The Lazy Guide to
Looking Good and Feeling Great
All of us hate slogging away at the gym, or spending exorbitant amounts
on over priced beauty products, ridiculous threads, and the latest "must
have" gadget. For all us lazy guys and dolls, there's a few simple things
we can do to still look and feel great without having to compromise cost
or comfort.
Fresh Air
If you're an urban dweller, as most of us are, fresh air may be a tougher
commodity to get. There are still ways around it though. While you
have little control over your outdoor air, you can pump your indoors full
of fresh air.
By breathing fresh clean air, we rid our lungs of impurities that we
inhale on a weekly basis. After continued exposure to clean air, you'll
begin to breathe more deeply, which flushes more oxygen into your cells.
The increased oxygen brings with it increased energy to do the things we
need to do. More oxygen also brings greater clarity to the brain, which
needs twenty percent of our body's oxygen to function.
Oxygen has a great deal of benefits and is needed for cell metabolism,
and release of cellular waste (carbon dioxide) as we exhale. Oxygen
has negative ions that are useful in giving electrical energy to the body,
especially the nervous system, providing a sense of well-being, serenity,
and composure. This colorless odorless gas also kills bacteria as
it strengthens the immune system. When the white blood cells (WBC) are called
upon by the immune system to destroy germs, bacteria and virus, they need
much more oxygen than normal.
There are steps you can take to improve your air quality. For an
all-purpose air purifier,
look for an air cleaner
with a combination of purification technologies such as HEPA, activated
carbon and ionization.
Plenty of Water
Water helps remove the dangerous toxins that your body takes in from
the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals used in the various
products you use on your skin and hair. Other things water does for your
body is to cushion your joints. Water carries oxygen and nutrients into
all your cells. Water also helps regulate your body temperature.
You need water to keep your metabolism working properly. In order for
this to happen, there is a certain level of water in each of our bodies
that we need to maintain. If we don't keep that amount, our bodies will
start to dehydrate. Some of the things that may happen to your body if you
do not have enough water are that your blood pressure can fall to dangerously
low levels. Blood clots may form. Your normal kidney function is impaired.
You may get terrible constipation.
Water is nature's cure-all substance for the body. It contributes to
controlled appetite, clear skin, improved metabolism, better memory, flexibility,
temperature regulation, and a host of other good things. However, if you're
not a fan of drinking water, try mixing in flavored water packets. If you've
still got a water aversion, simply try eating more fruits, which are naturally
packed with water.
Fruits and Veggies
Everyone knows that you're suppose to have five servings of fruit a day.
However, five servings don't necessarily mean bushels of greens and overly
generous portions of fruits. Portions are still key.
Five helpings of fruits and veggies can easily fill up one plate or be
picked on throughout the day. And, according to a study by Harvard University,
five a day is all it takes to lower the risk of stroke by 31%.
Five servings also provide significant antioxidants and fiber to reduce
heart disease and cancer risk and keep your weight in check," says Rosa
Mo, RD, a nutrition professor at the University of New Haven. The idea is
to eat a rainbow assortment of colors. Also, refrigerating veggies, berries,
citrus, and fruits with edible skin, helps preserves the natural antioxidants.
The Golden Standard
The golden standard of 8 hours of sleep is not so standard. It's a well
known fact that some people can function just as efficiently on 5 hours,
and some need a minimum of 9. Find your own personal standard and
stick to it. Anything less than your needed amount of sleep is likely to
lead to weight gain, poorer decision making, and reduced alertness.
If you're one of the many that has trouble sleeping at night, you might
want to create a more sound sleeping environment. Try slipping on socks,
which widen bloods vessels and allow for better heat transfer through your
body - allowing you to sleep more soundly. You can also try creating a purer
environment with an
air purifier and be sure to turn your alarm clock away from you.
Light signals your brain to wake up, and the 'blue light' from you digital
clock and cell phone are the worst distracters.
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