How to Relax and reduce stress

How to Relax and reduce stress



There are easy ways to relax, and regardless of whether you are at work or home, use some of these simple ideas to reduce stress on a daily basis.









1


Take a deep breath or two. Taking a few slow deep breaths helps release the stress in the body. It helps to turn off the stress. When stressed you tend to breathe in short and rapid breaths. It evens out your breathing and returns you to a calm state.





2


Thinking of good things is a simple way to lower your immediate stress. Think of how happy it makes you to feel to be loved, how wonderful your kids are, a great vacation you went on, how pretty a beach is. Simple pleasures produce a simple smile.





3


Change your attitude; think more positive about situations and outcomes. Instead of being worried about what you didn't get done today, think about what you did accomplish. Try to get out of the habit of thinking about how bad things might be, and think that "this too shall pass". You will get through tough situations with less stress if you don't let it consume your mind and energy.





4


Let it go - sometimes you just have to recognize you cannot change a bad situation or you have no control on the outcome. In those cases, just let it go.





5


Get up and walk over to talk to someone instead of sending an email or picking up the phone. The small break will remove you from the environment, allow for a bit of exercise, and give you a moment of person to person interaction.





6


Remember to eat healthy foods with a lot of nutrients. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods. Include fish in your meals. Snack on nuts.





7


Get a little bit of exercise every day, even ten minutes of stretches and deep breathing is better than nothing at all. Try to get three good workouts each week to release the endorphins in your brain (30 minutes or more) and contribute to your overall heart healthy experience. If you hate the gym, find other activities like basketball, bowling, dancing, jazzercise or yoga where you can have fun, meet people, and exercise.





8


Find time for your hobbies...whether that is golf,
gardening
, crafts, reading, playing a musical instrument, or genealogy. Find time to turn off work, turn off the kids, get away from bills and household chores - do something for yourself that relaxes your mind.





9


Laugh. Be sure to include heavy dose of laughter in your life. Whether it's from someone telling a joke, watching a funny movie, listening to a comedian, or even laughing at "stupid reality show"...laughter releases pent up stress.





10


Slow down, just a little. Even when you multi-task, like talking on a cell phone and driving at the same time, your mind and body require more energy. Even getting up from your desk a bit slower can help ease the tension and relax your mind and body.








Tips & Warnings










To read more on this topic by a professional, there are many good books out there. Some of the above were gleaned from "Stress Free for Good: 10 Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness" and ""Forgive for Good", by Frederic Luskin, Ph.D.








Some foods and exercise programs may not be suitable for all people. Please consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise plans if in doubt of what will work for you.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2000066_relax-reduce-stress.html

How to reduce moodiness during your period, naturally

How to reduce moodiness during your period, naturally



Here are some natural ways to get off that emotional roller coaster.







Things You'll Need:





walnuts, almonds, and soy









1


Exercise. If you don't want to do strenuous aerobics, just take a 30 minute walk and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel. Add a little bit of your favorite music on a walkman, and you're even more sure to feel relaxed and in a good mood.





2


Stabilize your blood sugar by avoiding refined sugars.





3


Snack on walnuts and almonds, and eat plenty of soy products. Aside from being good sources of protein, they are high in tryptophen, an amino acid that contributes to the mood-boosting hormone serotonin. Grab yourself a handful of nuts or pour soymilk on your cereal.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2001013_reduce-moodiness-during-period-naturally.html

How to Reduce Cold Sores Naturally

How to Reduce Cold Sores Naturally



No cure exists for herpes simplex type I virus, which causes cold sores, but here are some natural ways to stimulate blisters to heal quickly.







Things You'll Need:





The amino acid L-lysine




Antioxidant vitamins




Zinc




Vitamin C




Echinacea and goldenseal




Zinc




Goldenseal




Tea Tree Oils




L-lysine




Echinacea




Vitamin C









1


Take supplements that inhibit viral growth at the first sign of an outbreak. Try 500 to 1,000 mg daily of the amino acid L-lysine. Antioxidant vitamins and 50 to 100 mg of zinc per day may also help.





2


Boost your immune system. Take echinacea and goldenseal and get 5,000 mg vitamin C daily. Get plenty of rest and reduce stress.





3


Treat the cold sore topically. Dab tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, at either full or half strength directly on blisters several times a day.





4


Promote healing by avoiding foods that contain arginine, another amino acid that suppresses lysine; nuts, dairy products, meat, seeds, oats, peanuts and corn all contain arginine. Limit citrus and other acidic fruits because they can irritate blisters.








Tips & Warnings










Over-the-counter preparations for topical use on cold sores are available.








L-lysine also comes in a cream.








Limit use of goldenseal to one week or less, and avoid it entirely if you are allergic to ragweed.








Avoid things that can provoke outbreaks, like overexposure to wind and sun.








See a doctor immediately if you think the infection has spread to your eyes.








Cut back or divide up the daily dosage of vitamin C if it causes diarrhea.








If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2197_reduce-cold-sores.html

How to Prepare Your Body for a Fast

How to Prepare Your Body for a Fast



Properly preparing your body for a fast not only makes the fast itself easier, but also improves the results.









1


Educate yourself as much as you can about the fasting technique you are going to use.





2


Write down all the instructions for your fast and organize a plan and schedule on paper before you begin. This is important because once the fast begins, you might try to convince yourself to quit. The schedule can then act as a contract you have made with the fast that you must keep. Remind youself why you are doing the fast and remember that it is important.





3


Taper off your addictions in the days prior to your fast. Cut down on caffeine, salt, sugar etc. If you cut them off all of a sudden, expect to experience headaches, stomachaches and a general feeling of discomfort.





4


Begin eating smaller meals prior to your fast. Resist the temptation to eat a big "last supper" the night before the fast. Cutting down your meals a few days before signals your mind, stomach, and appetite for the fast.





5


Gather everything you need for your fast before you begin.








Tips & Warnings










Plan activities during your fast. Time passes more quickly when you are busy.








Avoid heavy exercising while fasting. Light yoga, walking and
gardening
are excellent ways to stimulate your metabolism without straining your body.








Pregnant women and
children
should not fast.








Consult your doctor before you begin your fast; especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, or epilepsy; if you are under 18 or underweight; if you are on medications. Understand that many traditional doctors might be hesitant to recommend a fast.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12684_prepare-body-fast.html

How to Meditate

How to Meditate



Meditation can be calming, rejuvenating and restorative. When practiced regularly, it can aid in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and increasing personal awareness.







Things You'll Need:





Music For Zen Meditation




Soothing Music









1


Choose a tranquil location - one free from distractions.





2


Decide whether you'd like to have meditation music in the background.





3


Select a comfortable chair or place to sit, and assume a sitting position with your spine relatively straight.





4


Close your eyes.





5


Breathe in, allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale.





6


Exhale slowly.





7


Concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of each breath and the feelings of deeper relaxation.





8


Allow thoughts and feelings to enter your mind. Acknowledge them, allow them to pass, and refocus on your breathing.





9


Open your eyes after you feel more relaxed and centered.








Tips & Warnings










There are many forms and variations of meditation, so if one particular form doesn't work for you, try another. Look into some books on meditation to discover which type is best for you.








Begin with 5 to 10 minutes of meditation each day and increase to 20 minutes or more twice each day.








Practice meditation before eating.








Recent studies have shown that meditation may decrease the risk of heart disease, possibly because the resulting stress relief may promote the body's self-repair system to thin the fatty buildup on artery walls.



http://www.ehow.com/how_5750_meditate.html

How to Have a Clothing Swap Party

How to Have a Clothing Swap Party



Often admire what your friends are wearing? Wonder where they purchased those trendy items? You'll find out, once you host a clothing swap and make the entire event about eco-friendly, beautifying choices.







Things You'll Need:





A few high-quality items that you're ready to trade in!







Swap and You Shall Receive




Step
1



First, pick items you're ready to swap away. Choose the best quality items you have that you are not, for some reason (size or style) going to wear again. If everyone brings a high quality item, everyone will walk away with a high quality item! Once you've chosen your item(s), prepare for your swap party.




Step
2



Aim at inviting 10 to 15 people, all shapes and sizes. Suggest that each invite bring the same amount of items as you've chosen. If you chose three items to swap, suggest that each person bring three items. This can include shoes, accessories--as long as each item is in

mint


condition. This party is about equality, so if three's a charm, each attendee better have three draped over her arm.




Step
3



Make sure you have at least two full-length mirrors and that there is a room or two for changing.




Step
4



If two people want the same item, flip a coin or play rock, paper, scissors. Make it fair and make sure there are no hard feelings. If someone, at the last minute, decides she cannot part with her item, make sure there is an open door policy. What's yours is yours until you walk out the door.




Step
5



Make the event about eco-friendly choices. Have local foods displayed on bamboo trays, a local saxophone player or your child playing the piano. The event is about community--and also about what you're going to swap.




Step
6



No matter what you do, bring your OWN reusable bag!







Tips & Warnings









Invite fun, generous frieinds! Don't just invite those looking to steal your favorite garments.








Be honest about your size. You don't want to go home and find that you lied to squeeze into a size 0.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2282673_have-clothing-swap-party.html

How to Have 1940s Style

How to Have 1940s Style



It's classic and cool but it can be hard to recreate the perfect 1940's look in our modern world. Try following these steps.







Things You'll Need:





1940's movies



<br>Curling iron



<br>Red lipstick



<br>Hats



<br>Pocket watch



<br>Handkerchief



<br>1940's clothing









Step
1



Watch a 1940s movie. Get style clues from the actors and actresses of the day.




Step
2



Style your hair differently. Both men and women in the 1940s often wore hats when they went out. Women also used pin curls to set their hair in tight face-framing curls.




Step
3



Dress up. Going out wasn’t the same then as it is now. No matter where they were going, both men and women were well dressed and groomed at all times. Men usually wore suits and ties while women were in skirts or dresses.




Step
4



Ladies, start pouting. Women in the 1940s often sported dark red lipstick with otherwise minimal makeup.




Step
5



What time is it, Men? Part of dressing the part for men in the 1940s was accessories like handkerchiefs and pocket watches.




Step
6



It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing. The most important aspect of having 1940s style is feeling a “1940s vibe.” Hold your head high and dress with a sense of importance and purpose. The 1940s wasn’t a time for shrinking violets.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2278197_have-1940s-style.html

How to Harden Leather Using Wax

How to Harden Leather Using Wax



There are multiple ways of hardening leather. One of the easiest ways is using wax. Hardened leather is often used to make shoes and

jackets


as well as armor and costumes. Listed below are the few easy steps required to harden leather with wax.







Things You'll Need:





Boiling pan



Wax



Hardener



Dye (optional)



Leather



Wax paper









Step
1



Put your wax in the designated boiling pot. For the sake of your pan it is safest if you use a
double
boiler


. This will prevent the bottom of the pan from getting too hot and burning the wax.




Step
2



Add the hardener. The container will offer the ratio for wax-to-hardener most desirable for the specific product you use.




Step
3



Dye it. It is not necessary to dye the leather, but if you want to, add the dye after the hardener.




Step
4



Drop the pieces of leather in the wax. Multiple pieces can be put in together depending on the size of each piece.




Step
5



Wait for the bubbles. The leather will begin to bubble. These bubbles can last up to 10 minutes depending on the chosen leather. When the bubbles stop remove the leather.




Step
6



Place the leather smooth side up on wax paper and wait for it to dry.







Tips & Warnings









If you are hardening the leather for wearing then use half of the hardener more than the container recommends.








When dying the leather make sure you can do all of it in one sitting. Matching the color will be very tricky if you have to go back and try again.








If you are going to shape the leather place it between two pieces of wax paper and secure it to a shape you would like. This can be done by strapping it to something else with the same shape or by holding it in place until it dries.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2062855_harden-leather-using-wax.html

How to Grade Gold

How to Grade Gold



Gold coins are evaluated for collecting and resale purposes by a set standard or grade, by rarity, or by overall quality and demand. A standard for grading was established in the late 1950s so that all traders could identify the quality of gold by the same criteria.







Determine the Grade of Gold Coins




Step
1



Look for coins with no sign of wear to be classified as MS (Mint State), followed by numbers between 60 and 70. An MS-70 indicates an absolutely unblemished coin with perfect color. Some dealers use Unc (uncirculated) to identify the grade.




Step
2



Find the category for almost uncirculated (AU) coins, a difficult category for inexperienced collectors to identify. The AU categories are AU-50, AU-55 and AU-58. The wear on the high points of a coin is used to determine the category of almost uncirculated coins.




Step
3



Expect a grade of XF or EF for extremely fine coins, with a minimal amount of wear on the high points. The two identifications are XF-40 and XF-50 for specifying the amount of light wear.




Step
4



Examine the major feature of coins for sharpness and clarity. Very-fine (VF) grade coins have slightly worn features on the finer details while the major features are detailed. VF-20, VF-25 and VF-30 are the most common grades.




Step
5



Select the fine (F) grade to locate coins with moderate to heavy wear. F-12 is a typical grade given to coins like the 1965 quarter. It is worn, but still retains enough of the design to be easily identified.




Step
6



Determine the difference in a very-good (VG) grade and a good (G) grade of coins. The VG-8 rating requires a full rim, even though the design is weak. A G grade does not require a full rim, but the
date
and mint mark must be clearly defined.




Step
7



Choose almost good (AG) and fair (Fair) coin conditions if you need a coin to fill in a missing date. You may not be able to read all of the date on an AG coin, and the "Fair" condition may not be readable at all.







Tips & Warnings









Check on rarity, a key to investing in gold coins. The amount of coin survival and the grade rating are all considered in determining the rarity of a coin.








Avoid flawed investments. Coins that have been retooled, have scratches, are pitted or have artificial colors are not a good investment. They will be downgraded considerably by a dealer.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2095332_grade-gold.html

How to Grade a Diamond

How to Grade a Diamond



Often when first-time buyers shop for diamonds that have been set as jewelry, they simply take the dealer's word for the stone's quality and value. While you might not need to grade diamonds for the market, learning the aspects of diamond grading can help inform your investment decision. The 4C's criteria--color, cut, clarity and carat weight--can teach you about your preferences and how to secure the best stone for the money.







Things You'll Need:





Unmounted diamonds for viewing







Grade Diamonds for Color and Clarity




Step
1



Evaluate your first impression of a diamond's color and clarity. Note whether it caught your eye with flashes of light or sat "quietly" with limited brilliance.




Step
2



Examine color further. Even "colorless" diamonds have black, gray or brown streaks or specks that may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Note where your diamond falls on a scale from D to Z, with D being the most perfectly colorless and Z having pale yellow shading. D is the preferred standard.




Step
3



Examine fancy, or brightly colored, diamonds. These colors pick up where the colorless "Z"-graded stones left off, at pale yellow.




Step
4



Grade clarity from "flawless" to "imperfect." Flawlessness equals a clean look to the eye, with clear, even color throughout the stone. Imperfections refer to occlusions, or tiny natural fissures that diminish brilliance.


Grade Diamonds for Cut and Carat Weight




Step
1



Evaluate the cut and size, or carat weight, of a diamond. Note whether the size compelements the shape and faceting.




Step
2



Evaluate the cut in relation to the stone's color and clarity. Note whether a shallow cut makes the stone appear transparent, which detracts from brilliance. Note whether clarity is sufficient to support the shape of the cut.




Step
3



Gauge price per carat weight by the rarity of a diamond, generally determined by where it lands on the color scale, and by the percentage of flaws the stone contains.




Step
4



Consider your impression of the diamond as a whole, that is, how color and clarity are informed by cut and carat weight to produce the overall effect.







Tips & Warnings









When learning about diamond grading, try to view loose stones rather than jewelry. Looking at loose stones will allow you to see and compare overall brilliance versus transparency much more easily.








Know your limits. Casual grading by the untrained observer or buyer is worthwhile in establishing personal preferences, but only a professional diamond grader has the broad-based knowledge to determine a particular stone's market value.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2102781_grade-diamond.html

How to Go to the Paris Fashion Week

How to Go to the Paris Fashion Week



For many designers, Paris Fashion Week is the premier week of the year. It is where they showcase their designs for the upcoming season. People in the industry go to see those designs and network. If you want to be in the fashion industry, it is the week you dream of attending. Read on to learn how to go the Paris Fashion Week.









Step
1



Find out when the fashion week is scheduled. The
dates
vary from year to year. Check their website (see Resources) for actual dates. There are usually spring/summer and fall/winter, and separate weeks for male and female designs as well.




Step
2



Get your tickets to the fashion show. There will be many shows during fashion week. They feature different designers and fashion houses. The Paris Fashion Show site has information on press passes and other types of tickets.




Step
3



Make your travel plans. The earlier you book your trip, the better your chances of finding lodging in the city. Ensure you have a current passport.




Step
4



Attend and enjoy the show. There will be entertainment and parties. Meet others with similar interest and goals, so make connections and network.




Step
5



Learn from your experience. Attending Paris Fashion Week is educational. Take back all that you learn about fashion and designers.







Tips & Warnings









If attending the Paris Fashion week is out of the question for you, consider an alternate city such as New York or Milan.








Make friends with celebrities. They often get tickets for Paris Fashion Week. Making friends with someone who will take you along may be your ticket to great shows.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2156785_go-paris-fashion-week.html

How to Go to New York Fashion Week

How to Go to New York Fashion Week



Fashion Week is known around the world as the place to be for anyone in the fashion industry or for anyone who wants to be there. It is a week of designer revelations, models, celebrities, parties and socializing with the best of the fashion world. New York, one stop on this extravaganza, is much like a dream to those who attend.









Step
1



Be in the industry. All of the major and minor players of the fashion industry attend and they usually bring a couple of people on their staffs, especially their assistants. If you work in the fashion industry, you will probably be attending, but if you are not planning on attending, ask you boss to go. You will need a good reason, so think fast.




Step
2



Win a contest. Many magazines and television shows offer contests to attend fashion week in New York. One such contest is hosted by the Humane Society of the Unites States in a promotion to get their employees to recruit people to sign their Fur-Free Pledge. See their website for more information on the pledge and the contest.




Step
3



Volunteer. Network at least a year in advance with designers,
fashion
magazines


or other press to see if they need a volunteer for anything. Contact the New York Chamber of Commerce for event coordinator information to offer your services also. Consider asking fashion schools in New York if they are involved and how you can help.




Step
4



Attend an exposition. During fashion week, there are a number of expos to showcase the latest in fashion and other surrounding areas to the industry. Some of them are open to the public, such as the Fashion Career Expo which is held in February. This is a huge opportunity for those who want to work in the fashion industry, as it is a chance to have months' worth of interviews packed into one day.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2126486_go-new-yorks-fashion-week.html