Pamper yourself, Mom!

This is for all the mothers out there. Today is your day.

I’ve gathered tips from Carol Marley and Liz Wilde’s book, Body, 10 Tips For a Better Body. I want you to feel healthy and treat your body with the respect it deserves. Pamper yourself!

For A Healthy Body

•When you feel worn out, try pinching the point between your thumb and forefinger for two minutes. This acupressure area is said to release instant energy.

•When choosing rice, pasta and bread, look for the words "unrefined" and "whole" on the label. They contain more fiber and Vitamin B than the standard products.
• If you get sunburned and your skin needs soothing, try one of the following remedies:
•Mix half a cup of milk with a pinch of baking soda.
•Mix two tablespoons of vinegar and a cup of water.
•Smooth on calamine lotion.
•Add a few drops of chamomile oil to your bath water.
•Lavender oil will help heal blistered skin, use undiluted.
•To improve healing, take Vitamin E tablets or split open a capsule and smooth the oil into damaged skin.

For A Smooth Body

•Beauty therapists swear by body brushing. The idea is to brush your skin with a soft-bristle body brush using long, sweeping movements before taking a shower. This not only removes dead skin cells in one swoop but stimulates lymphatic drainage, which encourages elimination of up to one-third of your body’s waste.

•As you become used to the tingling effect, increase the pressure. Keep your brush clean. You may also use a loofah or a towel.

•Body creams now promise the same miracles as face creams. But for a cheaper alternative, you may use wheat-germ oil. It has a similar structure like sebum (the skin’s natural oil) and also contains conditioning Vitamins A, B, C and E.

•Honey is a natural healer found in many moisturizers. Because they attract and hold in moisture, honey-based products are ideal for the very dry skin.

Taking Care Of Your Upper Body

•The skin between your neck and breasts (known as décolletage) is ultra thin and usually the first part of the body that gets sunburned. Protect it with a high SPF sunscreen and moisturize daily. Sleeping on your side will also leave you creased come morning. When you put on your nighttime moisturizer, extend it down to your chest.

•Forget expensive toning creams. Splash your breasts with cold water for the cheapest bust firmer.
•The right bra can create a cleavage.
•Halter-neck styles stop you from bouncing in backless dresses.
•Under wire push-up bras make the most of very little.
•Seamless cups look invisible under sheer fabrics.
•Strapless styles keep you uplifted in the skimpiest of outfits.
•Sport bras are a must during exercise for preventing droop.
•Bandeau bras can also flatten full figures.
•Remember to wash your new bra before wearing it for the first time. This will help it conform to your body shape.

Taking Care Of Your Lower Body

•Water therapy (known as hydro therapy in spas) can help smooth out a bumpy bottom. This speeds up your blood circulation.

•The right essential oil can help banish your body problems. Add one to your bath, or mix with a carrier oil for an over-all massage.
•Black pepper warms sore muscles.
•Cypress helps treat cellulite.
•Neroli promotes healthy circulation.
•Marjoram soothes stiff muscles.
•Cedarwood treats acne and pains.
•Cinnamon boosts circulation.
•Grapefruit alleviates muscle fatigue.
•Lavender eases cramps.
•The simplest exercise for a tighter butt is to clench your buttocks for five seconds.

Body Treats

•Sesame oil is an anti-inflammatory and treats tired, over-worked muscles. Massage a little after a hard day when you need to keep going all night.

•The best way to start your day is with a freezing cold shower. This will instantly wake you up and stimulate every part of your body including your brain. Stay under for 30 to 60 seconds before turning the dial back to warm. Or, do your own thermotherapy by altering cold water with warm for 60 seconds each. Cold on the body sends blood on the organs and hot brings it rushing back to your muscles, which all adds up to a serious circulation boost.

•Treat your body to fruit smoothie for breakfast. Nutrients are absorbed faster on an empty stomach. Blend together one banana, a cup of mineral water and two tablespoons of plain low-fat yogurt and add whatever other fruit is available.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all the mothers all over the world.

Today is your special day. Take time to pamper yourself because you deserve it. Feel good and be healthy. Be the most beautiful you!

(I am giving a workshop entitled Fitness in the Home, on May 10 and 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. It is presented by SNACK Arts Entertainment and Events at Nicotina Garden Pavilion, Roxas Blvd. Pasay City. For inquiries, call 724-7162, 721-0801, cel. no. 0917-8991835.)