Hey did you know that not only can stress affect your muscles making them tense, your heart affecting blood pressure and stroke.

It can also affect your skin, have you ever wondered why some people look older than what they are or that they must have had a hard life?

Not only does stress show on your facial expressions it also weakens the protective barrier. Elevated stress levels and poor sleep can cause hormonal fluctuations and the release of toxins, the constriction of blood vessels and dehydration. Stress promotes the formation of free radicals which damage body tissue, Antioxidants taken orally can help with this.

Exercise is a fantastic antidote to combat stress, increasing your oxygen levels, improving circulation-lowers blood pressure and promotes restful sleep. Exercise also induces perspiration and the elimination of toxins. And not to forget releasing those feel good hormones (endorphins)

Yoga, Pilates, walking, tia-chi, are also great forms of relaxation.

Studies have shown that people who frequently use – “I”, “Me” And “My”, have more heart attacks, which suggests that empathy and compassion are good for your health!

Tips for being an optimistic

**Keep a half smile on your face most of the time

**Give yourself a daily treat

**An Old yoga saying—Mix with the happy,

                                  Pity the sick, avoid the vicious.

** Read inspirational books more and less T.V.

**Resolve to be happy, we’re not born to cause trouble or dis                     harmony.

**Go some place you haven’t been before.

**Give compliments freely.

**Do a good deed daily.

   Attempt to get outdoors more you’ll find the sunshine and exercise will improve brain chemistry. A good friend of mine goes Bushwalking.

The purpose of human existence is to enjoy it, so why do so many of us not enjoy life more. Think about this if you had your time over again you’d do things different, right!

Well instead of waiting till your Ill Or on your death bed,

Get out and enjoy life more, like the old saying goes LIFE IS TO SHORT.

Start today and write as list of all the things you want to do before something horrible happens.

Laugh with the children, Play with them.

Run with your dog.

Book that massage you’ve always said you would.

Admire how wonderful a sunset can be, how huge the moon is, gaze at the stars in our gigantic universe!

Live your life, don’t let stress be your ruler.