What Is Wellness?

Wellness is a state of being well, a way of life, a choice, and a lifestyle designed to achieve a person's highest potential for well-being. It is an aspect of health cost management that focuses efforts on maximizing an employee's general health and a decision a person makes to move toward optimal health. Furthermore, the concept of wellness uses daily practices that keeps one "well" and involves maintaining good nutrition, exercise, stress control, and good personal and social relationships. In addition, it is a balance of the mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being which is a process of becoming aware of and practicing healthy choices to create a more successful and balanced lifestyle.

Emotional Wellness

• Being aware and accepting of one's feelings.
• Ability to have outlets for expressing one's emotions constructively.
• Being able to adjust to change and seek positive outcomes.
• Being happy and positive

Environmental and Occupational Wellness

• Acknowledgement and appreciation of one's interdependence with and impact on the natural environment
• Positively contributing to the protection and sustainability of our environment
• Establishing a positive physical living and working environment
• Seeking and integrating opportunities to grow professionally, be challenged and successful
• Garnering satisfaction and enrichment from one's chosen career and the professional relationships developed
• Capability to contribute positively, productively and safely to the collective whole

Intellectual Wellness

• A continuous openness to new concepts, ideas, perspectives and cultures
• An unbridled curiosity to seek new and diverse experiences/challenges
• Ability to successfully learn, apply new learning, change, and adapt

Physical Wellness

• Freedom from illness, disease and need for medications
• Ability to function and regularly participate safely in a variety of activities
• Maintaining a balanced natural diet and regular sleeping habits

Social Wellness

• Forming and contributing to positive relationships of mutual respect
• Comfortably and effectively performing a variety of social/group roles
• Seeking and fulfilling leadership roles that contribute positively to your community

Spiritual Wellness

• Seeking opportunities for self-enlightenment and liberation
• Progression toward a stronger sense of purpose, personal values and meaning of life
• A state of harmony with self and the rest of the world/universe

Anti-aging tips for women

HOW TO... ACHIEVE AGE-DEFYING BEAUTY

Though we can’t exactly escape the aging process, that doesn't mean we can’t put up a good fight. Get ready for battle with the help of these anti-aging tips that will slow down the clock no matter what your age.

Step 1: Work it out

As spa owner Lidya Wati points out, staying active is key to slowing down the clock, both physically and mentally. “Exercise to improve [your] energy level and keep the mind sharp,” she says. “’Use it or lose it’ may sound like a cliche, but it’s true in the case of the brain.”

Actress and fashion editor Margaret Luce agrees, crediting her slim shape to a regular exercise regimen including power walks, runs and Pilates. Looking for a quick and cheap face lift? Luce has a trick for that, too — simply hang upside down for about five to 10 minutes for a lifting and firming effect.

Step 2: Eat (and drink!) right

Fast food can be tempting when you’re short on time, but an unhealthy diet will only hurt your appearance in the long run. That’s why skin experts place so much importance on food consumption.

“Focus on getting more fruits and vegetables, and reduce [your] sugar intake and the amount of fat and carbohydrate consumption as you age,” Wati says. “Complement your diet with vitamins and supplements. Also, drink plenty of water. Make sure you get eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day.”

Why is hydrating so important? Licensed esthetician Rachael Pagano explains: “Skin is the first organ to give its water to other organs that need it,” she says. “So keep hydrated for your organs, but also for your skin.”

Got the munchies? Nix that candy bar for a healthier, more skin-friendly option. Certified nutritional therapy practitioner and nutritionist Margaux J. Rathbun recommends eating more raw fruits and veggies such as grapefruit, kale, strawberries, cucumbers and bananas.

“Start sprinkling chia seeds, walnuts and ground flax seed on your meals for some added Omega-3 fatty acids,” she says. “You should also make it a point to limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these can dry out your skin.”

Step 3: Butt out

Another big no-no — not just when it comes to aging, but for your overall health — is to nix the nicotine. According to dermatologist surgeon Dr. W. Patrick Davey, smoking is one of the worst offenders when it comes to aging.

“Skin aging is caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors,” he explains. “Intrinsically as we age we develop fine wrinkles, thinner skin, loss of underlying fat, dry skin, inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin, nail thinning and hair loss. The extrinsic factors that accelerate this process are sun exposure, smoking, repetitive facial expressions, sleeping positions and gravity. Of these extrinsic factors, the two most damaging are sun exposure and smoking, both of which we can control.”

Step 4: Made in the shade

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of aging skin. “Excessive UV exposure breaks down the collagen in the skin, causing wrinkles and loss of elasticity, not to mention the risk of cancer,” Wati says.

The solution? Use sun protection daily.

Step 5: Take time for yourself

Treat your body right, and it will return the favor.

Certified makeup artist Josephine Fusco recommends starting with your skin.

“A skin care regimen is imperative,” Fusco says. “One of the best anti-aging products on the market that I always try to push for my clients to use is a serum. Serums are a fantastic way to slow down the aging process of the skin — they penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and literally turn back the hands of time on the face.”

Another key ingredient toward achieving a youthful glow throughout the decades? Get your ZZZs.

“Sleep well. Six to eight hours of sleep daily is essential to restore energy and maintain overall health,” Wati says.

Step 6: Get happy

Happiness goes a long way in terms of health and, ultimately, aging.

“The happier we are, the healthier we will be — and that will bring the glow of youth to anyone of any age,” Wati says.

Whether or not you’re religious, Wati recommends practicing some sort of spirituality to help you find that happiness.

“Spirituality, which may or may not be religion-based, helps us to let go, forgive and be adaptable. It alleviates emotional stress, which in turn promotes well-being and physical health. The connection between body, mind and spirit is undeniable. The more we are in touch with our higher self, the more fulfilling and happier we will be.”

How to Look Younger Than Your Years: 5 Anti-Aging Tips for Mens

Load Skin With Antioxidants 
Using a night cream that fights fine lines and wrinkles (a.k.a. the telltale signs of aging) is key to looking younger. Urth Skin Solutions for Men Hydratherapy is a gel formula packed with free-radical-fighting ingredients like red seaweed, white tea, and vitamins A, B5, C, D, and E. It hydrates and protects skin against environmental stress and damage that causes skin to age.

Target the Eye Area 
Eyes may be the windows to the soul, but for our purposes, they're what give away your age (or worse, what make you look older than you really are). The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, rendering it more prone to wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. So give the eye area some extra attention every morning and night. We use Kinerase Extreme Lift Eye, which delivers on its promise to reduce the appearance of crow's feet in just five minutes.

Protect Against Sun Damage
You've heard us say it time and time again, but seriously, the No. 1 cause of skin that looks old before its time is sun exposure. If you want to avoid the leather-man look in your later years, apply a daily SPF and wear sunglasses (no joke—excessive squinting creates wrinkles). We recommend Beyond Coastal Active SPF 34+ Sunscreen.

Get a Healthy Glow
As we age, our skin-cell turnover rate slows dramatically (read: your old face looks dull and lifeless), but you can polish those dead cells away to reveal the youthful glow underneath with a scrub like Billy Jealousy Liquids and Exfoliating Cleanser. The lactic acid gently removes dead skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and sun damage. Regular use of a scrub also allows moisturizers and anti-aging serums to penetrate deeper into the skin for added effectiveness.

Prevent Hair Loss 
A full head of hair is a sign of virility. If your locks aren't what they used to be, make sure you're using a high-quality shampoo designed to fight hair loss. Try Apivita Shampoo for Thinning Hair to promote the healthy, thicker hair growth of your younger days.

Healthy Living Tips

Drink and Eat Well

1.	Drink water—Drinking water will keep urine flowing normally and flush waste products from your system. Make sure to stay hydrated especially while in the sun and/or exercising, when you lose water from perspiration.
2.	Have some juice—Cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections in both children and adults  And one study found that a daily glass of pomegranate juice may help prevent prostate cancer re occurrence.
3.	Reduce salt intake—Too much salt may cause you to retain water and disrupt the salt/mineral/water balance in your kidneys, which may put you at greater risk of kidney stones.
4.	Cut back on caffeine—Caffeine acts as a diuretic and may irritate your bladder.

If You Have Children

5.	Before bedtime—Limit fluids at night and ensure that your child uses the bathroom right before bed to prevent bed wetting (Urology Health extra® – Spring 2010, pg. 4).
6.	If you have daughter(s)—Teach girls to wipe from front to back. Wiping front to back will keep bacteria from entering the vagina and reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections.
7.	If you have son(s)—A boy should begin wearing an athletic supporter or "cup" as soon as he is involved in any kind of activity that could lead to groin injury, such as playing sports.

Make Healthy Choices

8.	Don't Smoke—Smoking and prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke are among the leading causes of bladder and kidney cancer. Smoking can also contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED)
9.	Exercise regularly—Pelvic Floor Muscle, or "Kegel" exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that help hold urine inside the bladder, preventing leakage.
10.	Maintain a healthy weight—Obesity may contribute to your risk of acquiring urological diseases. Obese individuals are twice as likely to suffer from kidney stones compared to normal weight individuals and obese men are 20-30 percent more likely to die of prostate cancer than men of a healthy weight.
11.	Be proactive in your health care—Get regular check-ups and be sure to speak with your doctor regarding any questions or uncertainties you may have; communication plays a vital role in the quality of patient care that you receive.

General Healthy Eating Tips

Junk food is poor fuel for your body

About nine in 10 teenagers eat junk food every day. This might be fizzy drinks and high-kilojoule snacks like potato chips. However, your body can’t run properly on inferior fuel. 

Compared to home-cooked food, junk food (which includes fast food) is almost always:

• Higher in fat, particularly saturated fat
• Higher in salt
• Higher in sugar
• Lower in fibre
• Lower in nutrients such as calcium and iron
• Served in larger portions, which means more kilo joules.

While a mid-life heart attack might seem too far away to be real, it may surprise you to know that you could have health problems already. A poor diet can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, constipation, fatigue and concentration problems – even when you’re young.

Eating tips to improve your diet

Small changes can make a big impact. Try these tips:

• Cut back on fizzy sugary drinks. Go for sugar-free versions. Even better, drink water instead – try adding a slice of lemon, lime or orange.
• Keep a fruit bowl stocked at home for fast and low-kilojoule snacks.
• Eat breakfast every day so you’re less likely to snack on junk food at morning tea. A fortified breakfast cereal served with low-fat milk can provide plenty of vitamins, mineral and fibre. Other fast and healthy options include yoghurt or wholemeal toast.
• Don’t skip lunch or dinner either.
• Help with the cooking and think up new ways to create healthy meals. Make those old family recipes lower in fat by changing the cooking method – for example, grill, stir-fry, bake, boil or microwave instead of deep frying.
• Reduce the size of your meals.
• Don’t add salt to your food.
• Don’t eat high-fat foods every time you visit a fast food outlet with your friends. Many of the popular fast food chains now have healthier food choices on the menu.
• Change your meeting place. Rather than meeting up with your friends at the local takeaway shop, suggest a food outlet that serves healthier foods such as wholemeal rolls with vegetable fillings or sushi.

Change the way you think about food

There are lots of myths about healthy food. Don’t make food choices based on false beliefs. Suggestions include:

• Compare the prices of junk foods against the price of healthier food options to see that ‘healthy’ doesn’t have to mean ‘expensive’.
• Experiment with different foods and recipes. You’ll soon discover that a meal cooked with fresh ingredients always leaves a limp burger or soggy chips for dead.
• Try different ‘fast’ options like wholewheat breakfast cereal, muesli, wholemeal bread, wholegrain muffins, fruit, yoghurt or noodles.
• Don’t think that your diet has to be ‘all or nothing’. Eating well doesn’t mean you must be a health food freak. A good diet allows for treats occasionally.

Change your eating environment

Suggestions include:

• Lobby your school canteen for healthier food choices.
• Ask your school canteen to include a range of low-price healthy food choices.
• Help with the grocery shopping and choose fewer processed foods.
• Get involved in cooking at home. The Better Health Channel recipe finder may provide inspiration.

Teens Health

5 Ways to Get Your 5 a Day

You may have heard that you should eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day — which works out to a total of about 2½ cups. But experts actually recommend getting even more than that amount.

There are no limits on the quantities of tasty fruits and veggies you can enjoy — unless, of course, you load 'em up with butter or dressing, or deep-fry them! But many of us still find it hard to fit fruit and veggies into our meals.

Here are some ideas to help you get into the 5-a-day (or more!) habit:

1. Start with the first meal of the day. Plan to eat a serving or two of fruit with breakfast every day. Mix it up so you don't get bored. Half a grapefruit, an apple, or a handful of berries on your cereal are all good choices. Continue this pattern by eating vegetables at lunch and at dinner.
2. Get extra energy from fruit or vegetable snacks. The carbohydrates in fruit and vegetables are great sources of energy. Combine them with a serving of protein — such as a piece of cheese, a cup of yogurt, or a tablespoon of peanut butter, and you get staying power too. Ants on a log, anyone?
3. Double up on fruit and veggie servings. Recommended servings of fruit and veggies can be small. Unlike other foods, it's OK to double the serving size of fruit or vegetables. Serve yourself a 1-cup portion of broccoli or tomatoes instead of the standard serving of ½ cup.
4. Use fruit and vegetables as ingredients. Enjoy bread? Bake up a batch of zucchini bread and get your veggies along with your grains! Use applesauce instead of oil in your baked goods. Chop up veggies (peppers, carrots, celery) and toss them into your favorite chili recipe. If you don't like vegetables much, sneak them into foods you do enjoy (like grating carrots into tomato sauce or, again, zucchini into bread). It's a great way to get your veggies without having to taste them!
5. Try a new fruit, vegetable, or recipe each week. Our bodies like variety. So set a goal to try something different each week. You may find a new favorite. One good way to get variety is to eat the fruit and veggies that are in season in your area. They usually taste better than the bland fruit salad or shriveled apples you're used to seeing in the cafeteria!

Children's health

Here are 10 key rules to live by:

1. Parents control the supply lines. You decide which foods to buy and when to serve them. Though kids will pester their parents for less nutritious foods, adults should be in charge when deciding which foods are regularly stocked in the house. Kids won't go hungry. They'll eat what's available in the cupboard and fridge at home. If their favorite snack isn't all that nutritious, you can still buy it once in a while so they don't feel deprived.
2. From the foods you offer, kids get to choose what they will eat or whether to eat at all. Kids need to have some say in the matter. Schedule regular meal and snack times. From the selections you offer, let them choose what to eat and how much of it they want. This may seem like a little too much freedom. But if you follow step 1, your kids will be choosing only from the foods you buy and serve.
3. Quit the "clean-plate club." Let kids stop eating when they feel they've had enough. Lots of parents grew up under the clean-plate rule, but that approach doesn't help kids listen to their own bodies when they feel full. When kids notice and respond to feelings of fullness, they're less likely to overeat.
4. Start them young. Food preferences are developed early in life, so offer variety. Likes and dislikes begin forming even when kids are babies. You may need to serve a new food on several different occasions for a child to accept it. Don't force a child to eat, but offer a few bites. With older kids, ask them to try one bite.
5. Rewrite the kids' menu. Who says kids only want to eat hot dogs, pizza, burgers, and macaroni and cheese? When eating out, let your kids try new foods and they might surprise you with their willingness to experiment. You can start by letting them try a little of whatever you ordered or ordering an appetizer for them to try.
6. Drink calories count. Soda and other sweetened drinks add extra calories and get in the way of good nutrition. Water and milk are the best drinks for kids. Juice is fine when it's 100%, but kids don't need much of it — 4 to 6 ounces a day is enough for preschoolers.
7. Put sweets in their place. Occasional sweets are fine, but don't turn dessert into the main reason for eating dinner. When dessert is the prize for eating dinner, kids naturally place more value on the cupcake than the broccoli. Try to stay neutral about foods.
8. Food is not love. Find better ways to say "I love you." When foods are used to reward kids and show affection, they may start using food to cope with stress or other emotions. Offer hugs, praise, and attention instead of food treats.
9. Kids do as you do. Be a role model and eat healthy yourself. When trying to teach good eating habits, try to set the best example possible. Choose nutritious snacks, eat at the table, and don't skip meals.
10. Limit TV and computer time. When you do, you'll avoid mindless snacking and encourage activity. Research has shown that kids who cut down on TV-watching also reduced their percentage of body fat. When TV and computer time are limited, they'll find more active things to do. And limiting "screen time" means you'll have more time to be active together.

Women's Health

Women Health Care

Women health care in most cases takes a back seat because of the multitude tasks she has to undertake. Health care for women means extra nutrition and care especially when they cross the age of 30. They should follow specific diet tips and develop a healthy eating habit. Diseases that are common in women are anemia, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, migraine, weight gain and weakness. They are the ailments which begin with simple symptoms but might go to extreme degrees if adequate attention is not provided. So if you could only try to follow the health tips for women before it gets too late for everything then you can ensure a healthy you.
There are various health magazines for women and women health websites giving a number of healthy tips for women. Women`s health care practices will indeed improve if they put a stern eye over the health tips offered by the various sources. So let us have a look over the simplest of ways and try to remain healthy and happy. With the tips you will be highly benefited and you will slowly find the changes in you and your health.

Health Tips for Women

You should drink lots of water. At least 8 -12 glasses of water consumption should be done by an adult. Develop a healthy eating habit and live more on fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and food rich in fiber, shoots, seeds and cereals. Increase your protein intake and also have more of carbohydrate in your diet. Calcium rich diet is also essential for women as they tend to suffer a lot from osteoporosis after menopause. You should do some, yoga, exercises and work out a daily basis, so that you can stay in shape as well as fit and healthy. These will surely help you to remain active for a long time.

Working Women Health Care

Doctors and fitness experts all over the world recommend balanced diet high in proteins and low in fats and carbohydrates. Diet containing enough vitamins and minerals improve immunity and mental performance. Drink lots of water. Fresh fruit juices are good for health. Beverages like tea, coffee and fizzy drinks must be avoided. Even if you drink tea or coffee try to avoid the consumption of sugar. Exercise regularly. Go for morning walks, jogging, cycling or climb stairs to stay active. It keeps you fit and decreases stress and anxiety. Keep a check on your weight to ensure that you stay fit. Devote your time to pursue your hobbies to get relief from stress and anxiety. Regular health checkups will warn you timely about health complications. Sleep for 8 hours to stay fresh the next day. These are the health tips which should be followed by working women to stay healthy.

Healthy Diet Tips for Women

Cooking for family and balancing other household work and in the process often skipping meals and forgetting to take food is quite common among today`s women. But you have to eat healthy if you have to stay fit and work. Choose the types of food which will help you to improve your health so that you can fight against all kinds of diseases. Eat a moderate proportion. Do not over eat or consume less food. Eat a wide variety of food items which includes vegetables, grains, fruits, fish, meat or egg. Limit the intake of fried food and sugary items.
Always start your day by eating a big breakfast. If you are working take lunch from home instead of eating at the cafeteria. Try to share a dessert plate instead of gorging on one whole plate yourself. Use mustard where you would eat mayonnaise. Eat food which is low in calorie. If you consume alcohol limit yourself to the weekends. When you are having your cereals ensure that you have fat free milk along with it. If you have sweet tooth then try to balance your meal for the day so that you do not take in extra calories.
There are many simple nutrition tips which you can follow but some of the most essential tips can lead you on the path of a healthy living. These nutrition tips will not only help you to stay fit but also help you to get all the required nutrition content which a body needs. Intake of iron, calcium and vitamin D are very essential for a woman so ensure that you consume daily. Try eating a lot of berries they are rich in vitamin C, fiber and folate. They have the essential nutrients which helps you to fight diseases. For example cranberries are great for prevention of urinary infection. So follow certain simple health tips and rules to stay healthy and fit.
Not every girl has problems with her monthly periods. Some seem to sail through them as if there was no difference between these and other normal days...Try to follow a regular sleep schedule Make sleep your top priority. At least till your body gets adjusted, avoid doing things that will keep you alert and awake when you need to sleep...Different individuals are affected in different ways by air pollution. The sensitive ones suffer the most ill effects as do the elderly or the very young.Well meaning friends fix up spa treatments, visits to the salon, consultations with wedding planners, complete health check ups and so on. But these are all what all advisors come up with....Try to follow a regular sleep schedule Make sleep your top priority. At least till your body gets adjusted, avoid doing things that will keep you alert and awake when you need to sleep...."I`m just grabbing a quick bite and then I`m off!" This is what one often hears in the new-age work places that houses hundreds of young professionals who hardly have time to eat a proper meal. Dental care is a vital part of personal hygiene. You just cannot afford to neglect it. All it needs is regular care and caution....All of us know that a healthy, well maintained body will go a long way to keep you looking younger and fresher and contribute towards your genuine happiness and fulfillment. So take good care of yourself! After all, we have but one life to lead...Eating a diet that is low on fat, high on fibre with adequate servings of fresh vegetables and fruits is known to prevent health complications and many common illnesses....All of us want to live a full life, look young, healthy and fresh and have the energy to attend to our needs till our last breath. This need not be just wishful thinking if only we remember that all it takes ... When we are young, we tend to exhibit over confidence about our state of health and we ignore what seem to be minor ailments. A visit to the doctor is a big no-no unless one is so sick..Are you aware that with less sleep your workouts will be less effective and that your body will be more likely to store fat? It is a vicious cycle....Good eating habits are a strong foundation to good health. It`s important to eat what you like and also to experiment with a variety of new foods...

Men's Health

Tips for men for a healthy life

 It’s very exciting that our health — and our ability to stay strong and live longer — are not just a matter of our genes or our luck. Here are two things you can do to take charge of your health. You can take a quiz to see how much you know about men’s health, and you can also take some simple steps to support your health, your family, and your future.

• Eat healthy. Nutritious foods give you energy and may lower your risk of certain diseases. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk products. Learn nutrition basics and how to read a food label.

• Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Find out your body mass index, or BMI, to see if you're at risk. Eat healthy foods, control portion sizes, and be active to keep your weight in check.

• Get moving. Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Find out how much physical activity you need.

• Be smoke-free. Smoking is linked to many of the leading causes of death, including cancer, lung disease, and stroke. If you smoke, quit today! Also, avoid secondhand smoke.
• Get routine exams and screenings. Ask your doctor how often you need to be examined. Ask about screening tests for certain diseases and conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and certain types of cancer.

• Take any medications you need. Thousands of deaths could be prevented each year by taking medications properly. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions for all medications, including those that help control conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Learn about medication safety.
• Avoid heavy drinking. Heavy drinking can lead to many problems, including high blood pressure, various cancers, psychological problems, and accidents. For men 65 and younger, drinking in moderation means no more than two drinks per day. Men older than 65 should have no more than one drink a day. Find out about drink serving sizes.

• Manage stress. Balancing work and family obligations can be challenging. But it's important to protect your mental and physical health. Find healthy ways to cope with stress.

• Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood and your health. Try certain changes that can improve your sleep. See your doctor if you think you have a serious problem. Sleep apnea, a common problem in which your breathing stops briefly, can increase the risk of accidents and certain health problems.

• Know your risks. Learn how your lifestyle affects your risk of health problems. For example, people who work with certain chemicals need to take protective steps, and men who have sex with men should talk with their doctors about particular concerns. You also should keep track of your family medical history and share it with your doctor.

• Stay safe. Safety means many things, like wearing seat belts and helmets, having working smoke detectors, and following safety rules at work. It also means using condoms, washing your hands, taking care of your teeth, and wearing sunscreen. Take steps to protect yourself and others.

Simple, Practical Mental Health Tips:

30 Tips for Preserving a Healthy Mind
Need some practical advice for improving your mental health? Start with these simple mental healthtips. 

Are you feeling depressed lately and wondering how to improve your mood? Are you in the midst of getting over a significant loss in your life and wondering how to keep your mind healthy as you grieve? Are you interested in how you can maintain a healthy mind to keep your body healthy?

Mental health is a complex subject-- it's hard to define and difficult to grasp all of the different aspects of mental health. Still, however, there are simple steps that you can take in your life to keep your mind healthy.

Check out these practical tips for maintaining a healthy mind! Employ just a few of these ideas and you'll likely feel the difference in your mental health.

1) Make sure you’re getting enough rest. Sleep is the body’s way of recharging, meaning that sleep doesn’t only increase your energy—it actually boosts your mental health.

2) Feel what you feel! Don't worry about controlling or changing your feelings. For now, focus on expressing the feelings that you have rather than trying to feel a certain way.

3) Forgive yourself for past mistakes. Messing up is a part of life, and mental health requires understanding that and moving past mistakes in our lives. Is there a mistake or regret that eats at you? Let. It. Go.

4) Throw a mini-party for yourself! Celebrate a recent accomplishment in your life by patting yourself on the back and rewarding yourself with a small gift you've been looking forward to. It's important to acknowledge successes-- not just failures.

5) Find a good support system. Whether family, friends, a church, or something else, find a group of people who are willing to love you for who you are. This boosts resilience and helps to provide perspective in the midst of stress and pain.

6) Eat healthy. Invest time in learning which kinds of foods bring you “up” and which kinds bring you “down.” Committing to a diet can make you feel good about yourself, give you a sense of self-improvement, and boost your sense of accomplishment.

7) Exercise. Regularly exercising can help to cut back stress in your life, releasing pent up energy as you work your body. Exercise releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that energize us.

8) Get some sun. Sunlight can lift one’s spirits, boosting mental health and preventing depression.

9) Leave some time for leisure. Make sure you allow time in your schedule for whatever causes you to relax. Maybe it's watching movies or completing crossword puzzles or walking outside. Make time for the things you know relax you.

10) Stay away from drugs and alcohol. When you consume cigarettes, illegal drugs, and alcohol, these drugs tamper with your mental health, decreasing mental stability and giving you “false positive” emotions.

11) Commit to helping others. You can build self-esteem and self-worth by regularly pouring out your energy and talents to help others. Volunteering is another activity that releases endorphins, boosting your mood.

12) Do things that require discipline. Self-control increases self-worth, as you feel like you can control aspects of your life.

13) Learn something new! Part of what makes us human is our tendency to challenge ourselves. Challenge yourself to learn something new-- maybe a new skill, sport, or game.

14) Spend time enjoying art. Studying artwork exercises our minds and encourages us to think creatively. Take some time to visit a gallery or an art show-- you may return with a new perspective on your situation.

15) Find a good listener, and return the favor. Find one person who is willing to listen to you vent and talk freely. It can also relieve stress to form a listening partnership, where the two of you share on a regular basis.

16) Stick to your friends! Do what you can to intentionally keep in touch with a circle of friends. Schedule lunches, dates, or get-togethers with your friends more often. Deep friendships remind us of a sense of belonging.

17) Make the decision not to worry. Worry will consume your mind if you let it, but you can also train yourself to avoid worry, to choose a life without anxiety. Ask God to help you not to worry.

18) Do things that engage your senses. Each day, perform one task that engages each of your senses: sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. Engaging your senses helps you to live in the moment and focus on the present.

19) Leave time to build and create! Even if it's just LEGOs or a can of Play-doh, it's important to engage our creative sides frequently. When the mind gets into a rut of the same sort of thinking, it gets sick. Keep it well by staying creative.

20) Consider getting a pet. This is a big decision, but having a pet can really help mental health. Pets love us unconditionally, keep us active, and provide us a way to care for something.

21) Leave time for nothing. Make sure your schedule has a little room for free time: time that is unbudgeted. Use that time for meditation, prayer, or relaxation exercises.

22) Cut out late-night TV and computer use. Studies have shown that watching TV and using a computer late at night can cause depressive symptoms.

23) Spend time with people every day. Find people who are like you and who like you. This one seems pretty obvious, but it's easy to forget when you're depressed or down. Interacting with people is likely part of the solution, not the problem.

24) Work to understand what stresses you. Understand your stressors and be able to recognize how you need to react. Be informed about what is happening in your mind and body.

25) Give and receive compliments. Find reasons to praise people, and be willing to accept people's praises of you. This will help you to appreciate the good in those around you and recognize it in yourself.

26) Join a club or social group that meets regularly. This will help to create a community in your life, fueling purpose and camaraderie.

27) Leave time to laugh. Try to laugh hysterically every day. Feed yourself funny things, allowing your mind to decompress from time to time.

28) Accept that there are some things you cannot change. A lot of anxiety stems from trying to change things beyond our control. Recognizing that some things are beyond our control is a key to a healthy, anxiety-free mind.

29) Engage in spirituality on a regular basis. Make sure you're exercising not just your mind and your body but also your spirit. Interact regularly with a spiritual community. Putting faith in God relieves stress on ourselves.

30) Talk to God about where you’re at. Interact with God in prayer on a daily basis and allow God to be a part of your stress-reduction strategy. He’s been doing it for thousands of years—He’s got a little more practice than you do.

 

Healthy Living

Healthy Living Program

RRFW wants young women to respect their bodies and have access to practices and tools that will help them maintain a healthy life – emotionally, mentally, and physically. Young women who feel healthy and are more in tune with what their body needs to function positively are more likely to feel confident in themselves. By fully understanding what it takes for them to create their own healthy living, young women get the chance to build a solid foundation for their growth and feel more secure in their decisions and actions. Young women who feel healthier and respect their bodies as fullyas possible are more likely to treat others with respect and lead confidently.
Proper Nutrients for Personal Growth
RRFW will work with young women to guarantee healthy living so that they may grow up with confidence and maintain a positive body image,while exercising control and will power. Working in alignment withMichelle Obama’s anti-obesity campaign, Let’s Move, participants will learn nutrition and the benefits of an active lifestyle. Participants willl earn how to respect different eating requirements and dietary and activity choices made by others, while being encouraged to decide for themselves what their body wants and needs. Nutritionists, dieticians, and physical therapists/trainers will educate participants on the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle, and help them pave a promising future.

• Balanced eating methods
• How to be an educated consumer in grocery stores
• The effects of media on persuading people to eat “junk food”
• How to read and interpret the nutritional information on foodlabels
• How to exercise safely and effectively – and have fun while doing it

Healthy Sexual Lifestyle Choice
RRFW wants to encourage young women to embrace their sexual identityas part of their whole selves, and work with each other to gain self respectand respect from peers as they begin to explore and understand theirsexuality. Sexual health is an important part of reproductive health, andparticipants will learn to see it as part of their overall, comprehensivewell-being. As this is often a very confusing—and even scary—period oflife, participants will work together to understand how to channel theirfeelings and thoughts in productive, healthy manners – such as throughconversations in a safe space, the arts, and writing. Participants will alsowork together on gaining the sexual confidence to consent or not, andto be respected sexually by others. With the help of sexual educationcounselors and Planned Parenthood representatives, participants willsupport and respect each other in feeling able to make safe and informedsexual decisions.

Participants will also learn:

• Sexual behaviors and methods that prevent dangerous activities that can provoke Sexually Transmitted Infections and unwanted pregnancies
• Forms of birth control, like barrier methods, hormonal methods, and abstinence
• Sexual health hygiene
• The differences between sexual preferences
• Sexually Transmitted Infection risk factors, symptoms, preventionmethods, and treatment options

Water & Sanitation
RRFW will ensure that young women understand their water rights and responsibility to promote and practice good sanitation behaviors.  Participants will explore and understand the necessities of access to clean water and how to confidently advocate for it in their communities. Participants will also work together on gaining better hygiene habits and best practices that improve health and livelihood. With the help of water specialists, hygienists and medical professionals, participants will support each other in feeling able to make mature and well-educated decisions on them and their family’s hygiene.

Participants will also learn:

• The importance of domestic chores being done cleanly and thoroughly
• How to clean water affordably
• The prevalence of water-borne diseases and prevention through hygiene
• The importance of water in health and on earth
• Why the water crisis exists and its impact on communities

Nutrition

RRFW will work with young women to guarantee healthy living so that they may grow up with confidence and maintain a positive body image, while exercising control and will power. Working in alignment with the UN MDGs and UN standards of nutritional requirements, participants will learn about necessary caloric consumption and the necessity for balanced diets. Participants will learn how to respect different eating requirements and different financial abilities that drive others’ eating abilities.  Nutritionists, dieticians, and physical therapists/trainers will educate participants on the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle, and help them pave a promising future.

Partners will also learn:

• Balanced eating methods
• How to be an educated consumer in creating meals for families
• The affects of media on persuading people to eat junk food
• The different nutrients and benefits/disadvantages to locally available foods

Health Tips and Technics - Fitness and Exercist Tips

Simple tips and technicians to keep your body fit and healthy

Being healthy is something everybody wants. Was wondering if there is a magic wand.. whoosh,
I am slim, fit and healthy. Well thats a nice imagination, but is there a way or maybe an easier
way to turn healthy. This definitely takes time. Need some dedication, motivation, to meticulously
follow a regimen.

You can follow certain simple and easy technicians which will help you turn fit and healthy. Have you
decided to go for it! then read on.

- Most people plan for tomorrow, next week or next month. I seriously suggest... start right now.
Just stretch ur feet, stand up on your toes and lift your hands, stretch, stretch stretch. Yes, there
you got it started now. if you have to do it, just do it now.

- Wake up a bit early, pull your pants up and start walking out. If not like an exercise, just take a stroll.
Go where you like, spend sometime out in the morning. You can opt to buy milk, vegetables,
newspaper or whatever... just go out. Slowly increase the speed of your walk, gradually to
more distance. Go to a farther shop to buy things.

- Follow the Golden Rule - Breakfast like a KING, Lunch like a PRINCE and Dinner like a
PAUPER. Keep your dinner very light, avoid cheese, butter, curd or any other fat products.

- Breathe in and breathe out deeply whenever your remember. Do simple stretching exercises.

- Last of all... Don't worry.. Be happy. Stress can cause lifestyle diseases. Be away from stress.
Life is short, enjoy every moment of it.

Eat to lose weight : Eating right can help you knock off those extra pounds.

Sleep Right for healthy weight loss You hit the gym four times a week. You consciously watch what you eat. But your weight does not seem to be budging. The reason could be those late nights .

An easy guide to lose body fat quick and naturally: We can lose weight by consuming the body fat loss diet with recommended caloric value and regular exercise.

Treatment for low back pain: Low back pain is a common issue among computer surfers and bike riders. These are a few simple exercises which will help relieve low back pain.

Balance your spine - Stretch: Learn how to sit, stand, move and exercise in a balanced manner to reduce the neck and lower back pain to a great extent.

Daily Healthy Habits: Healthy habits that can be followed in daily routine life. These habits will improve blood circulation in the body and also increases the energy levels.

Workplace Workouts: Keep yourself fresh and energetic during work hours. These simple and easy methods can be followed for complete relaxation of the entire body.

Tips and Technicians to Treat your eyes: Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow these ten tips to avoid them.

Keep a watch on your waste line for a healthy living: Expanding waste lines could become hazardous.

Get rid of unwanted hair: Because the amount of body hair varies considerably from woman to woman and there is a wide range that is considered normal, someone may think she has excessive hair but not be considered hirsute

Treatment for eyes : Home remedies for puffed eyes and dark circles. Treat your eyes for a rejuvenated and refreshing appearance

Summer Care - Beat the heat with fruit juices: Juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple are essential during summer.

Summer Care - How to avoid Heat exhaustion: Avoid Heat Exhaustion by consuming lot of water and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Tips to treat tired eyes: Most computer users suffer from the problem of tired eyes, dark circles and headaches. Follow these ten tips to avoid them.

Top Great Quick and Easy Health Tips to stay Healthy and Fit.

Make sure you get a balanced diet, as often as possible.

Drink water – you need to stay hydrated. Not only is it good for your internal organs, it also keeps your skin healthy and lessens acne.

To determine your water requirement, divide your weight (in pounds) by two. This gives the daily ounce-recommendation.
Cut down on caffeine and caffeinated and aerated beverages.
Limit alcohol intake. Tobacco and drugs should be an absolute No.

Steer clear of sugar, stimulants and processed food.
Maintain a healthy weight. 

Exercise
Exercise at least four days a week for 20 to 30 minutes each day. If it’s all not possible at a go, break your workouts into smaller sessions. 

Try to get as much physical activity as you can. Skip the elevator and take the stairs, walk to the supermarket instead of hunting for parking space etc.

Wake up early to practice simple meditation. It harmonizes body, mind and soul.

Doing household chores also counts as activity.
Pets can be a great source for your exercise. Especially a dog. Walking dogs, caring for them involves good amounts of physical activity. 

If exercising alone bores you out, hook up with a partner or friend who is committed to exercise. The fun factor will also let you stay committed.
Exercise also works as an outlet for pent up stress. So keep exercising, especially when you’ve got work bearing down on you. 

General Health 

Get adequate rest daily. Don’t deprive yourself of sleep for extended periods of time.
If you’re on medication for an illness, ensure that you follow the course all the way through.
Skin, teeth, hair, nails are all indicators of general health. Loss of hair or lack of lustre may mean poor nutrition.
Make friends with your family physician. Get regular check-ups done.

Watch out for the signs of major illnesses, especially cancer, heart disease etc. Early detection is the key.
When it comes to healthy living, even little things count. Like eye health. Make sure you rest them well. They’ll serve you a long time.
Take care of your teeth. Dental health has been linked, among other things, to premature heart disease.

Try to get all your nutrition from the food you eat. If you aren’t getting it though, multivitamins and nutritional supplements are a good option.
Get your vitamin D from the sun. But also stay UV-protected.
Health and Happiness
Slow and deep breathing is a good counter to stressful situations. Practice it.

Surround yourself with positive energy and a strong social circle. Good vibes translates into good moods.
Engage in social work. Do things for the less-privileged.
Work on your looks, but don’t get obsessed. Pamper yourself occasionally.
Believe in your abilities. Work on your shortcomings. Life is a continuous self-help program.