March Newsletter Tips Hair, Heart & More
Winter Hair Tips:
It’s just about over, those cold days of winter. Not only do our bodies crave the freedom of warmer temperatures, our hair yearns for it as well.
Winter does a number on our skin and hair, and this is an excellent time to take a look at your hair and see if exposure to the drying effects of winter have damaged your hair more than you may have expected. Most of us know how hard summer can be on our hair, but winter causes its own frustrations. Static from being overly dry in heated homes and businesses. Breakage can result from stuffing our hair into a protective cap, but leaving your hair to fly free in freezing temperatures is even more damaging. And winter can dull our hair.
Not only is your hair needing attention, but your scalp as well. Any change in weather can cause your scalp to peel and flake. Because of winter’s low humidity, it dries out both our scalp and our hair. You may also have developed dandruff, which can trap oil at the roots of your hair, making your hair limp and heavy.
Not sure if you’re suffering dryness? Check that T-zone of your face. If it is usually oily, but by this time at the end of winter it’s dry . . . then your scalp and hair are overly dry as well.
It’s time to talk to your stylist/tech about products that will combat all the enemies that come with winter hair. Static happens when your hair picks up an electrical charge from the dry air around you. As for a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that will moisturize your scalp and hair without too much heaviness. You might also consider an ionic hair dryer that is less drying than regular dryers do
Fine straight hair that levitates? Get an anti-frizz cream and apply it just to the tips of your hair. A gentle comb-through will then transfer just enough along the entire hair shaft to control the frizz.
For those of you with medium weight hair, you can handle a slightly richer moisturizing process such as an anti-static spray that you spray on wet hair and leave it in as you style your hair.
Heavier hair may need a leave-in or overnight cream to combat static.
Always read labels. Anything with alcohol will dry out your tresses, further complicating winter’s destruction.
Consider a nourishing heat-protectant spray before any styling with heat to maintain that healthy glow. It will smooth out the cuticle of your hair, making it shiny again.
Just a few changes make a world of difference to winter-damaged hair.
Controlling Blood Pressure Tips:
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Most high blood pressure happens when arteries get plugged up by a waxy plaque.
Many factors impact high blood pressure: too much salt, stress, smoking, processed foods, obesity, and other factors. High blood pressure can lead to strokes, eye and kidney damage, and heart disease.
Here are a few ways to help lower your blood pressure.
Lose weight.
Exercise more.
Eat less salt. Read labels and don’t add extra salt.
Eat fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy.
Reduce alcohol intake.
Quit smoking.
Cut down on caffeine.
Reduce stress.
Monitor blood pressure and discuss the results with your doctor.
Meditative practices such as biofeedback, breathing techniques, yoga, and mindfulness practices.
Tips for a Better Memory:
Memory is a composition of crisp thoughts and sharp images tied together. Remembering is a skill, just like thinking and talking. However, it is unique in that all our other abilities are based on memory. You can enhance your business and other skills by improving your memory.
The number one key to memory is concentration. To focus on specific types of information such as names, facts or numbers, you need a sustained level of attention. The main reason we get distracted and lose our ability to focus is the separation of the use of our eyes and mind. You cannot concentrate at all when they are not working together.
1. A great technique to raise your concentration is to exercise with a simple design called a mandala. Mandalas have been used in art and always include a circular central area. Twice a day, focus on the mandala for two minutes, keeping your eyes and mind directed to this target. If you do this property, it will quiet the inner noise in your mind, center your attention and focuses everything to a single point.
2. Many people benefit greatly from visualizing the information they study. Pay attention to the specific details. If you do not have visual cues to help, try creating your own.
3. Mental stimulation will help keep your brain in shape by doing crossword puzzles, playing challenging card games, take a different routes when driving or learn to play a musical instrument.
4. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends old and new. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss, particularly as we age.
5. You are more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered and your notes are in disarray. Jot down tasks, appointments and other events in a special notebook, calendar or electronic planner. Keep to-do lists current and check off items you've completed. Set aside a specific place for your wallet, keys, and other essentials.
6. Don’t try to do too many things at once. You will remember better if you focus on the information you need to recall later. Limit distractions and don't do too many things at once.
7. Sleep plays a very important role in helping you consolidate your memories, so you can recall them down the road. Make getting enough sleep a priority.
