THE BEAUTY WITHIN

 BY Tania Cowling

Providing daycare from dawn to dusk, running to the grocery store, taking care of your own family—does this sound like your busy life?  As nurturers and caregivers, we sometimes forget about our own well-being.

 

Would you think that taking a bubble bath could reduce your risk of heart disease, or maybe a massage could prevent your next cold?  Finding balance and indulging in healthy living is so important to a woman’s life.  The following are some ideas and important information for good health.  Pampering oneself not only nurtures the body, but also renews the spirit—it brings forth “the beauty within.”

 

Recapture Recess and More:

 With the immense demands of childcare, staying fit can be difficult.  However, ‘working out’ is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good.  Think about how exercise leaves you with a feeling of well-being; a simple walk in the fresh air, a dip in the pool or even a game of catch. 

 

Children know this feeling instinctively.  They run and jump and swing, not because it’s good for their heart or lowers their cholesterol, but because it’s FUN.  So get moving!  Play with the kids. Would you believe that housecleaning counts as exercise?  Invite the kids to help tidy up the toys while you run the vacuum. Sounds like fun, when we know it’s healthy! We can all benefit from the stress reducing and energy enhancing benefits of moderate exercise in our lives.

 

Nutrition=High Energy Eating:

 If you’re lacking energy, and what woman doesn’t from time to time, making changes in your diet can increase your energy level.  It takes a lot of energy to digest fatty foods, so keep your meals and snacks relatively lean.  Include a combination of protein and good carbohydrates in each meal so that you get the energy enhancing benefits of both nutrients.  Here are some anti-fatigue foods any person can enjoy:

• Trail Mixes—with dried fruits, nuts and seeds.  These are high in iron and full of nutrients.
• Fortified whole-grain cereal, low-fat milk and sliced banana—what a perfect way to start the day. Chock full of important vitamins and the banana supplies us with potassium.
• Yogurt with strawberries—this snack gives you a healthy dose of vitamin C.
• Egg sandwich on whole-wheat toast—a nice package of B vitamins, iron, carbohydrates and protein.
• Half bagel with cream cheese---a bonus of calcium.
• Cup of bean soup—a good source of protein and zinc.
• Cut-up fruit sprinkled with chopped nuts.—fruit provides sugar, which the body uses for quick energy, but unlike candy, it has vital vitamins, minerals and fiber.
• Water, Water, and more Water—H20 keeps the body’s blood volume up insuring that ample amounts of the nutrients and oxygen needed for energy get transported to the cells.

 

Keep Your Skin Beautiful:

 

 Exposing your skin to too much sun breaks down the elastic tissues in your skin.  Although you might be tan, you may look older and wrinkled. Don’t let the sun keep you from looking your best or increase your risk of developing skin cancer.  Here are some tips for health and beauty:

• Lather up with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.  Make sure all areas of exposed skin are covered, including the back of the neck and feet.
• Dress appropriately with long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat guarding the face.
• Time is important.  Avoid the outdoors when the sun is highest between 10 am and 2 pm.
• Don’t be deceived.  A hazy day doesn’t block ultraviolet rays, so you can get a sunburn even when it’s cloudy.
• Even if you’re heading to the snowy slopes, apply sunscreen as you can get sunburned during the winter months too.

Pamper Yourself: Our Need To De-stress:

 Stressed out?  Kicking back and recharging your batteries is just what you need, especially when taking care of children.  Leave your problems behind for a short while at least, and give yourself permission to take a much-needed time-out. Here are a variety of stress-busters to get started:

Try Water Therapy--

 

Let your troubles float away!  Baths are high on the list of best stress relievers.  Make a bath long and luxurious after a long day with scented bath salts, candlelight and soft music. What about a jet spa that stimulates a whirlpool or the use of a massaging bath mat that fills the tub with a multitude of relaxing bubbles.  Visualize your cares just going right down the drain.

Meditate--

 

Take a 20-minute time-out and slow down.  Meditation or prayer can help bring you back in touch with your spiritual side.  It’s a very effective method of relaxation, reducing your blood pressure, slowing your breathing, relaxing muscles, and helping to clear your thoughts (resulting in improved concentration).  To meditate, quite your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breathing, or the flame of a candle.  Find a comfortable relaxed position and practice your breathing—visualizing health and renewal with each inhalation and letting out all your stress on the exhale.

 

There are many other effective methods to distress the body and mind, such as yoga, massage, tai chi, reflexology and more. Check with your local community colleges and health organizations for classes and services in your area.

 

I hope you find this article interesting.  Let us know how you relax during your free time. Go over to our Child Care Chat Forum and respond to my post.

 

Tania