It's easy to feel as if you're weak when you have moments when you just let it out and have a major sob fest. Job, relationship, bills, or you just happened to nab yourself a speeding ticket from a cop that had nothing better to do than meet his quota for the month. It's basically as if the whole world is against you! We have all been there will continue to be there, but it's nothing to feel weak about. In fact, crying is actually super beneficial and is a key indicator of peak health! 1. Relieves StressWhen stress isn't relieved properly, it can cause a whole slew of health problems such as digestive issues, migraines and can increase your chance of a heart attack! Thankfully, we as humans have the ability to cry emotional tears in response to stress. Believe it or not, we are the only animals that can do this! Crying reduces the levels of chemicals and stress hormones (aka: cortisol) that wreak havoc in our bodies. So, we are literally letting the "boo-hoo's" out! 3. Relieves Pain and Enhances MoodAlong with releasing stress hormones, shedding some tears also releases the feel good hormones (aka: oxytocin and endorphins)! It can also help with relieving physical pain, so, no wonder we cry those ugly tears when we fall and hurt ourselves! 4. Aids Sleep
5. Fights BacteriaBecause humans are able to produce a type tears called Reflex tears, we are able to kill off bacteria that may work their way into our delicate organ all the time. We release these Reflex tears in order to flush out irritants such as wind, smoke and even onions. 6. Improves VisionAnother type of tears we produce is Basal tears. These are released every time we blink and help keep our eyes moist and prevent the mucous membranes in our eyes from drying out. When that happens, our vision can become blurry!
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One of the first things I zone in on about a guy I'm into is his jaw line. Why? Well, I can recall giving a description of why I think jaws are sexy to one of my college roommates way back when: I think it's a good indication of how great a kisser I think he is. I have this theory that a strong jawline means more of an ability to detach itself when the guy is making out with you. It allows more range. Obviously, my theory was off by a landslide. There is no evidence to prove otherwise. Unfortunately. Nevertheless, we all get that rush of utter joy — more on that soon — when our lips mesh with those of a potential mate. But, even more happens when you get lost in the sensation of a hot and steamy make out session. Health Like Me is here with all the fun benefits that making out with that hottie at the coffee shop, crush from the office or even your spouse! Let's go! 1. Makes us Happier2. Reduces Blood Pressure and StressSpeaking of stress, regularly making out with our significant other helps to dilate our blood vessels and impacts the physiological processes related to stress management. 3. Prevents cavities4. Relieves CrampsThe same effect of dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow that go along with reduced blood pressure also applies to relieving crams. Yay! We love finding ways to diminish those pesky period cramps. Health Like Me even devoted an entire post to it! 5. Burns Calories and Tones Facial MusclesLooking to tone up a neck that seems to have a little more extra skin than it did nine years ago? Go make out with your honey! Research supports that a fun way to get your neck and jawline in shape is getting in a potent smooch session. You should note that you are engaging anywhere from 2-34 facial muscles in the act of kissing while experiencing an increased blood flow to your face. Also, your collagen and elastin production will benefit from a boost leading to firmer, younger-looking skin!
Dr. Ryan Neinstein, M.D. who is a plastic surgeon in New York City where pretty much everyone on the Upper East and West sides is expected to look perfect says that "In order to move your lips, your whole face has to get involved..." While he may not be a McSteamy, I'll Neinstein's word for it! So, now you can ditch the Botox. For as long as I can remember, I was told about the hotbed of icky germs that dwell in Saunas. And based off what science teaches us, whoever taught me this isn't completely wrong! Saunas are a breeding ground for a number of nasty organisms that make their home in those closed off, warm spaces. People who frequently visit saunas also bring in their own personal hygiene habits — and not all of them are sanitary! Recently, however, I came across an article that presented the silver linings of your gym or spa's "hot box". Keep in mind, all the research about the benefits of visiting a sauna regularly comes out of Finland!
How Long?There are varying opinions about how long you need to be in a sauna. Certain time if you take brakes... A set time when you don't step out and take a break... If you want to enjoy the sauna in sessions, no more than 20 minutes should be spent within the wood box for each session and they should add up to no more than 1-2 hours, 2-4 times a week. This is for if you maintain a regularly healthy lifestyle. True Or False?Should you use a sauna after a weight lifting workout to pack on muscle? False. Saunas are used to reduce body weight! So, Health Like Me readers, you got your wish! your Own Research
So, the next time someone tries to warn you to stay out of a sauna, think again! But also, be considerate with your sauna-ing habits and respect the other people who have decided to enjoy the benefits of this form of detoxing!
Whether you're a Hermione or a Judy Hopps from Zootopia quoting FDR, you understand that fear is just a four-letter word. In regards to health, we already know why fear can be negative. Too much stress = increased anxiety. Duh! But did you know that short bursts of experiencing fear can do your body good? ![]() Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay Let me explain: Adrenaline, cortisol and norepinehrine — our stress hormones — can only cause us harm when we allow them to! It's all about that perception. What also causes fear to become negative is how long we hold on to it. When keeping the above in mind, if we realize how to deal when fear strikes, it can actually work on our behalf! The most popular one for the purpose of this blog is now knowing that when you become scared, your metabolism spikes. If this benefit sounds good to you — and they should — there are a few ways to get ahead of fear taking over:
There is a very specific reason I chose to write about this topic on today of all days. Any guesses as to why? One of the more notorious scenes in Mean Girls is when the HBIC, Regina George, asks: And even though most of us here today were right around mid-teens when we saw the movie, we all knew the answer. Yes! So when was the time we all learned that certain carbs — like butter — are detrimental to our health? I'd say middle/high school give or take. I remember trying to challenge my mom when she would reach for sticks of butter while grocery shopping, but then would get confused when she would buy margarine spread. Regardless, I stuck with the margarine and used it for everything! No carbs, right? Wrong! So wrong. Confused? I still am, too. The case could be made for either. But, I'm here to show which one actually IS better for you! The Great DebateBoth spreads contain carbohydrates, but butter contains slightly more no matter which brand you pick up. Here are few more differences you need to consider before picking a side:
If a winner has to be chosen, I'm still sticking with margarine. I'd sacrifice a few extra calories instead of increasing my risk of heart disease. But we all have our preferences. Just keep your eyes peeled on nutrition labels. The goal for all of us healthy living lovers s to try and limit the intake of saturated fat and completely avoid trans fat altogether. Also, remember that both butter and margarine live within the dairy family, and if you remember an early Health Like Me blog post detailing how our bodies can benefit from removing dairy from our diet, you'd probably just try and not use either of these whatsoever.
So let's see how long we all can go without using butter to cook or use to spread on bread or slather our popcorn in it. Stop throwing in a tablespoon of margarine into your boiling water which you will soon put your pasta in. Don't be a virgin olive oil virgin!
Take care and go watch Mean Girls now! See ya next week! |