International Women's Day - 8 Ways We Can Treat Ourselves Better Immediately

March 8 is International Women’s Day around the globe. It started back in 1911 and has been getting stronger ever since. We all know we should be sleeping 7-8 hours a night, exercising and surrounding ourselves with happy, loving people. But let’s face it, sometimes we’re lucky to get 4 good hours of shut eye and our closest friends are doing all they can to share their misery. So what else can we do to realistically make a positive impact on our daily lives as busy women?

In honor of International Women’s Day, I have put together a list of 8 tips for us women to live a healthier life.

1.       Eat less salt – Half of women over the age of 45 have high blood pressure and a lot of that is due to a high salt consumption. Rather than flavoring your meals with massive amounts of salt try other seasonings like garlic powder, adobo, oregano, rosemary seeds or cumin. A bonus to an aromatic dish is that by filling multiple senses (taste, sight AND smell) you tend to eat less in one sitting!

2.       Increase blood supply to your heart and lungs – Every night before going to sleep, hang your head and shoulders over the edge of the mattress. This opens up your chest, increasing the blood supply to the area and as a bonus can help with bad posture gained from sitting hunched over a desk at work.

3.       Rinse your mouth after drinking soda – We’ve all heard that we should eliminate or limit the amount of carbonated beverages for other health reasons but have you considered what the sugar does to your teeth? Rinsing with water will wash away the acids that erode tooth enamel.

4.       Walk extra steps each day – Instead of using the elevator, take the stairs. Instead of circling the parking lot for the closest spot possible, park far away from the store. Instead of sitting on the couch after a large meal, head outside even if it’s just to take the trash down to the curb.

5.       Change up your look – Did you have the same hairstyle at your 20^th high school reunion as you did when you graduated? Too often, women try to hold on to their youth by never changing their look when in fact, it does the opposite – it dates you. Try a new look for the spring. If you wear it wavy, try a sleek look. Brunettes can try out a few face-framing highlights and blondes can add in some low-lights. A new hair style just may re-energize your spirit!

6.       Wear a hat – Using a facial moisturizer with SPF 30 and sunblock on the rest of your body is a good start to protecting yourself from harmful UV rays but what about your scalp? That skin is just as prone to skin cancer as any other part of you so show it some love by protecting it with a cute sun hat or baseball cap.

7.       Apply lip balm – To piggy back on the last tip, your lips are also often neglected in the sun-protection beauty regimen. There are some great balms containing SPF 15 these days so pucker up and keep those luscious lips kissable and free from dry cracks.

8.       Treat your eye-area gently – This is the most delicate part of your face and shows aging the quickest. Cleanse with care – always blot, never rub! Always use your ring finger to apply moisturizer and concealer because it uses the least amount of pressure.

Now go out and have a great day!