Swimthelanguage

Gone are the days of unattractive, odd smelling and strangely formulated natural body care products. Today, you can have the benefits of organics in delicious fragrances, pleasing textures and packaging so sleek that you will never want to hide them under the bathroom sink. Best of all, natural make-up and other products contain a huge variety of colors, scents and formulations so that you can mix and match them to best suit your care needs and personality.

Natural Hair

Natural hair care products come in an array of scents and uses. You can purchase shampoo, conditioner and special treatments or styling products. Some examples by John Masters Organics are the following:

- Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler is invigorating for those who need some assistance wrangling unruly knots. This product uses delicious plant extracts and essential oils to give your hair the moisture and protection it needs to stay silky and smooth.

- Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor is a great natural solution for oft-styled or colored hair. This sweetly scented formula uses extracts, hyaluronic acid and soy, rice and oat proteins to repair damaged hair and restore shine, softness and vitality.

- Lavender and Avocado Conditioner is an intensive conditioner that absorbs deeply into the hair shaft without weighing hair down. With a calming and soothing lavender scent, this conditioner combines the ingredients of aloe vera, Vitamin B5, honey, and a variety of natural extracts for luxuriously soft and manageable hair.

Natural Lips

Natural lip balm is an inexpensive and easy purchase to help you ease into organic body care. REN makes a biomimetic lip honey treatment that uses omega oils, peptides and honey to keep lips looking plump, smooth and nourished. For those who prefer the classic lip balm pot, Glory for Girls makes a grapefruit and a cherry balm, both of which impart shine using beeswax, olive oil and soy.

Natural Beauty

Whether you are the girl next door or a glamour girl, there are make-up options available for every look. Brow kits, mineral foundations, lip and eye pencils and shadows can have you looking your best without having to worry about toxic ingredients. Mix and match shades, products and formulas for your own signature look. With so many natural options available, there is no reason to apply harsh or damaging chemicals to your body. Bringing out your natural beauty with natural beauty products has never been so easy, healthy and fun!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought how tired and weary your eyes look? Or how dry and hard your skin is? The beauty industry spends a lot of money projecting a certain image of beauty which causes you to feel inadequate if you do not match up to this ideal.

However from a yogic perspective, real beauty is inner beauty. The yogi sees their physical body as a temple which houses your soul. True beauty is the reflection of your inner self radiating and touching others. From a yogic view you foster your inner beauty through the natural care of your body.

The pace of life today takes its toll on your skin. It zaps your energy and leaves your skin tired, grey and haggard looking. If you are feeling stressed chances are you are over committed, have multiple tasks to complete at work and at home have to juggle your time between caring for your children and family.

You may even feel you do not deserve to take time out for yourself and spend your money on buying household items, paying bills, buying food and clothes for your children. Maybe after paying out for all these essentials you do not have any money left to have a manicure, facial or spend time at a day spa.
Finding time for yourself, to rest and pamper and nurture your inner being seems a luxury and indulgent activity.

This is a false economy. When you take the time to rest, your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and starts to slow down your heart rate and rebalance your internal organs. This leaves you feeling relaxed and energised. The more you give to yourself, the more energy you have to give to others and manage your day with minimum stress.

Give yourself a break and try out some of these simple natural face care tips. All the ingredients can be found in your kitchen cupboard or easily purchased at your local supermarket.

Seven Super Natural Beauty Tips for Face Care

1. To rest and rejuvenate tired eyes, place a peeled slice of cucumber over each closed eye as you lay down and breathe slowly.

2. Smile – Close your eyes and smile slightly. Take your awareness into your body and send your loving smile to the parts of your body that feel tired, stiff or sore. With practice you can easily practice this inner smile which leaves you looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

3. Facial Steam – a facial steam releases stale oils from the pores and loosens debris sticking to the skin. Simply fill a small bowl with hot (not boiling) water. If you have any herbs or aromatherapy oils sprinkle in a few drops (for example, lavender and peppermint are stimulating, rosemary, eucalyptus and rose are cleansing, chamomile is soothing). If you don’t have any, that’s ok. Place a towel over your head and sit quietly with your head about 20 inches from the water, with the towel covering the bowl. Breathe deeply for about 5 minutes as you allow the steam to gently ease away cares and stress from your skin.

4. Mix together 1 tablespoon ripe avocado, mashed; 1 teaspoon honey and 3 drops of cider vinegar and sesame oil to work to a spreading paste. Apply this mixture to your face, avoiding your eyes. Lie down and close your eyes for 10 – 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

5. Apply fresh aloe vera gel, straight from the plant, or vitamin E oil to your face, avoiding your eyes. Rest for 10 – 20 minutes, with closed eyes. Gently wash and rinse your face with warm water.

6. Fill a small bowl with warm water. Sprinkle a few herbs (for example mint, bay leaf infusion, or a few slices of lemon) or aromatherapy oils into the bowl. Place a clean flannel in the bowl, swish it around and then wring it out, leaving it slightly damp. Place the warm flannel over your face. Lie down and rest for 5 – 15 minutes.

7. Mix together 2 tablespoons ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon clear honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt, place the mashed mixture into a small bowl and leave to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Spread over your face, avoiding your eyes and lie down for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse and wipe with lukewarm water.

If your face feels tired, weary and in need of a lift, try any one of the above seven super natural beauty care tips. They will nourish and stimulate you and leave your skin vibrant, clean and glowing.

How to optimize your skin care to fit your age?

The issue of skin care is both puzzling and engaging. In this regard there are differences in opinion among experts. According to some experts tailoring your skin care treatment as per you age is insignificant, as skin physiologically doesn’t alter its form much. On the other hand some experts affirm that the care should be adjusted according to age since skin is affected by hormonal changes in the body particularly those associated with aging.

Although the essential processes of skin remains same at all age but due to metabolic rate, cell turnover rate and cellular inflammation many things do change. So the reality lies in between both the facts that these treatment to be according to the age or standard for all age.

Biological Vs chronological age

Biological and chronological age are rarely same and can be quite apart. Your date of birth is not the only determinant of your skin age as there are other biological factors contributing to skin age. Skin is more sensitive to aging variation due to its high exposure to environment. Chronological age can be used to begin with your skin care optimization but should not be solely dependent on, as there is need to consider biological factors that can affect your rate of aging. Like, early menopause will make the use of topical estrogens and/ or progesterone in 30s a necessity when such treatments are widely used in late 40s. Similarly excessive exposure to sunlight may damage the skin prematurely and need anti-wrinkle treatment like Tretinoin become must in 20s when typically such anti-aging creams are used later in life.

Basics at every age

For optimal skin care there are certain habits which are necessary at every age. Being ignorant to them would weaken the caring routine of the skin. It is essential to guard your skin from danger that can be avoided like sun damage. Complementing your skin type with your daily routine is an appreciable skin care act. Then identify your age specific skin needs.

We are continually bombarded with tips and suggestions on how to live a healthier life. Many of us then end up doing nothing due to feeling overwhelmed to make a change! Below are 10 simple and some not quite traditional tips to start improving your health and well being.

1. Preparation:
Preparation might not seem like a traditional health tip, but it really is the foundation on which to build good habits, which then determine your results. Grab a notebook and start “predicting your future” by creating a plan of action which involves all areas of your life. Think about which parts of your life are not working and jot down practical strategies to move you closer to your goals.

For example, exercise three times per week, eat 5+ fruit and vegetables each day (write out what foods and when) and Manage my stress levels by reading for one hour each day.

This tip is all about making sure you know exactly what you need to do to achieve what you goals.

2. Accountability
Whenever we start a new habit or routine, it can take a push to get started. I dislike using the words willpower and motivation because they are such fickle emotions that can fluctuate on a day to day basis. We don’t need willpower to brush our teeth each morning, nor should we for doing healthy habits!

It’s important to clarify your goals first with a plan of action and then get into it. I recommended seeking a professional to help you formulate a plan of action and keep you accountable. This really helps, especially until habit takes over.

3. Avoid “Diets”
Who hasn’t heard of the cabbage soup diet or themselves tried some wacky diet that eliminated 90% of your usual foods! Dieting or going on some food plan that deviates dramatically from your usual eating habits will just set you up for failure. Yes, in the short term you may lose a few kilos. But I guarantee in a few weeks after stopping your “diet” you gain back all, if not more weight than before. The fact is “diets” are not pleasurable or convenient, therefore they are not sustainable. We really do know what “good” foods are but due to lack of time and knowledge on how to prepare some foods, we take shortcuts. Aim to start introducing more “good” foods into your diet.

4. Eat right
In conjunction with tip 3, it is important to fuel your body with the right nutrients. Aim to have a big hearty breakfast of protein, a small serve of carbohydrates and some fat. Example; 2 eggs, wholegrain toast and 2 small scoops of avocado. This type of breakfast will sustain you through the morning. Eat every 3-4 hours or as suits your body. Some people prefer high protein diets as this helps make them feel more energetic and some desire lighter meals. Talk to a professional for extra help.

5. Cardio Exercise
No healthy plan of action is without exercise! Exercise is so important to living a life full of energy, aging better and being healthier. It can affect all areas of your life, including your stress levels, sleep patterns and digestion. Experiment with various forms of exercise to see what suits you. Aim to do some form of cardio each day, resistance training and flexibility exercises a few times per week (stretches or yoga) so you can create a healthier body.

6. Sleep
As most of us lead extremely busy lives, it is often sleep that gets sacrificed so we can cram more in to our day. Reduced quantity and quality of sleep can lead to a suppressed immune system and make you more prone to grogginess, illness and increased stress. Most adults need between 6-8 hours of quality sleep per night. You judge which amount leaves you feeling alert and vibrant the next morning. Make sleep a priority by allowing yourself time to unwind at the end of each night in a way that suits you.

7. Digestion
Digestion is really the cornerstone of good health. If you don’t have good digestion, then your body cannot absorb the nutrients from your food. A healthy bowel can prevent illnesses and contribute to feeling and looking healthier. If you are experiencing constipation, you may get headaches and even muscle and joint pain. Your digestive system communicates with other parts of your body and impacts significantly on your overall health. If you feel you are clogged up, start increasing fiber in your diet gradually. Consume 1.5-2 Liters of water a day to help move things along and start looking at areas of your life that are contributing to an unhappy bowel. Stress, eating when distracted, certain foods and lack of exercise can all be culprits.

8. Stress
Stress in general can be healthy for us as it pushes us to keep moving forward and achieving our goals in life. Continual stress on the other hand can cause anxiety, headaches, insomnia and fatigue when left to run rampant. Stress can surface in a multiple of ways; snapping at your partner, waking at 3am every night, feeling tired after 8 hours sleep, feeling down or just plain “blah”.

I’m not going to suggest soaking in a bubble bath or nipping off for a massage to stop your stress as these are not long term fixes. The solution lies with examining your lifestyle and assessing what areas of your life are feeling out of control. Our happiness in life is in direct proportion to the amount of control we feel we have over our lives. If you are stressing about feeling overweight, then do something about it! If a relationship is leaving you drained and unhappy, then you need to make a drastic decision for your long-term health. Stress management is a continual process of managing your lifestyle so you feel a sense of control.

9. Relationships
More and more studies are showing that for us humans to be healthy and happy, we need to build strong support networks and relationships. Having friends is good for our health! Make time each day to connect to your partner, kids and/or friends. As woman we actually release endorphins (happy hormones) from having a good gossip.

10. Action & perseverance
Being armed with great tips and techniques are all well and good, but unless you actually do what you learn and do it consistently, then you are no different that if you didn’t know this stuff in the first place!

Pick out a few tips to incorporate into your life slowly. The more consistent you are, the better your results long-term.

Nalisha Patel

Mind-body exercise is a form of movement that increases fitness in some way-muscular strength, aerobic levels, flexibility, balance-but also enables you to engage your mind in a non-judgmental way and with an inward-directed focus that may become contemplative.

What does that mean? In short, that means you ask your mind and your muscles to be present and accounted for and to stay intentionally connected to each other. Inward focus means you pay attention to what you are feeling in your muscles as well as your breathing. Through the focus comes the contemplative state attributed to mind-body practices. In addition, mind-body fitness is an outcome, while mind-body exercise is the process. Mind-body movement focuses on the present, not the future. There is no goal, just a continuing practice, which in most cases leads to overall wellness.

So, compared to traditional Western fitness routines where your goal may be to lose 10 pounds or drop three minutes from a 5-kilometer running time, mind-body fitness routines are about just being there and doing them. Build it and they will come. Do it and fitness will happen. This synergistic approach in health and exercise appeals to diverse people with different fitness levels and is appropriate in various life situations. The main aim is often to promote stress management and aid in the release of tension and discomfort caused by modern lifestyles.

To achieve the mind-body connection, various traditional as well as innovative new exercise programs have gained in popularity in recent times. Many of these programs are based on both modern fitness methods and traditional disciplines, and draw their inspiration from the following mind-body techniques and methods, scientific approaches and holistic healing therapies:

Tai Chi–This graceful form of exercise looks like karate in slow motion. The gentle choreography rotates the body in 95 percent of the ways it was intended to move. Best balancing exercise known, also lubricates joints so it’s great for seniors. Improves coordination, mental focus and flexibility so it’s great for athletes. Research shows it is also very beneficial for children.

Yoga–A series of physical poses aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit, and achieving a state of enlightenment or oneness with the universe while increasing strength and flexibility.

Pilates–Conditioning method developed by Joseph Pilates. Combines Eastern and Western philosophies of physical and mental development, and aims to promote neuro-muscular harmony while focusing mainly on the core stabilizing muscles in the body.

Other forms of mind/body fitness include Meditation, NIA, Ai Chi (Tai Chi in the water), Feldenkrais Method, Chi Ball, Alexander technique and many others. All of the above listed forms of fitness are believed to balance the mind and body and may focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.

Have you been working lately? Do you love your work? Do you find it hard to balance your work and family? Do you need a break?

Research has proved that working women have extra nutritional needs. Women who have full-time jobs and have a family are always under pressure of staying ahead of the game in a competitive work environment and trying to balance home and office and do well at both.

Does your husband lend you a hand in doing household activities or looking after children? It helps.

Some diseases like anxiety, depression, osteoporosis are more common in women.
Health Tips:

#1 You need a balanced diet containing enough vitamins and minerals as well. It improves your mental performance and your immunity which helps fight diseases.

#2 Drink a lot of water. Fresh fruit juices (without added sugar) are good too. Avoid fizzy drinks.

#3 Exercise regularly. You can go for jogging, cycling or even a walk. It helps ward off heart diseases and decrease stress and anxiety.

#4 Use the stairs instead of the elevator at the office or park your car few meters away from your workplace.

#5 Always take a break. Do not burden yourself with extra work. Take time to relax. Make a schedule.

#6 Planning is essential. Plan your week with priorities.

#7 Go for regular health checkups. Make sure your blood pressure and cholesterol are within normal limits.

#8 Sleep well at night. At least 8 hours of sleep is essential. It will keep you fresh the next day.

The strength that working women have is a wonder. However, you should know when to draw the line and take a break. You can take a vacation, travel or simply relax by chatting with friends.

What exactly are ‘natural’ products for hair care?

What does the word ‘natural’ really mean in a shampoo or hair care product?

In my opinion, no word is abused more than ‘natural’ in the beauty industry (a close second would be ‘low fat’, abused widely by the food industry). Label after label mention this word proudly, preferably in bright, green letters. It, of course, helps to fool the buyer into believing that the product is more natural than it really is, that everything was manufactured and bottled in some quaint meadow by hand rather than some dark and grey warehouse by machines.

In the purest sense of the word, a product would be truly natural if it contained no chemicals at all. If the ingredients list of a product has no vague, chemical sounding names, then you can safely say that it is natural.

But to be perfectly honest, no product can be completely ‘natural’. If it were that way, it probably wouldn’t last on your shelf for more than a few days. So every shampoo, conditioner, tonic, etc. has to have certain chemicals to act as preservatives if nothing else.

A lot of Ayurveda products claim to be ‘natural’. Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian medical science that utilizes herbs, spices, fruits and other ingredients for formulating cures, is largely chemical free. You can create Ayurveda cures at home yourself, though a lot of companies are selling them online and at health stores these days. One Ayurveda hair tonic, for instance, makes use of a mixture of coconut and jasmine oil, along with extract of amla (Indian gooseberry), ‘shikakai’ and henna. This mixture can be made at home and is absolutely fabulous for the hair.

Ayurveda, however, is still at the fringes of the hair care industry. Few people know about it and a larger proportion still doubt its efficacy. In the mainstream hair care and beauty industry, it is impossible to find completely natural products for hair care. One of the most respected companies in the business – Aveda – which I recommend highly, freely admits that its products are largely derived from plants but refrain from using the word ‘natural’. Nevertheless, the company strives to use only the bare minimum amount of chemicals, and uses only those that it deems necessary to prolong the shelf life of its products, or produce suds (consumers scarcely trust a shampoo that doesn’t produce suds) and other aesthetically pleasing effects (color, smell, etc.).

What you should look out for are synthetic substances in the ingredients list. An ingredient should either be derived from natural sources, or should explicitly be a chemical. Aloe Vera and jojoba oil – two common ingredients in many hair care products – are often derived from synthetic sources but aren’t credited as such in the ingredients list. So be very careful of products that promise these two ingredients.

I would also like to point out the fetishism that has come to be associated with the word ‘natural’. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it is actually good for you. Petrochemicals are completely natural, but clog up pores and are very harmful to your hair. So instead of looking explicitly for natural products for hair care, take a more holistic overview of the product. If it tries to minimize the use of chemicals, and shies away from using synthetic versions of ingredients, then you can be sure that it is a good bet.

Staying healthy is one thing and keeping fit is another, it is important to keep fit so that the body can function well. There are several body fitness tips which help you stay fit and healthy. One thing an individual needs to do so that he or she can maintain the body and fitness.

Morning exercises are one way of staying fit. You must make it a routine to exercise every morning. Morning exercises can be jogging to the perk and back, press ups and stretching. Set an alarm to notify you every morning and you will see how fast this will become part of your life style.Exercising comes with many benefits as it makes one active and lowers the risks of death. Try walking to school rather than taking the bus, this will sure help you stay fit and it is one of the best tips for body and fitness.

Other fitness tips are eating healthy and taking plenty of liquids especially water. Make sure that the meals you eat are balanced and comprise of fruits too. Do not avoid wholegrain and cereals as they reduce chances of getting heart diseases and colon cancer. Another body fitness tips are mind exercises, this ones can be done by playing indoor games such as chess, cards and poker.

Working out can be strenuous to some people but there are enjoyable work outs will enable you keep fit and stay relaxed too. Dancing is another way to keep fit and stay healthy. Body fitness tips will require you to be always active. Don’t just sit in the couch all day watching TV try and jog around or play with the kids. The above body fitness tips will help you stay healthy.