Cut Through The Clatter
Sleep masks block any incoming light. When your brain registers real darkness, it causes the production of melatonin.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Basically, it is the chemical of sleep.
Sleep masks can also be used to block airflow over the eyes during the night particularly when ceiling fans and heat or air conditioning are a concern. Read more
The best pillow for sleeping really depends on your sleeping position – we all sleep in different positions. You might sleep on your side, your stomach, your back or a combination of everything. If we have the wrong pillow – it can make the difference between getting a good night’s sleep and waking up sore, grumpy and tired.
If you get hot at night you will need a pillow that keeps you cool. This means that the materials should be breathable and distribute heat.
Regardless of your sleeping position you need to ensure your shoulders, and hips are aligned – posture is important to get that great sleep.
If you are a back sleeper your pillow should properly support your head and keep your spine aligned – know that “crick in the neck” feeling? You need a firmer pillow that will provide proper head and neck support. You don’t want a pillow that is too flat or soft. To reduce stress on your spine and support the natural curve in your lower back you can use a small pillow under the back of your knees.
Over half the population prefers to sleep on their side? 39% prefer fetal (legs bent) and 28% “log” (arms down the side) position. (Source).
If you sleep on your side then knee support is important. This means that using two pillows is beneficial. One goes under your head and the other goes between your legs.
Knee support is important for spinal alignment. Think about it, if you sleep on your side your knees need to be placed so that your spine is not curved awkwardly.Bad knee posture can cause stiffness and chronic pain. Alternatively you could also use a full-body pillow.
If you sleep on your stomach the spine can be put out of position. One way to counter this is to put a flat pillow under the stomach and pelvis area. The pillow for your head should be flat, or you can sleep without a pillow.
When turning in bed, it is important to move your entire body at the same time. Don’t bend at the waist – keep your belly pulled in and tight and bend your knees toward your chest as you roll.
BTW – Have a great sleep. Remember to change your pillow every year or so.
Live life without waiting to die – live your life in the now. Make every moment count – pretend each day is your last.
The intensity of life will surprise and astound you.
There is a balancing act with a combination skin type. The area of dry skin needs to be properly moisturized and the area of oily skin moisturized using a different method.
If you have a combination skin type, you likely have oily skin in the “T” zone on your face. The “T” zone is the nose, chin and forehead and it is likely you have dry skin outside of that zone.
You may also develop fine lines and wrinkles, while at the same time experience clogged pores. An uneven skin tone or brown spots may be visible and the pores on your nose may appear larger.
With this dichotomy of issues going on, it’s sometimes difficult to address with a single line of skin care products. Your nose, forehead and chin may have overactive oil glands which make the pores clog easily. However, the cheeks and other areas of your face may appear dry and flaky and require special attention. Read more
You know if you are an oily skin type – you can just feel it by the end of the day. Oily skin can be problematic, but there are also benefits to having oily skin! You are less likely to wrinkle as fast as those that have dry skin, so you can look younger, for longer. Although at times you may hate the oiliness, be thankful too.
Oily skin doesn’t necessarily mean acne problems, but if you do experience breakouts, you can usually develop a skin care routine that works for you so that breakouts and acne occur less, and make less of an impact.
Keeping your skin clean from excess oils and trapped impurities is essential. Read more
So you have a normal skin type, you have no real issues – it doesn’t mean you don’t need to have a skin care regime. To keep your skin looking radiant, it helps to be vigilant in making sure it stays that way. So, love your skin all the time!
You may be fortunate to look in the mirror and see no signs of oiliness or dryness. Even though you may not be too concerned about any skin problems now, it doesn’t mean that problems can’t arise later.
So, don’t rest on your genetically-gifted laurels. Read more