Many of us wait until the New Year to make a resolution to make a change or improvement in life, but why wait for the winter weather and the ball to drop? Take a few tips to achieve your best self, any time of year.
It’s great to get motivated to make an improvement to life, but what a lot of us forget is that you don’t have to take a gigantic step or a drastic detour to have a positive impact. Sometimes it’s the smaller things that count the most in our everyday lives. Take a few cues from the ideas below to find simple ways you can be your best self!
Chill out during your workout — literally
Cool Point hand cooler
We all know exercise is great for us in so many ways, but did you know you could hold the key to a better workout in the palm of your hands? Really!
The American Heart Association presented a study conducted by researchers from Stanford University. The study revealed that women who exercised using a cooling device held in the palm of their hands improved their exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness.
During the three-month study of women ages 30-45 with a BMI of 30-34.9 (considered to be obese), the control group’s data remained almost the same while the cooling group:
- Shaved an average five minutes off the time to walk 1.5 miles.
- Lost almost three inches off their waist.
- Had lower resting blood pressure and greater exercise heart rate.
The findings noted that cooling the palms of the hands while working out could help you stick with a physical activity program.
For a similar effect to the high-priced devices, usually found only at professional sports training facilities, clinics and hospitals, consider the Cool Point hand cooler for about $20. Just pop the cooler in the freezer for a bit, place it in the palm of your hand, strap it on and go! Pretty cool stuff, right?
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Snack smarter
Corazonas Oatmeal Squares
No matter how hard you try to snack right, sometimes you just want to let loose and take a bite of something that is rich and decadent. Well, you still can, without ruining your diet, and it might even help your heart!
Corazonas Oatmeal Squares are heart-healthy snacks infused with plant sterols, which are proven to help lower bad cholesterol and fight heart disease. Don’t worry — these oatmeal squares don’t look or taste like particleboard. They’re great-tasting, all-natural snacks that are truly good for your heart. A serving of Corazonas Oatmeal Squares supplies a full serving of plant sterols. That’s like eating about 61 tomatoes all at once! Corazonas also makes heart-healthy tortilla chips.
The moist and tasty oatmeal squares come in the following flavors: banana walnut, chocolate brownie and almonds, chocolate chip, cranberry flax, peanut butter, blueberry and white chocolate macadamia nut. Read more about plant sterols and heart health.
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Get your sex on
Bedroom Chemist
Do we really need to tell you why sex is good for you? Aside from the obvious benefits you get from sex (including a good workout), there are a few others you might not realize: Sex can help with stress relief, it can boost your immunity, enhance your sleep and it can be a real mood enhancer! But what if you need a little inspiration to help keep things interesting?
If you and your partner have fallen into a routine, you might consider the Bedroom Chemist to help “break the boudoir boredom.” The Bedroom Chemist is a “relationship-friendly” kit that helps revitalize chemistry and create sparks in the bedroom. Each Bedroom Chemist kit contains three products to help maximize desire, foreplay and passion, and comes with a tip book with ideas and suggestions. The Bedroom Chemist is something you can sign up to receive on a regular subscription basis or you can purchase it on a pay-as-you-go basis. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase the Bedroom Chemist kits, which you can order online. Read more about the Bedroom Chemist.
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Learn to perfectly pack a carry-on
Bon voyage!
Do you panic at the thought of packing a suitcase for an upcoming getaway or work trip? Travel can be stressful enough, so don’t let packing for a weekend jaunt or upcoming holiday trip get you frazzled. Mastering a small task, like perfectly packing a carry-on, can make you feel better, more in control and put you at ease.
Keep the following in mind when packing:
- First, check with your airline about size and pricing requirements so you’re not unpleasantly surprised when you get to the airport.
- Stuff items like socks and belts into your shoes to help maximize space.
- Pack shoes first, at the bottom and toward the edges of the suitcase. Try to put them near the rollers of the suitcase to help keep the weight balanced.
- Next pack jeans and pants flat, with the waist end of your pants at one end of the suitcase and the legs draped over the other end, outside the suitcase. Alternate sides.
- Folded clothes take up more space than rolled clothes. Roll items like shirts and sweaters and add them next.
- Add toiletries and purses last, at the top.
- Fold the legs of the jeans and pants on top of everything, close and zip.
Have a great trip!
More on being your best self
8 ways to become your best self
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