Showing posts with label feel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feel. Show all posts

 


 


What does being ‘well’ mean to you? For most of us it is a feeling of being free of illness, of feeling as though we have nothing that ails us either mentally or physically.


As an integral part of our identity our hair plays a definitely role in our feeling of wellness. It defines who we are and even plays a part in protecting our scalp and shielding us from the sun. When hair loss occurs it can have an immediate effect on our sense of wellbeing.


If you have been affected this all too common condition, read on for the best ways to really regain your sense of wellness and feel like ‘you’ again.


 


Learning to Accept Hair Loss


This is a loaded subject, because there may be people who never actually accept their hair loss. Perhaps accepting hair loss means learning to live with it, or finding ways to cope with it.


Whatever your take on it, it’s important to first consider the condition that is causing your hair loss. This may well have an effect on your perspective on it.


Are you losing your hair due to a temporary situation such as chemotherapy or as a result of another medication? Or, is your hair loss part of the natural aging process?


Consider whether you can reasonably expect your hair to grow back after a certain period of time or if this is something you will live with forever.


It is always good to take the time to fully research the condition that is causing your hair loss- for some this may mean having a deep conversation with their doctor. Others, after having a definitive diagnosis, may choose to read books on the subject or spend hours browsing on the internet.


You may also consider visiting a therapist or psychologist to help you work through the emotional aspects of losing your hair- this can be a powerful tool in your journey towards accepting your hair loss.


 


Focus on your Appearance


Appearances do matter, and losing your hair is a significant reminder of this. Now is the time to see what it is that will make you feel beautiful during this time of life!


Don’t be afraid to face yourself in the mirror. You can:


  • Embrace your bare head. If it’s not too cold and you feel comfortable, making peace with your hairless appearance can be extremely empowering.

  • Try on colorful scarves and hats. Aside from keeping your head warm, they easy to wear and can be matched to your clothing according to your mood. You can even layer a scarf on beneath a hat for extra warmth.

  • Discover wigs. Many of us may have never dreamed of wearing a wig, but when it comes to looking like your old self there may be nothing better. You can go for a wig that matches your normal hair or try a new style, maybe even the hair you’ve always wanted!

*Once you delve into the world of wigs you’ll see that there are several significant differences between synthetic and human hair wigs, and that the prices for the two options do vary widely.


Feeling like yourself during hair loss is not an easy process but there are ways to cope and to make the experience much more comfortable. If you’ve been there before and you have any helpful tips, please share them with our readers!


 


 


The post Hair Loss in Women: How to Feel Like You Again appeared first on .

 


 


What does being ‘well’ mean to you? For most of us it is a feeling of being free of illness, of feeling as though we have nothing that ails us either mentally or physically.


As an integral part of our identity our hair plays a definitely role in our feeling of wellness. It defines who we are and even plays a part in protecting our scalp and shielding us from the sun. When hair loss occurs it can have an immediate effect on our sense of wellbeing.


If you have been affected this all too common condition, read on for the best ways to really regain your sense of wellness and feel like ‘you’ again.


 


Learning to Accept Hair Loss


This is a loaded subject, because there may be people who never actually accept their hair loss. Perhaps accepting hair loss means learning to live with it, or finding ways to cope with it.


Whatever your take on it, it’s important to first consider the condition that is causing your hair loss. This may well have an effect on your perspective on it.


Are you losing your hair due to a temporary situation such as chemotherapy or as a result of another medication? Or, is your hair loss part of the natural aging process?


Consider whether you can reasonably expect your hair to grow back after a certain period of time or if this is something you will live with forever.


It is always good to take the time to fully research the condition that is causing your hair loss- for some this may mean having a deep conversation with their doctor. Others, after having a definitive diagnosis, may choose to read books on the subject or spend hours browsing on the internet.


You may also consider visiting a therapist or psychologist to help you work through the emotional aspects of losing your hair- this can be a powerful tool in your journey towards accepting your hair loss.


 


Focus on your Appearance


Appearances do matter, and losing your hair is a significant reminder of this. Now is the time to see what it is that will make you feel beautiful during this time of life!


Don’t be afraid to face yourself in the mirror. You can:


  • Embrace your bare head. If it’s not too cold and you feel comfortable, making peace with your hairless appearance can be extremely empowering.

  • Try on colorful scarves and hats. Aside from keeping your head warm, they easy to wear and can be matched to your clothing according to your mood. You can even layer a scarf on beneath a hat for extra warmth.

  • Discover wigs. Many of us may have never dreamed of wearing a wig, but when it comes to looking like your old self there may be nothing better. You can go for a wig that matches your normal hair or try a new style, maybe even the hair you’ve always wanted!

*Once you delve into the world of wigs you’ll see that there are several significant differences between synthetic and human hair wigs, and that the prices for the two options do vary widely.


Feeling like yourself during hair loss is not an easy process but there are ways to cope and to make the experience much more comfortable. If you’ve been there before and you have any helpful tips, please share them with our readers!


 


 


The post Hair Loss in Women: How to Feel Like You Again appeared first on .

 


Written by Jenny Catton


 


If you’re in charge of a team, one of the most important skills you can learn is how to motivate others. With the right motivation, your team will be happier and more effective. Motivation can also help increase productivity and improve staff retention.


 


The first step to motivating your team is to remember that not everyone is driven by the same things. Quite often, when we hear the word ‘motivation’, we think of monetary reward but not all people are inspired purely by money.


 


Many people feel rewarded simply by having their hard work recognised. For others, the opportunity to learn new skills and develop themselves professionally may be a great source of motivation. So the key to successfully motivating your team is to consider the different personalities and find small ways to boost the team’s morale regularly. It’s often more effective to use quick and simple motivational techniques on a daily basis rather than promising a single reward sometime in the future.


 


Some companies prefer to implement a more structured rewards programme where staff are rewarded for hitting specific targets. Depending on the culture of the company, this can be incredibly effective but it’s important to ensure that the targets are achievable. It can be very demotivating to be set unrealistic goals. It’s also important not to create rivalry between staff members if you need them to work as a team. Rather than promising individual rewards, you might prefer to offer a team prize – such as a staff day out to help encourage teamwork.


 


Here are some simple ways to motivate your team:


 


  • Recognise hard work – people like to feel valued, so a simple ‘thank you’ at the end of each day can go a long way to maintaining good relationships with your team.

  • Give team members responsibility – when people feel that they’re being involved in the planning and decision-making processes, they feel more in control of their daily tasks and enjoy helping to contribute to the success of the team.

  • Create a supportive environment – from time-to-time it’s natural for people to feel under pressure. If they know they can turn to their colleagues for help it will enable them to stay motivated even during difficult times. Simply having a twice-weekly team meeting where people can raise any issues or ask for help can create a strong team environment.

  • Make sure people understand how important their role is – some team members, such as junior members or part-time employees may feel that their role isn’t as vital as others. By explaining what effect their involvement contributesto the long-term success of the company you will make them realise the importance of their role.

  • Arrangingsocial activities outside work can be a great way to build motivation within a team.  You can offer nights out as a reward for completing a particular project, or simply make them a regular occasion to help your team members bond.

 


For more advice about leadership visit: www.businessleadershipadvice.com

 


Age isn’t the only factor that can affect how old your skin looks. Skin ageing is down to lots of different factors and how you look after yourself in your 20s could influence your appearance, making it important to think about wellness from a young age if you want to keep looking youthful.




Sunny side


The sun can be damaging because UV rays affect the way that collagen in your skin is produced. This is the substance that gives your face muscle tone and a lot of premature ageing is down to the sun’s rays. You can protect yourself from the damaging effects of UV by making sure you wear lotions that contain a SPF. Putting it on all exposed areas, especially around the delicate eye area can cut your sun exposure, as can staying out of direct sunlight from 10a.m – 3p.m.




Think healthy


Smoking, drinking and lack of exercise can affect our skin, as well as our general wellbeing. The dehydrating effect of alcohol can make lines seem deeper and smoking introduces toxins into our body that can disrupt circulation so skin appears dull. Getting rid of or reducing vices and introducing a healthy diet can make you look and feel great.




Sleep well


Sleep has an anti-ageing, rejuvenating effect on our bodies and that includes skin. Regular, undisturbed sleep for at least seven to eight hours is an effective way to get rid of dark circles, eye bags and a general tired appearance. Invest in ear plugs, and sleeping masks if you need to and blackout blinds can stop you waking early.




Don’t stress


Stresses and strains can overload your system by draining you of energy. Skin can become haggard and lose its vitality as you try to cope with stressful events. If you regularly feel affected by these kinds of events then taking time out to do calming activities – like yoga and meditation – can help you feel more relaxed and give you back your zest, as well as protecting your skin.

 


Getting a little nip and tuck in the pursuit of beauty has never been so popular. But is cosmetic surgery worth the financial, physical, and emotional pain?


Yes – Carl


Once it was only the rich and famous that could dream of cosmetic surgery but now a range of different enhancements are easily available, making it more accessible for everyone. So if you’re not happy with your looks and you can afford the treatment, then why not?


I began having treatments about 10 years ago. I was starting to look and feel old and that was making me depressed. The more unhappy I felt, the worse I looked. I was trapped in a vicious cycle and decided to do something about it by dealing with my appearance.


I used Botox to treat the frown lines on my forehead and the difference it made was amazing – I looked so much better. Since then, I’ve also had eye-lid surgery as my eyes had become puffy and baggy with age. After I’d healed from the surgery, I felt amazing. I look younger and feel happy again. My friends have all commented on the improvement.


I haven’t had any other work done yet but I wouldn’t rule it out in the future. After all, we’re all living longer and like many others, I want to enjoy my old age rather than hiding away. I like to go out and looking good is important to me.


For me, however, cosmetic surgery isn’t just about looks – it’s about confidence too. The popularity of cosmetic surgery means that the costs are coming down; making it more accessible for normal people. And yes, it can be painful while you’re having treatment but I believe it’s a short-term pain for long-term benefits.


No – Beth


I think it’s really sad that our society puts so much pressure on people to look a certain way – to the point where they will pay for painful, expensive, and sometimes risky procedures in a bid to change their looks.


If you’re unhappy in life it’s easy to think that making a change to your appearance will make all the difference. But usually it’s not the wrinkles, big nose, or small boobs that’s the real problem. Often people focus on their appearance when really there are psychological issues that need resolving. This is why surgery is addictive – people think that it will solve their problems and in the short-term they may feel better but when their insecurities come flooding back, they seek out more surgery to try and counteract the negative feelings.


The results of cosmetic surgery don’t always last that long so once you start having treatment it can be a slippery slope to years of surgery. And even though treatments are becoming more common, they are still ridiculously expensive. I’d much rather spend thousands of pounds travelling the world – and I’m sure that would make me happier than a boob job would! The risks also put me off – we’ve all seen pictures of celebrities with cosmetic surgery that’s gone wrong. And the risks aren’t just about how you’ll look after the surgery; there are health risks too. The PIP breast implants scandal showed that cosmetic surgeons can sometimes get things massively wrong – resulting in stress and harm for thousands of people. For me, the risks just aren’t worth it – I’ll just stick to make-up, thank you.

 


 


Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures opted for by Hollywood celebrities. The reason is clear: a good rhinoplastic surgery has the power to change everything about how a person looks.


Rhinoplasty is not new to Hollywood; actors have been opting to go under the knife for delicate and cute noses with just the right amount of angulation to make their faces look attractive for decades. According to research carried out, surgeons place this angulation at exactly 106° from the upper lip.


Changing the shape of your nose or getting rid of some unattractive contour can do loads for your self-image. Rhinoplasty can give you a chance to correct what was previously your Achilles heel, so that you no longer have to contend with it every time you look in the mirror.


 


Rhinoplasty can change how you look


Did you know that a simple nose job can totally transform your face and how you look? Take the case of the actress Jennifer Grey, best known to us for her role as the ‘ugly duckling’ in the romantic 80s movie Dirty Dancing in which she starred alongside Patrick Swayze. She has now become more famous because of rhinoplastic surgery rather than her acting career.


If you have been wondering whether Jennifer Grey has a nose job procedure locked somewhere in her past, well, the answer is she probably has had two. Looking at the loads of before and after pictures of the actress’s profile, there’s a distinctive difference in everything about the shape and contour of her nose.


 


Good procedure gone badly


In fact, so different did she look at the end of it that no one could recognize her after she had undergone the knife. It may not necessarily be that the actual rhinoplastic procedure was bad; certainly, the nose that she has now looks better shaped and defined compared to the one we saw her with in Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off where she played Jeanie Bueller.


Jennifer Grey’s nose job has received the label as one of the worst rhinoplastic procedures carried out on a celebrity in Hollywood throughout the years. She underwent the procedure in 1989; just a few months after she went finished acting in Dirty Dancing.


In her own words, she admitted that her nose job may have cost her career in Hollywood. She equated going into the operating room and coming out looking so different and anonymous to getting into a witness protection program – she was unrecognizable.


 


The procedure


Jennifer Grey probably went under the knife to make her nose just a little less noticeable, but that is not how it ended. True, her nose was rather a predominant feature on her face, overruling her other facial features. However, she certainly did not plan on coming out completely unrecognizable.


The new nose she now had changed the image of her face so completely that she did not look like herself anymore, and ended up not getting any new acting deals because of that. It is just like society, now that she had the procedure and it went awry, everyone suddenly became more appreciative of the star’s former ‘adorable’ looks. Rhinoplasty can truly change everything a person.


 


 

Having sex again after you’ve had a baby can be a concern for a lot of women, as there are many fears about what the experience will be like. According to sexual health and wellness expert Macki West, founder of Cool Mom Tips, there’s ‘no need to fret, most of us are scared to dive back in [to sex]. Some common thoughts are: Will my vagina feel loose? Will it hurt? I feel gross and unattractive. Being touched is the last thing I want right now. All of these thoughts are all totally normal.’ That said, while it’s normal to have such thoughts, some of them are unfounded. There are many myths surrounding sex after pregnancy, so let’s debunk a few of them:


 


1. Your Vagina Will Be Loose: ‘No it won’t,’ says West. ‘Your partner will not be “tossing a hot dog down a hallway”. If that were the case then there would never be kid number two. My husband is honest with me and I straight up asked him if there was a difference. He told me I feel just as tight, but that women actually feel differently all the time, from one sexual encounter to the next. I trust my husband and since he keeps coming back for more, I know I’m just fine down there.’


 


2. You’ve Had A C-section So Sex Won’t Hurt: West asserts, ‘That’s a flat out lie. Ok, I’ve never had a C-section, but plenty of my friends have and they have experienced just as much if not more discomfort post baby.’


 


3. You Don’t Need Birth Control: West advises, ‘Unless you want to have your babies very, very close together, you do need birth control, even if you are breastfeeding. You will ovulate BEFORE your first period so it could be too late before you decide to use a contraceptive. Talk with your doctor before giving birth about your birth control options. If you are breastfeeding your options are limited to condoms, IUD, or mini pill. Another myth is that you won’t get your period while you are breastfeeding. I did with my first two kids and I’m just waiting for the old period to rear it’s ugly head this time around.’


 


4. You’ll Be as Dry as the Sahara: Unfortunately, there’s some truth to this one. West explains, ‘Your hormones are all wacked and your oestrogen levels are low which means there’s less natural lubrication in your vagina. Make sure to have lots of foreplay, read: oral sex or use a store bought lubricant. If you are not comfortable buying lubricant, just get some online.’


 


5. Sex Won’t Be as Good as it was Before: ‘Some women actually have more intense orgasms post baby,’ says West. ‘It’s true. It has been known that some women have sex within a week of giving birth and enjoy it immensely. I’m not one of them and I don’t feel badly about it one bit. It takes me a few months to get back into enjoying it and that’s OK. Once the baby is sleeping through the night you will have the opportunity to get your sexy back.’


 


6. Touching is Too Much: ‘Many women feel over-touched,’ West admits. ‘Oh yes, we do. Just the other night my husband decided to “enjoy” my breasts. He may have enjoyed it, but I had to stop him and gently tell him that I’ve got my fill of breast touching and nipple sucking. He laughed and totally understood and moved on to something we would both enjoy. With all this baby holding and breastfeeding and intimacy with your baby, sometimes it’s hard to turn that off and turn on the sexual intimacy. Or you are just touched out and would prefer to be in bed with no human contact, I’ve had those nights.’

Man, don’t you wish you were more confident? Confidence is so important to your overall wellbeing, if only because it helps you strut around the gym with your head held high – even if all you’ve managed is a three-minute jog on the treadmill. According to personal trainer and wellness writer Carly Pizzani, author of the fitness blog Fine Fit Day, ‘As a personal trainer, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of confidence when it comes to achieving results from working out. The gym or any kind of new fitness endeavour can be terribly nerve-wracking for many people, and the catch-22 is that having confidence can help you succeed at your fitness goals.’ So we got five readers to give their best advice on how to be confident in life and in the gym.


 


1. Everyone Else Feels the Same as You: ‘I do consider myself confident now,’ says Kim. ‘That wasn’t always the case. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realised that people aren’t even thinking about what I say, or wear, or do, and that has made me far more confident.’ Pizzani points out, ‘Remember the old advice for public speaking or interviews, where you were supposed to imagine everyone else was in their underwear? Well, this is a similar concept. Next time you’re feeling nervous or unsure of yourself, recognize that everyone around you is so busy feeling the same way about themselves, they don’t have time to notice what you’re doing or wearing. It can be really liberating to realize that most of the time when you’re working out, no one is paying attention. Bask in that anonymity and enjoy your workout!’


 


2. It’s All About Body Language:Shannon recalls, ‘My dad taught me that if you say it like you mean it, then people will believe you. I have found that this works on myself. Stand up straight, look people in the eye, and speak clearly. It’s amazing how it can help you to feel more confident. Let your posture lead the way.’ Pizzani explains, ‘Posture can have a huge impact on whether you’re perceived as confident, and when people think you’re confident, it reinforces that idea of yourself in your mind. It’s a bit like forcing yourself to smile when you feel down – sooner or later the feeling you’re trying to “fake” becomes the way you really feel. Next time you’re trying something new, like a spin class or free weights, act confident and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help!’


 


3. Prepare to Fail: ‘I act confident outwardly and expect rejection and failure,’ Emily details. ‘I don’t see this as pessimism, rather that I’m prepared for things not to work out, so I’m comfortable with an enormous amount of professional risk taking. With making attempts comes some inevitable successes – some of which I never would have thought would be a success! This has translated to my approach to fitness, that I should never be afraid to fail, because it’s the process that matters more than the outcome.’ Pizzani adds, ‘You really don’t know what you’re capable of until you try. I have a friend who took a yoga class on a whim, expecting to be horribly inflexible and out of her element. To her surprise, she picked it up really quickly. Four years later and she’s a certified yoga instructor. Even if you believe you’re not going to be able to do a certain kind of workout, attempt it anyway! You never know where your hidden skills may lie.’


 


4. Don’t Expect Perfection: Alicia asserts, ‘Confidence has a lot to do with distancing myself from ideas of perfection. It’s infinitely harder to feel good about who you are today (which confidence requires) when you’re beating yourself up over your flaws, imperfections, and unmet goals.’ Pizzani affirms, ‘You don’t have to be perfect at everything. Even when you’re working hard at something, even when you’re good at something, you’re always going to have “off” days, and that’s okay. As a runner, I’m used to having a race where I do amazingly well followed by one where I feel awful and have a really poor result. That’s okay – it’s part of life.’

Exercise may not be high on your radar when it comes to commitment, but you may be more inclined to hit the gym when you discover this interesting fact: exercise can offer a number of health benefits, and it also improves your sex life. For example, it helps to lower the risk of erectile dysfunction by opening the arteries which supply the blood flow to your penis. In a study carried out by the Harvard School of Public Health of more than 31,000 men who were over the age of 50, those who were physically active were less likely to be impotent than those who weren’t. Even moderate levels of exercise can help to offer such benefits, such as a brisk 30-minute walk each day of the week. Research has even shown that exercise can reverse the symptoms of ED. Physically active men also have fewer symptoms of an enlarged prostate than men who don’t exercise. Men with BPH often feel the need to urinate more frequently or have a weak stream or urine, but exercise can cut their risk of developing of this by simply keeping fit. There’s no exercise in particular which works best for BPH, but getting 30 minutes of solid exercise most days of the week is often enough to see positive results. If you’re trying to have kids, or think you may want to in the future, keeping fit is vital for the quality of your semen – a recent study showed that men who work out at least 15 hours a week had higher sperm counts than inactive men. So if you’re more inclined to lift the TV remote than a dumbbell, you may want to change your habits. Men who watched more than 20 hours of TV a week had significantly lower sperm counts than men who watched no TV – something to consider for men who want a family!


 


Of course, it’s not just your health to consider (although that’s a pretty important factor). There’s also your ability in the bedroom itself. When it comes to the strict matter of sex, fitter men have the advantage over couch potatoes. Men in good shape will find sex easier and less painful than men who don’t exercise very much. For example, you’ll notice the effects after having sex in your abdominal muscles and your hips. But if you exercise regularly, these effects won’t be noticed as the muscles will already be stronger and more flexible. Likewise, if you’re partial to the missionary position, you may find that your chest muscles are achey after sex. Exercise not only lowers the risk of a muscular injury after a particularly passionate sex session, but it also helps you to feel more confident and energised both in and out of the bedroom. This can improve your sex life significantly, as you’ll feel good about yourself which can improve both how you see yourself and how your partner sees you. You’ll be more relaxed and less distracted, as well as less likely to suffer sexual problems, as stated above. The best exercise routine for a great sex life is a well-rounded regimen which sees you improve your strength, cardio and flexibility training. So if you want to become a better lover, as well as healthier in the process, it seems the answer is simple – hit the gym on a regular basis and you’ll be seeing positive results in no time.

We finally get to downward facing dog! Since we’re moving through a sun salutation, let’s talk about the transition from upward facing dog. With some practice, you can learn to roll over your toes to get there. Eventually, this seemingly painful maneuver may even start to feel good. If it doesn’t, another option is to flip the feet one at a time. When you’re coming from cobra…


Read Full Post

Your attitude towards sex is a very personal thing that has an impact on your overall wellbeing, but where does that attitude come from? Your teenage years are more formative than you realise, and so if you felt guilt or embarrassment towards your sexuality during this time, you may have carried a bit of that with you into adulthood.


 


In the “What’s Happening to My Body” Book for Girls, by Area Madaras, Lynda Madaras, and Simon Sullivan, Frances, Age 16, wrote, ‘If I just kiss a boy good night I feel so ashamed, not while I’m kissing but afterward. I know it’s not normal to feel so guilty, yet I do. How can I get over feeling so guilty?’ Madaras, Madaras and Sullivan explain, ‘This girl felt guilty and ashamed simply for kissing a boy good night. And judging from the letters we get, she’s not alone. Some kids feel guilty even though they haven’t actually done anything at all. For example, some girls have told us that they felt not just shy or embarrassed but also ashamed of the fact that they’ve gotten their periods.’ But why are girls so embarrassed or ashamed by such a natural part of life?


 


‘Kids may feel ashamed or guilty about their sexuality even though they haven’t done anything harmful,’ Madaras, Madaras and Sullivan note. ‘If so, they may find it helpful to think about why they feel this way. Often it’s because some important person (often a parent) or group (maybe a religion) has taught them to feel this way. At one time many people in our society had very negative attitudes about sexuality. In your great-grandparents’ day, sexual thoughts and feelings were often considered evil, the work of the devil. Sexual desires were considered impure or unclean, especially in women. Women who felt sexual urges or who enjoyed sex were considered abnormal or perverted. Many people felt it was sinful even for married people to have sex, unless they were trying to have a child.’


 


Even though times have changed somewhat and most people are more positive towards sexuality, it’s hard to escape your childhood. ‘Today, most people in our society have more positive attitudes about sexuality,’ assert Madaras, Madaras and Sullivan. ‘Still, many people continue to have negative, or at least somewhat negative, attitudes about sexuality. Parents who have these attitudes may pass them on to their children. Even though parents may not actually come out and say “Sexuality is bad,” they may pass these attitudes on in other ways. A parent might, for instance, get upset when a little baby touches his or her sex organs and move the baby’s hands away or even slap them. This may give the baby the idea that sex organs are nasty or dirty and that it’s wrong or bad to touch them. When that baby grows up, he or she may feel ashamed about menstruation or wet dreams or may feel guilty about masturbating.’


 


Madaras, Madaras and Sullivan conclude, ‘When you think about it this way, it’s really not surprising that some kids feel unnecessary guilt about their sexuality. They feel guilty even though they haven’t actually done anything that is harmful to themselves or others. It can be very difficult for these young people to let go of their feelings. But being aware of where these feelings come from can help. People can and do learn to work past their guilt.’ Perhaps understanding the source of these feelings can help you realise how silly they are. Shushann Movsessian, author of Puberty Girl, points out, ‘Most of the bad stuff ["old medical and religious writings on menstruation"] was written by men, and guess what? Men don’t have periods. Maybe that’s why they were so freaked out about it and how to put it down because it seemed strange, not normal, and even scary to them; if they didn’t get it, they must not be normal.’

Did you know that testosterone has as much to do with your physical wellness and wellbeing as it has to do with your sexual health? If you have started to feel old recently, it could be that a dip in testosterone is to blame.


 


At some point, most people have a sudden feeling of being old. It often follows on from a physical challenge, where they realise that they are unable to maintain the kind of physical strength or challenge that they used to, or their recovery takes longer than they expected. It could be something as simple as a bit of DIY in the house which is much harder work than you expected, or it could be that you don’t feel that you are living up to expectations in the bedroom anymore.


 


You probably don’t feel old in your mind, but the realisation that your body feels old is a startling one. The issue could well be that you no longer have enough free testosterone. There are two types of testosterone in the bloodstream – bonded testosterone and free testosterone. The free testosterone plays a very important role in strength, stamina, libido and vitality, all of which feel very important to a man.


 


Over the past few years, the supplements market has been absolutely flooded with options that claim to boost a man’s free testosterone. In other areas, such as the illegal medical treatments sector, potentially dangerous treatments are also offered. Now a group of scientists in Boston have developed a safe dietary supplement that helps to trigger the body to produce its own free testosterone in a natural way.


 


This new supplement is called Nugenix and comes from the rare Fenugreek plant. It has been proved in clinical trials to increase sex drive and improve libido by boosting the body’s natural free testosterone levels.

One of the hottest sexual experiences for a man is watching a woman have an orgasm. It may be a common misconception that for men it’s all about their own end game, but their confidence, and sexual wellness and wellbeing is actually deeply rooted in whether their partner has a good time.


 


A new study has proved that men really enjoy it when their partner has an orgasm. There are many reasons for this. One is that men like the feeling of a job well done, and get a strong sense of achievement when their partner has an orgasm. In the same way that men like the accomplishment of receiving a promotion at work or winning a game, they crave that sense of achievement between the sheets too.


 


Men also finds that orgasms bring themselves and their partners closer after sex. When you have an orgasm (male or female), your brain is flooded with a hormone called oxytocin, which makes you feel bonded and connected with your partner. When both partners experience an orgasm, it can help them to feel closer together.


 


Men also find it very sexy to watch women have an orgasm. Mostly, when they have an orgasm, women lose control a little bit – arching their back or biting their lip or flushing. Men enjoy seeing women enjoy themselves like this, and find it a big turn on. The ‘sex flush’ where a woman’s chest turns pink due to the flood flow is also very sexy to a man.


 


One of the sweeter reasons that men like women to have orgasms is that they want them to be happy. Cheaper than giving jewellery, giving an orgasm feels pleasurable for a man as he is helping a woman that he cares about (perhaps even loves) to feel happy and satisfied.


 

Does the sound of the word “diet” make you cringe? I mean, sure, you want to lose a few pounds, but does that really mean you have to crunch on celery sticks for dinner and sweat it out at the gym? Absolutely not. Using the power of mental wellbeing, the timing of your daily calendar, and smarter decision-making, you can enhance your weight loss to feel full while the pounds melt away – no diet required. Just take a look at a few tips that have come out of scientific research and expert experience:


 


1. Take an Earlier Lunch: Wellness writer Cathy Garrard details, ‘New research from TuftsUniversity found that people who ate lunch after 3pm lost significantly less weight than those who ate their midday meal earlier. Researchers also found that the late eaters consumed fewer calories during breakfast, and they were more likely skip a morning meal altogether — furthering the case that a breakfast truly is the meal of weight loss-champions.’ Laura Cipullo, RD, adds, ‘I tell all my clients to eat breakfast. Once you start eating, your metabolism clicks on, and it stays revved throughout the day.’


 


2. Pile Your Plate with Protein: ‘Protein is very important for its satiety,’ says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD. ‘Plus, if you eat more of it, your body has to work harder to burn the calories because it takes more work to digest the amino acids.’ In fact, a new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behaviour found that women who chose to eat more of this muscle-building nutrient were more successful at losing weight than those who didn’t consciously pile on the protein.


 


3. Picture a Hearty Meal: ‘If the thought of having a mere salad for lunch only makes your stomach grumble more, let your mind drift to something a little more delicious — and substantial,’ suggests Garrard. ‘A study from the University of Bristol found that people who think about eating a large portion of food feel fuller later than those who mentally conjure up a skimpy, unsatisfying meal. Researchers showed volunteers either a small or large serving of soup just before lunch, and two or three hours later, those who’d seen a bigger bowl reported significantly less hunger than those who had seen a smaller one.’ Cipullo explains, ‘It’s about feeling psychologically satisfied. If you believe you got the meal you really wanted, you don’t feel deprived.’


 


4. Ditch the Distractions: Cipullo points out, ‘Mindful eating is a big nutritional trend right now. You will feel more satisfied with your food if you are paying close attention to the meal.’ This was the finding of a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The researchers found that if you out the TV and other gizmos and pay closer attention to what you’re eating — including the taste, texture and aroma – as well as chewing more slowly, you won’t consume extra calories unnecessarily.


 


5. Use Olive Oil: According to Garrard, ‘In a recent study, Austrian researchers examined the satisfaction level of different types of edible fats: lard, butter, grapeseed oil, and olive oil. Over the course of three months, study participants ate 500 daily grams of low-fat yogurt enriched with one of those four oils. Olive oil was the most satiating, as reflected by high levels of the hormone serotonin in the blood of those who ate the variety. Surprisingly, researchers found that it was the aromatic compounds in olive oil that gave the healthy cooking staple its competitive edge, and that Italian-made varieties contain larger amounts of them.’

Your mates may have a few tips to help you bolster your sexual wellbeing, but do you really trust what they have to say? When it comes to sexual health and performance, it’s better to ask the experts. We’ve rounded up the best of the best, so you can be the best of the best in the bedroom – you’re welcome.


 


1. Tell Her She Looks (and Tastes) Great: According to Debra Lynne Herbenick, PhD, of Indiana University, ‘It’s been proven that women who feel confident about the appearance of their genitals are more open to different kinds of sexual activity, and are more likely to orgasm because they feel relaxed… When a man goes down on his partner, he should be enthusiastic, tell her how beautiful she is and how great she tastes. Don’t treat it like a chore.’


 


2. Use Your Ears: ‘The only difference between a gigolo and a regular guy is that a gigolo listens to what a woman wants in bed,’ asserts Dr. Helen Fisher, Department of Anthropology, RutgersUniversity. ‘So, ask. I would also advise that you to ask her while not in the bedroom — raise the discussion while out walking or doing some other casual yet intimate thing together.’


 


3. Touch Her Everywhere: Carol Cassell, PhD, former president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, points out, ‘Sensual touching releases a powerful sex hormone called oxytocin, which increases a woman’s testosterone levels and ignites her sex drive. The seductive silky feel of oil being rubbed on skin is a turn-on for more passionate sex — for both of you.’


 


4. Eat Right: ‘Arginine is the basis for Viagra, so men should stick with foods high in it — such as oysters, fish, and other lean proteins,’ advises Lynn Edlen-Nezin, PhD, co-author of Great Food, Great Sex. ‘Everything that’s good for you above the waist is good for you below the waist as well: greens and beans; high protein/low-fat foods; and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, high in antioxidants.’


 


5. Undress Slowly: Take Your Time Undressing: Behaviour Therapist and Consultant Andrea Kuszewski notes, ‘There is a degree of manipulation when it comes to the amount of neurotransmitter released… Looking at a nude picture will trigger a quick and strong release of dopamine and possibly oxytocin, but it fades quickly… Let her work for it a little; she’ll enjoy the prolonged neurological orgasm more.’


 


6. Take a Shower: ‘There’s no proven human pheromone to make you irresistible,’ warns Dr. Tristram Wyatt, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford. ‘So, until one is found, wash well — you can have too much of a good thing. (But why not leave a worn T-shirt at her house? It will keep you always in her mind.)’


 


7. Turn the Lights Down: Ian Kerner, PhD, FAACS, author of She Comes First: the Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman, details, ‘For women to get aroused, parts of their brains associated with stress and anxiety need to de-activate, according to neurological studies in the Netherlands. If women aren’t relaxed, they’re not going to enjoy sex. So dim the lights and share a fantasy. A Harvard study found that when you hug a woman longer than thirty seconds, it increases her oxytocin levels and anticipation of sex.’


 


8. Reverse Cowgirl Position: ‘Find out what position of intercourse is most stimulating to her — it’s usually woman on top, facing away, also known as the reverse cowgirl,’ comments Beverly Whipple, PhD, Professor Emerita at Rutgers University and co-author of The Science of Orgasm. ‘The angle of the penis through the anterior/front wall of the vagina stimulates the area of the G-spot.’

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Those whose mental and emotional wellness is being compromised by depression will do whatever it takes to help restore their wellbeing.


 


The  number one thing that you must do if you are suffering from depression, or even suspect that you may be, is to make an appointment and go and see your GP. Your doctor will be able to talk to you about how you are feeling and discuss potential treatments that you could try to help you feel better.


 


It can also be useful to try to put some coping mechanisms into place. There are many different things that you could try.


 


First of all – be active. The temptation with depression is to withdraw from life and to stop talking to family and friends. In fact, you should do quite the opposite. Socialising with others can help to improve your mood, and keeping the lines of communication open between your family and friends can be useful when you find yourself in need of someone to talk to in the future.


 


Taking up exercise is also really important. There is a lot of evidence around which proves that taking exercise can help to lift your mood. Even if you haven’t exercised for a while, you can still start out gently, such as by going for a 20 minute walk every day for 20 minutes. Exercise relaxes you and releases ‘happy hormones’ in your body.


 


Facing your fears is also really important. Those with anxiety or depression often find themselves shying away from situations that make them feel uncomfortable. For example, some people lose their confidence about doing things such as driving or socialising with friends. Running away from these situations does not make them better, however, it actually makes them worse. The only way to make things easier for yourself is to face up to the things that you find difficult and keep doing them.

Anti-Ageing wellness isn’t just about the long term; sometimes, a few late nights and early mornings can make you feel 10 years older than you really are. So how do you give your wellbeing a quick boost? We’ve got some top tips from experts and readers to help you bounce back in no time.



1. Eat Red: According to nutritionist Robin Kaye, if you want superfoods to fight that ageing feeling, you can’t go wrong with red foods, like watermelon, berries, and tomatoes. Berries, for example, are antioxidant-rich anti-inflammatories, meaning that they can protect you against age-related mental decline, and help keep your brain healthy. Kaye adds, ‘Tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with anti-ageing properties.’



2. Laugh and Smile: Wellness writer Anna Davies notes, ‘Whether you dig SNL skits or prefer watching baby sloths scamper around, dozens of studies prove that laughter reduces stress, which makes you feel light-years younger in the moment — even if you’ll be back to squinting at spreadsheets in a few minutes.’ Moreover, a recent study has found that smiling can make you appear three years younger than you actually are. So say cheese!



3. Lighten up: Donna Perillo, founder of Sweet Lily Natural Spa in New York City, advises, ‘Avoid vamp-y reds or dark purple polish, which can draw attention to any imperfections on your hands. The best way to avoid sunspots, crepe-y skin and other age-related evidence is to exfoliate your hands weekly with a self-made sugar scrub.’ Mix up half-a-cup of granulated sugar, half-a-cup of olive oil, and a few drops of essential oil for a sugar scrub that takes years off your hands.



4. Hit the Town: Research has shown that having strong social ties can lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress and guard against dementia – all of which are important for helping you feel young – so grab your BFF! Seattle resident Cass D., 35, details, ‘Whenever we’re feeling a little too bogged down by everyday life, my best friend and I schedule a girls’ night away from our husbands. Last time, we went to a bar that’s frequented by a lot of students at the local college. We danced, we laughed, and yes, we may have harmlessly flirted with one or two college seniors.’



5. Make Time for Tea: While the health properties of tea may seem too good to be true, Robin Nielsen, a nutritionist in Morgan Hill, CA, asserts that tea lives up to the hype. ‘Hydration is key for looking younger,’ Nielsen explains. ‘And tea is one way to make sure you’re getting enough liquids. Plus, studies have found green tea can help us retain elasticity in our skin as we age.’ Teas have also been shown to bust stress and boost energy – as if you needed an excuse to put the kettle on!



6. Slather on Sun Cream: Davies points out, ‘Not only does slathering up — even on cloudy or cold days — help prevent the wrinkles and sun spots that’ll add extra years over time, but the scent triggers nostalgia, which has a whole host of benefits, including self-esteem enhancement and feeling more socially connected to the people you’re surrounded by, all of which may make you feel the years falling away.’



7. Make Sure Your To Do List is Realistic: Ronald Kotler, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 365 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep, warns, ‘The stress hormone cortisol ages the body, inside and out. If your to-do list is a mile long and you’re constantly thinking about it, you’re living the stress response all the time.’

When it comes to your sexual health and wellness, you learn a lot more with time. Still, wouldn’t it be great if you had this wisdom earlier on in life? We’ve got four women to share their revelations about their sexual wellbeing, so you can learn from their experience.


 


1. Love Your Own Body: According to Lisa, 36, who is in a three-year relationship, ‘In my twenties, I sought out pretty vapid, sex-based relationships that were designed to boost my body-confidence. I thought that the more men who wanted me, the better I’d feel about my stomach or the size of my chest. Then, at 33, I started performing burlesque for fun. Once I realized that an audience of both strangers and friends could appreciate me with all my flaws on display, I didn’t need those pointless relationships anymore. After a year of performing, I found my current boyfriend, who loves me unconditionally. The sex is amazing because it’s meaningful, and I realise that loving your body — not being a certain weight or specific body type — is what makes it attractive in the first place.’


 


2. His Libido isn’t Related to Your Sex Appeal: Mer, 30, who has been married four years, notes, ‘A few years into our marriage, my husband’s sex drive seemed to fall off. I was wanting it way more than he was, and of course, I attributed that to him not finding me attractive any longer. So I decided I’d stop initiating, because the last thing I wanted was pity sex. But I eventually learned that keeping my wishes to have sex to myself only made me angry with my husband, and bottling up theories about why he might say no — “he thinks I’m fat” or “he thinks I’m annoying” — only made me feel bad about myself. I now accept that making a conscious, discussed-about decision to have sex isn’t any less valuable than the hot, spontaneous kind of sex that I imagined all couples engage in all the time. He can’t read my mind, and if he’s too hungry or tired or just not in the mood, I can’t take it personally.’


 


3. It’s Not Boring to Be True to Yourself: ‘Throughout my twenties, men I’ve dated have asked what my bedroom fantasies are, and I’ve always felt wildly unsexy admitting that I really don’t have any,’ admits Marissa, 28, who’s now in a three-year relationship. ‘I like sex and am always up for trying a new position, but I don’t have visions of him dressing up like a sailor in the bedroom or screwing me in public. I convinced myself no man wants to hear that — how boring! So I tried a few classic fantasies on for size, but I always felt like I was lying to the guy and to myself. My big moment was admitting to my serious boyfriend that my sexual imagination is not wild and crazy. And you know what? Since being able to feel like I can be myself during it, sex — without crazy toys or forced dirty talk — has been better than ever.’


 


4. Comfort Can Lead to Adventure: Beth, 30, who has been married five years, recalls, ‘I’d had enough sexual experience before meeting my husband to know the difference between what I liked and what I didn’t, so I knew right away that we had great chemistry. But because we’d been at it awhile before getting married, I started mourning the loss of the “newness” pretty early on. Would I never experience that sense of unexplored possibility again? After some deep thinking, though, I realised that a lot of the hook-ups I’d had weren’t really that great, and every first kiss or first sex was always a gamble. By contrast, my husband knows what I like and I know what he likes. Familiarity can lead to boredom, sure, but it could also lead to experimentation. It’s in my — and my husband’s — control to use our comfort as a source of potential, instead of seeing it as a liability. Once I made that shift, my eyes opened. Now all it takes is something small, like a hotel room with a crazy giant shower, to make everything new again!’

If you are looking for new ways to improve your fitness and lose weight, you might want to look at yogalosophy. This programme is thought to be great for your wellness and wellbeing, and was made popular by the actress Jennifer Anniston, who used it in order to get into shape to play the role of a stripper in the movie, ‘We’re the Millers’.


 


Since the actress’s comments, yagalosophy has grown in popularity. It was created by a long-time yoga instructor, Mandy Ingber, and involves taking traditional yoga moves and introducing some cardio and toning exercises too, to keep the heart rate up and keep things interesting.


 


Yagolosophy takes a traditional yoga pose and then teams it with a toning exercise, making it into a sort of yoga workout. The system also incorporates cardio to help burn fat, and there are daily playlists for the regime, as well as recipes and journal questions.


 


Yogalosophy is designed to help you love your body, make healthy choices, set short-term goals, visualise yourself at your best and also works on the principle of both giving and receiving support. In this way, yogalosophy is meant to be an embodiment of everything that yoga is about: a mutual harmony between the mind, body and spirit.


 


According to the creator, yogalosophy makes people feel more connected to their body, which promotes mindfulness, where people are more aware of their own health and wellbeing, and feel inspired to make healthy choices throughout the rest of their lives, too.


 


Yoga is not intended to be a stand-alone discipline or a class that you go to once a week. It is intended to become part of who you are and give you a permanent relationship between your mind, body, spirit and put you in touch with your emotions, making you more tolerant and compassionate, both to yourself and to others.