the nose… There! An instant fix. Go on, try it. You can thank me later.

2. Make Your Perfume Last Longer
If 10 minutes in the sun has your deodorant giving up, the struggle to smell good gets real. Take some Vaseline, and apply it on your pulse points. Now, spray perfume on these areas to smell good all day.

1. Ouai Dry Shampoo Foam
I don’t know about you but in the summer months my hair could seriously do with a daily shampoo what with the grease and the sweat…I know, nice. But if you don’t want to dry your hair out by over-washing, but also hate the feel of regular dry shampoo in your hair, this foam will become your new BFF.

Rather than filling your hair with powder to soak up excess oil, this foam absorbs oil, product build up and other impurities, leaving behind zero residue. Massage it into your roots just like you would a hair mousse and it will leave you with squeaky clean, dry hair.

7 Beauty Basics That Won’t Break the Bank

Published on June 17, 2018June 27, 2018 by LeeLeave a comment

Want budget-friendly buys that help you look (and feel) like a million bucks? Scope my top picks for under $50, plus my favorite tips and tricks for each.

1. Makeup remover wipes. For a fast face mask, press a wipe onto skin and wear for 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes and rehydrates skin plus feels especially luxe after a long day at the beach.

2. Coffee grounds. Mix a half-cup of coffee grounds with olive oil to make a natural exfoliating scrub. Rub onto arms and legs in a circular motion before showering, then rinse off for smooth skin.

3. Coconut oil. Deep-condition dry ends with an overnight hair mask. Apply 3 to 5 tablespoons, depending on the length of your hair, and wrap up in a t-shirt while you sleep.

4. Apple cider vinegar. Use apple cider vinegar as a face toner to help support a clear complexion. Simply dilute with 2 parts water and dab onto skin with a cotton ball.

5. Lemon. Slice a lemon in half and “juice it” on your elbow to exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells.

6. Brown sugar. For a smoother smooch, make a simple lip scrub with equal parts brown sugar and coconut oil. Exfoliating your lips also creates a smoother base for lipstick to glide onto.

7. Blotting sheets. Put your best (shine-free) face forward by using blotting sheets wherever you have excess oil. In a pinch, use on your part and along your hairline as a dry shampoo stand-in to keep hair from looking greasy.