 |
| A Susan Smith-Jones Production |
I will assume the former. So I checked in with Dr. Susan Smith-Jones, who is an internationally known expert in nutrition and author of some 25 books, to give us some basics on how to handle the holidays to look and feel younger. Her latest book is “Walking on Air.” She asked me what beautiful means to me? Huh?
She told me beauty does not begin on the outside. “Beautiful is what you are made of. Beautiful people spend time discovering what they love—what sings to them---and they make time each day to fill themselves up with that beauty. Authentic beauty is an alchemy of radiant physical health and glowing self-esteem.
When one feels happy and fulfilled, their outlook and contentment is reflected in their face and overall appearance.” She added , “to combine emotional and physical nourishment is, in her estimation, the truest and most time-honored beauty secret.”
So let’s get to the Tips for Looking Younger No Matter Your Age:
EXERCISE: Regular, vigorous exercise supports healthy circulation and detoxification, with visible benefits for the skin. It also releases endorphins that makes you feel happier and less stressed. The skin takes on a rosy glow that no makeup artist could duplicate.I guess I liked her conclusion that choosing a healthy lifestyle will make you glow and be beautiful throughout your life. So, the secrets are really just practical application of the basics. Of course, you need to make the best of all those incredible edibles that will be dangling in front of your face smothered in chocolate and all the delectable that come with the holidays.
SLEEP: If you are not well rested, your skin will let the world know because your face will appear pale, drawn, and blemished. Sleep is when most of the body’s repair work and maintenance are completed. Thus, getting deep sleep nightly is essential for maintaining beautiful skin. While you sleep, blemishes are being healed and new skin cells regenerate.
DIET AND WATER: Emphasize lots of high water content foods in your daily diet, such as raw fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which help give you glowing, youthful skin. Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of purified water daily, too. If you are dehydrated, as most people are day in, day out, this creates wrinkles (like how a grape turns into a raisin) and accelerates aging.
JOY-FILLED LIVING: Reveling in life’s simple pleasures at least once a day will not only keep stress and wrinkles at bay, but will also enrich your life immeasurably. For example, spending time in nature or with your pets will boost your mood. Laughter quells stress and activates the immune system. Your skin glows with joy when you put on a happy face.
So, take it easy, don’t stress, and enjoy yourself…and don’t get all #$!$#!$#. Crazy and whiny doesn’t help! Take it one day at a time, and enjoy every minute of it with family and friends!
Happy and Blessed Holidays . . . from Mary Jane Popp
______________________________________________
